#test muse: siffrin

[city0f-dreams]

What kind of time loop are you stuck in?

Historical Horror

there is something in the walls. there is something in your blood. there is something in your pocket and it’s always been there; it’s all always been there. whoever put it there is long gone, but you’re still here.

Stolen from: @raktanag

[tac-bat]

Reboot

Characters - Siffrin, Mirabelle, Loop (everyone else is mentioned)

Summary - Siffrin tries something new.

Word Count - 2,434k

Warnings - Graphic description of violence, Major Character Death (but that's to be expected)

Tags - Body Horror/Blood and Gore/POV Second Person/Temporary Character Death/Hurt No Comfort/Unconventional Formatting

MAJOR SPOILERS FOR ACT 6 DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVEN'T DONE ACT 6! PLEASE DO ACT 6!

this work is posted on AO3 if you prefer it over Tumblr, I love this game a lot so I thought I'd try something new and also post my writing here, enjoy! :3

You wake, greeting the pale sky. Your eye feels heavy. The scent of burnt sugar rests deep in your sinuses, and the sunlight warms your skin. You close your eye, yet the sun denies you that familiar darkness. You take a deep breath.

In—

       One

             Two

                   Three 

                           Four

                                    Hold it, and out—

                           Five

                    Six

         Seven

Eight. 

You opened your eye again and smiled. A genuine smile for the first time in—stars, years you think.  

“-frin?” The housemaiden came into view, her smile soft as. “Good morning!” She looked away. “Well, more like, good afternoon, I guess…”

For once, you don’t have to force a smile. “Aftermorning to you too, Mira!” 

The housemaiden looked a little taken aback but gave a short laugh. “Yes, aftermorning works too.” 

"Awww, thank you!" You stood, feeling the grass on your gloved palms once more. “Coined that one myself!”  

She watches you; you know why. “You sound a lot more chipper than usual. Did you have a good dream?” She looks content with your change of behaviour yet curious. 

“Oh Mari,” You grinned, touching your chest. “I’m hurt.”

“Ah —no, I didn’t mean to imply you weren't.” She closed her hands nervously. “It’s just—well—“

“I don’t talk as much." You mused.

“Yes, that’s exactly it!” The housemaiden nodded. “You changed!” She concluded.

You laughed—a light, hardy laugh. Being here so long, you already went through the stages of grief, depression, and insanity as you tried and failed to break this. A piece of yourself was taken every time you wound back here. The numbness has faded, replaced with a mania you've grown to like. Who cares if your companions are taken aback by your change in personality? They get used to it soon. 

"Well, my dear Mari, change is encouraged here!” And oh, what a welcome change it is! You’ll take this over the crushing weight in your chest any day! You walked past her. 

“Might as well look on the bright side for what we have to do tomorrow.” 

“Oh, Frin—wait!”

You hummed, turning around on your heel to face her. 

“I was thinking, before we fight the king. Maybe we could make it special somehow—“

[Zone out.] 

"Oh, I’d love to, but I’d prefer my own room tonight! I’m sure there’s an inn somewhere.” You beamed, watching the Housemaiden blink, confused. It didn’t matter if you went off script; you disproved an old theory that nothing breaks if you do. You had a new one to test out at all angles now.

“Ah.” She’s disappointed; you couldn’t care less; she won’t remember this. But, in her usual fashion, she picked herself back up, trying to appear strong. “No worries! We can meet up at the edge of Dormont on our way to the house.”

You gave a short chuckle. “Of course, Mari. Want me to tell everyone to meet at the clock tower?”

“Oh, um—yes! But do you—” 

[Zone out.]

My my, catching her off guard again? Perhaps you should take it slow; you wouldn't want to overwhelm her.

“I always remember, Mirabelle.” You tuned back in, pointing at yourself.

The Housemaiden hummed. “Alright then�� But I made a—“

[Zone out.]

You think about it for just a moment. Then you realize she won’t remember, and neither will anyone else. It’s better to see them as actors; it makes that annoying grief throb less. But how silly is it to grieve for someone alive—talking and acting as they’ve always had? Stupid. She soon takes her leave, and you’re left alone. Might as well churn through today to the part that matters. You’ve seen everything already. So, you—

[Zone out.]

You stood on the path to the Favor Tree. The sun is setting as dusk takes over the sky. The Fighter, Kid, and Researcher should be at the tower to meet with the Housemaiden. You caught glimpses of their confused faces, but that did it matter. Even if you get new dialogue, it won’t amount to anything. Not this time, at least. You can always listen back if you need to. However, you needed to be alone. Certain nobody would come to interrupt you. So, with nothing else to do, you approach the Favor Tree. It stood tall, a grand set piece. You can’t remember when you were this close to it; it looked the same; everything did. You might as well improvise a use for your max strength instead of killing a sadness, would be nice practice. So you climb, and up and up the light grew dimmer, but you liked the challenge. It was thrilling to go so off script; a new scene can happen! Even if it’s just you. But that was secondary to your new theory—your current obsession. You’ll bend this until it breaks, then find another one to conquer in your prison. The branches are thinning, you didn’t care, you weaved, you rose, and finally—you poke your head above the leaves.

And the stars danced. For a moment, your breath was stolen, and your permeating smile fell with it. You stared in awe. It’s been too long since you sat back and just admired this plane of existence. You’re so used to going to and from Dormont and the house that you rarely see them anymore. It was nice. You could see a faint outline of the House of Change; you flicked your gaze to the top floor, where the King awaits. Ah yes, waiting. The reason you’re doing all of this. It’s a simple theory: what happens if you don’t go ? Easy as pie. You glanced back to the sky—the stars, watching them glitter and shine, free to do as they please. A certain one catches your eye; brighter and bigger than the rest, all the other ones were one with the sky. This one, as stupid as you sound, feels like it’s looking at you. You pause, and a foreign feeling washes over you. What is it called? Your body felt calm and lax; there was no need to act, no need for a show; the curtain already closed. You focus on that star; it grows brighter. Your eyelid feels heavy; you could be lulled to sleep if you really wished for it. Your eye slipped shut—for but a moment. You breathed in, then out, and forced yourself to look back up.  

Safe. You felt safe. 

Memories flicker, short and sporadic, mixed. You remember telling a joke, eating a fish head with two adults, and running away—walking with your party—your friends to the next town. The sand stuck between your toes, the sweep of waves on the coast. You could hear bustling streets, children laughing, the wind howling, a kid crying, someone soothing them—no, that was you. These are all you.The star was near blinding, brilliant, and bright—it asked for something, but what did it need? Another memory appeared, more complete than the rest. You’re a toddler, looking at the stars as someone holds you. Her features are unreadable. A shooting star flew by, leaving a streak in the air. You gasped; joy brimmed through you as you clasped your hands, babbling a phrase under your breath, once, twice, thrice. You folded your hands to make sure it’s safe.

That your wish is safe...

Tears fell from your cheek; the star could be the sun now for how it shined. It waited patiently; it didn’t have a face, but you could sense its presence. If you focus enough, you can imagine it’s talking.

[What do you seek?]  Its voice was layered, echoing in your skull, yet it didn’t overwhelm you. 

“An end.”  You choked out, not caring how weak you sound.

[To this?]  The sky seemed to warp around you, tilting, curious. 

“I want this to be over!” A sob escaped you; everything that you pushed back, crashed over you all at once.“Let muh— me get out of here—stars! I beg of you—please, please let me out of here!” You heaved, grabbing your hair. “I can’t go on anymore. I can’t do this anymore! Please, please get me out—“

A long sush wrapped around you, soothing. You swallowed, wiping away tears.

[Do you recall your wish?] 

You blinked, confused for a moment—but as if on cue, the star’s presence seemed to lift the veil, you did. You nod. 

[Do you desire it still?”]

“Yes!” You spat. “ But I’ve been stuck here for so long—winding, replaying, trying to find anything new, but I can't, I just can’t!”  You’re crying again. “I barely recognize them anymore!”

It hummed. [This paradox precedes even us; as much as we desire to give you a trivial out, we cannot. There are some things you cannot begin until the previous one ends.]

You looked down, defeated; you should have expected this.

[However.]  

Your head snapped up, breath-catching. 

[We could give you a more unconventional means to achieve your new wish—]

“Anything .” You nearly sprung up, almost forgetting your place in the trees. “I’ll do anything; try anything just—please.” You tried not to break down again, sensing the stars' hesitance.

[It will hurt.]

“I don’t care!” You screamed. “I‘ve died hundreds— thousands of times!” Your throat hurts. “Pain is nothing!” Except it was, no matter how much time has passed, you feel the star knows it too. Slowly, yet surely, you watched as it dipped; the sky warped around the star as it travelled down, down, down towards you. It was surreal, if you dropped a marble in a thin, slack sheet of silk. The star floated before you. As if by a forgotten instinct, you cupped your hands, watching it land in your palms. It was warm and soft. You watched the pulled sky regain its shape.

[If you do this, you will no longer be yourself.] It warned 

“Forever changed?” You guessed. It didn’t answer, but the silence was all that was needed. You wanted to laugh, but nothing came out. Well—you held the star a little tighter; if you die, you know where you’ll be.

So you wished; squeezing your eye you repeated it over and over— once, twice, thrice, more times for good measure. You folded your hands over the star to keep it close, unable to conceal its glow. You brought your hands to your mouth. Hesitating, you breathed in and out, then swallowed it.

 ...O-Oh.

You trembled, lurching as needles travelled down your throat and your stomach. A heat so intense spread through you, making your skin blister, your clothes melted with you-- you're nerves should've burned off by now, but you still feel it, smell it. Oh stars, oh STARS! It writhes inside of you, clawing at you. Every inch of your body felt like it was being strung, stretched, and boiled. A gurgled screech erupted from you, blood sputtering through your teeth. A headache erupted, worse than you’ve ever felt; it blinded you like you were staring into the damn sun! your vision was bright, so so bright. You grasped your skull to no avail. Doubling over; blood, drool, sweat, and tears mixed into one. The weight from your cloak and hat, are gone. From reflex, you tried curling up, forgetting where you are. 

And

       lost

               your

                      balance.

You feel through the branches, feeling them scrape and peel at your skin. You couldn’t scream, could barely move, your lungs filled with blood—suddenly, you bounced, tipped backwards a little. As if you were…Ahhhhhhhh. A thick pointed branch impaled through your chest met your gaze. It glimmered in the moonlight thanks to your blood. Slowly, you began sliding off it, your weight making it bend. With a chrunch, you landed on the grass. Its blades stabbing into you're muscles. But the star didn't wait; you watched in frozen agony as light pooled out of your chest, spreading—warping, fusing. Your head—stars, your head! You curled up, feeling a pressure building inside of it. An awful, growing pressure! You wanted it—no, needed it to come out. Come out! Come out come out come out come out come out come out come out come out come out come out come out come out come out COME OUT COME OUT COME OUT OME OUT COME OUT COME OUTCOMEOUTCOMEOUTCOMEOUT—  

LET.

ME.

OUT!!!!

You wake, greeting the pale sky—no, leaves. Leaves of the Favor Tree. A gasp slipped out, echoing—followed by a gag as your mouth didn’t move, yet noise slid out. Shaking, you sat up, looking down at yourself in a growing horror. Your skin was like the night sky, tiny white flakes shimmering deep within you.  A four-pointed star shined brilliantly where you were impaled. Slowly, you brought your hands to your head, feeling the soft and warm texture.You freeze, and for a moment you’re paralyzed by what you’ve become, but soon, you laugh. A high, muffled laugh as waves of pain are still washing over you. Stars, it wasn’t kidding about changing you, oh stars, they weren’t kidding! You cry, yet you’re unsure if there’s even tears falling. You lay back down on the grass and take a deep breath.

Innnnnn—

                  One

                         Two

                                  Three 

                                             Four

                                                        Hold it, and ouuuuuut—

                                     Five

                            Six

              Seven

Eight.  

Wheeeeew . You stared up at the leaves, enjoying waking up to something new. It was only then that you felt it—not in your stomach but a presence around you—a person you thought lost and warped by time. You couldn’t see them, but you knew, you knew who it was. So that’s what it meant, about things not beginning until one ends. You sigh, long and hard. Well, you’re here now, with them; you might as well have fun with—hm, it feels weird to say their name. Should give them a new one; it’s the least you can do.You ponder, trying to think of one that fits them. Soon, your eyes creased upwards. Stardust sounds nice. And oh, it seems he just started their journey by getting that memory; if you’re this closely connected to them, it wouldn’t hurt to give a little exposition, right? You spoke, not physically but— mentally, somehow. It’s like you always knew how to do it. He’s taken aback, freaked out, but they’ll grow accustomed to it. You stand, legs shaking. You glanced up into the Favor Tree, its branches undisturbed. You don't know what you expected. By instinct, you grabbed for your— huh? Cool metal is pinched between your fingers, you bring it up to your face, staring at the coin. You giggle, not questioning how it survived your transformation. Hoisting it up, you give a toast to the sky.

Cheers.

[always-together]

Finally, finally got to blog maintenance at @city0f-dreams !! Give my new and very improved muses page a look when you get the chance 😁 Not only did I add links to all of the muse profiles straight from that page I added two muses I have that weren’t even on the list for some damn reason 🤦‍♀️ It should definitely be much easier to navigate! If anyone encounters any problems let me know and I’ll do my best to troubleshoot. A test muse profile for Siffrin will be going up there at some point tonight, hopefully it will encourage more interaction with them lol

Also…this is kind of big, but also not really, but I felt needed so I did it anyway. I’ve changed my pen name!! You can call me Ruby now, as it’s what I go by on Discord, too. If you knew me and we were good mutuals when I was Bri (I.e until just now lol) you can continue to call me that if you’d like, but in tags and public spaces that everyone can see please call me by my new name. It just feels…more me. More mature and more in line with the growing as a creative person I’ve been doing lately. Especially now that a core memory tied to that Cheekface concert I went to is tied to that name lol, so I am Ruby now!!

That’s all for now 😅 A starter for a friend will be coming later on tonight! Afterwards, who knows…maybe my first ever Discord drop?? We shall see 👀 For now though I have to head off for a few hours. See you all soon!!

[creepy-crowleys]

(stardustedwanderer)

[Siffrin] - ❤❤ [Loop] - ❤

((As far as Siff's concerned she's easily proven she means no harm and actually wants to help. Loop on the other hand has a hard time trusting anyone from outside their world... They don't see why anyone but themselves would actually want to intervene interfere, even if they have to admit it's been for the better so far.))

Muse Trust Test! @stardustedwanderer

I'm honored, thank you both. 💛 Maybe we'll have to make serious plans for that nap at some point, haha!

((Entirely fair terms! Crowley has no objections and expected about as much.))

[hymns-across-the-stars]

// consider him a test muse but Siffrin ISAT has officially joined the roster! beware spoilers!

// random fun fact as i return to considering musing Siffrin ISAT: while i've never used second-person narration in an RP, I have written several fics that way! my longest work (~10k words?) is one of them, so it kinda feels natural. that said... it really does look weird in rp replies haha.

[city0f-dreams]

Test Muse Profile: Siffrin

(This will eventually be expanded into a much bigger, more proper bio if I decide to keep them as a muse. For now this is just the basics and verse info!)

Siffrin is the protagonist of In Stars and Time, an indie RPG; they’re nonbinary and use they/them pronouns, although he/him is also accepted on occasion since they present as masculine. A traveler from a Forgotten Country, Siffrin is the most relied upon member of the heroes that assembled to save the country of Vaugaurd from being trapped in eternal stasis. At the end of their journey, they gain the ability to loop back in time to when they first arrived in the endgame town of Dormot…

And they start doing it over and over and over again, even after the King is defeated. Naturally, this does wonders for their mental health…especially when they refuse to tell anybody what’s really going on. A thief who specializes in the dagger, disarming traps, and making puns, Siffrin is almost never seen without a cat smile on their face (even when they’re suffering). They also only have one eye-sacrificed while saving Bonnie, the kid in their party-and as such they sometimes suffer from a lack of depth perception.

Due to the nature of the character and game, trauma is a topic they may come up, as well as panic attacks, mental instability, and dissociation/unreality in their during-game verse. These will all be tagged accordingly but just a heads up!

Verses:

V1: start again start again start again-During the game and during the loops, although how far along into the loops they are depends entirely on what feels appropriate for the interaction.

V2: show’s over; how do I move on?-Siffrin, after the loops and after the game. Although they’re still traveling with their party for a little while, they still dread the day where they finally have to leave everyone behind. They also have several dozen loops of trauma to unpack and sort through…

[city0f-dreams]

*START AGAIN

The traveler’s eye flew open, unaffected by the brightness of the sunny day. They’d gotten too used to it by now, waking up in this field and collecting their thoughts. It was one of the few moments of respite that they had, where they could collect their thoughts after whatever had just transpired.

(Well…that wasn’t a very good loop. You were too quiet, everyone started to notice something was wrong, you didn’t have any answers…and you choked on a pineapple. Good job, Siffrin. Try not to do any of that next time.

(Breathe in and out, and get back on-hmm?)

There was a rustling in the leaves around them. The footsteps didn’t feel as dainty and cautious as Mirabelle’s. Someone…new? A wrench thrown in the timeline?

(That’s impossible.)

Siffrin quickly stood up, one hand starting to fly to their dagger as they looked to the source of the sound. Interesting as whoever it was may be, surprisingly him right after Looping back was not what they wanted right now.

[city0f-dreams]

(Just follow the script. Get back on the stage.)

Test muse time!

[always-together]

I’ll be on here to get to things in an hour or so but until then please send things Siffrin’s way on my multimuse! I made up a simple profile for them and reblogged some first meeting memes to get things rolling, and besides I can’t exactly test a muse if I’m not getting engagement lol. Even if you don’t want to engage with Siffrin (and you may not want to due to possible triggers I outlined in their profile) please send something in for someone else you’d like to introduce your muse to! It would make my day 😊

That’s all for now. I’ll see you all soon!

[city0f-dreams]

Would it be better for anyone if I got threads going with muses on your blogs by sending memes or random asks instead of writing up starters? My starter calls and open starters don’t seem to be getting much interaction.

If you’d like me to come into your inbox with something, just like this post and specify the muse you’d like me to use if you have a preference! I’d like to get anything going here, especially now that I have a test muse that I’d like to try out. You don’t have to pick Siffrin though of course lol

[city0f-dreams]

Normally I don’t do test muses, because I usually think long and hard about whether or not I would do the muse justice by writing them before I add them, but a while ago I encountered a certain indie game whose protagonist is just begging me to write them. They seem very fun and complex, and I’d love to give them a shot!

But for the first time ever, I want to give them a test run or two before formally drafting up a profile and adding them, cause they’re so different from what I usually write. So uh…

Would anyone care for anything from a traumatized time looper? Siffrin from In Stars and Time? If so, please interact with this post in some way!

[city0f-dreams]

Test stuff with Siffrin will be coming soon (hopefully tomorrow!), but first I gotta work on a profile for a certain bunny that I’ve been teasing for a while 🐰 Then will come the Siffrin stuff lol

On a more serious note, a mutual has made me aware that the process of having to scroll through a muse profile tag instead of the profiles just being linked in the muse list is a serious accessibility problem, so over the course of the week I will do my best to sit down and manually link everything together to create the least amount of hassle as possible. The profile tag will still exist, but things will become much easier to navigate!

This concludes the nightly update 😃