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acnlmorioh · 7 months

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08/10/2023

today i visited @azaleacnl's new leaf town through the dream suite! it was such an adorable and well made town so here is my review of my travels ! (sidenote i lost the notes i wrote while exploring the town so if its a little disjointed then that's why)

immediately as i loaded into the town i could tell it was going to be amazing. the clovers by the bed and the cherry blossom trees created such an atmosphere already.

i loved the bushes around the town tree, i thought that was a super nice touch.

there were so many outdoor areas that i just loved. i really liked the use of items like the perfect apple basket to add more life to the outdoors. it's really cool to see what people do with the limited amount of stuff you can place outside in NL!! i also loved the trees with the carnations in the water, they looked like cherry blossom petals floating in the river!!

the first character's house that i came across was meli's house! i LOVED the sweets exterior. i find that it can often be a bit out of place in some towns but i thought it fit super well here!

I LOVE THE SWEETS SET. AAAAGHHH. one thing about the whole town is the use of certain smaller furniture items that just add so much more - for example, in this room, the black roses look like they're made of chocolate.

i loved the cosy vibe of the back room with all the cabin furniture and using the large bookcase as a room partition works so well!! the pompompurin room was also super cute and furniture like the super star and the balloon fit really nicely!

i genuinely audibly gasped when i saw this room and i am not even joking. the atmosphere is just PERFECT i think it's my favourite room in the whole town!! it feels so comfy and everything is exactly where it should be. i love it!!!!

the next house i came to was cathy's ! i love the exterior, the fairy tale theme is so cute and matches nicely with the town hall and train station.

i have VERY strong feelings about the lovely set (I LVOE IT ITSM Y FAVOURITE SET EVER) so trust i was a fan of this room !! i also really like the soft lighting that was in a lot of the rooms, when i was decorating my nl house recently i found that a lot of the lighting was wayyy too harsh for my liking so i like how it's done here!! i also noticed a lot of furniture items that i swear i have never seen before - it goes to show how much effort was clearly put into this whole town.

i really love the distinct theming of every room - while they were all different, they still felt really cohesive. i also think the space is used very well, such as in the rococo room. in my own rococo room i've been really struggling to figure out how to use the space, but these rooms are all full but not crowded. i also love the use of cyrus such as in the regal furniture. i never really considered using regal furniture because i didn't like the yellow but here you can see how it's recoloured to pink which i feel makes it fit in a lot better with more sets.

i also love the use of mannequins in the rooms! it really makes it feel like a scene where there's actual characters and a story, like the character by the birdcage in the princess room!

the next house was lina's!! i'm going to become very repetitive but once again i love the exterior. it's so impressive managing to make the very different exterior styles work so well in the same town.

i have never been a fan of the gorgeous set. HOWEVER. seeing it like this (especially with this lighting) has certainly made it grow on me! i think the strong lighting also helps to unite the pieces by making them similar colours e.g. the handbag on the table - iirc it's pink and can't be recoloured, but in the lighting it looks more red which makes it fit in with the rest of the furniture.

once again loved the use of mannequins in these rooms! i thought the minimalist beds in the spa was super smart. the atmosphere in the rooms is actually impeccable like the spa room seems so clean and cool. i LOVED the restaurant room!! i think it's so creative to use the rooms as like actual places rather than just rooms in a house. it adds more liveliness and story to the whole town i really love it!!

the final house i came to was misa's!

the interiors were always very unpredictable in the best way possible - i didn't expect to step into the house and be on a tropical island, but there i was! as much as i really liked the island, i was absolutely blown away by the basement room. it really felt like i was outside and had come across a magical fairy circle. i never really make use of wallpapers like the vistas and skies but this really showed me how well they can be used - the atmosphere was insane !!!

even though this house isn't 100% finished, i honestly liked that - it made me super excited to see what was to come!!!

after i looked at the player houses, i looked around the rest of the town. i feel like my thoughts were the same wherever i went - it was mostly 'OHHH MY GOD THAT IS SO CUTE. OHHHH MY GOD USING THAT FURNITURE IS GENIUS. I LOVE IT'. the pwps were used very well and i think they were really well placed - they were spread out enough that the town wasn't super crowded but there weren't super big empty spaces. i also found the town really easy to navigate, not only due to the placement of buildings but the paths were very clearly and purposefully placed! (they were also super cute i loved the patterns)

i thought the villager housing was nicely done with some of them being paired off together. also bonus points for the wisteria trellis (my fav pwp EVER)!!!!!

overall it was just a really lovely experience going and exploring around the town of azalea. if you would like to visit (which you SHOULD! there's a lot i didn't include here so you should go see the town for yourself!!) the DA is 7E00-00D5-AA0B !! you should also follow the towns blog which is @azaleacnl !!

eee thank you for reading please check out the town + blog !!

#animal crossing #acnl #animal crossing new leaf #new leaf #3ds #dream town #acnl dream address #acnl dream town

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rainbows-fanfics · 2 years

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World of Dreams

Summary: Jack and Sally's first time in Dream Town together. And the first of many.

Ship: Jack/Sally Skellington

WARNING: CONTAINS SPOILERS TO THE SEQUEL NOVEL, Long Live the Pumpkin Queen, WRITTEN BY SHEA ERNSHAW. If you haven't read the book yet or want to avoid spoilers, please do not read the fic!!

This fic is considered to be part of an AU and not compliant to my other TNBC works. Please keep that in mind while reading! Thank you!

The Hinterlands forest is an eerie place, when one is in Halloween Town. It begins with tall, impeding trees - branches following the wind to form unsettling faces and figures. These are tricks to the unknowing eye, but the lands do it intentionally. To make one feel truly alone while wandering, susceptible to scares the creatures can impose on them. Nature purposefully winds down the longer you go, to make victims feel like the world around them is physically spinning .

It is a natural delusion - a safety measure set it in place, to drive humans to madness before they’d stumble upon the town.

Jack Skellington walked down the dirt path with ease, his arm interlocked with a shorter figure beside him. Sally admired the bats scurrying around in the dark sky - listening to the distant howls and screaming from Halloween Town, which was left far behind them. In her other hand remained a wicker basket, filled with Halloween-like goodies and presents. To present to her family in Dream Town, as a formality for their first proper visit.

The ragdoll bowed her head at the thought. Family . The concept was hard to grasp - having a father and mother of her own, who looked and acted just like her. Ragdolls of her own kind…in a town only several minutes away. She belonged in Halloween Town - with Jack and Zero, and the rest of her people…but it gave her a sense of belonging elsewhere . One that made her giddy, fingertips buzzing as she held onto her skeleton tighter.

He noticed her grip, the usual smile etched onto his skull. “-Nervous?”

“...A little.” She confessed. He brought his hand down to interlock his fingers with hers, giving an assuring squeeze of the palm. She reciprocated the gesture. “-I know I met them already, and I’ve seen the town before, but…it’s our first dinner with my parents. How can I not be?”

“The way I think of it, it’ll be the first of many.” He noticed the look on her face and added: “-I’m positive it will go well.”

They approached the set of holiday trees. While they normally glistened in the pumpkin sun, each of the seven doors had a slight glow to them in the moonlight. To symbolize their presence in the magical forest, so any wandering soul can find their way back home. The two walked past them, deeper, into the part of the Hinterlands where light did not quite reach – and found the once-hidden, abandoned crescent moon door. This one had a slight bioluminescence to it, after finally being uncovered from the thickets of thorns that once blocked the doorway.

The King of Halloween stepped forward and opened it. He was greeted with scents of lavender and chamomile. The gust embraced his figure and brought a strange calmness - the numbness one feels in their limbs right before they fall asleep. He shook out of his dozing to step back and bow politely, motioning in its direction with a bony wrist. He winked at her.

“After you, my Queen.”

Sally Skellington grinned as she took his hand. They were soon falling, almost flying, into the gentleness of the cloud-like transportation.

—---

It was the skeleton’s first time in Dream Town, so he was understandably curious with everything he saw. His sockets observed their surroundings intently, looking at peaceful streams of colored water in nearby creeks. He listened to the sounds of crickets and other sleep-inducing noises around them. They soon approached the lavender crops. The large wall still circled the town, but residents were free to come through as they pleased now.

They could hear the distant hooting of an owl. Sally urged him to come along. They walked through the fields, exchanged brief greetings with the farmers they encountered, before officially entering the town. Jack was once again gawking at everything they passed - from the clay-like cottages, to the various pillows, blankets, and mattresses scattered around the floors and benches…to the people wearing nightgowns and pajamas. He was absorbed in it all. He eavesdropped on some nearby conversations and couldn’t help noticing the rhyming and strange riddles in which they spoke.

“This is all so fascinating,” He said under his breath. There was an excited gleam in her husband’s eyes. “To think this is where you’ve come from…I’ve wanted nothing more than to see this.”

Her phantom heart skipped a beat. What affected her the most was…how badly he wanted this. Visiting this place together was the first thing on his mind. To know where she was from, to properly see and experience Dream Town for himself – so he could learn everything he could about her. She’d never known anyone more caring than him. It made butterflies emerge in her stomach. She leaned up to kiss the underside of his jaw. He smiled at her in return, eyes half-lidded.

“Sally!”

They were interrupted by a couple of voices. They found two ragdolls practically skipping over - their faces brightened with stitched smiles. Greta embraced her daughter tightly with no hesitation, and Albert the same. She returned their hugs. There was a sense of belonging from this sign of affection - to feel the same seams on their fingers and cheeks…a familiarity she’d grown to miss, no matter how short it was…

They pulled away and looked at Jack, who offered his hand in return. Albert shook it respectfully, looking just as delighted with his presence. Greta was too preoccupied with the Pumpkin Queen’s stitches, making a fuss of her yarn hair. Sally giggled at this small display, knowing for the first time what it was like to be primped. It was nothing like when the Vampire Prince and Helgamine embellished her.

“The Pumpkin King! It’s a pleasure to see you again. Please, accept my apologies. Time has been of the essence…” Albert bowed his head slightly. The other man grinned in return.

“No trouble at all! Thank you for inviting me. This is a great honor!”

“--And a shared one, at that.” Greta butted in. She looked downwards and pointed to the basket held in Sally’s hand. “What is that you’re carrying, dear?”

“Oh!” She had forgotten all about it. She wasted no time offering it to them. “Goodies from Halloween Town. I brought some of my remedies and apothecaries. There are also fine cobwebs, moss scrubs, and chocolate-covered beetles you can sample.”

They looked surprised as they took the basket, lifting it with uncertainty. They eyed their gifts for a moment, indifferent, until the smiles returned to their lips. Greta grabbed one of the aforementioned treats and tilted her head. The beetle squirmed in her grasp and she involuntarily yelped. It flew from her hand and was promptly caught by Sally’s.

“That one was still alive !” She hollered. Her daughter smiled and took a bite, not minding the kicking legs. She soon ‘ mmm’ d at the flavor.

“These ones are the best..! The most exquisite beetles are the ones that squirm down your throat.” She turned to the skeleton and beamed. “Although Jack’s favorite are blood-covered scorpions.”

“-We can bring some of those next time, if you’d like.” He offered.

Her parents stared at them for a long time, bewildered. They coughed politely and led them further into town. The sky was at a beautiful twilight above them, as it always was. Stars were beginning to gleam in the distance, though the time was still not quite night. The moon remained full and colored a brilliant white, contrasted to the yellow crescent in Halloween Town right now. The Pumpkin King scratched his skull as he gazed at their horizon.

“Our chefs are still preparing dinner, so there’s enough time for a tour, if you’d like.” Greta moved her attention to Sally. “We only briefly showed you what we have here. We were a little… rushed at the time. There’s so much more we can tell you.”

She nodded. “Lead the way, please.”

Jack clasped his hands together, exhilarated to begin the tour. The Governors went into insightful detail about things this time around. The two were brought into their research facility, where they got a closer look at the sleepwalking subjects and listened to their studies, advancements, and theories placed in the field. They also got an inside-look into the dream sand factory, getting to see the process in action - blending stardust, moonbeams, and pinches of yawns into their batches. They refrained from showing them the yawning trees, for their safety.

Sally had her eyes attentively on her husband the entire time, wanting to see his reaction to all of this. He looked completely mesmerized, absorbed in everything they told him and even asking about things he didn’t know. He was informed of their language and attempted to speak in rhymes and riddles for himself. He was better at it than she ever would be. They collectively agreed to simply use their ‘ flat language ’ from thereon, which was a relief, since she would’ve surely gotten a headache trying to understand them.

The tall skeleton halted in his tracks when they approached a large structure - titled ‘ Lullaby Library ’. He was excited as they stood there, listening to her parent’s stories of its construction, book selections, and transportation to the human world. He jumped in elation when they were led inside, and wasted no time drinking up the sight of bookshelves, dozing visitors, and candles that lit the dark interior. The dim lighting in here didn’t bother him one bit. He went around taking note of everything they had. Greta couldn’t help noticing his enthusiasm.

“A bookworm?” She asked politely. He didn’t hear her - far too busy reading the titles on lucid dreaming. Sally turned and smiled.

“Oh, yes, Jack is obsessed with reading. He has the biggest library in all of Halloween town, right in the Skellington Manor. He and I read together all the time.”

Her eyes lit up at this information, watching the thin figure fingering through the pages of literature. She laid a hand on her shoulder. “He’s going to love it here.”

Sally knew that already. The moment she first stepped in the Lullaby Library, she instantly thought of Jack, thinking how much he would love it. The comfortably dark atmosphere and endless amounts of books would keep him at bay for a century. She desired for him to kiss her in a place like this - in the dark corners of a library, unseen in the solitude of knowledge. A purple blush grew on her cheeks at this thought. She returned to his side, snapping the skeleton out of his frenzied interest when she brought her hand into his.

“Do you want to see the door?” She offered. “It’s on the top floor.”

He nodded and returned the book to its place, happily following Albert and Greta up the winding staircase. They found the aforementioned entrance - its wood having a familiar burn like a candle’s flame once encased it. There was a small glow beyond its frame, golden in color. He marveled at this sight while Sally gazed at it almost nostalgically. Just past this door is a different world entirely, much like their Holiday trees in the Hinterlands.

“From Dream Town, you can enter a human library in any location you want,” Albert began confidently. “All you have to do is think of where you’d like to be, and that’s where you’ll go.”

“It was how I got into the human world when I was here,” Sally explained as she played with her hair. Her eyes came to the other ragdolls. “I’m glad you didn’t destroy it.”

“As are we.”

“Halloween Town leads to the catacombs in human cemeteries,” Jack muttered, bringing a hand to feel its surface. “Our world is associated with death. It’s how we get newly-deceased residents into town.”

Albert stepped forward. “Ours reside in libraries because we are a world of imagination - dreams and fantasies, which are found in books and stories. Tales are sometimes read to ease children to sleep. It’s only natural we’re linked this way.”

Sally blinked thoughtfully at what she just learned. Before more could be exchanged, a small child came running up the steps. Sally recognized the little boy who showed her around Dream Town when she was first here and helped her out of that locked room. He addressed Albert and Greta with a polite nod.

"Governors, Edwin said the chefs are nearly done. The food is almost ready.'

"Perfect. Thank you," Greta dismissed him. She turned to Jack and Sally. "We'll start heading to the house and then we can have a nice supper."

They turned on their heels and led them back downstairs. Jack's posture slumped as he reluctantly followed after, clearly disappointed their time here was so brief. He wouldn't mind being here for years - eternity , even. His wife noticed this and squeezed his arm assuringly. He perked up as she leaned over to whisper:

"Don't worry. We'll be back ."

—----

The Governors' house didn't have the same gothic architecture of the Skellington Manor, but it was still impressive. Edwin excelled in its upkeep, ensuring there was no speck of dust on any portrait frames or cobwebs collecting in the corners of rooms. The butler welcomed them kindly as they entered, allowing their new guests to admire the interior. There was music playing in the background, a gentle melody that could lull any listener to sleep. Jack and Sally remained awake as they followed them down the halls, basking in her childhood home.

The royal couple expected to be led straight to the dining table, but were instead brought to the living room. There was an antique camera situated in the middle of the floor, pointed at a wall with a painted foreground, reminiscent of a cloudy sky with soft blues, whites, and purples. Vases of lilacs sat around the area. A couple of chairs with soft, pillow-like cushions waited with them.

Confusion marked their faces. Sally went to ask what this was until Greta placed her small hands on her own. She looked at the smaller ragdoll endearingly.

"We're sorry for not asking you this sooner, but we haven't had a picture of you since you were a child." The breath hitched in her throat. Tears threatened to come to her eyes. "We simply want a new memory of you - to see how much you've grown."

"A family portrait." Albert added with an uncertain smile.

She found no harm in the idea and tipped her head. The two ragdolls beamed and ushered her over right away. Edwin came into the room with confident strides, preparing the camera while the family got ready. Sally and Greta sat in the provided chairs while Albert stood behind them both, a hand on each of their shoulders. When they were completely situated, their eyes immediately darted to Jack Skellington, who had gotten comfortable in the doorway watching them.

He perked up seeing everyone’s attention on him. The situation dawned on the skeleton and he offered a polite smile. “I, um, don’t want to intrude-”

Greta motioned him over with her finger. He refused to budge. “-Really, I understand if-”

“-You’re family now, son.” Albert stated matter-of-factly, briskly walking over and pushing the tall man forward. “As far as we’re concerned, you belong here. We wouldn't have it any other way.”

Sally grinned as her husband joined them from behind, resting his hand on her unoccupied shoulder. He looked uncertain and bent down to stay in-frame. Albert smirked as he patted him on the back. Greta shot an appreciative look his way. The Pumpkin King finally released the breath he’d been holding. He felt welcomed. Embraced , even. He’d never felt an experience like this - to be involved in a family that wasn’t his own. He remained in solitude for many years, but now he had Sally …and the Governors in Dream Town.

It was a delightful thought to him.

—---

The picture came out wonderfully. Jack and Sally received their own copy and held onto it dearly. She had a great spot in mind for it back in the Skellington Manor.

The four adults were in a good mood as they finally moved into the dining room, where a table was already set and made presentable. Jack held the chair out for Sally and assisted her into it, before setting himself down in his. They admired vases of flowers and the light-purple tablecloth. Every seat in this world was unimaginably comfortable - cushions the softest they have ever felt, backings feeling like mattresses. They were practically invitations to fall asleep in. Halloween Town would dread them in a terrible way.

Sally watched Edwin pour from a container into their cups. She blinked as she looked at her tea, sniffing it curiously. “-What flavor is this?”

“They’re herbal teas,” Greta answered. “They’re flavored like a honey-sweet chamomile.”

Without missing a beat, she and Jack took hefty gulps. They agreed on the taste right away. Sally was nearly addicted to the sensation, drinking it all right away and having to refill only minutes in. The butler returned with a small bowl of toasted almonds and set it between them. He was thanked and returned promptly to the kitchen. Jack grabbed a few and popped them into his mouth. Sally held one between her fingers thoughtfully.

“What is it like to eat here? What do our kind even eat ..?”

“Dream Town prefers foods that help sleep quality and even induction. It’s said that almonds help boost this.” Albert informed as he took some for himself. “It’s a fascinating thing to study, really - what foods and drinks help you sleep better. Our diet practically exists around it.”

Her ruby lips parted as she absorbed this information. Greta leaned forward politely. “What is food like in your world?”

“We have a wide variety, but rot and mold are quite popular. Since we have so many creatures, there are a lot of accommodations - while garlic is loved by many, the vampires are highly allergic, for one. We all have a soft spot for blood and insects, though.” Jack explained, in-between his munching.

The shorter figure nodded along to his words. “Eyeballs, rat’s tails, pumpkins, and worms are also beloved. A common decadence we share with other worlds is our love for chocolate and candy.”

Again, Greta and Albert looked completely baffled. It was becoming painfully obvious that their worlds were different. Although their daughter ended up in a rather strange place in their eyes, they still loved and cared for her all the same. Perhaps, if she enjoyed these things….then they could, too. The way she talked about Halloween Town and their habits sounded pleasant, like she was proud . Of the place she’s come from and the people she reigned over. They wouldn’t have it any other way.

They forced their postures upright and smiled respectfully. Albert cleared his throat. “As… different as that all is, I think it’s something we could try someday.”

Her eyes lit up at his words. “You think so?”

“Why not? I’ve eaten worse things.” He laughed. Greta batted at his elbow and he hushed down. “We’ll plan a trip to Halloween Town soon. We would love to see it, Sally.”

The Pumpkin Queen fluttered her eyelashes, overwhelmed with what she was hearing. “That…means a lot to me. Thank you.”

They went to speak, but were interrupted by the head chef and Edwin proudly striding into the dining room. They presented plates of cooked turkey, white rice, and vegetables before them. They four wasted no time digging in. Jack and Sally found the flavors pleasant - albeit a little mild compared to Halloween Town’s cuisine - but still good, nonetheless.

They exchanged conversation through their dinner. Albert happened to mention he invented daydreaming, which inspired an insightful discussion between him and Jack Skellington about nightmares and insomnia. They went on and on about the scientific aspects and their purpose between sleeping and scaring. Meanwhile, Greta and Sally talked a little more on the side, about how she’d been adjusting as the Pumpkin Queen and what everyday life was like in her town.

Dessert was eventually served, which were plates of cookies and cups of warm milk. Jack couldn’t help mentioning this was Santa Claus’ favorite food. That happened to bring up the infamous ‘Christmas’ incident…a long and enlightening tale, looked back on both fondly and worriedly. They laughed and chatted the night away, until their minds felt fuzzy and they were ready to return home.

—---

By the time Jack and Sally were back in the Skellington Manor, they barely managed to change into their nightwear before passing out on their bed. That night was particularly peaceful. They’d never slept so soundly before. And they had Dream Town to thank for it.

#the nightmare before christmas #nightmare before christmas #sally skellington #jack skellington #jack and sally #jack x sally #shea ernshaw #long live the pumpkin queen #long live the pumpkin queen spoilers #tnbc #disney #tim burton #henry selick #spoilers #dream town #albert #greta #pumpkin queen spoilers

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