thousand dreams, lotus boats upon the waters

[promittere]

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

Comments

[leewards]

Hmm. [Behind his mask, Ithaqua squints, as if he can read her. Well, no, he cannot. People are a mystery and he can only properly note those who wear their hearts on their sleeves.]

Well, that's your prerogative. [Even if he thinks she's wrong. Such a small set of skills would do no one good unless said skills can wipe an enemy off the face of the earth in a second.]

But we are still wizards. Best keep that in mind.

[divineth]

Ah--

[Urianger doesn't try to get out of the hug, but it doesn't help his complexion any. At least Ithaqua's dressed now...

He looks down at the arms around his waist, his own slightly raised. He can't help but note how different Ithaqua's embrace feels now that he's no longer wearing his stilts.]

Well, thou art more than welcome to hold onto it for a future battle. Mayhap it shall serve thee then.

[leewards]

Then don't do it if I am in danger. [For a second, he has to silence himself because he feels a promise on the tip of his tongue.]

Someone like you should not be dying for a beast.

[And he's fully capable of rescuing himself-- but that defeats his entire point.]

[jorunna]

[ Wow! So assertive. Comet's in awe a bit. But the leave and they are thankful.

The furs are useful though for sure... in the sense that Comet takes one and buries their face in it. ]

Dislike... worshippers. Get it... Scared of... monsters... but... Attention... Mmmph.

[ That's what can be made out of the muffled voice. ]

[leewards]

I'd fully intended to, but I appreciate being given permission, heheh.

[Sorry, Urianger, but Ithaqua just wants physical contact from him right now-- and attention. He just came back from something dangerous... and while he never feared for his life, he would still like a bit of praise. In lieu of that, attention from someone dear to him will do just as fine.]

But then I would lose the opportunity to have you see me afterwards... Aa~ah, what a dilemma.

[divineth]

[It takes Urianger a moment to realize he's begun gripping Ithaqua's cloak. The regret of loss, once quelled, starts to bubble up in his throat again.

But before it can take hold, his lips begin to move.]

Then we shall stand together, as one.

[That's the conclusion he came to, after all. Just as he said in the memory.]

This so-called beast is my friend. If he is in danger, then I shall support him.

[troublereduction]

[ If he's allowed to, Day will reach over to pat Comet on the head, ruffling their hair a little. ]

Not the first time you've had worshippers?

[specialinquisitor]

Considering it's undoubtedly less than clean, I find myself no longer with that desire.

[leewards]

[Ithaqua makes a noise that sounds like a strangled laugh. "Friend", ah, what a powerful word, and yet--]

Not too much, else you put yourself in danger. [Now he lets go of Urianger's shoulders, placing his hands on his knees to support himself.]

I need you alive, Urianger.

[jorunna]

Was there something you got to fight?

[ Oh. ]

And... Why do we have a big...

[ Makes a wide motion with their arms. They'll learn it's a dragon/Robin later. ]

[leewards]

Heheh! Don't worry, just let him rest. ["Him", not "it".]

We have managed to deal with all threats, from something plaguing the Northern Country to a moon rock.

But between you and me? I do wish the fight had gone a little longer, so I could stretch my legs more.

[divineth]

[...Ithaqua, what is that supposed to mean. Urianger's head tips back slightly so he can try to peer back. It doesn't work, because he's way too tall.]

Would I not see thee regardless?

[divineth]

...

[Urianger's gaze, intense once more, does not let up.]

Then thou hadst best not make me concerned for thy safety while I am present, for as long as I have the opportunity to do so, I shall not allow thee to die either.

[jorunna]

Me and my mom. More my mom, but we looked like twins.

[ They have the same face and stature... Never mind the different hair and eye color. Comet just looked like a printing color error. ]

Mom is the most liked by the Gods. So then people go to her for favors and stuff.

[leewards]

If I were to return uninjured but others are not as fortunate, would you not have reason to approach them first?

[Because that's a person's nature, apparently, as he'd seen just minutes ago when he was swarmed at the entrance by friends and vague acquaintances alike. And Urianger's nature means he will attend to someone injured first.]

The injured always take priority, and those uninjured come later. How could I ask you to pay attention to me first?

[leewards]

[Oh Urianger, you should not have said that. What is Ithaqua to do but become more preoccupied with him? His words are almost possessive, protective, and it resonates with an instinct all beasts have.

He reaches out and takes Urianger's hand. Laces fingers together.]

I shan't promise. But take this as my answer.

[troublereduction]

[ Some things never change no matter where it happens, huh... ]

And I'm guessing you guys didn't really get much of a say 'bout takin' visitors?

[divineth]

I...would, aye.

[Ithaqua really does have his nature down to a science. And had Ithaqua not said it outright, Urianger would not at all have considered the outside perception of his actions. It's just the right thing to do.

He shifts in Ithaqua's arms, turning around so he can look down at him.]

Art thou truly so interested in mine attention?

[This is the second time he's asked a question along these lines, but it feels...different this time. Detecting jealousy from Ithaqua is making him feel a certain way.]

[specialinquisitor]

We have nothing similar. The closest we arrive at that is relying on ether channeled by Blades, our partners. That is confined to elemental effects, without the versatility shown here.

[leewards]

[Now Urianger will be able to see Ithaqua's expression. There is no chharacteristic smile on his face, but perhaps it's... a little pensive? Earnest, but pensive.]

Yes. [He doesn't hesitate either.]

Is that so strange, knowing I would like to monopolize you?

[divineth]

[Ithaqua takes his hand, and Urianger softens almost immediately. He lets out a gentle sigh as his fingers curl into Ithaqua's.]

Thine answer speaketh more than enough. I thank thee, Ithaqua.

[A sudden gust serves to remind Urianger that they are back in the forest.]

...What sayest thou to ending our exploration for the time being? I know not how much more taxing this may become on our magick.

[Given the emotional wringer they just went through.]

[leewards]

[It drains more of Urianger's magic, doesn't it? Given Ithaqua doesn't need to cast anything for warmth, only protection (which showed it was all useless anyway), he's not expending as much as Urianger is... but the moment he realizes that, he tugs on their joined hands.]

Back to the manor it is. If you're to warm up, best do it there, and not the City of Ice.

[divineth]

[Hm. He feels the heat building in his face again.]

"Strange" is not the world I would use. To speak plain, I know not what word I would use. Mine extensive vocabulary doth fail me when I must express mine emotions.

[Try as he might to rectify it, he's only good at being poetic when it's not about himself.

Maybe describing his physical reaction would be enough?]

I feel...warm. My heart hath been besieged by a vicegrip. My bosom, light and shuddering.

[His bashful gaze drifts away from Ithaqua.]

On second thought, perhaps I would use "strange" after all. Merely...without a negative connotation.

[leewards]

[Don't look away! Not with the effort he took to turn around to face Ithaqua. He raises his hands to gingerly coax Urianger to turn his way again.]

Your words are my favourite part of you, but seeing you struggle so... Heheh. I'm pleased to have tied your tongue.

Shall I guide you? [He's getting brave now-- Urianger's just confirmed that he doesn't fee so differently from Ithaqua, and this spurs him on.] Do you mind if I am possessive over you?

[jorunna]

... I like you. That is the plan, so long as Comet's mother knows the consequences, as one who will lose her immortality with them. She was my dear friend.

[ Comet nods. They pull out something from their sleeve to toss into the water. It's a tied bundle of long, beautiful white hair. They are then slurped up like noodles... Guess who was the intended sacrifice? ]

From Mom. If they all eventually lose their magic... Then I can't get imprisoned like her for running away...

[ They say that with a little hope. ]