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deercountry2022-01-08 12:48 am
reddosmod) wrote in deercountry2022-01-08 12:48 am
Entry tags:
- *event,
- ahiru: timmy,
- aki hayakawa: lex,
- albert wesker: ref,
- ange ushiromiya: jelle,
- charlie kelly: ashlee,
- childe: bean,
- darth maul: shade,
- eurydice: floral,
- fakir: orlando,
- goro akechi: kei,
- izuku "deku" midoriya: tea,
- jason kolchek: kacey,
- kainé: ava,
- kd6-3.7: moz,
- keith: sailor g,
- lance: charley,
- laurel lance: mary,
- luca: robin,
- lucille sharpe: clari,
- lucius artorius castus: orlando,
- lumine: trix,
- luz noceda: pedro,
- manabu yuuki: elle,
- michael: lu,
- nehan: ray,
- orpheus: qv,
- palamedes sextus: laura,
- paul atreides: beth,
- penny polendina: kei,
- peter graham: jhey,
- rena ryugu: eko,
- rose da silva: jhey,
- satoko hojo: kari,
- savage opress: vette,
- scorpia: gore,
- soldier blue: elle,
- stiles stilinski: charley,
- the operator: sue,
- tinya wazzo: argustar,
- usagi tsukino: jax,
- varian: tf,
- wanda maximoff: jade
Gain the weight of you then lose it
JANUARY 2022 EVENT
IMAGE DESCRIPTORS IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE
Prompt One
[Image One: Woman in an elaborate blue dress with high collar staring at camera while people dance in background.]
[Image Two: Woman in pink dress touching chest and smiling at camera while people dance in background.]
Prompt Two
[Image One: Explicit gif of snake shedding its skin and a new viperlike snake coming out of the old skin.]
[Image Two: Gif of eyes gazing at camera and right eye turning yellow.]
Prompt Three
[Image One: Image of rock snake with fire glowing in its mouth.]
[Image Two: Gif of a snake made entirely out of flames hissing.]
SNAKE DEN
THE SHEDDING CEREMONY
Unsnakely
CODINGPrompt One
[Image One: Woman in an elaborate blue dress with high collar staring at camera while people dance in background.]
[Image Two: Woman in pink dress touching chest and smiling at camera while people dance in background.]
Prompt Two
[Image One: Explicit gif of snake shedding its skin and a new viperlike snake coming out of the old skin.]
[Image Two: Gif of eyes gazing at camera and right eye turning yellow.]
Prompt Three
[Image One: Image of rock snake with fire glowing in its mouth.]
[Image Two: Gif of a snake made entirely out of flames hissing.]
WHEN: Evenings throughout January
WHERE: The Red, Cellar Door
CONTENT WARNINGS: Alcohol/Drugs, possible NSFW scenarios, forced honesty, mood altering substances.
WHERE: The Red, Cellar Door
CONTENT WARNINGS: Alcohol/Drugs, possible NSFW scenarios, forced honesty, mood altering substances.
Around Trench, Sleepers will find a gold-edged flyer pinned to most doors, lamps, and posted around stores and throughout the market. Some may even find the flyer pinned to their front door:
MADAM GENEROSITY INVITES YOU TO THE SNAKE DEN
A female Trenchie named Dorothea seems to be directing the acts. People can perform multiple times. Talents performed can include music, comedy, dance routines, or little skits. After the Talent Show concludes, a Fashion Show will be put on, and everyone is encouraged to join. You can get your hair and make-up done elaborately backstage and find eccentric outfits to try on if you're not so happy with the one you showed up in.
Going to the Snake Den at this time will cause incredible stress relief. Even those who are typically shy or introverted will find themselves soothed at the Snake Den. Giant pillows have been thrown about so people can puddle in together and snuggle up. Private rooms have been created out of silks for some private conversations or interactions.
There must be something in the drinks or the snacks going around because it becomes easy to become a much more outgoing version of yourself at the party. It may increase friendliness or touchiness and relax people's usual reservations. Who knows? It might encourage you to go up on stage and show off a bit or talk to that handsome stranger who has been eying you the whole night. Regular intoxication from alcohol/drugs is possible as well which means some people might not need the additional encouragement.
Regular dancing occurs after the Fashion Shows with various musicians performing on stage to fill the night up with plenty of mood melodies. As the evening prolongs, the lights dim and things become quiet and soothing. Since paleblood magic is exceptionally strong this month with honesty, attendants of the party may find themselves being more open and honest about themselves. Hopefully, you don't confess anything too vulnerable about yourself...
FAQ:
1. Characters with mental abilities may be able to resist the honesty sway if they consciously realize it is happening.
2. Any talent can be performed on the stage.
3. The flyer is magically enchanted so that people who touch it will feel unusually excited to go to the Snake Den.
Hello darling and dearest Sleepers! Do not let the cold dampen your spirit or weaken your hope. Do not allow our differences to divide us; do not let the frigid drive you to isolation; do not hurt your soul by forgetting one another. They say snakes cannot thrive in the cold, yet here I am, defying it, thriving despite it. You can too. We must persist. We shall persist. Not with violence and bloodshed, not with pollution and corruption, but with unity! With compassion and fun.The Red has been elaborately decorated for the Snake Den spectacle. Enormous golden statues of snakes have been placed throughout. Golden lights glitter above. Servers carry about golden flutes of champagne, soda, and sparkling water. You can order other drinks at the bar. While the invite has gone out to Sleepers, there are some regular Trenchies who have come to show their support. To perform in the Talent Show portion, one simply needs to go backstage to prepare with the rest.
I invite you all to join me at The Red every odd evening of January! Welcome to the Snake Den! A little Talent Show I throw occasionally to remind Sleepers of their profound potential for greatness and awe! Come be flashy on stage or to support your friends. After the Talent Show is our famed Fashion Show. Do you have eccentric outfits you would like to show off? Now is truly your time to shine!
The evening will be filled with plenty of food and drink for all. We shall dance, we shall show off, we shall persist and defy corruption together. Let my lovely Night Walkers shine and keep you company for the evening. Find some new friends, have an illicit affair, or just come so you don't have to be alone for a night. You are all welcome...And don't worry, I've enchanted the Red so that none of your powers can cause any damage while inside the building. Feel free to really make a light show with your fire! It won't hurt anyone.
I so look forward to seeing all of you there.
With Love,
Madam Generosity
A female Trenchie named Dorothea seems to be directing the acts. People can perform multiple times. Talents performed can include music, comedy, dance routines, or little skits. After the Talent Show concludes, a Fashion Show will be put on, and everyone is encouraged to join. You can get your hair and make-up done elaborately backstage and find eccentric outfits to try on if you're not so happy with the one you showed up in.
Going to the Snake Den at this time will cause incredible stress relief. Even those who are typically shy or introverted will find themselves soothed at the Snake Den. Giant pillows have been thrown about so people can puddle in together and snuggle up. Private rooms have been created out of silks for some private conversations or interactions.
There must be something in the drinks or the snacks going around because it becomes easy to become a much more outgoing version of yourself at the party. It may increase friendliness or touchiness and relax people's usual reservations. Who knows? It might encourage you to go up on stage and show off a bit or talk to that handsome stranger who has been eying you the whole night. Regular intoxication from alcohol/drugs is possible as well which means some people might not need the additional encouragement.
Regular dancing occurs after the Fashion Shows with various musicians performing on stage to fill the night up with plenty of mood melodies. As the evening prolongs, the lights dim and things become quiet and soothing. Since paleblood magic is exceptionally strong this month with honesty, attendants of the party may find themselves being more open and honest about themselves. Hopefully, you don't confess anything too vulnerable about yourself...
FAQ:
1. Characters with mental abilities may be able to resist the honesty sway if they consciously realize it is happening.
2. Any talent can be performed on the stage.
3. The flyer is magically enchanted so that people who touch it will feel unusually excited to go to the Snake Den.
WHEN: Begins in January - Effects may be permanent. Players choose when the effects wear off.
WHERE: Everywhere
CONTENT WARNINGS: Forced modification of body, possible themes of body dysmorphia, shedding/peeling skin, burning/eating dead skin, alternate versions of characters, possible genderswapping, possible alteration of personality/memories.
WHERE: Everywhere
CONTENT WARNINGS: Forced modification of body, possible themes of body dysmorphia, shedding/peeling skin, burning/eating dead skin, alternate versions of characters, possible genderswapping, possible alteration of personality/memories.
[A passage from Rituals and Reality; Chapter 2: The Shedding Ceremony. Found exclusively in Gaze:]
"Worshippers of Madam Generosity believed that the shedding of snakeskin was symbolic to the shedding of an old life and the acceptance of a new life. The skin left behind was a reminder of past trials and tribulations, and the skin you walk away with is evidence of all that you have learned and experienced. In ancient times, Sleepers would ritualistically select one of their own to sacrifice to Madam Generosity. Eventually, Sleepers would come to learn that Madam Generosity did not appreciate blood sacrifices. Due to her gentle nature, she encouraged Sleepers to pay tribute to her in other ways.
Thus came the Shedding Ceremony. Sleepers would rub away chapped skin and set it afire in a bowl. They would reflect on lives left behind and the new life they had been given in Trench. Over time, this created a powerful magical experience that persisted beyond the original ceremony. The Shedding Ceremony is both a ritual and an enchantment.
As January begins, Sleepers may find that their skin has become dry and brittle. The generous application of lotions and oils may soothe the skin, but neglected skin can begin to peel off. Although it is a painless experience, it can be rather gross to look at and a bit itchy. Then one day, you simply fall asleep and when you awaken, you are an entirely different version of yourself. You will find a nearly perfect replica of your old self in a shed skin nearby. Your new body may be stronger, faster, more powerful. Old scars may be healed, lost limps replaced...Or you might be an entirely new gender. Some have even experienced becoming a different species. Some awaken as an older or younger variation of themselves while others find that they have become an alternate version of themselves.
These effects have been known to last for a few days up to months at a time. In some scenarios, the effects have become permanent. Some believe it to be a curse while others believe it is a gift. It may happen multiple times and take a few sheds to return to your original body. It is believed that ingesting your old skin or burning it alleviates the changes and brings you back to your original body faster. Generous application of lotion and oils can prevent the Shedding Ceremony altogether for some - or at the very least, slow it down."
FAQ
1. Characters can avoid this prompt altogether via the application of lotion.
2. If you decide to permanently change your character in a big way (ie; changing their species/gender/age) then we do ask that you update your character on the taken page to reflect that they are now an Alternate Version of a character. This would open up the original character to be applicable to new players.
3. This can change blood types for those interested in trying on a new blood type. You can either temporarily change a blood type or permanently. If you permanently change a blood type, let us know on the Blood Type page and update your information on the taken page.
4. You can play out the transformation as explicitly or non-explicitly as you want. Maybe characters see the changes happening under their peeling skin or just wake up in their new body. The peeling does not need to be any more graphic than what you would typically see on dry skin.
5. You can alter a character's gender, species, age, blood type, or switch to a general alternate version of a character (ie; Coffee Shop AU, an AU of your character but with different powers, an AU of your character if they came from a different canon or timeline.) Please have fun with this and explore the possibilities for as long as you like!
"Worshippers of Madam Generosity believed that the shedding of snakeskin was symbolic to the shedding of an old life and the acceptance of a new life. The skin left behind was a reminder of past trials and tribulations, and the skin you walk away with is evidence of all that you have learned and experienced. In ancient times, Sleepers would ritualistically select one of their own to sacrifice to Madam Generosity. Eventually, Sleepers would come to learn that Madam Generosity did not appreciate blood sacrifices. Due to her gentle nature, she encouraged Sleepers to pay tribute to her in other ways.
Thus came the Shedding Ceremony. Sleepers would rub away chapped skin and set it afire in a bowl. They would reflect on lives left behind and the new life they had been given in Trench. Over time, this created a powerful magical experience that persisted beyond the original ceremony. The Shedding Ceremony is both a ritual and an enchantment.
As January begins, Sleepers may find that their skin has become dry and brittle. The generous application of lotions and oils may soothe the skin, but neglected skin can begin to peel off. Although it is a painless experience, it can be rather gross to look at and a bit itchy. Then one day, you simply fall asleep and when you awaken, you are an entirely different version of yourself. You will find a nearly perfect replica of your old self in a shed skin nearby. Your new body may be stronger, faster, more powerful. Old scars may be healed, lost limps replaced...Or you might be an entirely new gender. Some have even experienced becoming a different species. Some awaken as an older or younger variation of themselves while others find that they have become an alternate version of themselves.
These effects have been known to last for a few days up to months at a time. In some scenarios, the effects have become permanent. Some believe it to be a curse while others believe it is a gift. It may happen multiple times and take a few sheds to return to your original body. It is believed that ingesting your old skin or burning it alleviates the changes and brings you back to your original body faster. Generous application of lotion and oils can prevent the Shedding Ceremony altogether for some - or at the very least, slow it down."
FAQ
1. Characters can avoid this prompt altogether via the application of lotion.
2. If you decide to permanently change your character in a big way (ie; changing their species/gender/age) then we do ask that you update your character on the taken page to reflect that they are now an Alternate Version of a character. This would open up the original character to be applicable to new players.
3. This can change blood types for those interested in trying on a new blood type. You can either temporarily change a blood type or permanently. If you permanently change a blood type, let us know on the Blood Type page and update your information on the taken page.
4. You can play out the transformation as explicitly or non-explicitly as you want. Maybe characters see the changes happening under their peeling skin or just wake up in their new body. The peeling does not need to be any more graphic than what you would typically see on dry skin.
5. You can alter a character's gender, species, age, blood type, or switch to a general alternate version of a character (ie; Coffee Shop AU, an AU of your character but with different powers, an AU of your character if they came from a different canon or timeline.) Please have fun with this and explore the possibilities for as long as you like!
WHEN: All of Bone Season
WHERE: Anywhere outside
CONTENT WARNINGS: Possible injuries or death from burns/fire.
WHERE: Anywhere outside
CONTENT WARNINGS: Possible injuries or death from burns/fire.
[A journal entry from the Wayward Watcher that can be found in the Archaic Archives reads:]
"Do not trust the naked snake trails of January. They exist to trick you into a sense of Madam Generosity's comfort. The Good Pthumerian leaves snow tracks in her wake, but the Unsnakely leaves melted trails of snow. This creature has spent centuries cloaking itself to rope in those who devotedly follow Madam Generosity. The kind people of Trench look to snakes as a trustworthy, compassionate symbol filled with good intention.
There are many ways to anticipate the Unsnakely's presence. Besides its melted trails (that eventually turn to ice in the cold), you may notice pockets of comfortable heat. While many believe greenery is a good sign, do not be fooled by the melted patches of grass you find. These are not symbols of an early spring. They are symbols of incoming destruction.
The Unsnakely is not of blood or soul; it is a blood curse of the earth, a product of Blood Pollution. It's a creature made out of rock, with no pulse, no soul, no mind. Molten lava pours through its body. It moves in and out of the earth without disturbing the surface, transforming from rock into small beasts or a snake the size of your home. It looks to spill blood to freshen its own magic and its choice of weapon is its size and the fire it breathes. A furious Unsnakely will light up in flames and can bring great destruction to its surroundings. People have lost their homes to the Unsnakely and of course, people have lost their lives.
The Unsnakely, no matter the size it takes, is as fast and lethal as a typical snake. It cannot truly die, as it is a curse of the earth, but it can be physically destroyed by immense blunt strength or coldblood abilities whether fire or ice. Typical ice abilities will not work against the snake - they must come from a coldblood source. Enchanted coldblood items will be effective against the Unsnakely.
The Unsnakely can spit fire like venom and boil the air around it. It can be difficult to get physically close enough to land a blow due to the suffocatingly hot temperature rolling off its body. It traditionally hunts in the streets and in the woods, by the beach and among the cliffs. Once someone has slain the beast, it returns to the earth where it rebuilds itself over a period of 2-3 days. It primarily hunts during Bone Season, preferring to use the cloak of Madam Generosity to its advantage.
Since this is not a traditional snake, it has no desire to "eat" anyone. It will simply roast you alive - which is arguably worse for some. Its fire burns hotter and brighter than regular fire, and it is a slow, agonizing death that has caused absolute madness in some. People have claimed to see strange visions in the smoke that pours off of the Unsnakely, causing distortion in battle. Do not inhale too much of the Unsnakely's smoke as it will cause intense vertigo. Remember: this is a creature of deception.
Lastly, it would be beneficial to know that the Unsnakely cannot hear or see. It responds to the vibration around it. Some who stay still may get the upper hand, but the creature can feel the vibrations of your heartbeat if your pulse is unusually elevated. Good luck, fellow Hunters. Treat burns by the Unsnakely with vileblood. I know it sounds mad, but the vileblood seems to attack whatever cursed heat comes with burns from the Unsnakely.
Take care of yourself,
- The Wayward Watcher"
FAQ
1. Characters who can manipulate earth can contort/stop/fight against the Unsnakely's natural body. It will take great control to fully control or dismantle the body.
2. Coldbloods with fire abilities can similarly control the fire of the Unsnakely with great control.
"Do not trust the naked snake trails of January. They exist to trick you into a sense of Madam Generosity's comfort. The Good Pthumerian leaves snow tracks in her wake, but the Unsnakely leaves melted trails of snow. This creature has spent centuries cloaking itself to rope in those who devotedly follow Madam Generosity. The kind people of Trench look to snakes as a trustworthy, compassionate symbol filled with good intention.
There are many ways to anticipate the Unsnakely's presence. Besides its melted trails (that eventually turn to ice in the cold), you may notice pockets of comfortable heat. While many believe greenery is a good sign, do not be fooled by the melted patches of grass you find. These are not symbols of an early spring. They are symbols of incoming destruction.
The Unsnakely is not of blood or soul; it is a blood curse of the earth, a product of Blood Pollution. It's a creature made out of rock, with no pulse, no soul, no mind. Molten lava pours through its body. It moves in and out of the earth without disturbing the surface, transforming from rock into small beasts or a snake the size of your home. It looks to spill blood to freshen its own magic and its choice of weapon is its size and the fire it breathes. A furious Unsnakely will light up in flames and can bring great destruction to its surroundings. People have lost their homes to the Unsnakely and of course, people have lost their lives.
The Unsnakely, no matter the size it takes, is as fast and lethal as a typical snake. It cannot truly die, as it is a curse of the earth, but it can be physically destroyed by immense blunt strength or coldblood abilities whether fire or ice. Typical ice abilities will not work against the snake - they must come from a coldblood source. Enchanted coldblood items will be effective against the Unsnakely.
The Unsnakely can spit fire like venom and boil the air around it. It can be difficult to get physically close enough to land a blow due to the suffocatingly hot temperature rolling off its body. It traditionally hunts in the streets and in the woods, by the beach and among the cliffs. Once someone has slain the beast, it returns to the earth where it rebuilds itself over a period of 2-3 days. It primarily hunts during Bone Season, preferring to use the cloak of Madam Generosity to its advantage.
Since this is not a traditional snake, it has no desire to "eat" anyone. It will simply roast you alive - which is arguably worse for some. Its fire burns hotter and brighter than regular fire, and it is a slow, agonizing death that has caused absolute madness in some. People have claimed to see strange visions in the smoke that pours off of the Unsnakely, causing distortion in battle. Do not inhale too much of the Unsnakely's smoke as it will cause intense vertigo. Remember: this is a creature of deception.
Lastly, it would be beneficial to know that the Unsnakely cannot hear or see. It responds to the vibration around it. Some who stay still may get the upper hand, but the creature can feel the vibrations of your heartbeat if your pulse is unusually elevated. Good luck, fellow Hunters. Treat burns by the Unsnakely with vileblood. I know it sounds mad, but the vileblood seems to attack whatever cursed heat comes with burns from the Unsnakely.
Take care of yourself,
- The Wayward Watcher"
FAQ
1. Characters who can manipulate earth can contort/stop/fight against the Unsnakely's natural body. It will take great control to fully control or dismantle the body.
2. Coldbloods with fire abilities can similarly control the fire of the Unsnakely with great control.
i think you misspelled precious
Why of course, my fair and just Sorceress. A dance to show my contrition is the least I can offer.
[She's trying to sound very Noble, but she can't help the amused grin on her face.]
Lead the way.
no subject
[It is at this point that Sayo realizes she's forgotten one crucial fact: she doesn't know how to dance. The closest she's gotten to learning is Jessica clumsily demonstrating to her exactly how badly she suited the dance lessons her etiquette teachers gave her, and while she's realizing that memory may bear some reexamination, the fact of the matter is that wasn't the best exposure to fancy dancing.
Belinda goes stiff for a moment in Mara's arms as she mentally pulls back, frantically wracking her internal archives for anything that might aid her cause here, and stumbles on a few English period pieces she once caught Natsuhi stoically crying along to. Deep breaths, in and out, ignore how close Mara is and how big her arms are and focus-
On her mental gameboard, Sayo guides Belinda through the dance, step by step. It's hardly suitable for a boppin' club scene like this one, and sure she might seem a bit stiff, but it's passable enough to hopefully not embarrass herself.
Belinda herself, despite how obviously measured her movements are, is smiling easily as she guides Mara across the dance floor.]
I trust you're enjoying yourself?
no subject
The dance doesn't match the music, but it's sweet. Slow and...maybe something like one would do on a date? Which Mara has never been on--that she could clearly call one anyway. An image of Light Hope comes to mind. Would she had been willing to try dancing together? They couldn't touch--not like this--but would she have tried had Mara asked?
She shakes the thought away, along with the sadness that comes with it, focusing a smile on Belinda.]
Of course, fair sorceress. You've honored me with a dance. Being granted your favor has brightened my evening.
no subject
Yours as well, sir knight. Why, although I'm sure I could've found a way to extricate myself from that crowd, it would've been too much trouble! For both me and my eager admirers. I feel as though, even with this dance, I am still in your debt.
[Yes, Sayo absolutely wants an excuse to find a way to talk to Mara after all this is over and is blatantly fishing for it.]
no subject
It is much better that they look at me with contempt for stealing you away rather than hold is against you, isn't it?
[She says that with a bit of a wink.]
I would hold not debt over you for acting of my own accord without your permission, but I would not reject your kindness.
do you mind if i add you on plurk? i'm TheDoomkitten/witch brainrot on there
O~ho?
[The only way to properly hide her awkwardness is to triple down on Belinda's boldness, so Belinda attempts the highly inadvisable maneuver of dipping someone who likely has a full foot on her. To her credit, she performs her own part semi-competently, so it's up to Mara to make sure they don't both wipe out on the dance floor.]
And what favor would my brave protector ask of this silver sorceress?
Go right ahead! I'm chocolateisbrainfood.
But as Mara...? It's quite a confusing experience. She automatically assumes she's just embarrassed by tripping earlier still and maybe a bit by how long the joke has gone on?
Then Belinda turns her into a dip low enough for her braids to trail off her shoulders to the floor and Mara's eyes go wide in surprise. She does have the wherewithal to shift her leg for balance and easily push them both back up to their feet. She can't stop the burst of amused laughter that escapes her, cheeks a bit flushed from the brief rush.]
Oh mighty Sorceress, what more could I ask for but your company? I would be ever so honored to know more of you beyond your great feats.
no subject
[With a flourish, Belinda produces an embossed card from behind Mara's ear. (Sayo has never had cause to give one of these cards to people and she hadn't imagined she ever would when she first made them, but it was too cool of an opportunity to pass up when she thought of the idea and Sayo has always been a sucker for flashy, ridiculous displays.) It's an embossed slip of paper that almost looks like a business card, except with an odd inscription in darkblood ink written on it.]
Quadrillion
u dr l o
u d r l o
udrloIf you ever wish to summon me, simply cross out the final "o." Then, the tenth twilight will pass, the door to the Golden Land will open, and the witch will bestow four treasures to the wise...
Really, this ritual is usually much more of a hassle, but I suppose I can make an exception for my fair knight. [She half-giggles, half-cackles as she continues to lead in the dance, slipping the card to Mara. Now
BeatriceBelinda was truly resurrected, she felt much more at ease.]no subject
You are as kind and generous as you are fair and mighty, Sorceress Belinda. If this will allow me more of your time, then I will take cherish it gratefully.
[She easily tucks the card into the pocket of her jacket, and lets herself be carried along in the moment. Something feels a bit different about this, as if she's allowed herself to enjoy their little joke more than she should, but she can't help that it has been fun, to pretend she is someone else and tease--flirt? is this flirting? who would she even know to ask that--with someone with no strings or expectation. Strangers engaging in fun with no consequences.
And the song does wind down, the music slowing and fading to an end before the next song will begin, Mara comes to a pause standing still as she continues to hold "Belinda's" hands.]
Thank you. Really.
wrap?
[Despite her teasing, the Belinda's smile lacks its earlier sardonic, fierce quality; although her snaggleteeth are still present, adding some extra character to the expression. Instead, her eyes—or the impression that Mara gets of her eyes from behind the mask—are tender as she squeezes Mara's hands back.]
You're welcome, Mara. [That's the first time Belinda has called her by name this entire dance, and it brings her floating gently back down to earth. In a few moments, Sayo will be struck with a burdensome self-awareness and flail back and forth in maidenly embarrassment. But right now, there's only the gentle warmth kindled from this silly dance. Her first proper, real, actual dance, with a girl, and especially as a girl. The significance of these last few minutes begins to settle in with a dizzying immensity, almost like the gravitational pull of a small planet, but she holds on for now without giving in to the butterflies in her stomach. (Although the dance seems so magical in retrospect she can almost see golden wings fluttering at the edges of her vision.)]
And... thank you, as well.
[What should she do now? Stand there awkwardly, like a total doofus? She can practically hear the peanut gallery.
"Just back away slowly, sister."
"Ah- ah, um, but George- and-"
"Kyahahaha! You've been acting the part of a proper courtly noble, haven't you? Bring it home!"
Sayo leans down and kisses Mara on the back of her hand. That's what she's supposed to do, right? That's what George would do. Probably. If he hadnnnnnohhhhhNOOOOOO]
Er. I. Well. I suppose I shall see you around, if you have need of me.
[WHY DOES SHE EVER TAKE HER ADVICE IT'S LITERALLY ALWAYS A BAD IDEA OH GOD
Blushing furiously and chuckling while tugging at her collar, Sayo retreats, giving a final bow before melding into the crowd.]
perfect!
This felt different and Mara enjoyed it a great deal. Especially when "Belinda" gets flustered herself and she can take comfort in knowing she's not alone.]
Ah...hopefully...not only when I need you...?
[She says it softly, watching her hurry away and lets the question fade. Her hands go to her side and she presses it against the pocket with the card in it. Yes, hopefully they could see each other again with equally pleasant circumstances.]