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 Posted: Tue May 31, 2022 6:36 pm
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Posted: Tue May 31, 2022 6:43 pm
Deep in the woods of the Underland lay a certain moonlit hollow, a deep cut bowl of a valley formed of tumbled boulders and flat-packed earth, grown dense with wild herbs and moss. Evident of recent rains meant the moss was dense and lush, a rainbow of blooms springing up. Verbena and phlox and moss rose, greenery yielding delicate petals in shades of pink, yellows, and oranges, even violets and purples.
Beyond the merry meadow of color, the forest beckoned cool and dark. The surrounding trees were a blend of oak, ash, and thorn; ancient and curled like silent guardians. Surrounding the strange circle within a circle stretched more protecting woods and eventually the sharp slate peaks of the surrounding mountains. Even there, scattering the rocky ledges and cliffs, clung bursts of green with dainty petals. White snowdrops had a stronger presence there, but the colorful windflowers were slowly climbing their way toward the snowcaps. They wouldn't quite reach, but the hints of color would surely feed the wildlife emerging from winter burrows or retreating from their southward migration. But this and the strangely calm lake were the heart of hearts of the territory, rarely disturbed and ferociously guarded. Tonight was a night for disruption, a gleeful sort of happening, all velvet shadows limned with silver moonlight.
It was rather well past nightfall when a shadow stirred in the dusk-drenched hollow, barely illuminated by the slow climb of the full moon. The moon of manifesting, or so some would believe. Given the scene cast half in shadow by the slowly rising orb, it was clear those believers had been at work. Stubs of candles pooled wax at the points for the four cardinal directions, merrily burning wicks long-since extinguished and melted masses left to cool. The remains of smudging sage, collections of fresh herbs, and an assortment of glittering stones also remained.
The shape wound among them, burgundy and slate-blue paws pressing moss and herbs underfoot, releasing a twining combination of scents that were piney, fresh and bitter in turn. Sharp golden claws extended, slicing the green undergrowth and increasing the herbaceous scent as a large shape moved gracefully toward the nearly invisible white lines curving over the earth. The low barrier was formed of rough granules, rock salt, and it glittered faintly golden in the drifting golden light the figure exuded. On a convenient, albeit roughly hewn rock pedestal rested an oakwood bowl, filled with a mix of herbs. The discerning eye and nose could easily recognize the contents as a blend of agrimony, apple, bay leaf, dandelion leaf, wormwood, woodruff, and white willow bark.
"Hmmm," The figure rumbled to himself, gleaming golden eyes crinkling in amusement. "It looks like it was quite a gathering... A pity I seem to have missed it."
White teeth gleamed as the great cat chuffed to himself, whiskers shivering as his nose twitched. Tilting his head just enough that the wide brim of his hat cast his bright eyes in shadow once more, the Cheshire stallion gave his surroundings a last glance before gracefully flowing beyond the sprawl of the circle, up out of the hollow, and into the cover of the forest. There was some distance to cover and no reason to hesitate, so he set out.
"I'm on my way, Cousins, never you fear." He promised the whispering wind. "I'm on my way..." Arcane Wordcount: 562
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Posted: Tue May 31, 2022 7:35 pm
Tonight the Underland herd was more or less divided into three groups: those that went to the hollow, those that stood watch, and those that either slept or accomplished other tasks that required tending. True moonrise was several candle marks after nightfall, and theoretically, about the time the silver disk was heavy overhead, those on watch would be relieved by their replacements so they could seek out their beds or move on to other matters.
For his part, Rumple Minze "Peppermint Cordial" had not been among the carefully selected party of those that went down to the hollow; his mother and aunts kept their secrets barring those they shared with the nieces they needed for whatever purpose within those very same secrets. Instead, he'd been permitted to try his paw at sentry duty. As such, the white and raspberry-hued ink Cheshire waited on the outer edges -of the outer edges- of the Hollow Wood, with one ear cast toward where his family had melted away into the dense shadows, and the other ear tipped toward the borders where danger might be expected to come from. Or he had tried, but eventually, he and his faithful companion had tucked themselves against a tree trunk, curled together, and resolved to 'guard' from there.
Leaving the youngest in charge of anything as dull as inter-territory sentry duty is not for the best, as the lack of action or even the threat of it can too easily lead to wandering paws or lowered eyelids. As such, while it was more or less agreed the younglings could take turns, when it was Rum's chance, the candle marks of stillness had led to him drifting off. It wasn't his fault! It was just all too easy to curl one's self up in the hollow of roots at the base of a tree and drift off to sleep as the cool breeze tugged idly at his mane and danced playfully about his ears. The breeze smelled of fresh flowers, enhanced by soft spring rain. And if that wasn't bad enough, at the edge of his hearing laughed the bright trickle of water; the streams that twined through the territory flush with recent rains and snow-melt. The scents filled his nose and twined around his dreams, all of it easily lulling him into a deep sleep. Rum Wordcount: 388
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Posted: Tue May 31, 2022 8:12 pm
Asleep, which is where his elder half-brother found him some unknown time later.
'Oh Rum...' Zing mused silently, humor curling along his lips in a faint grin that he tried to suppress. 'Oh, Little Brother, what are we going to do with you?'
Zinger Lemonberry Hucklebones stepped out of the shadows once he was sure it would not disturb the young sentry, his dusk-blue gaze burning merrily as he looked down on the white chocolate twist of raspberry marked pelt that was Rumple and his familiar. The pair was thoroughly knocked out at this point, drowsing on a bed of clover that had bloomed in white and red. It was particularly fitting, given the napping pair, which only served to amuse Zinger all the more. He had rather guessed that sooner or later the quiet would get to the younger Cheshires, but rather than discourage the attempt he'd merely assigned himself as an overlap and let the matter rest. It was not the sort of thing that presented any danger, so a learning experience it would be... whenever Rum woke up, at any rate.
His mother and aunt had moved through some time ago, retiring to rest after their tasks were completed and the circle subsequently cast and broken. Now it was up to the moon and intention, the slow drift of candle smoke, and the blend of herbs still waiting at the high altar. Not that Zinger had seen to any of that personally, his crown of antlers too grand and branching to admit him along some of the narrower paths he would have been required to traverse to get there. But Aunt Katya had said it was done, and Esfir had seemed quite pleased with herself when she danced past. Her bare bones gleamed white and clicked cheerfully over the stone as she rattled past, jaw chattering with soft excitement as she breezed past him to inhale a heap of spring berries on her way to a well-deserved rest. Zing had let them pass without comment, unwilling to tip his hand and let Rum know there was someone else standing watch.
Which turned out to be for the best, because though he was thinking the night really might slip by without anything further of note to distinguish it from the last or the next... something rather interesting happened.
Strange paws stepped out of the winding trail that led to the Hollow Wood, and then there was a strange face, crested and bewhiskered, eyes gleaming like molten gold, shining out from beneath the brim of a pointed hat. Baubles and spider silk strands gleamed, golden lights danced, and a stranger stepped into view with a soothing grin. There were some strange leather belts draped over his back and hindquarters, holding an assortment of pouches and vials, a grimoire, teacup, and its matching saucer. The rich materials gleamed, gold and crystal and glass, but mixed in were utterly bewildering elements like the almost-glowing mushroom perched on the peak of his hat.
"Err.... good evening?" Zing murmured after a moment of bewildered gazing. Zinger Wordcount: 512
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Posted: Sat Jun 04, 2022 3:25 pm
Kasun of Ferus Arcanum, called Arcane by many if not all that knew him, easily wound his way out of the Hollow and through the territory of his kin. Eventually, the secretive spot gave way to a grove, the grove to rather conventional appearing woods, the woods to worn paths with cheerfully tipsy signs, bright clusters of flowers, and the remnants of tracks that indicated a wonderful mix of Cheshire Cats, rabbits, and various herd mates called this place home. So then, he had arrived at the right place... Wonder of wonders.
'LookingGlass Lake' proclaimed a cheerful turquoise sign, pointing right.
"Hmmm," Arcane mumbled to himself, giving the sign a nod. "Perhaps another time, thank you."
His golden eyes skipped over to a wine-colored sign tipped toward a gently sloping path, one which meandered downhill before turning out of sight. 'Tea Party.'
"Ahhh," Arcane sighed appreciatively. A cup of tea would certainly hit the spot right about now, as would a nice cake if one could be found. He had every faith that refreshments would not be disappointing, should he manage to find the individuals that he sought. Katya had always been a good hostess. "Now that, that is more like it, I should think."
On graceful paws he followed the direction of the darker placard, winding his way around trees until he at last stepped through a great arch. On the far side of the branch-wrought marker, Arcane found himself in an open meadow that seemed to largely function as a convergence of paths like the one he had followed to this point. Many of the trails were well worn, smooth with packed earth, small stones rounded smooth, or set with large chunks of smooth stone edged with flourishing greenery. This was very much an active little corner of the world, but its occupants clearly took care of their surroundings.
Leaving off his meandering evaluation of his surroundings, Arcane turned bright golden eyes to the stranger standing in a similar archway across from him. The large stallion, striped so that Arcane immediately recognized him as kin but antlered in a rather unexpected way, seemed to be blinking bright blue eyes in bewilderment. Offering a faint smile for his part, Arcane kept his silence other than granting the young stallion a questioning tilt of his head.
"Err.... good evening?" Said the stranger.
'Adorable.' The Magician thought to himself, though taking care to keep the thought to himself.
Aloud, Arcane chuffed softly in amusement. "Good evening... Apologies if I am intruding, but I'm searching for my cousins. I understand I am needed, and thus I've made my way here... Though, I rather wonder if I've found my way to the correct place?" Arcane Wordcount: 451
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Posted: Wed Aug 31, 2022 7:12 pm
'Here now, Zing my lad,' the young buck of a stallion thought to himself with a sigh. 'This is what becomes of matters when you let your guard down. And you as a sentry, covering for the young one? Let your guard down and find yourself in the same position Rum's in... or will be whenever he rejoins the land of waking. Clearly, daydreams are just as dangerous as nightdreams. You're in charge and getting snuck up on a stranger like this? It speaks of amateur hour, at best.'
Shaking it off, Zinger gave a bob of his head as he recovered and cleared his throat. "Good evening, please accept my most sincere apologies for a less than stellar welcome, Friend. You have found your ways to the Underland, though most folks enter from outside the herd and find their way in... it appears you've done things the other way 'round. In any case, my name is Zinger. I have a feeling that -considering where I think you've come from, and how- you have indeed found yourself in the correct place and in the correct way."
Serves him right for not quite giving enough weight to the wisdom of his aunts and their soft whispers about ritual. Judging by appearances, this stranger was none other than the Magician that his mother and aunt had been hoping for. What does one say when face to face with a Magician?
"I suppose you'll be wanting to speak to my Aunt, the Queen." He noted after a moment of companionable enough silence. "But it would be rude indeed of me to not offer you refreshment. I am sure your journey was tiring and unusual, if not altogether long. Might I lead you to the table? We will surely manage an audience once you've been adequately refreshed." Zinger Wordcount: 303
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Posted: Wed Jul 17, 2024 5:43 pm
In the thick of the night, the mystical hush of the Hollow Wood, twined with the tingling fog of a ritual and the smoke of burning herbs was a truly marvelous place. Especially when one has a belly full of tea and cakes and the remnants of a feast. Nestled down in a root hollow on a bed of fresh clover was even better, so Rum had been easily lulled to sleep. The dreamy humming sound that his companion Kahlúa -well, Lady Kahlúa Valrhona Opalys unless you were a friend- further enhanced his dreaming sleep in a way that the quiet of sentry duty just couldn't compete with. It was perhaps also why he had slept through the arrival of Zinger and the startling appearance of a stranger, if not a significant contributing factor.
Thankfully, the conversation picked up just as Kahlúa's humming switched to simple quiet breaths, and somehow Rum found himself wide awake again. Zinger's low rumbling tones were certainly familiar to him, but the sound of a stranger's voice tugged him out of sleep as surely as someone had torn away his blanket. Blinking his bright eyes rapidly, the young stallion took stock of his surroundings and bounced up to his feet again, tumbling his sheep companion into the cover with the rapid movement of his hindquarters and the ink-flinging sweep of his tail, which she had been using as a bed.
Doing his best to act like he hadn't gotten caught sleeping on the job, Rum shook himself into order and gave his brother a questioning look.
"So then, it seems that we have a guest for tea, Zinger?" He questioned over Kahlúa's muffled grumblings. "I think almost everyone has gone to sleep at this point. Do you want me to get Mother, or one of the others?"
Rum didn't know anything about magic or rituals, but if they worked this fast he was quite impressed. Rum Wordcount: 320
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Posted: Sun Aug 04, 2024 2:58 pm
"Well met, Zinger, my name is Arcane." Arcane rumbled a pleasant greeting as he considered the antlered stallion with a familial sense of amusement, fondness rising up at the way the young male visibly rallied himself. Though Arcane's appearance was clearly not expected by this individual, he was determined enough to be a good host and a good son, and entertain this freshly arrived stranger until his aunt was notified.
"Do not worry, I am not offended nor upset by my greeting, I know my appearance is somewhat unexpected." Arcane offered with a grin, nodding faintly in agreement. "That sounds like it would be pleasing and most effective."
Though no names had been mentioned yet, he had an idea of at least a few of those involved in the making of this herd, if only based on the individuals he was interacting with. Though the raspberry and lemon striped stallion had not yet fully introduced himself or stated his familial relations, it was very evident he bore a significant resemblance to Irina. Arcane may not have seen her in quite a long time, but he was willing to bet this was her son.
And so to was the white and raspberry striped stallion that was unfolding himself from a nook among the tree roots. On his own, this youngling vividly reminded Arcane of the Queen of Hearts, the fierce female that reigned over their original herd with sharp claws and a fierce temper. This lad didn't seem to be following her in temperament, polite and a little sheepish, and the way he deferred to Zinger's lead one might assume his younger brother.
"Refreshment would be most appreciated." Arcane admitted, shifting on his paws. His companions were still scattered through the woods, keeping an eye out or running messages back on his behalf. If things went well perhaps he would summon some of the ravens to dine and relay their news. "I have been traveling for some time, and would appreciate a bracing cup of tea and something to nibble on." Arcane Wordcount: 340
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Posted: Sun Aug 04, 2024 3:41 pm
Much of Zinger's fiercely burning gaze and attention is focused on the new arrival, noting the strange and interesting details like the stallion's hat and glowing features, the floating light and shining crystals. He carries and wears an assortment of trinkets that Zinger is not familiar with but is certainly intrigued by. Though the stallion's paws and claws are familiar, his tail is different from the family's often-fluffy characteristics, and the flash of fangs are certainly sharper and longer. To say nothing of the accessories that tell stories of travel and adventure.
Zinger is intrigued in spite of himself, but he certainly notices when his younger brother stirs to wakefulness and gets to his feet, rejoining the conversation with a willingness to summon some of the other relatives to address the guest. Well good, that simplifies things a little bit. He wouldn't want to leave Rum asleep amongst the roots, and awake he and Lady Kahlúa can go fetch either Irina or Katya for an audience. The Princes could entertain for the time being, but one of the Ladies would be needed for anything more.
"Rumple," Zing murmured, flicking his eyes over to the wine and white Cheshire with a nod. "I think that would be best... You should go see if Mother or our Aunt Katya is awake, and advise them there's a new arrival that would like to speak with them. We'll adjourn to the dining glade, and await them there."
Zinger awaited his brother's understanding nod before returning it with one of his own. Good, that was that done and it was his task to entertain their newly arrived guest while he waited for the authorities to arrive. He was fairly certain his mother and aunts would regard this arrival with glee, but that didn't mean he'd completely let his guard down between now and then.
Turning his head back to focus on the stallion that had introduced himself as Arcane, Zinger rocked back slightly on his hindquarters and turned in place, moving in the appropriate direction with a beckoning curve and a flick of bright eyes. "Arcane, if you'll accompany me this way? I am quite certain there are plenty of pastries and tea ready to be brewed. We also have fresh honey and fruit, as well as candied flowers and sugar cubes to enhance the tea. You're sure to find something to appeal to your palate and needs, as I wouldn't want my Aunt to be disappointed by my hosting abilities." Zinger Wordcount: 417
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Posted: Sun Aug 04, 2024 4:59 pm
In an effort to make up for his previous failings while standing watch -err, lying watch... sleeping on watch, truth be told- Rum does his best to keep his rekindled attention on the newly arrived stranger. While awaiting the response or instruction from his elder brother Zinger, he flicks one ear in the antlered Cheshire's direction and keeps the other tipped toward the dark colored tiger that has appeared by means that are as yet unknown.
Rum knows that there was a ritual performed earlier in the evening, though he's not certain if it was magic or a spell or merely honor to a trickster or higher spirit that might live in this or their home realms. He was not invited to participate in that part of the evening's activities and therefore expected that some of it would remain secret. Still, one hoped that if his mother and aunts had gotten together with the express intention of summoning assistance or strangers, they might have mentioned just how fast they expected results.
Unless of course, this stranger who introduced himself as Arcane was not here because of that... In which case, was it all just a coincidence and unexpected timing? That was an interesting thing to consider. Rum resolved to turn it over in his head once or twice on the trip to check and see of Aunt Katya was still awake, or if his mother was available to greet this new arrival. Hopefully one of them knew this stranger from before, from their homeland, and could confirm that he meant no harm or ill-intent while he was here doing... whatever it was he was planning to do.
Bowing his head in a nod when Zinger delivered his instructions, Rumple made an agreeable nose and flicked his tail to Lady Kahlúa so she would start toward the path. "As you wish, Elder Brother. I will see who is available for our guest at this hour, and we'll meet up with you shortly." Rum Wordcount: 331
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Posted: Sun Aug 04, 2024 5:25 pm
The Keyhole Cheshire Stallion known as Bashan SilverTip, often called Smoke, stood in the thick of the darkened woods and watched the two berry-hued Princes interacting with Arcane. Based on their colors he presumed they were both sons of Irina, though the younger male with the white hide so strongly resembled the Queen of Hearts it gave him a jolt of what might have been fear before his injury. He vaguely recalled the Magician from time in their Homeland, though he had never been particularly close to the stranger. His time was often spent shadowing Ekaterina, the Crown Princess, or attending the Queen herself. He was a Vorpal Blade, and it was his task and burden to be that which protected.
Finding himself far away from the Wonder Lands, and the Queen's control, is a strange feeling. Everything is hazed, in a way, like his memories are behind fog. So too are his emotions, locked away in a heart that the Queen stole... locked away in a chest beyond his reach.
The Keyhole Cheshire stallion knows what is proper and correct, even if he has no feelings on the matter. He makes a point of clearing his throat and stepping up out of the trees, inclining his head in a bow to the two he assumes to be Princes, and then the Magician. Though Arcane was not part of the Court or the Clan, he has gifts that Smoke does not even dare to guess at. It feels wise then to refrain from insulting any singular party. After all, if needs must, he can likely defeat them all in combat later. That has always been his purpose.
"Good Evening, Princes... Good evening to you also, Magician," Smoke greets the three that face him with varying levels of surprise and distrust. "I too have come to meet with your Mother and Aunts, to meet with the Young Queen I remember from our Homeland. I wonder if you might mention that Smoke is here, and ask that Ekaterina grant him an audience. If she does not wish me to stay once I have explained, I will go." Bashan SilverTip "Smoke" Wordcount: 355
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Posted: Fri Sep 06, 2024 6:54 pm
Rum can read the concern and determination that sweeps over Zinger's expression before his elder brother carefully tucks it away behind a neutral but firm mask and brightly burning eyes. He gives Zing a concerned look and then glances at the two strangers once more, bobbing his head in a nod before he spins away from them. "We will be on our way then, Brother, Esteemed Guests.. I will return shortly, and wish you pleasant dining until then."
With a rushed farewell delivered, Rum moves into a quick trot, deliberately winding into the thick trees with a flick of his ink splattered tail. He's glad to see that Lady Kahlúa is already ahead of him, darting from the path to the trees with a flick of her tail. She's well out of harm's way, should the strangers prove volatile, and considers bounding into the dark until she's out of sight. It is of no concern to him, knowing where she's going, but he resolves to catch up quickly and therefore get himself out of sight of the strangers. There's little chance they could find their way to where the herd was sleeping
unencumbered, but that doesn't mean he's going to willingly be the one that shows them the easiest ways. The paths of the Underland are somewhat confusing on purpose, and neither of them have truly proved that they are worthy of the secrets yet.
"They seem to know Mother and the Aunts quite well," Rum observes to Kahlúa as the dart toward the sleeping glades, deeper into their territory. "If they're from the old herd, I can't help but worry a little."
Before Kahlúa can offer her opinion on the matter, Rum is nodding at some of the herd mates as he skirts past them and continues on to where the Royals tend to rest. There's a large, hollow tree-trunk or three that Irina might be sleeping in, or a dozen branches that she might sprawl over, so he hopes he guesses right the first time and finds either his mother or the Queen.
"Aunt Katya? Mama? Are either of you awake? I wouldn't bother you but there are strange guests here, they both seem to know of you from the old herd... Zing is with them now, and taking them to dine because their journey was long and they need refreshments. I'd say he could handle it, though they want to speak to someone they know, someone in charge. Since the ceremony, I wasn't sure if they might be the companions you were seeking?" Rum Wordcount: 426
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Posted: Fri Sep 06, 2024 7:22 pm
Though the Queen's Captain of the Guard is well known to him, it is only by sight. Truth be told, it is rather hard to completely avoid crossing paths with the Queen's right hand. At the Court, considering Queen Sera's demanding nature, there was scarcely anyone they had not seen or run into at least once. That being said, Arcane has never really had direct dealings with the Cheshire Stallion frequently known as Smoke. They had not conversed.
In their homeland, Arcane had done his best to avoid the Court whenever possible. It was not truly so difficult as it might of been if he were born to a different Clan, but the Tarot herd of Arcanum had never been known as traditionalists... And perhaps it was their strange legacy, their rumored powers, or just their penchant to break rules -who could say- but the Queen had never tried particularly hard to force the issue. Perhaps she just didn't want to deal with them any more than they wished to with her.
As they both turn and follow Prince Zinger's lead toward the refreshments, Arcane flicks golden bright eyes to the side, considering the grey and teal stallion with a quiet sort of interest. Smoke seems somewhat, diminished, from his memory... Quiet, solemn perhaps... Like his spirit had been broken, or something similar.
"It is a pleasure to see you again, Most Honorable Vorpal Blade," Arcane offers in greeting as the three Cheshire stallions step into the refreshments glade.
Though they are kin or near enough to it, it seems the three in question couldn't be more dissimilar. Arcane at least is glad to see the space is illuminated by lanterns and there seems to be quite the spread waiting to be discovered. Plenty of food even for a few hungry travelers. "I hope you have been well, even so far from the Queen's Favor?" Arcane Wordcount: 315
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Posted: Sat Sep 07, 2024 8:31 am
In the wake of all that has befallen him, Smoke regards the world through something like a haze, far removed from his emotions. His heart is too far from him for him to truly feel, likely locked away in a cask identical to a dozen others. Without it, he may recognize those from his past but what he felt for them is likewise locked away, hidden in a secret chamber at the will and whimsy of the Queen.
Half Hearted only due to the efforts of his rescuers, there's at least some spark of life in Smoke, more so than the hollow shell they had discovered abandoned in the labyrinthine prison. There's some hint of emotions connected to his memories, though some more than others, which is of no real surprise. The strongest emotional resonance he finds is that to memories that include her, and Smoke finds himself hoping she'll keep her promise and be back soon. Even if she cannot find it... even if they never do. With her back, at least, there's a wholehearted feeling... a warmth to him in a cold and fog shrouded world.
Smoke can feel the Magician's eyes on him, but with his heart so far away it is noted with a distant, disinterested sort of understanding. He feels no need to start a conversation or offer an explanation, content to wait for the Cheshire to ask if he wishes to know. When Arcane does speak, it's a pleasantry rather than a question, which Smoke regards with his customary apathy.
"And you, Magician," Smoke retorts because he can understand the need for pleasantries even if he feels no emotional connection to such matters. "Surprising to find so many have found their way here, far from the elegant talons of the Queen."
Though they speak of it differently, Smoke suspects that they regard Queen Sera in a very similar manner. Well, Arcane perhaps not with such knowledge as Smoke now has... But given his choices, Smoke would prefer to un-know a thing or two, for a chance at restoration to his former self.
"I have found that there are few places far away enough from the Queen of Hearts' favor," Smoke admits quietly as he browses the offered snacks. "Perhaps then it is best to seek safety, if distance is not enough. It is our hope that the Queen of the Underland can provide it." Bashan SilverTip "Smoke" Wordcount: 400
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