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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[ 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.

Ah, so he doesn't drag the entire Kingdom into it on a regular basis, then? That's good to hear. I'd been wondering if that was the case - he is quite charismatic.

[ Very much so. But, it sounds like Sparkling leads a good, fairly safe life. That's a good thing. Even though he... doesn't quite understand why that feels like it should matter so much. Everyone should live a good, safe life, shouldn't they?

The ease with which they dance comes across to Clotted Cream as a simple mesh of their individual skills combined, but... no. It's almost like they've danced before. It's so easy to lead Sparkling, and Sparkling follows along as though he knows exactly how they'll be moving next. Uncanny, but he doesn't have time to dwell too much on it when he's trying to lead a dance. ]

A healing Cookie, you say? No matter your perceived ability, that is quite the valuable skill! I'm sure that you would be an irreplaceable asset to any adventuring party.

[It seems to strike Sparkling, too, as odd...though he doesn't make mention of it. Perhaps Clotted Cream is merely just well versed in dancing, such as he is? It isn't that outlandish to assume.

He's glad he can dance as well as he can, actually, because that compliment probably would have caused him to trip up otherwise. Compliments are a dime a dozen when you're Sparkling, but that one struck him particularly...hm.]

O-oh, well thank you...that means a great deal to hear you say that. Especially when I don't know if my healing still even applies, here. I've heard that some of our abilities have been dampened upon arrival.

Oh, it's very possible that they do. My cloak still functions normally, for example, as does my magic and anything I've obtained with my changed form.

[ Which doesn't seem to be much, all told. He does have what seems to be little more than a parlor trick, though he's sure it has its uses. Being able to conjure water from nothing can come in handy in lots of situations.

Not that it's easy to demonstrate when they're dancing, of course! He only has the one hand these days. ]

But, even if it has been dampened, your healing ability is not what makes you you. I, for one, am fully enjoying your company without being in need of your services.

Is that right...?

[He sounds almost amused, a little wistful saying that as they turn the corner on the dance floor, no doubt sweeping past other couples as they go. They might as well not even be there, for as much attention Sparkling is paying them.]

You are very kind, Clotted Cream. If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were trying to butter me up for something. Is there a catch?

[He's teasing, of course, if the way he smiles is any indication.]

[ For all that Clotted Cream is leading the dance, he's almost completely forgotten that there are other people around them. He knows, or course, that they're not the only ones dancing, but his feet sure are doing a good job at running on autopilot. Right now, he only seems to have eyes for Sparkling.

Which is strange, considering his usual level of awareness, but he'll chalk it up to the night itself. It isn't as if any of this is ordinary. ]

Oh, no catch at all. What kind of representative of the Crème Republic would I be if I didn't ensure your evening was nothing less than magical?

[ He, too, is teasing, the glimmer in his eyes all the proof that's necessary. ]

A rather poor one indeed, I am afraid!

[That gets a laugh out of him nevertheless, his heels clicking as they continue to dance.]

I'll have you know, I'm a little starstruck. I never thought I would be not only in the company of someone with such high social standing, but dancing with him, no less. Magical does not even begin to cover it.

Oh?

[ It isn't just a question. The word is uttered with a breath and a soft laugh. Starstruck, goodness. ]

Well, it seems like I don't have to work too hard to ensure that after all, then! I may have underestimated my ability to blow your expectations out of the water.

[ He laughs at his own joke, giving Sparkling's hand a brief squeeze. ]

I am glad that I could make this evening more than magical, then. Though, I can certainly say that you've contributed more than enough yourself, Sparkling Cookie.

[A titter of a laugh escapes him at that, like my dude your RIZZ--]

Have I? Well now, I'd say that's quite a feat, considering. It isn't as if I've made much of a name for myself here, or anything.

[In fact, he'd say he's practically a nobody at this juncture. He doesn't have his bar, his notoriety, not even the friends he once knew. It's like he's starting with a fresh slate, really.

But...is that always a bad thing?]

Though I can't say that I mind it all that much. It's nice, not being known. Wouldn't you say?

If I may argue, I would still find the same true if you had made a name for yourself already.

[ By the Light, he has no idea what has him feeling so... well, light. He's danced with his fair share of Cookies before, but it's never resulted in anything like this. The nagging feeling that they've met before aside, there's just something about Sparkling that makes him feel... comfortable. At ease. Like he can just freely speak his mind.

He has to wonder if maybe it's something to do with Sparkling's next words. There is no burden here of being known. Pure Vanilla knows him, and Dark Cacao knows him, but otherwise, he is just... Clotted Cream Cookie. He is the Consul of the Crème Republic in title, but the Crème Republic does not exist here.

It's a very freeing thing, that. ]

It's very nice, I have to agree. Though I've grown used to having that weight on my shoulders, I certainly feel lighter here than I ever have.

In that case...why don't you tell me a bit more about yourself? About Clotted Cream, the Cookie. Not, Clotted Cream of the Creme Republic.

[Because he gets it, truly. It's probably a lot to have people treating you differently solely because of your status, like you're some unreachable presence. Sparkling didn't exactly help in that regard, mentioning he'd been starstruck by him, but he's thankful that Clotted Cream seems to be taking it in stride. He can't help it, it's a little more difficult to think on his feet right now, he's finding...

Wonder why that is.]

[ Talk about... himself? Not as the Consul, but just as Clotted Cream? For a very tiny, brief moment, he finds himself at a loss, as though every fact about himself has just flown out the window. This is the first time, he thinks, that anyone has actually asked him this question.

Forgetting everything won't do, though. He smiles, softly clearing his throat. The music is slowing, now, which means their dance is nearing its end. So, as he talks, he leads Sparkling away from the center of the dance floor. ]

Well, I was raised in House Custard, and I've a talent for Light magic... Oh, and I do enjoy gardening, though I've not had much time to practice it. I'm also quite fond of scones with jam with my tea, and I make sure that every evening is topped off with dessert.

[That's fine by him, he's very easily led that way. Slow dancing with someone you only just met...probably isn't appropriate, to say the least.

But then again what IS waltzing if not a slow(ish) dance-]

Oh, how lovely. I'll have to keep that in mind. I'm partial to sweets myself, though would you believe me if I've told you I've never tried a scone?

[He shrugs one shoulder, quirking his lips in such a way that shows off his sharp fangs.]

I tend to prefer cake, which probably isn't the healthiest alternative.

[Bro the man JUST said he loves dessert]

You've never tried a scone? Well, we will certainly have to solve that problem, won't we?

[ A bold assumption, considering this is their first meeting, but Clotted Cream feels fairly confident that they will meet again. The Grove, after all, is not a very large place.

As Sparkling shows a glimpse of fangs, Clotted Cream smiles, showing off a glimpse of his own sharpened teeth in return. With the song now over, he leads them both fully off the dance floor, releasing Sparkling's hand so that they can both situate themselves. ]

Though, cake is just as good, I think. I'm quite partial to a good strawberry shortcake from time to time.

[It’s admittedly still a bit strange for Sparkling, getting used to being anything other than a Cookie. Least of all a monster. One thing that makes it easier is the fact that Clotted Cream- and the other Cookies besides, who are in a similar boat as it is- are willing to take things in stride. It’s hard not to, when they’re all struggling through the same thing. It certainly does help make him feel like he’s less alone.]

I would be happy to try them any time. Between the oddity of this place and being here to begin with, I’ve found that the food is a bit different than I am used to as well…not to mention the drink.

[Sparkling is going to go back to the Inn drunk off his ass and simply die in the morning, mark my words.]

So it’s nice to have something familiar to fall back on, you know? Something sweet.

Oh, I know quite well, yes.

[ Having to eat things like vegetables, and meat... It was very disorienting to begin with, so he can understand what Sparkling must be going through. He's still not fond of the texture of meat, even though a part of his now-monstrous form craves the fish that swim in the river. He just has to think of it as a jelly of a different texture.

And that's not even touching the drinks. While he's used to things like juice, the drink here has a sharper taste to it, one that he's yet to acclimate to. Largely, he's been sticking to water and tea. ]

Speaking of which, would you care for something sweet now that we've finished our dance? I'm sure there must be something at the refreshments table.

[Yes…you see, Sparkling has not been here long enough to realize that he is going to thirst for blood. Not the same ravenous urge to kill for it, granted, but the cravings aren’t going to be something he’s able to easily ignore. Plus, it’ll just taste nice to him, so that’s something to learn-

But that’s a problem for future Sparkling. For now, he’s happy to join Clotted Cream at the refreshments table, already drawn by all of the various sweets, fruits, and punch on offer there.]

I would, thank you. Perhaps we could take it outside? It won’t be quite so loud out there. It would be easier for us to continue our conversation.

[Surely there will be somewhere to sit…though he’ll just lean against the wall if he has to.]

[ Oh. Their conversation really isn't ending now that the dance is over. Clotted Cream feels his heart do a little flip in his chest, and his pleasant smile turns into a beaming one. He feels a little ridiculous for it, honestly, but that isn't about to sway him. This is no real occasion for formality, and he can let himself slip just a little despite his previous statements saying otherwise. ]

Oh, yes, of course. I would love to continue outside. Shall we gather a couple of snacks for ourselves, then?

[ Which is a silly thing to ask, because he's already got Sparkling at the table. He selects a couple of small finger sandwiches for himself, foregoing a glass of anything to drink, since. Well. Only one hand, and all that. ]

EVENT & TDM 012

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