timefather: (II)
Father Time ([personal profile] timefather) wrote in [community profile] mythmaking2013-12-08 03:00 pm

Once upon a time...

[ For the residents of Märchenstraße, and all the land surrounding it, the eighth of December was a day to look forward to. Looking at it from an outside perspective, strangers and travelers could easily assume it to be a holiday. At the very least, a day for a festival, if a modest one. A day that shopkeeps spent all morning preparing for, that all manner of creatures spent days traveling to the city to witness. They'd heard the talk that passed around, the rumors from those still left. But would it work? No one knew for sure, no matter how confident the stories seemed to be. But hope was very quickly becoming all they had left.

They had decorated the whole town. Streamers, banners, wreathes and garland made of autumn flowers, plus whatever the Fairy Godmother had cooked up. Oh, she was just giddy. No skepticism could be spoken around her, not if you wanted to escape the wrath of her wand! Rumor had it that she had caught wind of a few piglets squealing about the likelihood that their magic would fail, and that they were subsequently transformed into the band of musicians who could be found performing in the park.

Well, at least the music was festive.

Of course, the decorations weren't for the newcomers alone. Autumn was coming to a close in just a few weeks, and Old Man Winter would take the reigns like he did every year, and their weather would turn cold and harsh. The chill was already there, cool and biting when the wind picked up speed. Lady Autumn was much preferred to the citizens of the city with her gentle nature, even if she failed to show up, finishing her work in the orchards instead. That was what they liked about her.

It was mid-morning when Father Time was found outside of his tower, checking one of the numerous pocket watches he kept on his person. "Unnecessary, but comfortable," he called them, and closed the watch again. It was twelve o'clock in the afternoon, and where empty space had been just seconds before, now they were. Sitting on benches, lying in flower patches, scattered about the city and outside of the gates in peaceful slumber. They would awaken to the bells of the clock tower. Some, to many friendly and relieved faces all around them, some to grateful ones carrying gifts of food and clothing and magic, and some to fearful, cautious faces. Regardless of how the town treated them, they would awaken to a celebration of their arrival, and choices to be made, and the books. Each and every one. ]
direhit: (pic#5780402)

[personal profile] direhit 2013-12-12 04:40 am (UTC)(link)
[Hibiscus glances at the ducks with an unimpressed look. Come on, you silly Duckletts. It's not like she's going to eat you or anything. She just wants to try some of the bread herself.]

Oh, well okay. [What exactly did that mean anyways?] Then you're from around here right? Who are you?
topgun_textiles: (urk--)

[personal profile] topgun_textiles 2013-12-12 04:41 am (UTC)(link)
[He looks around quickly, slightly mortified.]

What the- shit, this party's way too big, I'm just a regular guy!
andrarrrgynous: (For more than ten icons)

[personal profile] andrarrrgynous 2013-12-12 04:44 am (UTC)(link)
[It wouldn't be uncalled for to yell at her, she's not exactly the most gentle person in the world,

You just woke up? Where were you before you woke up?

[She grits her teeth, trying to figure out just what this all means. It's looking like she's not the only person who just woke up in this mysterious town, but how did it happen? And more importantly, how do they get home?]
pishirogane: Icon by: <user name=pishirogane> (Neutral)

[personal profile] pishirogane 2013-12-12 04:48 am (UTC)(link)
[Naoto didn't know why, but she felt anxious to see the garden when it was mention. Bizarre since she wasn't particularly fond of flora typically, but this garden for some reason almost beckoned.]

If you don't mind. We could cover a decent amount for now and finish what we miss later.
andrarrrgynous: (And now I'm stupid)

[personal profile] andrarrrgynous 2013-12-12 05:00 am (UTC)(link)
The "ultimate evil", huh?

[She quirks an eyebrow up at him; again with the Warrior of Light kind of stuff.]

You mean, the thing that's destroyin' the crystals?
direhit: (pic#5368605)

[personal profile] direhit 2013-12-12 05:08 am (UTC)(link)
[Oh it's been made, and she gets it.]

If belief fades away, then they will too. So then, we're supposed to bring back that belief?

[Okay, maybe not be whole point. But she's trying to find the silver lining here!]
twitchery: (HOLY TWIN-FISTED STAB OF DOOM!)

[personal profile] twitchery 2013-12-12 05:13 am (UTC)(link)
Cryst- they looked more like gemstones to me. [Since the pirate is talking about the rocks in the Fire Emblem, right?] I mean, I guess they kind of could look like crystals but I think of those more as big, pointy things. The sort of things you'd find in ancient caves, not some heirloom passed down in families across generations.
under_the_wire: (bow)

[personal profile] under_the_wire 2013-12-12 05:14 am (UTC)(link)
[He makes a face.]

Thank you. I hope so as well.

[He bows once more.]

If you wish to be on your way...?
direhit: (pic#5368608)

[personal profile] direhit 2013-12-12 05:15 am (UTC)(link)
[It does take her a moment to understand what he's implying, and even then she thinks about her own answer for a minute. It wouldn't hurt to stay in one spot if anyone else was looking for them (for her and not this "Alice"), but on the other hand, they were in an entirely new place and there could be something more useful or more informative out there!]

Well, why don't we take a look around this place! [Unless he starts protesting soon, she starts to gather his items in her arms, only stopping when she picks up the book and recites the name on the spine. It has to be a coincidence that its so similar in design to her own. But once everything's gathered, she'll reach down to try and pick him up.]
topgun_textiles: (pic#3054865)

[personal profile] topgun_textiles 2013-12-12 05:29 am (UTC)(link)
Sure. [The chair was pushed back and he was on his feet as well, stretching his arms up and over his head. Damn, for waking up in a flower patch, that had to be the best sleep he's ever had earlier!]

[But with his jacket left on the back of the chair- the fire had warmed him up and the castle gardens were locked in summertime- he led the way to the garden. He was curious about it, though not in a way that pulled at Beauty, but out of never really being in a fancy garden before. Kanji, deep down, loved the hell outta flowers... even if it would've been strange for him to receive or even pick up any.]

[The books could barely touch upon the splendor of the gardens that were taking in the last couple of hours of sunshine, the air warm and breezy, scented in lavender and heavy floral bloom. Within the stone walls that seemed to block out the snow and cold were fountains, small ponds with geese taking a much-needed break from migrating to paddle away in the warmth and bursts of color from the fields of flowers bearing shades from deepest purple to vivid sunset hues. Many trees scattered among the gardens surrounding the castle were ready for harvesting, bearing bright red apples, sizely oranges, and even lemons in the peak of season among others, some with ornate benches beneath begging for visitors to sit in the shade and enjoy the fruit or just sit and bask in it all.]


...I'm glad we skipped the library for a bit. Shit...
kutanagi: (60)

[personal profile] kutanagi 2013-12-12 05:31 am (UTC)(link)
( Yui gives him a slight nod. So far, most of her questions have been answered. There's still a few that she'd like to ask but she supposes that looking around might answer them too. )

I understand. I'll look forward to speaking with you again, er ... ( She pauses. ) I don't think I caught your name.
kutanagi: (43)

[personal profile] kutanagi 2013-12-12 05:34 am (UTC)(link)
( She really wouldn't mind another example to go along with. But from the looks of it, Mei's definitely in some kind of distress, something that worries Yui as well.

From the way she's rummaging through her bag, it's as if she's missing something. )


Are you okay? Did you lose anything?
big_n_tall_paul: (Default)

[personal profile] big_n_tall_paul 2013-12-12 05:37 am (UTC)(link)
[Truth be told, Paul has only given her what he would call an afternoon snack, and a light one at that. In the back of his mind, he's worrying that a barrel full won't be enough.]

They're all yours, do with them as you like, no tricks. Is there anything else I can help you with?

pishirogane: Art by: Moru Moru Moru (As I stand without cover)

[personal profile] pishirogane 2013-12-12 05:45 am (UTC)(link)
[Naoto had picked up her jacket and draped it over her crossed arms. With Kanji up, she walked along to the garden with him. Yes, he said they had equal ownership of the castle, but it was still technically whomever Beast was.]

[Out into the garden they stepped and Naoto felt a strange wash of relief. Flowers and plants of many species abound and all healthy, their scents carried on the wind. Unless they stepped beyond the gates, there really was little reason to wear winter clothes. Birds in the middle of migration or choosing to nest, fountains, trees, it all seemed to make her react. It was strange. She raised her hands, staring at her fingers, but then clenched them slowly.]


Hm... [Naoto wondered, but soon wandered forward to inspect the flowers closer.]
totallyfairest: confused (like you're speaking riddlish)

[personal profile] totallyfairest 2013-12-12 06:34 am (UTC)(link)
I...see. Well, it's lovely to meet you, Peter! [ Apple tries a curtsey. Fortunately years of princessing means she execute one flawlessly, even after screaming her head off just a few minutes ago. ] That would be...Pumpkin-Eater? And the Wolf? Pan? Or no, wait, Peter Pan never had any children, that would've been...weird. And I don't think he leaves Neverland anyway. Are you Lord Peter, perhaps? The one with the cat? Although I'm not sure he could fly...

Or, wait, if this is where fairytales-that-go-poof are poofed to, I suppose I might never have heard of your story! [ Oh, hex, was that rude? First she screams like she's Little Miss Muffet, next she's rude to a poor little boy. This is not a very royal day for her, curtseys or no curtseys. Maybe she can make him feel better with a compliment. ] I - I mean, you uh. You have excellent lift!

[ ...nice job, Apple. ]
totallyfairest: unsure (not so sure)

apple should've stopped while she was ahead

[personal profile] totallyfairest 2013-12-12 07:01 am (UTC)(link)
Beauty? Oh, now, see, there must be some mistake - I mean, obviously we're not talking about the Beauty, the one with the Beast, because I know her from school, she definitely hasn't poofed or...whatever happened. Unless she did, and she's here too. Are you, you know, absolutely sure that Father Time didn't mean you had to find Beauty and give her the book or something? Because that would make a lot more sense than you being -

[ Curses. Apple has really got to get herself back in gear before she says something really undeniably rude. He seems a bit new to this - maybe he never got to go to Ever After High? - so he might, er, misunderstand her meaning. Apple has spent enough time around Daring and his friends to know that princesses are not the only ones who take their appearances seriously. ]

What I mean is, there's rules about what Beauty's supposed to be like - some stories it doesn't matter so much, and the Wonderlandians, well, they just don't care, but just because it works for them doesn't mean - anyway, it's not just being beautiful, you also have to be...well, you know. [ How to put this delicately? She makes a vague little handwavey gesture between Naoto and herself. ] Princess-y. Like me!

So, yes, I don't know what Father Time says - and I haven't met him yet, he was supposed to lecture at our Legacy Day before that disaster happened, but anyway I have heard he can be a little, you know, not clear all the time - but I think it's just obvious that there was some kind of mix-up or indexing error or something, because I am not the Evil Queen!
totallyfairest: daydreaming (a hexcellent plan)

[personal profile] totallyfairest 2013-12-12 07:08 am (UTC)(link)
[ Hexcellent! This Giant-Killer is an experienced cursebreaker, even if he isn't Jack. Apple relaxes for the first time since she's woken up. ]

I am so fairy glad to hear that, you have no idea! Let's see - what kind of curses are you used to breaking? Would it make it easier if there were a princess to rescue? Because I'm a princess, and I definitely need rescuing from here, even if it is a charming village and I am in need of a good manicure. [ She looks down at her scuffed nails, lips trembling, but she stays as royal and strong as ever in the face of this adversity. ] Although if we need anything beyond that I'm not sure how much I can help. I'm not allowed to have True Love's Kiss until I'm at least eighteen.
springlamb: (one little bud)

[personal profile] springlamb 2013-12-12 07:17 am (UTC)(link)
Oh, well, you're right! I didn't make them. But you and the others are all here to be the people whose names are on your books!

[Because that makes sense, right? Right!]
nofavorites: (4)

[personal profile] nofavorites 2013-12-12 07:24 am (UTC)(link)
In a way. I suppose Father Time is hoping your presence will provide something more than a brief period of calm.

[It doesn't seem to believe it'll work very well, though it's interested enough to go along with it.]
pishirogane: Art by: Saigatokito (Curious; Give me something to Believe)

Oh yeah...

[personal profile] pishirogane 2013-12-12 07:25 am (UTC)(link)
[Naoto's following, she really is, but this girl speaks incredibly fast. So she knows Beauty - a Beauty and a Beast. Curious. And what does she mean by poof? Naoto shook her head once and then a second time and then just stared blankly when she mentioned it would make more sense than Naoto not being Beauty. Gods would it.]

[It was back to things she just didn't understand, but the princess-y part, she got. Naoto wasn't meant to be a princess. She was meant to succeed her family and become the head. Still, a princess like Apple? Er, couldn't there be any other princess representative?]


It's easier to understand speaking face-to-face with him on one's own. He has his own cryptic words, but he'll have more answers. Though... [Glancing around, she doesn't see the figure.]

... There is a hooded figure that seems to be eyeing all of us. You could possibly speak to them.
twitchery: (FLAMING CRY OF THE GODS!)

[personal profile] twitchery 2013-12-12 07:45 am (UTC)(link)
[Oh. Oh. She thinks he's a dark mage- oh.]

Gods. Uh.

[But he can't back down, he's got morale to raise! And a problem to solve. And...stuff. ...]

The princess thing doesn't matter - you're not the first princess I've known and most of them are better at this sort of magic thing than I am. [And how he wishes some of them were here. Although it's probably better that they weren't on so many levels.] Well, some of them, though Lucina would probably be rescuing me, actually, ha. Probably first we'- I'd need to figure out who's behind this. And then figure out a plan.
totallyfairest: giggling (o u)

Re: Oh yeah...

[personal profile] totallyfairest 2013-12-12 08:06 am (UTC)(link)
[ A hooded figure! Oh, thank the authors; hooded figures are almost always mysterious but basically good, and vitally helpful to any quest. Except when they're evil and will turn you into something nasty so much as look at you. That's a chance Apple is willing to take - besides, Snow White doesn't get turned into anything, and she is Snow White. ]

I think I will! Thank you, Mister - Naoto? - you have been a help. I'm sure this will all be straightened out soon enough, but I hope to see you again before I get back to my story! Perhaps I can bake you something; I make absolutely hexcellent apple pie!

[ She tucks her book firmly under her arm, refusing to look at the words on the cover. Of course this has all been some kind of great cosmological error and it will be corrected as soon she can speak to the proper authorities; that's why the world has authorities, after all. Probably the mysterious hooded figure can point her in the proper direction, if they aren't one themselves. ]

Oh, and...I hope you find your Beauty, sir, and get your happily-ever-after!
totallyfairest: daydreaming (a hexcellent plan)

[personal profile] totallyfairest 2013-12-12 08:17 am (UTC)(link)
You can do magic? You're a wizard? Even better! I'm not one of those princesses who does magic - unless you count being a whiz at Crownculus! Ha ha! ...But seriously, I can't do magic. It'll be so much easier if one of us can!

But yes, right, we should have a plan before we do anything else. I think we should try to find out more about this place and who's in charge - and if anyone else around here might be able to help us. I think there's more of us who aren't, you know, from here? Surely it won't be hard to convince them to help!

[ It shouldn't be hard to find them, either; they're the only ones who aren't looking at Apple like she's about to do something totally wicked. It's got to be the book - ooh, when she finds whatever cosmic fairy-fail who dumped the 'Evil Queen' in her lap, they're going to get such a talking-to! ]
pishirogane: (Cool stare)

[personal profile] pishirogane 2013-12-12 08:31 am (UTC)(link)
[It was probably now that Naoto should mention how ominous the hooded figure's presence was, but Apple seems excited at the prospect. All her previous information had mostly gone hand-waved or the girl had attempted to convince herself otherwise. She would have to learn on her own.]

You're welcome and yes, I'll most likely see you around. There's no need for baking.

[Naoto didn't have a particular fondness for sweets. Putting her own book away in her jacket, her brows knitted.]

Ah, thank you. [She could only help the other girl wouldn't freak out too terribly after she had her discussions with whomever she met first.]

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