undyingcourt | january tdm/event post

Entry tags:

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!

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Kashire will be available throughout the month both in the castle and grounds, watching the games, etc. Please specify where you'd like to interact with him! ]

[ Revar will be available throughout the month both in the castle and grounds, helping with curing curses, watching the games, etc. Please specify where you'd like to interact with them! ]

Edited 2024-01-20 17:46 (UTC)

1. Fluffy pink dreams

[Bright sunlight - a sight many Youngbloods hadn't seen in decades, and novices for months. The sunny day was accompanied by a cool, spring breeze and colorful flowers swaying in the breeze. Nearby is a small cottage, loud and ruckous as over a dozen children from just after toddlerhood to late teen runs around, disturbing chickens. Watching from a tree and desperately trying to cover his ears is the youngblood clad in rustic clothes. A heavy-set woman comes out, yelling several names for dinner]

2. A little blood will cure

[The petite man sighs, placing his hands on his hips as he looks over the novices. He comes back from specimen gathering, and there's trouble. He picks up a tattered haversack that smelled strongly of herbs, slinging it over his shoulders.]

We'll be tending to the ones who are not waking up, if your maker is assisting, stick with them - otherwise follow me and watch, I'll show you how to treat this.

[a beat]

Oh. I know you're curious, but please don't try to read their minds. It's a very bad idea, you'll fall victim and it'll very embarrassing for everyone. [Sven says the last as if that's the most important thing to consider.]

3. Skating time is here.
[He isn't competing, but the Youngblood is gliding across the ice with practiced ease, if he notices someone stumbling he moves in to help right them, or help them fall into the snow bank instead of on the ice before going to skate off without a word.

If anyone skates along with him, he doesn't speak but a faint grin appears and he quickens, silently inviting them to race him]

Wildcard?
((ooc: throw anything up, or contact me at

RShini to plot))

Edited 2024-01-21 05:22 (UTC)

Once Upon A Dream
((content: gore, cannibalism is opt-in))

You know who’s having a lovely dream? This guy! It takes place in a dark, shrouded forest, which would be very safe to walk in even if it were not the dead of night. The crazed howls of interesting beasts, the scent of fresh grass and fresh blood, it’s a marvelously stimulating experience. as if something had been hunted and killed after a good chase.

Laios is in the form of a great white wolf, which is recognizable as his animal form to those who are aware of him. There are other, even more fantastical animals around. Deer with twisting, thorny antlers that move and flex. Wolves with the heads of rabbits and rabbits with the heads of wolves. Unusually sized mushrooms running along on lil’ mushroom feet. He salivates. He hasn’t tasted anything that wasn’t primarily blood in so long.

Winter Games

Sports are all well and good, Laios likes going out on the ice and snapping legs in half as much as the next guy! But he has this project he’s become absorbed in and has been spending so much free time on it. He’s even missed a few classes, which is bad for a student and worse for a teacher, which he is. You hired him, Revar. This is on you. What he is doing is making an elaborate snow fort on the lawn, brick by brick. Maybe he’s almost done, though?

“You know, I’ve never seen a snow fort with a second floor. I wonder why nobody’s tried it before.”

Nope. Oh, now he's making a very detailed gargoyle.

Classes!
((content: snakes))

Keeping the exact structure vague because otherwise I’d need four sub prompts on this one, but it is a certainty that a class Laios teaches will involve animal handling at some point, and this month he has a seasonal treat!

“Snakes get energy from their environment, so they won’t move around in cold months like this. So even novices can handle them safely!”

He cheerfully flips open a basket, which contains what could be a pile of reddish rope, if one were optimistic.

“This is a scarlet diamond viper! The venom has a lot of interesting effects on blood itself, and causes short-term paralysis in even mature vampires! Depending on the dose, even a full grown cow can bleed internally until it dies! Novices are somewhere in between, I guess…”

Laios has a bright and completely sincere big ol grin plastered on his face. He thinks snakes are cool, everyone else probably does too, right? He raises the subject up with a firm grip behind her diamond-shaped head.

“Who wants to milk her? Don't be shy!“

Edited (oops top line) 2024-01-20 20:22 (UTC)

He couldn't help but snicker as a fe other people in class shy away, though he can't blame them, venomous vipers aren't something to mess with. But it's a pretty serpent.

"So what's the purpose of... 'milking' a snake?" Aside from the obvious of getting venom for nefarious purposes later.

It's very floppy and lethargic right now. There's a subtle yellow and black pattern going down the spine.

"It's all for the venom. Snakes use it in the wild to incapacitate or kill prey, or for self defense, but as thinking creatures, we can refine it and use it for other things. Like antivenom. Here, hold her right behind the head like this. Nice firm grip, not too tight or she'll wriggle. Keep your arm steady, like a tree branch."

Speaking up means you get to hold the snake, as a treat! Laios wishes he was also a student again so he could take his own class. Maybe once someone invents time travel.

Antivenom? He stands up, as he approaches - being quite gentle as he takes a firm hand to the viper. Harlock admired the subtle pattern down it's back.

"Huh, for some reason I thought snakes might be slimy, but she isn't..."

[ Similar in volunteering to help with the medical care of the thralls after Sol, at least in the early portion, she was joining where some of the affected people were kept. For the moment, tracking and monitoring the pulse of one of the ones who was found recently, to compare to one who's bleeding issue was being worked on.

After all, she wasn't exactly in a place to try to do more than help with monitoring and administering whatever she could right now. There were some curious thoughts stirring in her mind, but they were still kept quiet. ~~Hopefully she thinks to voice them before the days she catches the curse as well.~~ Students were being encouraged to figure out ways to solve it, but Eden felt more secure doing so around someone more experienced. ]

It's like they're both caught in a high anxiety state. There's something more arrhythmic about the one bleeding, but that tracks it being a more severe state... Has saliva helped with any part of their state? Maybe even slowing this bleeding issue?

[ Though if the fix was to feed them blood, it would have to come from someone else. Probably best to be a full vampire anyway, than a novice... Plus she promised not to give her blood away so easily. ]

The anxiety will be from the dreams.

[ They're mixing together plants, their voice a little more tight than usual, present where it normally feels a bit more ethereal. ]

I worry about the time spent treating symptoms instead of causes. I suspect there are many more to find.

This is some good snake-handling and appreciation. It's moments like these that really make Laios feel good about teaching instead of holing up in an isolated cabin with a bunch of test subjects. Sharing knowledge with others is the way to go!

"Slimy? Frogs have a slime coating, because they're so delicate. But snakes have built-in armor to protect them. They're both cold-blooded ambush predators, though! I've heard they taste the same, but as a full vampire, I can't confirm that for certain."

He has his theories on what this particular breed of snake might taste like but if he starts on that topic it will make him melancholy.

There are; I've had to direct more to rooms I passed on the way here. Each day it's spreading faster.

[ Like a horrible infection, not unlike the plagues she was told about. One of the villages had something bad, but not to those levels. There were a lot of cases where they just had to fight the symptoms long enough for it to run through it's course in someone's body. Running a finger along the center of the forehead and down the back of the skull, she could feel the extra tension building. ]

I want to at least buy us enough time to get down to those causes, though. Even better if it gives us a clue to the latter.

[ Maybe if she... Shaking the thoughts away, they got up to fetch a couple small glass slides and something to collect the blood coming out. Maybe there was some hint of the source bleeding through with their own blood. A bit of light going through, some magnification for a closer look, if it's something subtle. ]

Has anything like this happened before?

I. DREAM A LITTLE DREAM OF ME (A&B)

cw: violence, enthrallment

[ Wyll hasn't been at Courtsheart for very long. Still in his first season, he's not quite used to the idea of eventually becoming a vampire. It's bad enough that he was still getting used to this strange land before he'd been surreptitiously taken into their midsts but. Well.

A dream is a far more pleasant place to be, for Wyll.

Or it would be, were he dreaming of his home. Alas, his mind sees fit to bring him to a memory. One tinged by the distant roar of fire and the nearer smell of ash. And the beautiful, terrible, melodorous voice of the vampire he'd failed to kill. ]

Dear, you really must speak up. Do you want to save this miserable little village or not?

[ The voice belonged to her, the vampire who had started this entire thing. The vampire who had stepped out of a gilded carriage with eyes as gold as the finest sacristy, and what felt like a razor-sharp smile. It was a Finding, or so the locals had tried to explain. Wyll did not understand. What manner of creature could bring an entire town to its knees?

He'd been a fool, he knows now. He bore the gashes along his face and the shaking of his ribs, every labored breath a testament to his foolishness. The town burned, and the children he'd helped save had only one place to hide -- the church he and his fellows had helped build.

They would be next, he knew. For Wyll may not have known vampires, but he knew evil. And evil savored its kills, it fed on suffering and avarice and evil was present before him now, offering him a smile so smug -- the canary was caught, now it was the cat's turn to play with its food.

Wyll swallows. He knows the words he's about to speak are where he erred, but he cannot stop himself from speaking them. ]

You swear you won't hurt them? You swear you'll leave this place?

[ The vampire croons, an almost alluring, teasing lilt to her voice that matched neither the bloodied claws that were her hands, nor the almost pearlescent hue of her skin. She gestures as she speaks, casual grace even as the raging smoke and fire that surrounds them makes her appear more as a devil than anything else. ]

I swear, on my honor as a vampire, that I will leave the villagers be. [ She extends a hand almost daintily, like she expects a kiss rather than a handshake. ] In exchange, you'll come with me, Foundling. Deal?

[ Wyll tries against all his best instincts to stop himself. This time it would be different. This time he'd run her through. It's a dream, after all, he can do things differently, can't he? Maybe. Maybe not. ]

[ A. Pleasant Dream Against all odds, Wyll draws his sword and strikes true. His sword finds itself lodged in her chest, dripping a faint trail of liquid gold down the wound, and lower still as the cut of her dress goes beyond where Wyll would allow himself to look. ]

What? No, I... [ He laughs, almost desperate. This can't be real? The vampire curls in on herself, falling to the ground. ] That's... Is that all?

[ Is that all? ]

[ B. Nightmare Memory Dream or not, this is a memory. And in the memory, Wyll did not stab the vampire. In the memory, Wyll takes her hand. He nods, muttering a quick "Deal," before their 'bargain' is struck.

He then finds his voice bound, his limbs moving of their own accord. She smiles, approaching him, turning his head towards the destruction that remains. He cannot scream, suddenly, as the vampire turns around and does the same to the rest of his friends. "The villagers," she'd said. Of course. His fellow preists and friars were not villagers.

The village continues to burn, but now it is his former friends who are attacking it. Compelled, as he is. As he'd been. Wyll cannot speak, cannot shake or scream or cry as the vampire twirls her wrist and one of the men stabs the other. A scream rings out -- but not his. He remains mute.

This isn't even a cursed nightmare. This is just a memory! ]

II. ANYWAY... SPORTS!

[ Wyll has not been enthused about most of the events the school has put on so far, but sports are actually kind of... nice? Almost normal? He steers clear of anything related to enthrallment, but even he can admire the work that goes into the figure skating competition, if he just forgets that the participants are mostly vampires.

Why, he might even smile. ]

We should have more things like this. Shame it took a bloody curse to get them to do something that was just fun for the fun of it.

[ That's not right, ackshully, the Winter Games are a time-honored tradition but Wyll doesn't know that, does he! ]

III. SNOW DAY

[ There's really no point in being too dour. The mood in the castle is tense enough with the nightmare curse afflicting people, and Wyll's never been one to wallow. Thus you will find Wyll out on the grounds. His one good eye just barely has a hint of red in it, so he's bundled up to his nose in a scarf.

You'll find him shaping what seems to be... a rather large stack of snowballs. His smile is warm and inviting, kind and true. ]

Would you like to try a match? [ He motions to the stack. ] I'll let you take this bunch, I've got another just past there.

[ That's Wyll!! Feel free to wildcard me or plot with Wyll on the EMP! ]

[ Eden won't find much of anything aside from what she was told--they're literally screaming themselves to death, drawing up more blood with every scream. ]

Curses and magical ailments are not undheard of.

[ The drop the mixture they'd been working on into a little glass cup sitting over a small fire and then add a silver solution to it. ]

But I couldn't tell you how long it's been since we last had one here. At least 100 years.

[It's so strange to him to see everyone here acting so... normal about things despite the whole being or becoming vampires thing. That with the curses going around that they would still be going about all of this. But, luckily, Enrico's mostly pushing it to the back of his mind as he buries his face more into his scarf with a soft huff of breath. It was already cold but the fact they have to exist in the dark cuts more to the bone than the day would.]

You should know better than to expect for them to do anything that makes sense. [He starts, voice somewhat muffled from his scarf, but it's of no surprise that he's being a little more dour about the situation than Wyll seems to be.] It almost feels as if this is a signal that perhaps they're doing things wrong, but that's foolish talk, evidently.

[ Confirming that their best idea for buying time was to paralyze the vocal chords. Which, there's been plenty ways to accomplish and she's guessing that's what Revar is putting together (along with something to mend the bloody area,) but it doesn't stop the source. ]

There's a few of us wondering if this was all an aimed sabotage, given what happened at the bonfire to so many of us.

[ Not that any of them liked the implication of a group that could affect so many, despite how long they've been vampires. It was a thought left unspoken, but loud enough to be picked up, as Eden started looking through the supplies. May as well see if such a set of needles actually exist, or if she just made up something elaborate in her head. ]

Did the last time also spread like some infection?

[The man's eyes - a warm brown with flecks of an intense teal seems to light up, his lips curling into an easy smirk as he closes up the top buttons of his fur-lined coat]

It's been a while, but fair warning, I do have good aim.

[Harlock cautions with a warm confidence to his voice as he picks up a snowball, noting how well-formed it is. Even something simple like this... it's nice, no vampire bullshit, just a bunch of snow.]

[ If it weren't for the singular good eye, Eden would've thought that she was seeing a doppelganger or something. How long had it been since she'd seen the foreigner stopping by, trying to stock up on medicine? It felt like an entire lifetime already, even if it's only been a couple of years when he stayed in the area briefly. What was his name, though?

Not that she was all that recognizable now; healthier and more like an adult, in a fur-lined cloak that was of finer quality than the thread-bare and homemade things back in the Crimson Forest. ]

We've met...

[ Not exactly the response to an offer of a match, but it wasn't as if she'd know what the pile of snowballs was for, either. All she knew was working and helping her grandmother before now, after all. ]

I remember you talking about the Blade a lot, right?

i. once upon a dream, pt i

For a couple of days now, Satoru has had the same dream. It starts simple; in a strange, underground place that in the dream he knows is called a train station, lined with white tiles and dark ceilings. It's packed with people, shoulder to shoulder, standing in the platforms and the tracks and every crevasse of the station, panicked and terrified, the air thick with fear.

He's taunting someone, his voice flat with irritation.

It's easy to pick them out of a crowd-- they're not human. One stands taller than anybody, chalk white skin threaded with black markings, a skull's grimace for a mouth and gnarled branches growing where it's eyesockets would be. The other, shorter, skin like ash, one enormous eye and a steaming volcano where its scalp should be. Blue fire is flickering around them, far stronger than it's around anyone else, and he can see the hate on their faces, but more interestingly, the fear. The fear of him.

Standing easily on a guardrail to be above the crowd, Satoru turns his head.

"You're not supposed to be here," he sing-songs to the intruder into his dream. Soon enough, he'll realize he's dreaming; his control over his own mind is too good for anything else. "But then, neither am I, right?"

ii. once upon a dream, pt ii

This dream, however, is far more easily recognizable.

He's a young boy, no more than six, his hand being held by a tall, androgynous vampire as they lead him down a path of flowering trees. In the distance is a house -- closer to a mansion -- where two people with familial resemblance stand on the final step, watching with neutral expressions.

Satoru's own young face is neutral, too, or would be, if not for the tears threatening to fall. It just makes the vampire's hand grip his own more tightly.

"I'll make it so that you don't miss them," they say, in a voice that's kind but the implication of their suggestion is anything but, though Satoru's too young to know that. "Soon, you won't even think of your family anymore. You won't need to waste your time. You have a purpose far greater."

His adult self is watching from a distance, and when he senses somebody else, his expression tightens in rarely seen irritation, lips thinning, but he says nothing.

iii. winter games!

Ice hockey, it has to be noted, is one of Satoru's favorite sports.

So here he is, clad in way too much gold for his taste, no padding or helmet to speak of because of course they don't need those things, gleefully whacking people left and right with his stick as he barges through people in chase of the puck. The score is 3-1, Gold up versus their opponents, and Satoru's goal was the first of the game, taken in a savage strike.

Shadowstepping is considered cheating, but mind control still isn't, so Satoru gleefully seizes the minds of every single one of the opposing team and makes them stand still as he sails between them, gliding gracefully toward the goal. Maybe someone might manage to break free?

On the other hand, you might catch him at a snowball fight, taking it far too seriously while cackling and pelting people with lumps of snow that are probably closer to ice than anything else.

Using some compulsion to ensure nobody can see him, he sneaks up to one of the opposing team -- or maybe the same team, he's not actually picky -- and yanks the back of their collar open, dumping snow down their backs.

Dreams

A. [It's bright outside is perhaps the first thing noticed before Enrico steps out of a carriage that looks like it's seen better days, two rucksacks over his back as he mutters something to the man up top. The garb is perhaps strange to some, a long black cassock with an ornate gold cross in the front, priest collar, black pants, and matching black shoes. A crucifix of gold is seen delicately on his neck, making him look far out of place on the outskirts of this village.

Luckily he moves quickly towards the village properly, pleasantly greeting anyone that encounters him along the way. There's strange looks and some more curious while others are suspicious, but either way he doesn't seem to be particularly bothered. Until he's met by a man that seems better dressed than those he's passed previously, not seeming to expect him.]

"Ah, Father Pucci, you're just in time but also a bit... late." [The man starts, Enrico merely raising a brow at him as he waits for him to continue.]

"Father Bazzano unfortunately disappeared the night before, we haven't seen hide or hair of him since." [The vampires, he assumes, expression remaining relatively neutral outside of the frown.]

Then I suppose it's my place to take over for him in his absence until he's either found, returns, or we find out what happened to him. Though I'll send word that another permanent priest will need to be sent over as my orders were to travel, unfortunately. [It'll... probably be fine.]

B. [There's tension in the air, fear, in what seems the dead of night. The only night coming from the moon coming in through the window slats. Enrico is crouched down in what seems to be a relatively poor little hut, a young boy tucked against his side with his face buried in the priest's side, hands clutching tightly to his cassock. Pucci, in turn, has his arm around him, defensive.

Outside there's the sound of yelling, anger.]

"Find that damn child! No one escapes from the Finding!"

[The child squeaks before Pucci's pulling him tighter to his side, trying to remain calm despite everything. How are they going to get out? He's not sure, but he certainly knows he's not going to give this child up.] Don't worry, you'll be safe. [He whispers softly, trying, hoping, that he can calm this child down to give them some more time for him to figure out his next move. Even as he uses his free hand to make a cross, touching his forehead, lips, breast, and chest. He just has to trust in his faith, right?]

Sports

[Does he like being here? Absolutely not. Does he like this whole vampire thing? No. Is he absolutely freezing? Yes. He also doesn't know how to feel about the whole clothing changes thing still, but it probably doesn't particularly matter when he's wrapped in what seems to be ten layers of clothing, topped off with a black fur-lined cloak, gloves, and scarf that covers most of his face.

It's safe to say he's staying absolutely clear of all the sports outside of figure skating, not terribly fond of the fact that probably most of the ones out there are vampires so their grace is unnatural by human standards. But at least this is something that is mostly normal and he can always appreciate the arts and especially when it shows off just how graceful the human form can be. Even if he's always had more of a critical mind towards things.]

It seems almost unfair to allow anyone not a vampire to participate in these, isn't it? Skating was meant to show off things the human body can do, not what unnatural things can do. [Does he mean things as in actions or things as in vampires? Yes.]

Wildcard

[During all of this nonsense one might actually encounter Enrico in one of the rooms that has a fire in it or the library. For the fireplace room he can be found at some kind of desk or table, writing something in what is Latin with a bunch of diagrams of what seem like crosses of some form??? And in the center of the page is what seems to be a heart on fire with the top part of a cross in the top and a crown of thorns around the heart? Look, don't question what he's doing, it's probably better that you don't.

If one happens upon him in the library he's a little different, sitting at one of the tables and seeming quite intent on one of the history books, looking between it and what he's writing on. Upon further inspection it's in some sort of other language (in reality it's Italian) but seems to just be some sort of outline of what he's reading? He's a strange man and perhaps it's better to not bother him.]

(OOC: if you want any other prompts, throw them at me or contact me over at

rustedpoetry.)

Edited 2024-01-21 01:08 (UTC)

He makes a bit of a face at the idea of eating frogs and snakes. For someone of his background, that seems like a meal of last resort, when nothing else could be caught.

"It's just they looked so shiny when I've seen them sunbathing, they just seem to look slimy."

Once Upon a Dream.

[It's dark. Pleasant, not too warm and not too cold, with a light breeze blowing. Wherever you are, it seems like the kind of calm place where you could just sit back and relax all aftern --

There's a voice. A little girl's voice. And a finger confidently pokes your forehead.]

Are you going to sleep all day?? Wake up! Wake up wake up waaaaake uuuup!

[The girl is roughly ten, with brown eyes and shoulder-length chestnut hair. A bit of hair at the top of her head persistently sticks upwards, sort of like an adorable cowlick. She isn't waiting for your response, proceeding to pinch your cheeks and smoosh your face obnoxiously.

... What an impatient brat.

If you bother to open your eyes (which you should, because who knows what lengths a bratty ten year old will go to to get attention?????), you'll find yourself on the ground, leaned up against the stone wall of a courtyard. In front of you is a large stone building. Those from the Silver Court lands, or who have at least traveled through, may recognize the large-ish-town-small-ish-city as being located there.

That girl in her plain dress will stop harassing you, instead choosing to point dramatically.

(There's a heavy, invisible, uncomfortable weight settling on your shoulders when you look at her.)]

We've got soooo much investigation to do today! So let's go! We haven't checked the spooky abandoned house up on the hill! Or or, there's that lady over on the east side by the river! People say she's a witch, so maybe she can help!

((A. The spooky house comes with CWs: dissection of a child (no eye, teeth, nail stuff), murder. B. The Witch is the cute fluffy option with CATS.))

Winter Games.

[Sports have never really been Yuri's thing, even before when he was somewhat healthy. Nowadays with his brain injury he has absolutely no hope in participating in most of the activities aside from thrall curling, but that's one activity he's pointedly avoiding. Instead, he's reluctantly parked himself in the stands of a hockey game instead, his crutch next to him.

He doesn't want to be here. It's cold, the frigid air is causing his head ache, the snow and ice make it hard to get around, and he's surrounded by people. It's a lot of his least favourite things all bundled together to make for one exceptionally miserable experience, but he isn't just up and leaving.

"This is a good opportunity to see how vampires combine physical strength and dexterity with strategy. Go observe and then we'll see how you can apply this data elsewhere."

Ugh. His Maker's an asshole.

So there he is, chin in one hand as he glares down at the rink, sounding fed up with everything as he grumbles under his breath.]

Those fuckers are playing too defensively. 1-2-2? What nonsense. If they want a chance at winning they're going to have to switch to an aggressive forecheck to get ahold of the puck.

Library.

((CW: symptoms of a traumatic brain injury.))

[Yuri can often be found in the library when he isn't attending classes or sleeping back in his room. In fact, those are basically the only three places he ever goes because being sociable is a ridiculous thing other people do, not him, so. The library it is.

He's commandeered one of the tables, crutch leaning against it, and filled it with books on the most boring subjects imaginable (math, vampiric philosophy, a bit of history), though he isn't actually reading the one that's open in front of him. No, he's got his head in one hand, a pained grimace on his face as he frantically scribbles something down in a book. Not a full-sized notebook for class, more like a little pocket book you'd keep on yourself for reminders and lists. This looks like a little more than someone bored with studying.]

Wildcard.

((Have something else in mind? I can be reached via PM or at

cryptophyta!))

Edited 2024-01-21 01:50 (UTC)

[The corner of your eye.]

[Strange critters hanging around isn't all that weird! Vampires have inner animals, after all, so seeing some out of place creature scuttling around isn't out of place in Castle Courtsheart. It's entirely possible that you've seen a particular red-tailed hawk with a little red scarf perched here and there, just checking stuff out.]

[Usually, he just flies away, off to do important hawk things, but this time, if you manage to catch the hawk's eye, he'll spread his wings and- become a whole guy!]

[With a gleam in his blue eyes and a grin that screams busy body he will greet you, if you're a Novice.]

Hey, hey, you look new around here, what's your name? We got such an interesting batch of novice's the past season, it looks like.

[Or, if you're a fellow Youngblood.]

Want to grab a drink? I've been so busy lately, it seems like I've missed a lot, let's catch up!

[For youngbloods who know him, Hayato is a friendly guy who seems to be pretty genuine 90% of the time, but blue court knows him as a guy who is always listening, and looking for information. For what? Who knows! He doesn't share his secrets with anyone. He's been a youngblood for about 15-20 years.]

[Winter Sports!!]

[Sorry about getting absolutely clotheslined by a 5'8" brick wall, but once the score is called he'll hurry over to try and help you up. Look, all's fair in the heat of the game, but he's not a jackass.]

Sorry about that! You okay? C'mon, you can get me back in the next round.

[Winter Sports Part 2]

[When he isn't playing, he's also the ref. Man likes sports! But, he calls it fairly and he will not stand for people getting in his business over it.]

Oi, it was out of bounds! I'm not changing the call. If you've got a problem, we can settle this after the game. [With fists.]

[A Nightmarish Curse.]

[That screaming is becoming synonymous with the nights of this month. While walking down the hall, Hayato will turn the corner and try to catch your attention.]

Hey, I've found another. I'm going to need some help with this one.

[For all that he's usually in a cheery mood, there's a stone cold seriousness in him now. Whatever is going on in the castle, hurting everyone, he's not happy about it and he's taking it seriously.]

[ooc: HIS AU WORKSHOP IS HERE. Feel free to reach out to me to plot!]

1. Getting Proactive
[ When this curse first appeared, it was concerning. Then, as it started to spread exponentially, it felt more important to find a cure. not just that, but to treat the symptoms long enough so no one died before the cure was found. There were efforts being done towards that.

There's something else that has Eden going out and putting together sets of packets, which have an earthy, unearthly, and floral scents coming from them, that have suggestions as well as instructions for the herbs inside. The suggestions were as simple as chocolate, baths, and even sex, for being done before bed. Those familiar with herbs would recognize a lot of the ingredients were for strengthening the mind, relieving stress and anything that would keep the throat moist and relaxed. Some of the ingredients could even be considered risky, if the dosing was off by a bit. (Surprisingly, the ratios are done with confidence.) She was working on a preventative.

It's easy enough to find her working on this, either measuring out the herbs, or writing everything up in the library or while around most places. ]

Maybe I should send out batches of those oil infusions for the vampires...

2. A little dream
[ Oddly enough, regardless of which night or type of dream comes about there's a faint song from the blue court lands that could be heard in a low alto voice.

It starts off being in an ancient forest filled most of a mountain, rich in colors and flora that wasn't known to exist in the world anymore, if it ever did. The skies were filled with an aurora borealis that reflected in the crystal clear lake. There was a heavy charge in the air that filled lungs and could stay there so easily... ]

A. (CW: Potential aphro, nudity, sex)
[ Rest assure, this is not a side effect of the teas she was handing out. No, this is from other things that Eden was doing for her body, bleeding out into dreams.

In the early days, the dream stays here, as the heat of the air could easily fill the belly. There was something about the smell of the atmosphere, sweet with another undertone to it. There was a velvety texture to the vines that hung over branches and mountain walls and a gentle mist, caused by the waterfall pouring into the lake.

When getting that feeling that someone was around, Eden slowly popped her head up from in the water's edge. Though the smile quickly becomes a look of confusion, as if realizing that there was more cognizance in this dream than usual. Yet with someone here, she can't remember who was supposed to show up. ]

How...?

B.
[ It's not long that in trying to search out the cause of the curse that Eden got caught up in it herself, and the dreams are quickly taken over by a nightmare. The forest is quickly snowed and frozen over, and the song takes a sadder tone to it. With a horn and the howls of a pack of hunting dogs, urgency becomes the heaviness invades the air.

Some figure, cloaked and with all features covered in shadow, would run with a limp through the trees, leaving a heavy trail of blood. It's so cold, and a drumming is felt from the earth, slowly increasing in rhythm. For the moment, there's just a voice that echoes through the air.]

Run

3. A little mischief (For existing CR)
[ At some point after the curses get figured out and the sports are considerd the important thing happening, there's a young man, probably about 5'8" if he took off the low-heel boots and with deep slate-blue eyes, walking around to find some of the more established people that he knew. He was relying on looking like one of the newer first season novices. Not that they'd know they knew him when crossing paths... Unless they knew how to look and sense people by their minds.

Which is the perfect time to follow along with a friendly smirk. ]

Hey, mind me getting your help with finding somewhere?

4. Misc
[ For anything else you want to come up with. Eden doesn't know sports enough to join in (and definitely doesn't know how to skate,) but it's been inspiring for some things. You may find her dancing off to the side in a way that actually looks really suitable for blades, though her hands would remain empty. Toss anything this way, or reach me on plurk at

demonia ]

Edited 2024-01-21 03:55 (UTC)

Laios would kill to be able to eat a frog again. An anything again. He would also like to see animals in the sun without bursting into flame but if wishes were horses he'd have a lot of free horses and no way to eat them.

"All the wet parts are on the inside of the snake. Like the venom! They have special glands to hold it in, and they inject it through the hollow centers of their fangs. Completely different from vampires; we have solid fangs and chemical spit!"

He lightly entrances the snake so it hisses, mouth open.

"If you look closely, the fangs are translucent, you can see right through them!"

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january tdm/event post

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