- « INTRO ⇢ WINTERBALL.EXE » OVERFLOW

[poised]

Who: everyone, literally everyone
When: ooc: 04/25-04/26; ic: 12/26
Where: the Gardens
What: overflow of intro log + winter ball!
Rating/Warning: PG-13 | possibly nsfw (please let me know if you need this rating changed, or you are welcome to continue any naughty shenanigans in a private log)

//winterball.EXE Pimp My Party -- Royalty Style A few weeks prior to December 26th, an invitation went out to all whom already reside in Cerealia. In delicate, curling script, it read: You are cordially invited by Natalia L.K. Lanvaldear to a Winter Ball to be held on the Eve of December 26th in the Gardens. Dress in your best attire and enjoy a magical evening of dance and fine cuisine. What do you mean we should fuss about worlds being destroyed? Get into the holiday spirit, you scrooge! And in regards to the new-comers: whether you have been wandering Cerealia over the course of the past few days and managed to receive one of the later waves of invitations or have simply suddenly appeared in the gardens with nothing but the (hopefully…. appropriate….) clothes on your back, welcome. The gardens have been transformed through the work of slave labor condoned by royalty incredibly talented volunteers. A buffet line possibly a mile long, a sprawling dance floor with temporary wood placement to cover the grass, a lovely orchestra with scheduled interruptions of magic shows on the stage, and the entire thing lit gently with lights stretch the span of the main area of the garden. Not too far off, there are ponds and pathways that take you elsewhere into the foliage, but why would you go that way? The party’s right here! "Good evening, everyone!! Whether you are new to Tellus or old, I hope to find you in good spirits. Mind you, I do not intend to ignore the blunders of CERES nor the grave situation that new-comers have found themselves faced with. However I assure you that at this time, surrounded by these people, you are in good company. Please, dine and be merry - I believe some worlds celebrated a holiday yesterday! Get to know one another so we may strengthen our ties and stand firm against whatever this world may throw against us! Also try the salmon, it's absolutely divine. . . . How do I turn this off...? Should I just walk away?"

//SCENARIOS.EXE PHASE I [ xxxx ] Like any respectable ball, your entrance is announced as you walk right into the party! What do you mean you wanted to slip in unnoticed? That simply won’t do. Natalia managed to rope in someone – is that a Tellus native? – to do the honor of acknowledging your character as they make their debut to the ball. This guy is under strict orders to not miss a single soul. If your character doesn’t give him a name and title ahead of time, then he’ll just make something up. Think along the lines of Broseidon McSnootyname, Duke of Erectile Dysfunction-- What do you mean that’s not your name? PHASE II [ xxxx ] Absolutely no expense was spared when it came to making sure that the food here was the best that money could buy (or threats could extort). Guests can select from a menagerie of main dishes from all sorts of cultures, adorable desserts that look like woodland creatures alongside towering cakes, and even those fruity drinks with the little umbrellas on them. Pig out, you animals – but there’s also a wide selection of fine wine if your tastes and curiosities wander off in that direction…. What even is the drinking age in Tellus? Remember, folks, drink (ir)responsibly. PHASE III [ xxxx ] Well, it is a ball. If you’re interested in proper, classical styles of dance, there’s certainly an orchestra that’s dominating most of the night. One of their songs may or may not sound familiar. Spin around in your flurry of skirts and do the fairy tale thing if that’s what you came here for. Romance, or whatever. Waltz your heart out and don’t forget to point your toes! … that said, there’s also a separate sound system not too far, prepared in case the orchestra might want a break. It’s also not being watched too closely. Maybe put on something to liven up the dance floor? Or did someone ruin your fantasy by putting on something unbearably inappropriate? PHASE IV [ xxxx ] The gardens really are beautiful. Spread throughout the area and more toward the outskirts of the party, there are plenty of beautiful fountains with glittering, crystal clear water. In fact, it’s so clear that you can spot the occasional alien life form flitting through it amidst the lily pads and gently sweeping foliage. It’s so graceful, what beauty! Look at how it rises to the water and gently opens its mouth into a yawn and—tries to chomp anything within range right off with razor sharp teeth what the fuck, whatthefuck. It would appear that's not all, though. Whether you're ready to fight the creature or run screaming, you feel something slowly slide and curl around your arm or your ankle. Look on in horror as you turn your head and realize that it seems that the nearby tree has grown rather fond of you very quickly, to the extent that it will reach out and lovingly wrap its hentai tentacles around you.... Brings a whole 'nother meaning to 'tree hugger', doesn't it? BONUS [ whyo'clock ] Are you lost? Did you try to catch your breath away from the party and start to wander off despite all the cautioning not to? Or maybe you were trying to leave and took a wrong turn? Either way, you seem to have only found yourself deeper in the gardens now. Try not to breathe too deeply or… at all. If you can’t manage that though, it appears that you’ve stumbled upon the hallucinogenic plants of the garden. You start to see things that aren’t there – though whether you suddenly find yourself in a den of cougars lions or think that the person standing next to you is the biggest, cuddliest pile of adorable puppies in the world depends on the person. Hope you have a good trip, bruh. [ Remember to apply proper warnings on threads with trigger-y or inappropriate material and do let me know (through FAQ comment or PM preferably!) if your thread careens off into maiming or canoodling so I can lock the log. ]

//RUN.EXE Welcome to CEREALIA's latest intro post overflow! It's a bit early but just to make sure the transition for everyone over here was captcha-free. This one is player-run and all the basics have been laid out for you here. Absolutely feel free to come up with your own prompts and post new intros! For your convenience, I whole-heartedly welcome questions and inquiries being directed to my attention here and I'll answer them to the best of my ability! Have a ball! Enjoy!!

Comments

[tsuranuki]

[ Saitou your fanboy distress is showing

Still, he almost smiles, just now. ] I would hardly think it's Okita Souji's policy to hold back. [ The day he meets one that does...well. That would be harder to accept. ]

And no, the code of conduct cannot quite apply to this place. [ Who in authority here is able to officially recognise them? He ends up staring at one of the trees as he says this.

It's still a little hard to accept they can't go back. ]

[spes_phthisica]

[They can bond over being fanboys together...]

It seems like it really might be the the same for all of us, huh?

[He laughs, because he's gotten that impression from Kashuu as well, that his former master had also lacked the ability to hold back in battle. Somehow, it's quite comforting. He is meant to be what he is, and perhaps the part that is more demon than human is the truest part of him. He has already made peace with his nature, but it's nonetheless nice to have confirmation at last.]

It bothered me a bit in the beginning. Especially since the job I have now is in a district rather like Shimabara, you know? I've always tried to follow all the rules because I'm... not good at telling right from wrong. So it's easiest that way. [He makes a helpless little grimace, shrugging.] But there's no one who can tell me what to do here. It's... pretty scary, actually.

[tsuranuki]

[ they totally can...Hijikatas, please come pick up your fanboys... ]

So it would seem. There is a reason your name is well-known.

[ Even though he knows it's not really fame that either of them sought. They did things for the Shinsengumi, their leaders...and the personal truths they each followed. ]

I admit I am unused to it. [ He glances down at his sword. ] Though it is more about the lack of a purpose that bothers me. [ No leaders. No rules, it seems. He has no wish to be ronin. This is something he hadn't asked his fellow Shinsengumi who are here; they never exactly had the same problem.

He shrugs his shoulders. ] Some swords don't do quite as well without their masters, I suppose...

[spes_phthisica]

[Before they create a fanclub and wear matching t-shirts...

Souji just laughs lightly, because it's true he's never really cared one way or another about fame. There is only ever one opinion on his strength which has truly mattered, even though he of course appreciates the respect of his peers. And there is some pride associated with now knowing his name will go down in history, he admits.

Ah, but a moment later Saitou causes him to flinch slightly, eyes darting away slightly.]

Yes, that's the worst part. I haven't- Ever since I was nine, I have always known what I'm fighting for. Kondou-san promised that he'd always be there, and Hijikata-san... [No, he can't. He just shakes his head, not quite managing to find the proper words.]

I talked tonight to a sword - my sword - about learning to wield yourself. But... I think he might be stronger than me in that way. I'm really not sure I can - or if I should.

[tsuranuki]

[ Hijikata Appreciation fanclub--we have free t-shirts and haiku. His own Shinsengumi would be on the floor laughing, probably

Saitou knows what it's like to walk on the street and have people skirt around him and whisper. Sometimes, even without the haori, they knew who he was. Still others would attack, haori or no haori. When you paint yourself in blood, it is impossible to leave no trace--such is the Shinsengumi's reputation, and the recognisation they have earned.

His own eyes narrow, then flicker. ] Learning to wield yourself?

[ Is that even a possibility?

Nevertheless, the same questions have bothered him, despite being here for only a few hours. Saitou stares at one of the fountains as he tries to formulate a response.

He thinks he understands, Souji, what you mean. ] I have pledged myself to the Shinsengumi's cause, and neither Kondou-san or Hijikata-san have yet to lead me astray.

...I have tried, before, to walk without guidance. It was not successful.

[ However... ] I don't think it's a strength or weakness if there is a necessity to depend on leadership, to be wielded by someone else, if that is who are meant to be...

[ His voice trails off as he suddenly realises he mightve said too much and he starts, looking once again at Souji. ] I apologise if it's too forward of me to assume you wanted advice on this subject.

[spes_phthisica]

[Souji's version of the Shinsengumi wouldn't even be surprised. Souji being obsessed with Hijikata to ridiculous extremes? Must be a day ending with a y. How nice to see that he's got a friend now.

How could Souji possibly mind finding that someone else understands the way he feels about this? Some people are simply meant to be weapons, to be wielded by those with clearer vision and stronger will than they could ever manage themselves. There is no shame in that, no flaw - hadn't Hijikata shown him as much, that day so many years ago. As long as he stays true to what he is, he will always be needed. All he has to do is wait.]

No, you don't have to apologize. You're right! [He beams at the other man with the full strength of his conviction, which is quite possibly strong enough to level mountainst.] It's easy to feel lost so far away from home, and it makes you think all kind of terrible things, but... we are what we are, right? And until we are wielded again, we can still stay true to what they would have wanted from us.

[His expression softens somewhat in melancholy.] I suppose it's just that I miss him- that is to say, I miss all of them.

[tsuranuki]

[ And neither would Saitou's Shinsengumi be extremely surprised. More than one person has called him Hijikata's shadow, and there was alos Saitou getting sent on a secret mission only three other people knew about...the commitment to Hijikata is strong with these two

There is a satisfaction in being a sword, of always having a purpose to service. Come what may, whatever life dished out, whatever enemies there are, for the sake of something higher--no sacrifice is too great, short of dying.

It still feels surreal, that he can speak to someone who bears the same name as one of his fellow captains, and yet looks different, acts different...but is somehow relatable to. Odd how life works, doesn't it. ]

I cannot deny what I am, not. [ Tomorrow, he'll have to wake up and remember all over again he has...well, no orders. No duties. ] Although I may be in a better position because there are those I know and have already run into.... [ His voice trails off. Really, he hadn't intended to speak all that much about this topic, much less himself. Maybe there's a grasp for familiarity, to cling on to what reminds him of home.

He exhales slowly. ] You said you have met the others? If so, I would not mind hearing the differences between our worlds. [ And yes, that's a redirection of conversation, lest they dwell too long on the lack of certain members. ]

[spes_phthisica]

[The difference being that Saitou wouldn't feel free to barge into Hijikata's room at any time, wouldn't take it upon himself to prod the man out of bed in the morning while calling him "darling", wouldn't steal his poetry, and most likely wouldn't drag Hijikata around a candy store by his hair.

It really is very strange, because while he's always been good friends with Hajime at home, it's quite different to meet someone who is so much like himself in this aspect. He seems a lot more serious in general, a lot stricter in a lot of ways probably, but the way they seem to view their dedication is nonetheless amazingly similar. It's... nice. But it's also rather private, so he understands if Saitou feels like not dwelling too deeply or too long on it.

He laughs, wrinkling his nose a bit.]

Well, Nagakura-san is tall, that's pretty strange. [Priorities!] and he's also a lot louder than the man I know. But your Harada-san seems a bit quieter, so maybe that balances it out. And Toudou-san is... he acts younger than the Heisuke-san I know, and less flirtatious. [He tilts his head with another little laugh.] And you're shorter. Ah, and you don't have any kind of spiritual power, do you? You don't see spirits and ghosts, that sort of thing?

[tsuranuki]

[ ...no, no, he wouldn't. The most he has ever done was argue, briefly over a cup of tea and wow why didn't Hijikata see his point of you. As for haiku...that had been Souji's fault. But he likes the haiku!

In truth, that's how it goes for Saitou. They joke about him being Hijikata's shadow, but they do respect him for his views. Saitou has always known his Souji gets it, a little, being that Souji would do anything for Kondou, but...dedication comes in different forms.

For now, he leaves those thoughts. ] How much taller is...my other self? [ Gods, this is a little strange. ] No, I do not count myself skilled in that sort of thing. [ Though it would be useful, wouldn't it. ]

[spes_phthisica]

[Souji loves the haiku. He's very well aware that it is incredibly bad, but that's okay, because he loves it anyway. It's so sweet, and somehow even more endearing in how terrible it is.

It'll be a strange experience, really, to find that they have both sort of lived their lives as Hijikata's shadow, albeit in very different ways. Right now, Souji simply has a deeply founded respect for the other man already.]

Uhmmmm... he's about this tall. [Souji opts for showing with his hands, and... yes, that is most definitely like a head taller. Sorry, Saitou.] And our Shinpachi is about this short. It's pretty weird. [He tilts his head slightly.] But the other thing is a bit stranger. We're all used to Hajime-san being able to see the kind of things that other people can't - even the future, though I don't think that is always a very nice gift to have. So perhaps it's just as well for you.

[tsuranuki]

["even if only one plum blossom bloomed, plum blossoms are plum blossoms." All Saitou wanted to know was the meaning of that...he still doesn't understand why one question made Hijikata-san so uncomfortable. Fukuchou your haiku is fine...


Saitou actually writes to picture this. And Shinpachi.

...somehow, it's not quite working.

But the part about being able to see things, and foretelling the future? If he had this...would things have changed? ] I may not have such an ability, but I know all gifts come with a price.

[spes_phthisica]

[Don't ask Souji about it. His only known interpretation of Hijikata's poetry is something along the lines of, "It's all full of of love, oooh, I'm getting embarrassed", which is... pretty dreadful, honestly. He's trash.

It might have been easier if Souji had also mentioned that Shinpachi isn't actually as muscled either. Otherwise he'd have to quite possibly be as broad as he's thick and sort of... square.

But oh, that is a very sobering thing to think about, and Souji sighs, nodding.] He says he refuses to give fortunes to people, because you can't change what is to come. All he can do is see what will happen. I don't think he wants anyone to have to pay that price apart from him. [And it's true that Souji might have pestered him about it when he was young and silly, and now he feels incredibly bad about it. What had Saitou seen, what had he known, even then? It's a terrible thought.]

[tsuranuki]

[ they make such a terrible pair when it comes to haiku

Sadly, that's what did sort of come to mind. A tiny version of Shinpachi, complete with muscles.

Oh the images. ]

Nothing can be changed or prevented? [ Then...that went for certain events, if their timelines are similar. That's disheartening in some ways, to think about it. Knowing the fates of people and seeing it play out. ] However, I can understand that. [ Of refusing to share it with people. Gifts made people bear lonely burdens, as well. ]