lunaecalamitas | thousand dreams, lotus boats upon the waters

thousand dreams, lotus boats upon the waters

NEW MOON ADAGIO

Between the constant requests from the North and the sense of tension that pervades the manor, Sage Tatara makes an executive decision: we're going North, baby.

Of all the things that have happened thus far, let this be the ultimate test of your magic. Even as we near summer, it's frigid. Protect yourselves and your allies from the cold. Protect yourselves while also fighting off monsters (or other territorial wizards, should you make the terrible mistake of wandering into another's territory), flying through the vast wilderness, or protecting the poor humans who need your help to survive. Time to blow off some of your steam. Just be sure to obey Tatara's one rule: don't kill each other.

One particular problem of note is in the Forest of Dreams. Without its guardian, many of these rogue monsters and dangerous predators, displaced from their normal habitats, have found their way into the forest. Many of them, however, are unable to survive against the fatal toxin, and there are plenty of animal corpses and mana stones that litter the forest. It might be best to clean these up before the forest guardian returns...

That said, the toxin is yet another thing you must protect yourself against in addition to the cold. While you can likely keep yourself from dying from the toxins, you may not be immune to its effects. This deadly toxin causes anyone who breathes it in to dream and hallucinate vividly, be it images of the past, imagined futures, thoughts of the present processed and warped...

Strangely enough, those nearby may end up sharing in your dreams... Did you want the darkest recesses of your thoughts, hopes, and fears unearthed for others to see?

Those who decide to venture far past the more populated (in relative terms) parts of the North may find themselves stumbling upon what looks to be an abandoned bandit hideout. It seems it's been abandoned for quite a while—nothing to loot here, sorry!—but there sure are a whole lot of monsters that have decided to make this hidden corner of the North their home.

While you're at it, you may find a nearby cave. Beautiful crystals dot the walls and the floors, and there are small pools of hot spring water free for relaxing. It seems to be relatively free of monsters, too. So maybe this wouldn't be a bad spot to relax, away from everything else?

However, there's one thing that makes this cave truly unique, and it isn't the vistas or the springs—it's the bats. These bats hear echoes of the past and replay them for visitors. Should you stay a while and listen, a bat may pay you a visit. And when it does, it may play for you the voices from the memories of visitors past, whose stories may hold a clue or two to your circumstances...

While the Forest of Dreams is a memory/dreamshare free for all, the aural memories replayed by the bats in the Cave of Time will come from one of the original wizards only. If you'd like an audio replay of a perhaps significant moment either in their personal life or a clue as to what happened to them (it will be randomized), then please reply to this comment!

JOB BOARD

Clean-up and repairs. While thanks to the hard work of your Eastern friends the worst was prevented, the City of Rain emerged from their short ordeal a little worse for wear.

Buildings need repair, blood needs to be cleaned off the streets, the injured need help. This is, perhaps, the only time you will be allowed to use magic openly in the city (you've been given permits and everything!), but you still are not allowed to talk outside of designated zones. Please, please don't get arrested...

As for the scrap that litters the streets? Unfortunately, you'll have to take it back to the scrapyard. But this time, there's a big, roaring bonfire out there. Just chuck all the scrap and debris in the fire. The city isn't taking any second chances—extreme situations call for extreme measures.

Reverence. Several Northern villages are currently outside the protection of a wizard, and have requested the sage's wizards' presence. They're terrified of the monsters and worried the barriers for their villages will fail sooner than later. They don't simply ask for help for free, however, and these smaller villages are steeped in their tradition—they'll pay you their respects, praying to you, offering you gifts, groveling at your feet, in hopes for a modicum of your time and protection. Do their offerings please you? Then assist them with what you deem appropriate for their worship to you: kill a few monsters for them, or a lot if you're pleased. Strengthen the barrier a lot, or not at all if you're displeased. It's up to you! You have the power here. What's it like to be a god for a day?

Ladies' night. The monthly lady officers' gathering is coming up in the City of Affluence—it's an exclusive meetup for the women involved in and related to Western military and bureaucratic affairs. Anyone is welcome, so long as they meet two requirements: they are outwardly presenting feminine, and they have an invitation to the gathering. Here's your chance to flex your transformation and glamour spells! Infiltrate the meetup with a disguise and a fake invitation, mingle, enjoy the drinks, the jazz, the entertainment, and find out what you can... What's the Western army up to? Be careful, though—don't get caught and kicked out!

The attendees seem to be excited about the new phantasmagoria technology and the upcoming display, and many whisper about the upcoming Venator meteor shower...

G'RAHA TASKS

Greetings, new friends! I am G'raha Tia, and while I hesitate to call myself a mentor or a replacement for the one you had, I am eternally grateful for the assistance I received and will do my best to help your cause in any way I can. To that end, I feel I may need to be caught up to speed on the events and get to know all of you.

We can have some tea and sandwiches and have a discussion! That's the best way to learn, sometimes.

TATARA ACTIVITIES

Even if we're not here for very long, I think we should leave our mark (not literally! Don't paint on the walls!). I got paint and big paper in the dining hall, but no brushes... Do you know what that means? Finger paint! Finger paint a portrait of yourself with your name and I'll hang it up in the library when they're all done!

Thanks to Cid and Khun, my camcorder works now. The thing is, what's the point of filming anything if we have no way to watch the film?! Could you guys work together to make some kind of projector? Or like...VHS player? We could have a movie night together!

OOC NOTES

🌙 Welcome to your fourth event! It's your dreamshare and memshare event! Ready to open up with your deepest and darkest secrets?
🌙 We're halfway through the game. How do you feel?
🌙 Back at the manor, Kurapika and Maya have set up a bulletin board! Leave comments, argue with your neighbors, have fun. Be nice. Don't set it on fire.
🌙 On the admin side of things, Lav has swapped out Wanderer for G'raha! Please say hello to your new mentor NPC.
🌙 Your OOC plotting post is here! Remember to keep all wider plotting to the post, and remember to check back frequently, since not everyone checks plurk or discord all the time.
🌙 The next country to go on their mission is North. Do you think a PVP-enabled mission will go well?

» NAVIGATION

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You should. There aren't a lot of people that I actually like.

[ Yet somehow the list of people he likes here is bigger than he expected. ]

Glad I make the list, then. You're surprisingly cute sometimes.

[ Day isn't sure if he should cry or laugh. Oh, no, actually, he knows he'd always pick laugh instead of cry. He doesn't know if this is fitting or ironic or both.

He can't help but smile either, especially when Ginger's already laughing. Right, that's the only word that really suits this. No matter what, Ginger feels right. ]

The spirits are just as bad as fate. [ There's no heat to it, but man. ] ...But maybe this is an idea for stayin' in people's memories.

[ He feels... betrayed?? ]

...I am not cute. If you think so, then you need to reevaluate your life.

Don't get me wrong, I think my idea of cute's pretty different from a lot of people's. [ #HonouraryWestie ]

...You remind me of my sis too, sometimes.

[ He’s tempted to argue about it more, but that comparison surprises him, evident in the way his brows furrow slightly. ]

Tell me about her.

Will it upset you if I don't look away?

[Because to Phil, that's the most important part, not whether he himself will be upset by seeing it. If Day had the courage to stare straight at Phil's ugliness without looking away, doing the same thing for Day in return is the very least that Phil can do.]

I don't want to see anything you don't wish me to.

[ ...

Day could almost find this funny, if only because this world somehow keeps surprising him. First time anyone's asked him this sort of question, especially since he figured the question of whether or not he'd be upset simply wasn't relevant. He's already going to be upset just reliving this again, anything else is simply just extras sprinkled on top.

He probably shouldn't feel grateful that Phil asked, but he does, just a little. ]

Nah. I'm more worried 'bout how you'll feel after.

[ A beat. ]

...Try not to blame yourself, 'kay? [ He has a sneaking suspicion some of this is going to hit in an unexpected way that only Phil will get. ]

They will not. They won't see a thing.

[ but he'd certainly invite them to try. how far can this child's memory go, to create things that can't have happened? if the soldiers ever happened upon this fearful creature in his closed away cage, either the child would be dead, or certain others would be. either way: they would not still be here.

he has energy that needs to be worked off, regardless. if phantom memories should prove to have actual weight, then they might as well do if some soldier decides now to come barging in on them. ]

These are recreations of the stars. They live in the night sky. [ a lazy spin of one finger, stardust swirling with the motion. ] To hear some tell it ... they might each represent their own, different sky, somewhere far, far away.

[ One quick change back into the dress later and Bruno hops out from behind the screen, giving a little spin in the dress. No worries about tripping now that it's been hemmed up and everything. ]

Tada~!

[ Okay, he's having too much fun with this. If only his sisters could see him, it'd be a riot. Anyway, once he's down twirling about, he does give Khun a nod. ]

If I do, I will. Me and Urianger only really told Tatara and our previous mentor right away last time but if things change, it's probably best to let everyone know.

[ Jing Yuan remembers Fu Xuan nagging at him constantly to have him retire; something about Kurapika's tone sometimes reminds him of her. But, it's different because there is still an air of strictly professionalism that is not bridged in its entirety between either one of them. ]

I am far too careful of a man to make careless mistakes. That is why I'm certain that no matter what happens I shall remain as you see myself now.

[ But, somehow he is smiling still, which grows even softer when Kurapika says he considers him his friend. It's a bittersweet feeling to hear that term bestowed upon him, because it makes him think of the friendships he has lost, and yet all the same despite that, it seems that even for him it's not too late.

He already assumed that, deep in his heart, but...he will treasure it for how long it lasts. ]

...I see. I have no idea what I have done to earn that level of consideration, but somehow I believe I am happy to hear it. It's been a long time since I have heard anyone call me their friend. Yet, I can confess that the feeling is mutual.

Just be prepared for me to worry over you, as one in turn. [ There's a brief, cheeky smile on his face, though. ] Even if I certainly already have, in the past.

[ Now...isn't this different?

Or perhaps something along the lines of the same, only employed in different means? That may be more apt, in the grand scheme of things.

Still, the disorientation taken into this perspective is ever the more surprising and certainly not something he expects given that one memory has been showcased; though, the forest is unforgiving in the way it unloads visions. So, perhaps, he should have not given into underestimation for something that cares so little for the people to who navigate its treacherous depths.

The intimate thoughts that follow alongside the feelings that of which are not his own are also mercilessly upon him, such that he finds himself being more immersed in what's happening more by the minute.

He does not have time (mostly) to turn his gaze upon the other, though it shouldn't be too surprising if before it truly ensnared them too deep if he saw those definite cracks in that ancient visage. The double vision does not make it easy to keep track of how elsewise Robin is handling this, but in his heart he knows the answer to that, he thinks.

This seems indeed a far more personal battle. Jing Yuan simultaneously remembers vividly the discussion they held about Chrom — his fate. Would the display of his end be shown in this clash, he wonders?

How merciless indeed if that is the case. But, even so...Jing Yuan doesn't — can't — look away.

After all, this can't be how this memory ends, right? ]

Hah, no, fair enough! So who'd you give your power to if you had a choice in it?

[...is this really a good topic of conversation...]

[Talk about a simple question that's somehow still a punch to the gut. But despite that, Malice already knows his answer.]

...No. Everyone here's been real good to me. Even in the beginnin', when people were still a little wary, no one was cruel. So I guess... maybe it ain't such a fittin' name here.

[Way to cut directly to the heart of the matter, Day.]

...No. 'Cause she betrayed me an' the one friend I made while I was there was in on it. But even if they hadn't I...

[He shakes his head. Tries again.]

Still wouldn't've been worth it. I didn't like tryin' to pretend to be a noble. It stripped all the things that made me me, so I was left pretendin' to be someone else. I just wish I'd realized it sooner.

Hmm, this isn't really about that but—Tatara.

[ he could be pragmatic about it but he won't be! ]

[listen sometimes you just gotta be Biased.]

You an' Tara are pretty close, yeah?

...People here are pretty kind overall. It's kind of weird to think about.

[They may not be the most agreeable bunch, but the majority want the best for people, and the minority seem to be largely willing to play along even if it's just for the sake of returning to their own worlds.]

...

Would you want to go back to it?

Being called "Ametrine."

Yeah.

[It gets a wry grin from him, though. The people here certainly are quite the unique bunch. He's grown really fond of them.

That question gets Malice to pause, head inclined a bit as he thinks.]

...I dunno.

[He can acknowledge how much he's changed here, that's easy. But somehow, taking on his original name again feels... like a more active step, like something he's not sure he's ready for, despite everything he's said to Ahito. He isn't really Malice anymore, but is he Ametrine?]

I'm gonna have'ta think 'bout it. But it's... really damn nice to remember what my name was, now.

Pretty close? We're dating.

[ he has no shame about this. ]

[why would you have shame about it anyway??]

Congrats, then! Didn't realize y'all were that close!

[ some people are shy? imagine that!

khun blinks a bit cause he's not used to getting congratulated, let alone on something like this but he manages a smile anyway. ]

It's not really anyone's business, but it's not like we're hiding it either.

[ even though Tatara is technically everyone's boss, it's fine. ]

But who would you give your stone to?

You have.

[ And Kurapika has noticed it, the way Jing Yuan has fussed over him in his own way. ]

You're a kind person, Jing Yuan. Or, at least, I think you are at the end of the day. Being a General means you've likely made difficult decisions, but I can tell you hold sympathy for other people despite all of that. You certainly displayed that when you meddled in my memory.

[ Because Kurapika was huddled around a corner, watching and waiting in the event he had to interfere. ]

That said... why wouldn't I consider you a friend? You certainly meet the criteria.

[ of course it's not where the memory ends. the battle continues, of course.

in the moments before charging in to close the distance made in the wake of those two spells, chrom regroups with you and places a hand on your shoulder even as he keeps his eyes fixed on your father. "this is it. our final battle." his expression is resolute, but his grip briefly firms before letting go. "you're one of us, robin, and no "destiny" can change that. now let's kill this dastard and be done with it!"

the man you're confronting only laughs. it's an ugly thing. "why do you resist? fools! struggle all you want," he says, with the air of a man who knows he's already won. your grip firms on the hilt of the sword you carry. "you cannot unwrite what is already written."

a momentary respite that isn't. as if something gives way, all three of you again throw yourself into conflict. spell and blade are brought to bear again; your sword bats away a bolt of miasma aimed for chrom, the divine blade of falchion gleams as it forces validar to abandon another spell intended for you. back and forth this exchange goes,

until finally, with a decisive blow, the sorcerer falls. but something's wrong. heavy magic still roils about the body.

chrom makes a mistake, too exultant in victory. you don't look away from the sorcerer, but he does to smile in relief at you before they've confirmed the man's death. it lurches to throw out one final spell, snarling, "this isn't over. damn you both—!"

you don't think, you just act, throwing yourself forward and throwing chrom out of the way—

your vision returns. everything hurts. your body feels distant as you collapse to the floor. you feel heavy you feel alight with energy you feel something's wrong. chrom rushes to your side, skidding on bent knee, panting with exertion. your body hears, somewhat distantly:

"are you all right?" concern is naked on his face before being replaced by an attempt at a reassuring smile. "that's the end of him."

distantly, your gaze slides over to the man, noting that validar does truly seem to be dead this time. it feels like a veil has been pulled over all your senses. "...anks to you we carried the day," chrom is saying. you try to keep your eyes on him, but every thought and movement feels heavy and sluggish, as if you have to fight for each one you make. your body's gaze lolls to the floor, your feet, and— "it's because you've been with me this whole time. we can rest easy now..."

—your(?) racing pulse echoes loudly in your(?) skull as chrom continues talking, hauling you(?) to your(?) feet, supporting you(?)—

something's wrong something's wrong something's wrong—

chrom's smile transforms itself back into concern (fear? terror? desperation?) as his eyes meet yours again. "what's wrong? hey, hang on—"

something's wrong. chrom staggers back, face slack. there's a bolt in his gut. it is a mortal blow. there's a hand in front of you. it sparks with the aftershocks of a recently cast spell.

whose hand is this? who does it belong to?

ah, it is—

"this is not your—"

this is—

"your fault."

numbly you stare, frozen. the world narrows itself into a single point. you cannot make your body respond. he shouldn't be able to speak with a wound like that. this must be taking everything from him to say.

and he wastes it on—

"promise me... you'll escape from this place. please... go."

you are rooted to the spot as he collapses. this is... a joke, right? a waking nightmare? a dead man's laughter resounds in your ears, your mind, your blood. you understand what happened, with a cold and unreassuring certainty. the truth is ice in your veins.

if it weren't for you— if chrom had taken literally anybody else, trusted anyone else in place of you—

(you're the plegian in ylisse. there was, is, has been pushback against you since chrom appointed you as his right hand. what do they know of you? you've a past and fate you keep running from. you wear a coat adorned in the sigils of the enemy. how can you be placed in a position of such high favor? the exalt is too kind, too blind. you can't be trusted, the whispers went.

they were right—)

the body you're in stumbles, drags, crawls itself gracelessly, desperately over to chrom. the atmosphere of this hallowed ground is suffocating, oppressive, pervasive. it curls around the notacorpse it can't be, it can't and hauls it into itself. white magic flickers fitfully at the fingertips of the hands extended towards the body. please. o radiance. holy breath. a surge of force, something stoppering your throat. please. o naga's grace— dark magic, then, in a fit of desperation as you claw at the reserves of your own soul to fuel nosferatu. blood for blood, life for life. nothing. nothing. nothing. nothing. ]

—That's quite enough. [ snarls the man in the present, eyes blazing a furious, bloody scarlet. there's a rushing of magic, a harsh gale billowing away from his form, as if that will dispel the scene set by forest toxin and bitter memory.

(another trick of the dark: a phantom shadow of three sets of dark, phantasmal wings pluming out from the back of the man called robin for a brief instant.)

he has no care to witness this again with the emotions as raw as the day they were first felt. it is one thing to know his own younger self played pantomine through the same scene (~~and had it not play out the same way~~), another entirely to live it again—

but whether it be due to his own actions or not, the memory draws itself to a close there, with chrom's body clutched in hands that don't feel like your own as something deep within you shatters into pieces, puts itself slowly back together with all the jagged edges sharp enough to draw blood, snaps back into place with a terrifying finality, and you scream and scream and scream without a voice.

(after all, everything ends, doesn't it? certainly a wishful dream of being human, and living among them must be chief among those things. to someone else, he had recounted: the dragon dreamed of a world that was more than endless solitude...

again.

"these followers of naga will spurn you now that they've learned what you are. kill me, and you incur the wrath of the grimleal as well.

"would you truly choose to be so utterly alone?") ]

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thousand dreams, lotus boats upon the waters

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