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

[oleaeuropaea]

[It's been a very long, terrible month for Vash. Thankfully, the last of his transformation passed not painlessly, but certainly without any further denial from the man. Given his changes, though, he's spent a lot of time in his cabin. For many, it's probably the first time he's been spotted in several weeks.

But here he is nonetheless. Finding an outfit that works with the wings is a challenge, and he winds up with something a bit more sultry than he would have hope. But hey, at least he's comfortable?

Mostly comfortable. He does look a little nervous as he steps out of a changing room. He glances toward the nearest soul and, with a nervous laugh, does a little spin.]

Not too much, right?

[The good news is that the longer the night goes on, the more he begins to relax. Though he might try to deny it, the people here have become family. Which is why, after awhile, Vash finally casts off the last bits of hesitation and grabs someone by the wrist. It's time to dance.]

C'mon! This song seems fun!

[Vash... doesn't know shit about dancing. The most he can do is a line dance, and probably even that is a mess. Look at him. He's the whitest boy we know. But he's sure trying. And better yet, he's smiling.

Of course, it's not all dancing and laughter. There's also food at the buffet table. And of course, the local glutton is piling his plate high.]

Wanf shome? [He already has a shrimp tail sticking out of his mouth, but hey. Here he is, holding out a pair of tongs with another cluster of cocktail shrimp.]

[eidxiety]

[wtf he wants a dress like that???

The Second Vash comes out of the dressing room, some New Idiot or whatever yells across the floor at him:]

I like your dress!!!

[and whoever else he's talking to at the moment just has to deal with that. It'll be another moment until Ain flits over because he's loading up a plate with like, 30 of those fancy cheesecake bite things. Hi—]

[oleaeuropaea]

[Oh. Oh! He's being complimented? He lifts a hand, tucking his hair behind his ear for a moment. Honestly, the time it takes Ain to load up on cheesecakes is a blessing, because Vash has a chance to recuperate.]

I'm uh. Not really used to wearing them.

[He's not used to a lot of things. The claws, the arms, the wings are all very new, too. Thankfully Ain doesn't seem to judge him for that?]

You're new here, right? Sorry, I've been a bit busy!

[He starts to hold his hand out, only to stop once he remembers the claws. Oops...]

[eidxiety]

[Ain just came out of the Demon Realm, where a bunch of feral demons have married (?????) his friend Raven and then a robot in the appearance of Add's mom showed up and then Add's shitty uncle electrocuted him. A bug-man is the least of his fucking concerns, his friends are going through arcs somewhere not here.

So! Bugs. That's fine. Ain will cheerfully shake Vash's hand, although he doesn't do it quite right. These human gestures are a bit beyond him.]

Haha, that's correct. My name is Ain. [He bothered the fuck out of Wolfwood it was a great time, sorry if you've been complained at Vash.] Do you want one of these cake-thingies?

[oleaeuropaea]

[Ain, sweetheart. Are you good?

... No? Well, who is around here.]

Ain! Nice to meet you! [Vash's faceted eyes alight on the cheesecakes, and he immediately begins an emphatic round of nodding. He reaches out with the lower set of arms. Much more accessible, Vash likes to think.]

The food here is real tasty, huh? Not used to having treats quite like this. Glad the Forest is being kind for once. [This... probably has nothing to do with the Forest. There's other weird magic at play. But those are things he's trying to avoid thinking too hard about right now. So anyway -] Settling in okay?

[eidxiety]

[Vash name one Elrian you've met so far that's been okay—]

No, I miss my friends. [Oh okay we're just dropping that on a complete stranger with a smile, I see,] Haha, but I'll be okay. I do like the food, though. They had a lot of little cakes like this at the snacks table.

[So like, if cheesecake bites won't last between these two (they will not) they can absolutely go back that way and stuff their faces.]

...how come you usually don't have stuff like this?

[oleaeuropaea]

[Okay rude. Fair, but rude. God they're about on par with the No Man's Land folk, huh?]

I get it. I miss my friends too. [He only had like... four back home, and two of them he was very hesitant to consider as much. That doesn't mean he doesn't miss them, even if he knows it's better that they're not here.]

The food is good. And a nice distraction, if nothing else! [He definitely knows a thing or two about distracting himself with food.]

Honestly? Because it's just as likely to be a trap as it is to be enjoyable. [His turn to be blunt.] The Forest likes to play tricks. And it doesn't like when we're not paying attention to it. So the more we take away, the more likely it is to lash out.

[eidxiety]

[...munch munch. Record scratch noise.]

Maybe this isn't the fault of the forest? [He looks off into the distance, like he might see the trees moving as he plows through the cheesecake bites. There's a frown briefly on his lips before his usual smile overtakes it as he turns back to Vash.] I don't sense anything hostile out there, so I think something "nice" did this, like the cute rat bus! [it's a capybara,] Of course, maybe that means when we get back, it'll be mad that we left our purgatory, haha.

[Why do you append "haha" onto the most ominous shit.]

Mm... I can help if something bad happens, though.

[oleaeuropaea]

This night? Probably not. There are good forces at play too.

[The "but" hangs silently within the air. He follows Ain's gaze, holding his cheesecake bite within his hand but not yet moving to take another bite. His stomach churns uneasily even as he thinks about what might linger in the trees, ever watching.]

That doesn't mean something can't interrupt. That the Forest can't track us down again. [He taps his foot against the ground, lower hands fiddling with one another.]

You won't meet a soul that won't be willing to help but. It's not fair that they have to do it.

[lupusxylem]

[By now, Vash and Wolfwood have had the time to hash things out in regards to what's happened to him. They've both been damaged by the Forest now in irrevocable ways, and honestly? It's not like Wolfwood can come down on Vash too hard for what he'd done, not when the whole book burning event was something people warned him about and he went along with it anyway. He deserved the licks he took, and he's pretty sure Vash knows what that feels like by now. Because of that, though, he's a bit surprised Vash wanted to come out to this thing at all. Really, the only reason Wolfwood is here is because he is...

He'd gotten changed a bit ago, into a suit that's far fancier than anything he'd be caught wearing normally. He's waiting just outside of the changing rooms for Vash with his hands in his pockets, leaning a little against the nearest wall for support until he steps out wearing a dress, and Wolfwood really can't stop the way his jaw sort of drops a little seeing it.]

Oh.

[Oh is right, Jesus CHRIST]

...hardly. More like too little, maybe.

[If you feel him-]

It...it looks good. Real good.

[oleaeuropaea]

[Honestly, Wolfwood's opinionis probably the only one that matters. As he steps out, he finds himself looking down at the floor, waiting for his judgement. He toes at it with his shoe, grateful he chose a pair of flats, rather than anything tall. The last thing they need is for Vash to be even taller and clumsier.

The little Oh manages to get him to look up. He stares at Wolfwood for a second, flush spreading over his skin as he processes the fact that it's him that's got Nick so flustered.

... And of course, he has to promptly ruin it.]

Too little? [Vash practically bristles like a Ghibli character. He turns around, pulling at the fabric on either side of the dress, attempting to cover up. He knew he was showing too much skin. He didn't even think about the ugly scars or anything like that. If any kids showed up, they were sure to start crying.

Anyway, don't mind him spinning in circles and wrestling with his wings for a second.]

[lupusxylem]

Huh-?

[VASH....VASH PLEASE...

Wolfwood watches Vash spin in circles for a moment before he carefully steps over and grabs him by the shoulders to stop him.]

Oi. I didn't mean that in a bad way. [He's bad at this okay] You look fine. You're just liable to make me act up, that's all.

[Which is dangerous. They are in public-]

[oleaeuropaea]

Oh - [Give him a second. Even through the thin fabric against his arms, he can still feel the roughness of those palms. Wait, were they talking about something. Right - ] Oh!

[Well, that's one way to make him feel better. They might have worked through some of their issues regarding Vash's transformation, but broaching the subject of attraction hasn't quite come up yet. He knows he's different. He's alien, in a whole new way. Given the changes, he wouldn't have blamed Wolfwood if his tastes had changed.

But no. There they both are. Wolfwood, still just as liable to get riled up by Vash as ever. And of course his own thoughts on Nick hadn't changed either. Dark clothes have always suited him, but the black on black, combined with the chains? Now that he's able to focus on it, he shivers at the sight.]

Guess you could say the feeling is mutual. Who knew you could dress up so pretty! I was starting to think you didn't know how to button shirts period!

[lupusxylem]

[While it's true that Vash is different now, arguably more alien in a way that's completely divorced from him being an Independent, that isn't going to affect how Wolfwood feels about him. Like, Wolfwood knows damn well Vash didn't forget just how much Wolfwood likes that part of him in the time they were apart while he was dead, come on now-

He clicks his tongue, letting his hands fall from Vash's shoulders so he can take his flesh hand instead to hold between them.]

Well I ain't exactly had access to nice duds, yaknow.

[He tugs a little on the lapel of his own suit, shaking his head.]

An' don't get used to it. I already feel like a stuffed Tomas in this thing. You got like, maybe an hour of me lookin' like this tops.

[oleaeuropaea]

[There are advantages to having multiple sets of arms, Vash is finding. While the lower set finds its hands fiddling nervously with one another, the upper reaches up to tease Wolfwood. While yes, he squeezes Wolfwood's hand with the one of flesh, the metal arm extends to tug one of the chains playfully, trying to coax the man just that little bit further.]

You coulda asked, you know. Plenty of folks know how to get their hands on good things.

[He quickly devolves into a titter of laughter. Wolfwood would probably know best that laughter has been in short supply of late. Turns out, getting out of his house has worked in simultaneously getting Vash out of his head.]

Guess I better make the most of it then.

[He gives another tug, bending down as he does to catch Wolfwood in a quick kiss.]

[lupusxylem]

[It is nice, seeing Vash laugh, and it’s enough to get Wolfwood to crack a smile. There’s not been a whole lot to smile about lately, even though things have been calmer as of late…so he’ll take what he can get. He takes a step closer when Vash’s tugging prompts him to, his eyes rolling playfully as he shoves his free hand into his pocket before leaning forward on his good foot to kiss him right back.

He doesn’t pull away entirely, maybe because he doesn’t want people hear him admit to it out loud, so his words end up buzzed against Vash’s lips.]

It’s so fucked up that you’re taller than me, now.

[oleaeuropaea]

[The vibrations send a shiver through Vash, one that culminates in the faint buzz of his wings. Oh, that's going to be absolutely miserable. He's going to have to learn to scold all of his tells all over again, isn't he?]

Don't remind me. [His voice is sheepish, rather than guarded. At least the lingering misery seems to have abated, leaving him more amused than anything else.] Can't even get away with you spooning me anymore! It's miserable, Nick.

[Miserable, but they're getting through. He wouldn't be in half as good of shape as he is if not for his partners. Both of them.]

dance time of course

[purevanillacookie]

[ His wrist being grabbed startles him briefly, his Staff was looking elsewhere, but Vash's voice hits his ear as his Staff turns, and instantly Pure Vanilla is smiling. ]

I'd be delighted, my friend!

[ The changes make him pause very briefly - he hasn't seen the man fully changed after all - but it's very obvious Pure Vanilla doesn't mind them. Except it seems to make the other man even taller. Instead he beams up at him, sweet sunshine, and... m-maybe takes the lead in the dance.

He's pretty sure if he had toes, Vash would have stomped on them. ]

How have you been?

[oleaeuropaea]

[It really shouldn't be surprising that Pure Vanilla accepts him as he is without a single question. And for once, Vash doesn't doubt the man for doing so. He had resolved himself earlier in the evening to indulge and not think about the circumstances, at least for the time being.

So instead, he smiles easily. His skin warms as he coaxes Pure Vanilla onto the dance floor, hand in hand. Something nervous and fluttering even twists in his stomach as they begin to dance, Pure Vanilla's firm hands quickly urging him into following along. It's really for the best, considering his own stumbling efforts.

Yet still, Vash isn't entirely adept in fending off reality. Pure Vanilla's question forces him to think about himself more than he would like. Nevertheless, he does his best to maintain his smile.]

Been better, as I'm sure you can tell. But I'm trying to not think about it too much tonight. It's... pretty here. Don't get anything like this back home. So I'd rather keep the memories positive.

[purevanillacookie]

[ And Vanilla accepts that answer with a smile. All Vash had to say was better, and he'd have nodded. He does appreciate the little clarification, of course. And he shifts a hand to gently stroke Vash's cheek with his fingers, letting his smile turn into a flashlight beam of light. ]

Of course. I'm pleased. Please, give me one second?

[ He'll lead/dance Vash to the side so he can put his Staff away against the wall, easily managing it in one fluid movement without actually breaking their stride, then leads the other back proper to the floor. It makes him completely blind, but it frees up both his hands to properly hold Vash with. Much better.

Plus he trusts Vash so he doesn't need to see. Even if his Staff GLARES at being abandoned. Again. Before simply going to sleep. ]

It is very lovely here. It reminds me of the dances we would hold, when our Kingdoms were still in their infancy. Quieter, casual, more intimate affairs between friends. A more natural set up, with less gleaming columns of colors and more candles lit amongst hedges.

[ Follow his legs, Vash, as Pure Vanilla steps in. Try not to think of the way his leg presses to the others to subtly guide him in a step. Turn here. ]

[oleaeuropaea]

[Even if Vash doesn't really know how Pure Vanilla's sight works, he knows that it's a pretty big act of trust to set the staff aside. It means he's gotta be on his best, least clumsy behavior. A difficult ask, considering his current state, but he at least straightens up just that little bit more.]

I'm glad you're enjoying it. And that it's familiar! It makes one of us, at least. [No Man's Land might have had a few square dances and drinking parties, but nothing quite so elegant. Which probably explains Vash's clumsiness. Thankfully the practiced touch that Pure Vanilla offers keeps him on the right track.

Clumsy might be his default, but at least there's some elegance and refined movements deep below the surface. They're just usually reserved for escaping trouble, rather than literally dancing into it.]

You can tell me more about it, if you want. The dances back home, I mean.

[purevanillacookie]

[ If he has a momentary, wild flash of deja vu, Pure Vanilla won't say anything about it. There is something so familiar about this moment. It feels like the other moments he's had, where things just feel like he's done them before. The brief clawing shifts of vague memory. In another time, another place. He huffs a little laugh, not at all worried about any clumsiness from Vash's part. ]

Don't worry, I'm here. It'll be just as familiar to you as well, soon. It already seems like you're getting the hang of it, my friend.

[ Vash's natural grace is going a long way, and Vanilla's tail wiggles a little. His expression softens and grows fond as he thinks back, his ears flicking to keep track of where bodies are so he can move them around. Height difference be damned. ]

It... was so very long ago. These type of dances, that is. They grew fewer and further between as our Kingdoms grew, as our obligations to our citizens kept us busy. And when we did throw something for whatever reason, they were grander.

[oleaeuropaea]

[The practiced touch really does go a long way. With Pure Vanilla's silent corrections, Vash does manage to find a rhythm in their motions. And the longer they talk, the less likely it seems to be that Vash will get too far into his head and start stumbling about once more.]

It helps that I have a good teacher.

[Does Vash say that with an abundance of fondness? Maybe so. His heart feels soft when he's around Pure Vanilla. Certainly, he's grown more comfortable around him.]

Guess something that big loses the intimacy. And when you have so many people to look after, it's harder to spend time with your friends.

[purevanillacookie]

Hm! You may thank the most terrifying Cookie in existence for that. Calliope Cookie was the teacher of the Kings, and she was not afraid to whack your legs with her cane if you disappointed her.

[ His smile is wide and sweet to the memory, and he aims it at Vash in return to the fondness in the others voice. He folds his fingers in with the others more intimately, squeezing his hand lightly as they move.

And sighs gently, his smile softening again. ]

It's true. Bigger affairs mean your citizens are there, neighboring Kingdoms, tribes, villages. As much as you would like to escape and simply spend time with those dearest to your heart, you must remain.... aloof. Ready to act as your duty dictates. It becomes lonely.

[ Which is why he's adoring this. Small one on one moments with the people he loves. And his expression shows it, the look he gives Vash speaking volumes. ]

[oleaeuropaea]

[Vash's eyes go wide with horror. Predictably, he stumbles in his movements, and just barely catches himself. Unfortunately, that means that, in his panic to make sure that Pure Vanilla likewise doesn't stumbel his arms wrap snuggly around his waist to keep him secure.]

Sorry, sorry. Just - [He shakes his head and... quickly steps back. He only just seems to realize how close they'd been, and still might be processing the feeling of PV being flush against him. Wow.] That sounds pretty scary!

[Thankfully, he doesn't stray from his partner for long. He comes back, settling back into position with little more than a throat clear.]

I know it's probably cold comfort, bein' so far from home but... at least you can open up a little again here, right?