Exploration Event: Neverwere

[lifeaftr_mods]

EXPLORATION EVENT: NEVERWERE

Who: Everyone!
What: Your wildest dreams come true!
When: May 15th to May 18th
Where: Ziziphus, those still on Ensō...and Mu
Warnings: Mark as needed!

Then Know That My Life Was Just a Killer Dream
You can find most of the information you need in the OOC info post! In the meantime, feel free to use this log as a catch-all for your dream worlds, as well as detailing your efforts to free one another. Whether they're on Ziziphus or Ensō at the time of the dreams' capture, your character is free to access as many dreams as you like, as the interlocking mental landscape allows for that sort of crossing over apropos of nothing. And time, of course, is very fluid in dreams - many days, months, and years can transpire in a matter of mere minutes.

Will you fight your way free from Ziziphus's vines or Mu's thrall, or are you content to die in your sleep?

Remember to let us know if your character dies during this event!

Event Timeline

[ ♆ ] May 15th: The vines make their move, ensnaring characters in ideal fantasy worlds
[ ♆ ] May 17th: The Storyteller will make contact with those they can, as well as issue information and a potential solution
[ ♆ ] May 18th: Those that have not freed themselves from the vines or from Mu will suffer a death

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LOGS ● OOC ● STORIES ● MAIN NAVIGATION

( CODED BY BOOTYCALL )

Comments

Ardyn Izunia | FFXV spoilers

[scourgingstars]

[In the kingdom of Lucis, there was no city greater than...Insomnia? Well, it was certainly called Insomnia, even if it tended far more towards magitek than anything modern which may have been associated with the name. The occasional airship flew by high overhead, between the massive buildings that reached through the clouds--and the tallest of them was the grand Citadel, in which lived the king and his court. Shield, advisor, general positions of power and even some higher-ranked soldiers, most of the time any of them could be found in or around the seat of the city's power.]

[But finding the king himself? That was a trickier thing to do. Oh, he could certainly be found near the Citadel at times, perhaps half hanging out of the open engine of an airship he was working on with a pile of scrap metal and broken parts tossed to the ground next to him. Or just sneaking out to postpone the more boring side of working on political correspondence for an hour or two. A little irresponsible, perhaps, but the world wouldn't come crashing down around them if he put things off for just a bit.]

[Most often the young man in black with the silver circlet half-hidden by wild red hair (and it was no doubt red instead of violet) could be found simply walking the city streets as any other Lucian, greeting his subjects with a gentle smile. Occasionally one would approach him with uncertainty, bowing and stammering in a nervously respectful manner about some kind of injury or another. Ardyn's hazel (certainly not yellow, because what kind of human had yellow eyes) eyes would soften with a gentle smile as he discarded any thought of formality and took their hand. Saying something to the effect of oh, well we can't have that, can we, such pains or bandaged wounds would be gone in the warm glow of a golden light from his touch.]

[Life in the capital was busy and ruled by perhaps an unconventional king, but ultimately...it was a good life to have.]

[piercetheheart]

[It's not hard to find him, not if you know where to look. Follow the sound of humming, the trail of damaged parts to the hangar that was specifically off limits because he didn't trust any of the rookies on the machine. Gladio stopped in the doorway for a moment, shaking his head, dismissing the poor, shaken young man that was certain he was going to get reprimanded for being lax in his guard.

Same old, same old. How many years has he spent trying to kick his king out of the airfield?

He pushes off the door frame, boot falls echoing off the metal walls, giving plenty of warning of his approach. Another echoing sound, this one a soft rumbling clang as he raps his knuckles against the hull of the beast, trying to get the king's attention.]

Y'know, majesty, [Sarcastic, not disrespectful so much as just familiar from so many years working alongside the royal family.] one of these days I'm going to stop lying when your precious advisor starts asking questions.

[scourgingstars]

But it's not today, is it?

[The cheerful tone resounded through the the airship, Ardyn himself practically at risk of falling into the engine for how far he was leaning over. After a second he put his hands on the edge of the ship's metal body and pushed himself out, straightening up.]

How much trouble am I in this time? [Grinning brightly, he rubbed at his face in a failed attempt to get rid of a streak of motor oil, leaving a black smudge across his nose.]

[piercetheheart]

[Gladio rolls his eyes and sighs but he's still smiling, laughing despite himself. Advisor Scientia would be so exasperated with him if he saw him like this.

The attempt to fix the oil smear on his face was hilarious, reminded him of Talcott ... a child...]

If you show up to Council meeting looking like that? A ton. [Iggy'd never let him get away with that. No, no that's not right. Advisor Scientia. Not... Ig-

He blinked, shook his head a little to dismiss the thought, nodding to the ship instead.]

But if you've figured out what's wrong with her then I'll keep him off your tail for a little while longer.

[scourgingstars]

Oh, it'll be fine. [Ardyn shrugged, twirling a wrench around in his hand idly as he spoke.] I've mastered the precise art of 'I've ten minutes before a meeting and still need to take a shower'.

As for this poor thing- [he tapped his empty hand on the airship] I think I've just about got it.

[piercetheheart]

Well no wonder your hair's always a mess. [More teasing. But at the assurance that the airship was nearly back in working order Gladio smiled, stepping up beside the king to peek into the engine.]

You're wasted in the citadel, sir.

[scourgingstars]

Oh, it's an awful shame, isn't it? [Rolling his eyes with a dramatic sigh, Ardyn leaned over to examine his work as well.]

I could have been the best mechanist in the kingdom, were it not for the crown. What a pitiable waste.

Late on the 17th or so. Ya know, what is time?

[shatteredlenses]

[It is only a matter of time before sleep catches up to Ignis, especially after he and Gladio practically drag each other off Ziziphus so their exhaustion doesn't add them to the vines' victim pool. His dreams are usually not so peaceful and comforting as this, though, and for a moment, he almost wants to question the reality around him. It's in his nature to question, after all. It's what makes him such a good advisor, such a good strategist. Still, when the sound of an airship overhead shakes him from his questions, Ignis doesn't find himself with any need to chase after them as they fade away. There are more important tasks at hand today.

Ignis runs his hands over robes he's wearing, smoothing the fine cloth, nimble fingers untangling the silly decorations that the High Council insists are necessary. Honestly, if he had any idea how long it would take to finish this particular task he would have changed, but this is Ardyn he's trying to track down and His Majesty could literally be anywhere. If he's going to spend his afternoon looking for the Healer-King, he's not going to also listen to the Council bitch if he arrives to their meeting in anything less than the approved formal wear.]

Off lookin' for His Majesty 'gain are ya, Advisor Scientia?

[The voice that breaks into Ignis' thoughts is just familiar enough for him to recognize it belongs to one of the guards, though for the life of him he can't remember the man's name. He takes a breath and is about to answer when the man lets out a good-natured laugh.]

'Course ya are. Ya know, whatever the Crown's payin' ya ain't enough. Astrals Above, I certainly wouldn't want to be in charge of keepin' track of him. Come along. I saw him wanderin' toward the playground. Always a kid or two there who could use a helpin' hand.

[A soft 'Much obliged' is the only answer Ignis gets out before the man begins moving away. Automatically, Ignis follows. He probably doesn't need the guide, his feet automatically avoiding cracks and edges that might make him stumble. Still, the guards have so little to do in this peaceful land, he can hardly deny the man a little distraction from what has assuredly been a very boring shift.

As sharp as his hearing is, Ignis hears Ardyn's voice before his guide can say anything, and a smile crosses his face, warmth chasing away the annoyance that had been building. How can he be upset about another search when he can hear how happy the children who no doubt encircle Ardyn are? How can he fault his king for preferring to spend his time with innocents like this instead of a bunch of irritating old fools?

Ignis dismisses the guard and then makes his way over to the group, a fondness fills his expression.]

And what game are we playing this afternoon, Your Majesty?

fake as heck is what

[scourgingstars]

Oh dear, I think I'm in trouble now. [Ardyn said that to the group of kids he was knelt down in front of, a cheerful aside with a bit of dramatics to it.] We were just clearing up the usual terrible injuries from a highly competitive game of tag. Fierce competition, with no effort spared at all. [He smirked over his shoulder, letting go of the once-bruised elbow of the boy he'd been focused on healing.] Go on, all of you run along. It'll be getting late soon.

[A few half-whined objections and enthusiastic waves goodbye later, Ardyn straightened up and dusted himself off with a bright smile that could be heard as clearly as most others would see it.]

How long of a lecture am I in for today? I should start setting aside time in my schedule for it.

[shatteredlenses]

You probably shouldn't joke about such things around me since I'm the one who takes care of setting up your schedule.

[He can make that happen, Ardyn. Do you really want that?]

As for the lecture, that depends.

[His arms fold loosely over his chest sending the braided cords on his robes swinging.]

How long do you expect I'll get to talk before you do something to distract me?

[scourgingstars]

My terribly brilliant mind is already working overtime to determine an escape route.

[ardyn...]

Did I miss anything important?

[shatteredlenses]

Well, do tell your brilliant mind not to let me know those escape plans. I would like to maintain a little plausible deniability.

[Ignis signs then, shaking his head.]

Do you ever? Don't worry. If anyone says anything, I'll take care of it.

[It's part of his job, after all.]

[scourgingstars]

Oh, I've no doubt you will. You are excellent at your job, after all.

[Ardyn extended his arm with a cheerful tone to his voice, gently nudging Ignis' elbow so he would know the offer to take it was there.]

Shall we head back? I think I've neglected my duties enough for one day.

[prettypurpleparlor]

[Even kings need to eat.]

[Fortunately, the city had plenty of shops and restaurants, including the quaint little bakery tucked neatly off one of the main streets. The dark-haired young woman running the business had quite a knack for pastry, and absolutely no nervousness about serving royalty, should they happen to stop by for tea.]

[But then again, why should she? Ardyn's been a customer for quite some time... right?]

[scourgingstars]

[Sure enough, it was a king in full regalia who came in near closing, when the bakery would be quiet and generally deserted. Man of the people though he was, he did occasionally cherish some time a bit more to himself.]

Hello, my darling. I'm not too late, am I? I would hate to keep you after hours.

[prettypurpleparlor]

Not at all, your majesty- I'd say you're just in time.

[Her manner of address is respectful, but the cheerful little smile she greets him with speaks of a more friendly, familiar attitude. She's always polite, but you can't know someone for as long as they have (...how long?) without becoming more comfortable with them, even a king. Besides, Ardyn's hardly the most formal of royalty.]

I just finished icing a fresh batch of tea cakes. How do you feel about rose and lemon, in terms of flavor?

[She gestures towards a delicious-looking display of delicate little cakes with a wink, fairly certain that Ardyn will eat anything with enough sugar in it. Not that it keeps her from giving him the best she can anyway, there's no excuse for not trying.]

[Something might seem... odd about Muffet today, almost as though she doesn't look quite right. But that doesn't make sense, does it? Of course she's always looked like this, dark grey eyes and light brown skin. Why wouldn't she?]

[scourgingstars]

Dear, I've told you time and time again to call me Ardyn. [had he?] I promise no one's around to care.

But, that sounds absolutely delightful. Better still if you've any tea on hand to go with it.

[prettypurpleparlor]

Oh, but it doesn't do to let standards slip, your majesty. [So you're not going to call him by his first name, but disobeying a direct order is fine? Muffet has idiosyncratic ideas about fealty.]

I'd never dream of serving it without tea. Milk and sugar?

[Another brief, odd moment- he's been coming here for however long, shouldn't she know what he prefers? She's certainly never been the type to forget the tastes of
a loyal customer...]

[scourgingstars]

That sounds perfect.

[He slid into a chair, leaning his head on his hand.]

Have you been well?

slides in on my knees

[nightcure]

[ Even if the king were hard to find, his cousin would have no problem doing so. Noctis and Ardyn hang out quite a bit, exchanging jabs and jokes and laughs. Occasionally, cats are involved, and Noctis can't help looking forward to the time they spend together.

Right now, Noctis finds Ardyn half-out of the airship. ]

Tinkering away again, grease monkey?

ayyyyyyyy

[scourgingstars]

Oh, don't you start with me too.

[The remark sounded echoed and metallic for how it was spoken into the engine more than at Noctis, but after a moment Ardyn pushed himself up and out of the airship's hull. He greeted his cousin with a smile, trying and failing to wipe motor oil off his face.]

I'll have you know that running a kingdom includes seeing its technology kept in working order.

[nightcure]

Yeah, you tell me that all the time.

[ He crosses his arms, eyebrows raised. ]

When was the last time you ate something?

[scourgingstars]

What are you, my mother? You worry too much.

[nightcure]

[ It feels familiar in a way Noctis can't quite place, and his expression flickers for just a second--grinning, lightly teasing, to confused. But like it was never there, the confusion vanishes, wisps of smoke Noctis can't seem to hold onto.

The moment's passed, and everything's as it should be. ]

Who else is gonna worry about you? Anyway, that gives me my answer. Come on. Get cleaned up and we'll go out.

[scourgingstars]

Fine, fine. You'll just lecture me endlessly if I don't.