Quest for the Green Sward (26 Sep 2002) The Queen holds a council with representatives of the Houses.

A long, wide hallway, with a red runner carpet down its length, leads to giant double doors, behind which the Queen of Mirari is holding council in the wake of the revelation of an impersonator posing as Lord April. The solid doors are closed, and no sound leaks out through them. Four of the Queen's guards stand before it, two to either side, holding polearms at ready.

A pair of fey girls walk swiftly across the hall towards the great double doors protected by the Queen's guard. Taking the lead is a younger blonde with a determined look about her. Her eyes are glossy and her cheeks still damp with the stain of tears recently wiped away. Following in close pursuit is an older girl -- a teen by the look of her -- girded with sword and dressed for the high road. Together they reach the guards and there the younger girl calls out, "I must speak with her Majesty! I have terribly urgent news of treachery she must hear."

The guards look skeptically to the two youngsters. "What is your news?" the lead man asks, a long-jowled man that reminds Alice faintly of a basset hound. "We'll be sure that her Majesty gets the message, if it be important."

The auburn-haired girl looks to the guard that has questioned them. "I believe it is important enough information that we cannot stand out here in the open to discuss it. However, the short of it is that a person who may stand with the imposter Lord April is trying to take revenge upon the Queen for his unmasking. Can we not enter and pass this message to the Queen ourselves?"

To Hannah's request Alice adds, "Please, tell Queen Seraph Lady Jill urgently needs to speak with her and the council. Her Majesty will know what to do."

The guards glance at each other, and one of them whispers loudly to the others, "That's the girl from the courtyard -- the one who exposed him!" A hurried conference later, and the first speaker nods to the girls. "Right now. You just wait here, we'll check on her Majesty's wishes." One of the guards opens the doors a little, and whispers his message to someone inside. Then they all resume their posts.

Alice gives a grateful and somewhat hurried curtsey to the guards before stepping away and turning to walk close to Hannah. With her back to the guards she leans in to whisper, "I'm terribly nervous!" Alice bites her lip and leans back a little after that initial worried whisper. She holds her hands out to the side, asking, "Do I look well enough? I'm not certain how this will go, 'nay, nor what will happen after. I know I spoke of what I intended on our way here but ... are you ready? I'm sure, very-super-sure, things may be different after this. It may be the last we can talk like this. I don't know. But if we cannot talk anymore I will try and send you a message. There is so much to do."

Hannah looks a little confused at the beginning of Alice's outburst, but by the end of it she has clearly gotten the message. She leans down on the pretext of pushing Alice's hair back behind her shoulders - presumably to make it "look well enough," - but as she does so, she whispers, "You are right - if you choose to give the Council certain information about yourself, things will change greatly. Are you sure that is what you wish to do, milady?"

The young blonde busies herself as she listens to her friend's words. She fusses, pats down, straightens and otherwise worries over her appearance. She seems quite reminded now over the disarray she had fallen in to having had busied herself with healers' work for much of the afternoon. The intimidating notion of approaching the council seems to way heavy on her as she looks up from her fussing to answer Hannah's question. "'Aye," she breathes. "Simon thinks that I, too, am part of some plot. I can't even believe it, but it's true! And truly you heard what Simon said. He is very confused and the lies he spreads may hurt our cause very much. I need to try and show that we are true. And I cannot do that as Lady Jill." She bites her lip, leans in close, and adds, "And I worry for my mother."

Hannah casually brushes a few motes of invisible dust from the skirt of Alice's dress as she whispers, "Then if you are determined in this course of action, I will offer you what support I can. I have pledged to protect you, and so I shall - no matter how much our circumstances may change after this Council is over." She gives the blonde girl a small, but fond smile.

Alice watches Hannah's face as she offers words of encouragement. When she smiles the princess tries to smile too. Then all at once she steps forward and gives Hannah a hug -- forgetting for a moment the fussing she had done earlier. "Thank you," she whispers fondly, "I'm sure everything will be fine whatever happens."

While Alice embraces Hannah, the doors open a crack. A young page on the other side nods minutely. "They may enter," he says, his voice low. He steps aside and opens the doors far enough to allow the two girls inside.

Releasing her friend and stepping back away, the princess smiles a little more and this time it seems more reassuring, offering the impression of being done not only for herself but for Hannah's benefit. Her right hand lifts to her face to wipe away a few stray tears that had gathered before she inclines her head to the other girl in a more elegant form of appreciation. Then she draws herself up, turns, and with what dignity and grace she can muster she goes to enter the council chamber.

The Council of All Houses
A grand, circular room whose ceiling, supported by graceful white columns, is like gold, beaten so fine as to be translucent. Sunlight shines through, suffusing the area with a gentle, golden glow. Thirteen separate raised platforms with their own railings ring the chamber. Twelve of them display the respective colors of the various months, and are adorned by designs inspired by the seasons and the animals of each house. The thirteenth dais, larger and more prominent than the rest, boasts two thrones, flanked by statues of angels. Even the smaller platforms of the houses are large enough to support a delegation, but presently, only one seat is displayed in each. A tiled pathway runs the room's perimeter, behind and below the platforms. Steps lead down from the back and side of each platform, so that the newcomers may quietly join their delegation, or descend to the main floor to gain the attention of all assembled.

Each of the platforms has a single seated figure, with a page standing nearby to attend to any needs. Alice recognizes some of them from her time as lady-in-waiting to the Queen: Lord October, of course, but also Lord November and Lord February, and Sir Tristan -- looking sad and solemn as he occupies April's seat. Lord November's eye catches the two girls entering, and he raises an eyebrow at Hannah. In the furor after the unveiling of the Destroyer, there hasn't yet been time for the father to speak with his daughter, but he clearly has not forgotten her.

The Queen is on her throne, which is smaller and less magnificent than the conspicuously empty throne beside her. The Royal Dais is situated between November's and December's, though there's a woman who looks to be carved of ice and snow seated in Lord December's stead.

As the two girls make their way around the perimeter toward the Queen's dais, a pretty, plumpish woman stands in the center of the room, twisting her fingers together nervously. "No, your majesty, I -- I remember now. It was my oversight, my fault. I did not properly administer the tests to verify Lord April's -- I mean, the imposter's -- identity. After he underwent the first two of the three, I could not locate a key component for the third. I sent my apprentice to get a substitute, but ... he was late in returning with it. Lord Apr--the imposter and I talked for a while, and then ... it just slipped my mind, your majesty. I quite forgot that I hadn't done the last test." She blushes scarlet. "He said that he had an important meeting to attend and asked me if I was done and somehow, I told him I was. I should -- I -- your majesty." The fae kneels down. "I have no excuse."

Dwarfed by her throne of white and blue, the Queen looks small, sad, and tired. "No, you do not," she answers. "You have disgraced your office, and your lapse -- be it in judgement, or skill -- has cost the realm much. It very nearly cost us everything. You are hereby suspended from your duties as court thaumaturge, pending further investigation. Unless you have other lapses to report, you are dismissed."

The young blonde walks around along the tiled pathway towards the dais of the House of Umbrecht where her mother sits in the king's stead. As she approaches the royal delegation she looks up, and up, at the throne where the Queen sits. She tries to her a smile as she walks. Despite all her bad news she doesn't want to greet her mother with a frown. Not now when she doesn't need more unhappiness.

For her part, Hannah merely follows along in Alice's wake. As she goes, she notices her father's gesture towards her and nods solemnly in return, but continues towards the royal dais. Her face betrays nothing, but her left hand clasps and unclasps around the hilt of her rapier nervously.

From her position on the throne, the Queen cannot really see Alice or Hannah as the two girls circle to the back of the Royal Dais to ascend. Her Majesty seems more intent on the business of the council around her. Lord October stands as the thaumaturge, her head hanging, makes her way to the exit. With a nod, the Queen acknowledges him, and he begins to speak as Alice comes up to the Queen's elbow.

From where she stands Alice can see most of the assembled council. The sterns faces thoughtful and grim cause her to bite her lip. For a moment she looks hesitant. A nervous glance towards Lord October gives the appearance she might also be concerned over interrupting him as well even in whisper. But the her hesitation lasts only a moment, and so she leans in to whisper in a worried voice, "Your Majesty, I think I know what Lord Eoin intends. I do believe he has discovered how to change the Rules of Mirari. And I think that I know how, as well."

The Queen's eyes widen, though the motion is imperceptible to those not on the dais with her. She motions to Alice to continue, even as October says, "That the imposter was able to fool even a thaumaturge in two tests of his identity speaks to the danger posed by the Destroyer. Could any lesser warlock have been so thorough? I think not. We must assume that his final threat is real, and gather the armies of Mirari in preparation against an assault."

At the motion Alice continues, whispering, "Simon, who is from Ainigton as Lord Thomas, Lady Redmane, and I am, will not believe the truth of the imposter. You may remember him, your Majesty. He is my friend, though I ... I fear he has been tricked in an awful way. He has betrayed us to support who he still thinks is Lord April. And as we may do, I think Simon can change the Rules of Mirari. And I do believe Lord Eoin has come to know this by Simon. But please don't think badly of Simon. He ... he's just confused."

"Where is he now?" the Queen murmurs to Alice, her gaze still on the room, but her worried frown betraying her interest in what Alice is telling her. On the dais of June stands a tall, grey-skinned woman wearing armor and a raccoon tabard, surrounded by a splendor of grass-green accented by abstract flower designs of lilac and pink. She looks askance to the antlered Lord. The queen gives her a somewhat distracted nod.

Lady June speaks. "It is all very well to say we must prepare -- but prepare against what? And where? If we gather the armies of the houses together for an excursion to, say, the West, then we leave the whole rest of Mirari vulnerable."

"And that is why, even now, my crows and November's hawks are gathering news from all the corners of Mirari," Lord October replies. "But we cannot afford to conference after every separate report -- not when speed will prove so critical. We need to agree -- now -- on whom the armies will answer to. In the absence of King or Heir, we must select a temporary general, one who may coordinate the response of the land as a whole, to whatever threats we face."

An explosive snort comes from February's dais of grey and pale green. "'One' meaning 'you', of course," Lord February sneers.

Alice fidgets with her hands after tucking them behind her back. She glances briefly between Lady June and Lord October, momentarily listening to their exchange before she continues. "He escaped," she answers. Though the Queen isn't looking at her, the frown on her face is clear enough in the tone of her voice. "He said he would tell House April that ... that the Queen has had the only heir eliminated. He's my friend but I can't let him say that! So Hannah and I tried to stop him and he vanished in a puff of smoke. I don't know where he is now, your Majesty. And he said something else -- he thinks I'm part of a plot, too! That Lord October offered me the chance to be a princess if I helped him. It's an awful lie -- how could he say that? -- and it's terribly worrying too. I think his lies will hurt everyone. I came also to tell you I think it's time I told everyone who I am. Then he can't lie."

Hannah, who has been quietly listening to the speeches of the Lords and Ladies with an ever-deepening frown, at last steps closer to the Queen so she may murmur in her ear. "May I address the Council, Your Majesty? I know this is highly irregular, but I have some information that speaks to Lord October's concerns."

The Queen fidgets with one hand in a worried way reminiscent of her daughter's. As Hannah gets her attention, Lord November is responding to February's accusation. "And who better?" Hannah's father says, methodical. "Lord October suspected the imposter before any of the rest of us had the least idea what was afoot. He has shown remarkable courage and fortitude in resisting what we all now recognize as a grave danger."

The Queen waves her hand, and an unnatural silence descends on the daises of both November and February. The latter's lips are still moving, but as no sound emerges, he stops, scowling. The Queen says, "I will have order. The daughter of November has important information for this Council: attend her." She nods to Hannah.

First taking a deep, silent breath to gather up her courage, Hannah walks forward to the edge of the royal dais where she may be heard by all. "If I may explain my thoughts on this matter, I believe that there is merit to the idea of gathering Mirari's armies, as Lord October suggests." The girl pauses for a moment, seemingly choosing her next words with care. "To reach the Palace, I had many a day's hard ride from the lands to the West. As I traveled, I noticed that the tracks of many creatures intersected my route at several points. Not just small groups of tracks, either - but enough footprints to indicate large numbers. Then I passed a village that had recently been ransacked and almost flattened to the ground. The same type of tracks also surrounded this village. Troll tracks." Hannah casts a worried look to where Sir Tristan sits in April's stead and adds more softly, "And if the tracking skills I have learned as a Golden Hawk serve me well, the trolls are heading for Spring's lands."

A brief silence falls, this one natural, as the Houses absorb this news. Then the Queen gives the nod to October, and the antlered Lord speaks. "And it is exactly this kind of information which we so desperately need, and to which we must be ready to react. Not debate. We cannot afford the time to squabble over every piece of news, lest we be torn asunder by our foe -- who most assuredly does not suffer from our divisions."

February scowls. "And what would you have us do, Lord October? Jump at every shadow and rumormonger? You talk much of tracks, girl -- did you see any of these reputed trolls?"

The hawk-faced Lord November bristles visibly. "That girl is Lady Hannah of November, my daughter, sir, and you will address her with respect," he growls.

"I think I know who can be the general, too," Alice continues in whisper after Lord November's verbal defense of his daughter. "Lord Theodore sleeps in the Green Sward with his knights. Lady Angelique's knights. Oh, and may the the Lords and Ladies here be trusted, your Majesty? If not I'm not very sure I should speak of all this."

The queen closes her eyes for a moment, making a little gesture of understanding to Alice. "If ever Mirari had need," she says, low enough that only Alice and Hannah can hear her. "But that may be one old myth too many for this skeptical Council. I do not know if we may trust them all, or not, my little one. What choice do we have?"

Alice frowns a bit deeper at the question of choices. "I could go in disguise and wake his lordship up," she offers, keeping to a whisper. "And return him to the council. I think we also need to summon the Golden Hawks for their help and maybe with one of their groups we could go to the Green Sward in disguise? I could use the Siege if that would be faster but you may know a better way, your Majesty."

Hannah gives her father a grateful look, which quickly turns to one of steel as she turns to face Lord February. "As a matter of fact, milord, I did see - and fight against - some of the trolls that I have mentioned -- in the ruined town of Caer Bannuac, which lies to the West. At the time, I thought it odd that a lone band of trolls would gather to harry travelers in that deserted place. Now that I have seen the tracks of their fellows originating from the same general location, I no longer find it odd, but threatening to the folk of Mirari."

Lord November sits straighter in his chair, directing a proud and triumphant look at February. The latter doesn't look back at his opposite. Instead, he offers, "Just so. But that still does not mean that the whole of our forces should go haring off to the Spring lands. And if this 'Destroyer' had just been in charge of April's House, why would he plot an attack against it?"

"The Sieges are not a good way for traveling within Mirari," the Queen whispers back to Alice, while the debate in the council continues. "Your point about the Hawks is well taken. The Golden Hawks are legendary for their neutrality, and news from them may be perceived with a less jaundiced eye than that of Autumn's creatures -- at least by some of our more recalcitrant members."

Alice gives her mother a quick nod and a smile before she takes a moment to lean over and whisper some of her thoughts to Hannah. She speaks loud enough that the Queen might overhear as well she chose to listen. "Attacking House April could do many things, Hannah. If House April were destroyed, why, Lord Eoin could blame an attack by her Majesty. Um. Maybe he has the rest of his army there? And Lord You-know-who is there too. Also the Siege of April," she offers.

After providing her friend with her suspicions, Alice returns to the Queen's side and whispers, "I think Lord Theodore and the Golden Hawks would help show people we're true. I fear Lord Eoin and Simon too will try and lie about us, and those lies will cause confusion like with Simon, and we have to stop that. That's why I thought I should tell people who I am, too. But I understand if that's not really-really a good idea." She pauses, bites her lip, and then adds, "And I'm worried about you! Simon was really mad."

The Queen's blue eyes stare fixedly forward. Outwardly, sheseems intent on the Council, but her next words to Alice make it clear she is listening more to her than the Houses. "No. I will not risk you before -- this," she says, with a little gesture indicating the chamber as a whole. "I value you too much, Jill," she concludes, pointedly emphasizing the pseudonym.

Hannah nods to indicate that she has heard what the blonde girl has said, then directs her words to Lord February. "The Destroyer may have been in control of House April for a time, but that does not mean he would not have many a reason for attacking it. One explanation may be that after tearing House April apart, he would be able to blame Her Majesty for it, as another rumored 'delaying tactic' against Lord April's ascension to the throne. But I do agree with you on this point - all of Mirari's armies should not sent into Spring's lands, for assaults may come from other quarters. That is why I also believe that Lord October's and Lord November's sending of messenger birds will serve Mirari well."

To the Queen's words Alice nods a little. She turns away from her mother to watch Hannah address the council. "Okay," she whispers as Hannah grows silent. "I'll do my best to try and hide. But I don't think I can hide too much. I just have to do something. So can I try and wake Lord Theodore up, your Majesty? Though maybe Simon reached the lands of April first. If he did House April may turn on our own armies and messengers along with any trolls, ogres, and growly things. So I'd have to be sneaky there too."

"Of course, the daughter of November would support Fall's actions," February sniffs, provoking a withering glare from Lord November. "But if we are concerned about enemies armies gathering, you need not strain for rumors from the West. Look to the South! We have already been fighting for Days against a plague of ice goblins -- the same monsters that menaced the gates of the Palace just hours ago!"

The Queen takes a moment to answer, and briefly Alice wonders if she didn't hear her. But, at length, her mother says, "I will consider it, little one."

"Thank you, your Majesty," responds Alice.

The debate in council over what threats they face, and what to do about them, continues, with October continually drawing the subject back to the need for decisive, unified action. November supports October, as do some of the representatives of the other Houses, though the way and the rarity with which they speak suggests that they do not feel qualified to give their Houses' full backing. June seems willing to acknowledge the threat posed Mirari, but she is skeptical about Lord October's fitness to lead the united houses. Though some of the houses share this skepticism, February's naked contempt for the idea of October being in charge is the most clearly marked of any.

"I cannot believe I am meant to take this seriously!" Lord February sputters, slamming a fist against the arm of his chair after the representative from September speaks laudingly of October's leadership. "Who better?" February parrots contemptuously. "Who could be worse? October didn't 'suspect' an imposter -- he hates Spring, plain and simple, always has! And not because of the 'danger to Mirari', but because he wants power -- the power that should, by rights, be April's."

Sir Tristan stands, waiting for the Queen's nod. "I mean no disrespect to any of the lords," he says, sounding youthful and sincere. "But with all due consideration to the state of Mirari and the need for an interim leader, the concern for my own Lord April -- the true Lord April -- remains uppermost in my own mind. When will the Council address this issue? Lord April is still the King's Heir and -- I believe her Majesty will support me on this -- he has not perished. His rescue, my lords, must surely be a priority for us."

Hannah gazes sadly at Sir Tristan for a long moment. She briefly passes a hand over her eyes and for the first time, weariness shows in her face and her posture. Yet she says nothing.

Noticing Hannah's look, and indeed her lack of commentary on the subject, Alice whispers to her mother, "I don't think it's safe to say what's being done now. Your Majesty, maybe you could mention it's being seen to but details can't be given?"

The Queen, sober and sad looks briefly heartened by Alice's words. She rises. "Rest assured, sir knight, that you are far from alone in your concern. I have not forgotten my brother's plight, nor will it be ignored. But I see no further good that can come from this Council. We are too poor in information, and too rich in distrust, to formulate any useful plan of action. As of today, I shall summon the Golden Hawks to Royal service, that they may help our other sources in gathering the of the land. When we know what perils face us, we shall act. And I will see my brother delivered from the hands of the one who usurped his role. But for now, this Council is at an end."

Some grumbling follows her pronouncement, but no one contests the Queen's proclamation. The envoys even look a little relieved to be out of their posts.

As the Council comes to a conclusion, Hannah turns and bows to her Queen. "Thank you for you assistance in that last matter, Your Majesty," she says quietly. "If you would like for me to speak to you and Sir Tristan in private about the real Lord April's possible whereabouts, I will gladly do so. But I did not think I could speak of it in front of all here assembled."

After the others have left, Tristan lingers behind, descending from April's dais to wait, kneeling, on the Queen's attention at the foot of hers.

Alice stays by the Queen after the council is dismissed. She too looks relieved. When Sir Tristan approaches she peers at him from her perch near the Queen. Though Lady Redmane had talked about him before she herself had never really met him in person. She finds him particularly fascinating now, more so than the Lords that depart. "Sir Tristan," she greets him, followed by a curtsey.

He acknowledges the curtsey with a quick smile and a nod, but stays kneeling before the Royal dais. The Queen nods, solemnly, to Hannah, then acknowledges the knight. "Rise, Sir Tristan."

Rather than doing as he is bidden, Tristan remains kneeling. "Your majesty, I am unworthy of the honor you have shown me. I was closer to ... him, than almost any other. I should have seen the ruse. I am more to blame than anyone; I should have known, I should -- " He stops, steadying his breath. "Your majesty, I am more unworthy of the title 'knight' than the thaumaturge you have suspended this day. If your majesty will permit me, I will step down from my post and resign my lands."

Seraph shakes her head. "Her majesty will not permit it," she says, gently. "I need you where you are, now more than ever, Sir Tristan. It is a thaumaturge's job to detect deception -- if she cannot be relied upon to do that, than she is of no use to me. But it is a knight's duty to be loyal, and of loyalty you have, if anything, an overabundance, nephew. I am relying on you to lead House April, until my brother may be found."

Tristan remains kneeling, his head bowed, until the Queen shakes her head again. "Rise," she repeats, sternly. "I'll not have you consumed by self-pity."

Alice pipes in with, "You can't be sad when you have to fight Lord Eoin. He likes it, and fear too. And House April's counting on you!" She gives the knight a smile.

Hannah looks down to the still-kneeling Sir Tristan. "You could not have known that man you took for your lord was the Jack of Hearts in disguise, sir knight. As the Queen wishes, please do not berate yourself. He is a warlock and a deceiver, and an excellent one, at that. He has the power to twist our perceptions and desires to almost whatever he wishes - which is probably why he is called such. As well I know," she adds softly.

Reluctantly, the fey knight stands. "As your majesty wishes," he assents. An involuntary smile twitches his lips at Alice's comment, and he bows his head to Hannah. "You are too kind, my lady." Addressing the Queen, he says, "I will endeavor to do better than I have. If your majesty will not let me resign for my failures, may I have leave to do what I may to make amends for it? I wish, more than anything, to find my lord. I -- is there aught I may do, your majesty, to help him?" His large blue eyes gaze pleadingly at the queen.

The Queen glances to Hannah, then gives the Golden Hawk an encouraging nod.

Meanwhile Alice watches Sir Tristan as if he were very interesting indeed. The knight sort of reminds her of Gabriel. And she thinks it's always neat to meet new family. As to the matter of finding Lord April, Alice seems well content to leave the matter to the others as she doesn't so much as make a reaction.

Hannah bows slightly to Seraph in reply, then addresses Sir Tristan directly. "There are several good people engaged at this very moment in the search for your lord, rest assured -- one of them being the Lord Explorer himself, accompanied by the Lady Redmane. I know that you wish to help and understand that desire completely, but everything that can be done is being done. And it may be that Mirari has more need of you here, to help in the defense of its lands." For an instant, it looks as if a faint blush is spreading across her cheeks, but she abruptly shakes it off and says, "Will you trust me in this, Sir Tristan?"

The knight's gaze follows the Queen's to Hannah. At her explanation, he seems taken aback. "The Lord Explorer? You cannot mean -- so -- it is true." He looks wide-eyed and contemplative.

"Yep, Tommy can find anything if he looks hard enough," agrees Alice cheerily.

Hannah nods to Tristan. "Yes, the rumors of Lord Thomas's return are completely true. Both I and my own father have met him in person."

Tristan runs a hand through his hair, shaking his head. "I wondered that Lord April had asked me to approach the Knight Redmane, instead of he, when we searched for the King in Ainigton. He said that he had not been convinced of the Explorer's authenticity. Now I wonder ... " He shakes his head. "I no longer know what to make of anything that I have done these last months." Bowing his head, he continues, "But at least I may take heart in the knowledge that if the Lord Explorer is searching for my lord, than he will be found."

As Hannah tries to reassure Sir Tristan, Alice once again leans towards the Queen to whisper to her. "Maybe Sir Tristan can help me? I mean, if I can go, that is. We need to go to the Green Sward and I bet he'd like a chance to do something good." She peers at the knight from beside the Queen with an air of consideration, something someone might declare as a "up to something" look. "And he kind of reminds me of my brother Gabriel -- only dashing. And with less dirt."

The Queen nods quietly to Alice. "There is something I would have you to do for the realm, Sir Tristan," she commands.

Kneeling, the knight answers, "Anything, your majesty."

"Return to the Green Sward. Prepare April's lands for attack. You must watch -- most carefully -- for the return, or signs, of the imposter's page, Simon. The boy is more important than we realized, and I am afraid the imposter has sadly misled him. The child means well, I think, but he has been turned against us. If you can, Sir Tristan, turn him back," the Queen says, kindly. The knight glances up to watch her as she continues, "Last, I want you to take Lady Jill with you. She will be on a ... special mission." The Queen hesitates, considering. "We have cause to believe that, like so many other myths, the legend of Sir Theodore is true. I want her to wake him, and his knights. Mirari's need has seldom been greater than it will be in the days ahead of us."

For her part Alice looks like she's just holding back a very happy "Yay!" The little girl smiles widely at the knight and bounces slightly on her toes.

The knight nods. "As you wish, your majesty." A frown flickers over his face. "But, Sir Theodore? The legend says ... " He stops, looking between Alice and Queen Seraph, then he nods again. "Yes, your majesty," he concludes simply, with a bow.

"I'm glad I could go with you!" Alice says, not quite able to hold it in. "I'll try not to be a bother. I can help with healing if you like. I can tell you all about the legend. Can I ride on your Knightste--" She blushes, inclines her head politely as she remembers herself, and continues with a bit more subdued, "I mean, well, ... I hope we get along well. And I think Lady Hannah would like to come too."

Hannah relaxes visibly when Sir Tristan accepts the mission that Alice and his Queen propose. She gives the knight one of her lopsided grins and says lightly, "I would not worry overmuch about running into the legends of Mirari, sir knight. After a time, you almost get used to it!"

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This site serves as a chronicle of sessions in an online roleplaying campaign moderated by Conrad "Lynx" Wong and May "Rowan" Wasserman. The contents of this site are (c) 2001, 2002 by Conrad Wong and May Wasserman except where stated otherwise. Despite the "children's fantasy" theme of this campaign, this site is not intended for young readership, due to mild language and violence.