After a long sleepy rest, the wood stretches, the tavern yawns, and it's doors open...

In reply to Essence of the Inn (msg # 1):

A sound.. enters the Tavern before some thing.. physically enter's.
 A male voice; "Diana.. Thank you.. You are a big help, with settling new minions.  BUT You Know I don't talk Theology, Not with the Knight, Not definitely with you."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:40, Thu 31 Dec 2020.

A high female voice replies; "Great One.. But you KNOW I am your Theologian."

  and through a haze like heat on a hot highway a big man in a cowboy hat blue jeans and a flannel shirt, walks with the three-footed gate of the cane user.. onto the porch and through the front door, a form maybe a quarter of his height a black, white and tan rabbit walk confidently on two feet. Wearing raw stone bead, mouse-skull rattles, a grass skirt, rustling sounds like ?'Plastic'.
   As she walks into the tavern.. She looks around; "Einstien was Right this endpoint is open again."

The western-dressed man shrugs; "Diana.. Please.. Just call me Jack like everyone else does. Yes.. Yes I know 'Some Times.. Great Just Means Big.'.. but for my own sake and keeping the size of my head safely small Just Jack."

Pausing as her last statement enters his thought processing. Looking up from her he sees that they are no longer in the bunny base warren.. He Sighs "Did.. Did.. Einstein say something about testing the worm-whole endpoint anchor?"

The little Rabbit shaman's head, simply Nods.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:42, Thu 31 Dec 2020.

At the sound of voices, the bar keep raises a head from the book he's been reading.  He recognizes this one from a distant past, and pours a drink, leaving it on the bar to take or not.  And goes back to his book.

The Country boy takes the drink notes it is his regular carrot juice with a shot of tomato paste and whisky and sips some.

She had been riding in a car.  She remembered that.  But where?  Who was driving?  She had no idea.  There was an awful sound of squeal and crushing metal.  She remembered that too.  But then she was walking, stumbling really, through a thick wood.  It was dark. That was so unlike her.  She'd never go walking through the woods.

And now she was here, entering this... this what?  Hovel? Shack?  What the hell was this?  A bar.  It looked...icky.

Um. Excuse me?  Excuse me?  Can someone please tell me where am I?  And may I have a glass of water?  She yelled, then looking around thought better, A glass of gin.  Or whiskey?  Or vodka? Something that would kill any germs that might be on the glass.

(From The Game Room)

The Englishman thought he heard voices, more than one then. He cocked a brow toward the direction from whence they came. Aaah! The place stirs once more, then? The tavern had a way of drawing one to it over and over, it seemed. No doubt others had heard the call. Whom? Well, one could never tell, really. It seemed the place touched not only different times but different worlds entirely. The best thing, the only thing really, to do was rise from the seat and see for himself.

Meri gathered the ole vintage made by Quintus Maxximus here in this very place, parted the red velvet curtains, and peeked within the taproom beyond. There were several good folks at the bar, along with the keeper himself, of course. The blonde woman was having a spot of bother; it would seem. Her first time here, most likely. Meri smiled in sympathy, for he remembered his own. Had it been but a year ago or a thousand? Who could tell for time held no sway at the tavern. None that he could fathom.

Meri strode to the bar, doffed his bowler, and nodded to each person in turn. "Well met! It is good to see others about the place. I have been here for some time... well it doesn't matter how long really. My name is Smythe, Meriwether Lewis Smythe. I am at your service."

The Englishman smiled his bravest at the troubled woman. "Your first time, I suppose. Never fear, we all have had similar misgivings, but I assure you, you are quite safe. As far as a whiskey... I would suggest Irish but may I also suggest sharing a glass of wine. This is a special vintage made by a chap who once tended that bar himself. A Roman by the name of Quintus. If so, I can call for another glass perchance?"

She must have walked into a movie set.  That was the first and most logical thought.  But then, there were no cameras and crews.  Isabella has experienced some weird in her day, but it was a while ago.  So long that she now doubted it was real.  And there was no one left to confirm or deny.

She glanced at the Englishmen skeptically.  Her eyes slid down his frame slowly then back up to meet his eyes.  She then glanced to the other prominent figure.  A cowboy?

An Englishman and a cowboy walk into a bar... wasn't that the way jokes began?  Did they know her?  She had been retired a little while.  But she was also the face of IPBS...

Mr....Symth.  I'm Isabella. She pronounced with a raise of her chin an an air of royalty.  The, Do you know me? clear, but unspoken.  A glass of anything would be nice. It was dawning on her that she had no money.  It was in her bag, which was notably gone.  If the room didn't recognize her, she would need to rely on the kindness of strangers.

I believe I am... lost. She said with a quiver that was more real than she intended.  Might you tell me where I am? She asked realizing her style of speech had fallen into some what mirroring his.  An old habit.

Meri turned to the other chap there, one who would have been at home in the dusty streets of Laredo or Whiskey Flats, dipped his chin. "Would you care to sample the wine as well? There is enough, I assure you. There is no bother about it. In fact, Quint made me privy to the location of his secret stash some time ago. I do see you already have a drink, but it would be horribly impolite not to offer you see."

The Englishman then nodded and smiled his bravest to the barkeep. "Two glasses... no make it three, thank you. In case this gentleman cares to partake."

Meri's head slowly lolled about, so he was speaking to the gorgeous blonde. It would seem that the way she carried herself and the slight bob of her chin, that one should know her... or at the very least know of her. Was she one of the many that had accompanied Valerie then to one of those horrid soirees in Oxford? No! He would have remembered that face. Well then, nothing for it but to stumble on.

"Isabella? Aaah! Now there is a name that just rolls about the tongue; what? Oh! The vintage that is about to part those lips is anything... but anything. Indeed!" Meri smiled. "Lost, is it? Well, this place is named The Wolf's Head Tavern. Quaint! In that off the beaten path while in Wales sort of way. You need not worry. The first time one blunders in is a little... unsettling, but you shall get used to it. Of course, the wine will aid in trimming the nerves as it were."

She had smiled and nodded graciously in acceptance of the glass and at the cowboy, to assure him Mr. Symth was speaking for both of them.

But the mention of 'Wolf's Head Tavern' was a shock.  How could she possibly have landed herself somewhere named such?

What? Where am I, really? Isabella interrupted, her calm-ish façade momentarily dropped and a tinge of a Southern US accent sneaking in.  I was in a car in Boston.  Boston, Massachusetts.  And I was riding West, to the Berkshires.  I can't believe there's a place, a place like this in the Boston burbs called Wolf's Head Tavern.   What a dreadful name!  Dreadful.  What about the rest of the wolf?  And I'm not even sure there are any real woods in Massachusetts!  Is this some kind of ... movie set? She glanced around.  Am I being on one of those tv shows where they do pranks?  I really don't like them. She was definitely cross now and frantically panning the room.

I don't give my permission! She yelled to the roof.  Getting angrier. I don't even give away my photos. She growled under her breath.

The forests around him had changed so gradually that he hadn't noticed until he stumbled across... the tavern.  He'd been on a mission in the serene forests of Ardenweald on behalf of some recent allies to aid the inhabitants there, a show of support between different realms of the Shadowlands.  It was strange times for the living to explore the realms of the dead, but strange, dangerous times had become the norm over the last... by the Light, the last decade.

But somehow... this place had faded from his mind.  This strange, bizarre place.  The Wolf's Head Tavern.  How had he forgotten a place as bizarre as this?  And with all he'd seen over the years, that was a high bar.

Still... last last few times he'd come here, he'd ended up back where he'd come from without incident.  So he supposed he could afford to linger a bit... see what was here to be seen.

As he approached the entrance, he could hear someone shouting about not giving permission.  What was that about?  Curiosity burned, but he surmised that perhaps it was best not to enter while wearing his full combat gear.  With a gesture and a flash of magic, he dismissed his armor, which faded away as a puff of smoke, giving way to a more casual, dark leather outfit.  Of course, he was still a Worgen, a large wolf-like creature standing well over seven feet.  But there was little to be done about that, given how much difficulty he had in maintaining human form these days.  He'd all but given up on it except in the most relaxed of circumstances.

Pushing open the door, he stepped inside, looking around.  Very little appeared to have changed except the patrons currently within.  "Here we go again..." He muttered to himself.  He wondered what curiosities and stories from other worlds he would hear about this time as he approached the bar, keeping a distance from the annoyed-looking woman who he assumed was probably the one he'd heard shouting from outside.

The black and white-furred Rabbit walking on two legs with obvious opposing thumbs dressed in a plastic grass skirt and dangling mouse head rattles; appearing to be real.
   Looks around at the Arrivals.. "Calling of the Spirits"
   And turning to look up at the Great one; _{"Unless Einstien triggered a vortex sweep, I think that is what he calls it, this isn't just the result of his experiment, Jack."}
This message was last edited by the player at 13:15, Sat 02 Jan 2021.

     Jack looks at the string of people who follow him in, seeing very little sign of the Bunny base vortex.
   Raising his glass of carrot juice to the offer of wine, he starts to answer the questions in order of ease of.. shoot.. To think about it.  "I'd Like to partake fella, but sadly since the accident, I have to be careful about what I consume." And takes a sip of the carrot juice.

  looking at the young lady, she could pet his ears, he sighs; "Honey.. Miss Bella.. Our Friend here Mister Smythe, is quite right, iff'n you call it wandering into fairy-land or a sub-dimensional matrix anchor.. Don't really matter much Wolf-head Tavern is Nice folk... don't know iff'n he, she or other.. or iff'n it even matters.  You are physically safe here, those who might attack you aren't.  Just stay on the safe path's until it is time to go home."

Turning to look at the TALL fellow coming through the door; "Morn'n to you fella, My Name is Jack Buck or Bunny depend'n on my shape, please avoid munch'n the Minion" and he Winks at the Canidae, and third furred folk in the room.
  Waving his hand at the humanoid somewhat oversized bunny at his feet; "and Miss Diana here, said Minion.. is my High Priestess."" as like a three-year-old he stuck his tongue out at her.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:46, Thu 31 Dec 2020.

   The Little Rabbit Sighs.. "Great-one, The..  ..I am Your Theologian and am a shaman, Not Priestess."

She looks at Mister Smythe.. "A moment.."  And she first sitting on the floor, hops up to the seat of a bar stool, then to the bar itself.  trotting to the wine with a normal rabbit's four-legged gait, she stands up, pausing to look at the server; "If I may smell it."
  She first straightens her 'Grass skirt' looking at the Human female, "Real grass makes a much prettier skirt, but if I get nervous I Eat It!" She finishes sadly.

Sniffing the Wine she looks over the group. "The same accident that created Bunny created us.. he can drink this wine."

Looking at the person at the door.
 She turned and asked the Barman, "You got consomme?"
This message was last edited by the player at 14:37, Thu 31 Dec 2020.

Her eyes widened.  She knew it was impolite to stare, but how could she not?  Her hand went to her head, feeling for a bump.  Maybe this was a hallucination.  Had Ken slipped some of her drugs into her?  No, Ken was dead. No bump.  Was she dead?  So many question.  So much weirdness.

Maybe she was dead?  Maybe this rabbit creature was a rabbit Goddess. She always believed in something like that.

She wandered to the Rabbit Goddess, curtseyed and asked in a whisper, May I touch you?  Are you real?  Are you here to tell me you approve of Isabella's Pet Bereavement Services?

Meri gave a nod of welcome to the newcomer as he walked in. Being a frequent patron of the place, he was used to many types of folks wandering in. In fact, he was quite sure many in the tavern, before and since, had found him the odd fellow out. When the barman handed him a glass, the Englishman poured two glasses. One for himself and the other for Isabella. The third, he left empty for now as neither Jack nor Diana cared to partake.

Meri gave the pair a nod and smiled "Well, if it is not your cup of tea, no bother, but the offer stands if you should change your mind. I am most pleased with making your acquaintance Buck and Diana. Most pleased indeed. It was getting quite lonely, I must say."

It was nice that Isabella was making her way to acceptance. It took time, Meri well knew. Some more than others. It was best for one to do so at their own pace. So he let her glass stay put as he turned his attention to the newcomer.

"I say? If you wish to join us, please do. Just having some wine and such. There is more than enough to go round. The name is Smythe, Meriweather Lewis Smythe. Most pleased to meet you."

Jon nodded in greeting to Jack.  "Don't worry, I'm civilized.  Been here once or twice before... though it was a while back.  The name's Jon."

As the offer came from the fancier-looking gentlemen, he nodded and approached.  "Thanks, I think I will.  Nice to try something different."  He took a seat, side-eyeing the woman as she approached... Diana, was it?  He turned to Smythe, and nodded his head in the woman's direction.  "Her first time?"  He asked quietly.  He vaguely remembered there being people here from far more mundane worlds than his the last time he came around, so being a bit overwhelmed would be a bit more understandable.

   Diana, the little rabbit: glanced at the pretty human female; "Isabella's Pet Bereavement Services?"  Turning the shaman rabbit walked over to the edge of the bar sitting down and adjusting her 'grass'-skirt to look at the questioner with professional interest. "Mz. .. Err.. Isabella.. Just how broad are you using the term bereavement, Pastoral care for. bereaved Pets at the loss of the favored keeper, pet's loss of a sib pet. or Keeper's bereavement at the loss of a beloved Pet?"

Pausing she looked at the human she calls the Great-one, returned the three-year-old tongue gesture, turns back to the nice woman and says; "My name is Diana no second, family, clan, or tribal calling.. You may pet my ears if you want to."

And from down the Bar the Truck farmer lets out a deep belly laugh at an obvious in-joke.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:48, Sat 02 Jan 2021.

The grey-bearded Jack took another sip of his prefered mixed 'poison', and watched the young lady address Diana and he grins at her expression.

As the guy who just came in spoke, Jack's expression slipped into a cold visage for a moment and his gaze slipped to the side and seemed to look at something in the far distance; "I once thought I was civilized, thank God that your path hasn't wandered beyond the pale; Jon."

And with a glance and pastoral verbal dart, a little rabbit tore his mind from memories and Jack began to laugh pointing his finger helplessly at the small bipedal rabbit sitting on the bar.

Looking back at Jon, Jack still chuckling at whatever the joke was, "Welcome back the bar's open."  And took another sip of whisky, carrot juice and tomato paste.

Oh very good question, Ma'am Diana. She reverently reached out an petted the rabbit's ear.  It was soft, and real.  Definitely real. She didn't know where she was, but this was real.

Then the cowboy started laughing.  Laughing.  She whirled on him, eyes ablaze.  A finger up to waggle in his direction.

Don't you talk to the Rabbit God Diana like that, young man.  I don't know who you are, but this is a special rabbit and deserves respect!  If you can't behave properly and respectfully, you should go play out side.

Her admonishment complete, she returned her attention to the talking rabbit. Well, Ma'am, my servers were up until this moment mostly for the humans who lost a animal friend.  However, I also tried to provide the best funeral and tending for those animals that departed.  Proper memorials, burials.  Not just for pets, but for wild, er... non-domestic? Um... I held a funeral for a squirrel.  She was getting a bit overwhelmed.

I didn't know animals... They can't speak... but the death of a keeper...Oh my, yes, I can see where that would be very awful. Her eyes were filling with tears at the thought. How could I not have thought of that.  When I get back... IF I get back... The whole business model is going to change.  There's so much that needs to be done....Can you tell me how I can communicate with the animals who've lost a loved one?
 How can I help them?

She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand.  Can you... can you send me back.  I'll do as you ask. She thought for a moment.  Are there others? Other animal Gods and Goddesses?  That ... talk? She asked, her mind clearly racing.

In reply to Jonathan Harmarth (msg # 18):

The Englishman nodded to the Wolfman's query and held out a glass of wine. "Yes! That would be my assumption you see. A glass of wine, perchance? A fine vintage, I assure you. As Jack has stated, the bar is open and its particular medicine is needed now more than ever."

Meri then turned and took in Isabella's conversation with Diana. One rarely had the opportunity to see one such as this. So the Gunman was quite intrigued to see how it progressed. Seeing the woman tear up set the gentleman in Meriwether in motion once more. He took a white handkerchief from his frock coat pocket and presented it to Isabella.

"Here you go, madam. For the tears, what? Otherwise, please do not let me interrupt. Do carry on. Quite interesting, I assure, quite!"

He shook his head at Jack.  "I just mean I can think clearly, honestly.  I'm not feral or anything."  Jon couldn't help but chuckle at the poor new girl calling Diana a "rabbit god".  In his experience, it took a lot more than simply talking for an animal to get called a god.

He called over, vaguely curious to see how she reacted to him.  "You know, those two are here together.  Probably just an inside joke."

With that, he accepted the wine glass.  Fancy wines usually struck him as a more Elven thing, but he knew it wasn't exclusive to them.  He gave the drink a precautionary sniff before taking a sip.  "Hm.  Not bad." he muttered appreciatively.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:19, Sun 03 Jan 2021.

As the Rabbit Goddess seemed to be composing herself, in that nose twitchy way rabbits think.  Isabella thanked Merry for the handkerchief and dabbed her eyes.

Thank you.  Thank you.  I'd never stopped to consider their perspective... How truly humancentric of me. How upsetting...for all of us. She murmured.

When the warrior man called over she looked to him. He seemed a little scary, but no worse then some she'd seen in New York.  Odd clothing, but advent guard was never her thing.  Paid well though... He was probably a designer.  She nodded to the man, glanced to the rabbit, then in a stage whisper replied, Even if you're friends with a Goddess, you should still show respect.  He doesn't know if I would give Her, <orange> there was a slight tip of the head, <orange>the proper respect.

  Jack took off his hat and exposed a somewhat receding hairline and a mix of silver and brown hair.  He waved the hat in front of his face and for some reason started to laugh harder.. While appearing to fight it to the point he started to hick-up.

He tried to say something to the Lady.. but the hick-ups interfered.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:52, Mon 04 Jan 2021.

The Little Rabbit, Looks over a Jack and Smiles.. "It is Good for him.. laughter has been hard to come by lately."

Turning Back Oh.. "Yes there are Many animal Gods, some talk, some don't.  The Monkey King is often considered a God.  To explain what I am is very hard if you don't know one of the Chinese languages.. And even then if you are speaking the wrong type and even the wrong era.. it can be very misleading."
Nodding at Jack she continues, "The Three Princes have Ruled that people like Jack over there are Angels, the Closest translation from Chinese for what I am is Demon.. but it doesn't help much since the word is often loaded with other meanings, in Anglish.."
Shrugging;  "The Term 'demon' is used by the Three Princes to designate The Fallen Angels among humankind, which has nothing to do with me." ..

Putting her hand/paw on the Lady's hand. "One of Jack's powers is that any Normal Rabbit that comes within a number of arshin, becomes sentient as long as they stay there.  I can do the same.. sort of.. but for me as long as the score stay in the warren they remain so which is why We can travel with the Great-one."
 Tilting her head she looks at the kind lady; "Many Rabbits become terrified when Cursed with.. sentient thought.. though it is in truth a spectrum. And they Runaway. The fact is the things that comfort them whether sentient or not are familiar smells, sounds, even the touch of things that comforted them before, these seem universal."

Turning to look at the Predator drinking the Rotten Grapes.. "Jack is a Good Human but becomes Quite Feral when Kittens, are threatened."

Looking Back to the Lady; "As to getting you home if you went home with us.. I fear.. It wouldn't be your home."

Jon listened to the little rabbit going on and on with mild curiosity, visibly struggling to keep up with her rambling.  "I uh, I recognized one name in there.  The Monkey King, we have him back home.  Not sure about 'god', but he's gotta at least be immortal."

No...no, I mean my home. Isabella tried to clarify.  Glancing around again realizing nothing was what her mind had being trying to put into place.  The big hairy man no longer seemed like a man.  The nice man who had offered her wine was wearing clothing perhaps out of a museum.  Even the cowboy was not looking like a normal cowboy.  The talking rabbit had said angel.  But she had called herself a demon.  Nothing made sense.

Her head began to swim and she swayed a moment.  I think I need to sit. She said to no one before dropping onto a near by chair.

Is this hell?  Am I dead? She asked weakly.

   Jack Seeing the Lady's response to Diane's exposition on animal theology.. and his society's take on superheroes.. headed over his shot glass in one hand, a small crystal decanter in the other, and a light-colored rather heavy-looking hook cane hanging from his elbow.

   Coming to her chair, he puts the drink down nearby and kneels rather heavily there. "Miss Bell You okay there.  This ain't Hev'n or Hell.. and you ain't dead, though I wouldn't be surprised to see dead folk walk in the door."

   A strange purple light flickers in The older man's eyes, he picks up his decanter and holds it out..
   At a matching flicker in the rabbit's eyes..
 She goes from looking worried to smiling and rolling she snags an empty shot glass from behind the bar, and springs with a three-legged leap to a nearby chair. The shot glass apparently now held in a hidden pocket of the grass skirt secured by a paw.. and stands up then holding it out to the nice lady.

Jack continues speaking; "If You Want something stronger, you could have a shot of my Mistress Bloody Mary.. taint got vodka its base is whisky, carrot juice, and tomato paste. You aren't dead.. as far as I know.. but you have tripped down Alice's rabbit hole, but are at The Wolf's Head Tavern instead of Wonderland."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:21, Fri 08 Jan 2021.

Jon's look went from confusion to concern as Isabella started to have an existential crisis.  She wasn't taking this well.

Jack and Diana beat him to the punch to try and comfort her, however.  So, he decided to sit back and observe, waiting to see if there was anything he could do to help, as he took another sip of the wine.  It was nice to try a new drink.

At the mention of the tavern's name, however, he couldn't help himself, as he piped up with a slight smirk.  "The name has nothing to do with me, I promise.  Pure coincidence."

Izzy. She said weakly, looking between them in the room.  My friends call me Izzy.  These people, these gods or demons or angels or animals or whatever they were, she was smart enough to know she was likely to need them.  Need them far more than they needed her.  They were being kind, she recognized that.  She could be their friend.

Nodding, she reached for the drink and downed it in one gulp without a flinch.

So... I'm in ... an alternate universe?  And you two, She gestured to Jack and her rabbit friend, You come from the same place and are connected.  And you, <orange> She looked at Jonathan, <orange>are a wolf in man's clothing?  But not the rest of the wolf from Wolf's Head Tavern, a different...wolf?  She took a longing glance at her glass, wondering who to ask for a refill.  Then gave a quick look at Merri, wondering if he was going to turn into some kind of animal in the near future.

Jon nodded.  "I've heard this place described as... a meeting place between worlds.  I think this is... my third time here?  Never intentionally, I just kind of... end up here occasionally."

He moved over to take a seat near her.  "My name's Jon.  As to -what- I am... I used to be human.  I was afflicted by the Worgen Curse.  It... hit me a bit harder than some.  I still have trouble shifting back to human form, even when I'm relaxed."  The smirk returned.  "I just couldn't help commenting when the name of the place came up."

Diana looks across at then turns as Jon starts talking.
  Nodding; She Listened as Jon explained his history here, then responded. "This is My first time here, the Great one".. Glancing at Jack; "has been here several times, but this is my first time.  Jazz came with him the other times and even found a girl-friend from 'the Woods' here who called herself called 'Little Violet', Einstien said he wanted to try sending Bunny here since he thought he noticed the anchor was stable.  But I thought Einstien would wait until Violet and Jazz got back from their honeymoon."

Turning to the nice lady who wanted to be called 'Izzy';  "Well you know you can call me Diana, and my Mastermind Jack prefers to be called Jack or Bunny depending."

Looking back at Jon; Bunny has no trouble turning back to Human.. but since Professor Buck had the agro-industrial research accident, that created Bunny.. His Human form has health issues.

Turning to the seemingly normal human gentleman Diana asked; "Do you have super-heroes in your dimension?"

Used to be human. She parroted in a quiet voice.  She raised a hand to reach to touch the wolf, thought better of it and put it back into her lap.  One thing to ask a rabbit about touching, another for wolf.  Was that speciets?   She gave a soft whimper.

She followed Diana's words, her eyes traveling to the cowboy and back.  Jack. Bunny. She glanced to Merri, was he human?

Why am I here? She asked the room, weakly.

Meri was quiet. The others seemed to be quite adequate at explaining the place. The beautiful woman was not unlike many who tread the hallways of this place for the first time. All these explanations... death... an alternate universe... were all unproven but possible. The Englishman could not himself say. That people from different times, places, and possibly other worlds have appeared here were quite true.

"I do not think you are dead Miss Izzy. However, I do feel that you, like many others, have stumbled upon the place as we all have done. Why? Now then, that is the question, what? I have never known the answer to that myself. Perhaps we are here to meet others that will, in some small way, assist us when we return to where one actually belongs. Perhaps we are to met those here to accomplish this or that matter of importance. I know of some who have traveled from this place to perform a mission. Though I have done so, I can not remember all the details you see." Meri refilled the lady's wine glass and held it forth so she could take it. "Here you go, Miss Izzy. Have another sip or three. The answer shall come, I think. When? Whom is to say? I would suggest just enjoy oneself while here. I assure you, no one here will harm you. The place is quite contrary to violence of any kind you see."

Layanna moved down the path, her heavy oil skin coat weighing her down. The above world was so different, weigh may not carry her to the depths but it did make her weary. She looked at the tavern ahead. The large building felt more welcoming than the last. It had been a week since she had found a warm bed or safe place to rest. The warm glow beaconed her to come in.

After little internal debate, she wandered up to the wolf's head tavern. She opened the door and looked around. As a weaver of legends she had heard of this place, but standing here now she saw it was beyond the tales of drunk warriors and adventurous sailors. It was more than she could describe. She touched her heart stone, a simple necklace she wore that kept her legs under her and her fins hidden. This is why she had traded for legs, to find this place. She pulled her hood down revealing her blue hair that seemed to shimmer in the light, like the sun hitting the ocean back in Trenal. Her eyes searched the room, spotting creatures unlike the stubborn dwarves or prideful elves. Yet a human sat among them- albeit a bit distressed. She smiled as she took a breath to steady her heart.

Izzy took the offered drink and forced herself to take a sip.  Again she looked around the room not sure what to do or to think.

Can I go home? She asked the room moments before another entered and her attention shifted to the new person, woman, female.  She wasn't exactly sure and her experience in this odd place thus far clearly indicated that not only should nothing be at face value, but that even what her brain was telling her she thought she saw and understood, was not necessarily the case.

Jack heard the door open, and his ears didn't quite twitch.
   Turning his head he looked at the door and nodded at the new arrival.. but spoke to Miss Izzy; "I know how I get here, a friend of mine who has chosen the name Einstien. sends me with a wormhole, but while I say he sends me when he feels like it.. Sometimes I think it has more to do with when he talks this place into giving me a vacation."
    Looking back at miss Izzy; "I have always been able to go home.  and would think that you should be able as well, though You should think on, WHY the Tavern thinks you Need to be here."

   Jack hands Miss Izzy the decanter of 'Mistress Bloody- the bartender had given him.. and turns again to the new arrival; "Morn'n Maam, well come to the Wolf's Head Tavern."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:00, Fri 15 Jan 2021.

Layanna nodded as she took in the scene around her. "I'm truly here?" She whispered to herself more than anything as she quietly soaked in the building around her. "This place," She looked at the man, "This is real? I am here?" She smiled in disbelief. If time could stop she wished it would to let her linger in this moment if not but a minute more. She held her bag closely, not quite ready to pull her journal out and begin writing of this place. She needed to calm herself- that much she knew. Her mind was racing through every legend, every tale, and every song of this place and now she stood here.

Jon shrugged.  "To be honest, I'm still not entirely certain how one gets home.  I don't remember how I did it the last few times I was here, I just know I ended up back home at some point."

He turned to observe the new arrival briefly, but she appeared to be more in awe of the place than lost and afraid.  Maybe she'd heard of it before?  Who knows.  He turned his attention back to Isabella.  "Maybe tell us a bit about where you're from?"

In reply to Isabella (msg # 37):

Meri cocked a brow. "Home? As Jack has already stated, correctly I might add, one should take the time to sort through things here first. Heavens knows when you might be returned here. I know things appear rather strange, but I assure you are far from Bedlam Izzy. Try some of that concoction... that tomato juice and see if it assists your nerves."

To the newcomer, Meri gave a half bow from the waist. "Yes! Quite real, in fact, quite! From your perspective, of course, you are here. Or, from my perspective, you are there. All the way, one perceives such things. Now then, if your world has such, would you like to sample Quint's vintage... wine, my dear. If so, I shall hail the barman at once."

Izzy took a sip of the tomato juice and winced.  She never much liked tomato juice and whatever was added to this one didn't help.  The thought that she some how was supposed to be there was not a comfort.  Nor could she imagine why she might be here or how to figure that out.

She blinked at Jonathan, fighting the urge to cry.

Well, I'm from earth. She thought given the circumstances that might be the broadest place to start. From the United States.  I... I've lived a few places there, but right now I was, I am, I used to be... She stumbled over the words. I was in Boston, Massachusetts.  Do you know these places? She asked, unable to keep the hope out of her voice.

Diana puts her paw on Miss Izzy's hand the actual paw unfolding into a furry hand, "my Brother Einstien says he thinks we all have a particular vibration that can allow you to match the traveller to their home."
Shrugging; "We have a Boston, Massachusetts, and a Branson, Missouri.. You may have even had a Jack Buck.. But if you have never heard of Bunny.. he is probably.. not."
Looking to the air sadly; "And you would not be from Our Home."

Isabella had been fine with the paw, but as it unfolded into a furry hand, she fought the urge to pull away and cringe.  She trusted rabbits.  Even talking rabbits.  Even talking rabbits that were not gods, but... what? Aliens.  Alien rabbits.  They will lock her up at home was her next thought, such that she almost missed what the rabbit was saying.

No Bunny. She whispered.  She paused a moment a thought crossing her mind.  So there is no Isabella's Pet Bereavement Services on your... place? She asked.  Do you have... vets?

Layanna smiled, revealing her sharp teeth, "That sounds perfect." She looked at the man and approached him. She looked at his attire closely, noting the style, the cut of his clothing much tighter than her own loose tunic top and trousers. "I apologize, if I seem out of place, but this thing you do, is it customary to do?" She bent in a similar manner then stood and smiled greatly. Layanna looked over at the others curiously.

In reply to Isabella (msg # 42):

Meri listened to the beautiful blond speak of the States and such places as the city of Boston. Surely the Englishman had heard of them, but it was doubtful by the cut of the woman's clothes they were from the same era. So he sipped his wine before clearing his throat.

"Izzy... Dearest Izzy, I have heard of Boston. What Englishman had not. It was where that silly business of revolution started was it not? I have traveled abroad and to the states in fact. However, to the west coast and not the east. San Fransico, El Paso, Laredo, and others. Yet I do not think we are of the same period of time. Pertaining to your dress and manner of speech as my basis of conjecture and nothing more."

Meri drained his glass as the newcomer mirrored his bow and addressed him. "Brilliant! Well done I must say. Enchanté, I am Smythe, Meriwether Lewis Smythe. I am at your service."

The Gunman poured himself another glass and pointed to it with a slender deft finger, then held two fingers high before addressing the new arrival once more. "Why yes! It is a manner of greeting, I suppose. At least during my time and with a man of my station, of course. Some might get on with a tip of a hat perchance or merely a wave of a hand, you see. Yet you, I dare say, warranted a bow at the very least. I am gathering you a glass. Wine then?"

Jack glances at the newest arrival, then looks back at Issabella. "Miss Izzy I don't know if it would comfort you or not, if I said there was this ''Isabella's Pet Bereavement Services'' and if there was 'a' you ran it.  but I don't know, and I'd know that she won't know Me, or Diana." Looking at Diana; "Diana.. Well.. I have triple degrees in argriculture, biology, and botany; but Diana doesn't just care for the Souls of my minion and me, but the physical bodies.  After the accident she saved many lives, and has patched me up after more strapes than I want to think about.. At least in my dimension."

   Turning to look back at the newest arrival, where he is kneeling by Miss Izzy's chair; "Good Morn'n Miss we are having an existential discusion.. but if I may introduce us, My Little friend's name is Diana," as he pointed to the oversized rabbit wearing a plastic grass-skirt, with stone beads, mouse-skulls and bells.
  His hand gestures to Miss Izzy; "This nice Lady here I know as Isabella, or Miss Izzy, You have met Mr Smythe, and that fine furry fellow over there is Jon, I am Jack Buck.. and Bunny."
    Looking back at Miss Izzy; "Miss Izzy I don't want you to misunderstand, the Wolfheads tavern, I have met some mean.. err.. Donkey Rears, here.. and have seen how the TAVERN treats them.  I don't know if this will help, until you understand but Bunny promises to protect you.. I'll introduce Bunny as well."

In reply to Jack Buck (msg # 47):

And something changed, It was less that Jack physically changed.. where he still kneeled next to Miss Izzy's chair. but it was more as if reality changed.
Not kneeling on the floor, but a classic looking Jack-rabbit Sat by the Chair looking down on Miss Izzy.
 Massive, lack of conservation of matter appearing to be a power, It's size about a head taller than Jack Buck had been kneeling..
Obviously posing in the classic Cute rabbit pose long ears hanging and hunched down to full fluffyness.  "Ma'am.. Miss Izzy, I Bunny as a.. gentleman.. promise to protect you while you are here."

She was starting to get some footing, then the strange woman came and her teeth... she blinked, turning to the cowboy as he spoke, taking some comfort in thinking she understood.
 Until he started to ...change.  Oh. my. ... Isabella whispered her eyes wide.

Um, thank you. Um. Bunny. She said politely, sure that having it, him, them as a friend was beneficial.

Um. Oh. Um. Degrees.  Um.  I don't have a degree. She offered, clearly not sure what else to say.

Jon listened to the conversation about degrees and fields of expertise.  "For the sake of polite company, let's just say I do a lot of military work for the kingdom.  But, I am also a pretty good alchemist and I make a small business out of that on the side.  Potions, elixirs, and stuff like that.  Lots of healing potions."

He smiled and let out a chuckle at Jack turned into 'Bunny'.  "Seen a lot of shapeshifters in my time.  Mostly druids, and other people like me.  But 'rabbit' isn't a terribly common one back home."

Layanna seemed to think for a second, "Formality as the elves say. In their culture they do this," She crossed her right arm across her chest and gave a curt nod. "It is considered formal and the highest form of greeting they have shown me, but I am not one of them so there is one higher they keep for themselves." Her eyes brightened as she realized her mistake. "My calling is Layanna Kilendra of Treana and yes, wine would be welcome. Thank you, Smythe."

The Bear sized rabbit turned toward the newest arrival, still sitting.. him twisting with rabbit flexibility, and crossed his right paw across his chest, nodding back; "May the Angels have your back Layanna Kilendra of Treana."

Looking back at Miss Izzy; "Degrees are all well and good.. I liked books, learning, and writing my own scholastic Babbel on paper,.. so that came easy for me.."

The Great Rabbit shrugged, and glanced between Jon and Izzy; "I also liked my Dad's, granddad's, and great granddad's line of work. So when I did the School thing, I ended up as the Scholars like to put, it getting it as a few.. a few.. Eerr..M.. Bovine excr.. Stuff, Some More-Stuff. and two Piled-Higher-&-Deepers.  What did that get me but a job testing experimental Seeds and crops for the Union's federal government."

Contenplativly his right rear foot raised up and scratched the top of his head; "And that in turn got me in this mess, you ever heard the old Saw; 'suitable for government work'; I got carrot seeds to test.. and grow.. tested the heck out-of-em.  but not for radiation." Sighing "Heck it smelled sweet, and the texture was very good, fed my pet-stock the skin shavings and meat-&-fur-stock, the tops.

Glancing at Diana; "I started by feeding my sweet-natured Diana. and worked my way through the rest of the pet pens giving them all some of the nice flavored, meat and greens. Then went and continued on gave the rest the greens mixed with regular feed."

Turning to look at Jon, "and we all started to die, it turns out my carrot cake, and cooked mixed vegetables were just as lethal.  The Change was killing us, but Diana saved herself during the change. And then knowing what to do, she saved the other Pet-stock.. showing them how. Then they broke into the other pens and saved the first to get sick there teaching them what to do."
"They all worked together and managed to get Daina out of the barn, and she led a team to me.  I had collapsed on the sofa in my living room.. my skin.. well it wasn't pretty."

But Do you know who taught me what I need to know..
He paused Not My degrees, not even my new friends.

Looking out to his memories; I bought Eggs from a young widow neighbor lady and her son.. Little Jack.. delivered them the next day.  He simply looked up as I opened the door still wondering what was wrong with the ceiling so close and why I was wearing fuzzy gloves. That boy Jackie looked up smiled and simply asked 'Is that you Big Jack'.
Suddenly grinning He explained everything I needed to know to direct my new life from Zeusday morning cartoons.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:19, Thu 28 Jan 2021.

Izzy listened intently.  She was too embarrassed to say she didn't understand half of what The man-rabbit said.  She would have liked to blame it on the circumstance, but she wasn't sure that was it.

Well, I'm glad you... you were okay. She was sincere in her wishes.

And welcome Miss. Elf. She said politely to Layanna.

My earth is ... is so different than, than any of this.  I... I was a supermodel, but I retired.  But, I'm sure that means nothing here. She added the last almost to her self.

I was in school to be a vet tech. She offered. I really want to support animals. She looked at those around her, and then flushed. I mean...Not that your animals...well, I mean you are. But I am too! She tried to explain.

Jon listened quietly to Jack/Bunny's explanation.  Like Isabella, much of it went over his head.  But some of it managed to hit a little too close to home for his comfort.  In particular, as he uttered the words "The Change", Jon squeezed his eyes shut for just a moment and took a deep breath.

As Izzy spoke, Jon welcomed the distraction from those thoughts and raised a hand to reassure her.  "Hey, relax.  Trust me, I've been called a lot worse by people who were trying to offend me."

He leaned back in his chair, trying to relax.  "I mean, as long as you're happy with what you're doing, or trying to do, that's what matters, right?  And if you're helping someone or something else in the process, so much the better."

The Englishman took the proffered glass given by the barman. He filled it and held it out to the new arrival. The giant rabbit spoke indeed of many things. What all of it meant, well, that was something of an altogether different matter. Meri did not understand it save something was done to change this rabbit into what he was now. That the transition almost killed him, but he was saved by well-timed assistance a tad bit of happenstance. Something like his own transformation, and by looking at the man-wolf and tormented blond woman, such transformations were more than commonplace among them.

***   *****   ***
The groomsmen were overly rough with their handling of him as they dragged the beaten Meriwether to the post. The rough treatment was necessary as he did not go there willingly.

"Stand him and hold him fast you louts!" said a stern but familiar voice.

As Meri reached the post he was lifted and placed hard against the rough wooden surface. So hard that he hit his head but he remained conscious. Passing out would have been a kindness. The men then grabbed one arm each pulling Meri and holding him in place.

"That's the way lads!" said the same voice, now with some satisfaction.

In the silence that followed, Meri could hear the cracking of the whip.

"You will learn a lesson this day Meriwether. One that should have been taught long ago. Did you believe I would not find out about your latest misadventures? Leaving Oxford... destroying the engagement with Abigail... shaming your name and mine along with it. You have never hit the mark. You are a lazy spendthrift and arrogant son. Well, you shall remember this day. I will leave a mark upon you, that I will. Hopefully, you will learn from it but if you do not... the reminder of my displeasure will be evident just the same." he said.

He was Meriwether's father, the Major. Knighted by the Queen and war hero. Meri had never liked the man much less loved him. His father was quick with a backhand cuff or cruel jest when it came to Meri... his son. He had never been robust enough, smart enough, or hard enough. Upon the day Meri's mother passed and he cried and his father beat him for it. He was all of eleven.

"I will give you something to cry about you sniveling little bastard." he said.

"Hold him, steady lads, the boy is weak and I want him standing for more than one blow!" he screamed.

Meri remained quiet. Nothing he could do would stave off the beating nor change his father's mind. Once he healed... he would be off. Never to return...

The whip hit Meri and opened up his back. It felt like it was on fire. The stinging sensation remained even as he gathered it for another strike. Meri bit his lip so hard that his lips bled but he did not scream or shout.

"I'll have your tongue soon enough my sweet Meri!" his father taunted.

And scream Meri did. At least for two more lashes. After that, he passed out. His father was a strong man. He gave him another twelve. That was the military punishment after all...

***  *****  ***

"Here you are, Layanna Kilendra of Treana. Wine made in the traditions of the Romans, perhaps in the fertile valleys of ancient Gaul. I received a bottle, much like this one, from an amiable chap named Quintius. He... he was a good man, as most men go. It was he who first advised me when I arrived. Not unlike you, I suppose, quite confused about the whole affair, I must say." His features softened as he looked around at his newfound companions. The smile upon his lips was genuine. Yet, there was just a hint of mischief in his pale blue eyes. "Izzy, I say, Jonathan has hit the nail square upon its head. Perhaps, just perhaps, those were the words you longed to hear. Being happy doing what you do and by doing so, if you are able to assist another, why you have really done something... have you not?"

The Gunman handed the glass to Layanna Kilendra of Treana, with an elegant bow. "Here you are, madame. Drink it in good health and good fortune. It is what I wish for each and every one of you."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:41, Fri 29 Jan 2021.

Layanna accepted the glass with a nod as she listened to them speak. Layanna looked at Smythe then at Izzy, "I am not a elf. The greeting of my people is not quite so simple to show." She shook her head then took a sip of the wine, "I am-" She tried to think for a moment. "More like Jack, but not so furry. Elves are a people whom entered my world by way of this place." She looked at Smythe, "It was long ago and the stories shift too often to be fully true. But they always pointed to this place being how they came to our lands and all of them spoke of other kinds that wandered this place. I have searched for years to find a way to be here, to solve the mysteries of the land. I am no scholar but I try to study people whom come from such legends." She looked at Jack, then Izzy. She pulled out a worn book from the pocket of her coat and began scribbling a few quick notes onto the pages.

Her land had welcomed the Elves and dwarves but no one seemed to recall the fully tale. It had been generations since the original day known to her kind as Leatin. It was celebrated among all three races in her land, but never as one. The Dwarves took to the new mountains, the elves the flat lands, and her own Merrows took the lands and sea. She looked to come back to the past to unite those whom now lived together, but first she needed to know about these others.

Now she realized there were more than just the elves and dwarves, and such knowledge made her heart leap. This would be the greatest discovery. She felt herself smiling.

Izzy had nodded weakly at Meri, then Jonathan, then looked to Layanna. Sorry M'am. She spoke softly, and was relieved that the woman didn't seem offended.  She wondered for a moment if she might be a legend or have come from one.  That didn't seem possible.

Izzy took a moment to think about all that had been said to her and the strange place she found herself.  She supposed she was lucky.  She supposed to there must be some reason she was there, but for the life of her, she didn't know what that might be.

Turning to the large talking rabbit, as she still considered the being a goddess, since she was a large talking rabbit, and talking to a goddess seemed more approachable than talking to a god, she asked softly, How might one know why they are here?

In reply to Isabella (msg # 57):

Diana listened interestedly to the interplay of the people in the room.. until she was asked a question.  "That is the Question.. 'What do the Gods want'.. Jack Was our God, the bringer of all good things, the kindness of our world, the center of life and death. What did he want.. we had no real clue. And then We became closer to Him."

Looking around; "What do They want us to Do? Would we even understand what is that right-thing they want us to do?  And would they even tell us what to do.. an example is the Monkey King.. he is a sweetheart, but if you were dropped here by him.  He would Laugh like a jackal if you asked what you should do, as you are here to mix things up.. to be Fun.. for him anyway."

shrugging "He is an agent of cha0s and freedom, that is his Order."

Grinning Impishly; "If you want to do.. what the Gods want.. my only real advice is the, very unhelpful.. Be You."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:21, Wed 03 Feb 2021.

Layanna set her book down for a moment and took her glass again. "Mr. Meriweather," She smiled, "I wonder about you. Would you find it rude if I question you about your land? My people don't see the world as I do, and I am curse with curiosity it would seem. You are very much like the elves in build but I wonder about what makes you different. What makes this drink also? It is very refined." She took a sip and looked around again. This place was worlds away from her only the night before, but now she had found it. She looked over the man before her. It had been a long time since she had sat down and had a conversation with anyone- other than the elves who had taken her in years ago. Most Elves wanted nothing to do with her, she sighed at the thought. Even her own kind kept away from the wondering girl she had become.

Presently, the door slowly opened, a female Half-Orc peeking around the corner, looking immensely confused. She stepped inside and quietly shut the door behind her, stopping a moment to take in her surroundings before heading to the bar and ordering a drink. She was oddly short and had bright blue eyes, as well as a quiet demeanour, all rather confusing traits for a Half-Orc.

Diana turned and looked at the new arrival.  "Come on in, this is the Waypoint Wolf Head Tavern, and welcome."
She turned back to listen.

''Thank you,'' Gell replied softly, watching the...rabbit woman? Gell had never seen anybody like her before, immediately piquing her curiosity. The Half-Orc waited patiently for a break in the conversation before leaning over and asking Rabbit gently, ''what is this place? I've been in these woods for years and I've never seen this place before.''

Looking at the half-orc the only slightly oversized rabbit..
   with opposable thumbs..
   in a plastic grass skirt..
   decorated with what looks like real mouse skull rattles..
   Who honestly LOOKs dressed like a shaman.
 Speaks to Gell "My Name is Diana and if you are from This woods then you are like our hero Violet.. she is around someplace because her fox is outside near the porch. She is a Normal rabbit caught in Jacks's power, and staying because she has Fallen for Jazz."
     Turning to look at the Door; "Very few people actually come from Wolf's head, or it's outland.  It is a locus for wormholes.. Or so my friend Einstein says. Some can tell when they arrive from other worlds.. some find themselves walking through their woods and suddenly come out in a place they have never seen before.  Not realizing they are no longer home."

''That's what happened to me. I was heading but to my shelter, things looked normal but uh...then I found this place,'' Gell looked down into her drink, rather shy. ''May I ask what a wormhole is?''

Jon turned his attention away from his prior conversation, and toward the new arrival.  One of his eyebrows raised as he looked her over.

Her features reminded him of an Orc, but there was too much that didn't quite match up.  Once again, he was forced to remind himself that it was incredibly unlikely that he'd ever see anyone else from Azeroth here.  The fact that he kept stumbling across this place seemed nothing short of fate.

The name of the place was probably fate's idea of a joke in that regard, he figured.

"Yeah, that sounds about right.  I've been here a few times, now.  Took me a bit to realize I'd ended up here again."  Jon excused himself from the present conversation and moved a bit toward the new arrival.

"Wormholes... heard that term thrown around about a few Gnomish gadgets back home... something to do with moving instantly between two distant locations.  Easiest way I've heard to describe this place is 'a meeting place between worlds.'"

He extended a hairy, clawed hand toward the newcomer, offering a handshake.  "The name's Jon."
This message was last edited by the player at 10:10, Mon 07 Feb 2022.

''Gell. Nice to meet you Jon,'' the Half-Orc scoots over to allow the newcomer to sit and shakes his hand with a strong grip despite her meek voice. ''Thanks for the uh...explanation,'' Gell smiled and blushed for no apparent reason, ''I've never heard of such a thing in my uh...world. We have portals but that never takes us to another world. I didn't even know there were any others,'' Gell admits. ''Why do you think the worlds are supposed to meet up?'' she seemed to be getting over her initial shyness.

   The statue of a giant stuffed rabbit (I Mean what else could it be at 5' tall sitting on the floor) sitting off to the end of the wolf's-head's bar, facing down the bar.. errr. Spoke Up; "Morn'n Miss Gell, I'm the Jack, Miss Diane was talking about. give my a moment and I'll shake your hand."
    Standing the creatures legs and trunk caused it to appear about the size of a grizzly or Kodiak bear.  But as it gained full height, it started to shrink..
  Shrinks, down to the size of a human man..
  which is what he.. appears now to be.
  Striding forward one hand reaches to the bar and takes a shot glass of.. could it be carrot juice.. the other hand reaches out in welcome.  "Welcome to Wolfheads tavern, ma'am."
Shrugging..  "They got almost anything you want to drink here, even seen a vampire happy with their order."
Looking at the Bar. "That said be careful what you do.. I've seen some Jack.. err.. donkeys' rears and bullies get a kick back from the tavern attempting to throw their weight around.. well inside the tavern anyway.. Even if'n you're thinking you are protecting some one the Tavern might take it amiss, . . Got to watch the sense of humor of the Woods out there though."
    The man stands nodding;  "Jack Buck, Ma'am. . Truck farmer.. secret identity of the Hero Bunny, Miss Diana's and the rest of the Bunny's Base minions mastermind."
Snickering to hisself; "Mastermind. . fact is Ma'am the Minions run my farm now. . and seldom bother to ask me or tell me what is going on."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:59, Mon 07 Feb 2022.

Gell blinked, utterly confused, but she smiled and nodded, ''uhm...nice to meet you sir.''

Jon watched with some interest as Jack changed back into his human form.  At Gell's mildly confused comment about wormholes and why worlds should meet, Jon shook his head.

"I don't think 'supposed to' factors into it.  Could be whoever made this place originally set it up that way... could be this place has always existed, and someone just had the idea to build a tavern here.  Given the shit I've seen the past few years... could be just about anything.  I figure if I go digging too deep for answers, I'm just gonna end up with more questions."

Having finished his previous drink, he ordered another quietly, and considered his next words.  "My people haven't had the best history with 'portals to other worlds'.  Last major one that opened up was in the middle of a war with a demonic army.  Before that, it brought the o-"  Jon paused for the briefest of moments, considering his new company and, while he wasn't sure, veered on the side of caution.  "An entirely different invading army of marauders.  I got the pleasure of seeing what they were capable of first-hand.  I was ten at the time they rolled through my town."

"This place, though... it's quieter.  Subtler.  Feels like you have to stumble across it by accident - and like Jack said, it tends to enforce a no-violence policy.  Never seen that in action, but I'm not eager to test it.  But all that means that it... I guess comes across as a quiet little retreat to meet people from other worlds, and have a quiet drink."

He chuckled quietly to himself, and found himself wondering if his friend Luci had ever stumbled across this place...?  The idea that Jon might have been the one to find this place first over the chaotic, portal-happy warlock positively tickled him.

Diane feels a shift in reality and looks around for a change.
   Knowing the bunnies felt such shifts in time/space better than Jack.