Session Start: Sat Dec 06 11:57:02 2003

<Emilina> Emilina comes running back. 

* KenKen fans himself.

<Emilina> "I don't know why you people keep coming and going like 
this.  It's all just too much, even for me.

<Flora> Well, I'm in the middle of it, and I don't know what's going 
on!!

* Emilina has medical kit. "Why, isn't this Lady a Sidhe?"

* Ishu looks around, clearly confused.

<Flora> Yes, she is not a he!!

* Garland nods to Emilina, "This is Lady Ayame."

<Emilina> Ayame is unconscious.  Emilina puts smelling salts under 
Ayame's nose.

<Emilina> [Ayame stirs, sits up.  She smiles bravely into Emilina's 
eyes.  But there are tears in hers.]

<Flora> Lady Ayame is badly hurt.  Is there anything you can do for 
her wounds?

<Emilina> "You are a very good student, Flora.  Would you like to 
advise me on how to bandage her?"

<Ishu> "I've got two green vials left, aside from the truth/wisdom 
one..."

* Ishu checks the characters under the corks (any healing ones left?)

<Flora> Umm.... [I don't think I have any first aid 
talent/skill/knowledge] ... I might have some potion that helps.

* Ishu nods

<Emilina> "Everyone seems quite competent.  I think I can leave you 
to fixing up this woman's wounds.  Though I believe some small bit of 
surgery is required that I usually do in the kitchen."

* KenKen rolls and stretches, rubbing at his head.

<Flora> But to tell you the truth, I think we should hang on to those 
for emergencies.   Kitchen!!!???

<Garland> "... the kitchen?"

<Ishu> "o_O"

* Garland glances back over at KK. "Hanging in there alright?"

<Flora> Doesn't the school have an infirmary?

* KenKen nods vaguely to Garland. "Man, you wouldn't believe the 
headrush on this side of things..."

<Emilina> Emilina grins at Garland.  "Turkey basting, just the right 
tools.  I'm joking, Garland."

<KenKen> "...dude, she's a Boggan. Her kitchen's as clean as a 
hospital room!"

* Garland scratches his head. "I knew that."

<Emilina> "KenKen, dear, I'm glad to see you're back to yourself, 
except telling the truth for once."

<Flora> Boggan??

<Ishu> "One of the kiths of Fae. :) "

<Flora> Oh...

<Ishu> "Kind of Willow-like."

<Flora> As in the movie?

<Ishu> "Yeah. :) "

<Flora> Ok.  Thanks.

<Garland> "No, the tree." He grins.

<Ishu> "Are you alright, Ayame-san?"

<KenKen> "Ummmmmmmm..... I'm wondering......."

* Emilina thinks Flora is very confused. She keeps asking for 
explanations. Time to roll to see if she is dreamstruck.

<KenKen> "If we shouldn't tell people.... what just happened...? I 
may be craaaaazy..."

<Ishu> "(I'll have to admit I'm not sure what exactly's going on... 
those must have been some verbs... ^^;; )"

<Garland> "... I'm not exactly -sure- what just happened," he frowns, 
looking back to KK now.  "I hate to say it, but you might be the best 
to explain it."

<KenKen> "...with Queen Lir... and the Fuaths and the giant block of 
cheeese?"

<Emilina> For a brief moment Flora looks wild-eyed at you all, then 
suddenly relaxes.  Now everything seems familiar again.

* Ishu waves his hand in front of Flora's eyes to see if she's still 
there.

<Flora> Wheww...  I was losing you guys for a seconsd there!

<Emilina> "I think you should all come with me to the Duke."

<Flora> Well, where should we take Lady Ayame?  She's hurt!

* Emilina lead the way. A couple of kitchen boggans (male) come to 
carrry Lady Ayame to the infirmary.

* Garland nods in response to KK. "Good call."

<Ishu> "So we're good to go from here, KenKen?"

<KenKen> "Er... how should I know?"

<Ishu> "I was hoping. ^^;; "

<Flora> Ok, so we're off to see Rendarion!

* Emilina leads the way.

<Flora> The wonderful Duke of the School!

* KenKen tags behind Emilina, looking tired.

* Garland follows.

* Ishu starts to whistle Wizard of Oz music again as he follows/

* Flora grins!

* Ishu winks

* Garland sighs and shakes his head.

* KenKen has the horn in his hand, btw.

<ST> [You follow the Head Boggan up the grand staircase to the hall 
where the double doors signify the Duke's study.

<ST> The double doors are partly open.  You smell a delightful rose 
scent.

<Flora> Mmmmm.... Ishu, what's that smell?

<Ishu> "Erm, roses, I think?"

<Ishu> "Particularly rosey smelling roses?"

* KenKen gives Flora a weird look. He waits to see if Emilina 
gestures them in.

<Flora> Rose upon rose of roses?

* Ishu 's mind boggles as he tries to process all the roses in 
Flora's statement. ^^;;

<ST> Emilina knocks politely.  "Come in!" calls a female voice.

* Garland laughs, catching KK's look.

<KenKen> [...would that be a certain Duchess's voice? :D]

* Flora goes in

* Ishu follows

<ST> It would.

* Garland goes in as well.

<ST> You see Duke Rendarien standing by the chaise longue where 
Duchess Sariona, otherwise known as Dean Sarah, is lying, covered 
with a blanket of rose petals.

* KenKen dashes in, delighted. "Duchess! You're awake!"

<ST> Rendarien freezes in a combination of astonishment and hope.  
"You're back!"  You have the horn!"

<KenKen> "We're back! We have the horn!" He holds it up.

<ST> The Duchess smiles at KenKen.  "Put it in your pocket, dear."  
[Along with terrible beauty}

<Flora> [Acckkkk!]

* KenKen blinks... and puts it in his pocket. o.o

<Garland> [Pooka pockets run deep.]

<KenKen> [Clearly. I imagine it's, uh, poking out quite a ways.]

<ST> There is a huge ruckus goin on it the front of the castle.  You 
cannot see it from here, but you can hear it.  Emilina goes kind of 
weird and lights flash in her eyes and she says "Darrren Turwilliger 
will you please get that noise sorted?"

<Flora> Yes, Duke.... we got the horn from two nasty looking people 
who were torturing Lady Ayame.

* Garland lifts an eyebrow at Emilina, turning a bit at the noise. 
"What could that be...?"

* KenKen skitters over to the DUke and Duchess. "And then HORRIBLE 
things attacked and it was bad and we got away but others didn't get 
away and it was bad."

<ST> Rendarien looks fondly at the Duchess.  "The horn is known to 
everyone here, my darling. It is surely safe enough to hold it in the 
open."  He turns to Flora.  "Lady Ayame?  Is she here?"

<Flora> Yes, Duke, she has been taken to the .... infirmary.

<Ishu> "Downstairs in the infirmary... or the kitchen... I haven't 
sorted out which yet."

<ST> "Your Excellency."

<ST> "FLora, my dear, you need to know how to address... What's going 
on here?

<Garland> "We were in the home of the Fuaths, your excellency... just 
before we arrived here, er, somehow," He scratches his head.  "They 
were being attacked."

<ST> A Sidhe has just entered the room without knocking.  "Who are 
you?" Rendarien asks.

<ST> [right]

* Ishu raises his eyebrow at the newcomer

* KenKen turns to look, hand covering the exposed bits of the horn.

* Garland also turns.

<ST> He is well-dressed, but smells a little of horse.  The noise is 
still going on, then Darren's voice can be heard saying, "This is a 
CASTLE, ladies and gentlemen.  If you would please lead your horses 
this way..."

<ST> He carries a short bow with a quiver on his back.  The bow is 
engraved with gold.

* Gavan walks up, and holds out a scroll to Rendarien. Unopened, with 
King Meilge's seal. "Baron Gavan ap Gwydion. I bring message from 
King Meilge."

<ST> "Please be seated," says Rendarien.  There is an empty chair in 
the room, over by the computer desk.

<ST> Rendarien takes the scroll, examines it minutely.  "It does seem 
to be from Meilge."  He doesn't open it yet.  He turns to Gavan.  
"Baron, would you like some refreshments?"

<ST> The baron is eyeing the wall-hangings with an experienced air of 
one who knows the value of these things.  Rendarien notices. So does 
the Duchess, who frowns slightly.  "Obviously you have King Meilge's 
approval," says Rendarien.  "But Baron, I do not know you.  Tell me 
please your relationship to the King."

<ST> The baron has his back to a DUKE and a DUCHESS.

<ST> Anyone with etiquette?

<Ishu> [ Politics? ]

<KenKen> [I have etiquette]

<Garland> [I have etiquette! :D]

<ST> [works for me.  Kay, anyone with etiquette or politics roll 
intelligence + etiquette or politics difficulty 6.]

<Garland> [4 successes.]

<Ishu> [5 successes.]

<KenKen> [2 successes!]

* Garland arches a highly critical eyebrow at Gaven.

* Gavan looks back to the duke and dutchess, as though he just 
remembered they were there. "I am Uncle Meilge's ward."

* Ishu the eyebrow goes up even higher at "Uncle"

* Flora wonders whether Gavan even notices her at all

<ST> Gavan roll charisma + empathy difficulty 8 to get back a few of 
these people on his side.

* Garland rolls his eyes slightly at the 'uncle'. Figures.

<ST> To save you wondering, he doesn't pay ANY attention to ANY 
commoners.

* KenKen is kneeling, of course. ...had been going to go kneel beside 
the Duke and Duchess's bed anyway.

<ST> Okay, so Gavan you count up your charisma dice, and add in your 
empathy dice (if you have any, and roll them.  Tell me what you got.

<ST> The rest of you trouble-makers have fun.  But please pay 
attention to Gavan, who's got a difficult job here.  

<ST> Just a minute.  How many charisma?

<Gavan> [1]

<KenKen> [/me got 2.]

<Flora> [I have no etiquette, only some charisma]

<ST> In which case, you recognize the charisma in this Sidhe and 
respond to it.  Besides, he's gorgeous.

<ST> He doesn't realize you're looking at him, Flora.

<Gavan> [* Gavan is teh hawt.]

* KenKen gives Gavan's back a 'who do you think you are?!' look.

* Ishu looks to the Duke and/or Duchess for a cue

* Flora straightens her clothes and fluffs her hair

* Garland arches a slight eyebrow now at Flora's primping.

* Gavan thinks he is the King's ward and Of Much More Importance Then 
You, Thankyouverymuch. Is at least pretending to try and be 
respectful now, though.

<ST> [Good, Ishu.  They too are looking at the Baron's back with 
daggers in their eyes.  Only the Duke's are real, of course.  The 
Duchess is still too sick for spells.]

<KenKen> [* Gavan "YEAH, and aren't I totally sweet and OW MY BACK!"]

* Flora walks around so she is in Gavan's view

<Gavan> [* Gavan pulls a dagger out. MAN. Why does that ALWAYS 
HAPPEN? Where the heck to they come from?!]

* Ishu shifts slightly, causing the coins on his staff to "ching"

<ST> So, Gavan has two daggers which he pulled from his armour.  No 
damage.

<ST> You want to be seen?

<Flora> [well, yeah!  Gorgeous hunk and all!  Get with the program 
/me shakes her head alluringly!]

<Flora> [slightly too small outfit showing figure well!]

<ST> Gavan, you should know Flora is hard to see unless you really 
concentrate.  It's a kinain gift she has.  She has to do something to 
you to attract your attention.

<ST> If she doesn't already know you.

* Ishu cringes as Flora starts trying to attract Gavan's attention.

* Gavan notices the wall tapestries.

* Flora is used to this by now... but is not going to give up the way 
she used to.

* Flora goes and straightens the wall tapestry in question

* Flora and stands with her back to it, hands behind her back

* Flora leaning back slightly

* Garland watches Flora. ... she can't possibly be trying to do what 
he thinks she's trying to do.

* KenKen coughs and looks at the Duke and Duchess wryly.

* Gavan looks back to the Duke and Dutchess, finally, wondering if 
they've opened the scroll /yet/...

* Flora goes and stands right in front of Gavan, staring him straight 
in the eye!

* Ishu whispers at Garland "Forward, isn't she?"

<Flora> [I may be Feth Fiada'd, but I ain't invisible!]

* Gavan resumes looking around the room, letting out a very quiet -
very BORED- sigh.

<Garland> "Not -usually-!" He responds to Ishu, still looking at 
Flora and Gavan.

<Rendarien> "Flora!!"

* KenKen mutters, "Oh, for Cow's sake."

<Flora> Yes, your Grace? [ slight, coy smile on her face]

<Rendarien> "Flora!!!!!!!!!!!"

<Rendarien> "Would you please go and ask the kitchen for some 
refreshments.  Oh, and by the way, do not return until you are 
summoned."

<Flora> Yes...sir.

* Gavan wonders what the duke and dutchess's facination with /weird/ 
commoners is, to have so many of them around.

<Rendarien> "NOW, Flora."

* Flora goes out immediately, heading for the kitchen, where she will 
do as she is told

* KenKen sticks his tongue out at Gavan, then waves.

* Garland seems pleased, and pulls his attention away from Gaven to 
the Duke.

* Ishu watches Flora leave with a somewhat "ouch" look on his face.

* Gavan gives KenKen a very unamused look, then finally turns his 
attention back to the duke again.

<Rendarien> "I suppose I should open this," /me says.  

* Rendarien doesn't open it. He keeps fingering the seal. "It really 
does seem to be from the King. But I am surprised that he sent -- a 
mere Baron with it."

* KenKen grins!

<Gavan> "His /ward/." Gavan corrects. "It seemed quite important, I 
do not think /Uncle/ would be pleased if sir Duke took too long to 
open it."

* Garland does too.

<Rendarien> Sariona says musically, "And such a rude one, too."

* Ishu also grins and barely manages to suppress a chuckle

<Rendarien> I would like you to look me in the eye and say "Uncle 
Meilge" once again," says Sariona.

* KenKen asides to Gavan, helpfully, "Maybe they think you're being 
rude?"

* Rendarien is amused.

* Gavan approches the duke and dutchess and bows low - /accidentally/ 
stepping on Kenken's tail. "Please forgive my rudeness, the journey 
here was a tiring one and my manners are not at their best. I mean no 
disrespect."

* KenKen YELP.

* Ishu frowns at Gavan and mouths "are you okay?" at KK

* Garland frowns deeply at Gavan.

* KenKen bares his teeth in a 'smile' and nods.

<Rendarien> "Do you know the contents of this letter?" to Gavan.

<Gavan> "Yes sir, the King told me."

<Rendarien> "I would have you summarize them, please.  Just a word or 
two, so I can be sure."

<Gavan> "It has come to the King's attention that you have recently 
come into posession of a certain horn, so he has heard, and he wishes 
for you to deliver it to him by care of myself and my guards. 
...Immediately."

<Flora> [How luck it is that Truthful I am not in there!!]

* KenKen attempts to move his tail from under Gavan's foot.

<Rendarien> Rendarien freezes.  He carefully does not look at anyone 
in the room.  "Thank you.  Now, I'm sure you would like to be taken 
to your bedchamber.  It is a long ride from Atlanta.  You will want 
to sleep and eat beforehand.  You are welcome to stay as long as you 
like."

<Rendarien> He picks up a bell and rings it.  A Troll enters, wearing 
the livery of House Fiona.  "Yes, Your Excellency?"

* KenKen tug... tug...

<Rendarien> "Please take Baron Gavan ap Gwydion to the best quarters 
we have, in Lake House of course."

<Ishu> [Is Gavan still on KK's tail? o_O]

<Rendarien> [troll]  "But that's stud... [Rendariend gives him a 
"Shut up look"] Yes, your Excellency.  At once.

<KenKen> [KK's beside the Duke and Duchess, and he stepped, then 
bowed, implying he stayed there...]

* Gavan smiles in a way that positively makes you want to smack him. 
"You are too kind, your excellency. Your hospitality is greatly 
appriciated." He steps away to be led to his room, off KenKen's tail. 
After giving it one final 'accidental' squish.

<Rendarien> [troll], towering over Gavan.  "Come with me," he says 
politely, taking Gavan's arm in an iron grip.

* KenKen BITES Gavan's ankle.

* KenKen then sits on his heels and looks casual.

* Ishu offers his arm to help KenKen up

* KenKen takes it. "Thank you, dear. Most kind, most kind."

* Garland tries not to laugh.

<Ishu> "No problem..." he says, and when turned away from Gavan and 
the Duke, winks and looks impressed.

<Ishu> (at KK)

* Gavan shoots the troll a glare, and winces at the bite. Glares 
daggers at Kenken. Oh yes, he will *hurt* the stupid one later. Is 
led out without a fuss, though.

<Rendarien> This is a free action.  It will do damage.  I'm going to 
roll for both your tail and his ankle.

<Gavan> [ee, okies. o.o]

<Rendarien> Your tail, KK, takes 2 boxes of chimerical damage.  He's 
not too heavy but those boots are mean.  And he stood on your tail 
for quite a while.  The bite takes four boxes of chimerical damage.  
Each of you get to soak.  

<KenKen> [what's the roll to soak?]

<Rendarien> As the Troll leaves the room with Gavan on his left 
arm...  pause.  Read on...

<Rendarien> [Ah what the hell.  He doesn't want to hurt the Sidhe.  
He takes two boxes.]

* KenKen stands on his own when Gavan has left the room.

***

<ST> The Baron is muttering something about it being a good thing he 
left something in his luggage.  He is speaking FRENCH.  You learned 
it in school, didn't you?

<Flora> [Why, of course! ;o)  And where is his luggage!?!?!?!]

<ST> The troll is telling a male boggan to unload it and take it to 
the Lake House Dorm where he is to be given a small, very sparsely 
furnished, spare room.  LOTS of student noise.

<Flora> [Maybe I'll just take a look at the luggage to see what I can 
find out]

<ST> Btw, when he goes by a cute little boggan with a tray of cakes 
he takes one from the side and eats it, wrecking her arrangement.

<Flora> [While the cake is being consumed by personas gratas, I will 
try to learn what the thing in the luggage is.. following into his 
room if necessary.]

<ST> No the luggage will be going ahead.  The Baron is looking 
everything over with an assessing gaze.

<Flora> [Is there any piece of luggage he pays particular attention 
to before it goes on ahead?]

<ST> Not really.

<Flora> [Then I will proceed on ahead, hide away, and see if I can 
learn something]

<ST> You hear a horn.

<ST> Really loud.

***

<Ishu> "So... that didn't go too well. ^^;; "

* Ishu returns to looking at the Duke and Duchess apologetically.

<ST> "All of you, please get comfortable," says the Duke.  "I have 
ordered some cakes and there is tea already here.  [Bunny enters with 
a tray of cakes].  She is a very cute little childling, about ten 
years old.  She is wearing a short dress that isn't supposed to be 
that short... someone hasn't been buying her clothes lately, and 
she's a growing childling .... and a voluminuous apron with many 
pockets.

<Ishu> "Thank you, your Excellency", he says, and removes his hat 
with a sheepish look, having forgotten about it earlier.

<ST> Her hair is in her eyes, and she seems to be scattering 
bobbypins everywhere.  The cake plate looks as if a dinosaur has been 
trying to arrange it.

* Garland frowns slightly, but nods. "My thanks, your Grace," he then 
turns, looking curiously to the little girl who has brought in the 
cakes.

<ST> She is actually a boggan.

<Ishu> "Anything we can do to help?" he says, then smiles warmly at 
the girl.

* Bunny is looking about with wiiide eyes. She hopes no one notices 
the cakes arrangement. Bunny gasps softly and comes to her senses 
when spoken to, and hurries over to Ishu to offer cakes.

<Ishu> "Oh, thank you! It looks delicious. :) " and he takes the 
cake.

<KenKen> "Oooh, cake!"

* Garland also smiles to Bunny, lifting a hand to take a cake. "May 
I?"

<ST> The Duchess says, "I'd like to pour the tea myself, but I'm not 
/that/ much better.  Garland?"

* Bunny nodnodnods! More hair falls in her eyes from the nodding.

* Garland turns to look at the Duchess, dropping his hand and bowing 
lightly to her instead. "I'd be delighted, your grace," he smiles.

* Garland moves over to the coffee table to pour the tea for the Duke 
and Duchess. At least, those two first.

* KenKen bends down to look at Bunny. "Hi! Need some help? I'm 
Kenken!"

* Garland glances back over to the Duchess. "How do you like your 
tea, your grace?"

* Bunny is very nervous that she didn't offer the cakes to the duke 
and dutchess first! Blinks and looks up at KenKen with HUUUGE eyes, 
which get even bigger when he says his name. ... Holds out the tray 
of cakes, at a loss of what else to do!

<ST> "Lemon, please, dear boy," Sariona says.  "The Duke likes sugar.  
These days I don't think he needs it.  He's sweet enough."  [blushes 
faintly]  But enough pleasantries.  I am very worried.  If Meilge's 
right..."

* KenKen takes the tray. Whispers, "Do you think that this way you 
could carry the plates over, with enough hands and all?"

* Garland prepares the tea, then offers both cups to the Duke and 
Duchess respectively.

<ST> Duke nods abstractedly.  Duchess smiles and thanks him aloud.

* Bunny blinks as he takes the TRAY. Looks around for the plates 
KenKen mentioned.

<Garland> "You're most welcome," he nods and smiles, then takes a 
step back and looks at the others.  "Tea?"

<Ishu> "Would now perhaps be an alright time to go get Flora, since 
the Baron is gone and it looks as there may be a lot to talk about? 
I'd could go get her, if it would please you, your Excellencies."

<Ishu> "Please, thank you," says Ishu, and smiles appreciatively at 
Garland.

<ST> "Actually, young Satyr, I don't know you, do I?" 

<Garland> He turns again and bows lightly to the Duchess.  "Yes, 
forgive me, your grace.  I'm Garland."

<ST> And yes to the plates on the tray.

* Bunny blinks again and remembers the plates also on the tray, 
taking them, careful not to drop any. She's ohsovery overwhelmed. 
/KenKen/ is /talking/ to her!

* KenKen holds the tray carefully.

<ST> OOO, now I've bukkered that one up too.  I meant, young Eshu.  
And okay, Sariona doesn't know either Ishu or Garland.

<Ishu> "Oh! Sorry, your Grace. I'm Edward Shue, from the Monarch 
Times. I've been to the school a couple of times before for articles, 
but I don't think we've had the pleasure of meeting yet, either. Most 
people just call me Ishu, though. :)"

* Bunny offers the little cake plates for those who want them for the 
cakes. Careful to offer the Duchess and Duke first, and yes, in that 
order. Looks up at duchess Sariona with pure love and worship, so 
honored to be able to offer her a plate.

<ST> "Did you hear that Baron?" says the Duke.  "His uncle wants the 
Horn.  We can't let that happen.  We just can't.  But I don't know 
how to stop it.  

<Ishu> "How does he know we have it, sir?"

<ST> [Duke] "As long as I don't open the letter, we have time."

* Garland goes about getting tea for Ishu too.

<KenKen> "How'd he know about it so quickly anyway?"

<ST> "I mean, we don't have to know, do we, that anyone here has the 
horn?"

* Ishu nods appreciatively. Takes a waft and smiles.

<ST> That was Sariona.

<ST> [I believe Sariona told you to put it back in your pocket, KK]

<KenKen> [She did. I did, and covered up the bits that would show.]

<Ishu> "At any rate, he rode out here with that letter, right? If it 
says what the Baron said it would, then they knew in advance where we 
would be."

<Ishu> "They wouldn't have sent multiple horsemen here on a hunch."

<KenKen> "And like... I mean, I could be wrong, but didn't only the 
bad guys know?

* Bunny carefully takes the tray of cakes back from KenKen -if he 
lets her, she does wait for his approval- after passing out plates.

* KenKen lets her, smiling.

<ST> "So," says the Duke, I now know exactly where that horn is.  If 
this letter says what the Baron indicated, I'm going to have to send 
that horn with him to the King."

<ST> [Duke]  "Exactly.  That is one reason why I am so worried."

<KenKen> "...can't we lie?"

* Bunny looks so excited at the smile, as though this is the biggest 
accomplishment of her short life. Resumes offering cakes on the tray, 
careful to go to the duchess and duke first this time!

<ST> [Duke]  "You can.  But my honour is my bond. etc. etc. I am a 
Duke of the Kingdom of Willows.  Meilge is my monarch.  What can I 
do.  You could lie, KenKen, but I cannot.  And I cannot allow you to 
leave with that horn in your pocket."

<Ishu> "Hrm... would it be allowing... if you didn't see... or... 
notice... it go?"

<ST> [Duke] "Yes."

<Ishu> "Darn."

<KenKen> "All right: Here's the Truth, your Grace.

<KenKen> "This isn't really that horn. We haven't found it yet. This 
is just a toy I got that I like."

* Garland looks at KK, blinking.

* Ishu nods

<ST> [Duke, sadly]  "I don't believe you.  My dear KenKen, give me 
this "toy".

<Ishu> "Perhaps we could soothsay the letter, your excellency?"

<KenKen> "Why don't you believe me? Haven't I proven my worth?"

* KenKen looks at Rendarien with soulful eyes.

* Bunny stumbles as she walks, knocking into KenKen's side, cakes 
becoming unarranged and such.

<ST> [Duke]  "Over and over again, KenKen.  I would believe you if I 
could.  But this is a matter of honour."

<Ishu> [Can I use politics to see if Ishu's ever heard of Meilge 
having a nephew?]

<KenKen> "Oh - are you okay?"

<ST> [Yes, Ishu]

<Ishu> [Sweet. Difficulty? Or is that, "Yes, the Baron is who he says 
he is"?]

***

<ST> You don't absolutely know the Baron is legit until the letter is 
opened.

<ST> Or until soothsay confirms it.

<Ishu> Okay - is it Fae or Prop to soothsay the letter?

<Ishu> (Or could I do it about the Baron himself?)

<ST> If you can't do prop, you can't do this spell.  But I get the 
feeling you want to "do" it anyway.  Am I right or wrong?

<Ishu> That would be the smart thing to do, but Ishu's a really bad 
liar.

<Ishu> I have scene, and scene affinity.

<Ishu> If I got within 25 feet of the Baron's new bedroom, could I 
use Omen to get a reading on him?

<Ishu> Standing on the other side of the wall so he wouldn't see me?

<ST> I think you couldn't get what you WANT.  Too bad, it's a good 
idea.

<Ishu> Cruds.

<Ishu> And Politics won't work to know if I've heard of this nephew 
or not?

<Ishu> If he's important enough for such a mission...

<ST> You can roll it.  Intelligence + Politics difficulty 9 because 
you came from the Orient.

<Ishu> Check. (But he works in Monarch... ^^;; )

<Ishu> Blowing a willpower.

<Ishu> 1 success.

<ST> One success.  Yes, you have heard that Meilge has a ward named 
Gavan.  A mean man, from the scuttlebut.

<Ishu> Doh.

<Ishu> Okay, if I go glowy, do they know what I'm casting?

<Ishu> Or rather, who it's on?

<Ishu> Foul is Fair to KenKen for luck!

<Ishu> (It's soothsay either way...)

<ST> Sure.  Great idea.

<Ishu> OKay!

<Ishu> Another willpower!

<Ishu> I get... 8 dice.

<Ishu> Banality 5.

<Ishu> I pull out my I-ching coins for a bunk.

<Ishu> Quickly toss them 6 times, then inscribe the character it 
creates in midair.

<Ishu> (What does that make my difficulty?)

<ST> Good on you!  Roll 5 + 4 - bunk level 5= difficulty 4

<Ishu> SWEET.

<ST> Takes five seconds though.

<Ishu> 4 successes.

<ST> So what exactly does Foul is Fair do for KenKen?  It'll be 
really good.

<ST> Guess what?  It's done.

<Ishu> It means "a majorly good thing will happen". This can be like, 
finding treasures, your soul mate, etc., but Ishu can't direct it.

<ST> Your foul is fair has produced the loudest, clearest hunting 
horn sound you have ever heard.  And it is off in the forest.

***

* Bunny bursts out crying.

<Ishu> "o_O! Are you alright, little miss?"

* Garland blinks suddenly at the burst of tears, looking down to 
Bunny now, "You alright there, sweetheart?"

<KenKen> "So you want to see this trinket, then...?

* Ishu looks confused now

* Bunny apologises profusely though sobs, presumebly about the cakes, 
it's REALLY hard to tell. She runs out of the room, presumibly to get 
more cakes that are okay.

* Garland frowns as the girl rushes out again, looking to Ishu with 
an equally confused look.

* Ishu shrugs helplessly

* Ishu resumes watching the exchange between KenKen and the Duke with 
some concern

* Garland doesn't do much better. He shrugs too and looks back to the 
Duke.

* KenKen pulls the horn out of a pocket and passes it over, casually.

<ST> [Duke]  "Why do you mock me?  There's nothing in your hand."

<KenKen> "I told you it was a toy."

* Garland arches an eyebrow, looking down at the horn.

<ST> [There really is nothing in KK's hand.]

<ST> [Duke]  "I do not want to have to search you, my dearest of 
pookas.  Please do not make me have to do that."

<ST> "He had it," says Sariona, "I saw him put it in his pocket.  He 
did have it."

<KenKen> "You can search me if you want. It's here in my hand."

<Ishu> "Erm..." says Ishu, "Would it be alright for me to examine the 
letter, your excellencies, without opening it? I don't know if it 
will help, but it can't hurt..."

<ST> The Duke turns to Ishu.  "Yes, if your soothsay skills are 
accurate enough.

<Garland> "Doesn't sound like a bad idea," He nods to Ishu, though 
most of his attention is swallowed up by whatever the hell is going 
on with KK and the disappearing horn.

* Ishu nods, crosses his fingers, and wanders towards the letter.

<ST> Okay, so Ishu, do you want to do it for real, for practise?

<ST> [private box kay?]

<ST> The Duke turns to KenKen.  "Please empty your pockets." 

* KenKen does so, obligingly, though he holds onto the brooch.

* Ishu Ishu is throwing coins quickly on the other side of the room

* Ishu starts drawing a character in midair

<Ishu> "The horn! It's out there!"

* Garland turns, "Out where??"

<ST> [You can all hear it.  It's Loud!  It's powerful!  It's 
Magical!]

<Ishu> "We should tell the Baron, I think?"

<Ishu> "We've got to make sure we get it - if it's being sounded, 
someone must have it!"

<ST> [The sound comes from the forest.  You are at the back of the 
school overlooking the forest.  Who might want to look out the french 
windows?

* KenKen looks startled.

<Garland> "Who would be..." Frowning, he turns, and... heads to the 
french windows!

* Ishu quickly picks up his coins

<Ishu> "I saw something from the letter... the King has a reason to 
believe the real Horn is in this area... I guess he was right!"

* Ishu also goes to look out the window

<Garland> "That... the little girl! That boggan!" He points out the 
window at what he's seeing upon reaching it, "She's out there with 
the stag!"

<KenKen> "What?!"

* Ishu "Holy wow!"

* Ishu coughs

<Ishu> "Sorry... someone had to. ^^;; "

<Ishu> "What do you want us to do, Duke, Duchess?" he says, turning 
to them.

* KenKen stares at his hand in astonishment.

<Garland> "Well, let's get out there!"

<ST> "Go after her!" calls the Duke.  "Go, quickly.  Do not let the 
stag out of your sight.  GO!"

<Ishu> "Gone!"

* Garland leaves quickly.

* Ishu runs out the door

<KenKen> [What floor are we on?]

<ST> 3rd

* Garland books it, satyr style.

<KenKen> [So leaping out the window would be a bad idea, then?]

<ST> Depends if you have hopscotch on you.

<Ishu> "Flora?" he calls, trying to get her back with the party 
before they rush outside.

<KenKen> [...Ehhh, too much time. I'll just run.]

* KenKen dashes for the door, heading off after Bunny as fast as he 
can!

<Ishu> "Flora??" [Can we grab Flora?]

***

<ST> Where are you going to go with that VERY valuable horn?

<ST> After all, you're a kid, you must know every hiding place in the 
garden and forest beyond.

<Bunny> She has NO IDEA where in particular. She knows she has to 
return it to KenKen when he eventually leaves, but has to wait until 
then so he can't get in trouble with the Duke. She will probably head 
to the closest safe hiding place she knows of for now, while she 
tries to think of a 'perfect' hiding place for it.

<Bunny> ....And she really does feel bad about the cakes.

<ST> Good.  In the forest there is a little cave you found once, and 
hid in whenever you played hide and seek and nobody ever found you.  
Gosh you sure want to take a look at that horn.

<Bunny> Sure does! This is important!! She has to take VERY GOOD CARE 
of it. WHich involves looking at it, right?

<ST> I presume you will also want to blow it, just quietly, just to 
see what it sounds like?

<Bunny> Ohyes. But only if she's sure no one can hear it. It'd be 
TERRIBLE to give away where she was just because she was curious! 
Then she would dissapoint Kenken AND the cool awesome wonderful 
duchess.

<ST> I do understand.  <grin>

<Bunny> Assuming she's had time to check around and make sure no one 
is withing hearing range (that she can FIND, anyways..)? .....Ohyes. 
^^ Just a little won't hurt, right?

<ST> But suddenly a crashing is heard by you in the forest.  Someone 
is coming.  No, Something is coming.  It is a beautiful stag with 
many points on its antlers.  It nudges you.  In your mind you hear, 
"get up.  Come.  It's time now.  Come."

<ST> Will you stand up?

* Bunny stands, shaking. She's in SUCH trouble now. She has to be. 
She clutches the horn to her chest, unwilling to let it go. It's her 
DUTY to keep it safe for KenKen and the duchess, no matter what!

<ST> The eyes of the stag are so beautiful.  In your head you hear, 
You are a good young thing.  I will always love you, no matter what 
you choose.  But if you do not get on my back at this instant, the 
entire world will suffer.  Will you come?"

* Bunny gasps and nods!! Finally speaks, a tiny squeaky voice. "Y-
yes!" But she's so tiny, can she climb onto his back all by herself?

<ST> The stag bends his front legs.  "Hold my antlers, dear child.  
Do not drop the horn.  Climb now."

<ST> Okay, so now we have to see if you fall.

<ST> Roll dex + athletics difficulty 7

<Bunny> [So that's... 6 dice, 4 and 2, respectively.]

<ST> Right.  Now roll and tell me what you got on each die.

<Bunny> [5, 6, 8, 8, 8, 9]

<ST> Wow.  Four successes.  You climb this stag as if you've been 
doing it all your life.

<ST> You can stay on automatically for four turns, then I'll have to 
ask you to roll again to see if you fall off.

<Bunny> [Okay, er, anything I should do, or is bunny too focused on 
Not Falling Off The Stag? *confused as to what's going on ezzactly*]

<ST> Yup.  Just hang on tight.  You sholdn't have a clue what's 
happening.  Maybe if the company catches up to you they will explain.  
Maybe not.

<ST> Good.  Roll your dexterity + crafts difficulty 6

<Bunny> [4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 9. ... *keeping these dice!!*]

<ST> Right on.  Okay, you see some delicious blackberries in a bush 
beside you.  You are terribly hungry because you dropped your cakes 
and you're even more thirsty. 

<Bunny> [Still on the stag?]

<ST> Yes.  He's looking at you as if he's reading your mind, and has 
slowed down a little.

* Bunny looks to the stag, and the blackberry bush. Realizes he's 
slowing. "...Thankyousorry." again, in the tiny squeaky voice. She 
attempts to get some blackberries. Just enough to hold her over! She 
can't waste too much time, after all!

<ST> There is kind laughter in her mind.  Eat your fill, child.  Not 
all pursuers are evil, and we are almost there.

* Bunny pauses.... then fills whatever room left she has in her apron 
pockets with blackberries.

* Bunny 's fingertips are lightly stained purple by the time she's 
done.

<ST> Eat hearty.  Maybe the stag would like a nibble?

* Bunny holds out a handful of blackberries for the stag, helpfully!

<ST> The stag looks at her with its beautiful loving eyes and shakes 
his head slightly.

* Bunny slowly returns them back to her apron pockets, then. "Okay... 
but if you want some just tell me, okay?? I got a lot."

<ST> You notice that a rather thick Mist is descending.  The Stag 
says in your mind, "Have no fear."

* Bunny is a little scared when she first sees the mist, then calms 
when the Stag speaks in her mind. Well, he said not to fear, so there 
should be no problems, right?

<ST> You hear Garland's voice say, "Who is that?"

* Bunny squeaks and looks around! Recognises that voice from the 
room! He asked permission for the cakes! (I think...)

<ST> Yes, he did.

* Bunny is happy! That means helpful people are nearby! "...Hello??" 
She tries to spot him through the mist, holding onto the stag and 
still focusing most on not falling off.

<ST> You hear Garland say, "Bunny, is that you sweetheart?"

<ST> And now it says, "Bunny, if that's you, you've gotta take my 
hand, alright?"

<ST> And now you hear the unmistakeable dulcet tones of your hero 
KenKen asking Garland what he is wearing.  What will you do now?

* Bunny peers through the mist, trying so hard to see him. "I-it's 
me... I can't see you, though." She reaches out with a hand, hoping 
maybe she'll be able to touch farther then she can see.

* Bunny squeaks!

* Bunny looks around for KenKen! o.o Needs to apologize for taking 
the horn even though she HAD to because they needed it out of there 
didn't they??

***

<ST> Garland is way in the lead.

* Ishu runs outside

<Ishu> "Bunny! Did you see the Horn?"

<ST> [you are all out the back of the house, overlooking the forest.  
You can barely see Garland he is running so fast.

<Ishu> "o_O. Man is he fast!"

* KenKen dashes.

<Ishu> "Um."

* Ishu looks left, looks right, unsure of what to do next.

<Ishu> [Is Bunny still there?]

<ST> You can't see Bunny.  

<Ishu> "Oh."

<Ishu> "Hmmmm.... Can't keep up with them... need to find Flora and 
the Stag..."

* Ishu looks at his feet

<Ishu> "OKAY!"

* Ishu starts to walk. He'll get... somewhere.

* Ishu continues to call out "Flora??" as he goes.

<ST> Rundown on situation here:  Flora is running from the Lake House 
toward the back of the Castle.  You could see her if you looked over 
your shoulders.  ...

* Flora waves as she runs toward you

<Ishu> "HEY!"

<Ishu> "FLORA! We found you! Everything okay? :D"

<ST> ...She is trying to catch up to Ishu, KenKen.  

<ST> There is mud on her face but she's grinning.

<ST> There is no sign of Garland, the stag, or the boggan named 
Bunny.

<Ishu> (thinks) 'But we found Flora, so it's good! :D '

<ST> If you all consult the maps sent you of the College you will see 
that there is a forest behind the Castle.

<KenKen> "Ishu! Flora! The Forest!"

<ST> It bounds the freehold and goes all the way to the ocean.  It 
was how you got to the ocean when you chased that stag the first 
time, midwinter night, remember?

<Ishu> "Okay!!!"

* Ishu turns to Flora

<Ishu> "You ready?

<Flora> "I'm a comin' Beanie Boy, I'm a comin'!"

<Ishu> "Beanie?"

* Ishu looks confused, but is still grinning.

<ST> So now there are three parties:  stag with Bunny with horn, 
Garland alone, and the rest of you together.  Funny how nobody else 
in Rendarien;s guard is coming.  No horses.  It's almost as if he 
hopes the horn will get away.  He shouted all the right things, 
but...

***

<ST> Garland, you get there just in time to see something no one else 
will.  A beautiful stag has appeared in a small clearing in the 
forest.  The little boggan girl is standing as if transfixed by its 
gaze.

<ST> You can run as fast as the stag, and your stamina will allow you 
to keep running at that pace for a long time.  But of course the stag 
was far off the scene when you left the house.  So you'll have to run 
as fast as you can and sacrifice your stamina a little if you want to 
try to catch up.

<Garland> Sure, how do I do that?

<ST> Spend a point of willpower.

<Garland> Okay, I'll spend that then.

<ST> Kay, you're starting to gain on them.

<ST> You are close enough to see them clearly, but you are tiring.  
Roll stamina + survival difficulty 6.

<Garland> No successes I mean, not a botch.

<ST> Okay, so you're slowing down, but the stag seems to be able to 
run like this forever.  If you stop to take a breath and a drink of 
water from your flask, more stuff could happen.

<Garland> I'll stop to take that drink then.  Panting.

<ST> Are you looking at the ground?

<Garland> I'd probably drop my gaze, yes.

<ST> Roll perception +alertness difficulty 9 minus any pips you have 
in clever.

<Garland> Failed again!

<ST> Take another drink.  Try again.  Difficulty 10 - clever.

<Garland> Bah! No luck this time.

<Garland> [It's those clever pips that are killing me... *laughs*]

<ST> Okay, just add your WP to perception + alertness, difficulty 10.

<Garland> minus the clever pips still?

<Garland> ... I still fail.

<Garland> Do I hear Ishu call that?

<ST> Sorry.  Forgot for a moment.  You can get up now and you'll see 
that there are deer tracks on the ground just about where you fell 
down.  And a big animal has pushed its way through bushes in this 
very thick forest.

<ST> "Yes, you can hear Ishu.

<Garland> And he would start ahead again, following the tracks.    Or 
look through the bushes that seem to be pushed.

<Garland> Do I see anything else?

<ST> You see a few crumbs of smushed cake.  You are not tired any 
more.  You can run as before, if you want to spend a WP point.

<Garland> I spend it then.

<Garland> And run like the wind!

<ST> Kay.  The trail seems easy to follow now.  It's as if the stag 
didn't worry.

<Garland> Uh oh... I continue following!

<ST> Roll perception + alertness difficulty 6 and see if you get any 
10's.

<ST> Do you?

<Garland> 3 successes, but no tens.

<ST> That's enough.  You smell the misty aroma of the Mists that 
separate the Dreaming from the Real world.  You get a pretty strong 
idea you're leaving the real world behind.

<Garland> Eep.

<Garland> Alright, I forge ahead!

<ST> Garland, in forging ahead, you enter a very thick patch of Mist.  
You are singing ShowBoat, right?  Someone joins in.  A pretty little 
voice.

<Garland> I stop singing for a moment.  "Who is that?"

<ST> You hear a squeak ahead of you.  It sounds like a happy little 
boggan voice, not a mouse.

<Garland> "... Bunny?  Is that you, sweetheart?" He moves forward 
carefully.

<ST> You hear a voice say, "Hello?"

<ST> It is a happy little voice.

<Garland> He moves a hand out towards the voice.  "Bunny, if that's 
you, you've gotta take my hand, alright?"

* Garland turns back after yelling, to try and see the voice's owner 
again.

<Garland> He pauses again to give another shout out to the others.

<ST> * Bunny peers through the mist, trying so hard to see him. "I-
it's me... I can't see you, though." She reaches out with a hand, 
hoping maybe she'll be able to touch farther then she can see.

<ST> Another squeak from Bunny.

<Garland> Singing again, he reaches out with one arm and tries to 
grab hold of her hand.

<ST> Roll perception + empathy diff 6

<Garland> Now I get tens.... two successes!

<ST> OKAY!!!  You touch the haunch of a deer.  The deer goes very 
still.  In your mind are words in the most gentle voice imaginable.  
"I am your friend.  I am the friend of the horn bearer.  You must 
stay with me, with her, protect her, until I can safely see her to 
the next stepping stone.  Tuatha blesses you."

* Garland stops singing, a little stunned by the voice in his head.

<Garland> He nods quickly, "Yes, I'll stay!"

<Garland> I'm still touching the deer?

<ST> Yes.  It is holding still for it, and you get the feeling it is 
hard for him to do so, but he wants to convince you.

***

* Ishu waits for Flora to catch up, then breaks into an Eshu run 
towards the forest

* KenKen runs as well!

* Ishu turns to Flora as they run. "Does that mean you know Beans?"

<Flora> Only on Thursday nights!

<Ishu> "Really? I didn't think I'd seen you around before!"

<Ishu> "Must be that gift you have!"

* Ishu keeps running

<Ishu> [Do we see/hear anything? Any tracks?]

<Ishu> [HAHA! A use for the survival ability! :D ]

<ST> Anybody here can roll perception + alertness difficulty 8.

<KenKen> [1 success]

<ST> Ishu can roll with a difficulty of 4

<Flora> [does the danger sense specialty of alertness apply?]

<Flora> [3 successes]

<ST> That's to Flora.

<Ishu> [5 successes, in that case]

<ST> Okay, Flora and Ishu see different things.  KK?

<ST> Oh, sorry, I see you got one success. 

<ST> Ishu, you see a whole lot of bobby pins at the mouth of what 
looks like a cave.

<ST> Flora you see deer tracks.

<ST> KK you see one smushed cake dropped in your path.

<Ishu> "Erm... Bunny in a cave... bad," he whispers.

<Flora>  the deer tracks ... into the cave?

<KenKen> "Cake means this way."

<ST> No.  The deer tracks beside the cave.  

<ST> OH, look, another cake.

* Ishu listens for sounds coming from within the cave

<ST> nothing.

<Flora> cake lead into cave?

* Ishu looks around - up in particular

* KenKen follows the cakewalk.

<ST> The second cake is farther up a kind of narrow, well, not 
exactly a path.  Sort of like bushes that have been pushed through?

* Flora follows cake path

* Ishu follows them

* KenKen hmmms. "But what animal leaves spoor like this?"

<ST> The cake path Peters out.  You recall Bunny had dropped the tray 
and so only so much would fit into her hands.  She's probably hungry 
too.  Boggans usually are.

<Ishu> "Boggan childer? ;) "

<Ishu> "Gaaaaarland!!! Are you out there?" Ishu calls

<Garland> ".... Somewhere, yeah!"

<Ishu> "Okay!!! That's a start!!!"

* Ishu pauses

<Flora> "Well is there anything going on where you are?

<Ishu> "I guess standing around hollering isn't a good way to track a 
stag. :\ "

* KenKen continues to look for tracks.

<Garland> "Uhhh!" Calls back, "There's some tracks... I'm going to 
follow them further ahead!"

<Flora> "Oh for Heaven's sake!  Is he ahead of us, by the sound, or 
back towards the cave?"

<ST> He is ahead of you.

<Ishu> "Ehehehh."

<Ishu> "Forward, then?"

<Flora> "Forward, with haste!"

* Ishu starts moving forward hastily

* Ishu starts to wander off the path, apparently oblivious.

* KenKen moves forward hastily. "Ishu, do we need to play the hand-
holding game??"

* Ishu blinks

<Ishu> "Eh?"

* Ishu looks around

<Ishu> "Ah, you first."

<Flora> "OK, guys, I'm lost!  Any ideas?"

<Flora> "Which way should we go?"

<Ishu> "The tracks?"

* KenKen 's eyes go wide. "...the Dreaming...?"

<Ishu> "We should follow the tracks."

* Ishu nods

<Flora> "Are there tracks!! I thought they went differently from the 
cakes."

<Ishu> "... Oh."

<Ishu> "We should go to the Dreaming?"

<Ishu> "Is that what you mean, KenKen?"

<Ishu> "I saw pins by the cave."

<Ishu> "Hairpins from Bunny."

<Flora> "Yes, but then there was a trasil of cakes, and deer tracks.  
Did they go the same way or different ways?"

<Ishu> "The hairpins were only in the one spot. :\"

* KenKen sniffs. "....things are changing..."

* Ishu frowns, and looks to Flora and KK for info on the tracks and 
the cake

* Garland calls back behind him. "Are you guys feeling what I'm 
feelin'?!"

<Ishu> "Erm...."

* KenKen calls, "Yes!"

<Flora> "Sorta.  What is happening?  Where are you?"

<Ishu> "I don't... think... I'm feeling anything?"

<Ishu> "But, if something's happen, let's catch up to Garland before 
it does!"

<Flora> "Which way????"

<Ishu> "Follow his voice!"

<Garland> As if on cue.  "Hurry up!!"

* Ishu starts hoofing it again

* Flora follows Ishu

* KenKen follows, quickly!

<ST> Does Garland keep yelling?

<Ishu> "Psst.... KenKen, what's changing?"

<Garland> He'd give a couple good hollers.

<KenKen> "Can't you smell the Dreaming?"

<Garland> "I'M OVER HERE!"

* Flora follers the hollers

<Ishu> "Go for it!"

<Ishu> "Mist is coming...."

<Ishu> "Guys - hands - now!"

<Ishu> "Garland, keep calling to us, man!"

* Flora grabs a hold of whoever she can, still running towards 
Garland

<Garland> "WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO SAY!?"

* Ishu one hand grabs Flora's, one goes for KenKen

<Ishu> "Anything inspired!"

<Ishu> "I hear the Wizard of Oz music is popular this time of the 
year!"

<Flora> "KEEP SAYING IT SO WE CAN FIND YOU!!"

<Ishu> "Flora, can you grab the rope out of my pack?

* Garland begins singing. Show tunes. Loudly.

<Flora> "While we run??"

<Ishu> "Eeeeexcellent"

<Ishu> "Um, we can slow a bit."

<Ishu> "It's near the top."

<Flora> [ST, do I roll for this?]

* KenKen keeps running to Garland.

<Ishu> "Or not? Are hands good enough? :\"

<Flora> "Well, I have yours pretty tightly."

<Ishu> "(Geez, you kids sure see a lot of action!0"

<ST> might be as well to have it handy

* Ishu nods

<Flora> "Then hang onto my gi while I reach for the rope."

<Ishu> "Okay."

* Ishu grabs Flora's gi

* KenKen grabs onto Ishu.

<Flora> [I reach for the rope.]

<Ishu> "Garland? You still out there? Do you see Bunny or the Stag?"

* Garland stops singing for a moment, but shouts back, "I might! Keep 
coming!"

<Ishu> "Good!"

<KenKen> "....D'you guys also find this kinna exciting?"

<Ishu> "Anyone else have any ideas?"

<Flora> "we get together, first of all."

<Ishu> "Sounds good."

<Ishu> "Very exciting!"

<Ishu> "I haven't travelled in such a large group in awhile - this is 
GREAT!"

<Ishu> "Going to have to write about this for a new story while on 
the road!"

<Ishu> "You guys all students here? It seems like you know the 
Duke..."

<KenKen> "Well, we could be. Or we could be profs.... KEEP CALLING 
GARLAND!

<Ishu> "AND DO A LITTLE DANCE WHILE YOU'RE AT IT!"

* Ishu shrugs

<Ishu> "Can't hurt, right?"

<Flora> "Yes. students.  Not a fae, myself.  Zapped into all of this 
by Ken Ken."

<Garland> A pause, and then, "SURE! HOW'S THIS FOR YA?"

<Flora> "Are we there yet?"

<Ishu> "NICE! KEEP IT COMING!"

* Ishu laughs

<Ishu> "So - are you - huff - of Fae blood? That gift of yours is 
pretty strange for your average human...!"

<Flora> "not sure I would call it - puff- a gift."

<Garland> "STILL UP HERE!"

<KenKen> "HEY GARLAND - WHAT'RE YOU WEARING?"

<Flora> "Up?"

<Ishu> "AND IS IT BLUE?"

<Ishu> "Well - it seems - huff - to come in handy, at least!"

<Flora> "It often works when I don't want it to -- puffff-- and not 
when I want it to!"

<Garland> ... a bit more of a pause.  And then he comes out with more 
loud show tunes.

<Ishu> "Heh."

<Ishu> "The Eshu gift's kind of like that... sort of... till you get 
used to it! :D"

<Ishu> "Then it's just fun. ^_^"

<Flora> "Is it still smelling funny to you, Ken Ken?"

<KenKen> "Misty."

* KenKen calls, "I want something out of Guys and Dolls, Garland!"

* Ishu keeps running....

<ST> Why not "Play Misty for me."

* Garland obliges.

<Ishu> "And we all have weapons if necessary?"

* Garland stops singing.

<Ishu> "GARLAND?"

<Ishu> "... GARLAND????"

<ST> You hear him say, "Yes I'll stay!" 

<Ishu> "Ah fudge..."

* Garland starts up again in a moment. "I found them!"

<ST> His voice sounds close.

<Ishu> "What do you mean, 'I'll stay!'?"

* Flora goes to the voice of Garland

<KenKen> "He said - WOO!"

* KenKen speeds it up.

<Ishu> "Buh?"

* Ishu tries to keep up

* Flora ditto

<ST> When you have run about a minute, whomever is in the lead will 
bump into Garland.

<Garland> "We have to stay with them! Protect her 'til the next 
stepping stone!"

<Flora> "Who?  What?"

<Garland> "The horn bearer! I don't know!"

<Ishu> "Protect the Stag or Bunny?"

<KenKen> "...*Garland!*" He hugs, as they get there, then looks 
around.

<Ishu> "Protect Bunny."

<Ishu> "... but...."

<Ishu> "How can /she/ be the horn bearer?"

* Ishu looks at KenKen's pocket, confused

<Bunny> [Bunny is tiny and cute and clumsy. How can she NOT be the 
horn bearer? Obviously you haven't watched enough anime.]

<Flora> "Bunny picked Ken Ken's pocket, right?"

<Ishu> "Whoah. o_O"

<Ishu> "Eeeto... Bunny... did you take the horn from KenKen?"

* Garland blinks as he's hugged... then gives KK a hearty pat on the 
back.

<Garland> With his other hand, however, he's touching the haunch of 
the stag.

<Ishu> "Garland, do you think or know if something's coming?"

<ST> It is almost impossible for you to see them.  They are bare, 
misty shapes, like ghosts.  There is a twang and a bobby pin springs 
from Bunny's hair.

<Flora> "SO, little Bunny got the Duke out of his dilemma, right?"

<Ishu> "Looks like it," he winks.

* Garland looks to Ishu, "No... I..." He turns his attentions to the 
stag, "What do we need to do??"

<Flora> " I hope SOMEBODY knows that!"

* Bunny calls out "...I didn't mean to take the horn I really didn't 
but you were all upset that you had to give it to that mean baron 
person so I thought if I just took it for now then it would be okay 
and you wouldn't have to and I'm sorry!"

<ST> Okay.  We'll call time here.  Sorry, but I like to keep to the 
five hours.  You're all in the Mists with a gorgeous stag and Bunny 
the boggan.