realmofstories | Chapter 03: Act II

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Chapter 03: Act II

The Little Mermaid: Act II—

With all tasks completed and pearls collected, the Aspects are given a brief respite to heal any wounds and rest. But as night falls and the crystals begin to dim, all fall into a deep sleep and share a dream of the story that's beginning to unfold before them.

While the Little Mermaid was nervous about her trials, with the help of her grandmother she is able to succeed to clamp the oysters on her tail. Still curious about the humans, she chances a trip to the surface and happens upon a large ship holding a party. But a sudden storm causes the ship to capsize, forcing a man—the prince himself—to dive into the water. Not wishing for him to die, she quickly swims to him and tries to bring him to shore. It is no easy task due to his weight and the dangers attracted by the commotion, but they make it, the prince losing consciousness soon after.

When he awakens, the prince finds himself washed up onto the shore with no recollection of how he got there. He is quickly found by a lovely priestess and together the two of them begin an arduous climb from the beach up to the castle, learning about each other as they go.

Meanwhile, the little mermaid can't stop thinking about her prince, and wishes for a way to be with him despite the barriers between them. She travels to the sea witch to ask for a spell that would allow her to join the prince on land. However, after being told of the high costs of going onto land—including never seeing her family again, or never remembering them even if she did—the little mermaid decides to stay underwater...and bring the prince to her, at the cost of half her lifespan. The deal set, the two of them brew a potion that would bring the prince to the sea...

However, there would be more challenges awaiting for the mermaid princess. In the following days, the priestess is revealed to be a princess of a nearby kingdom. Delighted by the news, the prince's parents—the king and queen—host a grand ball in her honor. There is also hope that their son may fancy the princess, as a marriage between the two would be beneficial indeed. The princess already has interest in the prince, though be it romantic or something else is still unclear...

The dream fades with the lingering question of what the mermaid will do and who will end up winning the prince's heart. When the Aspects awaken, they will find themselves no longer in the ocean but in the castle itself and dressed to fit the new environment. No longer mermaids, they are now nobles, servants, or musicians and the grand ball is already underway. With the full moon hanging high overhead and clear, starry night skies, it's perfect for a romantic start of this Act. This time special marked doors indicate where those cast for specific scenes need to go.

Of course, danger still lurks outside the castle walls. There are whispers of pirates lurking nearby and the days ahead will be filled with secret trysts and clashes. The Aspects will also find that they are still able to transform into mermaids upon entering the ocean, but will not be affected while on land. Rooms and accommodations within the castle have also been prepared so that they may rest when needed. Rest that may be necessary for the challenges ahead.

§ instructions.

The second Act is underway! This is the designated log for all Main Scenes. Others are free to create their own top levels for the Sub Quests, which are detailed below. Each Main Scene has their own unique top level and those cast into the roles are to thread their scene under each. All scene instructions are provided in the top levels.

As a reminder, although this Act is primarily on land, characters can still transform into their merforms upon entering the ocean. As implied in the above narrative, they will only transform in the ocean. So feel free to finally take a bath, everyone!

Finally, just to be clear, characters who are in Main Scenes are not immediately dropped in to their location and will have to enter certain doors to travel to the "setting location" and then return. Threading all of that isn't necessary, but it's to help give a better idea that characters can take a break between scenes or wait a bit to help with other things like the Sub Quests.

Feel free to refer to the Game Notes for more detailed info as well as ask questions or clarifications.

§ sub quests.

Everyone is free to participate in the Sub Quests. There are no specific top levels, so you're free to incorporate them however you wish in your own top level.

¶ I. Attending the Ball. Pretty much exactly on the tin, and this is mainly for the first scene. Players can decide whether their character is just some random noble forced to dance on the floor or one of the servants, like catering or musician. It's possible for characters to switch it up if they want, and really they can do whatever. In addition to general attendance, there are some Erasers lurking around. Not many, but some "pest control" may be required.

¶ II. Trimming the Maze. The garden maze is a mess of rotting and withered hedges with danger lurking around every corner. Beware the "living" plant sculptures and the erasers. Characters can walk through it just for fun, but they will also be requested in both eliminating threats as well as trying to restore the maze. To help it flourish, singing or humming songs from the depths of one's heart will help the flowers and bushes grow. Playing musical instruments found scattered around will also help aid in the repair. There are also more traditional means with standard gardening equipment, fertilizer, fresh seeds, and some potted plants if anyone prefers that.

¶ III. Beach Cleanup. There is a lot of broken glass and trash scattered all over the beach and within the waters. Apparently the nobles who attended the party are just slobs. Help clear up the beach and deal with any rogue blots or Erasers. Beware of random pirates that may try to attack as well as other sea creatures that may try to attack. Care should taken around any particularly shiny shells as they are actually explosive to the touch.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

A. Here’s Something for Tempting the Palate (Closed to Roxas)

[The second the scene changed from the watery castle to the one on land, Kotori had to control herself not to drop down and start kissing the stones and marble. Being able to walk normally, breathe air, get away from the sand if she chose, being able to cook and eat normal food again without having to rise up to the surface? YES, PLEASE.

But even more worthy of celebrating? Roxas coming back when she thought he’d been sent home forever, and with a body and life of his own now! And even more impressive, a new knowledge of REAL French haute cuisine. (Even if it’s… third hand. And one of those hands is a rat’s paw. Maybe she’ll meet this Little Chef someday to clear up the confusion.) Whatever, point is she’s VERY inspired and in the mood to do some real cooking! To start, though, she’s leading Roxas and Sora into the castle kitchens, trying to take stock of what they have. Very thankfully though, these kitchens seem intact, clean, and spacious. Hopefully it’s well-stocked too; they’ll need cookbooks and utensils just as much as ingredients.]

Phew, thank goodness. I was worried that it’d be a wreck and we’d have to fight more Blots and Erasers to get them back.

B. Prepared in the Classic Technique

[With a menu set, serving methods decided, and a few benign Blots instructed to help with some of the food prep, everything’s on track for preparing a feast worthy of a royal ball. But if you happen to be stopping by the kitchen in the early hours while the kitchen is still relatively still- out of curiosity or to offer help (or trying to sneak a bite or a drink before things are ready…)- you’ll find Kotori seems focused, almost TOO intense as she stands by a cutting board. Resting on it in front of her is a freshly peeled onion… and in her hand is a wooden knife, a gift from the Disciple a while ago, but still unused… for now.

A few deep breaths…]

Okay, Kotori… You can do this. It’s just an onion… and it’s… just a knife… A wooden one… You can do this…!

C. Soup du Jour, Hot Hors d'Oeuvres! Why, We Only Live to Serve!

[Finally, FINALLY, everything is ready to be unveiled and enjoyed.

Blot waiters (or Aspects, if you were kind enough to offer some help with the catering) walk about the edges of the dance floor bearing silver platters of hors d’oeuvres. Sautéed scallops encased in their half shells with a golden gratin of Swiss cheese. Fresh but savory salmon namerou spread on toasted baguettes. A play on ratatouille with the stewed vegetables sliced instead of chopped, garnished with a roast red pepper sauce and skewered together in small stacks. And for a twist on a Danish classic, creamy mashed potatoes sprinkled with caramelized bacon and onions, resting on crisp but sturdy chips made from baked beets. (Why yes, asking for the name on the last one will make Kotori blush, and yes, you should definitely do this.)

For those wanting something more substantial, however, the catering team. Bowls of hearty bouillabaisse featuring plump mussels, sweet little langoustines, flaky cod, and rich conger eel, served with a crusty baguette spread with a savory rouille sauce. Dover sole pan fried in clarified butter and served with a toasted brown butter sauce and lemon. Bowls of steaming fluffy rice served with eel, but instead of the barbecued freshwater eel typical of unadon, it’s conger eel braised in red wine; a mate-don, if you will. For those wanting something a little lighter, there’s also a hybrid version of hiyashi chūka where the chilled noodles are topped with a salad niçoise, thin slices of tuna tataki substituting for the usual canned tuna or anchovies, all dressed in a simple vinaigrette with sesame oil and lemon.

And for dessert? Crème brûlée featuring a custard lightly kissed with sea salt, sweet and citrusy crêpes Suzette flambéed right at the table station, light and airy lemon soufflés served with a summer berry compote, and a rich and buttery apple charlotte topped with whipped cream and a sauce of caramel, honey, and sea salt.

And with some advice from Shizuo, Rokurou, and Eizen, there’s also a full drink service. Blot waiters carry stemmed glasses of red and white wines, champagne, and even a well-balanced mead, all paired beautifully with the seafood feast.

As for Kotori herself? She’ll be supervising the buffet table, waving them over and asking if they’d like to try any of the dishes offered tonight. Although all work and no play makes for a dull bird, so with a bit of encouragement, she might be persuaded for a dance or two.]

[Getting to be involved in the ball, at least for now, Bridge heads over to the kitchen, totally intending to help out and not at all sneak some of the food early, nope.

He pauses, though, when he spots Kotori, laser focused and looking a bit nervous.]

....Uh...Kotori-san?

Eep!

[Yup, Kotori jumps in place at that, and if she didn’t have such a death grip on the hilt she probably would have sent it flying.

But then she turns to see who it is, trying lol to look TOO mortified beyond all reason.]

Ahaha... Hi, Bridge-san... How-how are you...?

[He glances between her face and the knife in her hand, and it's not hard to figure out what was wrong.

So he steps further into the kitchen, slowly making his way over.]

I'm fine. Are you okay?

I uh... [Totally normal throat clearing! Because she’s been cooking so long and needs a water break, NOT because she’s embarrassed.] Yeah, yeah, I’m doing great! What brings you here?

Subquest A, OTA

B

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C

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A

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C

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B

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