The Fortress of Many Turnings [open]

[applesaucemod]

Welcome to Caerdroia. Though at first glance this world seems calm, even idyllic, closer inspection will reveal a startling lack of linearity. A doorway in one place can suddenly lead to another entirely, the locals going about their business seem totally unaware of your presence, and you may find reminders of home that are less than welcome -- and less than safe.

The countryside seems almost designed to set one at one's ease. Gentle, rolling hills overlook a town in the near distance, and herds of friendly cows cluster here and there (with unknown intent).

The Garden of Curiosities is a walled-off park. Inside, streams and paths wind through beautiful landscaping, and animals can be found on the loose everywhere. For the most part, these creatures are friendly (or at least indifferent) toward visitors, though their appearance might perturb. One might see an animal one has never encountered before, or one might find the garden inhabited by creatures from one's own world that are somehow changed, whether in size, color, or behavior. And, of course, one might find something rather more predatory has taken up residence….

The town hall never seems to be in the same place twice. Finding your way through the streets to any one particular building is an exercise in frustration, as the town seems to shift and change whenever part of it is out of your sight. The hall itself isn't much better once you get inside; stairwells have a habit of appearing on the ceiling, hallways turn into dead ends while your back is turned, and floors are liable to open up into fathomless pits.

The Labyrinth is where many journeys seem destined to end. The way out is, more often than not, the way in. Try to leave one part of Caerdroia, and the doorway might very well open into the labyrinth. And, like any good labyrinth, this one is home to a Minotaur. And, like any good Minotaur, this one would be more than happy to tear you to pieces.

[OOC: Once again, the shared dream is open to all characters, including those not currently in the game and those belonging to players who are not currently members. Once again, too, players are free to choose whether their characters see the dream for what it is, whether they are forced to abide by its rules, and whether they will remember this in the morning.]

Comments

[wildmage_daine]

Daine is in the Garden of Curiosities, a big grin on her face. It's hard to feel unhappy when you're surrounded by friends, after all - even if some (okay, most) of them are creatures she's never met before. She's currently standing ankle-deep in one of the streams, her pant legs rolled up to just below her knees, and attempting to converse with a creature that looks something like an otter, but with more tentacles. Its accent is entirely unfamiliar, making it difficult to understand, but it certainly seems friendly enough.

[modern_alpha]

Perhaps a seemingly normal wolf will make for easier conversation. Still exploring, Biffy looks over at the girl and tilts his head the way any canine might.

He'd like some water but doesn't think he trusts this place.

[wildmage_daine]

She sees the wolf, and her grin widens. The troubling fact that she didn't feel its approach - and that she still doesn't feel the wolf's presence in her mind - is quickly dismissed in favor of simple pleasure at seeing a wolf again. She's missed them.

"Hullo," she offers, wobbling a little as she straightens (these rocks are slippery!). "Is there a whole pack here?" She can't help but look excited at the prospect, though she doesn't want to appear too eager. If the poor fellow's alone, the last thing she wants to do is rub it in.

[modern_alpha]

Biffy shakes his head, quite disappointed with the fact that he can't say he has. Not a single one of the London Pack is present, not his alphas and not Lyall, the ever comforting beta. It's a great deal of strangeness.

[wildmage_daine]

... That's a very human gesture, coming from a wolf. Daine carefully picks her way out of the stream, but stops a few yards away from the creature. It hasn't behaved in a threatening manner, but until she knows just what she's dealing with, it'd probably be best to keep a little distance.

"You're not a normal wolf, are you?" It's not really a question. "Are you a mage or something?"

[modern_alpha]

If only I had a jacket and some trousers! Biffy thinks, quite frustrated. Properly clothed, he might be able to actually progress in this conversation.

As it is, it's very hard to say that no, he's not a normal wolf, but no he isn't a mage. There's only so much that can be conveyed through head shakes and eyebrow raises.

[wildmage_daine]

Whoops, better not think so loudly around a wildmage, Biffy. Daine heard that, though it wasn't as clear as it could have been, much like Yuri's voice when he's in bear shape. Still, the sentiment - and the frustration behind it - are so familiar to her that she can't help but smile.

I don't know about proper clothes, but we might be able to find you a blanket or something, she offers, wondering if he'll be able to understand her mind-speech as well as Yuri does.

[modern_alpha]

Biffy looks quite startled at the communication but quickly calms down. Strange though it is, this means he can finally have a proper talk with someone.

I suppose, with limited options, a blanket will be the best solution for modesty.

[wildmage_daine]

Daine's really not sure what other options there are, short of sneaking around town and stealing something off a clothes line. Given that they're in something like a menagerie, a blanket or towel or sheet seems like a more likely find.

My clothes don't come with me when I shift, either, she says, her tone sympathetic. But there's bound to be a gardener's shed or something nearby. Belatedly, she adds, I'm Daine.

[modern_alpha]

To be a werewolf, Biffy bemoans, is to be in a permanent state of indignity. He picks up the pace, loping over to Daine's side.

Please, call me Biffy.

[wildmage_daine]

Daine's steps falter as she gives Biffy a startled look. You're a werewolf? She knows the term, but her experiences with Yuri have led her to believe a werewolf wouldn't sound so... sensible.

Besides, if he is a werewolf, why should he be in wolf shape now? The moon isn't even out.

[modern_alpha]

I can change by will if I need. Especially considering how the sun would pound on him if he were to turn human now. Perhaps his alpha and beta can endure the sunlight, but not Biffy. Not yet.

[wildmage_daine]

... Huh. That's handy, especially since taking wolf shape doesn't seem to have made him less of a two-legger in his mind. What passes for a were in his universe seems more akin to what she can do than what happens to Yuri every full moon. But you can only take wolf shape, not any other animals?

And hey, the Garden seems inclined to do them a favor: the next corner Daine rounds reveals a little, wooden shed. The door is latched, but not locked, and Daine only hesitates for a moment before pulling it open. Shifting her eyes to better see in the dim interior, she takes in a jumble of gardening implements and a few bundled sheets of the sort that one might throw over a plant in the winter months. But the real prize is a pair of thick, denim coveralls and a dirt-stained work shirt hanging from a peg. Stepping back to allow Biffy a look, she asks, "What do you think? Would those fit? Elsewise, there's the sheets."

[modern_alpha]

It will certainly keep him covered, but it's much, much rougher stuff than the London dandy is used to. However, needs must and, despite the expression on his face, Biffy nods.

If you would be so kind to throw the sheet over me? And turn your back. It is not a comfortable process and I would not like to offend you with its indecency.

[wildmage_daine]

Daine's good with wolf expressions, and she has to work a little to keep her own neutral. It's beginning to belatedly occur to her that she's dealing with someone a bit... stuffy. She'd've been fair grateful for any kind of proper clothing if their situations had been reversed.

But there's no point in scolding him. Just let me know when you're decent, she says as she drapes the sheet over him and turns away.

[modern_alpha]

It can't be helped; Biffy's singular defining quality is his status as a dandy. It's worse, too, considering that this is the first time they are meeting and he so does hate to make a less than perfect impression.

Even worse are the sounds and sensations of the bone-breaking shift back to human form. Settling back into himself, Biffy sighs.

"All right."

[wildmage_daine]

Daine winces at the sounds emanating from the shed, though she keeps her back turned. There's one thing Biffy and Yuri have in common: their shifts are nowhere near as easy as hers.

Once he speaks, Daine turns to look at him in some concern. "Are you all right? That didn't sound like an easy shift."

[modern_alpha]

"I am only two years a wolf," he explains, hastily dressing and trying to make himself look at least some part presentable.

"It's only the old ones who make the shift look easy."

[wildmage_daine]

Daine nods and drops her gaze, waiting for him to dress before she looks up again. "I was sore for days after the first time I took wolf shape." Of course, it didn't take two years (or longer) for it to become easier for her.

[modern_alpha]

"It's not an easy shape. I'm told it never gets easier, merely more controlled."

He tries not to be overly bothered about things that can't be changed. Especially when there are more pressing matters, like his current lack of waistcoat and cravat.

[wildmage_daine]

This probably wouldn't be a good time to mention that it's a very easy shape for her. Instead, she nods; what he says sounds a lot like what Yuri's been willing to tell her.

"At least you get to be a wolf," she offers with a tentative smile. It quickly slips as she adds, "and at least you still remember who you are, even in wolf shape." Some weres aren't so lucky.

[modern_alpha]

"They say only the strongest howlers can retain themselves." Biffy shrugs, not particularly under the impression that he's among them.

[wildmage_daine]

Daine furrows her brow, not entirely sure what to make of that. He'd seemed perfectly sensible to her when he was in wolf shape, so why such a casual shrug? Is he trying to brag?

"It's not always easy - or so I've heard," she says slowly. And yes, she's acutely aware that the only real reason she can keep her own head when she shifts is because of that handy wall in her mind. "I'm not a werewolf; I'm a mage."

[modern_alpha]

"I can't say I've ever met one of your like," Biffy admits, though he does give the proper bow of greeting.

"I do appreciate your assistance in all this."

[wildmage_daine]

The bow is a bit flustering, not only because she can't manage a proper curtsy in what she's currently wearing. Still, she manages a polite little bob and nod of her head.

"Me, neither," she admits with a rueful half-smile. "I don't think there are any other wildmages." With a wince of sympathy, she adds, "And it's really no trouble. I've been in the same sort of fix more than once."