Event Log: Dreamwalker the Second

[hadrielmods]

Who: All characters participating in the event
What: The event log for the Dreamwalker part 2 event
Where: In your dreams
When: October 14th-20th (the second log will go up on Oct 23rd, please keep the two weeks of the event separate!)
Warnings: All different kinds of dreams falling under the umbrella of Delight, Rage, Sorrow, and Hope.

This time, the weird stuff doesn't happen when you're awake- as a matter of fact, your waking hours are the normal ones. That's because you're forced to sleep by some unknown entity, getting more and more exhausted by the moment as night falls. Better make sure you're always around a soft pillow.

Once asleep, it doesn't get any less weird- your dreams will be influenced by one of the four gods that make up the first week. Something to make you smile, something to make you angry- or something that reminds you of your deepest regret or most vulnerable hope, they're all things that you're dreaming about now for some reason, no matter how hard you may try to pull away from them.

To make matters more complicated, there are others intruding on your dreams who definitely don't belong there, and while they may seem like manifestations at first, it becomes clear that these others are actually the consciousness of other members of Hadriel, getting some top quality exposure to your angriest, happiest, most sorrowful moments. Hope it doesn't get awkward when you see them tomorrow...

► This log covers October 14th-20th.
► Feel free to make your own logs as well
► Please tag headers of threads with content warnings where they apply
► Please put your character's name and open/closed in the subject line of your starters!
► If you die in dreams you don't die in real life, but if you somehow die in real life anyway, please let us know here.

Comments

saber | hope | ota

[sheathes]

[ A sword in a stone waits at the top of the hill.

Inscribed on the hilt is one thing: Whosoe'er pulleth out this sword of this stone is rightwise King born of England. Throughout the day, every man of a good enough age has tried to draw it, but none have succeeded. As the hours pass, more and more have turned to a jousting tournament to crown the new king, certain that the stone is some sort of enchanted prank. For none amongst them to be worthy is simply impossible, Merlin be damned.

Regardless, both sword and stone now sit, seemingly forgotten... except for one young girl standing nearby, too young for the joust; staring up at the sword. ]

I see. So this is... the sword of selection. [ Do you talk to her? Do you try and pull the blade yourself? ]

[ ooc: plotting comment! hmu there or on plurk if you want a closed starter. ♥ ]

[foundafamily]

[Firo's not sure where he is or why, but that seems to be the norm these days. As is so often the case, he finds himself too curious about what's going on to care too much.

He scratches his head and looks at the girl when she speaks.]

The what? It just looks like a sword that some idiot got stuck in a rock. People shouldn't be so disrespectful to their weapons.

[Hey, wasn't there a story about something like this? Probably something Luck read. Firo can't be bothered to think hard enough to remember whatever it might be.]

[sheathes]

[ Saber turns to look at him — a little surprised to see somebody else, but somehow it doesn't bother her like it should. She shakes her head, frowning. ]

It's a test. Whoever pulls it out will be the next king. [ Her voice is full of resolve, but she's obviously still just reciting something she's been told, something she's been raised to believe. ] But nobody can. Nobody wants the responsibility to save everyone, even if that's what it means to be a king.

[ And so, the sword won't answer them. But she keeps staring at it all the same. ]

[foundafamily]

Seems like a weird way to hold an election...

[Firo can only speak for city politics, but bribing voters with beer and stuffing ballot boxes seems like a much more sensible way of doing things.

Half-smiling, clearly joking, he tilts his head at her.]

Have you given it a shot?

[sheathes]

Not yet. I have only just arrived.

[ Her brother forgot his lance, and she was sent to deliver it. But then he went home, telling her to do the same — and knowing full well that she wouldn't.

With a completely straight face, unaware of how ridiculous she sounds: ]

But I will draw it. [ She looks over at him. ] Perhaps it is strange, but the sword's magic is undeniable. There is no other way to prove one's position as King Uther's heir.

[foundafamily]

[Magic, huh? Firo manages not to roll his eyes, but he does look... unconvinced. The sword just looks like a normal sword to him; he doesn't even know how useful it'd be, if it's all beat up from being shoved in a rock.]

You're saying you're... whose heir? That guy's your dad or something?

He sounds like a jerk if you have to prove you're his kid.

[sheathes]

He is dead. [ She doesn't say it with any trace of sadness — she never knew her father beyond his name. ] I am proving myself to the people, not to him. They believe in the prophecy of the sword.

But I would not yet call myself the rightful king. There is much I have to learn before then. [ But she will learn. She has to learn. So many people depend on it. ] It is not prophecy that makes a good king, but his devotion to the common man. The sword is but the first part of that.

[foundafamily]

You sound pretty serious about all that.

[Stating the obvious, but it's all he can think to say at the moment. This is all a bit too big and lofty for him to wrap his head around.

He moves closer to the sword and taps on its hilt. Doesn't really seem like anything special to him (of course, it doesn't budge at all in the stone).]

You sure you wanna lead a bunch of people who're gullible enough to follow whoever's gotta sword?

[sheathes]

There is nothing gullible about believing in Merlin's words. He is the greatest magus of this era.

[ Possibly one of the greatest in history. Saber herself has been raised as a knight, not a scholar; she has no room to comment on the bearing of others. ]

I accept the consequences if I should fail. The people would rebel, and rightfully so. [ She looks over at the men beginning to joust again. ] But until then, I will do my best to serve them. I swear it on the name of Arthur Pendragon.

[ She doesn't have to hide her last name anymore — though her first is a different matter. Arthur is a simple enough exchange for Arturia, when others must see her as a man from now on. ]

[naw]

[it's nice to see the open sky again, but a gut feeling tells Nah that things aren't quite what they seem, if recent events have given her reason to be wary and on guard. nevertheless, she doesn't feel any urgency to start setting things on fire or anything, so she curiously approaches the sword to read the inscription on its hilt.

she turns to Saber. it's a little girl coalescence, ayyy.]

Let me get this straight. Whoever can pull the sword out is automatically this land's ruler?

[seems kinda dumb to her, but she doesn't say so out loud.]

[sheathes]

[ It is dumb............... thanks Merlin. Then again, when magic is involved, they ain't gotta explain shit. ]

That is correct. So far, none have been able to. [ She's a little surprised at Nah's size — not that she's one to talk. But she's always been an exception at gatherings like these, the only slender figure amongst the burly knights conversing further across the field. ] The great wizard Merlin says it will reveal the true heir of King Uther.

... If none can draw it, the jousting tournament will decide the next ruler. But it takes more than strength to be a king. I believe the sword is the better way.

[naw]

[she eyes the sword. should she try it....... nah. i mean, no. no point in making herself look like a fool here.]

A jousting champion, made king? You might as well put his horse on the throne instead. [the sword method also sounds as equally terrible. if a great wizard or whatever says so, though, then there's clearly more to it than having the right biceps to draw it.]

Kings also need to be wise. There must be a trick to pulling the sword out, then.

[sheathes]

[ Nah, nah.

At the horse comment, she chuckles like the teenager she looks to be — then coughs, trying to seem Properly Sombre. ]

The challenge lies within the heart. One must willingly take on every burden in order to lead their people. Do you not agree?

[ Her foster brother would argue with her, if he had not already returned home. But she seems set in her ways. ]

[naw]

Of course. A good leader must stand alongside his followers, not on top of them.

[it might be a tad idealistic considering the reality of politics, but oh well. Chrom was the closest thing to that idealistic vision, a prince who fought for everyone's sake. no crazy hunger for power like Walhart, just good old-fashioned altruistic heroism. for a moment, she wonders if Chrom or Lucina could pull the sword out if they tried.]

I think I'm starting to get it. The sword judges those who try to claim it, and only one with the right makings of a king can do it. ... Right?

[sheathes]

[ Saber nods. ] Yes. And it has clearly done so.

[ She gestures at the other knights, all too loud, too concerned with their own power. There are those among them who would make decent kings — good kings, even — but a good king cannot help Britain. Only a perfect king, one entirely devoted to the cause, stands a chance of doing so. ]

... A king cannot be human, or possess human emotion. Their anger at not being chosen shows they are unfit for the role. [ Whoa slow down there. ] To draw the sword is to give up everything for Britain. That is what will save our land. The only thing that will.

[naw]

[it keeps making more and more sense but also it doesn't. conclusion: Britain is whack.]

You make it sound as though Britain is in great danger. [looking out at the rabble of the festivities and people having a good time, it's hard to see it that way. it's so idyllic that she doesn't want to imagine any sort of catastrophe creeping up on these people.

or is Saber just being dramatic. Nah can't tell.]

So, why are you up here? Were you thinking of giving it a pull yourself?

[sheathes]

It is in danger.

[ She is pretty dramatic... but in this one case, she's right. It might not be so noticeable here, among more well-kept knights, but the peasants are suffering, and the land itself is fading away. Britain is too close to man to be a part of the age of magic, and possess too much magic to be a part of the age of man. ]

... And yes, I am. But I am not just "thinking" of doing so. [ She looks over at the sword again. Her dramatic speech (and dramatic everything) is a little ridiculous coming from someone who looks fifteen at most. ] Just as humans have their function, mine is to draw that sword. I know that is what I was born for... my father made sure of it. I will strike down Britain's enemies as a dragon incarnate.

part 69 tho /eyes

[dedikated]

( There are certain stories that you just can't avoid knowing, no matter how sparse your knowledge of history is. The legend of the sword in the stone has provided seemingly endless amounts of stories, so much so that Kate gasps upon seeing it, transfixed by the sight rather than the jousting nearby. )

Well, shit.

( It's real. )

Weren't just a story...

( Her words are loud enough to be heard, even if they're not actually intended for anyone in particular. )

now i'm mad i didn't notice before

[sheathes]

[ Kate's words are a little confusing, but not entirely inappropriate. Saber assumes she's been brought here by word of mouth, surprised to see that the truth had not been exaggerated. So, she simply nods. ]

Of course not. Merlin is fond of situations like these. [ At this point in her life, she hasn't met him outside her own dreams (dreamception), but she knows he'd be enjoying watching everyone try and fail to pull the blade. ] He is a troublesome man, but his magic and influence is undeniable. That is why so many have gathered.

it's ic of you not to.

[dedikated]

( This all feels so entirely real, so much so that it's almost surreal to imagine. All these years, she's considered it nothing more than a story - it's simply too fantastic to have really happened. Any kings of England surely weren't selected by a mythical sword, right?

So, um, give her a minute, because the sword is one thing, but Merlin is another. Kate shakes her head and clears her throat - okay. This is...

Probably about as fantastical as anything in her life could possibly be. )

You gonna try?

( She can't deny that there's a part of her that wants to see just how stuck the sword is, but Kate doesn't make a move for it. )

you're right and i hate it

[sheathes]

[ She nods. ] Yes. But I will not just try.

[ Her voice doesn't have a trace of arrogance, and somehow it's believable despite sounding ridiculous. Surely, there's no way to know that she'll succeed, but she does. She will. ]

The king is a servant of the people. He rides into battle without fear of death, and offers his life for their own. [ Words she's been taught, but clearly believes in full. ] That is what this country needs. That is why I will draw the sword.

(:

[dedikated]

( There's something in that tone where, despite the fact that this girl doesn't look like a King Arthur, Kate finds herself believing in it. A familiar resolve, a hope for the future that conjures images of a friend she trusts above all others.

She glances over at the jousting competition, then back to the sword, to the girl. )

Don't look like they're gettin' anywhere, anyway. Go for it.

( She wonders if it could be true, if that familiar belief is well-placed or not. )

>:(

[sheathes]

[ She laughs a little, following Kate's gaze to the contest, then stops herself. Kings don't laugh. ] They will likely joust until nightfall. Then, someone will claim that the victor cheated in some way, and so they will start again tomorrow.

[ Her tone isn't arrogant. She doesn't think they're idiots, or that she's any better — she knows what it's like to be foolishly competitive. But kingship deserves a more surefire method... like a sword in a rock. Obviously.

The dream seems to waver when she looks back at the sword. It's clear that once she draws it, things will end, hope being replaced by something else. Regret at her actions, anger at her failings. But today, for this moment in time, her heart is still overflowing with positive emotions. ]

What is your name? Perhaps we might meet again in the future. [ Things won't be calm until she unites the country, but she seems to think it might be possible anyway. ]

😘😘😘

[dedikated]

( It can't be any worse than the jousting, really. But maybe it's the effect of the dream and a myth that suddenly seems to be real that has Kate thinking it seems just as sensible as anything else.

She takes one last look at the sword as she's asked for her name and glances back at the girl. )

Kate. ... It's Kate. What's yours?

( Would they meet again? She doesn't know, but somehow, here, it feels possible. All things do. )

[sheathes]

[ Arturia is her name by birth. Artorius is the false name she's been living with. But, one she draws the sword... there's another name she'll be known by. ]

Arthur. [ It sounds right when she says it. There's no posturing, no grandeur; the name carries no weight yet. She'll have to earn that. ] The king was my father. That is why it falls to me to draw the sword.