Piggybacking off of the investigation into the flower bud but without a real investigation: Thorns and Sam are trying to pry it open. This is obviously not going to work, but is there anything else that will happen other than them being a little sleepy the longer they try?
Character(s): Shadow Milk Location: The Castle Babey Action: The Sage is just a curious guy! It's not THAT weird that he might be combing through some libraries, looking through some rooms. Oh, he is just looking for a book he misplaced, don't mind him! Hee hee hoo.
Character(s): Stan Pines Location: In the dream! Starting out in his cozy dream home, but will almost certainly move to other places. Action: When Stan becomes lucid/"awakens", he's going to immediately try three reality checks, just to sort of see what the parameters of this new fairy dream world are:
Pinch test: Can he feel pain if he pinches himself (or can someone else feel pain if he pinches them)?
Glasses/Hearing Aid Test: If he takes off his glasses, how's his vision? Can he still see clearly as if they were still on, or does it mimic his poor eyesight in reality? Similarly, if he takes off his hearing aid, can he still hear normally?
Pitt Cola test: This one is Gravity Falls specific so I'm not necessarily expecting it to work, but just to be thorough since he'd do it anyway - if he flicks his wrist with intention, can he summon a can of Pitt Cola?
(These feel like they could probably just be in questions but he'll be very methodical in this and it'll inform what things he does in further investigation~)
Character(s): Meezookee Location: The woods Action: Oh, Suri! Hello! All of Mizuki's friends are sleeping! That's weird!!! Haha... Mizuki doesn't know where your new house is, but that isn't going to stop him from looking!!!
He drags along his phone, and occasionally a robotic voice will call out: "Mister The Forest?" or "Zonari?" or "Hello Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh?" (You know, in that way robot voices do when you put too many letters in a word that isn't supposed to have them.)
[In terms of dreams and probably unsurprisingly, Ain's ideal is living happily with all his friends, whether they're in a house or not. Those who have seen his memories before might already know these people, whenever they wake up and realise something is wrong.
Perhaps you're neighbours with Ain and his buddies, who live in a particularly large home on the hill. Perhaps you've seen them around, hauling off into the woods to camp amongst the trees for weeks on end before coming back and describing adventures. Perhaps you're part of this, having been pulled into Ain's "ideals" where he gets to, essentially, have everything he wants. The best of all worlds, where everyone important to him is constantly within his vicinity. And, if your dreams happen to align with his and you've got a romantic connection at all, you may just be married to him. There are at least seven rings there. Maybe more...
You could meet Ain and his group out in the woods camping and foraging as usual, or at an old ruin they're exploring, or getting into trouble in some other way while the kingdom essentially experiences anarchy. Death of the queen?? Nah, Ain is off in the woods foraging. The news will not reach him here. Even then, are politics really any of his business? Alternatively, they might be home for once, where Ain will wave to you from the path leading to his home's garden. Do you want to come in for lunch? Do you want some fresh veggies from the garden? Both? None?
Regardless, this is a dream he doesn't want to wake up from. One he certainly isn't aware is one in the first place. He'll likely refuse all attempts to be woken up, unless you're particularly close to him, close enough to know just how to break him out of the hold the dream has on him. Still, there's a high chance he shrugs and returns to it, not caring one way or another.
Let him rest for now. He probably needs it.]
ii. after the dream
[It feels like something memory-related happens at least twice a year, maybe more, at this fucking place. Ain's brain feels like it's fried every time it happens; whenever he wakes up, ninety percent of the people who were there that he's joined at the hip with are no longer here. It kills him more and more every time. He was so close to an ideal. Did he have to wake up?
Ain won't be seen for several days following the flower bud disappearing and everyone inside being released. He holes up in his room, and unless you live with him, you won't be able to get to him for a while. Even if you can, he's mostly in bed, unmoving and refusing to do anything other than stare off into space. He loses days like this before finally dragging himself out of bed to go faceplant under the hydrangeas outside the tailor shop.
Surely his plants will fix him. Surely.
If you come by the tailor shop, Ain points to the "closed" sign hanging on the door from where he's flat in the grass. He looks fucking miserable.]
Sorry, come back tomorrow? I'll probably get back to work by then.
[The low rasp of Luca's voice is about all that Ain gets before Luca has flopped out beside him in the grass. It's hard to shake the feeling of the memory. He hadn't heard his father's laughter in how many years? And now that he'd gotten familiar with the noise again, it's hard to be away from it. It feels like grieving all over again.
And he has been. He's wept endlessly on his own, until his eyes were swollen and his voice was absolutely wrecked. He only left his damn room because he was tired of the reminder that even the Watchtower seemed to evoke. And, well. Being flat on the grass was a nice change of pace.]
A) Don't wake up | OPEN | cw: light mention of human slavery
[Dreams can be wonderful, beautiful things. For Till, dreams- especially good ones- are in short supply. If he ever dreams at all, it's often a terrible nightmare he can't wake up from, but this?
This...
He isn't even aware. He doesn't want to be aware. His life is so rough, he has nothing to look forward to beyond death. Why would he want to believe this is anything but true? The kingdom is happy. Everyone is full of joy, and the world is at a level of peace he never thought possible. What do you mean you can live freely? What do you mean you don't have to exist solely as someone else's pet, someone to entertain before being discarded when you're no longer useful?
Till is happy.
There's a quaint little house situated on the outskirts of the Kingdom where Till lives with a kind eyed middle-aged woman with short, silver hair the same hue as his own. She resembles him strongly from where she sits on the porch drawing something on a sketchbook cradled on her knees. Sitting at her feet on the wood steps is Till, who- despite looking the same age as he always has- seems more youthful somehow, full of life. There's no branding on his neck, no collar to bind him. He's holding an acoustic guitar and playing for her, the music swelling across the grass that softly sways in front of the house and cobblestone path where he sits.
And he's singing. Not drawing, or brooding, but singing openly. Loudly. Happily. He doesn't care who sees or hears, and he isn't doing it for a crowd of millions. It's just her.
Maybe just him.]
B) Wildcard
[I'm going to be tagging around with Till visiting other peoples' dreams, but for him this is his only prompt for now because he NEEDS somebody to wake him up, otherwise he isn't going to. Rip in rest-]
flamebringer shaking till like WAKE UP BITCH!!!! YOUR LIFE IS SHIT!!!!
[This whole process of running around with Stan to wake people has kind of sucked so far. Like, he and gramps got this, don't get him wrong, but hoo boy is it brutal to have to snap people out of stuff like this.]
Hey Till.
[Sorry, random pink girl he's never seen before but who reminds him a bit of every other lesbian on Rhodes Island he's so sorry,]
Don't wanna interrupt, [he says, you know, like a liar,] but something's going on. You mind?
Wake up to the sound of your fleeting heart ♡1》 [ Pavlova Cookie stands among the celebrating cookies with a gentle smile, but standing a notable distance from the main host of faeries and their celebration. He is cradling his lyre, plucking along idly to the joyous singing from the others. He likes to sing, but when it comes to celebrations like this, he tends to keep back for the sake of the faeries. He and his feathered wings stick out rather prominently among their thin and delicate ones, wordlessly denoting him as ‘other’.
To them he had proven his loyalty a long time ago, but he wasn’t fond of making waves, and he knows he’s different. Happy smiles and music fill the kingdom. It’s a celebration he knows from experience that will last a long time…
The cry for help, then, is jarring. He looks around for who could have made that plea, but there are only happy, smiling faces. For now, he puts it aside, but disquiet settles upon him, his feathers slightly ruffled. For now… he would just watch. ]
When you go what you leave is a work of art ♡2》 [ It’s scary how easily Pavlova Cookie settles into old patterns in a new setting. He did it with Night Vale, he did it with the resort, and he’s doing it now. Since hearing the cry for help, Pavlova kept noticing things. Inconsistencies, things that made him nervous. The growing unease around the Silver Tree and the way it pained him to look at Sugarfly Cookie especially.
He’s awake now, but looking at him, it would be hard to tell. He smiles, he goes along with the narrative being fed. This is his burden to bear for the moment, and calling attention to himself would only make his job harder.
When dealing with a manipulator, the only way to worm your way in is to do the same thing.
So he’s around, singing, dancing, celebrating. Sometimes he’ll be seen sneaking off to the library to read in peace for a while, sometimes he’ll be avidly talking to someone about their happiness and congratulating them. After all, it's a happy dream, right? The place is coated in lies, but everyone’s happy.
To himself, Pavlova bitterly thinks it’s fitting someone like him is here. He’s made of deceit and sloth for the sake of happiness after all.
Anyone who approaches is greeted sweetly. ]
Hello! Is there something I can help you with?
On my chest, on my heart ♡3》 [ Faerie Cookies are stuck in their ways, Pavlova Cookie has always felt so. Very few of them seem willing to bend their rules even for their own good, so he isn’t terribly surprised when the dissenting whispers start. He does think it is rather ungrateful of them as much as he has his own problems with White Lily Cookie, but… well, he supposes without the Beast Cookies corrupting, her biggest contribution’s been rendered null, hasn’t it?
The grumbling still bugs him, though. It could potentially get in the way of his plans. If he catches someone muttering about her, he’ll amp the ‘cute child’ act to 10 and approach. ]
Did Miss White Lily Cookie do something wrong..? Why are you upset with her?
And my love is yours, but your love's not mine ♡4》 [ Pavlova Cookie is not always working towards waking people up, however. Sometimes… well, even he indulges the dream. He tells himself it’s because he needs to seem convincingly under the dream’s influence, or at least unwilling to leave it to get the fake versions of White Lily’s lovers to lower their guards.
These moments of weakness see him quietly watching a certain Faerie. She’s perhaps not the most stand out in looks, but she’s graceful and kind, and Pavlova… he watches her like she moves the heavens themselves.
He never approaches, even now, something keeping him from crossing that line. Pavlova won’t admit to himself what is clear to anyone who sees him.
He startles if he’s called to in such a moment, his wings ruffled. ]
I- um. Do you need something? I… I was thinking about going to explore the forest.
So I'll go, but we know I'll see you down the line ♡5》 Closed to White Lily [ The biggest snag to this whole plan of his was probably that he had very little reason to seek out an audience with the queen, so he had to take what chances presented themselves to him to approach her. As a child this was a bit easier to excuse. He doesn’t remember much about how the king of the faeries was described, but being needlessly rude to children wasn’t a good look in general. ]
Queen White Lily Cookie!
[ His little wings flutter weakly as he hurries over to her, all smiles, all cheer, but in his hands are a flower crown of– blueberry beholders. Oh-so-innocent if not for who they were coming from. ]
Congratulations on your coronation Miss White Lily Cookie! I hope it brings you closer to your happiness~
And we'll hate what we've lost, but we'll love what we find ♡6》 Closed to Shadow Milk [ It feels weird to see his father so solidly pulled under the influence of a mind altering spell like this. The boy feels almost uncomfortable about it. About being lucid and watching his father act as… some kind of marionette for the forest. It’s little different to the plays, he feels, but he can’t say as much in case his own father accidentally raises the alarm on him.
He’s not sure how many days pass outside, but time passes within the dream, Pavlova biding his time and playing his part. He’d be lying if he said he didn’t like it in some ways. If he said he didn’t like being able to play at a normal life with a parent who loves him enough to let him do what he wants… but he also knows this charade has to end eventually.
For now… he’ll just have to look for an opening. It’s evening, both of them are inside for the night… and Pavlova yawns softly as he bumps his head into his father’s side. ]
Dad, are you busy?
And oh, I'm feeling fine, we've made it to the coastline ♡7》 [ Wildcard! Anything else you need to poke him for can go here, especially post-dream ]
[It has been a very charmed existance, hasn't it? Shadow Milk just seems so happy, going about his time as a teacher, a mentor, as someone with respect, where the people look up to him, but not in the same way they used to. Not like he was a God. Merely a quirky professor. A man, a father, a lover.]
[Truly it's a sweet, sweet dream, which is the reason it must be a lie.]
[Shadow Milk has a scroll out in front of him, and some papers. He seems to be grading a test.]
Hm? My little Cherub? What can I do for you?
[His smile is bright, easy. There is no pain or madness behind his eyes, that Pavlova can see.]
[The center of town, in front of the great tree, there is often a crowd. At the center is a man, a fairy standing at a podium. He’s dressed in whites and golds, his hair long and flows like stardust. With a flourish and a wide grin, he speaks to the masses. He is the Sage, the Professor, a man that some know as Shadow Milk, but only to those he is close to. He is a lecturer who’s lessons cover a great many topics, and as he speaks there is a bright, joyous charisma as the crowd hangs on his every word. ]
Now! Concerning the matter of myths and legends, while often lauded as fictitious, there is always a drop of Truth at their center, for they did not come fully formed from nothing.
[A rather staunch proclamation. There is a sly grin on his face and a sparkle in his eye.]
Of course if you don’t agree with me, the floor is open for debate! Who would like to volunteer? Am I right or am I wrong?
[Hands begin to raise, and perhaps he picks you out of the crowd.]
[All The World’s a Stage.]
[“The Sage” is someone with a reputation in the Kingdom, which is why it is not strange for him to wandering the castle. He is a nosy sort who often does as he pleases, so again, its not so strange to see him wandering about with curiosity.]
[But that look on his face is strange, as he peers into a room.]
[Of course if he’s spotted, the amiable expression of The Sage is back.]
Oh! Hello, there, my friend. How can I be of service?
[Is there a crack in the mask…? You be the judge.]
[Wolfwood has been woken up, for better or worse, and he's trying to figure out what the fuck is going on.
He came here to find answers, and while he is not raising his hand- he's observing, not participating- that doesn't stop Shadow Milk from picking him anyway. And while Wolfwood may not know him well- Pure Vanilla instructed him to steer clear- it's come to a point where avoidance isn't necessarily the best option.
Not if he wants The Truth.]
How am I 'sposed to argue if I ain't got nothin' to go on?
[Never has a more prestigious opportunity showed itself to Claude LeBlanc than to be one of the many performers celebrating the queen’s return. He’s spent days practicing a composition of love, longing, and reunion, a suite he’s almost certain matches the tale of the reunited rulers.
And now he’s here. He won’t pretend not to have the faintest trace of nerves as he approaches the sovereigns, bowing low at the waist. His hair is pulled back and out of his face, showing off temples that have begun to silver in his age. He’s proud of it — it’s a sign of a life well-lived.
His hair is almost the furthest thing from his mind right now, though (he’s allowed a little vanity on a stage like this, isn’t he?). Instead, he straightens up, gives a second, less lengthy bow to the crowd, before waving his wrist to summon both his piano and bench. He takes his seat and inhales deeply as his fingers come to hover over the keys.
He knows the melody by heart now, but as he lifts his gaze to check the sheets of music for himself —
A terrible ache rips through his head. With it comes a voice, one that seems hauntingly familiar in a way he just can’t seem to pin. Wake up. Wake up! Wake up wake up wake up please wake up HELP ME-
And then within a single second, the voice fades. He blinks once, then twice, before glancing sheepishly up at the Queen. He gives her a brief nod, lingering only for a second as the back of his mind tries to alert him to something.
But then his fingers begin to move, and he loses both himself and the sensation of missing something to the music. He moves as any impassioned artist might, swaying as the notes take him from one end of the piano to the other. If there was ever another body beside him, another audience he once delighted playing for, he doesn’t show it. This is where he is supposed to be.
When the song does finally come to a close, he lingers at his seat. Emotion rises up within him, pride and happiness combined. He looks up to the king and queen once more, eyes swimming, and offers them a grin. He can hardly convey his gratitude for the opportunity to play on such a stage. A similar expression is offered to the crowd, for hearing him at all.
When he does finally stand, and the piano is swept away with a single wave of the hand, he approaches the crowd with a warm smile. He’ll gladly shake the hand of anyone who approaches them, regardless of the intent.
If you have any questions, now may be the opportunity to grab him.]
ii. A Sucker For a Fantasy
[Of course, that isn’t the only place you can hear Verso play. His companions are all eager to celebrate such a monumental achievement for their dear friend. At a tavern later that night, he finds himself in front of another piano. A woman stands near, and she and Verso occasionally exchange adoring glances. After ruminating on love for so many weeks, perhaps this might be the night he finally does something about his own romantic endeavors.
Or perhaps not. Another man, with long hair and a massive blade strapped to his back, grins at him. He offers a glass of wine to Claude, who gladly downs it before turning to the crowd.]
Come on, then. Any requests?
iii. You'rе a Fable I Could Love — CW: Immolation
[Happiness, however, is always short lived. As unrest begins to grow through the city, it becomes harder and harder to avoid. Claude tries his best to stay holed away. The woman from before, stays with him in his modest home. They keep the blinds drawn, the door locked, and try to pretend as if the house is empty.
But no one is fooled.
It happens when Julie steps into his room to try and get some rest. The sound of glass shattering and a burst of light and heat are the only warnings Claude has to something going terribly wrong. He turns to his room, only to find it engulfed in flames. Julie stands in the middle, consumed and screaming.
Screaming.
Screaming fills his ears as he runs to another room, another place. Not a woman, but a girl, scared and afraid.
And Claude -
Claude?
Does he really know who he is? And does it matter?
Right now, no. Whoever he is? He does not move. The fire spreads, even as the woman crumples and the screaming stops. But he cannot seem to find himself long enough to move.]
[Till is still trapped in his own dream, same as Verso. He's visiting the Tavern this evening with his mother, seated at one of the tables near the front where Verso plays. He can't help but feel a bit jealous, as the piano is the one instrument he's always craved to learn, but never had the opportunity, even in a fantasy like this one. It means he's glued to anything Verso plays, his gaze lingering long after Verso's playing stops.
It isn't until his mother gently elbows him, whispering something to him under her breath, which he rejects at first...but a little more gentle nudging is all it takes for the young man to speak up, his voice just slightly loud enough to be heard over the crowd.]
Play your best song. ...something you could play with your eyes closed.
A) I have no Mouth and I Must Scream | Unable to wake, but aware | OPEN
[Somewhere in a less crowded area of the kingdom sits an orphanage that looks like it's a mix of both a regular school building and a church. It used to tower over the desert, but now it seems almost normal sized while dwarfed by the much larger buildings in a kingdom, of all things, never mind the castle itself. It's as busy as you'd expect a schoolyard to be, with children running around and playing, their lives so simple even if they're not ideal. These children don't have proper homes...families. Hopeland is their home.
"Big Brother Nico" is what they call the dark-skinned man who roams the grounds, constantly followed by one or more small kids either clinging to his shirt or holding one of his hands. Sometimes he's carrying one, or maybe they're perched on his shoulders holding onto his hair. He looks tired, but happy, ever a constant smile on his face or a rumbling brassy laugh vibrating its way from his chest. The children happen to see you across the way, and they pull on him and ask if they can play. They might ask if they can play with you directly.
Nico- Wolfwood- will look at you imploringly, his smile crooked.]
You mind? They don't see new folks to rough house with all that often.
[He's smiling. Things seem fine. Peaceful.
But something's wrong. It's an idyllic landscape, but something about Wolfwood's expression rings incorrect. His jaw is set, his eyes stare a bit too deeply into you. His hands grip things a bit too tightly, save for the children who he reserves for only the gentlest of touches.
For you see, he knows this isn't real. He's very aware he's dreaming, somehow, and against his normal better judgement, he wants...no, NEEDS to fucking wake up.
He won't be able to stand seeing this vision twisted into something horrible. He won't survive it mentally if something happens to these kids, and so his expression screams to you.
Help. Help. I can't wake up, HELP.]
B) Wildcard
[Same as Till's, I will be tagging out to people once Wolfwood has woken up! This is his wake me up holy shit prompt, have fun]
[Time to visit his husband (1 of 7) at work! Wolfwood knows he's dreaming, Ain does not. Ain is perfectly content right now in his hallucinations, thank you. This is the happiest he's been in months, like, the man is fucking crashing out in the real world but over here? Vibes. Anyway, he has brought Dream Laby with him so she can go play with the kids, enjoy your pink girl.]
I brought the kids flowers, love. [Ain says, and then he leans up on his tiptoes to kiss Wolfwood on the cheek.] My garden is a bit overgrown right now. No one has a pollen allergy, right?
[The basket slung over his arm is full of various fae realm flowers, all very strange and alien to two dudes who are natively from The Apocalypse and The Apocalypse With Sand.]
i. Gravity works slowly if you notice it at all [ Steph, a well respected knight of the kingdom, is walking her patrol around the outside of the city. She's never felt one way or the other about being alone on patrol. She could have company if she wanted it, but she's capable enough to be left on her own. Right now, though, she has a weird feeling tugging at the back of her mind.
It's hard to figure out what it is. There's a sort of anxiety, an ache in her chest, a knot at the base of her throat. It's almost like... guilt? But she has nothing to feel guilty for. She's always done the right thing, always succeeded when it really mattered. She just can't shake the feeling that she's done something really, really wrong.
It's really bumming her out. Which is why she's especially eager to greet anyone she sees today, brightening with a smile like turning on the sun. ]
Hi! Lovely day, isn't it?
ii. Some of us are getting mighty lucky [ Off duty, Steph spends a lot of time in taverns and restaurants. It's loud and vibrant and the buzz of conversation is strangely comforting, as if she's afraid to be alone. But of course, that's not true. She spends plenty of time alone and she's perfectly fine.
Besides, it doesn't hurt for there to be a knight around if people get too rowdy. And everyone knows she's a knight. She's well known and well liked by the people, even if some roll their eyes at her relaxed attitude. Who cares where the Queen is from? It doesn't really change anything, in the long run. There's no need for all this fuss.
When a stranger sits down next to her, all the better. She raises her beer with a grin. ]
Hey there. Buy you a drink?
iii. If you had to live with this you'd rather lie than fall [ Well and truly awake, Steph's patrols move inside the city. She watches everyone with a grim expression, obviously still reeling from last month's bad experience but sharp as ever.
When she sees someone she recognizes, someone who might not be awake yet, she calls their name. ]
iv. You think I can't fly? Well you just watch me [ Wildcard! Go nuts. ]
[Min-Gi is decidedly not bummed out. Why would he be when everything's so right in the world? He's not expecting to be addressed when she's so clearly on duty, but he doesn't mind it either. He raises his hand in greeting, smiling just as bright.]
It always is.
[He doesn't remember the last time he had a bad day, and with the celebrations taking place it's hard to imagine that changing any time soon.]
i. Aux amours échouées de s'être trop aimé [ Odile is a researcher. This isn't true, she knows, but that's what she is in this place. It's always been her role to observe, to notice, to question. People she recognizes but doesn't remember. Smiles that falter when no one else is looking. Her parents, loving and kind and perfect, and the total lack of affection she feels for her mother.
And so she is awake, and she is still watching. All it takes is one little slip, one out-of-character moment and her eyes are on you, watching like a hawk that's sighted prey. And then, the quiet, thoughtful- ]
Hmm.
ii. Visages et dentelles croisés justes frôlés [ When she isn't in the castle doing research, Odile can be found in one of several bars. It's an excellent place to gather information and people-watch, and vodka really does make it easier to bear the absurdity of her current reality.
She doesn't especially talk to anyone, but she does actually return smiles while inebriated! ]
iii. Aux trahisons que j'ai pas vraiment regrettées [ Wildcard! Continue to go nuts. ]
["Odile doesn't talk to anyone" except for this strange, similarly-lucid man approaching her to talk. Look, they've already bonded over rich people being shitty animal owners with zero reasonable priorities, so he at least has faith in her also being awake, if nothing else.]
Do you care much if I join you? I have some questions.
Went way too fast, now I'm out of time ♡1》 [ The celebration is bright and cheerful, and Aira is no exception to that. The young faerie boy looks a bit different to those who know him in the real world, namely the wings he's sporting and the outfit he's wearing, but overall he doesn't stand out too much, just another person excited over the crowning of the new queen. He can be heard singing even when most have stopped, and perhaps that makes sense. He's always loved singing, so this place is a dream to him in more ways than one. Why wouldn't he adore a place where music is so integral to the culture?
He doesn't hear the cry for help, but what he does notice is the odd tone shift some people seem to go through after it happens. Some are more subtle about it than others, but he can feel the shift in the air. He waits a moment, and some of them resume the celebration, but others... He will tilt his head and approach one of them, his delicate wings fluttering behind him ]
Is something the matter..? Are you alright?
Gave it my all, and it's just alright ♡2》 [ The sweetest part of this sweet dream are his family and friends. His father Flamebringer, his other father Ezell, he now has several siblings, and he loves all of them- his heart feels full at home and outside of that he has his boyfriend and his best friend at his side. It's rare to see the blond without Hiiro and Kohaku at his side, but he's not hard to find over all if you're looking for him... and he doesn't seem very keen on waking up either.
he can be easily found in front of his home or in town, dancing and singing with his loved ones, and if hailed, he will greet you with a bright smile. After all, everyone's lived here a long time. He knows you. He loves you, too. ]
Hello! It's a lovely day isn't it? Did you need something?
I'll keep it calm 'cause I'm stuck for now ♡3》 [ Since waking up, Aira hasn't been home. He hasn't slept, either, and is hiding out in the forest near the kingdom to avoid the echoes of people that aren't real. The puppets of his loved ones creep him out, and he can't be sure if Mayoi is even real or not and it scares him. It scares him that something like this is happening yet again, and he had to get away.
If anyone happens to be out that way, ignore the soft sound of sobbing and the little faerie curled up against a tree trunk. It's nothing at all. ]
Just don't know what follows after ♡4》 [ Wildcard for things like post being ejected from the dream! ]
[ Far be it from Elsword to ignore the sound of someone upset. Be it pain or sadness or otherwise, he's far too Anime Protag(tm) to just let it go. Even when he's supposed to be "resting", he can't help it to try and be helpful whenever he can.
And it's even someone he knows? Hm.
He wants to comfort Aira, but he also fears startling him, so for now he doesn't reach out, but he does plop himself nearby on a root. ]
[Where many in the Silver City might live in a state of celebration, Luca is busy with duty. Given the fact that King and Queen have taken to wandering the streets, he finds himself on high alert. The gathering crowds are watched for any signs of trouble. He doubts he’ll find any — the Silver City is a joyful place, after all. Still, if you even slightly look like you’re plotting even the tiniest of pranks, you might find yourself with a hand on your shoulder.]
Need a hand there?
[It’s a warning, but a gentle one. Luca’s eyes dance with both warmth and trust. What reason would anyone ever have to want their leaders dead?]
ii. Might Not be Good for my Head
[That isn’t to say that Luca isn’t without his downtime. At the end of each night, he makes his way to the tavern. His father is already seated in his usual spot, mid-story. As he sings a too grand tale about the Phoenix and its many acts of benevolence, Luca can’t help but join in. He’ll even loop an arm around any bystanders in an attempt to get them to join in.]
Don’t be shy!
[And when things settle less into bardic tales and more into companionable drinking, he’ll gladly make sure glasses stay filled.]
It’s from our vineyard. [He boasts with a grin.] Go on, try it.
iii. And What Was There at the Start
[Something in the world shifts, and all hell begins to break loose. Once again, Luca returns to his duty as a knight. As anarchy takes hold, Luca can think only of one thing. Save the queen. Keep her alive.
You don’t want this dream to end, do you?
No, he doesn’t. It’s why he approaches anyone seeking out the queen with his rapier clutched tightly within his hand. He doesn’t hesitate to raise the weapon, taking a fighting stance as he squares up.]
I will not let you harm her.
[Of course, if it’s friend, rather than foe, that finds him, he will gladly clasp them over the shoulder. The relief is clear in his eyes.]
Better that we not have to fight this onslaught alone, right?
[Tonight is not a night of performance for Min-Gi, but he's more than happy to watch and listen as Luca and his father sing. It's very different from the kind of music he and Ryan play, and honestly? It's nice to sit back and appreciate that.
By the time they're done he's slouched comfortably in his seat, more than a little tipsy even before Luca starts topping him off.]
[Sesa wishes he could enjoy this. He wishes...he wasn't so lucid currently. It would be nice, he thinks selfishly, to just forget where he is, who he is, just for a short time so that he could properly believe this all to be real.
Somewhere in the Kingdom, Sesa can be found milling about a workshop with another Vouivre man who is just slightly taller than he is, and though his face can't be clearly discerned, it's obvious who this must be given how strong the resemblance is. The hair color, style, right down to the way they're carrying themselves...
Of course Sesa's ideal world would be one where his brother never died. Where they could be together, just like how things were supposed to be. Working together, hand-in-hand, with Sesa's wedding ring flashing on his finger as he moves. This dream wouldn't be complete if Elliot weren't at his side too, after all.
And yet. He looks...somber. He doesn't smile as he works, and when he does smile to his sibling, it never quite reaches his eyes even though he's trying his best, for him. In truth, it's...hard, seeing him like this. Alive. It just feels so unfair. Lucid as he is, though...he can't bring himself to just leave. How could he?
Maybe he should just. Try to enjoy it for what it is. Hope that something terrible doesn't befall them both.
He almost doesn't notice you as you enter the workshop, his eyes widening as he nearly hammers his thumb with surprise.]
A-ah- sorry! I didn't see you there, welcome in...
B) Wildcard
[Same as my other two, will be tagging around to join other dreams/help wake people!]
[What wakes Elliot from the dream is the sheer fact that their dreams conflict so strongly. Elliot otherwise has no ideal; "not having Oripathy and still having a living mentor" would've been one, were he not otherwise so accepting of that death in light of his revenge being completed. Since Sesa is now his world, his ideal had been that Sesa takes revenge on the man who murdered his brother and danced in the ashes of his own destruction... and the relative peace of the dream had overrode Elliot's own fucked-up desires, essentially saying "no, pick One Ending", and that immediately jarred him out of whatever the hell this is.
So that's great. Elliot's eyes fall upon Sesa's sibling's back, his brow raising a fraction as he memorizes the general appearance similarities and differences, committing a dead man to memory solely so that he can add fuel to his own fire later. Interesting.
[Dipper and his twin sister Mabel have been residents of the Silver Kingdom all their lives. Though their parents, members of the silver knights, fell to beasts in the forest many years ago, they've lived in happiness and peace with their uncles here in the Kingdom.]
[Dipper is training to be a kingdom alchemist, and Mabel is apprenticed under a very noteworthy, if eccentric tailor who dreams of opening her own shop someday, hoping to bring colorful chaos to the fashion of the kingdom.]
[Truly, it is a dream of dreams. Dipper has everything he could possibly want.]
[Dipper will be incredibly difficult to wake up. The Dream seems to have honed in on him as a decent threat to the operation, given his powers and general ability to resist nonsense, so special attention is being paid to keep him happy.]
[You wouldn't want to wake him up anyway, right? Look how happy he is with his sister. And isn't Mabel just a peach? Certainly there's nothing sinister with the smile she gives you while standing just out of Dipper's eyesight.]
Okay! So, I have three new ones!
[Dipper, randomly hands you three suspicious looking potion bottles.]
After generous testing, none of these should have the effects from last time. No one should grow a third arm, or maybe an extra eye, but! But these should be good fooor [And he points to each one.] Health, stamina, and magical output. Give them a try!
[Wildcard.]
[Dipper will be around the Kingdom doing Dipper Things. Feel free to stumble into him and his sister. Mabel, however, will be there almost always. She never seems to leave his side!]
[Stan's getting the hang of this, sorta. They're all asleep. Nobody else seems to know they're asleep. And he's positive Dipper would have crashed into his room at 2AM with theories on what's going on by now if he was lucid. But...he's not. The more Stan thinks about it, the weirder that detail is.
Since his encounter with what he assumes is that asshole in the forest, Stan's been watching the people in his family, trying to suss out who's real and who isn't. He still needs to investigate Flamebringer - that's probably a 50/50 shot, could go either way. "Ford" flunked the only test he's ever flunked in his life, so Dipper might realize Stan is actively avoiding his brother now, even telling him off and sending him out on needless errands.
That just leaves Dipper and Mabel, and two possibilities rolling around in his head. Either everyone is fake, or...Mabel is a fake and she's keeping Dipper occupied. Considering his powers, Stan's pretty willing to bet on that. In order to know for sure though, he's gotta separate them somehow.
With a couple of only half-baked ideas and a leather notebook tucked under his arm, Stan knocks on the doorframe of their shared bedroom.]
Hey! You kids got a minute in there for your Grunkle Stan? You've been holed up in there all morning!
[To be honest he doesn't know if that's even true or not, but he's pretty sure it sounded convincing enough. Probably.]
[Normally, Flamebringer's dreams are most people's fucked-up nightmares. His biggest goal in life is to be defeated in battle and die in some horrid way, where he feels like he'd finally have found a battle worth participating in and a fight worth dying for. Normally, this is what his dreams are, what the "ideal" is, and that's always been the case. Why would he want anything else when he's eventually going to die horribly to Oripathy anyway, rotting from the inside out? What a boring, lame way to die. At least dying in battle leaves a far cooler memory behind.
Generally, this is how he thinks. Broad strokes. No cares as to who he's hurting along the way. But lately... someone has started to change his mind.
In the dream, Flamebringer is standing between two paths. The one he's looking at now is full of burned foliage, broken swords strewn throughout the woodland trail, the sounds of some kind of fight or riot or otherwise heard in the distance through the trees. The urge to go toward it is a present yet dull sensation at the back of his mind, his fingers twitching against the hunting knife on his hip — not a sword, but a normal old knife — before he breathes out a sigh, pivots on his heel, and heads uphill toward his home with Ezell. A place that, lately, he's wanted to be more than he's wanted to be gutted in combat and left to die on the ground alone.
With a sigh, he opens their cottage's front door and scoops Cecelia into his arms and out of the way before he trips over her. The baby is now Held, thank you.]
There's some stupid riot happening past the treeline. I wouldn't go that way. [He says, perching Cece on his forearm while the other reaches out to pull Ezell into a hug.] I guess we're going to the market tomorrow instead, but I should be able to make dinner with what we have laying around here.
ii. open
[Ideal life: Married with kids. Flamebringer, in this way, has so many ironies about him. This battle-hardened war criminal loves gardening and is a good father!
If you're part of this family unit at all, one of his kids or relatives, you have quite the family tree on your hands. There's Flamebringer himself, married to Ezell, with many kids between them they've adopted over the years. The orphanage has no shortage of young ones, and thanks to Flamebringer's friendship with Wolfwood, adopting them is easier than it would be if Wolfwood had to do a full background check. Flamebringer and Ezell are Good in the eyes of the government, everyone knows that, so all he usually does is sign some paperwork and take all the kids out to dinner after. Unfortunately limitations to money have prevented him from adopting Every Child, but that's okay, he still comes by to help out a lot.
Then, there's the extended family. "Asher Pines" he was born as, though he has a preferred nickname so to speak — you know how the fae are! — and even though he doesn't live at home with the family anymore, he does regularly visit with the husband and gaggle of kids in tow. These visits are completely random and unplanned, usually, so sorry if you're a guest at the Pines' house and are suddenly being swarmed with kids. Family matters, y'know?
If he's not home with the kids playing with the littles or helping the teens with homework (and yes, they must do their homework, you must pass school don't be like him and flunk out of high school), he might just be alone at the farmer's market buying things to make dinner. Because he has at least six mouths to feed, the basket is comically huge every single time, and that's saying a lot because Flamebringer is not a small man. If he spots you, he waves. Wanna make small talk while he looks longingly at the flowers and thinks to himself, "hm, I should garden again this weekend"?
Above all, it's an idyllic fantasy. One that he lives in for about a week before it starts to hit him, gradually... that this is not right.
There's a tired, strained look on his face suddenly as he snaps awake and realises that this is not where he should be.]
iii. closed to stan
[Ordinarily, Flamebringer would think to himself "I gotta go find Stan, I bet he's at the house" before meandering through the woods to get there. This time it's different, with the dream pressing on the inside of his skull and trying to worm its way into his brain permanently. He knows without a shadow of a doubt where Stan is, because he's always there, because the dream says so and god dammit he wishes he could fucking think for three minutes.
In something of a rush, Flamebringer pulls his keys from his pocket and finds the one to grandpa Stan's house and why the fuck does he have a key for this house, this is not real, jams it into the lock and opens the door, no kids or husband in tow for once. It's just him, and he's yelling as soon as he gets into the main room:]
[ Aira hasn't quite woken up yet. He's noticed some... strange things but with Hiiro and Kohaku by his side and Mayoi and Tatsumi around as well for performing, he's been happy to let the dream hold him and go along with it for now. To let his boyfriend soothe his worries with promises that if anything goes wrong, he'll protect him, to let his best friend glare at anyone who speaks ill of the queen in his presence. He has two very loyal, very strong bodyguards in that sense. They haven't taken kindly to attempts to wake him.
But they're not always around, and this morning the boy is busying himself in the kitchen making breakfast for the younger kids and his dads. There's something off with Flamebringer's expression when he sees him, but he gives him a small smile, assuming he didn't sleep well or something. ]
Good morning Otou-san. Is everything alright? I made souffle pancakes!
[Thorns has been at the beach lately. The flower blooms in the centre of the Grove, and he entirely misses it because he's too busy hanging around that crashed pirate ship and trying to patch the holes, like he'd done earlier in the year when it was far colder out. The difference is he doesn't have Elysium here with him this time... ah, well, he'll get over it. It's been a few months, but he'll surely see the man again some day. That's how it was at sea, too.
Anyway, no time to mope. Eventually he heads back to the Grove, only to find that mostly everyone is gone and a giant-ass flower bud has bloomed, and also there are tons of deer and other such creatures everywhere. Uh.]
What did I miss...? I came back to resupply...
[Girl don't wander off for a week to go play pirate, that's how you miss things!]
ii.
[Well, since he's unsure what to do with half the Grove gone missing and even the Guardians looking very confused about what's going on, he supposes he'll throw himself into his work. No one can stop him if they can't find him because they're trapped :)
Now, to be fair, the work is for a reason. If Thorns' guess is right, and his observations of the Guardians' panic means what he thinks, everyone must be trapped in that flower bed. That means that poisoning it, lighting it on fire, or otherwise trying more aggressive removal methods might kill or harm the people within it. This sort of delicate, careful work isn't Thorns' forte, but he has to figure it out somehow.
...
So, late at night, after he has not slept for three days because honestly when does he ever sleep, Thorns makes his way outside. It's nebulously "too early in the morning for most goddamn people" o'clock, and he's crouched by the flower bud, carefully trying to use the Corazonix to form something akin to metal ropes or chains and pry that bud open.
Do you help him? Is this harebrained idea even worth it?]
iii. wildcard
[hi]
ii. i need to reup my icons so pretend sams face is here
[Too early for most people.... except those that rarely ever sleep! Firefly is currently in the guise of Sam, and thus in his robot suit, and he approaches Thorns with a head tilt of curiosity.]
What are you doing?
Edited (i repaid my acct so now sams face is here :)) 2025-08-10 06:44 (UTC)
[Min-Gi is definitely not lucid. He's been down since shortly after they arrived back from the beach resort, and even after managing to buy back his synth he's been avoidant and easily annoyed. Now is different. Not that he knows it. As far as he's concerned he's always been this happy.
He lives in a small abode on the edge of the city with his "roommate" and bandmate. Min-Gi and Ryan are known for being almost inseparable, but of course not even they can spend every waking moment together. By chance he's always in his own company whenever someone happens to catch him, Ryan either occupied elsewhere or having just slipped away. With the celebrations in full swing he can be found in the heart of the city enjoying the music without playing for once. When he needs space from the bustle and cheer he sits underneath the grand tree. He's happy enough to enjoy the stars on his own, but that doesn't mean he won't welcome company.]
CRACKS IN THE DREAM
[When things start to turn sour the two of them return to their home. They're not against the queen, but neither of them are fighters nor do they have any desire to be dragged too deep into politics. Of course there are always things to draw them away and Min finds himself sat outside, face taut with worry as he waits for Ryan to return from some nameless errand.
He perks whenever someone turns the corner, ready to rise from the bench that's barely big enough for two adults even before he can properly see them.]
Ryan?
[Anyone who isn't Ryan will be subjected to a resigned expression as he sinks back down into his seat.]
WILDCARD
[ooc: You can find me on plurk at thlayli, or PM me if you have ideas for other threads!]
[At almost the exact moment Min-Gi starts to fret that he's been gone too long, Ryan appears as if by some miracle. He has groceries in his arms, but as soon as Min stands he flutters over to him and rests them at his feet, sinking into his arms like he belongs there.
After all, they're at home. No one will see them here, and with all the Turmoil in the Silver City they won't be leaving any time soon.]
Min-Gi!
[He lets out a soft laugh, and gently cups Min's cheek. There's little blue flowers woven into his hair, and dangly silver earrings in his ears that tinkle a little any time he moves his head, as if he was always meant for this delicate world.]
I told you I'd be okay. And now we've got enough stuff that we won't have to worry about it at all for a while!
[The giant flower bud taking over the Grove is a seemingly endless source of entertainment for Cy. She dances around it, pouncing at random intervals to trigger the silhouettes of the residents inside.]
Wakey wakey, eggs and bakey!
[Her efforts don't get any acknowledgement from the people inside, but she doesn't seem to mind. She's enjoying her games no matter what their reception is. Each day she's just as delighted as she'd been the one before, racing her way around the bud and attempting to chase the outlines she triggers.]
THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE SOMEONE ELSE'S HOME
[Of course a cat needs to rest. It's not only the animal spirits that are taking over places they shouldn't. It may be a relief to find a grubby feline having made a nest for herself in someone else's bed rather than anything worse, but sometimes she's not the only one to have ventured into someone else's home.
Sometimes she finds herself having to contest her claim. Not all the spirits are difficult to coexist with. Moths that look to have wings of leaves frequently lie with her, scattered across her fur. At others... well, the lilly pad fox isn't quite so welcome an addition to Cy's temporary abode. She hisses and spits, keeping her distance despite its apparent lack of interest in her.]
WILDCARD
You can find me on plurk at thlayli or PM me here if you have other ideas!
[Firefly watches on with no shortage of her own amusement at her antics, despite the rather stressful situation they'd all found themselves in this month. It was nice to see someone with a jovial spirit, and someone so cute at that! kbitty :)]
To those within the dream, at some point a horrible scream will tear through the air, through your thoughts, through your very core itself; something desperate and piercing. Even those deep within the dream's grip knows something is off.
Especially when the scream is very clearly Lily's.
Those who are Awake may now have access to their natural powers, while those Dreaming may be easier to Wake Up if they aren't already awakened by the scream.
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sticksandbonesmods) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
sticksandbones2025-07-31 08:06 pm
QUESTIONS
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cw body horror in animals in the link
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SO THORNS AND FIREFLY WANT TO DIG UNDER THE FLOWER, CAN THEY DO IT... what's down there if they diggy diggy hole...
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INVESTIGATIONS
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Location: The Castle Babey
Action: The Sage is just a curious guy! It's not THAT weird that he might be combing through some libraries, looking through some rooms. Oh, he is just looking for a book he misplaced, don't mind him! Hee hee hoo.
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Stanvestigation!
Location: In the dream! Starting out in his cozy dream home, but will almost certainly move to other places.
Action: When Stan becomes lucid/"awakens", he's going to immediately try three reality checks, just to sort of see what the parameters of this new fairy dream world are:
(These feel like they could probably just be in questions but he'll be very methodical in this and it'll inform what things he does in further investigation~)
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Location: The castle?
Action: When she notices Elder Faerie Cookie watching her, Odile watches him back. Just to see if he reacts.
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Mizuki Meddling
Location: The woods
Action: Oh, Suri! Hello! All of Mizuki's friends are sleeping! That's weird!!! Haha... Mizuki doesn't know where your new house is, but that isn't going to stop him from looking!!!
He drags along his phone, and occasionally a robotic voice will call out: "Mister The Forest?" or "Zonari?" or "Hello Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh?" (You know, in that way robot voices do when you put too many letters in a word that isn't supposed to have them.)
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*idyllic dream I forgot a word
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Sticks this here since it's only sort of a new investigation
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I rolled...... 19!
cw: mentions of animal death
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ii. after the dream
iii. wildcard
ii
[The low rasp of Luca's voice is about all that Ain gets before Luca has flopped out beside him in the grass. It's hard to shake the feeling of the memory. He hadn't heard his father's laughter in how many years? And now that he'd gotten familiar with the noise again, it's hard to be away from it. It feels like grieving all over again.
And he has been. He's wept endlessly on his own, until his eyes were swollen and his voice was absolutely wrecked. He only left his damn room because he was tired of the reminder that even the Watchtower seemed to evoke. And, well. Being flat on the grass was a nice change of pace.]
This was. Cruel. Even by this world's standards.
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B) Wildcard
[I'm going to be tagging around with Till visiting other peoples' dreams, but for him this is his only prompt for now because he NEEDS somebody to wake him up, otherwise he isn't going to. Rip in rest-]
flamebringer shaking till like WAKE UP BITCH!!!! YOUR LIFE IS SHIT!!!!
Hey Till.
[Sorry, random pink girl he's never seen before but who reminds him a bit of every other lesbian on Rhodes Island he's so sorry,]
Don't wanna interrupt, [he says, you know, like a liar,] but something's going on. You mind?
KSJGHKGJ LMAO thank you Flamebringer you're a real one
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Cw for light manipulation in general
[ Pavlova Cookie stands among the celebrating cookies with a gentle smile, but standing a notable distance from the main host of faeries and their celebration. He is cradling his lyre, plucking along idly to the joyous singing from the others. He likes to sing, but when it comes to celebrations like this, he tends to keep back for the sake of the faeries. He and his feathered wings stick out rather prominently among their thin and delicate ones, wordlessly denoting him as ‘other’.
To them he had proven his loyalty a long time ago, but he wasn’t fond of making waves, and he knows he’s different. Happy smiles and music fill the kingdom. It’s a celebration he knows from experience that will last a long time…
The cry for help, then, is jarring. He looks around for who could have made that plea, but there are only happy, smiling faces. For now, he puts it aside, but disquiet settles upon him, his feathers slightly ruffled. For now… he would just watch. ]
When you go what you leave is a work of art ♡2》
[ It’s scary how easily Pavlova Cookie settles into old patterns in a new setting. He did it with Night Vale, he did it with the resort, and he’s doing it now. Since hearing the cry for help, Pavlova kept noticing things. Inconsistencies, things that made him nervous. The growing unease around the Silver Tree and the way it pained him to look at Sugarfly Cookie especially.
He’s awake now, but looking at him, it would be hard to tell. He smiles, he goes along with the narrative being fed. This is his burden to bear for the moment, and calling attention to himself would only make his job harder.
When dealing with a manipulator, the only way to worm your way in is to do the same thing.
So he’s around, singing, dancing, celebrating. Sometimes he’ll be seen sneaking off to the library to read in peace for a while, sometimes he’ll be avidly talking to someone about their happiness and congratulating them. After all, it's a happy dream, right? The place is coated in lies, but everyone’s happy.
To himself, Pavlova bitterly thinks it’s fitting someone like him is here. He’s made of deceit and sloth for the sake of happiness after all.
Anyone who approaches is greeted sweetly. ]
Hello! Is there something I can help you with?
On my chest, on my heart ♡3》
[ Faerie Cookies are stuck in their ways, Pavlova Cookie has always felt so. Very few of them seem willing to bend their rules even for their own good, so he isn’t terribly surprised when the dissenting whispers start. He does think it is rather ungrateful of them as much as he has his own problems with White Lily Cookie, but… well, he supposes without the Beast Cookies corrupting, her biggest contribution’s been rendered null, hasn’t it?
The grumbling still bugs him, though. It could potentially get in the way of his plans. If he catches someone muttering about her, he’ll amp the ‘cute child’ act to 10 and approach. ]
Did Miss White Lily Cookie do something wrong..? Why are you upset with her?
And my love is yours, but your love's not mine ♡4》
[ Pavlova Cookie is not always working towards waking people up, however. Sometimes… well, even he indulges the dream. He tells himself it’s because he needs to seem convincingly under the dream’s influence, or at least unwilling to leave it to get the fake versions of White Lily’s lovers to lower their guards.
These moments of weakness see him quietly watching a certain Faerie. She’s perhaps not the most stand out in looks, but she’s graceful and kind, and Pavlova… he watches her like she moves the heavens themselves.
He never approaches, even now, something keeping him from crossing that line. Pavlova won’t admit to himself what is clear to anyone who sees him.
He startles if he’s called to in such a moment, his wings ruffled. ]
I- um. Do you need something? I… I was thinking about going to explore the forest.
So I'll go, but we know I'll see you down the line ♡5》 Closed to White Lily
[ The biggest snag to this whole plan of his was probably that he had very little reason to seek out an audience with the queen, so he had to take what chances presented themselves to him to approach her. As a child this was a bit easier to excuse. He doesn’t remember much about how the king of the faeries was described, but being needlessly rude to children wasn’t a good look in general. ]
Queen White Lily Cookie!
[ His little wings flutter weakly as he hurries over to her, all smiles, all cheer, but in his hands are a flower crown of– blueberry beholders. Oh-so-innocent if not for who they were coming from. ]
Congratulations on your coronation Miss White Lily Cookie! I hope it brings you closer to your happiness~
And we'll hate what we've lost, but we'll love what we find ♡6》 Closed to Shadow Milk
[ It feels weird to see his father so solidly pulled under the influence of a mind altering spell like this. The boy feels almost uncomfortable about it. About being lucid and watching his father act as… some kind of marionette for the forest. It’s little different to the plays, he feels, but he can’t say as much in case his own father accidentally raises the alarm on him.
He’s not sure how many days pass outside, but time passes within the dream, Pavlova biding his time and playing his part. He’d be lying if he said he didn’t like it in some ways. If he said he didn’t like being able to play at a normal life with a parent who loves him enough to let him do what he wants… but he also knows this charade has to end eventually.
For now… he’ll just have to look for an opening. It’s evening, both of them are inside for the night… and Pavlova yawns softly as he bumps his head into his father’s side. ]
Dad, are you busy?
And oh, I'm feeling fine, we've made it to the coastline ♡7》
[ Wildcard! Anything else you need to poke him for can go here, especially post-dream ]
6 obvsly
[Truly it's a sweet, sweet dream, which is the reason it must be a lie.]
[Shadow Milk has a scroll out in front of him, and some papers. He seems to be grading a test.]
Hm? My little Cherub? What can I do for you?
[His smile is bright, easy. There is no pain or madness behind his eyes, that Pavlova can see.]
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is for meeeee
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Shadow Milk Cookie(?) | Cookie Run
[Diverged Paths: The Peak of Truth.]
[The center of town, in front of the great tree, there is often a crowd. At the center is a man, a fairy standing at a podium. He’s dressed in whites and golds, his hair long and flows like stardust. With a flourish and a wide grin, he speaks to the masses. He is the Sage, the Professor, a man that some know as Shadow Milk, but only to those he is close to. He is a lecturer who’s lessons cover a great many topics, and as he speaks there is a bright, joyous charisma as the crowd hangs on his every word. ]
Now! Concerning the matter of myths and legends, while often lauded as fictitious, there is always a drop of Truth at their center, for they did not come fully formed from nothing.
[A rather staunch proclamation. There is a sly grin on his face and a sparkle in his eye.]
Of course if you don’t agree with me, the floor is open for debate! Who would like to volunteer? Am I right or am I wrong?
[Hands begin to raise, and perhaps he picks you out of the crowd.]
[All The World’s a Stage.]
[“The Sage” is someone with a reputation in the Kingdom, which is why it is not strange for him to wandering the castle. He is a nosy sort who often does as he pleases, so again, its not so strange to see him wandering about with curiosity.]
[But that look on his face is strange, as he peers into a room.]
[Of course if he’s spotted, the amiable expression of The Sage is back.]
Oh! Hello, there, my friend. How can I be of service?
[Is there a crack in the mask…? You be the judge.]
[ooc: Responses will be from
Diverged Paths
He came here to find answers, and while he is not raising his hand- he's observing, not participating- that doesn't stop Shadow Milk from picking him anyway. And while Wolfwood may not know him well- Pure Vanilla instructed him to steer clear- it's come to a point where avoidance isn't necessarily the best option.
Not if he wants The Truth.]
How am I 'sposed to argue if I ain't got nothin' to go on?
[You got a myth or legend for him?]
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all the world's a stage (sorta)
1/2
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( diverged paths )
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Verso (?) | Expedition 33
[Never has a more prestigious opportunity showed itself to Claude LeBlanc than to be one of the many performers celebrating the queen’s return. He’s spent days practicing a composition of love, longing, and reunion, a suite he’s almost certain matches the tale of the reunited rulers.
And now he’s here. He won’t pretend not to have the faintest trace of nerves as he approaches the sovereigns, bowing low at the waist. His hair is pulled back and out of his face, showing off temples that have begun to silver in his age. He’s proud of it — it’s a sign of a life well-lived.
His hair is almost the furthest thing from his mind right now, though (he’s allowed a little vanity on a stage like this, isn’t he?). Instead, he straightens up, gives a second, less lengthy bow to the crowd, before waving his wrist to summon both his piano and bench. He takes his seat and inhales deeply as his fingers come to hover over the keys.
He knows the melody by heart now, but as he lifts his gaze to check the sheets of music for himself —
A terrible ache rips through his head. With it comes a voice, one that seems hauntingly familiar in a way he just can’t seem to pin. Wake up. Wake up! Wake up wake up wake up please wake up HELP ME-
And then within a single second, the voice fades. He blinks once, then twice, before glancing sheepishly up at the Queen. He gives her a brief nod, lingering only for a second as the back of his mind tries to alert him to something.
But then his fingers begin to move, and he loses both himself and the sensation of missing something to the music. He moves as any impassioned artist might, swaying as the notes take him from one end of the piano to the other. If there was ever another body beside him, another audience he once delighted playing for, he doesn’t show it. This is where he is supposed to be.
When the song does finally come to a close, he lingers at his seat. Emotion rises up within him, pride and happiness combined. He looks up to the king and queen once more, eyes swimming, and offers them a grin. He can hardly convey his gratitude for the opportunity to play on such a stage. A similar expression is offered to the crowd, for hearing him at all.
When he does finally stand, and the piano is swept away with a single wave of the hand, he approaches the crowd with a warm smile. He’ll gladly shake the hand of anyone who approaches them, regardless of the intent.
If you have any questions, now may be the opportunity to grab him.]
ii. A Sucker For a Fantasy
[Of course, that isn’t the only place you can hear Verso play. His companions are all eager to celebrate such a monumental achievement for their dear friend. At a tavern later that night, he finds himself in front of another piano. A woman stands near, and she and Verso occasionally exchange adoring glances. After ruminating on love for so many weeks, perhaps this might be the night he finally does something about his own romantic endeavors.
Or perhaps not. Another man, with long hair and a massive blade strapped to his back, grins at him. He offers a glass of wine to Claude, who gladly downs it before turning to the crowd.]
Come on, then. Any requests?
iii. You'rе a Fable I Could Love — CW: Immolation
[Happiness, however, is always short lived. As unrest begins to grow through the city, it becomes harder and harder to avoid. Claude tries his best to stay holed away. The woman from before, stays with him in his modest home. They keep the blinds drawn, the door locked, and try to pretend as if the house is empty.
But no one is fooled.
It happens when Julie steps into his room to try and get some rest. The sound of glass shattering and a burst of light and heat are the only warnings Claude has to something going terribly wrong. He turns to his room, only to find it engulfed in flames. Julie stands in the middle, consumed and screaming.
Screaming.
Screaming fills his ears as he runs to another room, another place. Not a woman, but a girl, scared and afraid.
And Claude -
Claude?
Does he really know who he is? And does it matter?
Right now, no. Whoever he is? He does not move. The fire spreads, even as the woman crumples and the screaming stops. But he cannot seem to find himself long enough to move.]
iv. Heavеn Sent From Up Above
[Wildcard. You know what to do!]
II
It isn't until his mother gently elbows him, whispering something to him under her breath, which he rejects at first...but a little more gentle nudging is all it takes for the young man to speak up, his voice just slightly loud enough to be heard over the crowd.]
Play your best song. ...something you could play with your eyes closed.
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iii cw flashbacks, mild gore
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iii
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kinda ii kinda wildcard
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B) Wildcard
A but moderately wildcardy
I brought the kids flowers, love. [Ain says, and then he leans up on his tiptoes to kiss Wolfwood on the cheek.] My garden is a bit overgrown right now. No one has a pollen allergy, right?
[The basket slung over his arm is full of various fae realm flowers, all very strange and alien to two dudes who are natively from The Apocalypse and The Apocalypse With Sand.]
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Stephanie Brown | DC Comics
[ Steph, a well respected knight of the kingdom, is walking her patrol around the outside of the city. She's never felt one way or the other about being alone on patrol. She could have company if she wanted it, but she's capable enough to be left on her own. Right now, though, she has a weird feeling tugging at the back of her mind.
It's hard to figure out what it is. There's a sort of anxiety, an ache in her chest, a knot at the base of her throat. It's almost like... guilt? But she has nothing to feel guilty for. She's always done the right thing, always succeeded when it really mattered. She just can't shake the feeling that she's done something really, really wrong.
It's really bumming her out. Which is why she's especially eager to greet anyone she sees today, brightening with a smile like turning on the sun. ]
Hi! Lovely day, isn't it?
ii. Some of us are getting mighty lucky
[ Off duty, Steph spends a lot of time in taverns and restaurants. It's loud and vibrant and the buzz of conversation is strangely comforting, as if she's afraid to be alone. But of course, that's not true. She spends plenty of time alone and she's perfectly fine.
Besides, it doesn't hurt for there to be a knight around if people get too rowdy. And everyone knows she's a knight. She's well known and well liked by the people, even if some roll their eyes at her relaxed attitude. Who cares where the Queen is from? It doesn't really change anything, in the long run. There's no need for all this fuss.
When a stranger sits down next to her, all the better. She raises her beer with a grin. ]
Hey there. Buy you a drink?
iii. If you had to live with this you'd rather lie than fall
[ Well and truly awake, Steph's patrols move inside the city. She watches everyone with a grim expression, obviously still reeling from last month's bad experience but sharp as ever.
When she sees someone she recognizes, someone who might not be awake yet, she calls their name. ]
iv. You think I can't fly? Well you just watch me
[ Wildcard! Go nuts. ]
i.
It always is.
[He doesn't remember the last time he had a bad day, and with the celebrations taking place it's hard to imagine that changing any time soon.]
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Odile | In Stars and Time
[ Odile is a researcher. This isn't true, she knows, but that's what she is in this place. It's always been her role to observe, to notice, to question. People she recognizes but doesn't remember. Smiles that falter when no one else is looking. Her parents, loving and kind and perfect, and the total lack of affection she feels for her mother.
And so she is awake, and she is still watching. All it takes is one little slip, one out-of-character moment and her eyes are on you, watching like a hawk that's sighted prey. And then, the quiet, thoughtful- ]
Hmm.
ii. Visages et dentelles croisés justes frôlés
[ When she isn't in the castle doing research, Odile can be found in one of several bars. It's an excellent place to gather information and people-watch, and vodka really does make it easier to bear the absurdity of her current reality.
She doesn't especially talk to anyone, but she does actually return smiles while inebriated! ]
iii. Aux trahisons que j'ai pas vraiment regrettées
[ Wildcard! Continue to go nuts. ]
ii
Do you care much if I join you? I have some questions.
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[ The celebration is bright and cheerful, and Aira is no exception to that. The young faerie boy looks a bit different to those who know him in the real world, namely the wings he's sporting and the outfit he's wearing, but overall he doesn't stand out too much, just another person excited over the crowning of the new queen. He can be heard singing even when most have stopped, and perhaps that makes sense. He's always loved singing, so this place is a dream to him in more ways than one. Why wouldn't he adore a place where music is so integral to the culture?
He doesn't hear the cry for help, but what he does notice is the odd tone shift some people seem to go through after it happens. Some are more subtle about it than others, but he can feel the shift in the air. He waits a moment, and some of them resume the celebration, but others... He will tilt his head and approach one of them, his delicate wings fluttering behind him ]
Is something the matter..? Are you alright?
Gave it my all, and it's just alright ♡2》
[ The sweetest part of this sweet dream are his family and friends. His father Flamebringer, his other father Ezell, he now has several siblings, and he loves all of them- his heart feels full at home and outside of that he has his boyfriend and his best friend at his side. It's rare to see the blond without Hiiro and Kohaku at his side, but he's not hard to find over all if you're looking for him... and he doesn't seem very keen on waking up either.
he can be easily found in front of his home or in town, dancing and singing with his loved ones, and if hailed, he will greet you with a bright smile. After all, everyone's lived here a long time. He knows you. He loves you, too. ]
Hello! It's a lovely day isn't it? Did you need something?
I'll keep it calm 'cause I'm stuck for now ♡3》
[ Since waking up, Aira hasn't been home. He hasn't slept, either, and is hiding out in the forest near the kingdom to avoid the echoes of people that aren't real. The puppets of his loved ones creep him out, and he can't be sure if Mayoi is even real or not and it scares him. It scares him that something like this is happening yet again, and he had to get away.
If anyone happens to be out that way, ignore the soft sound of sobbing and the little faerie curled up against a tree trunk. It's nothing at all. ]
Just don't know what follows after ♡4》
[ Wildcard for things like post being ejected from the dream! ]
3
And it's even someone he knows? Hm.
He wants to comfort Aira, but he also fears startling him, so for now he doesn't reach out, but he does plop himself nearby on a root. ]
Hey... is everything alright?
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Luca Aurelius | Original Character
[Where many in the Silver City might live in a state of celebration, Luca is busy with duty. Given the fact that King and Queen have taken to wandering the streets, he finds himself on high alert. The gathering crowds are watched for any signs of trouble. He doubts he’ll find any — the Silver City is a joyful place, after all. Still, if you even slightly look like you’re plotting even the tiniest of pranks, you might find yourself with a hand on your shoulder.]
Need a hand there?
[It’s a warning, but a gentle one. Luca’s eyes dance with both warmth and trust. What reason would anyone ever have to want their leaders dead?]
ii. Might Not be Good for my Head
[That isn’t to say that Luca isn’t without his downtime. At the end of each night, he makes his way to the tavern. His father is already seated in his usual spot, mid-story. As he sings a too grand tale about the Phoenix and its many acts of benevolence, Luca can’t help but join in. He’ll even loop an arm around any bystanders in an attempt to get them to join in.]
Don’t be shy!
[And when things settle less into bardic tales and more into companionable drinking, he’ll gladly make sure glasses stay filled.]
It’s from our vineyard. [He boasts with a grin.] Go on, try it.
iii. And What Was There at the Start
[Something in the world shifts, and all hell begins to break loose. Once again, Luca returns to his duty as a knight. As anarchy takes hold, Luca can think only of one thing. Save the queen. Keep her alive.
You don’t want this dream to end, do you?
No, he doesn’t. It’s why he approaches anyone seeking out the queen with his rapier clutched tightly within his hand. He doesn’t hesitate to raise the weapon, taking a fighting stance as he squares up.]
I will not let you harm her.
[Of course, if it’s friend, rather than foe, that finds him, he will gladly clasp them over the shoulder. The relief is clear in his eyes.]
Better that we not have to fight this onslaught alone, right?
iv. Might Not be There in the End
[Wildcard, you know what to do.]
ii.
By the time they're done he's slouched comfortably in his seat, more than a little tipsy even before Luca starts topping him off.]
That's okay. I've probably had enough.
[He's saying that, but he still takes the wine.]
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B) Wildcard
[Same as my other two, will be tagging around to join other dreams/help wake people!]
:)
So that's great. Elliot's eyes fall upon Sesa's sibling's back, his brow raising a fraction as he memorizes the general appearance similarities and differences, committing a dead man to memory solely so that he can add fuel to his own fire later. Interesting.
His gaze slides to Sesa.]
You're lucid, yes?
Re: :)
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Dipper Pines | Gravity Falls (CRAU)
[Dipper and his twin sister Mabel have been residents of the Silver Kingdom all their lives. Though their parents, members of the silver knights, fell to beasts in the forest many years ago, they've lived in happiness and peace with their uncles here in the Kingdom.]
[Dipper is training to be a kingdom alchemist, and Mabel is apprenticed under a very noteworthy, if eccentric tailor who dreams of opening her own shop someday, hoping to bring colorful chaos to the fashion of the kingdom.]
[Truly, it is a dream of dreams. Dipper has everything he could possibly want.]
[Dipper will be incredibly difficult to wake up. The Dream seems to have honed in on him as a decent threat to the operation, given his powers and general ability to resist nonsense, so special attention is being paid to keep him happy.]
[You wouldn't want to wake him up anyway, right? Look how happy he is with his sister. And isn't Mabel just a peach? Certainly there's nothing sinister with the smile she gives you while standing just out of Dipper's eyesight.]
Okay! So, I have three new ones!
[Dipper, randomly hands you three suspicious looking potion bottles.]
After generous testing, none of these should have the effects from last time. No one should grow a third arm, or maybe an extra eye, but! But these should be good fooor [And he points to each one.] Health, stamina, and magical output. Give them a try!
[Wildcard.]
[Dipper will be around the Kingdom doing Dipper Things. Feel free to stumble into him and his sister. Mabel, however, will be there almost always. She never seems to leave his side!]
Wildcard!
Since his encounter with what he assumes is that asshole in the forest, Stan's been watching the people in his family, trying to suss out who's real and who isn't. He still needs to investigate Flamebringer - that's probably a 50/50 shot, could go either way. "Ford" flunked the only test he's ever flunked in his life, so Dipper might realize Stan is actively avoiding his brother now, even telling him off and sending him out on needless errands.
That just leaves Dipper and Mabel, and two possibilities rolling around in his head. Either everyone is fake, or...Mabel is a fake and she's keeping Dipper occupied. Considering his powers, Stan's pretty willing to bet on that. In order to know for sure though, he's gotta separate them somehow.
With a couple of only half-baked ideas and a leather notebook tucked under his arm, Stan knocks on the doorframe of their shared bedroom.]
Hey! You kids got a minute in there for your Grunkle Stan? You've been holed up in there all morning!
[To be honest he doesn't know if that's even true or not, but he's pretty sure it sounded convincing enough. Probably.]
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injects this man into your [Lonesome Dreams]
heck yeah pines! pines! pines!
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wildcarding for science and because i love these two
Huehuehue
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ii. open
iii. closed to stan
iv. wildcard
ii
But they're not always around, and this morning the boy is busying himself in the kitchen making breakfast for the younger kids and his dads. There's something off with Flamebringer's expression when he sees him, but he gives him a small smile, assuming he didn't sleep well or something. ]
Good morning Otou-san. Is everything alright? I made souffle pancakes!
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for the me prompt
:)
Re: :)
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1/2
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ii.
iii. wildcard
ii. i need to reup my icons so pretend sams face is here
What are you doing?
sam's face is here :)
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Min-Gi Park | Infinity Train
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After all, they're at home. No one will see them here, and with all the Turmoil in the Silver City they won't be leaving any time soon.]
Min-Gi!
[He lets out a soft laugh, and gently cups Min's cheek. There's little blue flowers woven into his hair, and dangly silver earrings in his ears that tinkle a little any time he moves his head, as if he was always meant for this delicate world.]
I told you I'd be okay. And now we've got enough stuff that we won't have to worry about it at all for a while!
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Cy | The Wild Road
outside the dream
[Firefly watches on with no shortage of her own amusement at her antics, despite the rather stressful situation they'd all found themselves in this month. It was nice to see someone with a jovial spirit, and someone so cute at that! kbitty :)]
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someone else's home :) in this case, thorns'-
Cy's now--
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outside the dream
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MINI UPDATE: WITHIN THE DREAM
Especially when the scream is very clearly Lily's.
Those who are Awake may now have access to their natural powers, while those Dreaming may be easier to Wake Up if they aren't already awakened by the scream.
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Let’s plot a coup!!!!
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hi dad :)
hello sonboy
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