vatheon | It's an Age-Old Tale...

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It's an Age-Old Tale...

Characters: Princesses, Princes and Vatheonites all
Location: All around the fairy tale world
Time: All day erryday-- on Monday
Style: Whatever works best!
Status: OPEN. Threadjack, threadhop, spam away!

[Welcome to the curse, Vatheonites. Welcome to the fairy tale.

And with the tale, the world has changed. Nothing remains of the city that once was; now there are fantastical and crazy things, things that would be only found in books--and yet here they are.

There are a few places of note, however. A few places that might draw the intrepid adventurer, the curious.

To begin--

The Forest-- here can be found...well, trees. But other than trees, there are fairies, and curious shadows and eyes and things hiding where you do not want things to hide. Overall, it's not very safe anymore! Wolves might be on the prowl, mystical creatures that think that you sure do look a lot like lunch. And hidden deep within the forest in a system of sprawling caves lurks a dragon. Sitting on a pile of golden treasure.

The princess can be found there. Sure hope the dragon isn't sitting on her, whoops.

The Pirate Ship-- this one is much more straightforward. Namely, that there are pirates and they're out for your blood. But the ship itself is winding and filled with (empty) treasure chests and nasty sea critters that are, surprise surprise, also out for your blood. You might have to fight a pirate chief to save the princess in this labyrinth.

The Briar Patch/Towers-- where the carnival once stood there are now a couple of ominous towers, empty or filled with scuttling, skittery creatures or perhaps an unlucky slumbering foreigner. There are nasty thorns growing all over, but maybe if you're careful you can break through and find the one tower that houses the witch. Be careful--she has spells to throw at you. But she's also guarding another princess, so maybe it's worth the fight and...the flying monkeys.

The meadow-- deep in the lower district there is now a large meadow. Looks harmless, right? Only if you venture too far in, you will come across what look to be...monsters? Monsters of all shapes and sizes, vicious and ready to kill...except they're just illusions. The illusions get more and more real the closer you get to the center of the meadow, however. Some of them might even be able to actually bite, so be careful. Deep in the meadow there is a unicorn who is holding a poor princess captive. Can anyone rescue them?

Anyone is welcome to make a thread--princesses or princes or average Vatheonite pixie! Threadjack, have fun, be creative! Just remember that only the princesses' ~one true love~ will succeed...but everyone is welcome to give it a shot.]

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[Without recollection of moving, Motochika finds his cheek resting upon a pillow of wildflowers. With the sweep and press of an arm he manages to compress the foliage blocking his view so he can watch the fight.

It would pass for a dream, were it not for Mitsuhide. The sight and sound of Mitsuhide -- so elegant, brave, and skilled -- and the crackling energy of his lover's innate power are a fresh breeze that blows through the unicorn's stifling magic.

Refreshing. Invigorating.

If only he could grasp the echo of Mitsuhide's power in his own hands and slice through the weakness that binds him.

But it is beyond his reach, no matter how he strains.

Motochika's gaze stays intent upon Mitsuhide. It take all of his willpower to hold his focus and not close his eyes.

Mitsuhide must defeat this trial, for both their sakes.

Mitsuhide shall.]

[The oni poses far more of a challenge than any other of the unicorn's creations; strong, fierce and with a thick, tough skin, Mitsuhide has to pour all of his strength into every blow he lands on it. He has to be quick, too. One blow from that club would be enough to take him out, considering the force with which it is being swung.]

[He ducks to avoid a horizontal swing and then uses the opportunity to slice as deeply as he can manage into the creature's torso. It howls and tries to kick him. Mitsuhide is prepared; he lets loose his musou, unleashing a flurry of attacks whilst very briefly invulnerable and finishes up with a powerful strike from the draw before his reserves are depleted. This does not kill the creature, but it knocks it over. Mitsuhide immediately leaps onto its chest and attempts to plunge his sword right into its heart, but is prevented from doing so by another flare of energy from the unicorn's horn.]

[The unicorn does not summon another illusion or creature; this is literally just a blast of energy, which sends Mitsuhide flying backwards. It doesn't take him too long to get back up, but by the time he has done, the oni is on its feet again (albeit injured and bleeding from the chest now).]

[Without taking the time to think about why it didn't simply summon anything else, Mitsuhide charges back in. The oni swings it club a little weaker now, and for another minute or so Mitsuhide simply attacks and dodges, one eye on the unicorn as it begins to pace up and down. The glow of its horn seems a little weaker...]

[Eventually the oni's bloodloss causes it to fall over again, and this time Mitsuhide rushes over too quickly to be prevented from killing it. He plunges his blade into its heart with as much force as possible, jumping away from it while it screams and then grows still.]

[Mitsuhide pants lightly, and looks over at the unicorn. It is enraged, making sounds which sound unnatural from a horse-like creature. They are almost screeches.]

[It has, however, stopped pacing, and is watching him carefully. The glow of its horn is dimmer still.]

You are exhausted. [Mitsuhide says, approaching it. He is certain of that fact. No being save a God could possess infinite energy, magical or otherwise.] Which also means you are defeated.

Edited 2012-02-07 15:00 (UTC)

Motochika smiles at Mitsuhide's victory and the subsequent display of Mitsuhide's merciful heart.

He feels the unicorn's magic recede in one swift, dizzying second; he sits up near immediately, and rises to feet, swaying a little.

Motochika takes a deep breath, briefly sliding his eyes shut. Then he is in motion.

There are stray petals in Motochika's hair and on his pearlescent, scaled raiment; he limps slowly towards Mitsuhide, material swirling with each uneven step, determined to leave now that his lover has cut them a path.

Well fought, Mitsuhide.

[Mitsuhide's eyes settle on Motochika as he approaches; there is a look of surprise visible on his face for a few moments, before that feeling gets pushed aside. It is relief that flows through him now, along with a substantial thread of concern.]

[Before he addresses his lover, he looks back to the unicorn. It is waving its head about, distressed.]

We will leave. I shall not kill you, provided you do not try to stop us.

[The creature, obviously displeased yet understanding Mitsuhide's words and not willing to risk its own life, backs away a few steps in a show of acknowledgement. With a sigh, Mitsuhide leans to the floor, cleans his blade then resheaths it. He stands and faces his lover, afterwards.]

Lord Motochika.

[He is eager to get out of the meadow, or at least out of this part of it, as soon as possible. The unicorn will eventually recover, and he does not want to face a situation where he must kill it or put Motochika at further risk. There will be time to talk when they are fully safe.]

Thank you. [A soft smile.] We must go, before thinking of anything else. Do you require support?

[Something about his expression as he says that makes it clear he expects an honest reply.]

Edited 2012-02-07 17:54 (UTC)

[Mitsuhide is right -- and Motochika has no wish to linger here. Though he does not like to show weakness, he will not shy from the truth. Motochika nods at the question; Mitsuhide no doubt noticed his limp to ask as much, so he does not need to vocalise what ails him.]

Let's go.

[Mitsuhide moves to give Motochika the necessary support, taking as much of his lover's weight as is needed before starting their walk away from the center of the meadow. Around them, the illusions seem to be fading away; no doubt it is too much for the unicorn to sustain them, drained as it is.]

[Let it stay that way, for a while. Let it stay away from them, when it has recovered.]

[When they are a suitable distance from the unicorn, and no illusions remain (at least in their line of vision), Mitsuhide stops. He guides them both to sit on the floor and takes a deep breath, wiping the sweat away from his brow.]

Good heavens...

[Shaking his head a little first, Mitsuhide then looks over at Motochika and says:]

Is it just your ankle, my Lord, or are you further hurt?

The rest are mere bruises.

[Motochika answers; as he speaks he leans in, raising his sleeve to Mitsuhide's face to wipe off the blood there.]

Thank you.

[A warm smile; a relieved sigh. Mitsuhide leans into his lover's touch.]

I am glad. You had me worried, Lord Motochika.

[They are out of harm's way, healthy and whole. There is nothing to worry about for the moment. Mitsuhide looks Motochika over, gaze roaming over the dress he wears and the tiara nestled in his hair. He thinks on the situation they had just been in.]

[Motochika had been kidnapped by a unicorn, and was, because of the curse, a princess.]

[It's too much.]

[At first his smile simply widens a little, but then he begins to laugh. At first quietly, but then more loudly, and eventually he is driven to hysterics. Closing his eyes, he lets himself laugh as much as he feels the urge to.]

Oh... oh good heavens... you are... a true Princess again!

[Mitsuhide falls back onto the grass, still laughing.]

[Motochika's expression quickly becomes pained through long-suffering following Mitsuhide's pronouncement -- the closest he ever comes to embarrassment.

Certainly there is little that is more deserving of the sentiment than being a princess kidnapped by a unicorn from a meadow, having to be rescued because swooning makes escape impossible.

Especially when one has spent one's youth known as Himewakako, Little Princess.

His pride is bruised; under siege.

Yet Mitsuhide's laughter is a sound that he loves. Motochika does not begrudge his lover such genuine and unrestrained joy, even at the expense of his dignity. Not when it wells warmth in his chest.

Affection is armour against the stab of humiliation.

(Though armour does not not prevent all injury, only serious injury. His pride will be stinging for many days.)

Motochika stretches his unhurt leg and presses his toes into Mitsuhide's ribs, minuscule pressure behind the motion. He ignores his dainty footwear as he does so. He lifts his chin.]

Do not force me to rebel against you, so soon after your dashing rescue.

Edited 2012-02-09 00:20 (UTC)

[Coming in from this thread.]

[There had been illusions. The unicorn at his side had warned him, but they'd still been unsettling. Monsters that growled, beasts with fierce claws that stalked and circled around them. Despite knowing that they were illusions, Lloyd has both swords out as he and the unicorn plunge deeper into the woods, staying close to the magnificent animal's side. It was protecting him, he knew it, dispelling the worst of the illusions before they could draw too near, but that didn't keep fear from spiking in his gut whenever a monster reared its head.

But then the illusions had stopped. Not just dispelled, but gone. He glances around, then murmurs to his companion.]

What happened? Are you doing this?

[He nearly pauses when he hears voices up ahead. But whose? His hands tighten around the hilts of his swords. The prince is somewhere in these woods, the one the red-clad knight is seeking out, but is it him? An illusions? An enemy?

Or worse, is it the evil unicorn who's holding the princess captive here?]

No, it seems the evil here has been defeated. [She nickers softly, looking back and forth across their path until she spies a glint of light on metal a little ways off. she canters ahead and comes to a halt before none other than the injured princess and her-... his rescuer.

Okay then. Maybe she isn't the worse off for this curse.]

Motochika?

[Mitsuhide cannot turn the laughter off that easily; indeed, tears of laughter are now beginning to fall down his cheeks.]

Forgive me my... Lord... it's simply so... ridiculous...!

[He manages to at least pull himself together when he hears the sound of hooves hitting the ground, however, and sits up; it's enough to make him wary after their experience. He opens his eyes to see the 'horse' and the young warrior, however, and calms when he hears his lover's name being said.]

You know my Lord?

[Mitsuhide's smile remains wide, however, eyes sparkling with humour; it won't take much to set him off again.]

Edited 2012-02-09 11:02 (UTC)

[Motochika can't argue with that -- it's most definitely ridiculous. But actual tears of mirth?

Motochika plucks a wildflower and throws it at Mitsuhide's head, the corners of his mouth lifting despite his ailing pride. Laughter is infectious.

But then they are no longer alone. Motochika straightens his posture and keeps his chin high; there is nothing coy about his demeanour as he looks to the newcomers, though placid.]

Yes.

[Motochika regards Zelos with curiosity. After the transformation and change of gender he does not immediately recognise who it is -- though it obviously must be one of his acquaintances.

His gaze shifts to the unfamiliar warrior a few seconds later.]

[The fact that the unicorn knows at least one of them and isn't alarmed at their appearance allows Lloyd to relax marginally. They're not illusions. They're not enemies. In fact, judging by their appearances...

The young knight bows respectfully.]

My lord. My lady. I'm Lloyd Irving. My companion and I heard that you were in danger and have come to offer our assistance.

[He looks at them with a hint of a question in his face. Even though the unicorn had said the danger was gone, he wants to be certain. Only after a moment does he realize that he'd forgotten to introduce Zelos.]

My companion...

[And that was when he realized that he didn't know her name. Oops. Somewhat sheepishly, he glances at her.]

Um, I never got your name.

[Zelos heaves a great sigh, though it comes out as a decidedly ungraceful equine snort. She's really not used to having such big sinuses.

Guess I better face the music.]

It's me, Bud. Zelos. [She turns to look at Mitsuhide and Motochika, flipping her tail gently back and forth.] I spoke with you both regarding escape, though Motochika, you're the only one I saw in person. [She flares her nostrils in annoyance.] You can see why I want to get the heck out of here so bad now, right?

[Heck? She'd meant to say Hell. Was the curse making her censor her speech now? Darn it all to heck!]

['My Lady.']

[That is more than enough to set Mitsuhide off again. He bursts into laughter, and cannot stop himself enough to speak for a good minute. When he does, he wipes his eyes and bows his head.]

Oh, forgive me. That was very impolite.

[Young Lloyd is likely very cursed, if he thinks Motochika a 'Lady.' So Mitsuhide does not bother to correct him; instead he stands up and bows fully.]

It is certainly a... unique curse. Equal parts frustrating and, I cannot lie, amusing.

[There have been worse. Much worse.]

Well met, Zelos, despite the circumstances. I can certainly understand why this one is extremely trying for you. I have been made female, and had my form altered in small ways, but becoming a horse...

[Mitsuhide certainly does not envy Zelos his current appearance.]

[Motochika shakes his head at Mitsuhide's laughter, knowing exactly where it comes from. In this case, however, he simply lets it pass.

He rises to his feet too, after a moment, as seemlessly as he's able to manage. Motochika cannot hide his inability to put much weight on his injured ankle, nonetheless he can attempt to draw very little attention to it.

He nods at both Lloyd and Zelos in acknowledgement.]

The danger has passed for the time being. But we will not turn down assistance.

[Current circumstances are much more amusing to some than others. Zelos has the right idea in Motochika's opinion; his words carry a not-so-subtle hint to move things onward.

He really does not wish to give any other creature the opportunity to kidnap him.]

[Lloyd stares at Zelos at that revelation.]

What?! No way! You're a unicorn and you sound like a girl!

[Except that something nagged that the unicorn's voice did sound familiar - barring the oddly mild curse words. And that red hair...

With an effort, he pulls his attention back to the two royals. Dammit, he needs to focus. They aren't out of the woods yet, literally.]

How can I be of assistance? My swords are yours to guard you on your journey back, if you so wish it.

[Come to think of it, he isn't exactly speaking like himself, either. Huh... Maybe Regal's been rubbing off on him a little.]

It's not the horse part that bothers me. [Zelos' tone is dour, yet still decidedly feminine. With another snorted sigh she turns her attention to Motochicka specifically, ignoring Lloyd's flailing.]

You have been injured, Princess. Allow me to bear you the journey out of this meadow.

[What the heck, she doesn't want anyone riding her! The implication alone is just.. wrong, but she feels it's her duty to make certain the princess returns to grant the clue to rescuing the fifth couple.]

[...ah. Mitsuhide gets it, now. The horse part would bother him more, actually, if he had been affected as such. Expression calming, Mitsuhide glances to Motochika.]

I think it would be best to take up his offer.

[With his lover's damaged ankle, getting him off his feet would be the best plan. Back to business!]

It may be wise to take the young warrior up on his offer as well. I am somewhat tired now, I will not lie; fresh swords would be welcome.

[Practicality wins out over pride, especially as Mitsuhide has admitted to being tired.]

Very well.

[Motochika approaches Zelos, limping somewhat. He is no stranger to horses so he mounts easily -- sidesaddle. Despite never having done so before, it seems so utterly natural and comfortable that it doesn't immediately occur to Motochika as incongruous.

What strikes him as unusual, however, are Lloyd's words.]

You called Zelos a unicorn?

Huh? [Lloyd blinked at the question, confusion and surprise in his voice.] Yeah, I did. That's what she- what he is, isn't it?

[Trying to switch his view of the unicorn as Zelos was more than a little surreal. It felt like the world had just tilted wildly, and he's still trying to regain his balance. He stares at Zelos, then glances at Mitsuhide. Okay, one thing at a time. Just... just focus. Gesturing toward Zelos's head, he adds-]

I mean, normal horses don't have horns, right?

[Even caught up in the confusion, though, his other hand stays near the hilt of one sword. His offer of protection was sincere, after all. If something comes at them, he'll be ready.]

[Zelos snorts while rising, after she'd knelt for Motochika to sit.] Yeah, a pretty little unicorn, apparently the last one in the world.

[She pauses, blinking. How had she known that? And it makes her so... sad.]

Ah.. we should go so someone can look at that leg, your highness.

[Curious. Mitsuhide can indeed only see Zelos as a horse, but considering the legends associated with unicorns... well. He is most definitely not 'pure,' and he is most definitely not going to say as such out loud. Instead he says:]

Not in this world at least, Zelos. My Lord was kidnapped by a unicorn; I defeated it, but I let it live. That is at least one more.

[He says it in a comforting manner; perhaps that comment was related to the curse. Afterwards his gaze flickers to the way Motochika has sat on Zelos's back.]

[This time he doesn't laugh, but there is a definite sparkle in his eyes.]

I think that would be wise.

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It's an Age-Old Tale...

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