undyingcourt | january tdm/event post

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january tdm/event post

JANUARY TDM - WINTER DREAMS

Welcome to the Undying Court's January Test Drive Meme! This post also functions as the January Event for existing characters, and continues the Winter Season, led by the Blue Court.

New characters may handwave or backdate the previous season's arrival prompt should they wish to, but you may otherwise assume they've been here the whole time! Additionally, all TDM threads can be taken as in-game canon if desired. And remember that apps open February 3-7, with invites opening on January 28, and reserves not long after!

Note that this post will contain: violence, enthrallment, torture, slavery, horror and potentially sexual content. Dreams come in many forms, after all.

This event also features another chance for characters to submit Regains, so make sure to submit after you've posted your top-level or reply to someone else's dream. For characters both new and old, feel free to brush up on the Premise, Vampire Powers, and head over to the FAQ/Game Info page if you have any questions!

Note that this event will be occurring throughout the month of January and into February, so characters are free to forward-date as desired!
For new characters please format your Top-level in this format: Character Name | Canon | Court | Youngblood/Novice | TDM
For existing characters please format your Top-level in this format: Character Name | Court | Youngblood/Novice
If you have any questions specific to the event, ask them in the Plotting Post Q&A section!

Top-Level Directory:

ONCE UPON A DREAM

A quiet falls over the Castle as a new day begins to break. As with every morning, this is a time when vampires must retreat to avoid the rays of the sun, pulling heavy curtains around their beds and windows to block out any light. However, this particular morning is abnormally quiet as the whole of the Castle seems to fall asleep all at once, and all together. After this enchanted sleep, and for the the next thirty days, the Castle's residents will start to experience strange phenomena within their dreams.

During this period, dreams become more vivid, so realistic it feels like the dreamer is awake. Dreamers can pass into each other's dreams without meaning to. Some of these dreams are in fact memories--either those from the lives the characters have lived in the Castle and the outlying lands, or the strange memories they've begun to gain back.

But be careful! For what starts as a regular memory might start to warp into something new. If you're lucky, it'll be something positive, like a dream of a home you've always wanted. But if you're unlucky, the memory might twist and turn into a nightmare, catching you in it and turning your worst fears against you.

Each nightfall, everyone will wake and return to normal. Or at least, most people will.

[Note: Any current characters who participate in the dream event by creating a top level or tagging someone else at least once in this prompt may be rewarded with a free impactful memory, which may be used in the dreamscape. Don't forget to submit for your Regains!]

A NIGHTMARISH CURSE

It turns out that not everyone wakes up. Those who stay in nightmares for too long may find themselves cursed, and unable to wake up. At first, the curse appears no different from regular sleep. But a few hours in the victim will start screaming uncontrollably. No touch will wake them, no amount of calling their name will break the spell. After too long, the victim will start to bleed, slowly at first, and then more and more as they remain afflicted. A victim left unattended will bleed out and die.

The Council works quickly to step in. Kashire (who is looking rather frayed this season) delivers the news that there's no need to panic, but everyone will need to do their part in locating and curing victims. In fact, the youngbloods seem to be taking this as the perfect opportunity for a teaching moment, and students are expected to try and find a cure with the skills that match their Court. Novices and youngbloods alike are encouraged to try and help lift the curse from anyone they can. (Get creative! Blood heals many wounds...) Any victims that have progressed too far will need to be seen to by Revar.

The nightmare curse, however, can spread quickly. Anyone who enters the nightmare of a victim will fall victim to the curse. Additionally, any attempt to reach out to the mind of a curse victim will also spread the curse. With the combined efforts of the students and teachers, the curse can be completely put out. But it will take time and care to ensure everyone is found in time, and cured safely.

ANYWAY, WINTER GAMES!

But a few curses aren't going to stop the Blue Court from making sure everyone has a good time. The days might be short, and weighed down by the threats of nightmares, but winter has hit Castle Courtsheart in full force, and the long nights and snow-covered grounds make for an excellent backdrop to the Inter-Court Winter Games!

There isn't really a reward for the winning house besides bragging rights and maybe a trophy that doubles as a chalice, but youngbloods and novices alike are invited to join in the festivities and compete against one another in the spirit of glory and the chance to lord over your Court's superiority. Even Council members and mature vampires of each court seem to enjoy cheering on their respective teams from the stands. Everything is fine! Forget your troubles and go play in the snow.

What kind of sports do vampires play? Feel free to get creative, but here are some examples:

Thrall-Curling: Since vampiric strength proves to be a little too much for this sport otherwise, teams of novices (or youngbloods) of the same Court can team up to gently compel their thralls to play the thrilling sport of curling. Coax that stone across the ice with care, and take out the opposing team! Or, well, the thralls will do that, assuming they're guided well. Try not to break them. (The thralls, that is.)

Figure skating: Practicing your pirouettes? For a vampire, a quadruple-axel is hardly worth breaking a sweat over. Favored for its beauty and almost seductive grace, the figure skating competition will be scored and judged by a multi-court panel. Participants might get extra points for incorporating bladework and masking into their sets, so these performances are sure to wow the judges.

Ice Hockey: Yes, the high-contact sport transcends time and space, but vampires don't need silly things like helmets or padded safety gear. Don your court's colors and hit the ice to toss the puck around and score as many points against the opposing team as you can before the time runs out. Violence is encouraged! Everyone likes to see a bit of blood on the ice this time of year. (Shadowstepping is considered cheating, but only if you get caught.)

And more! Snowball fighting may not be a sport, but there's no better time to enjoy the outdoors and stretch those growing fangs and muscles than the dead of winter. So whether you're cheering on your Court or watching from the sidelines, there's something here for everyone. Just because the castle is full of the the undead doesn't mean they can't have a little winter fun.

CLASS NOTES

Other notable happenings for the early winter season include:

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and maybe it's time to find or make gifts for that special blood claim in your life. This season blood jewelry is the hot ticket item. These are pieces made from precious metal and glass, which hold the blood of a vampire in them. Carry a lover's blood to show how much you love them, or carry your own to force down the throat of your enemies so you can influence them.

Whispers around school start to say that Black Court lost a novice this month. Not murder this time! He simply unmade himself trying to mistwalk. Eh, these things happen.

As a result of a tie in last month's pumpkin carving contest, members of the Black and Red Courts will find small packages outside their doors. They are gifted silver letter openers, with the handle inlaid with pumpkins and leaves, and a note from Revar with a little drawing of a pumpkin and their signature. How nice!

Lady Whisperfangs is quiet for now, but her time is yet to come... This month's check-in will have a field to submit gossip about your characters! Vampires do so love their drama.

Once again, characters are free to talk to the NPCs as well: Revar & Kashire. For any questions regarding this month's prompts, please comment in the Plotting Post. For general game questions, please check the FAQ/Game Info. In the meantime, remember to submit your Regains for this month's free reward, and keep an eye out for our AC Check-in next week, starting on January 25-31.

The new year has brought us plenty of thirsty vampires, so we're glad you're here to share them with you!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

We're all monsters already, Xenk.

[ He says it like "Good news! You're already fucked up!" and maybe he intends to keep going with the bit, but, suddenly, he feels a sharp stab of pain, his chest tensing, his throat constricting, and he reaches up to touch his throat, not understanding.

But only for a moment. ]

Oh, fuck. Kirk.

[ Xenk would perhaps agree, though the monsters he'd seen in his memory had been thralls of the worst kind, but that particular thought is cut off when Edgin flinches and grabs his throat. That's not normal. ]

James? What is it? Is he in danger?

[ He may not be his novice, but Xenk is deeply invested in Kirk's safety. There's undoubtedly concern in his voice. ]

Yes.

[ Edgin fights to keep the pain out of his voice, and stands. Xenk can follow him if he wants, but he's going to go find his novice. ]

[ Xenk follows without question, keeping pace with Edgin as he follows his connection to Kirk to its source. (Is he jealous of their blood claim? Obviously. It's getting complicated now because he's not sure which one he's more jealous of, but those are thoughts for another time.)

Kirk is in danger, that's all Xenk needs to know. ]

Do you believe it to be the curse?

[ The hand on his neck... it had to be. ]

It has to be.

[ He wouldn't be hurting, otherwise, Edgin is sure of it. And, really, the specifics of the pain speak to it, too. He hurries along to Kirk's room, knocking first before letting himself in. ]

Jim, it's me. And Xenk Yendar.

[ It just feels right, to say it, even if Kirk can't hear them. ]

[ Xenk follows. It should perhaps be an intrusion to enter Jim's room without his express permission, but being that Edgin is presently his maker, and the danger Kirk may be faced with at present, the rules can bend a little bit.

Inside, they find Kirk screaming. It's what they expected, naturally, but it is still hard to watch. ~~Boy, this empathy thing sucks.~~ ]

James...

[ What do they do? Xenk can't just let himself sit back and watch. He approaches Kirk's bedside. Alas, he knows that entering Kirk's dream will only make the situation worse. But still... ]

We must aid him somehow. Before the curse takes further effect.

[ Edgin walks over to the other side of his bed, reaching out to press his hand to Kirk's forehead, like that will do any good. He's warm, of course. Edgin had been doing some reading about the curse just in case, but he still felt a bit at a loss as to what a Blue Court vampire could actually do in this situation. It seemed like Silver had an edge over the rest of them. ]

Let's start by making sure he's comfortable.

[ Xenk nods. It's difficult to focus with Kirk screaming as he is, but he has worked under worse circumstances than these. Xenk, too, had been researching a curse in an attempt to aid the castle, but the Gold Court's options were severely limited, as any kind of mental connection to the afflicted only spread its effects.

He reaches down then, rearranging pillows to prop behind Kirk's head and ensure he's no danger to himself. Once he starts bleeding, they may have to hold him down to ensure he doesn't choke, but even this feels... harsh and cruel. Xenk may be overstepping, but he runs a hand through Kirk's hair in an attempt to stimulate some manner of response. It does not work, unsurprisingly. ]

I am at a loss. Could your blood aid him?

I don't...I don't know. All the cures I read about involved plants.

[ But honestly his skills do not lie in plants.

He finds that it's strange, watching Xenk touching Kirk like that. He doesn't hate it, but there is a little bit of jealousy. Like he thinks Xenk would be better at it; jealous that he's not as good. ]

But we can try.

[ He pulls a knife from a holster on his belt and draws a cut across his palm, then brings his hand over so his unnaturally blue blood can drip into Kirk's mouth. ]

[ Xenk doesn't notice Edgin's jealousy at all. Xenk himself has been guilty of jealousy, with the simple fact that Jim has made it clear that his staying in Blue Court is due to Edgin.

That Kirk wants to involve Edgin. That he considered attempting his Becoming with dual makers so as not to lose the man. Xenk's feelings towards Edgin are complicated indeed, but his superiority in this field ("emotions") is clear. Xenk will surely try his hardest to grant Kirk passage through the end of his seasons, but it remains to be seen if Kirk will not simply cut off their bond the moment he is turned.

All Xenk can do is watch and observe. Powerless. If he were to enter Kirk's mind, he'd make it worse. Unfortunately for them, simple blood doesn't seem to help, either. It makes Xenk tense, to think they might simply have no choice but to take him to the infirmary.

He clenches his fist, expression cold and impassive. ]

He does not appear to be drinking. What remains as our alternative? What can we do?

Give me a second.

[ Look, he makes plans, but not while being demanded to make them you know? Genius takes time.

Well, he wouldn't call it genius, necessarily.

But plans take time.

Edgin tries to recall what he'd read, about the plants. There had to be something they could do that would be useful. Something a blue court or a gold court member could do without crying to Revar to make a potion for them, something like... ]

A good memory. We need something that'll spark a good memory, and smell is the strongest sense for that.

[ Xenk pauses, reining in his concern. What is he doing? This boy isn't even his novice. ]

A memory. This would be fitting of the Blue Court.

[ Now the question was, what was a good memory for Kirk? Xenk has to once again defer to Edgin in this, as... he has admittedly very little knowledge of Jim's life before arriving at Courtsheart. Nothing good, if the dreams were any indication. ]

Does he have a favored food? I may be able to trigger a sensory memory in his mind without interacting with the parts of his brain that are experiencing the nightmare.

[ I mean, could he? ]

[ Edgin shakes his head quickly ]

No, food would be a bad idea.

[ All too easy for the nightmare to think about starvation. ]

I was thinking more along the lines of something we could go pick out the greenhouse.

[ Xenk nods. He'd seen the nightmare about Kirk's youth, so it makes sense that food would be out. ]

Very well. A flower of some kind? Has he expressed any interest in any particular flower?

[ Xenk really is going to have to play 20 questions with Kirk if he ever ends up taking the guy on, because he is feeling worse and worse about how much he has to rely on Edgin for this. He's realizing suddenly that he doesn't stand a chance... but it ultimately won't matter, if they can't save him. ]

Not flowers, but...

[ Ok, think Edgin ]

Pine trees. Oh, and burning cedar.

[ not that that would be practical in a novice's room but ]

Cedar and pine. I understand.

[ Finding cedar in a castle this nice can't be hard, right? Not if you're Xenk Yendar, and can get thralls working for you in droves with a single thought.

But this isn't enough. Xenk will find this personally if he must. And he'd feel useless here, so he rises easily, stepping towards the door without a moment's hesitation. ]

I will find what we need. Stay with him.

[ He thinks to tell him he could go too, but he nods. Someone has to stay here with Kirk. ]

I will.

[ He takes Kirk's hand with his own, still bleeding one, to hold. It's sentimental but so is he. ]

Come back quickly.

[ Xenk's being remarkably good, all things considered!! He knows he must save Kirk, even if that means losing him to Edgin and his human sentimentality. But his concern ultimately wins out over his frustration and obsession, which is the only thing that allows him to leave the room and search for the needed items.

Xenk is gone for only a few minutes. He returns with a -- it's overkill, of course it's overkill -- he returns with a basket of pine cones and a bucket of finely chopped cedar. ]

Will this suffice?

Yeah, that's -- that'll do it.

[ Was he crying a little while Xenk was gone? You'll never get him to admit it. Instead, he stands, letting go of Kirk's hand. And he walks over to grab one of the pine cones. ]

I guess we'll just...let him smell them?

[ Crying... can't imagine what that's like (Xenk has probably cried in all of his dreams except the one he shared with Edgin, lbr.) Still, his concern is evident in how quickly Xenk approaches and looms in closer, taking Kirk's other hand in his and gently squeezing his palm. ]

James.

[ Had the dream he'd witnessed been among pines? Xenk can't recall. But he holds out one of the pinecones as well. No point in arguing about it. Xenk has had too shitty a month to hesitate before holding it up towards Kirk's face. ]

Edited 2024-02-09 04:25 (UTC)

[His screams kick up a notch, more pained and terrified than they were just moments before, as the dream bleeds through with his agony. There was something heart wrenching about them, how they almost sound like death throes as the horror of having to die again takes hold of his heart.

And then as he fades from life in his nightmare, his eyes fly open at the smell of pine and cedar - smells that remind him of playing in the woods or sitting in front of the fire with Edgin.

He shakes and pants eyes, looking around him frantically to see...

What the hell? Pine cones in his face? Wait, wait, wait--]

Edgin? Xenk?

[ Edgin can feel those screams, that terror. But Kirk needs him and Xenk is right there and so he stays his ground and tries to be strong and brave in the face of it. With his free hand, he reaches out to take Kirk's own, holding him tight.

But, miraculously, it works. He's so happy they helped him he feels almost giddy, but that's another emotion he tried to settle down so he can just smile and Kirk and welcome him back. ]

Thought we were going to lose to the curse for a second there, Jim. Welcome back.

[ Xenk feels his heart shatter when the throes of Kirk's screams take on a greater cadence. To see the man in pain brings him pain in kind. It is strange -- like the experience in the cottage with Edgin, how empathy felt so foreign an emotion.

Yet Xenk remains stalwart, hoping upon hope that the simple act of remembrance could free James from his hellish nightmare. He is relieved by all measures when the screams finally cease and Kirk opens his eyes, a deeper blue than they've ever been, but alive.

Xenk doesn't really know what to do with his feelings, how the relief that washes through him nearly threatens to overwhelm. He takes a breath and steadies himself, pulling the pinecone back and resting his hand on Kirk's chest. For comfort. ]

You are safe. The nightmare is ended.

[He squeezes both their hands for a second, realizing they are being held by both men. Which.. was weird right? He isn't complaining but both men were not on the best of terms that he knew of. Had that changed? It makes sense why Edgin was here but why Xenk?

There's a hesitation there. Nightmare.. was it really a nightmare? It felt so real. It--

He died.

Again and again and again.]

Yeah.. nightmare. I-- I- [He starts to shake a little, from adrenaline or panic or both.]

Sorry, I'm just..That was just a lot.

[ ok the pinecone is no longer needed. Edgin tosses it over his shoulder.

He then sits on the edge of the bed (still holding his hand) so he can gently rub his shoulder with his now pineconeless hand. ]

I bet. But it's okay, now. You're awake, and whatever you had a nightmare about, it wasn't real.

[ he says this with the certainty of a Dad who has comforted a child from nightmares plenty of times before. But he does think at least some of the nightmares are real, that's what he and Xenk had been discussing. But that's speculation for another time. Right now Kirk needs someone stable. ]

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cw self-harm for healing

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