"LAND HO," cries the watch a little after sunrise the next morning. AJ wakes up with Gi in her arms snuggled in the combined sleeping bags the girls had brought up last night to the fore deck.

Wolf is leaned up against the rail not far away with Sulf'r alseep near his feet. Down on the main deck, Alameth in his huge state, and Alani the white cat lady are woken up by the cry as well.

Below decks the rest of the teens and off shift crew are woken up, even the kids that were supposed to be awake on watch for their buddies find that they had dozed off before dawn.

Nyxia the pixie does not wake up in her lantern as she would expect...but up on the rafters upon a bed of black fur that was purring drowsily in a rather content octave. Drizz it seems was not going to wake up quickly even after a scream like that.

Quinn rose from his bunk and moved to gather his things; cuffing CK upside the head as he passed for good measure while the other man looked up from his own reverie.  The young men yelped but Quinn just shot him a sidelong glance and moved to help Isla from her bunk.

In reply to Quinten Heart (msg # 2):

Gisela disentagles herself from AJ with the practiced ease of teens used to waking up together.  It wasn't the first time waking up together after a rough night.  She stretches as she sits up, realizing a moment later what she is wearing and who is around.  Her mother would never approve.  Normally, she would have moved to clean up the mess of blankets, tidiness beaten into her since early childhood, but this time she can't resist.  She runs to the railing near Wolf, looking out for any sign of land, torn between pleasure and fear.

"AJ, get up.  You wanted this adventure, so come on."

In reply to Gisela O'Cuinn (msg # 3):

"I do not do mornings...even this morning," She says languidly stretching in the blankets which makes her cropped tank top dangerously short. It also brings a startled look to her face as she immediately begins feeling all over herself.

(Calm down now boys..)

"What in the depths of Davy Jones's panty drawer is going on? My bruises are gone! So are my broken ribs!"

She peels off the poultices Gi had instead on before bed and nothing but clear skin is underneath.

In reply to AJ Rourke (msg # 4):

"They are gone," Gi says softly, surprise evident in her tone.  Then a realization dawns on her - her own injuries have faded.  She gives Wolf a measuring look, debating inspecting her injuries.  Healer's need took precedence over modesty, however.  Keeping everything still covered, she lifted her shirt up far enough to inspect her ribs.  Pristine skin along her ribs and narrow waist.  She releases the shirt.  "Mine are gone, too."

Chance grumbles while being rousted from his bunk.  With all the everything going on last night, he's about three quarts low, and stuck in that pre-awake state that equates to more surly than normal.   Which doesn't mean about much because his ability to talk is disengaged with the lack of sleep... so his responses are grumbles and growls.

Also which mean little...

"Wait a minute," Q suddenly spoke up.  "That annoying little pain in my ass... oh wait, nevermind, Shan's right over there," he commented with a jerk of his head.

A moment of panic filled Nyxia as she opened her eyes and found herself in a sea of black fur.  The purring was far too close.  The bed was warm.  It was purring.  She looked around, fearful for her life.  But then realized that Drizz was still deep asleep and not rousing yet.  As she sat up and fluttered her wings, flashes of the dream came back.  Her cheeks reddened and she glanced again at the sleeping Drizz.

It had only been a dream.

Her wings buzzed to life and she rose up away from the sleeping form.  She furrowed her tiny brow, feeling briefly lost in the world.  It had only been a dream.

Fiery motes drifted toward the deck in her wake as she flew toward the safety of...of anywhere not too close to Drizz.  The motes went out before touching the wooden deck, thankfully.  She glanced back toward the cat and shook her head.

"It was only a dream," she muttered to herself.

She zipped toward AJ.

Alameth slowly stands up, lifting up Alani and placing her beside him as he does so. It was some time into the night before he had accidentally fallen asleep due to practicing with his staff. He picks up his staff with an invisible arm and walks to the rail to take a look.

In reply to Alameth (msg #

feeling the movement Alani rises. and goes to the rail.

In reply to Alani (msg # 10):

Wolf should have been looking at the land but there was a very nice view in front of him as the ladies woke up.  He shook his head though when Nyxia flitted up near AJ.  His gaze went out over his shoulder to what would be their new home.

In reply to Wolf (msg # 11):

When she addresses Wolf, it's by the name she knows him and has permission to call him, not the recently acquired first name.  "What about you, Wolf?" Gi asks, sleep gone from her tone and cautious curiosity has taken its place.  "Any injuries that are suddenly not injuries any more?"  One can almost hear her mind working it as if a puzzle has been placed in front of her.  "Sulf'r?"

In reply to Gisela O'Cuinn (msg # 12):

@ Q: "You wish I left your ass hurting! Keep your gay fantasies to yourself Quienten," replies Shan with no lack of Snark as he goes up to the railing to look out at the approaching shoreline.

In reply to Shan Sang (msg # 13):

A Click and Whir can be heard from behind the tied down small boats on the deck as the girls check their bodies for wounds, followed shortly by Henrik cussing in a low tone and smacking something.

In reply to Henrik Westergaard (msg # 14):

Morgan, looking a lot better since getting dropped on his head, reaches around the boat and yanks the Polaroid out of Henrik's hands. He glances at it and tosses the thing overboard, "Next Time I throw you instead..."

He threatens the creep with a balled up fist.

In reply to Morgan Barbossa (msg # 15):

Henrik scrambles to try and catch the picture but the wind gets it out into the waves far outside his reach, he cowers at the threat and then makes a nasty gesture and face when Morgan turns away to look at AJ.

In reply to Henrik Westergaard (msg # 16):

It wasn't exactly saving the lives of either AJ or Gi but it was a start. He also points to his own head, "I don't know about Wolf but my bruises and I think concussion are gone. My neck doesn't even hurt anymore..."

In reply to Morgan Barbossa (msg # 17):

"Too bad what ever fixed you couldn't do plastic surgery on your face while it was at it," Says Eva nastily as she flounces over to the railing. The trip was obviously not her style and she was grumpy for lack of beauty sleep.

In reply to Eva LeJume (msg # 18):

Lola and Mim are quieter and more interested in just looking out at the new land ahead of them. A place they had never been before and one full of both hope and danger.

In reply to Lola Facilier (msg # 19):

Phasma meanwhile lingers creepily in the shadows cast by the mast and sails just staring out at seemingly nothing.

In reply to Lady Phasma (msg # 20):

Khan backs up Shan, "CK not enough for you anymore Q? Maybe you can find a nice Sugar Dandy on the mainland..then you could Finally actually see a profit for your gang!"

Isa stepped forward, opening her mouth but Q blocked her with and arm and shook his head.  He squinted at the other two men for a moment before sighing as he pulled a smoke from his pack.  Sticking it between his lips his brow furrowed in some kind of contemplation as he lit it and took a drag.  Looking back at the two men he held onto the smoke for a few seconds before exhaling it with a look of utter disappointment.

"Really? A gay joke? That's...that's it guys?  That's the best you can do?  Gah...," he sighed again. "No wonder I was going to take everything that was yours Shan... and why you," he added glancing to Khan, "don't have anything worth taking.  Even your jokes are weak..."

Nodding with he head he gestured for his crew to follow him up to the main deck. "Oh and for the record Shan," he added turning back to the other boy.  "When I do decided to head back to the Island I will take everything that was yours.  Not cause I want it, just cause I can."

"Then I'm gonna burn it down and salt the ashes," he added in a tone of cocky glee as he moved away.  "Again, cause I can..."

In reply to Quinten Heart (msg # 22):

Wolf looked at his hand as the others sniped at each other.  He had scuffed his knuckles the other day but they were clean now.  It could have just healed on his own though he supposed and so just shrugged.  Sulf'r was even less helpful as he was currently engaged in stretching and shaking his head and body as canines are wont.

In reply to Wolf (msg # 23):

Gisela glances over at AJ, their eyes locking a moment.  Shaking it off, she sighs.  "That's at least three healed, including you, Morgan.  I'm glad you're feeling better.  I saw your injuries yesterday;  you looked pretty bad off.  AJ and I had our share of injuries as well.  One of our group has to be the culprit, too.  If there was a healer on the ship, AJ would've been dealt with the first night."

In reply to Gisela O'Cuinn (msg # 24):

Henrick perks up and seems to just let it slip out, "Oh Yeah and get myself beaten half to death trying to touch her while awake? Oops, uh, forget I said that. Just carry on..."

He was trying it seems to take credit for being the healer....

In reply to Henrik Westergaard (msg # 25):

Chance comments dryly, "If you touched 'em while asleep, I think you'd get beaten full to death, Heiny.   You wanna keep rolling that thought?"   He smirks at the man, and draws a card... predictably the deuce.

In reply to Chance (msg # 26):

"When you go back to the island it won't be because you chose to go. It will be because it is the only place left to you when I control everything here on the mainland. At that point...you can have that rotten cess pit all to yourself you idiot."

Shan dismisses Q with a nasty little flick of the hand and walks off shaking his head at the small minded ways of his meager competition.

In reply to Shan Sang (msg # 27):

Khan meanwhile was distracted by the drama around Henrick and waited with a raised brow to see how the little weasel squirmed this time.

In reply to Javed Khan (msg # 28):

"You all underestimate me. Some day you will learn to give me a little respect. Just wait an see... Out here I have power too. I will remember the slights you strutting cockgobbler," Henrik practically spits at Chance and like Shan turns dismissively away and stalks off toward the aft of the ship and away from the others.

In reply to Henrik Westergaard (msg # 29):

AJ met Gi's eyes and there was understanding there. For once Aj's mouth complied with the unspoken request for it to shut up. She let Henrick make his claim, have his hissy fit, and stalk off with out even threatening him.

That alone though should make others uneasy....

In reply to AJ Rourke (msg # 30):

Meanwhile the mainland was growing by the second on the horizon as the ship cut across the waves under the clear sky and through the brisk breeze.

In reply to GM (msg # 31):

Nyxia was flying near her head by then and AJ used it as a distraction from the awkward silence between her and Gi right then. The little flying pixie was fast, tiny, and constantly moving but AJ had eagle eyes and she spotted something about Nyxia that begged a question.

She so waved the her close and said quietly, "What happened to you last night? Are those bruises and scratches...did Drizz try to eat you again last night?"

Nyxia's hands flew to her throat and neck.  Scratches?

"N-no," Nyxia said.  "Had a little trouble while sleeping.  I don't think my bed was settled in my lamp after all the fun yesterday."

Nyxia looked around for a shiny, reflective surface.  She winced and looked over at AJ.  Why did she have bruises and scratches?  That was all just a dream?  Wasn't it?

"I guess I'm clumsy in my sleep," she said.

Chance wears a face of mock-insult.   He responds, "Listen, Henrietta, I know exactly what  you are.  A teapot dictator, just like someone else.  You think everything is for your benefit, and everyone should jump in lock step with your opinions.   Well, little hint... No one does.   Not a single person.   And, seriously... Those words shouldn't come through dick-suckin' lips, it's rather ironic."

The teen grins in response.   He's apparently not above a petty win.   Chance can be petty.
He revels in petty.

In reply to Chance (msg # 34):

Gi signs a quick 'thank you' to AJ, but keeps herself out of the Chance/Henrick narrative.

Alameth signs to Alani before picking her up and cradling her in his arms. He walks over to the group and places her down next to him. He places his staff on the deck
 before he signs, "I'm sure that whoever did this wouldn't even know they did. Most likely a latent power that was accidentally activated since we crossed the barrier." Alani proceeds to translate to the rest of the group.

In reply to Alameth (msg # 36):

"You're probably right.  Any use would have been accidental.  Be that as it may, we'll need to watch for powers and learn to use them, how to control them.  None of us know what we're capable of yet."

In reply to Gisela O'Cuinn (msg # 37):

A rather satisfied and mussy furred looking Drizz wanders up to the deck looking for his milk and tuna. It might be wishful thinking but he is hoping there will be something to eat...and for once he is not stalking Nyxia.

In fact he seems to be actively not looking in the pixie's direction while he starts purring and rubbing on legs waiting for someone to find him breakfast.

As the ship drew closer to the pier and the mooring lines were tossed out and secured, it is strangely desolate on the pier. There are three people standing at the end of the pier watching the ship come in. One is a tall, black man with a clean shaven appearance and severe look who is clad in a dark cape and hood. The other is a thin, spindly looking younger man with long brown hair pulled up into a top knot and arcane robes. The third is someone whose visage strikes all of you with familiarity. The broad shoulders, handsome face, reddish hair and the crown, of course, lets you all realize at once that Arthur the second stands to greet you.

"Well," Roberts comments as the occupants of the ship begin to muster on the deck. "It appears that we are being welcomed," he adds, smiling.

"Or getting arrested..." the giant adds. "Isn't that the executioner?" He points out the man in the dark hooded cloak.

"ah. So it is," Roberts agrees. He looks back towards the passengers. "Probably just for effect, you know?"

"I too bring the executioner to all my public affairs," Morgan barbs, looking a bit as if his hackles were up.

"He's the royal skinner too..." Javed offers, glancing toward Wolf. "Oh, and he hates cats," he added with a glance in Drizz's direction.

Eva scoffed, folding her arms and trying to look bored. "If he thinks I threaten easily then that crown of his is on too tight."

Isa took a step nearing to Quinn who was smirking.  "You mean they are opening with a threat," he opined, sounding pleasantly surprised.  "Perhaps the mainland isn't a total write-off after all."

In reply to Quinten Heart (msg # 43):

Wolf flipped and caught his skinning knife.  "Good, we'll have a lot to talk about then.  Common interests are the cornerstone of a lasting friendship," he said in an astoundingly convincing deadpan.

In reply to Wolf (msg # 44):

As the ship had come closer to port, Gisela had realized she and AJ were still in PJs.  She dragged her friend down below to changed.  They made quick work of it and had just returned as the lines were beginning to be tied down.  She wore her green dress once more, settling for subtlety over flash.

"If this is their threat, I'm not impressed," she states, her eyes scanning the port as if searching for someone not present.  "If that's the executioner, is the other his version of Merlin?"  She adjusts the bag on her shoulder.  The talking book is nowhere in sight, so likely in her backpack as well.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:21, Tue 16 Jan 2018.

In reply to Gisela O'Cuinn (msg # 45):

Aj was once again in her stockings, skirts, and corset as usual. Her sword and pistol on her shapely hips, and one foot up on the boot of the rail. "Eh I could take him," She declares confidently.

Which him she is referring to is open to interpretation however. She is also much more confident on the outside than on the inside right now. She had not even told GI this...but she had hoped to have her mom be there to greet her.  That hope was dashed on the rocks of a foreign shore and she was feeling the icy seawater dribble into her veins again to replace it.

In reply to AJ Rourke (msg # 46):

Drizz is NOT happy about the idea of getting skinned... so he slinks up to his human and purr-meows before easily making the leap up to Gi's chest level.  Hopefully she catches him instead of getting a brassier full of long cat claws!

Chance crosses his arms and doesn't look impressed.   The teen puts on his smoked glasses before stating, "And here, I thought it'd take a little longer before his up-on-highness would grace us with his presence..."

"Well well... Baby Pendragon has taste...". Lola muses as she leans on the railing. "That's better than Merlin. But what's a good boy like our beloved king doing with a Sanderson at his side?"

"Sanderson?" Javed answered. "Oh good. They ALL hate cats."

Phasma drifted like a fog toward the gangplank and looked at the trio awaiting them. "I wonder if the executioner prefers a guillotine or an axe..." she ponders softly.

Morgan grimaced at the pale girl. "Get help," seemed to be his only opinion on the issue.

CK glanced nervously at Quinn who just rolled his eyes.  "Axe," he answered Phasma bluntly as a smirk formed on his face.  "It's more personal.  But watch out, you're scaring the children," he added as he threw Morgan a look.

"They wouldn't float us all the way here to just kill us," Nyxia said as she flitted up.  She landed near AJ, but then thought better of it when she saw Drizz prowling, and spiraled up to land on a loop of rope hanging from the rigging.

In reply to Nyxia (msg # 54):

Gisela catches the demanding cat.  "Come on Drizz, they're not going to skin you.  They'd have to catch you first."

In reply to Gisela O'Cuinn (msg # 55):

Drizz has to agree with that statement. It would be very hard to catch him...that made him feel better and he settled down to purr in her arms and watch Nyxia up high.  For once though it was not with a slavering hunger either...

In reply to Drizz (Cat) (msg # 56):

"Whelp me mates they are going to just have to figure out what they are doing with us right quick now," Says Aj as she nimbly dances up onto the railing and just steps out into the air over the wharf as they pull into it.  She lands like it was nothing and swaggers towards the greeting trio.

Like Drizz she too was acting slightly out of character since she had not drawn either of her weapons though even in the kings presence she does not try to hide that she has them or act meek.

Meek on the island was the same as being dead...she was not going to start now.

Phasma smiled wanly at Quinten. "I suppose you'd be the expert on beheadings," she answered with an intonation of reverence.

Above them, a bird screeched from the mast. Should it draw ones attention, they'd notice that a murder of ravens had amassed on the riggings, one of which came down to rest on Phasma's shoulder.

Missy smiled at Nyxia and waved her over. "Don't worry, I'll protect you from that naughty kitty." She seemed blissfully unafraid of the people on the wharf.

Henrik sniffs in distaste, folding his arms. "You'd think they'd have provided a bit more fanfare. There IS royalty present."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:13, Sun 25 Feb 2018.

As AJ approached, the crown bearing gentleman raised his hand in greeting. "Ho, my friend. Well met." He offered AJ his hand to shake. He seemed quite formal but warm. He was smiling and had a rakishly good looking sort of face. Almost too good looking, as if someone might want to punch him in it. Probably Henrik.

"Yes, there is.  Thank you for noticing," Gisela replies, an edge to her tone.  She sighs, dropping the attitude that only Henrik seems to receive.  "Most of the royals here had their titles stripped when sent to the island.  I'm sure your father explained that to you?"  She almost sounded sympathetic.

Chance grins at Heinrik, "And the 'King' showing up isn't fanfare enough? ... and seriously... I think it's perfectly reasonable for the Headsman to be part of our welcoming committee."  At which point, he stuffs his hands in his pockets to follow after AJ.

However, the smile he wears a bit more malice than it should... and were he to actually have left off the blind-mouse glasses, one might get the feeling that he was trying to kill Arthur II with a look.   However, such things don't happen.  Normally.

Henrik sniffs haughtily even as he concedes to Gisela with a bow. "But of course. But titles are merely supplement to us. You can't strip away what's in one's blood.... Can they, Chance?"

The little jab slips out as he moves to follow them down onto the dock. It was an oddly calculated statement. Maybe there was more than cobwebs in his head after all?

Roberts seems to be taking this all in as he watches the kids disembark. It's not every day you get to witness history.

The executioner stands his ground next to his king. The mage, for his part, seems nonplussed as well despite a hand up the robe sleeve with his arms folded. No doubt wands were at the ready.

"Well look who's first in line for a pat on the head," Q smarmed to those nearby as AJ marched over to Arthur. Ilsa gave him a look and a slight smack on the arm at that jab, but it didn't shrink his smirk.

He gave Phasma a wink at her comment and then look out towards their hosts again.  The smirk spread slightly and he leaned over to whisper something in Ilsa's ear before gesturing to his head.  "Alright, might as well get it over with," he commanded to his crew as they began to move off.

In reply to Quinten Heart (msg # 66):

"Get down, Fuzzy," putting Drizz down on his feet.  She put her backpack over her shoulder and glanced down at the dock where most people were heading.  She headed off in another direction, however, moving to speak first to Fezzik who returned her words with a goofy smile and wave, then to Roberts.  He returned it with a half-amused-half-knowing smile and a polite bow.

After paying her respects, Gisela moves to join the others on the docks, moving with a confident grace that she doesn't truly feel.  She moves with the others to meet up with the king.

Jack had made himself scarce, which might have seemed strange.  He'd made clear his discomfort with the journey, but he seemed a rather barbed sort, ready with a pithy, denigrating comment.

The crossing had apparently harrowed him worse than the others.

For one so eager to depart the cursed land, for one so fastidious, he certainly wasn't making a good first impression.  His topcoat was rumpled, as if he had slept in it, although his bloodshot and twitchy eyes didn't suggest a moment's rest.  He clutched his luggage awkwardly with one hand as he staggered down the ramp.

The other was clutched, knuckles whiter than his fur, around the worn gold casing of his watch.  Feeling it tick, a reassuring pulse against his fingertips.

He was conscious of his haggard, near-crazed appearance, and slunk towards the back of the assembled group, trying to avoid eye contact.  For all his excitement to leave the island, he didn't seem happy to be here in the moment.

In reply to Jack White (msg # 68):

"Off the boat!!! yay!!!"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 22:44, Sat 10 Feb 2018.

In reply to Alani (msg # 69):

Gisela turned at the excitement of Alani to be free of the ship.  She watched as the she-cat disembarked, wishing she could feel half the excitement the other girl did.  With a thoughtful frown, Gi resumes her trek towards the king and his minions.

OOC:  This is intended to clarify Alani leaves the ship.  Posted with Alani's permission.

Alameth let's out a quiet sigh as he listens to the remarks of his fellow outcasts. He spends the next moment messing with his staff before it glows a few times. As he goes down towards the tinier human welcoming committee, he keeps his eyes on the mage while the torn leather of his outfit seem to grow to fit his new size and repair themselves.

In reply to Alameth (msg # 71):

AJ takes the proffered hand like one might greet an vague acquaintance on the streets... one hand in his and the other folded on top. It is a minor miracle that the King still hand his rings when she let go.

"You too sire," The pirate in her completely ignores the towering steaming pile of authority before her.

"So why the lack of celebrations? Is everyone hiding from the Bad Apple delivery today," She asks looking around at the area for any signs of hiding people quivering in fear?

In reply to AJ Rourke (msg # 72):

Drizz totally agreed with the anthropomorphic cat....and as a bonus to getting off the creaking death trap he got to follow that tail down the gang plank too.  One moment he was getting dumped on the ground by Gi and the next he was strolling along in Alani's wake.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:38, Sun 18 Feb 2018.

In reply to Drizz (Cat) (msg # 73):

Alani curtsies to the King, as she does her tail is swishing from side to side slowly as if she is an animal deep in thought and her eyes rake over him giving him a scrutinizing look. She moves off to the side so other may greet the King.

In reply to Alani (msg # 74):

Drizz ignores the boring two footed people...and is mesmerized by that tail of Alani's...when it comes close he bats at it!

In reply to Drizz (Cat) (msg # 75):

Wolf waited for almost all of the others to disembark.  Sulf'r was also not keen on leaving the boat.  Or perhaps Wolf's side.  It was hard to say but he looked bored not morose or apprehensive like Wolf.  Eventually the black dog sighed, "We have to get off the boat eventually, you know?"

Wolf sighed as well, "Yeah, I know, Sulf'r."

There was another wait.  It seemed like they had been docked for a month before he made his way down the gangplank.  Both he and Sulf'r stopped as soon as they set foot on the dock, not making another step toward the rest of the group nor the greeting party.

Alameth stops behind Drizz and watches his proclivities before taking his action. Anyone can see him kneel behind the cat quietly. He waits for Drizz to reach out to swat at Alani before the cat goes flying out into the water from an unseen force.  His face turns into a view of shock as he covers the lower half of it with his giant hand, a hand that while increases the view of the shock but is truly only covering the silent chuckle behind it. He stands up slowly, lowering his hand as he does so and grabbing Alani. He places her atop his shoulder, sitting her gently, before he looks out to the water for the cat.

In reply to Alameth (msg # 77):

There is an elongated doppler shifting MRRRROOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!

This sound chases the black fuzzy projectile as it hits the water, skips in outrage, and then vanishes into the shadows under the next dock.

Strangely there is no second splash....

OOC: Drizz is shadow walking. And Alameth had better watch out for "presents" in his future....

In reply to Alameth (msg # 77):

Alani sits in her new spot with pride, at last, a perch high enough for me, she thinks. She purrs really close to Alameths ear. She begins looking for birds to swat at.

Lola smirks in amusement as she watches the water. "We've been with his majesty for thirty seconds and we've already got one pussy wet. Well... assuming..." she trails looking toward Eva.

Evas response is but to smile and present the voodoo priestess with a middle finger.

Arthur looks somewhat startled by the flying cat, mouth hanging open as if he wanted to say something. "The uh... official welcome banquet is in the morning.... We thought you might find too much attention upon arrival somewhat unnerving."

Blaise, the mage, seems to dignify this with a derisive snort.

In reply to Blaise Sanderson (msg # 83):

Gisela wants desperately to facepalm at the group's first impression.  But, to be fair, the king wasn't quite batting a thousand either.

"Your Majesty," she curtsies, "if you'll pardon my bluntness...  You've turned us into show ponies, yet you've denied us the appropriate pageantry to which even a show pony would be entitled.  Further, you've brought a show of power against guests you've invited, likely two of the most dangerous men on the mainland magically and physically.  You'll excuse me if I don't find that the most reassuring greeting."

In reply to Gisela O'Cuinn (msg # 84):

AJ gives Gi a look that says that Lola may have been right but looking at the wrong person, "I wish I had some popcorn for this.. keep going girl."

Q grinned amused as he pulled a smoke from his jacket and placed it between his lips.  "Any chance," he began to inquire of Arthur as he fished for a light in his pocket, "that we might be able to skip that last part too?  The thought's not exactly lighting a fire," he added as he held the match up and lit it with his nail.  He chuckled for a second as he moved the match towards his lips only to find his smoke snatched a second earlier and disappear from Ilsa's hands as if by magic.

The young woman shifted her position ever so slightly to edge in front of Quinn.  She graced Arthur with a glowing smile and curtsied with practiced precision.  "Apologies your Highness. I believe what Quentin, and Gi," she added glancing at the other girl, "meant to imply is that there are certain apprehensions all around.  We have been given precious little information as to what to expect, or what was expected of us upon arrival; so we are, understandably, feeling a little rudderless," she added with a little nautical flair given the surroundings.

"I'm sure we're all a litter nervous and desperate," she added focusing her gaze upon Arthur.  There was a slight pause, almost undetectable, before she added "for first impressions to go as well as possible.  No?"

Arthur choked out a nervous laugh and tugged at his shirt collar. He smiled nonetheless and nodded to Ilsa. "I know perhaps this is not what is expected, but given most Islanders expect a far less gracious welcome... maybe it will work out?"

He coughed again and stepped up to Gi, taking her hand and kissing it. "My apologies if it seems you are not welcome. But, not everyone in Grimmaria is, shall we say, approving of my decision to bring you here. I thought it best to welcome you quietly and give you the day to settle in and get your bearings before being thrown to the wolves of the court. I think only of your safety and well-being."

In reply to King Arthur II (msg # 88):


"Thrown to the wolves," Sulf'r said, looking up at Wolf before issuing a creepy and sinister sounding laugh.

"Yeah, I heard it," said Wolf, looking unimpressed.  Having grown up in the darkest wood and raised buy a pack of murder wolves, he was generally sensitive to such phrases.

Alameth leans over the crowd slightly before tapping on AJ's shoulder. He waits until he has her attention before he begins to sign, "This is one heck of a sham. Making a threat for our arrival ceremony, acting like he's doing us a favor, and he didn't even think we were worthy of bringing his own sword. Or maybe he was too scared to. Maybe he doesn't have what it takes to wield it or maybe even..." His chuckle is silent but it's quite obvious. "Maybe he isn't daddy's after all?"

In reply to Alameth (msg # 90):

Alani has a giggle at that and her tail swooshes up in front of her mouth to hide her shyness. All that can be seen now is her big cat eyes.

"See I always preferred Wolves," Q replied as he fished out another smoke in defiance of his more tactful associate.  "At the very least they're honest about what they're after... tearing flesh from bone," he explained as he took a drag and paused a moment before exhaling.  "For me it's always been the snakes I can't stand.  The one's that sidle up nice and friendly only to slip the blade into your back when it's turned."

"But that's just me," he added quickly a second later, as if done with the topic.  Looking about he exhaled a plum of smoke.  "So what?  Are we walking from here then?"

In reply to Quinten Heart (msg # 92):

Gisela glances at Isla with a colder than usual expression, before returning her eyes to the King.  "I'm glad somebody is.  Too bad it's only taken twelve years."  Either he'd be impressed with her forthrightness, or she was asking to be beheaded.  Her father would likely offer the latter himself, she had no doubt.  And twelve years was her alone.  Everyone else had at least eighteen or more years on the island.

"We don't need to you to look towards our safety, Your Majesty.  We've survived this long without a king to babysit us, I don't see the need for one to pretend to care now."  She almost felt bad, since she could tell his sincerity.  "I assure you, your court scares no one here, given our home."

"Perhaps, though, instead of trying to shield us and pretend everything is fine, you can tell us what to expect tody, and tomorrow at this banquet?  Is it just the school?  The Council?"  My father?  She didn't ask the last.

In reply to Gisela O'Cuinn (msg # 93):

Alani leans forward a little waiting to hear the answer while Alameth is still bent over.

Arthur ran a nervous hand though his hair, giving a sigh through gritted teeth as his gaze flitted from Alameth to Chance before settling on Gi. "I will not pretend this is going to be pleasant. It was my father's dying wish that I attempt reparations, however it is not the most popular opinion to have... even for the king."

He cleared his throat and rolled his shoulders. "If you think my faith in you gives them reassurance... You are wrong. Your predecessors burned villages. Beheaded people. Generally tortured the populace at large and made felling the monarchies their personal pastime. I understand that you are not your parents and I believe you should not be made to suffer for their sins, but to the majority of Grimmaria? The poisoned apple doesn't fall far from the tree."

He placed his hand on the pommel of his sword. "I don't carry Excalibur. I won't. Not until I am worthy. Not until I can be a greater king than my father. I won't deserve it until then. I'm hoping bridging this gap and starting to heal the wounds of our past will put me on the path. I have already quelled riots upon the announcement you were being brought here. Threats against your lives have been made. And mine. We are here to make sure no harm befalls anyone. So if you think my greatest warrior and my greatest magician are a threat? Get back on that boat because what lies ahead is... unpleasant. But? If this is a path you want to walk, I will walk it with you. My sword will be yours."

He glanced at Alameth "As pitiful as some of you think it is." He added.

In reply to King Arthur II (msg # 95):

"Sire", Alani says, "Some of us will always suffer our parent's sins," she says gesturing to her fur. "But we aren't all bad," she says giving him a frisky smile, "We were just born that way. I am certain that no one meant any offense to your or yours."

Flitting forward, Nyxia thought about landing on the ground, but decided hovering out of Drizz's reach was safer.  "I appreciate the welcome, sire," she said as the motes of fire that marked her path faded behind her.  "I am also very happy to be off the island."  She made a curtsy in the air.

Isla cast a look back at Q who simply snorted derisively.  "Any of yours wants a piece of me Kingly, you go right ahead and tell them where they can find me," he declared before taking a longer than usual drag on his smoke.  Exhaling a darkly arrogant grin grew on his face.  "I'll even make it easy on them," he offered opening up his jacket.  "I'm unarmed..."

CK chuckled as he softpawed up to Q.  Ilsa sighed but moved back over to the young man as he jerked his head towards her.  "I'll look after me and mine Kingly.  You focus on some of the more delicate ones here.  Like Shan," he added after a moment.  "He's kinda soft- might need a hug.  Isn't that right Shan," he jibed as he gave the other boy a look.

"I mean what's going to happen.  They can't get the Kraken to attack us a second time now that were on land right," Q declared almost dismissively. "Anyway, I'm hungry- when do we eat?"

In reply to Quinten Heart (msg # 98):

"The giant stuck his fat foot in his mouth there.  You don't think he insulted the King because he thought he couldn't understand do you?  Because that would be rather cowardly," Sulf'r said, looking rather nonplussed as he sat at the end of the dock next to Wolf.

Wolf shrugged, "I don't understand his sign but I imagine so.  The alternative is that he insulted the man who freed him from the island to his face."

Sulf'r looked up at his with his creepy emerald eyes, "Which would make him simply childish.  Or perhaps just stupid.  Is that better?   How quickly do you think the others will seek to prove everyone right and make the King regret his decision to free us from the island?"

Wolf sighed and shook his head, looking down at the dock, "I would have hoped that they all had enough sense to at least pretend to be gracious and well-behaved before they started their nonsense."

Neither of them seemed to care that they were well within earshot of the group as they conversed.

In reply to S'ulfr (msg # 99):

AJ got bored easily... and so while everyone was worried about talking with the king she had just sidled a few steps away and then began meandering down the docks toward the land.  Her girl Gi had things nailed down with that Arthur guy and she had a lot of exploring to do.

Arthur smirked at Wolf before bowing at Nyxia. "I know three fairies who are quite excited to make your acquaintance."

"Let me guess," Henrik drawls as he walks up. "Boring, Blah Blah and Whatever?"

"They prefer Flora, Fauna and Meriwether," Blaise corrects with a stern look.

His look shifts suddenly and he points at Quentin. "Sorry, did you say Kraken!?" He looks at Arthur. "Did you know about this!?"

Arthur sighed and pinched his nose. "Yes I knew. Roberts sent word. I failed to mention it because I knew you'd remain so very... calm." Sarcasm. So much sarcasm.

The executioner shrugged. "I knew, but I have a undisruptable calm. If not, we'd be eating rabbit stew by now..." Lord only knows what was implied there.

His gloved finger ran over the edge of his watch, his other hand carefully straightening his coat.  He had been reasonably calm, despite the odd tic he'd seemed to have acquired in the wake of the kraken attack.  He tried not to let it show.  He knew Quentin would make a scene.  He knew the others would puff up their plumage in some kind of display of emotional catharsis.  Somewhere in his gently boiling brain he realized that his cool-faced repression was probably just as dysfunctional, if not more.

His ear twitched, which was followed quickly by his eye, as their hosts let their own garters down.  He couldn't help but gawp a bit at the naked threat.  "I beg your pardon?"

The Executioner crossed his arms imposingly. "Did I stutter?" he asked in clear rhetoric.

"Easy, Andreas," Arthur soothed, placing a hand on the executioner's shoulder. "We have more pressing matters than personal grievances."

He looked to Gisella. "To answer your question, we need to start by safely getting you lot to the university. There, you will meet with the council. I promised them the opportunity to meet you all and speak with you in a more intimate setting than the banquet. And clearly, as judging by the Kraken, there is merit to my suspicions you are made as targets."

In reply to King Arthur II (msg # 108):

"With all due respect, we've been targets our whole lives, Your Majesty," Gisela stated.  "Speaking of the Council, does my father still serve on it?"

"Hold up!  Don't think you can brush that sort of slight under the carpet so easy-like Kingly," Quinn cut in with a dark calm as his eyes narrowed.  "See I don't like what's being implied there either," he added glancing back at Jack before his eyes settled on the Executioner.  He held a dark gaze for a second and let a beat pass...

"You've got stew and your holding out on me!?" Quinn declared indignantly as the dark visage began to crumble under the weight of the laughter he was holding back.  CK broke out in hysterical chuckling a moment later at smacked Q in the chest playfully which finally broke that damn.  Laughing heartily himself he smacked CK back on the arm before spreading his own wide.  "Seriously, how many times do I have to say I'm starving here," he roared amidst the laughter, glancing to Jack for a second before focusing on their host; the self-amusement not fading quickly.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:55, Sun 25 Feb 2018.

The Executioner remained stoic. "Laugh now. You won't be laughing when-"

In reply to Quinten Heart (msg # 110):

Aj may have been ambling idly toward the land at the end of the dock but she was a fast runner and her saunter was significantly quicker than most.  By the time all the back and forth had gotten to this point she was off the dock altogether.

She looked around with eagle eyes, picked a likely direction to find something amusing  and exciting in, and set off again on a new course. The others would just have to catch up...her mom was not at the docks like she hoped but maybe some poor soul knew where to find her here.

"I've got enough problems without you two losing it. TRY to keep your shit together, will you?" Arthur said cutting him off.

He looked at Blaise. "BOTH of you?"

He sighed and looked to Gi. "One representative from each realm will be present. And yes, your father retains his position as Council from Kintore."

Alameth gives the king a small clap before he switches signing to Alani, Leave this between us that can sign please." and then he turns back to the king.

He bows ever so slightly to the king and signs, "You surprise me, my Lord. Better than expected. I am sorry for the slight. And so you are warned, the Kraken wasn't after us, he was after you...or a descendant of yours at least. It could sense that one was aboard but it was only truly after Excalibur."

Arthur nods at Alameth. "You have my thanks. I will want to know more."

Suddenly, a high pitched roar pierces the air. It's grating quality was enough to make everyone cringe.

In the distance there is the sound of trees cracking like twigs under the weight of something. Something moving toward you. Quickly.

(Everyone roll perception please.)

In reply to Her Majesty (msg # 116):

"Jaberwocky," Gisela says, remaining remarkably calm for someone about to face a fearsome creature.  She drops to one knee, swinging her backpack around to open and pull a book from it.  "First, we need to make sure we can't hear it or it will scramble our minds.  I don't know if plugging our ears will be enough," she continues, beginning to flip through the book.  "Does anyone have a Vorpal weapon or one made of cold iron?  The jaberwocky is known to be weakest against Vorpal, but takes extra damage from a cold iron because it's fey."  She continues flipping.  "Book, I need a shield spell to keep us from hearing the Jaberwocky.  There has to be a spell for that, right?"

In reply to Gisela O'Cuinn (msg # 117):

Notice Checks for Drizz and AJ

00:09, Today: Drizz (Cat) rolled 13 using 1d20+4.

00:07, Today: AJ Rourke rolled 21 using 1d20+5.

Isla had paled even before Gisela began speaking and took a definite step behind Q; grabbing hold of his jacket.  She might have swallowed her tongue at that noise.  CK blinked and then suddenly started fading from view, as if his image was slowly being erased from the world.

Q on the other hand, it took him a moment to process the sound, but as Gi spoke his eyes widened to match the grin spreading across his face.  Suddenly both hands raising in the air in clench fists as he began to laugh heartily.  "YEEEEESSSS AHAHAHA!!!"  For some reason he seem to relish the thought more than any sane man should...

"It's good to know I can rely on your noblesse oblige, Quentin.  It really makes my years of service to the household seem worth it."  His hand found his face, rubbing over the long bridge of his nose, as if battling a tremendous headache.

The shrieking roar gave him pause, sending a chill up his spine.  His eyes widened at the warbling sound.

His eye twitched as he glanced towards Gi.  "Some of us came unarmed..."  He gripped more tightly at his watch, scanning the treeline nervously, clinging tightly to his parasol, the closest thing he had to a weapon.  Apparently, the mainland wasn't as safe as he'd been led to believe.  He should have brought a knife... or a pole-ax.

In reply to Her Majesty (msg # 116):

Alani's tail is more puffed out than normal and her fur is standing up. "That's not a good sound," she says while Alameth lowers safely to the dock, pulling out her knives as her feet touch the dock.

In reply to Alani (msg # 121):

AJ had made it all the way to the closest road to the docks, there was the Royal Cart sitting there in all its gilded glory with a team of seriously fast looking horses harnessed to the front.  Her fingers itched to take those reigns and see what that thing could do at a full gallop through the streets.... of course she would have to beat the snot out of that driver sitting up there with the stink eye fir....((INSERT GARGANTUAN PAIN IN THE BUTT INTERRUPTING ROAR HERE))

AJ calmly closes her eyes, takes a deep breath in through her nose and lets it out past her pretty lips slowly.

Of course something had to come ruin her chances to take that beast for a joyride, of course something would turn up the moment she took her eyes off Gi... maybe she could get it to eat a few of the other brats. It sounded big enough.

"Well there is nothing to be done about it it. Full Reverse, Hard to starboard.... "

She sighs again at the dream dashed upon the rocks of an uncaring world. Spun round and looked for the roars source with her eagle eyes shaded by a hand above a knitted brow.

What ever this thing was she was going to make it regret ruining her joy ride before it started.

Alameth listens to the roar and scans for the closest and most likely area of forest it could be coming from before he steps over the group, king included, and takes a stance that any that know him from the island would know was his stance for expecting powerful blows. His staff glows a minute before he reaches out with one hand in a blocking motion.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:10, Fri 02 Mar 2018.

In reply to Alameth (msg # 123):

Wolf sniffed the air and looked down at Sulf'r.  He could tell they both smelled it; the stench of death and decay on the wind.  "It wasn't me," Sulf'r said in a deadpan.

Wolf narrowed his eyes at the wolf and got out his bow, adjusted his quiver, and nocked an arrow.  He prepared to aim and take a shot as soon as he saw a viable target at the treeline.  Sulf'r meanwhile became a thing of shadow, his glowing green eyes shimmering from the dark that exuded from him.  "You may need more than arrows to take this thing down," the shadow wolf said.

Wolf stubbornly ignored him.

"Hey!" Q suddenly bellowed. "Big, dumb, and up front!  You're spoiling the view for the rest of us," he continued in a tone that was especially derisive, even for him.  Turning to Isla who was too pale to scowl at him he winked, "Best. Day. Ever."

Moving up he hopped up on a crate to get a better view, craned his neck and cracked his knuckles.  "Hey Kingly," he shouted over to Arthur.  "Your people realize this is more a complement than anything else, right?"
This message was last edited by the player at 03:43, Sat 03 Mar 2018.

Arthur was briefly frozen in fear. He stepped back a few places. "Andreas! You said it was dead!"

As Gi flips through the book, it forcefully slaps open to a page in particular as if it was trying to tell her something. The page reads "Obfuscate The Living" in lettering shaped like bones.

Chance had played out his determined march toward Arthur, when Lucky drug him back to the side for a moment... the Twins had been commiserating about something, a moderately quiet yet animated conversation.   As it stood, Chance seems to have lost that argument, whatever it may have been about... but the Acid in his eyes whenever he looks over at Arthur, gives some inkling as to what it was about.

With the Jabberwock barking it's fel call, Chance wears a considerate look.   One that seems interested in more of the bird than what's probably reasonable.   While he's not exultant like Q, he is very interested.

With Arthur showing a yellow streak... he can't keep his tongue quiet any longer.   The teen hisses, "And here we are, Junior... With you looking less and less appropriate for Excalibur.  Feeling fear?   Now, I know my father, Mordred the Black ... to anyone not up on the latest, would not have been considered appropriate to you, but not in his worst day, with the least of his courage, would he have given ground.   Feeling strong and courageous against unarmed peasants, or honorable folk... but hiding under skirts the moment a problem arises on the mainland?  Lord above, I was wondering why the Kraken was looking for the blade... but, this only confirms it.   You don't have it anymore, do you?"

In reply to Her Majesty (msg # 127):


"It was dead," Gisela says as if that was obvious.  "Meaning either someone reanimated it or this is a new Jaberwocky."  She pulled her hand back as the book slaps itself to the correct page, letting out a gasp of surprise and nearly dropping it off her lap.  "Obfuscate the Living," she reads to herself.  "Well, that sounds promising."

As Chance speaks, Gisela lets out a frustrated sigh between clenched teeth.   Out of all the times they could choose to have a go at each other, did it have to be when they were all at risk of dying?  She had had it to here with the bickering in the face of danger.  "We are all about to be facing down a Jaberwocky.  Perhaps we could focus on it, since it wants to kill and eat us, and go back to being petty once we're not in imminent danger?"  She offers, her tone tightly controlled.

"Obfuscate the Living," she reads again, apparently having said her piece.  She reads it over quickly, then takes a deep breath and tries casting.

"When the living shake in fear,
as the dead draw ever near,
When everything then seems bleak,
and escape is the thing you seek,
Then this is just the spell
To drop the wards just like a veil
Then not a sound and not a peep
Not a single sight will creep
Of the living that now hide
And their time now do bide.
As I say, so shall it be
Protection for self, and all around me."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:52, Mon 05 Mar 2018.

In response to Gi's words, a glowing spark erupts from the book and explodes above them in a shimmer of irridescent light. As it falls, it seems to create a dome around them which causes the world to distort slightly as they look through it.

It was only just in time as the Jabberwocky comes crashing out of the treeline and barreling toward the dock. The creature is a good twenty feet tall; looking much like a furry dragon with rows of razor teeth. It stops and sniffs the air with a low growl.

It's red eyes blink rapidly as it looks for it's prey. It inches closer to the group, sniffing along the ground. It moves forward and finds itself face to face with Quinten and his friends. It pushes it's face in so close to Quin that he can feel it's hot, rancid breath moistening the skin of his face.

He seems to be on to a scent but can't quite find it's source. In frustration, he let's out a mighty burbling roar into the trios faces. Q and CK seem unfazed, but as the monster takes off again bounding into the trees, Isla crumples to the ground babbling and giggling like an idiot.

(DC 20 will save for anyone who wants to see if they are affected too. Tex just drew the Short straw this time. Result of a failure is 15 minutes of temporary insanity.)

Q's face was a mixture of tension and dark joy as the Jabberwocky bounded out from the forest.  His fists balled as it approached and his eyes widened, though he took no steps further.  Quinn almost seems to bounce with barely contained energy as his lips moved wordlessly; upturned ever so slightly at the corners.

As the creature bound away he outstretched his arms for as second before clapping, a grim series of chuckles escaping his throat.

It took Quinn a moment to recognize Isla's plight, though CK had suddenly shifted back into plain sight.  "Ummm... Q?" he muttered as he knelt by Isla's side.

"The air tastes purple," the young woman giggled as she reached up and patted CK's cheek before returning to uncontrollable laughter.

Anything resembling a smile faded from Q's lips as he looked down at Isla and then at Arthur, the latter earning more than a disparaging look.  "Way to go Kingly," Q quipped sharply in you king's direction.  "Top shelf people you've got working with you too," he added casting an eye towards the executioner.  "Top shelf"

Leaning down he tried to pull Isla to a standing position, but with her legs as wobbly as a drunken sailor he finally gave up and hoisted her newlywed style into his arms eliciting an amused "weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee" from the young woman.

In reply to Quinten Heart (msg # 134):

As the Jabberwocky ran off....AJ was running behind it very fast. Which was probably difficult considering she was holding what looked like a saddle. Where she found a saddle already, and who she stole it from, was a mystery but what she was trying to do was not considerings he was yelling at the beast she was chasing.

"Get back here you dumb horse...I need to ride you to my mom," she bellowed angrily and added some choice paragraphs of cuss words as she headed off in the wake of the Jabberwocky.

In reply to AJ Rourke (msg # 135):

Gi didn't try to make sense of AJ's actions.  Where she'd disappeared to, how she'd stolen a saddle, or why she was attacking a Jaberwocky that no longer presented a threat.  When one was friend with AJ, they no longer tried to make sense of actions, just intervene when they can on the more dangerous activities.  Sometimes that wasn't done directly.  AJ actually cared about Gi's safety, even if she didn't think of the costs of her actions.

"Don't worry, Your Majesty, she'll tire herself out.  Besides, I'm sure AJ has considered the fact she could get us all killed by bringing the Jaberwocky back," she says as AJ comes within hearing range in chase of the Jaberwocky.  It'd make a point without directly doing anything.  Instead, she shifted her focus to Isla.  She shoves her book into her backpack and shoulders it. She looked at the king a moment, worried about the cost of her casting a spell, much less so soon.  He could have her exiled again.  That didn't matter right now, though, as Isla was now laughing like a giddy drunk.

"Let me look at her," she says, joining Q and his crew.  "There has to be a way to fix this," she states.  "Magic or medicine, or something..."  She was desperately looking over Isla for any signs of how to fix it or if it was temporary or permanent. True love fixed everything, but finding her true love while she was insane... And Q letting them that close... that was not a good route to go.

Alameth shakes his head before he runs after AJ. He gets just ahead of her before he sits down. He's so close in front of her that when he sits down, even if she slowed down, she would run into him.He also spreads his arms out to either side about two feet off the ground.

"She's insane...." Arthur murmurs out of his stunned silence. "We should catch her before she gets killed." His knightly lack of self preservation as he likewise set off to try to tackle AJ.

Blaise looks at Q and flips him off. "Want to know what's top notch? The level of I told you so that will take place at the welcome breakfast when people hear Wonderland's cast offs arrived... AS DID THE BLOODY JABBERWOCKY!"

The executioner wore a dark, stern expression. "How?" he asked, looking between the two. "It's dead."

Quinn's head turned almost in slow motion as he glared down at Blaise.  "Oh no.  Not the breakfast. Think about the crumpets," he retorted in a dark deadpan that declared the field wherein he grew his fucks was barren.  He turned on the executioner quickly enough.

"Oh that's easy," he said hefting Isla tighter as she shifted giggling in his arms.  "It wasn't dead.  No one killed it.  Alice's story is bullshit," he declared with hint of triumph in his tone.

"Nonononono," Isla giggled out suddenly.  "Not the name. The Name trumps the Name!" she babbled before taking batting at Gi.  "Giggle.  Silly Princess.  Princess' can't fix-"

"Shut it Isla.  Seriously," Q ordered curtly.  The younger woman burst out laughing in response and patted the older man drunkenly on his face.

Chance grumbled something to himself under his breath.   It fell to him to address this, apparently.   Well, he was the one usually causing trouble in most situations... and leaning on AJ to sort out anyone who got salty at the deal.  But, it's just not as impressive when things work out the other way...

The teen wears a sour look while muttering something under his breath... He holds out a hand forward, then slings it sharply behind him... Which oddly enough causes a several roots to pop out before AJ ...

(Trip Attempt - Move Object - Bad Luck)

At which point, Chance starts grinning, "... You know... Mom always said I had a knack..."

"First of all, the tale of the Jabberwocky and its slaying predates Alice's visit by some years." Jack had apparently recovered enough of his composure to be... well... somewhat reasonable.  " And second, trusting Alice's account of Wonderland would be like trusting Hank Morgan's account of Camelot."

He watched AJ's chase somewhat glumly, tilting his head towards Arthur, arms folding. "I presume you have some strapping hero wearing a whitesmith's hut's worth of shining armor on-hand to deal with said beast?"

In reply to Jack White (msg # 143):

"She's going to be okay, Quentin," Gisela says with a relieved grin.  "It's temporary, Q.  Isla will be fine.  Just give her a little bit of time.  Until then, just remember enough about it that you can rib her for it later."

In reply to Gisela O'Cuinn (msg # 144):

AJ was beset by well meaning people...and we all know what a road paved in good intentions leads to.

AJ was thankfully not running full tilt because of the saddle and trying to line up with the monster stalking away from them. If she had there was no chance they could have caught her. Alameth did have to run full out though to get  in front of her, the King had to as well to catch her up from behind.

Unfortunately, Chances directed misfortune did not have to catch up to her. It just Happened...roots popping up where they had not been a moment before and everyone in AJ's vicinity suffering its effects.   AJ started to try to go around the Giant Blacksmith, tripped... threw the saddle in his face while trying to get her balance, hit the outstretched tree trunk sized arm like a clothes line while still at a jog and went sailing up ass over tea kettle.   She landed on her back in the grass.

She never go to see much of the sky however as it suddenly was blotted out by the shadow of King Arthur's crotch.  The King had been chasing on her heels and gotten tripped then clotheslined by Alameths OTHER arm.   But the larger slower man had only managed half a back flip not a full one and landed atop AJ in a 69 position, his face in her crotch, his crotch on her face, and both of them too disoriented to know what happened right away.

In reply to AJ Rourke (msg # 145):

"On that note, I think we should be shown to our rooms now before peoples unmentionables start showing. Kronk get the bags" she says to her large minion.

Arthur got up stammering like a buffoon. "I'm TERRIBLY sorry, milady! That was... NOT my intent!" He was smiling through his placation, despite his red face. Suddenly his look shifted. "NOT that you aren't a very attractive woman. I just.... BLAISE! THE CARRIAGE!"

Blaise sighed and pinched his nose. "Yes, sire," he monotoned. With a wave of his hand, a fog began to roil out of the forest, obscuring the road. It built into a thick cloud and lingered as the hollow sound of hoofbeats grew closer through the obscurement. Then, out of it, came a line of covered carriages drawn by black horses with glowing red eyes.

(The carriages are two-seater hansoms. Three can fit in if you wanna get cozy. Time to get a bit of RP one on one in if you want!)
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:02, Wed 14 Mar 2018.

Eva poked Gi in the back. "Hey. Ride with me. We need to talk. You too, bunny boy." She gestured to Jack.

In reply to Eva LeJume (msg # 148):

"Of course," Gisela said, given that Eva had taken the time with her during the ride on the ship.  Besides, AJ would probably be busy with either Chance or Wolf when she finished having her moment.  A little separation might be a good idea, too, given that Gi was slightly annoyed that AJ had put everyone at risk.  It was weird, though, to go from being a perpetual loser loner to having someone request to sit with her.  She follows Eva to the first carriage and climbs in.

Q scowled hard at the display of moronic ineptitude by all parties involved... and finally snap.  "By the love of the Axe," he growled loudly through clenched teeth before suddenly setting Isla firmly into the ground in standing position.  "I have had enough of this fresh hell," he continued as did so.

Glaring down at the young woman he cupped his hand on the side of her face, ensuring she was looking directly at him as she giggled intensely.  His voice was hard, but not cruel.  "Isla look at me.  Hey! Look. At. Me." The command was clear and unyielding as the girl apparently tried to play cute with her eyes.  "You remember where you come from.  You wear the Patch.  You remember your suit.  You toss this nonsense off cause you're better than this," he ordered.

"And you! DOCK RAT!" Q hollowed towards AJ. "Are you really as pathetic as I've always thought?  Are you going to let some pathetic freak get the best of you?  I thought you at least a bit above the rabble of the mainland, but I guess I misjudged!" The challenge was clear in his voice as it echoed out.

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Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
OOC: Leadership feat; Spending 2 Hero Points per Ophie to remove conditions

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Whether it was loyalty or simply the overpowering effect of his will, Q's words seemed to cut through whatever effect was pressing on Isla's mind.  The young woman's eyes seemed to clear as her gaze focused on Q.  She shook her head for a moment before turning a shade closer to her hair.  "Shit..." she muttered as she she became engrossed with how fascinating the ground was.

"Sorry Q," she added after a moment.

"It's fine," the young man stated firmly as he pulled the young woman beside him and places an arm on her shoulder.  "It's not like it was your job to make sure we weren't attacked the moment we stepped on land," he declared openly as he glared at Arthur's cronies.

"CK," he ordered as he looked as the young man.  "You and Ilsa together on that one," he demanded pointing to a carriage.  "No disappearing this time," he added a second later with a meaningful glare before pointing to his eyes and Isla a moment later. "Watch each other's back.  I'll be on the next carriage behind," he stated firmly.

Turning on he heel he smirked at the others still on the dock as he walked backwards.  "Which I'll keep to myself, unless someone wants to keep me company...," he smarmed as he pulled out a fresh smoke.

Jack looked concerned as Quentin manhandled the limp and giggling girl. He'd certainly never seen her in such a state, And a bubble of concern kept him within arm's reach, before attention was turned back towards the wayward pirate.  His furrowed brow seemed to relax for an instant, as he backed a few more steps away.

Only to be intercepted by a come-hither wave.

He eyed Eva with a flat expression, inscrutable, one whisker twitching. But as Gisela clambered into the carriage, he shrugged, with a sigh, sweeping up his luggage and climbing the step, deftly tucking his hat beneath his arm as he ducked into the door. He slumped into a seat with a sigh, looking across the carriage to the apparent sorceress.  "Well played, by the way. With the book and the poem. I'd resigned myself to an ignominious demise by some avenue before lunch, and the Jabberwocky is about as ignoble an end as one could imagine."

In reply to Jack White (msg # 153):

"Thank you."  It wasn't a poem, but no need to draw further attention to her and her spell book.  Well, her mother's spell book.  "I am just glad it worked.  I did not want to be eaten by the Jaberwocky any more than you did."  She smiles at him, more reflex fake than happy.  "I, too, expect to come to some untimely demise, but I do not believe it will be random chance when it occurs."  She changes direction with her words.  "Do you have any idea what Eva would want to discuss with you?"

His head tilted just slightly, one of his ears a bit askance, as he glanced towards the door of the carriage. Her smile was returned, though perhaps a bit wry.  He was reluctant to show his teeth in polite company... and he instantly recognized her courtly manner. It was courteous to play along.

"If the events of the rest of this day has been any indication, I suspect she wants to hatch some conspiracy against the crown. Probably some Goldbergian plot involving stealing a ship, murdering someone, and turning something at least once widdershins as a signal to the fae."

He leaned back, running one gloved hand over his head, between his ears.  He seemed to freeze, holding still for a long moment. The silence in the carriage offered him solace, a moment of reprieve from the chaotic morass of rapidly unspooling emotions and imminent danger that had surrounded the crew since their  ill-fated embarkation. The moment of silence lingered, until it grew heavy. His brow twitched, and he glanced down at his watch, feeling the face click open and shut with mechanical precision.

"And what would she want to discuss with you?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:32, Wed 14 Mar 2018.

In reply to Jack White (msg # 155):

"I would certainly hope nothing of the sort.  She has the wrong girl if she thinks I'm of any use in a plan such as that."  She already had thrones she could claim, but no intentions of actually taking them.  She loosens some of her court demeanor as he allows the shift from her spell-casting.

"I have no idea of anything she'd want with me."  Not entirely true, but nothing that Eva would want to talk to her AND the rabbit about.  "Maybe she just wants to discuss the Jaberwocky.  You're from Wonderland, and I know some about it.  Perhaps that's what she seeks?"

"That doesn't preclude a cadre of fairy assassins."  His lip curled up into a smirk.  "It could just be she just wanted to pack her carriage with the relatively sane-but-unsavory.  An easy way to dodge the chronic drama that seems to have been going around.  If you're not interested in more occult theories."

In reply to Jack White (msg # 157):

<outside the cart>

As Arthur is removed and begins apologizing, complimenting and otherwise stuttering, AJ pops up with her sword out. She had a couple tears on her face, sniffled and was wild eyed like someone on a bad mushroom trip, "I don't care what you paid dad...I am not for sale. I will bite that shit off and cram it... oh no where did the pony go... I need it to get to mom."

She switches tracks like an out of control train and spins this way and that looking for Jabberwocky and tries to grab up the saddle while still holding her sword. It was a fumbling mess and she only succeeds in falling over again like a drunk. Sprawled over the Saddle trying to get herself untangled from the stirrups and reins, cussing at the grass for keeping her from mom, Q's snapped Dock Rat cuts through the crazy and yanks her back to the here and now.

This may or may not be a good thing because it involved her pulling the revolver she also wore and for a couple of seconds seriously considering shooting him. But that urge subsides and she wipes her cheeks and puts the pistol away, "I am not a Dockrat...and what the hell just happened.  Why do I taste expensive fabric and ...salt? And why does my head hurt so much... I haven't had anything to drink since we left!"

She seems to find that last bit to be the actual biggest problem in the list.

Chance shakes his head at the whole scene.   The teen comments only to himself, "Yellow streak... and Letch.   Falling further and further down that Worthiness scale... And people complain about Dad.   Not sure who they're kiddin..."   At which point Chance helps AJ up, interposing himself between... Her, Q... and Arthur.   He says over one shoulder, with a certain amount of Acid, "You know... Your Highness that if this was to give an impression... The only one I'm gettin is that I've seen better run scams..."

In reply to Jack White (msg # 157):

"Why are you so certain about the fairies?" Gisela asked, noting that he keeps mentioning them.  "And that may well be the answer, that she is seeking to prevent more insanity.  I think, however, she has a more ulterior motive.  I am just not so certain it has to do with overthrowing the kingdom just yet.  I guess we shall see, though," she states, looking out the carriage for their fellow Islander.

Alameth gets up and heads over to Alani and Kronk Jr.. He picks both of them up and places them gently in one of the carriages before his staff starts to glow and he proceeds to shrink down to approximately 2.5' tall before he gets in himself and places himself atop Alani's lap.

He signs to her, "Hopefully we can actually get going now and stop with the madness."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 16:53, Sun 18 Mar 2018.

"Because involving fairies absolutely the most ridiculous way to expect to get anything even remotely productive done.  If they aren't toppling kingdoms over baby shower invitations, they're giving ten-year-olds the power of flight so they can fight pirates.  With swords.  While flying.  At age ten."  He leaned over to one side, his chin planted on one fist, looking nonplussed.  "She's already invited a Wonderlander, and a Rabbit, at that.  If it is some kind of scheme, She's either desperate, or the plan is probably, to use the most precise language, 'cockamamie.'"

His lip curled into an easy smirk, his eyes drooping lazily.  "I can easily see wanting to collaborate with a sorceress who can turn aside the Jabberwocky. Again... no mean feat. But the both of us?" He gave a small shrug. "If the plan isn't cockamamie, there must be a motive beyond utility practicality.  If there is a plan in the first place... which..." his forehead furrowed into a worried crease as he glanced out the window, then down at his watch again, clicking the cover open, watching the ticking second hand quiver across the face.  His sentence trailed off as he seemed to concentrate on the passing seconds with a degree of attention that the mere passage of time probably didn't warrant.

He shook himself out of the awkward pause, his eyes squeezing shut as he gave a little flick of his head, as if shaking off some kind of dazzling flash. "I'm sure she just got caught up in the dramatics," he reassured, catching the bobbled conversation before it hit the floor.  "Or working on her pitch. Suspecting we're about as skeptical as we actually are."

In reply to Alameth (msg # 161):

Alani sighs "Yes that would be nice."

Shan puts an arm around Chance and gives him a nod. "Man to man, I can't say say that you are giving Arthur much of a run for his money." He shrugged and moved to a carriage. "Feel free to prove me wrong."

He waved to Q and smiled. "Don't worry champ. You'll get it next time."

Missy was seemingly unfazed by the near brush with death. She was off near the bushes calling for the cat in a high pitched voice.

She looks at Nyxia and sighs with relief. "Oh good. I thought that naughty fuzzy had carried you off."

All the island kids start loading up into the carriages. Arthur and Blaise get into the head coach. The executioner mounts up to drive the coach. They seem to be anxious to get back.

Javed hops into a coach with Phasma and one can't help but notice the side eye this gets him from Henrik. Morgan and Lola seem to be chatting and trying to decide on something. Morgan does wave at AJ. Lola says something and gestures to Q. Clearly they are discussing SOMETHING interesting.

(OOC: If you want to ride with an NPC, let me know and shoot me private message.)
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:14, Sun 25 Mar 2018.

Chance laughs at Shan, and barks back at him, "Man?  Now that's a laugh... you're the deuce in the deck, at best... And I'm not the one claiming to be high and mighty, Sonny Jim.   If you think I'm trying to run for office, you are well and truly mistaken."    Sure, he'd never been in the gang scene with Q and his ilk, but that doesn't mean he particularly cottons to Shan either.

The man just breeds dislike.

At which point, Chance just finds himself a random carriage.   Because random is better.

In reply to Chance (msg # 167):

AJ calming down now and seeing that everything was back to normal, snarky and suspicious, decides to just follow Chance. Gi seemed to already be in a carriage after all.