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

[Well, while Eden has no doubt gotten used to Yasuho being 'that recluse of a nerd who got even more reclusive during this current season', that all ends once the young novice goes and gets herself cursed. The minute she's out of that nightmare she's back to her typical habits, sure, but now those habits are branching out by necessity. She, as a novice in the Gold court, just doesn't have anything off hand to work with when it comes to actually solving all of this.

Which is why, Yasuho has actually been poking in on others as they work, gathering ideas for her own methods.

And speaking of methods.] ...Oil infusions?

[She only heard that last bit Eden, she just got in the room here.]

[ Being a reclusive enough nerd has kept her from getting too much of Xenk's attention in Compulsion Class, so it's not like there's been anything wrong with it. Sure, some would think being that way suited a Silver Court novice, but given the way Eden's been... Maybe there's a balance everywhere. ]

Mm- Oh, Yasuho. Hey.

[ She'll get a small bottle out from her bag- it's a pretty red-golden color when the light hits it juuuust right. ]

Cinnamon and cardamon, which is good for muscles, tension, and can be warming, so it's a nice comfort. Vampires can't enjoy chocolate like us novices do, so they need alternatives for keeping their bodies from tensing up too much. It's not much, but the longer we have before people start screaming until they bleed to death, the more time we have to find and treat everyone.

[ Then a tease of an idea came to mind. Really, given that she was more shy than Yasuho was quiet in the beginning of Autumn, some people have been incredible ~~terrible~~ influences. She'd been helping since the screaming first started, so a bit of light hearted commentary would be a nice enough break. ]

I mean, if you'd like a demonstration...

[A polite nod is about all you need for a greeting from there, but she does at least do more than that.] Hi...

[She keeps herself from repeating 'oils??' aloud, instead watching as the vial is pulled out. Cinnamon and cardamon, and-] ...Oh, I keep forgetting we'll have to give up chocolate... [she laments quietly, before pulling herself together.] That does seem like it might help though...everyone's mentally out of reach thanks to the sleep, but in theory smell and touch would reach the brain.

It-

[And that. That is where her brain grinds to a halt. Demon...demonstra...] ...Eh?

[Go easy on her Eden, she had a very sheltered life before this-]

[ Eden was literally raised away from people in the woods, so someone needs to catch on up. ]

There's a lot of things we'll have to indulge in before we're fully turned.

[ Chocolate's just one of those major things. With a bit more of a smile, she gestures for Yasuho to get herself more into the room. ]

Well, it's safe for all over the body, so I can massage it into your back or anywhere else you'd like. It really does feel nice. Would you like your back, or legs...

[ Or chest, or... ]

[If they did not just start on the topic of testing oils, Yasuho would have happily just nodded and agreed and possibly started off on the topic of other things to indulge in.

None of which would relate to the oils, which is now a topic steadily turning Yasuho's face a brilliant pink shade.] I-

I-i-i-

[~~Break out the dance number, girl-~~ ...She manages to somehow get actual words out.] I'm sure there's better people to try that on right now! Like someone who's actually stressed~

[gurl look in a mirror]

[ Wow that was quite a shade to turn. It'd be terrible if that meant she was high strung enough to get more easily drawn towards the nightmares. ]

You seem stressed enough that this would be perfect. Trust me- Look, I'll even close my eyes so you can take your top off and lay down. I won't see anything.

[ Because now it's turning into an actual concern! Sure, it could easily get horny, but at this point, it's becoming more clear that Eden's just trying to make sure her classmate isn't in a vulnerable place. ]

I'll get you one of the packets that I've been handing out after as well. Yasuho, I don't want you getting cursed...

[This is all in the name of looking out for the other!

Only helped by the strained admission that, well-] I already was...

[Well that just settles it. She won't fight being sat down or led somewhere to lay down at this point, partly because in the long run there is...a good point here.

Even if a good point involves warm steamy oils, from a (frankly) fairly attractive classmate.

Oh, No.]

I don't think we've been able to confirm that people can't be cursed again.

[ If it was confirmed, then Eden hadn't heard about it. She'll gesture over to a place long enough for Yasuho to lay down on without it getting things even more awkward for her. ]

Just lay on your front and let me know when you're ready, okay?

[ Look, see? Eyes closed and she'll turn back around. And really, Eden's gotten quite a glow up in this past month alone, and she looks so much better than the beginning of their first season. ]

I didn't want to risk going into anyone's minds in case that could, honestly...

[It'd be just her luck, really. Exactly her brand of luck actually.

Eden turning around definitely helps- she feels a little less tense already, audibly letting out a small breath of air. It doesn't remove the blush though- while Yasuho herself dresses down so that there's actually something to apply the oils to, she darts a few looks to the other until all she can look at is the floor.

Laying on her front, she makes sure her hair is out of the way best that she can and speaks up.] Okay..! I'm ready.

It is a higher risk for Gold Court members.

[ It's said while waiting patiently, fine with waiting and working on calming her own damn hormones down. It's not like she always wants to be down with pretty much anyone.

So there's a soft exhale when Yasuho gives the all clear. Taking the bottle with her, she takes a moment to just place a finger on the older novice's back. ]

I'll start warming it in my hands first, okay? Just let me know if you want me to go elsewhere.

[ Then, pouring a generous amount in her hands, Eden rubbed the oil between them before starting the massage from the shoulders, going down. Nothing more than pressure and steady movements, but the oil definitely gave a relaxing warmth that would soak into the skin and muscles. Plus, there's the bonus of the spicy smell in the air. ]

I should have picked up more healing classes... [Is the lament she makes in turn, otherwise trying to breathe easy.

There is a brief moment of tension- a flinch, from the expected yet unexpected contact- but Yasuho relaxes quickly, and while it's difficult to nod from this position, she does so.] Alright.

You're...good for now, [she awkwardly adds, inhaling the scents of the oil as it warms. They are as Eden predicted, encouraging even just the idea of warmth by their scent. They're fragrant spices, bringing with them associations of energy while innately calming her in turn.]

We still have seasons left.

[ It's never too late to know these things! Not that... The classes would've exactly taught what Eden knew. Not that she'll share that information right away.

But yeah, she'll go nice and easy, just putting a little more pressure and focus in some areas that seem tight, but more focused in letting the spices in the oil do their thing. ]

The packet I have together has some other things to help with relaxation, including what to add to soak in for your baths. It's what I've been using for a while since after Sol, so I can see it's very helpful.

We do.... ...It really goes to show that no matter how well you plan a course load, there's always something missing...

[Her voice calms with the easy massage. A relieved sigh passes at least once, Yasuho's body relatively limp on the table as the stress seems to almost literally melt away. While she doesn't perk up exactly- that would require breaking out of the relaxed calm- she does mumble a reply as Eden speaks.]

Bath soaks...I don't think I've taken a lot of time for those for the last while...

[It's said more in the way someone considering trying again would- that she should rethink Not having a soak every now and then, that is. A good long bath for no reason than to just luxuriate does sound more appealing now.]

Even when doing more than the typical maximum, it rarely seems like enough...

[ Yet they'll have to focus more and more on getting court approvals to graduate fully, and not just the intended court accepting you. Which makes personal interests even harder to go into. It really was quite a balancing act. ]

You should pick it back up. Especially for with what's going on, and not just because it's winter. Plus...

[ She'll lean in just a bit closer to speak the next part softer, to keep the relaxed vibe going. ]

If you can get someone to join you, you end up leaving more relaxed than ever.

It's incredible how much there is to study...and then there's the social layers...

[She happily moves off to the topic of baths however, not wanting to waste a de-stress by stressing out over classes and courts again.]

Is that what people normally do in winter...? I used to hear stories about natural springs...

[At least, despite her tendency to puff up and panic, Yasuho doesn't jolt at the idea of sharing a bath with anyone. She's too relaxed for that- points in favor of Eden's oil concoction for sure- though the woman does give an almost depressed sigh all the same.]

It's probably going to be a while before I let myself do something like that...

[Have a bath? Or have someone join her for a bath? The first is terrible but the second is just tragic.]

Yeah...

[ Eden had trouble understanding literally all of the social layers in the beginning, having to learn that this wasn't just a bunch of students and teachers, but they all had their levels and how you could interact with them- basically, society in general was relatively new to always be in for them. ]

I'm not sure if there's any natural springs that are safe to go to around here... But why would it be a while before you let yourself take a bath? Or is it the natural springs?

[ Was it really just sharing a bath with someone? That would be such a shame. ]

Probably not...

[It's quite the culture clash, needless to say; Yasuho could probably stand to take a few lessons from Eden, given how wrapped up the girl is in all these social niceties though.]

...Oh...well...

[It's very hard to sound serious or disappointed, when one is 'busy' relaxing.] ...The baths I can manage...I just...don't see myself letting anyone that close for a while...

[She trails off, huffing with sad amusement. After all-] ...probably a little silly to say here, with what I heard about the 'afterparty'...

[Not that she attended much of the main event even- whatever she could get out of, she got out of, if it meant avoiding that guy.]

Mm... I don't think it sounds silly.

[ Everyone was different and adjusted to things, or got comfortable with things, at their own pace. There just wasn't anything to slow Eden down, so once she opened the doors, they flew pretty wide open. Otherwise, nothing had started until these past few months for her.

So instead she started to focus more of the massage efforts on the neck and shoulders, rather than the entire back like she had been. ]

I'm just confused because you did seem to like the idea of sharing a bath with someone. So why don't you see yourself inviting anyone in?

No?

[There's some relief to that. Yasuho takes her time with things- case in point, her relationship with Josuke was more like something out of a sweet fairytale than anything else.

Unfortunately it also makes the idea of moving on that much trickier.] It's...

[She weighs her words carefully. She trusts Eden to hold things close, but it's still precious knowledge. In the end, she can't help but hold back.] ...It's old news. ...Before our Beginning, you know..? ...But I was seeing someone back then...it was really serious too, I thought. I even had the chance to send him a letter, to tell him what happened to me.

[She is silent for a few moments. Not tense, but silent, and perhaps even resigned.]

....he didn't even open it. He just...sent it back with the bird.

...the message was pretty clear.

[ Luckily, Eden wasn't the type to gossip or share things around with people, unless they were involved, or were in a position where they should be relatively aware of what's going on. In personal cases like this, Yasuho's issues were likely kept safe. ]

... Is the message clear? It sounds like a few things could've happened on that side. Even more, I don't think we're allowed to just pick up our old lives. Being the product of a Finding seems to say a lot on its own; that person isn't ever coming back.

[ There's a lot of things that could've been behind the letter getting sent back. ]

If a teacher heard, they'd say something about how we're supposed to discard everything from our human lives, because we're something... Something... I mean, part of our Beginning is that eventually we'll die, so it's related to that I think.

[ She hasn't had the full conversation, but discarding the ties to the human life seemed to be important? ]

Oh, no. ...It's clear, [She mutters, as much as it really really isn't, and she and Josuke are just being willfully dramatic and blind.] ...He already had issues with vampires in our area...being picked by one...must have been his last straw, [Yasuho sighs, shifting a little and audibly trying to brush it off.]

There's a difference though...breaking up with words, and just dropping everything from the other end. I would....I would've understood, you know?

...Instead he couldn't even say 'goodbye' when he had the chance.

[It's important. She knows that, she gets that. But it was also a chance to at least acknowledge that for the other, to say a farewell instead of simply disappearing with nothing. Yasuho wishes to a point, that she never gave him that much.

Somehow it hurts even more, especially after seeing Josuke there with the other new novices that night.]

[ Eden listened, hummed in thought and really, they were trying to see how it is. Surely Yasuho would know for sure how someone would respond, but a letter returned without anything done? Not even opened? ]

Couldn't have something happened to him, though? Or maybe someone interfered wherever he was, having it sent back.

[ It was the fact that the letter was never even opened that stuck to her mind. If they were together... ]

Though really, you're brave for sending anything back. I'd worry that with how strict they are about separating and leaving your old life behind, they'd kill or do something else to people I tried to maintain ties with. You could get caught up in some trouble for seeming too human.

[No doubt it was only allowed for two reasons- first, it was a one-and-done and never to be repeated. Second-]

I sent it before getting here; so technically, we hadn't left everything behind yet, not really. We still had our old clothes, our things...

[And anyway-] It was still touched. Handled. ...The bird still came back with it...

[...She doesn't say it but the fact that Josuke appeared as a Foundling himself shattered any thoughts that it could have been a tragedy as well.]

I still don't think it's clear by just that...

[ However, even more- ]

But I don't see why any of that should stop you from enjoying yourself, or enjoying people's company.

[ It was very clear since the first season that Eden's experiences in the world were very limited, however. It was different from just being sheltered; those that could tell could figure out she was probably purposefully isolated. ]

You're free to do and try whatever you like right now. If things are that clear, it's even more reason as to why you're free. Being brave and bold enough to grab what you want is part of what we're supposed to learn to graduate. If you're attracted to someone, you should go for it. If something's bothering you, you should confront it straight-on... Though minding the politics if it's someone more experienced than you.

[ Eden leans over to give an extended kiss to the base of the back of Yasuho's neck. Nothing necessarily sexual, but soft, as the cinnamon from the oil heated up her lips as well. Then she returned to massaging down along the arms to draw and release the tension at the fingertips. ]

I want you to be able to graduate and figure things out. I also wouldn't mind bathing or having sex with you, but that's a completely different conversation that doesn't need to happen. The stuff so you can graduate is more important here.

Hahhhhh....

[She hears it. She hears it loud and clear, but somehow even as relaxed as she is she can't find it in her heart to see any hope in the words. The kiss, at this time, feels like something comforting and reassuring, but that's all she can take from it just for now.

It is helping- it is all helping, but maybe, she thinks, her problem was never letting herself mourn to begin with. Maybe if she'd moved on properly a season ago, it wouldn't bother her this much now.] Oh-

[Though of course, Eden makes that offer and there's no getting around that. Going fairly red, she does her best to keep looking at the ground.] I...

Uh. You'd. Really, with me? I- It's not that I wouldn't...want to, n- necessarily I just. I haven't really, well...

[............................................yasuho hirose appears to be a virgin]

Hmg-mn..! [Let's. Try getting back into the relaxing, she thinks. After all, well!] ..W...well like you said, the. Um. Classes are more important right now..!

POINTS. Getting Proactive lets go lets go

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yasuho really said 'i dont see it....' in a castle that has orgy after parties smdh

someone needs a good awakening

[yasuho voice] haha im in danger-

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my fav part of this backstory plot: theyre idiots

it really is the best part of this all

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