storyevents ([personal profile] storyevents) wrote in [community profile] realmofstories2019-08-18 03:05 pm

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.




chippedsoul: (life is a butterfly)

[personal profile] chippedsoul 2019-09-08 03:48 am (UTC)(link)
[How did he like it...? By the long pause, he isn't sure how to answer that. Or he did, but the response was unimportant?] Is this relevant to anything?
ricebird: (Shy Grin)

[personal profile] ricebird 2019-09-08 10:06 pm (UTC)(link)
[..... Why can't he answer her? Quick, think of something back!]

I um... I'm a cook, right? Iiiit's important that people like the food I make, right? So... yeah, how did you like it?
chippedsoul: (the language that you sing)

[personal profile] chippedsoul 2019-09-08 10:36 pm (UTC)(link)
[Well, he ate it all so...] There was a satisfactory amount of meat and vegetable. The beef could be more tender. [Aka it was delicious.]
ricebird: (Uuuuugh I'm so glad we're done with the)

1/2

[personal profile] ricebird 2019-09-08 10:43 pm (UTC)(link)
[PHEW! That actually sounds like a Disciple-ish response. Kotori might actually sag back against the counter at realizing that.]

Ohhhhh thank goodness!
ricebird: (Shy Grin)

2/2

[personal profile] ricebird 2019-09-08 10:45 pm (UTC)(link)
[...]

I-I mean... thank goodness you liked it okay! [Smooooth.] A-anyway... how are you doing tonight? If you're starting to get hungry, the appetizers just got sent out, and the dinner service is almost ready too.
chippedsoul: (I tried to speak)

[personal profile] chippedsoul 2019-09-09 12:41 am (UTC)(link)
I'm working. [That's not a lie, but also...one cannot hide the sounds of a hungry tummy.]
ricebird: (^_^)

[personal profile] ricebird 2019-09-10 05:10 pm (UTC)(link)
Well yeah, everyone is. But a quick dinner break will probably help with your energy and focus, right?

[Pleeeeaaaase~?]
chippedsoul: (teach me)

[personal profile] chippedsoul 2019-09-11 03:49 am (UTC)(link)
. . . [All right, she made a valid point. He starts searching around the kitchen for food.]
ricebird: (Proud and Pleased)

[personal profile] ricebird 2019-09-12 12:37 am (UTC)(link)
[Sheeee'll take that as a yes. Let's see. Disciple tends to like strong savory flavors, so maybe not the sole or the hiyashi niçoise... Ah!]

Here, I think I've got something for you!

[After running over to grab a bowl and utensils and scooping things from a few pots and pans, Kotori rushes over with a quick and easy meal; rich, firm, red wined stewed eel and mushrooms over soft, fluffy rice.]

There you go! It's kind of a cross between a French eel stew and unadon. Hope you like it!

[Maybe enough to snap out of... whatever this is.]
chippedsoul: (I tried to speak)

[personal profile] chippedsoul 2019-09-12 04:00 am (UTC)(link)
[Whatever she said, it just means food to him. He looks down at the bowl being presented to him, picking up the utensil. There was no reaction at first, but after a few bites, some life comes back in his eyes as he raise his brows.]

Hm. [Did that mean he likes it or hates it???]
ricebird: (Happy Girl)

[personal profile] ricebird 2019-09-14 01:56 pm (UTC)(link)
[The noise alone would be hard to decipher, but Kotori has seen those widening eyes on many a face after an unexpectedly good bite.]

Ah, you like it?
chippedsoul: (life is a butterfly)

[personal profile] chippedsoul 2019-09-15 03:54 am (UTC)(link)
[There is no immediate response as he continues to take a few more bites in silence.]

...It's good. [He'll eventually finish the bowl to demonstrate his approval, and with a nod.]
ricebird: (^_^)

[personal profile] ricebird 2019-09-18 10:20 pm (UTC)(link)
Phew, good, I'm glad! You look a little better too, so glad it helped.

[Ah, food, conqueror of hearts and destroyer of all emotional barriers.]
chippedsoul: (scanning nether)

[personal profile] chippedsoul 2019-09-19 04:15 am (UTC)(link)
Hm? [He tilts his head at that.] Did I not look well...?
ricebird: (Got My Attention)

[personal profile] ricebird 2019-09-20 12:00 am (UTC)(link)
Well... no, honestly. You sounded... really cold and distant, almost like you were in a trance or something. I was kind of worried...
chippedsoul: (no other voice)

[personal profile] chippedsoul 2019-09-20 01:21 am (UTC)(link)
...It's nothing. It's just a drug I'm testing right now to keep Hyde at bay.
ricebird: (I dunno...)

[personal profile] ricebird 2019-09-20 02:06 am (UTC)(link)
A drug?

[Somehow... that still doesn't sound good.]

And um... how is it working so far?

[You know, besides turning him into an icy zombie.]
chippedsoul: (the language that you sing)

[personal profile] chippedsoul 2019-09-20 02:50 am (UTC)(link)
I don't sense him at all. I have a better focus on the task at hand, and fighting isn't an issue. [It sounds great, except for one thing.] The downside is I don't really feel anything.
ricebird: (D-did Sensei just notice me?)

[personal profile] ricebird 2019-09-20 03:14 am (UTC)(link)
That's... a pretty big downside, Disciple-san.

[Seriously, if giving the choice between giving up her emotions or her sense of taste, she'd choose giving up her sense of taste. ....... Nine times out of ten.]
chippedsoul: (wonder of my world)

[personal profile] chippedsoul 2019-09-20 04:11 am (UTC)(link)
[He shakes his head.]

If it'll keep Hyde away, then I can deal with a small setback. For now, it's a temporary solution until I can think of something better. [Ideally tap into the powers Hyde brings without that maniac personality.]
ricebird: (I dunno...)

[personal profile] ricebird 2019-09-20 05:36 pm (UTC)(link)
Okay... Just... be careful, please? And let us know if you need help.

[She's worried about you, dude.]
chippedsoul: (A moment's thought)

[personal profile] chippedsoul 2019-09-20 08:44 pm (UTC)(link)
[An idle handwave.] It's fine. Thank you for the meal.

[As he goes to clean up after himself, he'll notice the wooden knife beside Kotori.] So you're using it.
ricebird: (Sheepish)

[personal profile] ricebird 2019-09-21 07:13 pm (UTC)(link)
[Oh, so he does notice.]

I uh... trying to, anyway. [Nope, still not easy for her to push past it.] Hopefully I can say I have by the time we leave.
chippedsoul: (the summer breeze)

[personal profile] chippedsoul 2019-09-22 03:59 am (UTC)(link)
You'll get it eventually. You haven't given up after all, that's what important.
ricebird: (Gently Pleased)

[personal profile] ricebird 2019-09-25 12:14 am (UTC)(link)
[A soft hum and nod of a bow.]

Thank you, Disciple-san. Um... maybe, once we're back in the Index, we could have another lesson? Please?

[Because nothing could possibly go wrong in the next few hours to change that, right?]

(no subject)

[personal profile] chippedsoul - 2019-09-25 03:17 (UTC) - Expand