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countryclub2022-04-27 07:28 pm
reddosmod) wrote in countryclub2022-04-27 07:28 pm
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APRIL 2022 TEST DRIVE MEME
APRIL 2022 TEST DRIVE MEME
A MOSTLY PLEASANT ARRIVAL
A DIM REFLECTION
THE ROAD NOT TAKEN
CODING
Another month, another test drive meme! Our test drive memes are open to anyone interested - regardless of whether or not you join our game!
All Test Drive Memes are game canon. Players can choose to keep their TDM threads canon or not. TDM threads can be used for AC and can be used as your writing sample for your application.
Our TDMs serve as a way to build into the actual lore and worldbuilding of Deer Country and we strongly encourage everyone to enjoy and participate! Current players are always welcome to pull prompts from the TDM to reference on the Network or bring into logs as well as tag out to new characters top-leveling on the TDM itself.
Characters will always be able to actively die during TDMs as this is an extremely dangerous world. You can still have this be game canon! Check out how character death in Deer Country works here.
If you have any questions about the TDM, please ask down below!
IMAGE DESCRIPTORS IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE
Prompt One
[Image One: Delicious, Gelatinous Fruit Treats]
[Image Two: Women in white dancing around a May Pole (Animated)]
Prompt Two
[Image One: A woman turning away from a mirror. ]
[Image Two: A woman trapped inside a mirror with disembodied hands grabbing at her. ]
Prompt Three
[Image One: A Forked Trail on a Wooded Path]
[Image Two: The Grim Reaper at the end of a sewer tunnel]
All Test Drive Memes are game canon. Players can choose to keep their TDM threads canon or not. TDM threads can be used for AC and can be used as your writing sample for your application.
Our TDMs serve as a way to build into the actual lore and worldbuilding of Deer Country and we strongly encourage everyone to enjoy and participate! Current players are always welcome to pull prompts from the TDM to reference on the Network or bring into logs as well as tag out to new characters top-leveling on the TDM itself.
Characters will always be able to actively die during TDMs as this is an extremely dangerous world. You can still have this be game canon! Check out how character death in Deer Country works here.
If you have any questions about the TDM, please ask down below!
Prompt One
[Image One: Delicious, Gelatinous Fruit Treats]
[Image Two: Women in white dancing around a May Pole (Animated)]
Prompt Two
[Image One: A woman turning away from a mirror. ]
[Image Two: A woman trapped inside a mirror with disembodied hands grabbing at her. ]
Prompt Three
[Image One: A Forked Trail on a Wooded Path]
[Image Two: The Grim Reaper at the end of a sewer tunnel]
WHEN: May
WHERE: The Farther Shores/The Boardwalk
CONTENT WARNINGS: Forced honesty, personality changes, physical changes.
WHERE: The Farther Shores/The Boardwalk
CONTENT WARNINGS: Forced honesty, personality changes, physical changes.
Congratulations, sleeper! You're one of the lucky ones to arrive in a month that is not awful to come ashore. The transformational process is almost alarmingly quick and painless. In fact, it is so quick that it is deceptively easy to change back into a squid and do it all over again! Partial transformations are not uncommon during this month for the first twenty-four hours after arriving, and even brief transformations of minor facial features like hair color, eye color, height, weight and a few more extreme possibilities have been known to happen. Don't worry, because the transformations are all temporary and none are inherently monstrous (Unless you already are a monster, in which case good luck with that!). Greeters are present in force to help accommodate you as you make your way, your welcome backpack and items all freshly and neatly cleaned and ready for you as they put the robe on. Everything is so welcoming and inviting that it almost seems like they're having a party.
This is, in fact, because they are. The Wild Moon is about and festivities are in full swing throughout the month of Bauphomette. May poles are set up and it is possible to dance around one if you should wish. Doing so can help to ground oneself in their current form, which may help new arrivals settle in a bit better. Even ignoring that, it feels good to sing and dance, and everyone is very friendly. Even the usually grim Hunters who guard the roads and entries to the shores seem to have less stern smiles on their faces, though their eyes are ever watchful to keep the peace of the festivities.
SEASONAL DETAILS ON THE BOARDWALK
Decorations this month are decidedly floral in nature. Everyone is dressed in white, regardless of their usual preferences. Flowers adorn many of the people of Trench and the weather throughout the first week of May is pleasant. Even if it rains, it is a refreshing, light and pleasant rain, and there are many awnings and umbrellas to take shelter underneath.
And of course, there's refreshments. What festival in Trench would be without them? The foods this month have a very floral theme to them. Edible flowers have been grown and prepared especially for this time of year. They've been used to help create infused and gelatinous sweets, Floral spring rolls and edible flower cookies and the like, along with floral teas that are meant to calm the mind. Additionally, the people of Trench will note that any of the foods present can have a beneficial, albeit transformative effect on the mind and body. They promise it won't last long, but if you're really concerned there is hard tack and water available that's quite filling.
Changes from Food will last a few hours at most. There are several options available among the drinks and foods. These may be combined as the player sees fit. Drinks have mental effects, while Treats have physical ones, the Trenchies will inform:
Pomegranate Juice: Sweet and tart, anyone who drinks it or has some of the fresh pomegranate and seeds will feel compelled to speak nothing but the truth. Pomegranates are found littering makeshift shrines to Bauphomette throughout the party, and Trenchies insist they are free to take.
Petal Infused Hot Tea: Pungent and aromatic, it is relaxing. The heat gives a warmth and vibrancy that fills a person with confidence, to the point of arrogance and fearlessness, leading the emboldened to try something that they might not otherwise do, even if it's very risky!
Floral Iced Tea: While refreshing, it feels like there's something just a little lacking, and anyone who drinks some will feel that they need more but not what they need more of at first, making them clingy and affectionate towards other people, especially strangers.
Iced Water: It's not the tastiest, but has a way of washing things away. Water can cleanse and remove the effects of other drinks, though it leaves the person feeling emotionally drained if it is used this way.
Floral Spring Rolls: Trying one of these surprisingly edible treats will have the added effect of giving a person plant traits temporarily. Hair may convert into tresses of ivy or carefully manicured moss, or perhaps a mushroom cap! Skin might become bark-like or chlorophyl green. The more that one eats, the more that they change.
Gelatinous Sweets: These curiosities come with a note. “Have you ever wondered what it is like to walk in someone's shoes?” Eating one has a profound physical effect, causing a person's appearance to transform into that of another person in Trench! It may not even be someone they've met, or seen yet! It would be awkward to meet someone, not looking the way you're supposed to, or worse? Looking like them!
Edible Flower Cookies: They come with lovely notes saying “Eat Me!” What could be sweeter? Well, like something out of Alice and Wonderland, eating one can cause a person to grow or shrink by a foot. More cookies can cause the height difference to become worse and worse, though if you're only a foot tall, it's a good way to end up an inch tall! So, maybe eating more to fix the problem is risky.
Hard Tack: Like the water, it can fill the stomach and remove prematurely any physical effects, though if it does so, removing a physical change physically drains the character.
This is, in fact, because they are. The Wild Moon is about and festivities are in full swing throughout the month of Bauphomette. May poles are set up and it is possible to dance around one if you should wish. Doing so can help to ground oneself in their current form, which may help new arrivals settle in a bit better. Even ignoring that, it feels good to sing and dance, and everyone is very friendly. Even the usually grim Hunters who guard the roads and entries to the shores seem to have less stern smiles on their faces, though their eyes are ever watchful to keep the peace of the festivities.
Decorations this month are decidedly floral in nature. Everyone is dressed in white, regardless of their usual preferences. Flowers adorn many of the people of Trench and the weather throughout the first week of May is pleasant. Even if it rains, it is a refreshing, light and pleasant rain, and there are many awnings and umbrellas to take shelter underneath.
And of course, there's refreshments. What festival in Trench would be without them? The foods this month have a very floral theme to them. Edible flowers have been grown and prepared especially for this time of year. They've been used to help create infused and gelatinous sweets, Floral spring rolls and edible flower cookies and the like, along with floral teas that are meant to calm the mind. Additionally, the people of Trench will note that any of the foods present can have a beneficial, albeit transformative effect on the mind and body. They promise it won't last long, but if you're really concerned there is hard tack and water available that's quite filling.
Changes from Food will last a few hours at most. There are several options available among the drinks and foods. These may be combined as the player sees fit. Drinks have mental effects, while Treats have physical ones, the Trenchies will inform:
Pomegranate Juice: Sweet and tart, anyone who drinks it or has some of the fresh pomegranate and seeds will feel compelled to speak nothing but the truth. Pomegranates are found littering makeshift shrines to Bauphomette throughout the party, and Trenchies insist they are free to take.
Petal Infused Hot Tea: Pungent and aromatic, it is relaxing. The heat gives a warmth and vibrancy that fills a person with confidence, to the point of arrogance and fearlessness, leading the emboldened to try something that they might not otherwise do, even if it's very risky!
Floral Iced Tea: While refreshing, it feels like there's something just a little lacking, and anyone who drinks some will feel that they need more but not what they need more of at first, making them clingy and affectionate towards other people, especially strangers.
Iced Water: It's not the tastiest, but has a way of washing things away. Water can cleanse and remove the effects of other drinks, though it leaves the person feeling emotionally drained if it is used this way.
Floral Spring Rolls: Trying one of these surprisingly edible treats will have the added effect of giving a person plant traits temporarily. Hair may convert into tresses of ivy or carefully manicured moss, or perhaps a mushroom cap! Skin might become bark-like or chlorophyl green. The more that one eats, the more that they change.
Gelatinous Sweets: These curiosities come with a note. “Have you ever wondered what it is like to walk in someone's shoes?” Eating one has a profound physical effect, causing a person's appearance to transform into that of another person in Trench! It may not even be someone they've met, or seen yet! It would be awkward to meet someone, not looking the way you're supposed to, or worse? Looking like them!
Edible Flower Cookies: They come with lovely notes saying “Eat Me!” What could be sweeter? Well, like something out of Alice and Wonderland, eating one can cause a person to grow or shrink by a foot. More cookies can cause the height difference to become worse and worse, though if you're only a foot tall, it's a good way to end up an inch tall! So, maybe eating more to fix the problem is risky.
Hard Tack: Like the water, it can fill the stomach and remove prematurely any physical effects, though if it does so, removing a physical change physically drains the character.
WHEN: May
WHERE: Throughout Trench
CONTENT WARNINGS: Paranoia, existential dread, hallucinations, possession-related horror.
WHERE: Throughout Trench
CONTENT WARNINGS: Paranoia, existential dread, hallucinations, possession-related horror.
They warned you about mirrors. Every once in a while, one of the locals in Trench might have whispered it, made a sign of warding when they passed by mirrors, but nothing seemed out of place. They told you that you might see yourself in it, and you would never be the same. However, every time you've looked it's been fine. So, maybe they were being superstitious about something? It certainly wouldn't have been the first time someone had gotten paranoid about nothing in Trench, would it?
How wrong you were. Maybe it was when you were looking down at a puddle rippling in a light breeze. It might have been a formerly polished piece of bronze covered in tarnish that adorned a building. Perhaps it was that lovely bit of obsidian in the shop where you caught your reflection garbled by the shape. It happens only when a reflection is seen in a distorted surface, especially those that are naturally occurring, though occasionally damaged and weathered surfaces that were polished will work. When you were looking at the image, it seemed to look back at you and something was wrong, distorted, imperfect. By then it was too late.
The natives were right. You saw some part of yourself there in the mirror. It might be something that you've hidden from others for a long time, or it might be an exaggeration of a single part of yourself that you aren't proud about. What it is, is a distorted and incomplete part of yourself, something that you try to keep controlled and in check, and it was there, smiling at you and winking. The moment it winked, it was like you were riding in your own skin, watching and unable to act as you changed into a self that reflected that distorted, unnatural and incomplete side of yourself. What shadows do you hide from yourself?
This effect lasts for, at most, one solar cycle. From the rising of the sun to its setting, or the moon to its setting, the effect can last no longer than that. Especially strong-willed people, particularly palebloods, can end this effect sooner through force of will, though it usually lasts at minimum an hour. The character is, for the duration of this effect, changed in personality to behave in accordance with some singular aspect (of the player's choice) of their personality that they do not usually focus on in their day to day behavior. This change can be subtle, or it can be drastic and even dangerous. Its goal is to make sure that everyone sees and witnesses this change, and goes out of its way to impact others in a memorable fact, making sure that they see there is more to the character than what they are revealing. This could be relatively innocuous or extremely dangerous, depending on the person, and the whole while the dominant personality is riding inside their skin, forced to watch what is happening.
How wrong you were. Maybe it was when you were looking down at a puddle rippling in a light breeze. It might have been a formerly polished piece of bronze covered in tarnish that adorned a building. Perhaps it was that lovely bit of obsidian in the shop where you caught your reflection garbled by the shape. It happens only when a reflection is seen in a distorted surface, especially those that are naturally occurring, though occasionally damaged and weathered surfaces that were polished will work. When you were looking at the image, it seemed to look back at you and something was wrong, distorted, imperfect. By then it was too late.
The natives were right. You saw some part of yourself there in the mirror. It might be something that you've hidden from others for a long time, or it might be an exaggeration of a single part of yourself that you aren't proud about. What it is, is a distorted and incomplete part of yourself, something that you try to keep controlled and in check, and it was there, smiling at you and winking. The moment it winked, it was like you were riding in your own skin, watching and unable to act as you changed into a self that reflected that distorted, unnatural and incomplete side of yourself. What shadows do you hide from yourself?
This effect lasts for, at most, one solar cycle. From the rising of the sun to its setting, or the moon to its setting, the effect can last no longer than that. Especially strong-willed people, particularly palebloods, can end this effect sooner through force of will, though it usually lasts at minimum an hour. The character is, for the duration of this effect, changed in personality to behave in accordance with some singular aspect (of the player's choice) of their personality that they do not usually focus on in their day to day behavior. This change can be subtle, or it can be drastic and even dangerous. Its goal is to make sure that everyone sees and witnesses this change, and goes out of its way to impact others in a memorable fact, making sure that they see there is more to the character than what they are revealing. This could be relatively innocuous or extremely dangerous, depending on the person, and the whole while the dominant personality is riding inside their skin, forced to watch what is happening.
WHEN: May
WHERE: Dream worlds
CONTENT WARNINGS: Existential dread, disturbing visions
WHERE: Dream worlds
CONTENT WARNINGS: Existential dread, disturbing visions
It happens when you are asleep one night. There is no warning for this effect, and it comes without apparent cause. One night, you go to sleep, and then suddenly you find yourself in a dreamscape, on a path. You can sense eyes on you the whole time that you are present in this field, and though they have a sense of benevolence to them, there is a deeply alien element to the experiment, almost like you are being observed by a scientist through a microscope. You are not alone on the path, either. One, or possibly more than one, other people that you may know or not know, they seem to have entered the same dreamscape. Behind you is nothing but shadow, and before you is a path. Might as well get going if you want to wake up, right? That's how these things work.
Introductions and questions aside, there's nothing but the path and dense, impenetrable woods on both sides, so eventually you and your companion start walking. As you do, shortly you see a branch in the path ahead of you. The fork has two paths, one of which shows the traffic of many feet, footprints grooved well into the worn cobblestones and mud. One of you will somehow recognize that the footprints are their own, and will notice that the other path has no footprints or very few. That is when the compulsion hits. It is inexorable and impossible to deny, the curiosity to see what is down the path that those footprints do not travel.
Travel, walk and taking that path, you will be treated to a vision. It is a moment in the dreamer's life, where they see something that happened in their life, which involved a choice. Did they go left or right? Did they say yes, or no? A choice they made, even one that seemed immaterial at the time, had some profound effect, and now you and they watch as the other choice was taken. And, within the hour, you will see the results, to your horror. Something terrible will happen to them. It could be anything, but it will be life-shattering, perspective altering and ghastly. They might even die from the experience or see a loved one die. The horror of it will still be in your hearts as you stand there for a moment, trapped in the sight of the aftermath, trying to come to terms with what you have just seen, and just at this moment, after a few parting words are said, both will wake up in a cold sweat.
The event that plays out can be from either character. Close CR is not required. Bauphomette has summoned the characters into the dream directly, and is sharing a distorted mirror of an opposite choice that could have been made. Actual “What if” canon events such as alternate timelines in Supernatural could be used for this, or the entire event can be concocted for this scene. The characters themselves are witnesses, and cannot be personally harmed in any physical way, but the horrific ending for the 'vision' version of the one whose dream this can be as awful as desired and take any form wished so long as it is unpleasant. Please be aware and mindful of each other's Content Warning Preferences in setting these scenes up.
Introductions and questions aside, there's nothing but the path and dense, impenetrable woods on both sides, so eventually you and your companion start walking. As you do, shortly you see a branch in the path ahead of you. The fork has two paths, one of which shows the traffic of many feet, footprints grooved well into the worn cobblestones and mud. One of you will somehow recognize that the footprints are their own, and will notice that the other path has no footprints or very few. That is when the compulsion hits. It is inexorable and impossible to deny, the curiosity to see what is down the path that those footprints do not travel.
Travel, walk and taking that path, you will be treated to a vision. It is a moment in the dreamer's life, where they see something that happened in their life, which involved a choice. Did they go left or right? Did they say yes, or no? A choice they made, even one that seemed immaterial at the time, had some profound effect, and now you and they watch as the other choice was taken. And, within the hour, you will see the results, to your horror. Something terrible will happen to them. It could be anything, but it will be life-shattering, perspective altering and ghastly. They might even die from the experience or see a loved one die. The horror of it will still be in your hearts as you stand there for a moment, trapped in the sight of the aftermath, trying to come to terms with what you have just seen, and just at this moment, after a few parting words are said, both will wake up in a cold sweat.
The event that plays out can be from either character. Close CR is not required. Bauphomette has summoned the characters into the dream directly, and is sharing a distorted mirror of an opposite choice that could have been made. Actual “What if” canon events such as alternate timelines in Supernatural could be used for this, or the entire event can be concocted for this scene. The characters themselves are witnesses, and cannot be personally harmed in any physical way, but the horrific ending for the 'vision' version of the one whose dream this can be as awful as desired and take any form wished so long as it is unpleasant. Please be aware and mindful of each other's Content Warning Preferences in setting these scenes up.
no subject
a regular ol' squid that blinks rapidly, three times in succession. looks like you're in good company, sayo! ]
no subject
[She blushes slightly out of embarrassment when she realizes that a random new arrival will be the first person exposed, albeit indirectly, to her renewed writing efforts. Thankfully, Sayo hasn't written anything as scandalous as elaborate murder plans on her notepad. Yet.]
no subject
HI MI KO
♡
[ strangely enough, it's using kana rather than the native language of trench. looks like it really wants to emphasize the pronunciation, maybe? ]
no subject
(She was reminded of Maria in that garden, every so often. Even now, when she'd had months of distance from that day, that image remains burned into Sayo's mind. She doesn't think she'll forget it until the day she dies.)
Sayo's smile becomes softer and gentler as she leaps to her vastly incorrect assumption, nodding when she sees the kana. She HAD to do her very best to cheer Himiko up now.]
It's nice to meet you, Himiko-chan. I'm Yasuda Sayo. It's spelled in kana like this, [write write write,] and in kanji like this, [write write write.
She also includes a little heart because that's adorable.]
I'm just now realizing that we don't have much to occupy our time until you turn back... I'm not that good at small talk, I'm afraid. [A small, gentle laugh.] I do know a few fun magic spells, but I'm not sure if you find that sort of thing entertaining...
no subject
it's tremendously exciting. and that's why, when sayo gently ruminates on the lack of things to do until the squid turns back-
-well, the squid decides to fix that problem. its transformation isn't slow or gradual like most sleepers' awakenings; it is smooth, quick, like clay and skin shedding and revealing something far larger beneath. the squid expands in the coat, tentacles sliding through the armholes even as they become arms.
and just like that, a red-faced himiko toga sits next to sayo, beaming at her. ]
Sayo-chan! [ and then, without warning, she leans in, hugging sayo abruptly and without warning. ] Sayo-chan! Ahh, you're so cute I could die!
[ it's not that sayo is bloody or bleeding. and it's not that sayo is muscled and strong, her arteries rich and flowing through her. it's not even the vague undercurrent of her pathetic nature, throughout their conversation - though that's certainly something himiko can relate with.
it's her scent. because like this, chest to chest, clinging close, himiko knows one thing for certain: ]
I'll be good enough at small talk for the both of us then! What kind of magic do you do, huh? Is that your Quirk?
[ she was right. they do share a smell. ]
no subject
Looking back on this incident, Sayo will wonder if this was the universe's way of preemptively paying her back for bringing Battler ashore as well.]
I- Er, um- well- [she manages to choke out as Toga squeezes her, her expression drowning in a sea of pink,] Th- Th- Thank you...
Uh, you're, mmm, too close for me to show you... [She turns away, face practically burning with the force of her blush. On some days, finally having sex hormones in her system was more a curse than a blessing.] Toga-san... Himiko-chan? W- Which would you prefer... [That slight, embarrassed turn of the head while Sayo's eyes waver trying to maintain eye contact isn't from fear or anxiety, but genuine bashfulness.]
no subject
[ if she thought sayo was cute before, then she doesn't even have words for it now. she almost wants to keep holding on, just to make all the blood in the girl's body pool up in her cheeks...
...but that wouldn't be fair to sayo, now would it? so she lets go, backing a foot or two away on her knees (and making sure her robes are covering everything important) before facing her expectantly once more. ]
Alright! Is that better?
no subject
[Sayo takes a deep breath, like she's coming up for air after nearly drowning. She even clutches her chest (pausing for a moment as she feels something different but can't quite place her finger on what) to calm herself down...
And her embarrassment fades away like the morning mist, replaced with the calm, cool, and playful facade of a witch. A self-assured role that she needed to play here to keep her composure, and one that was just starting to feel comfortable again after months of slowly picking away at the thorns that had once lined the corsage in the witch's braids. Himiko was hardly Sayo's, no, Beatrice's usual audience for magic, and probably less likely to accept such infantile spells that she usually used on Maria. But Beatrice had practiced for the eventual day when Maria stopped blindly accepting the incantation and wanted to see real magic, so she still had a few special glamours prepared.]
As you can see, [Beatrice stands up with sudden confidence and sweeps off her leather jacket, exposing its interior,] I have nothing up my sleeves... or these ones either. [She also theatrically rolls up the arms of her sweater. This sort of presentation would be wasted on Maria, but for someone with as much magic-resisting toxin as a teenager, such showmanship was a necessity. Sayo slips her jacket back on, turns out her pockets, and pops the collar up. Hardly as elegant as the portrait's dress, but a witch needed an extra touch of style.]
Now that we have thoroughly established that I am no mundane trickster... I feel as if I should reward your patience, squidbound though you were, in putting up with my earlier rambling. [It's not just body language, it's voice. A slightly deeper register, an imperious, teasing tone... a total reversal of the person Sayo had been before.]
So...
[She kneels down next to Himiko, careful to tread a clear path so that it's obvious she's not picking up any hidden items. And, of course, a hero as well-trained as Himiko would notice if Sayo planted anything on her person, and she clearly hasn't. To all appearances, Sayo has no kind of tricks left to her.
Her smile striking a perfect balance between mischievous and genuine, Sayo reaches behind Toga's ear, brushing against her hair, and pulls out a whole chocolate bar. Not some common caramel that could easily be concealed between her knuckles or something as foolish as that, but an entire knockoff Hershey's.]
Here you go, Himiko-chan~
[And if Himiko believes, even for an instant- a few golden butterflies can be seen fluttering away before vanishing into the mist of the ocean.]
no subject
it's the way sayo rehearses and presents herself to an audience of one (or perhaps two?), giving herself a flair of showmanship the whole while-
and it's the way sayo's voice drops, like she's mimicking someone else-
like she's mimicking a her that never existed-
or perhaps a her that's existed this whole time-
its not inauthenticity or duplicity in the slightest, is it? it's the truest kind of authenticity. the kind of truth that only someone like her could understand. someone like the both of them. it's love, it's magic, it's blood and identity and everything all tossed up into one- ]
Heeeey, Sayo-chan.
[ her face is beet-red, flushed the whole way through. perhaps it's the new blood, the paleblood coursing through her veins - portents of past and prophecy alike. perhaps it's sayo's darkblood, echoing through her veins. or perhaps the cause doesn't matter, and never mattered to begin with.
all that matters is when himiko toga opens her mouth and says- ]
I love people like you the most, you know?
[ -it comes with an explosion of golden, fluttering wings.
himiko toga believes in sayo's truth. one-hundred, whole-hearted, every-last-inch percent. ]
no subject
At least that dream's death came slowly and gently, rather than getting dashed against the base of a cliff. Her affections for Battler, Jessica, and George all grew slowly, almost without her knowledge. In small smiles, in friendly debates, in clasped hands, in gentle gazes and smooth rescues. The notion that love was as simple as looking at someone and being spellbound had long passed from her mind by the time she washed ashore of Trench.
Yet, just like the miraculous resurrection of Beatrice before Himiko's eyes that hadn't needed a single bloody sacrifice, that perfect, fairytale idea spreads its wings once more when the butterflies fly from Himiko in a beautiful swarm, surrounding the two of them with proof positive that Himiko fully believed. That faith, that adoration, that open declaration of breathless love-
There were precious few times that Sayo's heart truly soared without the weight of her secrets and regret weighing it down. But she can feel it taking flight now, like a beautiful bird flying free form the cage of its story and into reality, bringing with it swelling, impossible to ignore attraction.
Beatrice stares at Toga for a moment, locking eyes in that impossible gaze that she can feel binding their fates together.
There's nothing but silence, pure and beautiful for a few moments.
Then once again, Beatrice looks away and daintily covers her mouth with her hand, facade wavering between proud witch, polite young lady, and blushing mess until it feels as though Himiko has looked at the optical illusion from the exact right angle and can see all of them, and so many more, at once.]
I'm... glad you like it, Himiko-chan.
[Himiko isn't the person that Sayo has been waiting all her life for. Not the idea, not the ideal, not the human truth.
But she's here right now, and she sees, and in this moment that's enough.]
Would you like to see more? [The witch is still there, noble and proud, but there's a soft edge of gentleness to her now.] I'd hardly be a witch if I only knew one spell, after all.
[The truth in this budding world of two will be theirs, and theirs alone.]
no subject
she wants to see all of them. she wants to be all of them. she wants to reach inside sayo, pull out her still-beating heart, and sink her teeth into it, to drink and drink until they become one.
she shivers. goosebumps are on her shoulders; she grips her own elbows tight. ]
Mm. That's right. [ her eyes, half-lidded, remain intently focused. ] I want to see all of it.
[ after all, understanding, being understood...
isn't that why she became a hero in the first place? ]