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

[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?

[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?

[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.]

[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]

[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?

[divineth]

[He doesn't fight it, but it's taking a lot of bravery on his end to maintain his gaze once Ithaqua redirects it.]

...I do not. [Then, with a little more certainty:] I do not mind. I daresay I like that thou art.

[leewards]

[The smile on Ithaqua's face grows wider.]

Would you say it's mutual? Or some more rational, human-like variation thereof?

[divineth]

[The way Ithaqua phrases that makes Urianger laugh. He feels a little lighter for it.]

Humans are more than capable of being possessive as well. While I desire for thou to have the freedom thou dost deserve, I...admit to a secondary desire. The desire to lay claim to thee in some manner.

[He can scarcely believe such words are coming from his own lips, but he knows they're sincere. He's done with lying, to himself or otherwise.]

[leewards]

[Well, that's certainly quite a primal desire Urianger is declaring, isn't it? It's far, far more than Ithaqua had imagined... but not unwelcome. In fact, it's probably the most attractive thing he's ever heard from this eloquent, artistic man in all their time together.]

Then you should-- and perhaps you should do it soon, lest I beat you to the punch and leave a bite the way a dog would.

[And then he bares his teeth, showing fangs. Oh, he can bite indeed.]

1/2

[divineth]

[If Ithaqua liked how he twisted Urianger's tongue earlier, the stammering he quickly descends into now is on another level.]

I- I spoke metaphorically, I did not mean that in a- In a physical manner...!

[Hello?? Down, Ithaqua?! Not that Urianger's afraid or anything, just...he feels like this situation has quickly spiraled out of control. He needs to reach within himself and find his words. Quickly.]

[divineth]

[He takes a deep breath to gather himself, swallows, then puts his hands on Ithaqua's shoulders.]

Ithaqua, I desire to court thee.

[leewards]

Aa~ah, no fun. [Trust Urianger to stay as rational as possible despite such confessions...!

But Ithaqua can't stay too mad. Not with that earnest desire. He moves his hands around to claps around Urianger's neck.]

Well? You've permission to do so-- I want you to. But, please, don't be too rigid. [This is Ithaqua's first relationship, but he's no stranger to silly little books, pieces of escapism that describe romance as a fun little romp as they live happily ever after. Perhaps ever after is impossible for them... But that doesn't mean they shouldn't have their fun.] I invite even the physical things, heheh.

Otherwise, I shall be taking matters into my own hands.

[divineth]

[The sigh that escapes Urianger is both relieved and suffering.]

While I am elated to have been granted thy permission, I refuse to bite thee.

[Hydaelyn help him, he's so embarrassed and it's only going to get worse as he reflects on this moment later. He won't regret it, though. He really is happy... He never thought romance would actually be a factor in his life.

But enough reeling for now. He owes his newfound partner something, even if he's currently too rigid to leave marks.

He leans forward to close the distance between the two of them, hands descending to rest on Ithaqua's waist.]

Wilt thou accept a kiss?

[leewards]

Heheh.

[If this is what creating a relationship with someone feels like, he wants to find a way to bottle it and carry it with him forever. It feels good, after stewing in near-obsessive thoughts ocer Urianger for so long.]

Yes, I will. [He even raises himself up, standing on his toes, just so Urianger won't strain himself too much.]

[divineth]

...

[Despite being so cavalier about the kiss offering, Urianger finds himself locking up with nerves now that Ithaqua has actually agreed to it. What if he turns out to be terrible at kissing? He doesn't want it to be a bad first kiss.

But then an epiphany hits him. He just needs to reference his vast literary knowledge- to seek out all of those romantic scenes fit for a fairytale. So that's what he does.

He releases one hand in order to bring it up to Ithaqua's cheek. Slowly, tenderly, that hand runs downward to his partner's jawline. Further still, to tip his chin upward. Only then does Urianger close the remaining distance between the two of them to place that fated kiss upon Ithaqua's lips. It's chaste, but incredibly gentle and romantic all the same.]

[leewards]

[Oh... He didn't expect to be petted as part of this experience, but Urianger's hands lull him into closing his eyes, basking in the gentle touches until Urianger actually kisses him.

(It does feel good but makes him want to sleep... Except he wants to stay awake and enjoy everything they can do in this small room.)

His arms tighten around Urianger's shoulders as he response, leaning in for something a little more firm. Just for a brief moment, before he withdraws and opens his eyes, gazing up at his elf with a slightly dazed look in his eyes.]

... That was pleasant.

[divineth]

[The returned kiss makes Urianger's heart do a little flip in his chest. It's more than enough confirmation that he must have been doing something right. More than just something, apparently. Ithaqua looks like he's been metaphorically swept off his feet.

Carefully running a hand through Ithaqua's hair, Urianger smiles down at him.]

And there shall be many more from whence it came, all for thee.

[leewards]

[Urianger's almost-promise reignites Ithaqua's possessiveness, pulling him out of his daze, and he cups the back of his lover's neck.]

I expect nothing less. [As a first kiss, that was quite nice, even if it was soft-- likely because they're running high on emotions.

As high as Ithaqua is on fumes. But they don't need to worry about that. (maybe)]

And what I have to give shall be yours. I don't intend to simply keep taking, after all. [Then he takes Urianger's hand to lead him to the bed. Wholly innocent intentions, really. They're likely not ready for that yet.]

[divineth]

[For someone to give themself over to him in this way...it's almost flooring for Urianger. Is he capable of taking care of such a precious gift? While he does not yet know the answer, he has every intention of giving his all in return.

He allows himself to be led along, though the action in itself gives him a lump in his throat. He wouldn't have thought twice about this before, but context changes things. He's just a little anxious because everything is so new now, it's fine.]

I... I look forward to thine offerings. I expect I shan't be disappointed.

[leewards]

Are you nervous? Heheh! Worry not, I'm not about to jump atop you, or coerce you into ravishing me. [Where did he learn such language? From books, of course!

Ithaqua climbs into bed, getting himself comfortable on the far end, and pats the space next to him.]

I just believe that we should make ourselves comfortable as we talk about... whatever we want. My little excursion, myself, yourself, what you want to do with me, what I want to do with you. Anything.

[divineth]

[Urianger makes some sort of strangled noise before averting his gaze for a second. Probably because his face is heating up all over again.]

Nay, I extrapolated nothing of the sort--

[Their courtship has only just begun! There are steps to be taken! He's sure Ithaqua knows this much.

A-Anyway, he does settle himself on the bed after removing his shoes.]

'Tis a broad array of subjects, I scarcely know where to begin. [Fortunately he does come to a good starting point.] We ought to discuss our needs and wants from this new relationship of ours. Dost thou agree?

[Like...what this is going to mean for them in the future, too. Beyond their mission.]

[leewards]

[On the contrary, Ithaqua is fairly sure that Urianger was thinking indecent thoughts... And honestly? Ithaqua would not have said no. But he supposes it's too early for them to do that.

He'd bring it up eventually, though.]

Mm, yes. [Ithaqua nestles himself against Urianger, placing his cheek on his new lover's shoulder.] Your affection and attention, that is what I want-- but you knew that already.

Truthfully, you are my first.

[divineth]

[Apologies to Ithaqua but Urianger is not thinking indecent thoughts just yet. His is, at his core, pretty pure like that.

As Ithaqua gets comfortable, Urianger brings his arm on that side up to hold and support him. He lets himself relax and sink into the bedding, still a little nervous but content. This feels nice. It feels right. Thus, his heartbeat slows into a steady rhythm.]

And thou art mine. Never have I had the opportunity to pursue romance. [That, or any opportunities he did have were squandered by indecision.] Granted...for all of mine experience with prophecy, I know not what our future holdeth. We are of two worlds, and our objective a perilous one. But I would not have asked for this courtship if I were concerned about navigating such obstacles.

[He tips his head so he can smile down at Ithaqua.]

I seek to deepen this connection of ours- this happiness we have cultivated. I seek to know all of thee- the brightest lights and the deepest shadows. I shall bring all that I have to bear in return, and I shall fight for this budding love so that it may have the opportunity to bloom.

[leewards]

[With Urianger making Ithaqua comfortable, Ithaqua in turn takes his hand in between both of his, holding onto it as if his life depended on it. His bravado is slipping away, because he recognizes the gravity in Urianger's words, and he would like to meet that halfway. He bloody loves this man after all, and he wants to show that.]

Then ask your questions of me. [He starts to feel tired now, but resists sleep and rubs his face on Urianger's shoulder to disguise it as affection. Not that there's no affection in the gesture.]

As you said, knowing each other is key to our life together as lovers. I've much to hide, but with you? I willingly unmask myself, literally, metaphorically.