eswareinmal | Action: but you never tire of dreams

Entry tags:

Action: but you never tire of dreams

Characters: Any willing dreamers
Open? Yes
Where: In your minds
When: After the party
What: Part two of the dream plot!
Warnings:

The party went on, with the beast's head on display. A proud, twisted thing. Behind false ruby eyes, it waited. And as the music became slower and the wine less plentiful, it waited still.

Those who had gazed upon it at the ball. Those who had seen it once living in the forest. All heroes who dared to look upon its face and dream still that they would be able to live another day...

There are all sorts of ways of living. In waking. In sleep. Perhaps, now, they would find one in between.

(ooc: Feel free to keep tagging into the party post! Once your characters go home and go to sleep of their own accord, that is when the dreaming will begin. Remember, it is up to you to set up what kind of world your character is trapped in and how best to help them. Plotting post is here, make use of it!

The beast's power will wane once the bulk of the dreamers have escaped his curse. If your character was not at the party but you still want to involve them in the dream plot, that is fine! They can either help get people out or have seen the beast wandering in the woods before it was killed and have caught its attention that way.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I don't think we've had the pleasure of meeting. Aren't you going to introduce her, Helios? [Ginia teases lightly as she smiles at Elise. She's very beautiful and radiates kindness and warmth. There's no doubt she's absolutely perfect for Helios and Helios is perfect for her and they are so blessed to have each other. Everything feels absolutely perfect and Ginia feels blessed to be a part of this special occasion.

Yet she can't shake the uneasy feeling that continues to cling to her. It's not any sense of doom, dread, or danger, but the feeling something is off. There's something wrong with the picture and she can't figure out why. But maybe there's nothing to figure out, maybe it's just a constant state of concern and worry for her friend. On such a beautiful day, she wants everything to be right for Helios and his fiancée.]

[ "I hope you haven't forgotten my name, love." The woman laughs a melodious type of laugh. Helios just sputters a little trying to get his voice to apologize. Instead he concedes to letting Elise introduce herself, whoops, still absentminded as ever. But that's one of the things Elise loves about him.

"It's Elise. Elise Gaita. It's a pleasure to finally meet you. You're one of the people he's talked about a lot. Ginia right?" She offers a small little bow of her head before she gives Ginia a light embrace. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you." ]

Ah. I-I'm glad you c-could make it to the opening of the Academy, Ginia.

[ There are familiar and unfamiliar faces in the crowd and throng of people happily chattering away and clinking glasses together as they celebrate this day as well. It's been a long road but well worth it. ] Have you tried any of the desserts? They're absolutely fantastic!

[ And here Elise will laugh and roll her eyes as Helios laughs a little too. "Always with the sweets Helios. Honestly I don't know what I'm going to do with you." Just an amused tone as she turns her head to someone calling out her name. "Oh! It's Felicia. I apologize, you know how she gets if she doesn't see me to make absolutely certain I'm not dying or something like that. I'll let you two catch up. I'll be back in a little while." And with a loving kiss delivered to her soul mate Elise retracts and heads through the crowd. Helios watches her with adoration and nothing but love. It almost flows off of him is palpable waves. He finally turns back to Ginia once Elise is out of sight. ]

It's...nice to, ah, s-see you again. I-I think Giles is somewhere around here. I haven't seen him yet. Are you hungry? C-Can I get you anything?

Edited 2012-05-29 00:07 (UTC)

[Elise. It's a beautiful name. She smiles and returns the woman's light hug, careful not to spill her drink on the woman. At Elise's words, Ginia laughs lightly and gives Helios a surprised look. Really, he talked about her? She wouldn't have expected that, though Ginia tended to expect very little when it came to her. She knew she was loved by her friends, but it still surprised her to know it.]

Yes, that's right. I'm surprised he's mentioned me. But it's a pleasure to meet you as well, Elise.

[She draws back from the hug and smiles at Helios, offering a bow of her own head.] I wouldn't miss it for the world, Helios. Thank you for inviting me. and yes, I've tried the desserts. Absolutely delicious, my compliments to the chef.

[As Elise excuses herself, Ginia offers a friendly wave and watches her go, turning back to Helios. He's absolutely adorable in love and she's so happy to see it. It's good seeing him so happy.]

It's good seeing you too. And is he? [She laughs. What a silly question, of course Giles would be here on this day.] Silly of him to hide from us. And no, I'm fine, thank you though. Don't worry about me, really. [Ginia reaches out to give his shoulder a friendly pat, pausing when she realizes something.

His shoulder is warm. It's almost more surprising because she's so used to him being cold, so used to it she didn't even think otherwise. But he's warm, he's happy, he's in love, his fiancée is here...

And then she remembers. It's only a flicker of a conversation, lingering words and images that stick in her mind, but she remembers. A warm kitchen, their home in Luceti, cups of tea. The admission he'd lost someone dear to him, his fiancée.

Oh god.

Ginia's smile immediately vanishes as she realizes everything.]

[ Helios laughs at that shaking his head. ] You know him. Not very fond of, ah, b-big parties. [ He gives an apologetic look knowing that Giles came to give him support and for that he's truly grateful. Perhaps the four of them could get together afterwards for their own private little party. ] Are you sure?

[ And then he notices something wrong, amiss, with the way she looks. ] Ginia? Is, is something wrong?

Wrong? No, not at all, everything is fine. Ah, sorry, I remembered something about work. Don't worry about it. [Ginia quickly lies, slipping a smile back on her face as she tries to put her thoughts back. No, no, it can't be. This is all too real to be a dream. He's so happy, all his friends are here to see him on this happy day, everything is perfect...

But her mind struggles between the reality of what she knows and what she sees and feel. If this is a dream, does she have the right to ruin it for him, to be the one responsible for driving the cold knife of reality into his chest and twist? Pain is all she would bring if she reminds him his fiancée is gone and this is just a dream.

Just a dream. They never are just dreams in fairy tales, are they.]

Giles never was much for parties, no. I'm so lucky he was willing to indulge me when I dragged him to gatherings. And please, I'm fine. [She downs the rest of her glass for some extra courage, then gestures around their location.] Have time to show me around a bit?

[ He blinks and tilts his head a little. He's not sure he believes you Ginia but he won't pry. The idea that all of this is a dream is beyond him. So deep he is into the want and thought and need for it to be true. It would definitely only end in pain and heartache to hear. But reality is something you can't run from and it's a harsh truth to come to terms with sometimes. ] I honestly don't know how you manage that. You and Elise... [ A laugh as he shakes his head. She's done the same thing more or less once or twice before. Helios motions with his arm off towards the castle. ]

But yes of course! I'd love to. What would you like to see first? The garden is quite big after all. It even has a maze we used to use for Halloween sometimes, back when a friend of my family owned this place. Or perhaps you'd like to see the inside of the castle?

I think a walk around the garden sounds wonderful. It's so nice out here too. [She vaguely remembers the castle from the tour back in Luceti and she wouldn't mind seeing it again, but the garden is new territory. Either way, she needs somewhere she can talk to him in private and try to figure things out.] It's so beautiful here, Helios. You're so fortunate being able to live here. [That much she can say with sincerity. Maybe one day Giles and her will be able to go back to his world and live out their days there. It's a wish she'll still cling to. If they've managed to make it to other worlds, why not his?]

Edited 2012-05-29 20:15 (UTC)

Ah thank you for saying so. Elise did most of the gardening. [ Being half dryad she is one of the best gardeners he knows. ] I also helped of course! But you know...she does has a specific way she likes to do things. When it comes to gardening and the like even more so. [ But he says all that with a look of affection and a tone of utter complacency. He can't really get mad or anything like that. Utterly in love? Helios is it. ]

The people living here with me make it all the more fortunate to be able to do so. This castle has been in my family for a very long time. It's...been a few years since I've seen it this populated, actually. [ He'll motion her to follow him then with a wave of his hand. He'll walk slowly through the crowd of people until they all but diminish and they're finally left in peace and quiet. ]

Good with plants, I take it? Maybe I should ask her for some pointers. [Black thumb and all, though Grune was helping it improve. She smiles warmly at Helios' tone, so happy to hear and see him like this. It only makes her decision more painful and difficult to decide on, but there's still time.

She looks around at some of the people here as they walk along. She catches a glimpse of Giles talking to someone, Frederic providing music at a grand piano, Elise again, it's a very happy celebration and she feels a bit better when they're finally away from everyone. Ginia walks in silence, admiring the landscape around them.]

I wish I could stay. The Academy would be a nice place to live and work at.

Oh yes, very good with them. She's, ah, more in tune to them than the average gardener to say the least. [ An affectionate laugh as Helios leads them through an archway with overhanging vines sprinkled here and there with vibrant red roses. The field beyond has multitude of plant life scattered throughout it. Roses of all colors are in bundles to the left and daisies and sunflowers and tulips grow on the right. It's a color part of the garden one that he loves walking through in his spare time. At the far left side lies a gazebo with a cushioned bench and stone marble topped table for dining and eating. ] Who says you can't? You, Giles, Frederic. I-I'd love for all of you to s-stay. But, ah, that's a bit selfish isn't it? But I do think all three of you could make a wonderful impression and improvement towards things here. I-I never have enough teachers, you know?

[ He laughs again as he walks through the garden that is far too perfect, far too dream-like in its coloring and lack of imperfections on the plants. But Helios doesn't see it, doesn't want to perhaps. Either way he keeps walking a smile always touching his lips. ]

I hardly think it's selfish if I want to stay. Though I hardly know what I would teach. [Hand-to-hand combat hardly seems appropriate, even framed in the sense of martial arts and discipline. Frederic would certainly have piano covered. Cooking, maybe? Certainly more age appropriate than bartending.] But it would be nice to stay...

[Ginia admires the flowers in all their bright and beautiful perfection, her smile a little sad.] It'd be so easy to stay here forever...

There's plenty of things I think you would be good at! There's always the library that needs looking after too. [ A warm smile. Giles is there after all and Helios thinks the two of them working together would be nice for the both of them.

Helios nods his voice a little airy when he replies next. ] Wouldn't it? I wouldn't mind doing so. I think I will just...for a little while. There's so much that still has to be done after all.

[ He sits down on the bench with a half sigh half laugh. ] No time to rest just yet.

Edited 2012-06-01 00:09 (UTC)

[Still so much to do. It's one thing that can be said about life, there is always more to do. The known things, the unknown, so much to do in an unknown amount of time.

Ginia sits down next to Helios and for a few seconds, she just looks at him, trying her best to memorize him in all his happiness.]

Helios, do you believe I would never do anything to intentionally hurt you?

[ So much more and even when you have nothing left in you to even continue on you still have to try and do it. But those were feelings not felt here, never, Helios in this dream had never touched upon desperation or despair because everything was perfect here.

Helios is slightly taken aback at that question. ] Of course. Why ever would you ask such a thing? [ A laugh. You are acting so very strange you know that? ]

Edited 2012-06-01 00:49 (UTC)

Just... Just making sure you know. [Sometimes Ginia wishes she couldn't lie so easily and with a smile on her face. She leans back on her hands and looks up at the sky, trying to summon up the courage to continue on.]

You should probably go back to the party, I'm sure Elise is looking for you, your other friends too. I can wait here. [Because if she has to ruin things for him, he should get at least once last look at his fiancée.]

Edited 2012-06-01 00:51 (UTC)

You're...acting rather strange. Are you sure everything is alright? [ Because of course he knows that. Ginia is practically family and she's at least family that he knows would never harm him in anyway. ]

Oh! But I-I haven't even shown you the fountain or the maze yet. [ A frown as he looks at her. Something was definitely wrong. But he probably should head back just to check up on everything. He moves to stand up. ] M-Maybe when I get back we can head over there. Do you want me to bring you back anything? Dessert, something to drink?

Yes, I'm sure. [She doesn't even bother to say 'don't worry' because she knows he will.]

You can show me in time. [Maybe one day, when they're really in his world, they can see it together. Giles can come too.] And no, I'm fine, thank you. Feel free to take your time, it's quite nice out here and I'm sure a lot of people want to see you and congratulate you.

[ A small sigh from Helios. He will frown a little as he stands fully and walks around to the other side of the table. ] If you're certain...

[ He's still going to bring you back something to drink at least. It was rather warm out after all. ] I-I'll, um, be back shortly. Y-You can look too if you want.

[Ginia smiles and waves him on, hoping he'll spend his time enjoying himself and not worrying too much about her (she knows better than to expect him to not worry about her at all).

It's sad telling him she'd never hurt him intentionally, yet isn't breaking him out of his dream an intentional act of pain? Even with the best of intentions, she's still deliberately striking at his happiness.]

What would you do, Giles? [She quietly asks out loud, wishing he was here for a second opinion, though he has a hunch he'd do the same. Dreams are wonderful things, but in the end, they're only that. There's a greater world to continue living in. It was as Helios said himself moments ago; no time to rest just yet.

Yet Luceti was almost a dream of its own. It's own isolated pocket of reality, where everything that happened in Luceti had no bearing on anything outside. She learned that going back home, living on another year.

Ginia slump forward and rest her head on her arms. Dammit.]

[ Sometimes living in the world is so much harder than in ones dreams. It's so easy to want to stay because it's so perfect and everything he's hoped for and imagined. Everyone here loves him and supports him. Elise is alive and he's in love with her and everything is just how it should have been. How it was supposed to be. But out there beyond this veil is nothing but pain and broken memories. Is it really so bad that he wants to stay? Selfish maybe and he knows it but he can't seem to care at the moment.

It'll be a good while before Helios returns and in his hands are a plate of food and some more champagne. His smile drops as he sees her in that position and he'll hurry back over. Plate and glass clink against the stone table. ] Ginia?

[It's an oddly comfortable position, though Ginia quickly sits up when she realizes Helios is back. She laughs softly at the food and drinks he brought over - oh, Helios, never change - and smiles.]

I'm fine, I'm fine. Sorry, just resting my head a little. Traveling, alcohol, doesn't mix. [She tries to laugh it off, but it's probably pretty obvious by now things aren't okay. Ginia's no closer to figuring out how to handle things beyond the blunt force of truth, but Helios deserves better than that.]

You should sit down.

[ He doesn't look convinced at Ginia's response because, no, something is wrong. Something is very wrong and on a base level he knows. His mind is trying to tell him because it knows too but he won't let it sink in or seep through. This dream, this protection, it was built out of steel to keep the pain away. But even steel warps under pressure and heat and no defense is perfect.

He sits without a seconds questioning. ] Something is wrong. Wh-what is it? You, you can tell me. I-I'll always help you, you know. S-So there's no need to worry about f-feeling like you're bothering me.

[ A pause as he looks her over. ] Maybe you go inside to rest for a little bit?

No, I'm fine here. [Here is very good because she knows if she delays things any longer, she'll never talk to him. It may not be her dream, but she wants to stay in it almost as badly as he does. She could take care of the library alongside Giles, play duets with Frederic, learn how to garden with Grune, have the life she's always wanted. There is nothing wrong here, everything is beautiful with no pain or suffering. It could be a good life here.

But it wouldn't the right life. It wouldn't be real. They would live on in dreams, but what about reality? What would happen to their bodies as they continued to sleep?]

Helios... I don't know what will happen after this, but you are and always will be someone I admire, respect, and love. You are family, you are my brother. And I'm sorry I have to do this to you. [Her words come out in a rush and she forces herself to meet his eyes and not look away as she reaches up and tugs the neckline of her dress down to properly show the lack of gold around her neck.]

[ He's about to interject when he watches her do that, almost making to look away at the sudden exposure over her showing him her neckline. No. This couldn't be right. She didn't have a necklace? But...Ginia always had one the one he made for her for Christmas. This wasn't real.

Those words in his head hit him like a ton of bricks and they hurt. Hurt on a level far deeper than just simple heartache or disbelief. He moves away then disbelief and shock on his face. ] N-No that's not...that's not possible. [ It was some sort of trick, wasn't it? Yes that was it. It had to be because desperation to keep away from the truth was so much easier than to accept that this wasn't real. Elise wasn't real, she was dead and not a single one of these people would ever attend a party that never existed. His tone of voice is filled with nothing but sorrow as he utters that single word. ] No.

I'm sorry, Helios. I don't know what's going on, I don't know why I'm here, but this, [She gestures around at the beautiful world around them, her face falling in sadness as she continues to crush his dream.] none of this is real. It's a dream. You told me yourself she's gone.

Action: but you never tire of dreams

So many sads. :C

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