realmofstories | Chapter 03: Act II

Entry tags:

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

[ Considering she was only here to make sure she didn't miss out on Princess Rokurou again, Velvet makes her way out of the ballroom after him. She opens the door to the terrace quietly and closing it behind her just as silently. Though surely Rokurou will notice both her presence and the fact that the music got louder for a brief second.

Velvet joins him over at the railing, leaning back on it rather than facing it. Without a word, she holds out her glass of mead that's still mostly full. ]

Here.

[He does indeed notice, but pays no mind, not even glancing over when Velvet comes up beside him. Instead he just wordlessly takes the offered drink, downs it in one go, and then hands the empty glass back.]

[ Velvet takes the glass back and sets it on the railing. It almost seems as if she's going to let this go. Almost: ]

You make a lovely princess. No wonder the Storyteller keeps picking you for the role.

[ Light, teasing with a hint of amusement flickering in her eyes. ]

I'm certainly glad I didn't miss it this time around. [ She didn't go home mid-story again. ]

[JUST A VERY LOUD AND EXASPERATED GROAN.]

I swear the next time I get picked for a princess I'm throwing the entire story to hell.

[HE ALREADY CHANGED KAGUYA (if accidentally) HE'LL DO IT AGAIN ON PURPOSE!!]

[ A faint laugh as she leans into his arm a bit. ]

I'm fairly certain I messed it up already. If all the stories have this kind of ending, I say go for it.

[ Seriously, what's with all these morbid and sad endings? Velvet's own story may not have the nicest, warmest one but surely someone out there has a good one. ]

[He pays no mind to her leaning into his arm, but he does finally glance over to her at her statement.]

Wait, what did you do? I only kind of skimmed the story before we went in so.

[ She sighs and shifts her gaze from the door to the ballroom over to Rokurou. ]

The Storyteller thought it was a good idea to put me in the role of making the deal with the Sea Witch. I refused the offer that was laid out originally. So now the mermaid won't come on to land to woo the prince. She also won't turn into sea foam if he turns around and falls in love with the priestess.

[There's just an arch of the brow before he snorts and laughs.]

Yeah that was definitely a bad pick on the Storyteller's part if they wanted us to be authentic. But I'm starting to think they don't really care about that.

Did you at least keep the mermaid's "love" for the guy or is that warped, too?

[ It does seem like the Storyteller doesn't care how the stories end. ]

Hm, maybe we need to figure out more about the Storyteller if we're going to continue getting thrown into these roles. I'd hate to be working for someone who's not being truthful with us. [ Someone like Artorius, she means.

A shake of her head. ] It's still there. The mermaid will just have to work harder to get him to love her in return.

Maybe. We are just going off this enigma's word and hoping for the best. So long as I get to fight, I don't really care. [Helping worlds is just a bonus for him.]

But guess we'll have to see how the others decide things go.

[He then fills one of his empty glasses with wine and takes a long swig before holding it out for her in a lazy offer.]

When this story is over, I'm going to look into finding out more about the Storyteller. You want to come along? [ Are they really helping the worlds though? Or are they being played? ]

Guess we will.

[ She takes the glass and takes a sip. After a moment her nose scrunches up, Velvet presses it back into Rokurou's hand. ]

Sure, why not. Not like I'll have anything else to do.

[Said with a grin as he watches her try the wine—and then laugh at her expression.]

Haha, too strong for you?

Maybe we'll uncover something interesting.

[ With her arm still pressed against his, Velvet pushes him a bit. Mostly for him laughing at her. ]

It's not sweet enough. [ To her dulled tastebuds it's dry. ] Are you done drinking your frustrastions away, princess?

I don't think I'll ever be done, but if I keep this up I really will get drunk.

[As if he isn't already, and he's definitely above the initial "buzz." So just slight exaggerated nudge of his arm right back at her before he finishes the glass because that would be a waste. Waving it a little in her face, he sets it down next to the bottle of wine.

There, he's done. For now.]

Edited 2019-08-20 01:56 (UTC)

Shame you couldn't get drunk before being shoved into another dress.

[ If he passes out, Velvet will absolutely leave him where he falls. For now, she waits patiently for him to finish off the glass and pushes away from the railing.

Yet Velvet doesn't move away completely and merely curls her fingers around his closest wrist. ]

Dance with me.

Honestly I already took a few glasses before heading in because I knew I would need it—and then had a few more.

[Bless his daemon constitution. So long as he didn't go overboard, he could drink a lot.

...But now he's wondering if he is drunk because he's going to stare at her hand and then back up to her.

Uh.]

What?

[Yep, that's his answer.]

[ It will take more than a few glasses of wine to get him drunk and she knows that. Except suddenly it doesn't seem like the more important conversation at the moment.

Gold eyes meet his gaze straight on. ]

Dance. With. Me. Idiot. [ Despite the insulting name added on at the end, it's not said cruelly. While it may be dark out, the last cast from the ballroom is enough to see that her cheeks a bit flushed. ]

[...Is this a trap. He's wondering if this is a trap.

He'll continue to stare at her for several long seconds before there's a slight upturn of his lips and he pushes away from the railing.]

That's not cute at all, you know.

[But he's moving his hand to take hers as he steps closer to her.

And that's a lie. It's kind of cute.]

[ Shockingly this is not a trap in any way, shape or form.

Had they still been in the ballroom, Velvet may not have requested this at all. She isn't this doing to appear normal seeing as how no one is even looking in their direction. Velvet is doing it because she wants to. ]

It wasn't meant to be.

[ The blush doesn't leave her face as he closes the distance. Her other hand moves to rest on his shoulder. ]

Need me to lead, princess?

[He is definitely wondering why she wants to dance, and with him of all people. There's plenty of others back in the ballroom... But then again, she really knows him and Eizen. ...Still, the fact that she wants to dance at all intrigues him, and if she notices there is definitely a curious, amused gleam in his eye as he stares down at her.

He sees that blush.

Curiouser and curiouser.]

Even as a princess, I'll be taking the lead. [And with his hand on her lower back, he's already turning her to lead her into the slow waltz that's playing in the background.] Though you know, you were also playing princess earlier. Just not as exaggerated as I was.

[ Maybe -- just maybe -- if he's nice and doesn't tease her then Velvet may tell him should he ask for her reasons about this sudden dance. While it's true that her options are limited for dance partners, she didn't go out of her way to ask Eizen.

Velvet has only danced in the privacy of her home with her family so she's grateful for the slow song.

As for noticing his look, she has her gaze fixed over his shoulder in attempt to avoid the question she knows she'll find on his face. And maybe get rid of the redness on her own. ]

Don't step on my feet. [ There's a vague threat that states Velvet will give as good as she gets. ] You're still ahead in the princess game. Plus yours comes with lovely dresses.

You're the one with the heels, I should probably be more worried about you stepping on mine.

[Being nice and not teasing is not going to happen immediately, but this is more of the usual for them. But she'll find he's actually rather capable and well versed, his movements fluid and almost elegant as he leads her through the steps.]

You're not feeling jealous about that are you? Though your own dress is pretty nice.

Yes, you probably should.

[ She could do some serious damage with the heels if necessary. So far there hasn't been a need. Rokurou is certainly better than her at dancing, though as someone light on her feet Velvet has no trouble keeping up. ]

Why the hell would I be jealous of that? [ H U F F! ] Had this been a longer dress I would have just cut the bottom part off so someone was smart to do it for me.

[ Velvet can't just say... ] Thanks. [ The word comes out as a whisper and dammit, the blush that was almost faded is now back. ]

[Surprise, he actually knows how to dance thanks to actually needing to learn. When one has a noble family as their master, knowing how to dance to blend in even when on a kind of "security detail" is necessary. But he only knows the basic ballroom ones and the waltz is an easy one to remember, no matter how long it's really been since he last danced.

But Rokurou is watching her like a hawk. He knows very well that if pushes too much he really will get stabbed by those heels in some way or another, and he's not exactly too keen on it. So he won't push too much more... But it's hard to not notice that blush returning. He's never seen her like this, so he can't help but be amused.]

Yeah, this is definitely more your style. Definitely not something poofy like I had. [A light chuckle.]

I'm guessing it's been a while for you since you last worn one. Or dance.

[A light smirk as he sends her out for a well-timed spin before pulling her back.]

[ "For the job" is the kind of answer she expects from anyone in the Rangetsu family when it comes to anything outside of fighting. It's just good that one of them really knows how because Velvet certainly only knows simple steps when it comes to dancing. Following someone's lead is much easier.

Her eyes close briefly before they open again and fix themselves on his face in return. Also he doesn't need to be watching her that closely! Look away already. ]

I have to wonder if the red dress picked out was done just for you. [ Though Velvet couldn't tear her eyes from the color. ]

Hm, Niko was the last person who convinced me to wear a dress. It was a lot more simple tha this one. Even longer since I danced.

[ lakdjfoij! Good thing she is quick on her feet otherwise Velvet would have stumbled through that spin. ]

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject