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

[ There's always next time. ]

We should still see what they have later. I doubt this place has any healing gels.

[ Do people here have something like healing artes? Weren't there potions of some kind in the bag they got upon arriving here? She might have had some in her belongings still.

At his words, Velvet rolls her eyes. ]

You hold it down. I'll tie it. [ Velvet reaches out to put a finger behind the knot of his tie and tugs gently until it comes loose. Then wraps it around her leg and towel several times to ensure that it covers all of the wound. ]

Not exactly, but they do have the potions.

[...Speaking of which he had left his bag back in the ballroom whoops. Would have really come in handy right about now.

Before he could even think about protesting, she's reaching out and pulling at his tie. Well. All right then. There's just a small look of amusement as its removed, and he'll lean back and retract his hand once she begins tying it around her leg.]

Looks good to me. [He then stands, reaching up to where his tie used to be and loosens the collar of his shirt a bit. Might as well.]

Going to insist on walking or should I carry you again? [He can guess the answer, but he can't help but tease a little.]

Do you trust those?

[ What she really means is: have you seen them in action? If Rokurou trusts them, Velvet has no reason not to.

Velvet has a great deal of practice with this sort of thing considering how many times she wrapped her left arm. It's quick work when she can use both hands. A quick knot has the whole makeshift bandaged secure. ]

Practice makes perfect. [ At his question, she's kicking off her shoes and doesn't particularly care where they end up as she has no intention of picking them up. ]

I'm sure I can manage. [ Though Velvet will use his arm to pull herself up and test putting weight on the injured leg. See, fine. ]

They've actually been pretty useful, and better than gels since you can either drink it or just pour it on the injury.

[So they have Rokurou's seal of approval, especially since he's not a huge gel fan.

He's again amused at her just kicking off her heels before using his arm as support as she tests her leg. If she really is able to walk, he won't try and carry her and let her do it her way this time.]

In that case, let's try and find the kitchens. They shouldn't be too far from the main ballroom so can't be hard to find once we figure that out.

Edited 2019-08-21 08:48 (UTC)

Good to know.

[ She may not use it on something so minor and save them for a more serious injury. Or if someone she's fighting with needs it.

With a destination, Velvet moves towards the door with barely a limp. They can probably get to the kitchens from inside the castle without having to go through the ballroom so she heads for the nearest set of stairs. ]

Just follow the music and the smell of food. [ There's so much fish that her nose can follow the scent easily enough. Wolf ears rotate to determine exactly where the music is coming from and not just echoing. ]

[Following along, letting her lead as he notices how her ears move. For the most part he's gotten used to their existence along with her tail, but they're usually still. Well except her tail that's sometimes fun to watch to gauge her mood. But her ears moving... Again not new, but...

...

........

He can't resist he wants to touch it. May or may not be reaching out to try and poke the tip of the nearest one.]

[ She's aware of Rokurou's presence behind her, aware that he's moving. Though Velvet doesn't know what he's doing with his hand until...

... A finger touches her new appendage. It twitches away from the digit, Velvet stops and turns to glare back at him. ]

What are you doing?

[It was brief but it was so soft...!

He immediately raises his hand up in mock surrender, an awkward grin on his lips.]

Sorry. It's not the first time I've seen them in action, but it really is interesting to see those ears actually working like the real thing. Is the movement conscious or...?

[ All he got was a simple, single touch but she may be debating how best to kill him if he tries again.

Velvet's discovered that the ears are more sensitive than the tail, she has to be careful when combing her hair. ]

Most of the time. On occasion they move of their own accord. [ Such as when they're touched by others, or if a noise is made suddenly in the vicinity. ]

On their own, huh...

[Everyone knows how mature Rokurou is.

Which is why he's just going to look at her thoughtfully before suddenly snapping his fingers to the far side of her head. Not close to her ears, but he's clearly trying to see what he reaction would be.]

[ She eyes him warily. For good reason apparently.

At the snap, the ear closest to the sound pivots to the side the next second. ]

Seriously? Are you done or is there more you'd like to do?

[He knows he's testing her patience, but he still can't help but laugh.]

Okay, sorry, I'm done. But guess we can use you like a bloodhound with your canine senses, huh?

[Smirkity smirk.]

[ Velvet doesn't know whether to expect him to take advantage of the "offer" or not. ]

Just remember that this canine bites.

[ In both forms. ]

[He's banking that for a special occasion.]

Just means I have to stay away from the teeth.

[ Sorry, that offer has an expiration date. ]

You aren't afraid of a little wolf bite, are you? [ She smirks at him before turning to continue making her way to where she thought to kitchen to be. ]

[That was never said???]

Afraid? No. But I'm also not that dumb.

[ As if Velvet would have an open-ended offer like that. ]

You're one of the few people here who knows that my bite is worse than my bark.

[Time to bank it tonight then—]

Exactly. But I'm also one of the few who could take the risk and still live to tell about it if I felt like it.

[And fully admit that he was being dumb based on what he said before.]

[ Good luck with that. ]

I wouldn't let you off that easily. Not when I can make you pay for a longer period of time if you're alive.

[ Thankfully it takes a lot for Velvet to get to I'm going to kill you levels of revenge, even for a daemon. ]

[Fine, fine. When they get back.]

Now I'm curious how you'd actually go about doing that.

[ A glance at him over her shoulder. ]

The only way to find out is to try it.

[An exaggerated hiss between his teeth.]

How tempting. I might have to think about it.

[Hah, like he really would try to tempt fate and get on Velvet's bad side. So he really has no plans to be that reckless... But who knows.]

Edited 2019-08-22 21:52 (UTC)

[ Just how many times have they made plans and actually stuck to them all the way through?

Leading them up the stairs now. ]

So what was with your performance earlier, princess? Are you trying to put the prince off?

[Too many.

At her question, he made a face that she might not be able to see since he's following behind her as they climb up way too extravagant stairs.]

Do you really expect me to try to be charming like that? And to Dojima of all people? Yeah, no.

But it was fun messing with him.

[ Velvet misses the look itself but can picture it from his tone of voice regardless. ]

It's no wonder that these stories get mess up, when they decide to constantly switch who's in the role. Glad to know you had fun at least.

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