[PRP]Springing Into A Traveling Adventure (Lapsang+Cheshire)

[~Latonia de la Courtel~]

This is an invitation-based Underland RP. Following up on the 'Walking In a Winter Underland'. Some of the Cheshires will be heading to the Lapsang Traveling Reenactment Faire for the herds to renew their acquaintances. We're adhering to the March RP Game Prompt, which is included below:

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March Prompt

In the aftermath of the winter storm, Kawani's denizens greet the approaching spring with cautious hope. Though the frost lingers in the mountains' reaches, the thaw has arrived, and hints of the new season appear in the form of leaf buds on branches no longer bowed by snow. The following hush is broken by bird song, and the tell-tale sign of new life on the way. In some circles, now is the time to seek out alliances and renew bonds with friends and family separated by winter's grip; in others, individuals might be twitterpated, seeking out a potential mate, ever eager to show off and impress. Others still are simply eager to travel to greener pastures and savor the building warmth and the hope of an early spring. Some among the Soquili and familiars alike may be all too used to this dance, but others may find it very foreign indeed.

As the world begins to wake from the winter thaw, more and more Soquili find themselves out and about. Perhaps the winter weather had kept them at bay, but now they are here in full force, crowding the Kawani with their presence. While the competition for resources may be made all the more fierce with these strangers in the mix, some Soquili may not find their company so very loathsome after all. Then again, the rites of spring are never without some degree of drama.

How does your Soquili or familiar respond to the burgeoning Spring? Are they ready to get out there and spread their figurative (or sometimes literal) wings now that the weather is warmer? Are they out seeking new friends, new locations, or a mate? Or perhaps they are put off by all the incessant birdsong, chatty new neighbors, and twitter pated fools? Is love in the perfumed air? Or is your soq just trying to make it through the day unbothered and on a hunt for peace and quiet? The world is teaming with new life -- is your Soquili or familiar ready?

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March Prompt Cont. (From Rules/Clarifications)

The prompt is a bit more open ended. Spring is usually teaming with life, and with the warming weather, soquili tend to be stirring. Some are eager to make new friends and explore the land; others still are on the hunt for something more significant, like a mate. Winter hasn't left completely, but there's warmth on the wind, and flowers starting to bloom.

How does your soquili feel about spring? Are they eager to seek out greener pastures or looking for friends? Are they hoping to find a mate and be struck by Cupid's arrow? Or maybe they just want everyone to get off their lawn and leave them alone. After such a long winter, it seems many creatures, great and small, are here to enjoy the break from the cold. How does your Soquili or Familiar fare?

If you're stuck -- you could simply have it revolve around Spring, a change in the season, new grasses and flowers growing, melting snow, thinning ice, and a lot more Soquili and Familiars out and about for whatever reason. Foal season's right around the corner after all (though we know Soq/Fams can have kids anytime) but it is the traditional time for much of nature. Think of it as spring break -- what's your Soq going to do?

Featuring:

Featured Familiars & Ponies Will be Added! (Reach out to Lat if someone is missing)



(Note: Setting will start out in Underland and head out of their territory to a vague idea of a Lapsang Faire location. Underland kids are welcome to demure on the adventure or tag along as they choose. Players invited are welcome to trot out Lapsang Faire Familiars or Soqs to interact with any/all Underlanders that choose to visit the Faire.)  

[~Latonia de la Courtel~]

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BluRazberry Jinx ParTea woke just before dawn with a grumbling belly and a thirst for fresh tea. A floral blend, with fruit, he decided, would surely be the thing that hit the spot. But before such needs could be met he climbed out of the sleeping tangle of Cheshire kin and kittens and went for his morning patrol (stroll) so as to keep himself in fine shape and ensure the herd lands were protected. (For friends were surely always welcome for tea and cakes, but enemies weren't... and if Amacha had managed to catch a Walker in the swamp again, he wanted to go laugh at it before it made its way free, the Hunters found it, or it... disappeared, and the carnivorous plant garden spent a few days humming with delight.)

(Though, truth be told, Blu thought their singing was quite beautiful. Haunting, to some folks, to be sure; but he rather liked whatever that chill was that danced on his spine when their humming began. It was, interesting. Also, it was likely due to the fact that he was his mother's son, that he enjoyed such things, but no matter.)

***

Breakfast Tea and Cakes was one of the Underland herd's most social meals, stretching from before sunrise to late morning, though it was rather a necessity and not just tradition that tea and cakes were available at all hours. Still, conventionally recognized meal times such as breakfast, lunch, tea, dinner, and dessert were especially well-attended. Breakfast was one of the largest due to the stretch of time between dessert and the next meal, though midnight snacks were likewise important. During winter this required hot tea, cider, and warm desserts. When Spring finally saw fit to arrive, the soft edible flowers, fresh wildflower honey, and ripe berries would certainly appear in meals, baked offerings, and fresh cups of tea. Such a grand occasion had been knocked back by an unreasonably late blizzard, and the scramble to protect the royal gardens had consumed many of the citizens' time and attention.

But the snow was melting away finally, the winter carpet of white retreating out of their forest, then out of the meadows, and slowly slinking back to the mountains that were its year-round home. As the huge drifts became smaller heaps, the snow-laden branches dropped heavy piles and then shivered under only light frost, and the lakes crackling edges of ice melted away. The snowmelt was feeding the local rivers and streams, and the gardens were creeping back toward wakefulness, and soon they'd be celebrating High Spring Teas and dozing on the branches of their woods as they so enjoyed.

Blu personally couldn't wait, so it was with a prancing stride he marched to breakfast, top hat canted rakishly over one ear and eye to hide the sparkle of good humor. Just as soon as the lakes were fully thawed, he was going to arrange to push KC into one, in retaliation for the splatter of snow stunt his younger sibling had managed to pull. Long, stealthy games were Blu's favorite sort.

"Good morning, all," He greeted as he swanned into the breakfast nook and purred delightedly at the sight of the laden table. "Hip huzzah for Breakfast!"

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BluRazberry Jinx ParTea Wordcount: 538

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Zinger 'Lemonberry' Hucklebones was already at breakfast when the eldest of his male cousin arrived, and he watched Blu's swaggering walk with a rumble of amusement from his place under the highest of the arching trees. The burgundy, sunset striped stallion had arrived before a great many of his relatives, as the fewer bodies there were in the space the more likely he was to manage to get a good spot, where his great crown of antlers would not be in the way, nor would they disrupt conversation or passage of his kin who wanted to come and go. This meant of course some of the familiars and local animals would find him as a suitable perch, and as such he often had a few songbirds perched among the antler points, singing softly over the meal. With such features, navigating the space of the breakfast nook was easier than the sleeping den, so he was often one to part ways with siblings and cousins after meals and not be seen again till dawn. (He liked to think they might miss him a little when he was gone.)

Sometimes Zing went away -even beyond the herd lands- so that he could sleep elsewhere, sometimes so he could not sleep elsewhere. The life of the Black Market Leader was a busy one, especially now that his mother had returned to her light-pawed ways of ensuring the Market had plenty of product to sell or trade. Zinger was far happier not knowing, on a personal level, wherefrom or how the goods were obtained; it made selling them with a light heart all the simpler. But since his stores were well stocked with Winter Raids, it was now time to start selling or trading some of the goods to the appropriate parties, which meant an adventure.

"Greetings kin and kittens," he grinned when it seemed like most of them had arrived and were tucking into toast with jam, and tea, and bran (with no buttons, thankfully). "I just thought you might be interested to hear that Spring has arrived, and at last a great deal of the blizzard's leavings have abated. As such, it is my intention to embark on a journey to our allies at the Lapsang Traveling Reenactment Herd... We will have wares in need of sale and trade, and surely some old friendships to rekindle. As such, I would rather not wait long and will depart after this meal. Any of you who wish to go with me are more than welcome to do so, and if there is a concern, I will even promise our mothers that I will bring you safely back."

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Zinger 'Lemonberry' Hucklebones Wordcount: 444

 

[Lunadriel]

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Kazimir "KC" Charades had the best dream the night before. When he woke, he felt a sense of longing for the dream. There had been a noise in the sleeping den that woke him abruptly, and now he couldn't remember all of the dream. Determined to try and remember it all, he walked with his head in the clouds. There was something about a paper dragon, and a talking tea-kettle that had a whistle to it's voice. When he entered the den, he could be heard making little whistles and tweets. KC tried to mimic the sounds of the kettle in his dreams, and although he didn't quite remember the dream in full, he filled in the pieces from his imagination. Of course there had to of been lots of tea, enough to fill the sea! Wasn't he talking about tea hotsprings recently? He purred over the idea of the warmth and the herbal smell as he swam in it. Chuckling to himself mid-whistle.

As he waltzed into the breakfast area, he paid no mind to toes and paws around him. A wise cat would see him coming, and move their beans out of his path! Not all cats could be lithe and delicate in their step. KC wasn't insensitive though. He did step around one teacup on the ground. Perhaps his observation skills were selective.

Curling up next to Zinger for a moment, he whistled and clicked at one of his little birds, as if talking to it. His grin widened. "Good morning Underland." he turned with a sweep of his head at the room, and a few nods. He nodded at Blu, and gave him a wink. Could he even see the wink under all that hair though? With a couple taps of his paws, he inserted himself where enough space was between cousins and siblings. Tucking in to grab a bite to eat, and some tea. His daydream now long gone, along with the bits of his dream. Beings around his family had it's own entertainment, and rarely did his mind wander when in their presence!

"A good thing Old Man Winter has took his leave. I don't think the roses could of held out for Spring much longer. Perhaps Auntie Oksana chased Him away." he said with half seriousness that she could do such a thing.

KC's toes curled as Zinger spoke of heading out on an adventure. He questioned himself, wondering if he should go. He would play it cool, and see who else went along first, before deciding. He had no old friendships to rekindle, but perhaps there was room for some new ones.

WC: 440  

[Silver Metallic Dragon]

While she may not have chased off old man winter, Oksana Abalone was just glad he was gone. It was far easier to tend to the roses without the 12 feet of snow to trek through! Okay, it was more like 12 inches of snow, but what did it matter? Snow is snow and it is awful! It was so hard to even get a cup of tea during that nightmare, she didn’t even want to relive it. Winding her way through the gathered herd towards the vast selection of breakfast sweets and delightful teas, Oksana’s ears perked at the mention her eldest nephew leading a trip to the Lapsang herd. She loved traveling to visit friends within that herd, plus she had some roses to give to her friend Hekate. This was perfect timing!

“Oh Zinger, that’s a lovely idea!” Greeting her three nephews with purrs and a nuzzles, Oksana settled beside them to munch away on breakfast. “I have a few plants to sell, and some roses Hekate wants for her spell work. Plus, my darling Zinger, you’ll need help herding these cats to and fro.” Grinning, Oksana took at large sip of the tea settled in front of her.


She didn’t doubt Zinger’s babysitting ability, far from it. He was often the one in charge of the first set of royal children, and took great pride in keeping up with Devora, Blu and Heliotrope. The three of them were nothing but trouble from the moment they sprung out from those baskets. Devi and Blu were sneaky little devils and keeping up with them was certainly not easy. He and Blu then began chasing the crown princess around as they grew up, keeping their eyes on her until her beaus came into the picture and took over that monumental task. But this was a much larger herd of Royals who could be joining them, and as such, two chaperones were necessary.

“Hekate has a cousin to introduce to us as well…” Leveling a look and a smirk at her nephews, Oksana jogged her eyebrow up. “She says she’s quite lovely…” She couldn’t let such an opportunity go to waste! Nothing gave an aunt more joy in life than embarrassing a nephew. Or three.

It’s the simple things.

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Oksana WC: 379

“Match making again, Aunty? Good, this rag tag lot needs all the help they can get!” Appearing from out of the shadows, the eldest of Queen Katya’s children showed her face, signature family grin firmly in place. It wasn’t that her brothers and cousins truly needed help, she’d been a witness to Zing having to evade several enthusiastic ladies, but any opportunity to embarrass the boys wasn’t an opportunity to waste! How much flak had she caught when she’d introduced both of her loves to this lot? It was time to repay it in spades. And since none of them had brought a love home, trying to set them up with her aunt’s… unique friends was the next best thing!

Oksana, like her other aunts and mother, tended to collect friends, acquaintances, and lovers with ease. It just so happened her favorite aunt collected friends of the… eccentric variety. Not that they weren’t lovely folk, quite the contrary, they were just… different. Witches, soothsayers, that one lady with absolutely no social skills… Oksana collected those who may not otherwise have friends. Wonderful people, just probably not the best group to pick a partner from. (Especially the bone lady, she was particularly strange, even for Oksana.)

Rubbing her head along Zinger’s before swatting Blu gently with her tail, Devora leaned past him to nuzzle KC. Smirking, she leaned back slightly and up, dragging her tongue up the side of Blu’s face. “Especially you. A whole mess you are, brother mine.” Peering at Oksana as she collected another breakfast sweet, Devora lowered her voice. “Except the one who collects the bones. If it’s the one who collects bones, run. She’s… strange.”

Leaning back and beaming at her aunt, Devora glanced at her male relatives from the corner of her eyes. These boys weren’t that dumb, but the heart was a fickle thing. Hopefully, none of them decided they were deeply in love with the mare who had the social knowledge of a rock. And that was an insult to any self-respecting rock! “I think a trip to Lapsang is a great idea!”

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Devora WC: 350

 

[~Latonia de la Courtel~]

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"Good morning, Cousin," Zing greeted KC with a purr and a grin, chuffing in amusement at the sound of the young cat's whistles and trills. The birds perched on his antlers were ecstatic to have a companion in conversation and filled the den with their enthused twitterings and chirping.

"Ever popular, I see." He remarked below the musical din, resuming breakfast as he considered the whirlwind he had reduced family too.

Zinger's morning announcement that (in his rather esteemed assessment) Spring had sprung enough to allow passage to their affiliate herds had sparked quite a controversial flurry of movement, action and chatter among the Underland herd. He had mostly brought the matter up to prompt siblings or cousins to accompany him on what promised to be a grand adventure (which would result in a grand party, because that was just the way of things), and to that end he was moderately successful. The fact that his aunt was cheered by the idea and enthused about trade opportunities was an unexpected bonus, though on the heels of her words she brought up a hint of a matchmaking scheme.

'Less than great,' he noted with an internalized wince.

Aloud he gave a low purr. "Aunty, it would delight my heart to no end to have you accompany us, if you wish to do so. Of course, if you or the family would prefer to stay, I could make the journey on my own. I would not want anyone inconvenienced by the thought of such a trip."

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Blu, Zinger's eldest cousins, had tilted his head to watch the flurry of movement with an appraising eye. When Zing had deliberately voiced an invitation and then turned questioning eyes on him, the prismatic marked Cheshire male had demurred.

"With the deepest of sympathies and sincerities," Blu had smirked over breakfast tea and cakes. "I wish you luck, Cousin, but I am regrettably ever-so-busy helping Helio accomplish a task or three. Enjoy your journey and give our friends my best, and of course, I wish you well in your endeavors of barter and trade. I'll be here to cheer for your return."

The arrival of Aunt Oksana and his sibling resulted in another flurry of chatter, greetings, and the passing of plates and cups and such as more places were set at the table for the newcomers to join them. Their words were delivered sharp-edged and curling from behind pointed teeth, no less than he expected.

"Beloved sister," Blu noted idly at Devora's cheerful ribbing, giving her a mournful look as he finished up a slice of toast with rich wildberry jam. "You are a cruel and torturous soul, at times. Cutting to my very tender heart, like a knife through fresh butter... Won't you consider tormenting your toast instead? And leaving my tender, jam-filled self alone."

Devora's knowledge about Lapsang was extensive and always filled with interesting tidbits, so he couldn't help tilting an interested ear in that direction as he directed most of his attention back to his meal. Her commentary about the bone collector made him wince. "Perhaps we should make sure Aunty stays close to Zing, he does take so much looking after."

 

[Lunadriel]

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KC listened to everyone buzz and chat about heading out with Zinger. Watching as others joined for breakfast, he's pretty sure his tea cup changed at least three times as plates and glassware clinked about. Not that he minded. Snip did mind sharing plates though! As plates shoved around, KC's plant held its plate up high out of the way, then nestled it back down once the shuffle had stopped.

KC listened to Oksana talk about the potential to join Zing. He understood the trade and sell aspects that were spoken about. Trading was essential for acquiring things that you couldn't come by naturally in the Underland territory. The family would also sell things to buy stuff that they wanted. So when Oksana talked about selling wares, he nodded at her and continued to listen. However when Oksana laid it on a little thick about introducing them to a lovely cousin of a friend, it still went over Kazmir's head. Was this lovely cousin something interesting to behold? Could she do a pawstand? Or had some neat tricks? Surely it couldn't be that she was just lovely. That seemed positively boring to KC. He hmphed at his auntie, not sold on this venture. Then Devora hit the nail on the head. Match making. This game KC knew all too well! A game in which two things made a set, a pair, a match, two-of-a-kind! So they intended to find a match with this lovely cousin? KC shook his head, and thought of it quite literally. He had his doubts that someone could be a match to his siblings. Maybe he would understand if all the cards were on the table, and the game better explained to him.

Blu's hesitancy to go made KC lift an eyebrow, his hair shifting to cover more of his half cocked eye. Is his brother really that busy, or was this match making game something to avoid? This intrigued KC even further. Then there was something about a bone collector? That sounded downright terrifying! Maybe that was the reason Blue didn't go. Now he was downright curiouser and curiouser! . "I'll go." he half blurted out, looking to Blu for his reaction. "Are you sure you wouldn't care to join us?"

WC: 375  

[~Latonia de la Courtel~]

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The constant stream of kin and herdmates was nothing unusual. Varying sleep schedules aside, some of them had enthusiastic participants for mealtimes that could not be ignored. Seeing Shahrivar stumble in on paws that were likely still tingling with sleep, Blu snorted in soft amusement. If Shah was here, Esfir and her sister were likely close behind, likely ravenous and half-asleep in equal measure.

"Tea and cakes here," He called encouragingly as the arrivals milled about. "Toast and jam, meat pies, fresh honey from Devora's honey... Come along, family, we won't even make you sing, just grab a plate and dig in."

In the shuffle, Blu had wound up shoulder to shoulder with Shahrivar, and smiled a greeting as he engaged in cheerful chatter with some of the other arrivals. He gave his half-asleep sibling a friendly cheek rub and slipped the more enthusiastic carnivorous plant (Blu was fairly sure it was the one Shah referred to as Dusty) a slice of bacon in an effort to earn some goodwill. With the plant contentedly crunching away, Blu gave Shah a second glance and found his brother nearly face-first in his teacup, attempting to wake up.

'Best just to leave you to it, I think, Little Brother,' He thought to the young cat with a fond grin and a subvocal purr. When the soothing sound prompted Shah to lean more heavily into him, Blu planted his paws, sunk his claws in for good measure and resolved himself to holding there until Shahrivar's awareness made itself known.

With nothing else to do, he turned his attention back to the conversation just in time to notice KC had volunteered to go on the journey, and the young Cheshire was looking his way again with an expression that seemed both confused and inquiring.

"You'll have a good time," Blu assured him with an affectionate crinkling of his eyes. "Zinger will take good care of you, in that I have no doubt. But no, I do not think I'll travel this time. There's plenty to do here, and I've seen it before and will surely see it again. I have no problem letting you all have a chance at it and staying back to ensure things are well here. You should go and have a marvelous time, Little Brother."

Blu Wordcount: 384

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While there were many of the Cheshires that could be described as 'alert at all hours' or even "functional for most", some of them got caught in their preferred routine and stumbled when it came to altering that pattern. A family breakfast was a raucous and social affair, and even if one didn't participate, attending was often a bonding experience.

Shahrivar Stoneskipper was not one for mornings, preferring the option of exploring the herd's lands under the peaceful cover of nighttime. As such, he was often late for breakfast, missed it completely at worst, and was half-asleep at best. Today was a half-asleep sort of day, the young stallion needled into wakefulness by his sister Esfir's bony toes for reasons he still did not understand. Such a thing was not worth questioning, so he had quickly and quietly shuffled his way to the dining glade rather than be subject to his sisters' ire. The fact that she was not far behind had kept him moving from there to here, else he might have stopped and slept wherever he found himself. (There were many convenient out-of-the-way cubbies and nooks in the Underland, for precisely this purpose... But when your sister knew many if not all of them too, it was a matter of time before one was found if a certain someone was keen on the finding.)

Now amongst the cheerful morning chatter of the herd, Shah found a quiet corner in the form of Blu's sympathetic shoulder and wasted no time in taking advantage of the fact. His older brother was quite use to his antics by now, and he could feel Blu brace them even as he sank into his brother's supporting side.

" 'Mornin'," He slurred, face resting against Blu's neck until he could make himself lift it and shoot the table a considering look. " 's fer breakfast?"

Blu gave him a soothing purr and seemed to be having a conversation with KC, which caught Shah's attention for half a moment, just long enough for him to give his brother a greeting nod. In his perusal of the table he noted a nearby meat pie and reached for it, crunching gratefully as Blu casually smuggled treats to Dusty and chatted with KC.

'Why are mornings so hard?'

Shah Wordcount: 378