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

[troublereduction]

[ It does, because at this point Day is used to quietly doing things in the background, often by himself. If a problem is resolved with no one to wiser to it, then he's doing his job right. ]

...Well, you're right. Biggest reason why I'm even entertainin' this idea.

[fallingsand]

You sure? I get a little nervous around crowds still, so I wouldn't mind the company.

[ Shopping had been easier when Tatara took him out, back when they were looking for furniture, but that had been early in the morning. How much worse would it be later in the day? In the evening? Or do they come back in the morning again? That's something they can figure out another time, though. ]

Hmm...

[ Bruno pauses in his own fanning a moment to try and understand what Jing Yuan suspects. They sure do use a lot of machinery that Bruno could never imagine on his own. The most complicated technology in his valley was the camera, and even that was a very, very old-fashioned variety. Ah, but once he wraps up thinking it over, he moves his fan to one side of his mouth to hide his face from that side before whispering, ]

Jing, I don't know what a holograph is.

[ He may have made that toucan out of light back at the beach but he doesn't realize there's a name for that. ]

[fallingsand]

[ Around the other side of the big stone hand, Syrlya will, yes, find a child. A guess could put the little boy around eight or nine and from that curly mop of black hair and his choice to wear a similar amount of green clothing as his adult self, it wouldn't be difficult to realize this is still Bruno.

Just not the one that Syrlya was with a moment ago.

There's no reaction to him from the child, however. It would appear he's talking to several of the rats that have gathered by him, perhaps trying to offer some comfort. Apparently, he's always been friends with the rats back home. ]

Why did it have to be that? They wanted to... to hear he pulls through... b-but... I... I've never seen someone d-die before... h-how do I... do I even tell them?

[ He sobs through the words, constantly wiping tears from his eyes and face as he cries to his little rodent audience. ]

continued cw for suicidal disc

[foresightis2020]

[ ...Just like that, it's all gone. It's funny, how jarring that is, like how it first fully emerged, but it is also simultaneously a relief. The image of that young white-haired male holding Shinjiro as he lays there, bleeding, is forever ingrained in his mind. But when he blinks, he still sees the young man standing there before him...alive.

Safe.

But, there is darkness enshrined in that heart of his. Those eyes steeped in a doubtless deluge of sorrow and regret.

He says he does not know. Jing Yuan thinks Shinji understands it full well enough, but his heart wavers all the same in his answer. For a moment, his gaze is gentle; not filled with pity, but a brief understanding, of a desire to not wish to speak an answer straightforwardly when there is deep turmoil in one's heart.

So, in the face of everything, Jing Yuan makes a declaration from his heart, no matter what he has been witness to. ]

...I am glad that it wasn't final.

That you are still here. That we have had the opportunity to meet. That what happened ended up not going as it 'was supposed to be' in ensuring your existence had truly came to an end at that time.

[ Jing Yuan speaks those words, even if Shinjiro feels pain in living.

But, he deserves a second chance. He deserves to live. To face what it means to keep walking forward. And as bold as it is, he thinks he deserves to grasp happiness in those hands of his, and never let it go, no matter how difficult or hardly deserving the idea may seem to him.

So he steps forward again. ]

I know they would have wished for you to have had a second chance.

As daunting as it is, I believe that there is still an opportunity for you to grasp it. And that you should, with all your might — even amidst the uncertainty, even with all of those regrets. Even with all of that has come to pass.

You must also understand...this isn't like before. You do not have to face it all alone. Not anymore.

If you believe otherwise at this time, I will not be surprised; altering one's path is not easy, and you will carry those regrets for far longer than you ever imagined, perhaps.

Still, I will do everything in my power to convince you to at least take that first step. To reach for that new future, uncertain as it is.

And beyond what has been shown in that vision. So, how about it?

[ Jing Yuan will reach a hand out to Shinjiro. ]

[fallingsand]

Oh, well, I, um. [ Can he evade this compliment? Can he?! No, no he cannot, and so: ] Yeah. You're... you're welcome.

[ It's a miracle. He accepted a compliment outright. Finally, finally! ]

[fallingsand]

I... am, in some ways.

[ But not all. ]

There are a whole lot of "what ifs", though. The rest of you are going to go home when given the chance. I realize that much. I may not get on well with the real wizards who belong at the manor or in the South. I. I might regret staying.

[ But won't he regret going, too? ]

On the other hand, I can't just leave Mirabel to deal with this alone. She. When she tracked me down and we thought we found a way to fix this, she was so excited. She said she wanted me to come home for good once everything was settled and... and I wouldn't have to be alone anymore... She wasn't afraid of me, not in any way, though all she ever knew about me growing up was the scary stuff.

[annihilator]

[Watching the mana stone sail through her head gets a snort from Malice that's dangerously close to a laugh. He allows Comet to lead him away with a lopsided grin, because it's kind of hard to be mad when your companion tosses a stone through your enemy, ruining her perfect appearance for even just a moment.

Unfortunately for them both, the scene isn't quite done playing out.

"I wanna stay with you." The other Malice says and continued in a rushed tone, "The rebels. I know where they're hidin'. That'll prove my loyalty, yeah? I'll give you all I know 'bout 'em."

If Comet turns back, they may notice that the woman is smiling now. It's still a subdued expression, and one that's still just as cold as everything else about her. "I would appreciate that greatly. From now on, you are Helichrysum of Annihilation Eclipse."

The phantom Malice nods eagerly and remains still as the woman steps forward. "Thank you," She says, still with that cold smile even as she reaches up to place a hand on Malice's shoulder, "my son."

The real Malice doesn't turn back. He already knows how this scene plays out, and he's powerless to stop it. Though his expression has darkened again, it's probably obvious why. He sold out the rebels - the people he was close to - for acceptance by this woman. If he hadn't...

Well, there's no point in thinking about it, he supposes.]

[mirristry]

In the end, the rest of you were the ones who did most of the work...

[It's a weak excuse and he knows it.]

[lustro]

… It’s pretty rude, you know? To treat me like I’m stupid when I was there to see all that you did.

[mirristry]

[At that, Phil sighs, worrying his lower lip between his teeth.]

My magic here isn't anywhere near as powerful as it would be back at home. Even when I give it my best, it feels like I'm barely accomplishing anything in comparison.

I... should be able to do so much more than just casting a spell and hoping that it works properly.

[shadowkin]

[Come to think of it he peeked in here a while back but maybe the bats are friendlier now???]

[shadowkin]

Why does this forest feel even more ominous than usual...?

[That's a feat, y'all. Should he really step into the--

Y'know what, whatever, what's the worst that could happen. Fae have never done anything bad, ever, in their entire lives.

It's not like he ever does anything other than make dubious choices to go on midnight strolls. ☆]

[jorunna]

[ They can't do much, they understand that. So they can do what they think is best in trying to lead Malice away. Oh, and throwing a rock at the vampire lady. The response from Malice to that is all they need to know it's not a useless act.

They can't help though, as they give a glance back at that moment. They see that smile, and this scene... chills them to the bone.

But they don't let go of Malice. They look at his face. They can figure this out. They're a little oblivious to things outside of what's immediate or urgent to them, but this is immediate. And relevant, now that they think about it... But, what matters is Malice right now. ]

You... look like you regret that choice you made.

[ A face of sympathy, eyes closed. ]

[lustro]

[ Ah, he knows this. ]

I don’t think any of us are the same as back home. Maybe you’re like me and it’s your insecurities stopping you.

[mirristry]

Insecurities...

[Phil considers this for a moment. His own self-doubt in his abilities here versus his mirristry?

It's possible, he supposes.]

... perhaps I'm expecting too much of myself. [A quiet, tired laugh.] It certainly wouldn't be the first time.

[annihilator]

[The figures in the background fade out, and all is still and silent.

Comet doesn't ask for an explanation. They don't dismiss it either, and they guess correctly. There isn't any hesitation when Malice replies.]

'Course I do. They were warmin' up to me, an' Cody... he accepted me. That place was startin' to feel like home.

[But then...]

I chose to sell 'em out. For a number of reasons, but those reasons ain't important now. Most of the rebels died not long after that conversation - Rosalie went after 'em an' crushed 'em all. Cody was killed. So many of the others were killed. An' that's somethin' I have to live with, 'cause I made a shitty decision an' got 'em killed.

[It was harder to admit all of this at the start of his time here, but the words leave him in a rush now. An explanation, sure, but his expression spells grief. If he could take it back, he would. If he could undo the damage he's dealt, he would. But the world doesn't work like that, so all he can do is try to be better going forward.]

[promittere]

[ Petals of green and blue circle and dance around Yodarha as he steps in, the warmth of the late spring breeze rejoicing in his presence.

Soon, there is nothing in this world besides him, the breeze, and the vortex of flowers that whirl around him. Petals flutter from the swirl, breaking free, and before his very eyes they take the shape of a person.

The form the petals take is that of a humanoid with shoulder-length hair, their stance exuding a casual cheerfulness. Though there is no one else but Yodarha, he may get the sense that this person is leaned in to lively discussion, friendly and approachable.

And just as soon as the vision begins, it fades away. Yodarha now stands where he was before. ]

[foresightis2020]

I suppose I shall.

Either way, you will find no disagreement here with me; there is only so much privacy violations we should be enduring.

The sooner we leave, the better.

[ Time to make like a banana and split, Khun...at least the walk back won't be too difficult, eh?

There just might be a need for a drink or two after this (though it's going to be hard getting one so far out in North Country, probably.) ]

[promittere]

[ Petals of black and... somehow, even more black circle and dance around Cid as he steps in, the warmth of the late spring breeze rejoicing in his presence.

Soon, there is nothing in this world besides him, the breeze, and the vortex of flowers that whirl around him. Petals flutter from the swirl, breaking free, and before his very eyes they take the shape of not one, but two people.

Though both are taller than him, one is significantly so. The shorter of the two hunches meekly, head downcast with unseen burdens, while the other stands tall at full height, gaze up towards the heavens and whatever future may await them.

And just as soon as the vision begins, it fades away. Cid now stands where he was before. ]

[foresightis2020]

...Ah, so she is the person who you were speaking about before.

[ When Jing Yuan was trying to figure out if Ahito had any allies against said organization... ]

[shadowkin]

Hwah...??

[It's not quite a reflexive reaction, but the sudden double pop-up does actually catch Cid off-guard; he just tends to put affectations into almost all his reactions in this form, so it comes out kind of half-assed before he starts actually contemplating the apparitions.

TWO............ He was already kind of dubious with the one?? Hello??? Why two.

He's still not too sure how to begin looking but it's fine....]

[lustro]

It’s not that you expected too much of yourself. You just didn’t believe in all you could do.

[ Now if Ginger could listen to his own words… ]

[troublereduction]

[ Day, sipping his metaphorical tea while he listens to this: Hm,

He is reminded of a saying in the division: Sometimes, serenity is being rid of a hated foe.

...And he supposes that's what this is, sort of. ]

I guess lookin' so pleased with yourself is pretty earned, then.

[foresightis2020]

I'm sure. Crowds aren't fun to be around, but if you have a familiar face with you, that tends to make them far more easier to navigate.

[ Jing Yuan is also not a fan of being around too many people. Case in point with her current attendance in this party being hardly all the fun except for talking to a familiar face right now (Bruno) ]

Oh? You do not? Hrm...

[ She will just kind of whisper right back with: ]

Think of it as something comparable to the toucan you constructed. Except instead of using magic, it is from a machine made with a particular type of technology. There are quite a variety of usages for such things.

[leewards]

But of course. [Perhaps a little more than "pleased with himself".

He looks like an adrenaline junkie who has finally gotten the challenge he craved. Except all he did was kill, and not sweat for much else.]

Is it not natural to feel accomplished after a kill? [Perhaps for monsters, it is.]