When Reality Died.
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		<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Non-Adult Sandbox =&gt; Non-Adult Roleplays =&gt; Topic started by: Kaileikehi on October 04, 2009, 09:38:45 pm</h2>
		<dl id="posts">
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kaileikehi</strong> on <strong>October 04, 2009, 09:38:45 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				~When she loses what feels like everything, her imaginary friend (preferably a male character) returns and takes her to the Land of the Imaginary where dwell others who also come to life.~<br><br><strong>Jude sat on her bed, legs clasped close up to her chest by her arms, chin resting upon her knees as she stared seemingly blankly at the wall of her bedroom. It was a silent winter night, but the sirens were still screaming in her head, blaring in her eyes, red and blue. She shut them tightly, biding her face in her arms, trying to make it go away, but it wouldn't. Her sister, her best friend, was gone, and it was all her fault. It'd been two weeks, and yet she still couldn't quite get a grasp on it. The way the light had turned from a red hand to a green person, the sudden screeching of tires, the blackness, the sirens and lights, and then the bright whiteness of the hospital room. Jude's&nbsp; right arm was still wrapped up in a red cast covered in drawings and get well soons. <br><br>She shuddered as she lifted her head up from her arms and reached to turn on her lamp, getting reminded that the recent snow storm had knocked out the power. Sighing, she swung her legs over the edge of the bed, letting her bare feet hit the cold wooden floor. Her white night gown trailed to her ankles, ending in a lace edging. Most seventeen year olds wouldn't be caught dead wearing it, but she liked old fashioned things. Jude dragged the comforter off her bed, wrapped it around herself and made her way out of her bedroom and into the quiet, dark hallway. <br><br>Down the stairs and into the living room where the woodstove was crackling merrily. Her feet led her to the couch where she curled up in front of the stove, the light and popping of coals drowning out her nightmarish thoughts that always came with the dark and silence. She snuggled up deep into her blanket and sighed.&nbsp; &nbsp;</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>October 05, 2009, 12:26:28 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				(not sure if you were waiting for somebody else to respond. If so, please ignore this.)<br><br><strong>There was no sound but the crackle and pop of the flames as they consumed the coals, gradually turning them into ash.&nbsp; Within the belly of the stove, through the iron slats, the vibrant tongues of yellows and oranges danced, almost as if beckoning the girl who sat curled up in her blanket.&nbsp; <br><br>No sound, that is, but the mechanical clicking of the stately grandfather clock that took up residence against one wall, behind the beige suede sofa. It had belonged to Jude's family for generations.&nbsp; It was not electric, but powered solely by gears and springs and such, and it was Jude's job to wind the clock every two weeks or so.<br><br>It wasn't very loud, but if Jude listened, she could easily hear the ticking sound as the clockwork inside counted off every second.<br><br><em>Tick...tick...tick...tick...tick...</em><br><br>Every hour, like... well, like clockwork, the clock's internal gong would sound out, as many times as the hour of the day.&nbsp; She'd heard it go <em>bong</em> twelve times when she first came down, indicating that it was well after midnight.&nbsp; Outside, through the misty window, a curtain of white indicated that the snow was still falling heavily.<br><br><em>tick...tick...tick...tick...tick...</em><br><br>The gentle coruscation of the fire in the stove and the ticking of the grandfather clock were soft, soothing sounds.&nbsp; Jude felt her eyelids grow heavy, as she sat and waited and stared at nothing very much.<br><br><em>tick...tick... t....i....c...k...</em><br><br>She had just begun to drift off when she sat up, with a start.&nbsp; The clock, she realized, had stopped.&nbsp; Which was strange, because she had wound it just last Tuesday.&nbsp; The day before the... accident...<br><br>She turned her head, to listen, and, sure enough, there was silence, where the ticks should have been.&nbsp; She debated whether she should go and check on the clock, but it was a cold night, and she didn't want to leave the security and warmth of her blanket.<br><br>That's when she heard another noise.&nbsp; A tortured, metallic creak, exactly like the sound of the clock's wooden case door opening upon its hinges.</strong><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kaileikehi</strong> on <strong>October 05, 2009, 08:09:37 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Jude stared, startled, as she turned her head to look into the shadiness of the room behind her. She bit her lip and slipped off the couch, clutching her blanket firmly around herself and edging closer to the woodstove, though staying off the raised hearth so as not to bump into it accidentally and burn herself. While the stove gave the room some light, it did not quite reach the half furthest away from it and she could not see beyond the very back of the couch. "W-w-who's there?" She stammered in fright.<br><br>She had recognized the sound right away. That old creakyness that she'd had to be careful of when playing hide and seek. When she was little enough, she'd open the door of the clock and hide inside with the pendulum, but she hadn't fit in there in so many years. It had been one of her favorite spots. <br><br>Heart pounding in her ears, Jude picked up the poker from beside the stove and held it up, sure that whoever was there fooling around with the clock, would see her with it. If it was just one of her parents, they would have said something when they entered the room so as not to startle her, knowing she was as skittish as a deer lately. "D-d-don't you dare c-c-come any closer! I'll sc-scream." &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>October 05, 2009, 12:41:58 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				There was no response.&nbsp; As Jude listened, her breaths coming in short, terrified gasps, there was, at first, only the sound of silence, underscored by the coruscations of the coal fire within the iron pot-bellied stove.<br><br>And then...there was a faint, very faint shuffling sound, like socks or slippers treading across the floor.&nbsp; In the stove-lit darkness of the living room, the shadows danced obscenely on the walls.<br><br>The shuffling sounds seemed to come closer and closer.&nbsp; And then, from around the corner of the couch, there appeared a pair of boots.<br><br>Just a pair of boots, and nothing more.&nbsp; They were brown, and leather, the antiquated sort that came halfway up the shin and were tied by means of a simple cord that crossed back and forth from one side to the other.&nbsp; Jude had attended a Renaissance Faire once, and had seen boots like that there.<br><br>They stopped, standing side by side, as if they contained an invisible person who was now studying her intently.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kaileikehi</strong> on <strong>October 05, 2009, 06:39:13 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Jude tilted her head to the side and stepped up onto the hearth, away from the boots. She brandished the poker at them with a great flourish, trying to look brave but failing miserably. She was as pale as a ghost and shaking from head to toe. A few strands of chocolatey hair stuck to her cheek, wet from the crying she'd been doing earlier. "D-d-don't come any c-closer or I'l st-st-stab y-y-you-ou." She burst into tears of fright, backing further away and running into the stove. She let out a yelp and dropped the poker, rocketing forward in shock. <br><br>She sniffled and edged her way around, not losing sight of the boots, inching over to where the poker had landed. She bent down and picked it up with her small, pale hand. She rubbed at her face with her cast, brushing the hair off her face with the finger that peek out. "W-what are you? P-please d-d-d-d-don't hurt me!" She whimpered and the poker hung limp by her side. She was beyond herself at this point. She just wanted to go snuggle up in bed beside her sister, but of course, half of their, now her's, bed would remain empty forever more. <br><br>They hadn't even been a full year apart, had always shared everything and done everything together. They'd even been in the same year at school due to a late fall birthday and a late summer birthday. Not twins, but close enough. And now, Jude was lost. Alone. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>October 05, 2009, 07:57:11 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<br>When Jude shook the poker at them, the boots retreated, seeming to shuffle behind and over each other in their haste to escape.&nbsp; They shuffed around the corner of the suede couch, the toes of the boots just visible behind the edge of the fabric.<br><br>And, aside from the fact that they appeared to be moving entirely on their own volition, without being attached to any sort of visible leg or foot, they appeared to be just a perfectly ordinary pair of footwear.&nbsp; There were no jagged mouths, no vestigial limbs, no reddened eyes--just soles, and insteps, and the criss-cross of leather laces.<br><br>One of the boots--it was difficult to tell if it was the left one or right one--edged back around the couch after a moment, and just sat there, the laces regarding Jude cautiously.<br><br>Outside, the snow fell in lazy sheets.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kaileikehi</strong> on <strong>October 05, 2009, 08:12:23 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Jude stared down at the boots, still frightened. "Y-y-you... boot things..." She bit her lip and curiosity getting the better of her, she edged foreward, holding the pointed end of the poker out before her and downwards towards the boots. Still shaking like a leaf, Jude inched ever closer to the boots, bare feet silent on the wooden floor. She was scared, yes, but she was also curious. Was this some kind of new magic? And obviously, if the boots were retreating, they were scared enough of the poker to do so. <br><br>Hugging her blanket more firmly around herself, Jude brought herself up to her full height and kept a firm hold on the poker. "N-n-now... if you don't h-hurt me, I w-won't hurt you, ok?" As she got closer, she glanced over to the photos on the wall by the stove, caught sight of her sister, and took a deep breath. Feeling brave, she moved so she was about a two feet away from the boots. "I'm g-going to put this d-down..." She slowly crouched down and set the poker on the floor behind herself. "D-don't you go getting any ideas though." She rose again, staring down at the boots still. "Now. W-what are y-you?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>October 05, 2009, 08:29:34 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<br>The boots hopped backward as the teenager approached, keeping a few feet of space between themselves and her.&nbsp; As Jude stared at them, she began to get the impression that they were, somehow, staring back.&nbsp; They didn't make any sound at all, but simply scuffed slightly on the floor.&nbsp; They shuffled their feet, so to speak.<br><br>Then, one or the other of them appeared to make a decision.&nbsp; Swivelling on its heel, it hopped back behind the couch and began padding back toward the ancient grandfather clock.&nbsp; The other followed suit, leaping behind its twin.&nbsp; They lurched in an alternating <em>hop-rest-hop-rest</em> motion that, when taken together, gave the effect of someone walking.<br><br>The wooden case door to the clock was open.&nbsp; The boots stopped when they reached the clock.&nbsp; &nbsp;For a moment, they sat there, side by side; then, at the same time, they leapt up, disappearing into the darkness within the clock's mechanical innards.<br><br>The door remained open, beckoning.&nbsp; Through the shadows of the room, Jude could see that she could squeeze into the opening after them, if she wanted to.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kaileikehi</strong> on <strong>October 05, 2009, 08:48:42 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				((I'm having a slight Alice in Wonderland moment. *face*))<br><br>Jude gaped at the boots as they wandered away from her. She scurried after them, enchanted and curious as a kitten. She watched them disappear into the clock and remembered, how many times she had hidden inside that clock out of both fun and fear. She turned her head to look at the room behind her.<br><br>Everything, from the stove where they had roasted marshmellows, to the sofa where they had curled up to watch movies, and still onwards to the smooth wooden floor behind the sofa where they had practiced rollar blading against their mother's wishes. Everything she had done with her sister... everything in this room brought it all back.<br><br>Jude closed her eyes and was brought back to seeing flashing lights and hearing sirens. She took a deep breath and opened them, looking into the clock. Any place was better than this place, ridden with memories she was scared to remember because they hurt. She lifted one bare foot into the clock and then the other, squished herself inside, and closed the door behind her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>October 06, 2009, 12:42:08 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				There was just barely room enough for the seventeen-year-old to squeeze in among the gears and the big brass pendulum that oscillated back and forth, ticking off the seconds in the clock's eternal war against Time.&nbsp; Of course, the pendulum was still and silent now.&nbsp; <br><br>The door creaked behind her, and closed with an audible click.&nbsp; And then, there was simply darkness, and the sense of confined space. <br><br>After awhile, Jude heard the sound of footsteps approaching.&nbsp; They seemed to stop just outside the clock.&nbsp; They were joined, shortly, by another set of footsteps, which were much heavier, much louder, and had a metallic jostle, like that of many metal rings. A voice, deep and rich and baritone, yet with a slight tinny echo, spoke.<br><br>"We are running out of time, m'Lord.&nbsp; Even now the Blight advances."<br><br>"Patience, Xander," answered another voice, presumably the owner of the first footsteps.&nbsp; "I have beckoned the Princess. She will come."<br><br>"I hope so, m'Lord.&nbsp; The Allswell Barrens have already fallen to the Black Forces."<br><br>"She will come," insisted the second voice.&nbsp; This one was lighter, a pleasant tenor, and even muffled through the wood of the clock case door it sounded vaguely familiar. Jude couldn't place it, but she knew she'd heard that voice before, somewhere.<br><br>"Very well, m'Lord.&nbsp; <em>Seelie l'yeng'an tor.</em>"<br><br>The heavy, metallic footsteps trod away into silence, leaving, presumably, only the second speaker, the one that had struck Jude as familiar.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kaileikehi</strong> on <strong>October 06, 2009, 09:59:56 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Jude was shocked when she heard the voices. She blinked, staring in the direction they had come from... the door. Here she was in her beloved old clock and there were stranger outside of it! Or perhaps she'd fallen asleep and was dreaming? Yes, that had to be it. She had to be dreaming and if she just pinched herself she'd wake up and then she'd be back on the sofa in the living room. The boots, the poker, the inside of the clock that she remembered so well, they had to all be a dream, an act of her subconscious trying to tell her something. <br><br>Maneuvering either arm into a position where she could pinch herself proved difficult and Jude bit her lip before giving a sigh. She supposed she would have to get out of the clock if she wanted to pinch herself and be free of this scary dream. She pressed her body against the door, rocked back and then rocked into it, senting it flying open and her falling to land with a thud and sprawl on the floor. Her chin hit the stone hard and she blinked, staring foreward, at those boots.<br><br>With a scream, Jude sat up and clonked her head hard against the door of the clock, causing it to swing shut. She yelped in shock... dreams weren't supposed to hurt... not physically... Her hand shot to the back of her head, holding it, eyes wide open. They were rather remarkable eyes at that, deep brown with itty bitty flecks of gold, emerald, and saphire then rimmed with a sort of dark golden color. These eyes looked around at her unfamiliar surroundings and then stared fearfully at the boots before she reached out a small hand and whacked down hard on the toe. "What h-have y-ou don't t-to me you st-stupid b-b-b-boo-oo-oots!" She burst into tears, overwhelmed.&nbsp; &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>October 06, 2009, 08:15:59 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<br>Hunched over on her knees, Jude comes face-to-face, or at least face-to-boots, with the very objects that had so recently invaded her domicile.&nbsp; <br><br>This time, however, there is someone standing in them.<br><br>A pair of unremarkably brown woolen trousers kneel down, and a hand appears to help Jude up.&nbsp; It's attached to a green-colored sleeve, which is attached to a green-colored shirt.&nbsp; And above the shirt, creased with concern, there is a face.<br><br>It belongs to a boy.&nbsp; Well, a young man, barely out of his teen years.&nbsp; His face is smooth, and aquiline, and framed by chestnut waves.&nbsp; Blue eyes peer down at Jude, pleased and happy to see her, yet strangely sad...<br><br><em>It was the first day of high school.&nbsp; Jude had been teased and bullied relentlessly by a group of older girls, for no real reason at all.&nbsp; They stole her backpack and threw it in the boys' bathroom; she'd needed to wait for the janitor to get it out.&nbsp; &nbsp;That night, Jude dreamt that she was being chased by a pack of red-eyed, ravenous wolves.&nbsp; Terrified beyond belief, she had run into an alley to escape them, but it was a dead end.&nbsp; Shrieking, she cowered on the ground as they approached, grinning just like the girls from high school....<br><br>He appeared out of nowhere.&nbsp; "Get away from her!" he yelled, sending the wolves scattering.&nbsp; He kicked one hard on the flank, eliciting a yelp of pain. They fought each other to get away, and after they did, he'd turned back to her, and asked her, "are you all right?"</em><br><br>"Are you all right?" he said, taking her hand in his own.&nbsp; She was no longer in her house.&nbsp; Instead of carpet, the floor was rough stone and wood planking.&nbsp; Instead of the familiar walls, there was thatch and reed.&nbsp; She appeared to be in a small cottage, barely big enough for a crude table, a couple of chairs, and a small hearth, over which some pleasant-smelling liquid boiled in a small cauldron.<br><br>"My name is Robin Goodfellow, Princess. I didn't think you'd come." <br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kaileikehi</strong> on <strong>October 06, 2009, 08:46:24 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Jude's eyes were wide with shock as she turned her attention from the boots to the boy. She blinked rapidly a few times, calming down. His face was familiar, his voice, everything. She wasn't sure from where, but she knew she'd met him at least once before. She reached her hand up to take his and was instantly comforted. It was strange, but she hadn't felt so much at ease in so long.<br><br>Rising to her feet, Jude pushed her mussed from sleep hair behind her ears and tilted her head. "Robin..." She turned the name over on her tongue and tilted her head the other direction, staring at him. "I'm Jude Monroe." She contemplated his words for a few moments. "Come? Was I supposed to come?" She looked around.<br><br>Despite it's small size, the cottage fascinated and attracted her. She smiled ever so slightly, enchanted by it. "And where are we?" She cauciously moved away from the clock and over to the table, running a finger along the uneven, but soft edge of it. She smiled brighter, spinning around quickly, hair flying, to look at him again. "It's so pretty." <br><br>However, when Jude had turned, she had disrupted a glass that lay on the table, and it suddenly clattered, spilling it's red contents onto the table and all over her pure white night gown. She let out a yelp as it rolled off the edge of the table and landed, smashing on the floor right by her bare feet. She jumped away from it, biting her lip and holding her foot up and away from the glass. "Oh my gosh... I'm so sorry!" She immedietly crouched down to start picking up the bits of glass and set them on the table. <br><br>"Oh, I'm sorry... so sorry, I didn't mean...." She hissed suddenly, dropping a piece of glass and popping her finger into her mouth.&nbsp; &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>October 06, 2009, 10:04:57 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Yes, I..."<br><br>Robin winced when Jude knocked the glass over, only to have it shatter on the stone floor, its ruby contents draining away into the cracks and fissures.&nbsp; He winced again when she cut her finger upon one of the broken shards.&nbsp; <br><br>"Here, let me, Princess," he offered.<br><br>Gently he took her hand, the blood welling up from the cut skin.&nbsp; He frowned, his brow knotting as he brought her finger closer to his face.&nbsp; A single drop of blood escaped the wound, losing itself immediately upon the spilled red liquid on the floor.&nbsp; He put his other hand over hers, sandwiching it between his palms, and closed his eyes.&nbsp; Then his lips moved, and he whispered what sounded like a very faint song.&nbsp; It was a lovely song, but rather sad. It reminded her of cold autumn nights, and islands of lonely lamplight in the darkened street.<br><br><em>On Jude's tenth birthday, her father gave her a puppy for her birthday.&nbsp; It was a small fluffy Polynesian, and although it barked incessantly and drove her mother crazy, Jude and her sister both adored it.&nbsp; It followed them everywhere, trying to jump up and lick their faces. It even slept with her in her bed.&nbsp; <br><br>One cold winter day, she had absent-mindedly left the door open, and the dog had wandered out into the street.&nbsp; The driver of the shiny sports car never even saw it...<br><br>Jude was inconsolable. She had cried and cried.&nbsp; That night, she dreamt that a horrible, giant beast had chased her to the very edge of a cliff.&nbsp; As the ground crumbled beneath her, and she started to fall, a hand reached out and pulled her back.&nbsp; She looked up into those eyes, those dazzling blue eyes, surrounded by waves of chestnut...</em><br><br>Robin opened his eyes again.&nbsp; His ears, Jude noticed, were longer than normal, and the lobes, instead of being round, tapered into tips. When he released her finger, it was no longer bleeding.&nbsp; The cut had completely healed.<br><br>He smiled.&nbsp; Something moved on the floor; they both looked down and saw a smattering of tiny people run across the stone.&nbsp; Each one had a broom over his or her shoulder, and, as the two watched, the diminutive figures began to sweep the glass shards into a pile.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kaileikehi</strong> on <strong>October 06, 2009, 10:44:49 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Jude blinked as he took her hand and looked down at her feet shyly. When the pain suddenly ebbed away to nothing and he returned her hand she looked down in shock. "Y-you healed it..." She blinked again and tilted her head again, not moving until she jumped in shock at the sudden arrival of the tiny people. "Oh my!"<br><br>Moving to get out of their way and careful not to trod on them, Jude watched them clean with wide eyes for a moment before she turned her head to look at Robin. "Where a-are we?" She asked again, still confused. &nbsp;<br><br>((Sorry it's short...))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>October 06, 2009, 11:21:05 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Robin bowed.&nbsp; "We are in the Faerie Kingdom, Your Highness.&nbsp; Your Kingdom," he added, tilting his head to one side to give her an odd look. He noticed the fascination with which she watched the tiny sprites, and grinned.&nbsp; "Gnomes.&nbsp; They like to feel useful."<br><br>On the ground, the miniature people seemed to be finishing up their task.&nbsp; Several more pushed a dustpan across the floor, the wood scraping against the stone surface.&nbsp; The tiny sweepers carefully swept the smaller pieces into the dustpan; the larger pieces were handled between three or four of them.<br><br>There were both men and women, and even a few children gleefully running around the adults in haphazard circles.&nbsp; A round-shaped, portly gnome with a curly white beard casually wandered over by Jude's foot.&nbsp; Leaning against her ankle, he peered upward with a strange smile on his face, obviously attempting to peer up her night gown.<br><br>An equally rotund female noticed this, and dropped her broom with a huff.&nbsp; She stamped over to the male gnome, whapped him heavily on the back of the head, and tugged him away by an ear.&nbsp; She flashed an icy look up at Jude as she stomped away, dragging her licentious mate behind her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kaileikehi</strong> on <strong>October 07, 2009, 07:44:30 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Jude stared at him with a confused frown. "But Robin, I'm not a Highness and I've never seen this place before I don't think. I'm just Jude, why do you call me things that refer to royalty? And what is Faerie Kingdom?" Maybe he'd mistaken her for someone else, some other Jude or a girl who looked like her for that matter. It wouldn't be hard, after all, how many girls were there who had grandfather clocks like the one in her home? There had to be at least ten more around the planet, hadn't there? <br><br>Crouching down, Jude examined the little beings with the utmost curiosity. She giggled as the man was led away. "I'm terribly sorry to have tempted him, perhaps he needs a time out though?" She smiled down at the little beings who continued to scurry about, now gathering to try and lift the dust pan and bring it across the room. Jude frowned and took it by the handle. "There now... thank you very much for helping clean up my mess. You are very helpful. Now where do we put this?" She was led by a laughing, jabbering group of children to a window. She pressed the shutters open and was met with two barrels beneath it on the outside of the little cottage. One had litter type things in it, and the other held water. She dumped the glass into the one full of garbage and tugged the shutters closed before setting the dustpan down on the floor and watching the wee ones take it away.&nbsp; <br><br>With a smile, Jude made her way back to robin, night gown still splatter with red. "They are useful... and quite enjoyable. Now about my questions..." She tilted her head to look at him more intently. "What is Faerie Kingdom and why do you keep referring to me as 'Your Highness'?" Despite her confusion, she was feeling better. The coldness of the world was gone, left with warmth that wasn't winter. Her arm was still in a cast, but it felt all the better than it had in weeks, as if it had never been broken at all. Color was coming into her overly pale cheeks, and her heart didn't hurt as much as it had been. &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>October 07, 2009, 07:45:19 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				(sorry for the short post...today was really busy)<br><br>Robin frowned slightly in response to Jude's question.&nbsp; He took a step closer, his expression conveying concern and sincerity.<br><br>"You must have forgotten...it has been a long time since you have been among us."&nbsp; He lifted a hand, gingerly touching her head where she banged it on the clock door.&nbsp; "It has been...years, I think, in your world."<br><br>Taking her hand, he led her to one of the chairs.&nbsp; "Please, sit."<br><br>Then, finding an earthenware bowl from one of the shelves lining the cottage's walls, he ladled some of the bubbling broth from the cauldron into it.&nbsp; It was a thick, soupy orange color, with carrots and potatoes and peas and other kinds of vegetables bobbing in it, and its aroma made Jude realize she was hungry.&nbsp; He set it down with a spoon on the table in front of her.<br><br>Should she taste it, she would be delighted at the flavour--it was hearty, and nourishing, with just the right amount of spice.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kaileikehi</strong> on <strong>October 07, 2009, 08:49:51 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Jude blinked as she looked up at him. Why did he look so worried? She frowned and then turned it right into a smile, trying to convey reassurance onto his face. She stared at him for a bit longer this time, and suddenly, got caught up in his eyes. <br><br>She was running. Fast and happily, giggling through tall grasses and flowers that reached all the way up to her neck due to her small size. Someone held tight to her hand, leading her forewards, but also allowing her to gambol about with pure delight. The wind rushed through her hair, sending her pigtails flying about behind her and she laughed loud and bright, falling back a little bit only to be tugged steady. "I can do it by myself." She frowned and the hand let go. <br><br>Bubbling over with glee she started to run, but kept close, not wandering off like some small children would have in a place this lovely. And then she heard it. An eerie rattling noise and she screamed, as the snake came into view. She heard a voice and was snatched, dragged away fast from that horrid snake and out of the grasses into the forest where she was left sobbing and sniffling... and those blue eyes, those wonderful eyes, had belonged to the one who had wiped her tears and held her fast until she'd stopped and then, taken her home.<br><br>Jude blinked out of her stupor and watched as the bowl was set before her. She looked down at it and back up. "Thank you..." It smelt wonderful... and her stomach gurgled. She hadn't eaten much in the past two weeks... She lifted the spoon, dipped it, and then blew on it to cool the stew before she placed it in her mouth and her taste bud erupted with joy. "Oh!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>October 08, 2009, 12:58:30 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<br>Robin smiled as Jude began to devour the soup.&nbsp; He sat in the other chair, hands resting lightly on the table, just watching her eat for a bit.&nbsp; Then he seemed to remember something, and got up again, rooting around among the various pots and urns on the shelves.<br><br>He selected a ceramic jug and a small clay cup, and turned back, putting both objects down on the table.&nbsp; He unstoppered the jug and poured some of its contents into the cup.&nbsp; It was golden yellow, like honey, but it flowed like water.&nbsp; Should she drink some of it, she would discover that it was the sweetest liquid she had ever drank, but not sickeningly so.&nbsp; It was like honey and lemon and maple syrup all rolled into one.<br><br>As for the cup, it was an imperfect, lopsided thing, but it performed its function well enough.&nbsp; And, etched into the surface, someone had crudely spelled out<br><br><span style="font-size: 2.65em;" class="bbc_size">j U D e</span><br><br><br><em>His hands were big, compared to hers. But they were warm and cool at the same time on her skin.&nbsp; Gently, he guided her fingers to the wet clay, and helped her mold it, shape it, form the lip and hollow out the inside to form a cup shape.&nbsp; As it was drying in the warm spring sun, he told her to scratch her name in the clay with a fingernail...</em><br><br><br>Robin watched her carefully over the table, searching her features for any sign of recognition.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kaileikehi</strong> on <strong>October 08, 2009, 07:58:21 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Jude's senses were attacked with familiarity as soon as he poured that liquid and the smell of it reached her nose. She stared at the cup in shock, eyes wide. She dropped her spoon into the bowl, the handle resting against the edge while she took the cup up and furrowing her brow as she stared at it. <br><br><em>And write her name she had. She'd been picky about her letters, liking the lowercase j and e better than upper case, and she never could quite get her small d's to face right, so she'd decided to go with both a big D and a big U. Proudly, she'd shown it to him and felt very warm and fuzzy with the praise she'd received. Once the cup had been finished in all ways, he'd poured her a drink and it had been...</em><br><br>Jude brought the cup to her lips and closed her eyes. Warmth crashed over her as she drank, though not from the drink itself really, there wasn't anything in it that was mind altering. "The most wonderful thing I've ever tasted." She set the cup down completely and traced the letters there fondly. <br><br><em>After they'd had lunch, he'd taken her into a Field of berry bushes, to gather all kinds to make pie. She'd joyfully picked and eaten more than made it into their basket. She'd gotten covered in the juices, purple and blue and red but he didn't scold her. He just dipped a cloth into the barrel beneath the window and helped her clean off her face and hands. </em> <br><br>"Is it berry season?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>October 08, 2009, 02:22:04 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<br>The young man with the pointed ears simply smiled and shook his head in answer to your question.&nbsp; Then his smile changed; it was still there, but it seemed to sag a bit, as if something was weighing heavily upon his mind.&nbsp; He seemed worried about about something, that much was obvious; but he seemed reluctant to speak of it aloud.<br><br>"How's your head?" he asked, pointing to the spot where she'd bumped it on the clock.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kaileikehi</strong> on <strong>October 08, 2009, 07:59:57 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Jude frowned and then nodded. She supposed it probably wasn't berry season, it never was when she really wanted it to be. She looked up from the cup at him again and her frown increased. "Something's the matter..." She read into it instantly, the way his smile didn't quite reach his eyes as it had in the past. Something wasn't right here... somehow she'd been brought back to this magical place she'd left behind when she'd turned six and started going to school full time. She remembered climbing into the clock one day and discovering, that to her dismay, it was only a clock. A clock didn't become more than a clock for no reason at all. <br><br>She lifted a hand to feel the ginger spot on the back of her head and winced. "Yeah it's fine. Tell me what's wrong, Robin? Please?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>October 08, 2009, 08:50:53 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				For a moment, the boy looked conflicted.&nbsp; It was obvious that he was pleased and happy to have Jude back, and he didn't want to spoil the reunion.&nbsp; But it was no use hiding the concern that grew heavy on his mind.<br><br>"Princess, the kingdom has...changed.&nbsp; The Blight is back, and it's stronger than we've ever seen it.&nbsp; The Sunlit Lands are under attack by forces unimaginable..."<br><br>He smiled wryly, lest he throw her into a state of panic.&nbsp; She must have time to process this, he knew. It was not good to overwhelm her in such a mental state.<br><br>"We've faced the Dark Legions before, and we've always defeated them.&nbsp; But this time, there are more than we've ever seen.&nbsp; And they're stronger than they've ever been, and they're relentless."&nbsp; He sighed.&nbsp; "I'm sorry for tricking you, Princess.&nbsp; But I couldn't wait for you to find us again.&nbsp; Frankly, your kingdom needs your help."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kaileikehi</strong> on <strong>October 08, 2009, 09:21:57 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Jude frowned. So... there are dark forces trying to destroy the kingdom that is appearently mine?" She blinked, feeling a bit faint. She'd just been a little kid the last time she had been here, of course she wasn't going to understand outright. "But Robin, what am I supposed to do? I don't know anything about this place or how I could possibly be a princess!" She let her head fall foreward onto the table with a bang of overwhelmtment. "I'm barely keeping a hold on my own life as it is, how am I supposed to save a kingdom I know nothing about from dark forces I know nothing about? I want to help you, but.. I just... don't see how..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>October 09, 2009, 12:10:38 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Robin watched her for a moment. Then he sighed deeply, and reached across the table to take her hand.<br><br>"I know. This all must seem overwhelming to you, Your Highness. I wish your visit to the Sunlit Lands had occurred in...better circumstances.&nbsp; I would have liked to show you the Rainbow Fields, or taken you sailing on Glassy Lake.&nbsp; But these are dark times for the Faerie Kingdom, Princess."<br><br>He gave her fingers a gentle squeeze.&nbsp; "There is power in you, I know it.&nbsp; I have seen it before, and I see it still.&nbsp; You may not know how to tap it, or even remember the old words, but ... it's there, believe me.&nbsp; And your people...the people of this kingdom.&nbsp; They believe in you.&nbsp; Just your presence alone will strengthen their resolve and their will to fight.<br><br>"You are not alone, Your Highness.&nbsp; I will be with you, for as long as I can.&nbsp; We will find friends...people who can help us.&nbsp; But we must move quickly."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kaileikehi</strong> on <strong>October 09, 2009, 12:31:42 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Jude frowned, grasping hold to is hand tightly as though she were scared to let go. His hand was incredibly familiar and safe, full of the comfort it had brought when she was small. "I don't understand... I mean... I don't... I can't..." She fought inside herself, trying to find the piece of her that understood, that knew what he was saying. She tried to register it... and couldn't. "Please stop calling me Princess and Your Highness.... it's overwhelming..." She clung even tighter to his hand. "I want to help, I really, truely do, but I don't know how."<br><br>((Sorry so short.))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>October 09, 2009, 08:05:17 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<br>Robin watched her for a moment, studying her expression intently.&nbsp; His blue eyes wandered back and forth over her face like a typewriter, as if trying to read her thoughts, her memories, her fears.&nbsp; Tiny specks of gold twinkled from within the blue, like fish leaping from the surface of a clear blue lake.<br><br>Then he smiled.<br><br>"Don't worry about that, Pr-- Jude.&nbsp; You'll know what to do, when the time comes.&nbsp; I know you will."<br><br>He squeezed her hand tightly, then let go.&nbsp; <br><br>"I have to go talk with someone now.&nbsp; Please finish the rest of your soup, Your H--Jude.&nbsp; I'll be right back in a moment."<br><br>He walked to the entrance of the cottage, and, with a reassuring grin at her over his shoulder, pushed the door open and walked out, letting the door close behind him.<br><br>By now, rosy beams of sunlight were filtering through the windows and the cracks in the cottage roof.&nbsp; The crickets had grown silent, and the trill of a bluebird filtered through to Jude's ears.<br><br>Something else flittered in through the window.&nbsp; At first, it looked like a moth or a bee or a small golden hummingbird, as it buzzed through the air.&nbsp; But when it settled on the table by Jude's hand, she could see that it was, in fact, a tiny girl.&nbsp; A girl with golden wings and golden hair, so long that it covered most of her body.&nbsp; In fact, she didn't appear to be wearing any clothes at all, but that was all right, because what bits of her that weren't too small to see were mostly hidden by the hair or the wings.<br><br>She blinked up at Jude with disproportionately huge eyes, and made a soft, lilting buzzing sound.&nbsp; It almost sounded like a question.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kaileikehi</strong> on <strong>October 09, 2009, 08:48:44 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Jude nodded and bit her lip, a bit wary of being left by herself in the cottage, but if he felt she would be safe here, then she would trust his judgement. She was tempted to follow him, to beg to not be left alone, but remained in her seat. She sipped further at the drink and ate a bit more soup before the little wings girl flew in and landed beside her. <br><br>Startled but enchanted, Jude blinked and leaned foreward to get a better look at the tiny creature. She was a beautiful little thing, twinkling and fluttering. When she spoke, Jude frowned, only hearing a tiny whisper of sound. "I'm afraid I cannot hear you..." She held out a friendly hand, offering it to the creature. "Won't you come closer to my ear, please darling?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>October 09, 2009, 11:16:52 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The fluttering, twinkling, shining thing looked at Jude's hand, and then looked at Jude.&nbsp; She blinked her long (well, relative to her size, anyway) lashes at the girl, and made a sound like "?"<br><br>Then, without warning, she took flight, swooping in a tight arc in the air, diaphanous wings flitting, and landed on the very lip of the ceramic clay cup.&nbsp; She peered down at the remainder of the honey-sweet amber liquid left within the container, and then, after a moment or two, fell in with a *sploosh*<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kaileikehi</strong> on <strong>October 09, 2009, 11:47:26 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Oh no!" Jude cried out with a scream. She grabbed the cup and tipped it over, the liquid rushing out onto the table along with the tiny creature. She scooped her up with wide eyes. "Are you alright? If you wanted some, I could have gotten you some in a small glass...."<br><br>((gah))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>October 10, 2009, 01:16:12 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The amber liquid spilled out as Jude upended the cup, and the tiny winged creature tumbled out with it.&nbsp; She rolled over several times, eventually ending up on her bum.&nbsp; She seemed dazed, but not unhurt, and made a sound like "!" before hiccuping wetly.<br><br>The door creaked open, and Robin's steps announced his return.&nbsp; "Jude, I'd like..." he began, before spying the scene upon the table.&nbsp; "Oh no," he murmured, but there was no panic or horror in his voice, only amusement.&nbsp; He made his way to the table, and caressed the creature's tiny face very carefully with a fingertip.<br><br>"Pixies," he explained.&nbsp; "They love ambrosia, even though it's not good for them.&nbsp; They get drunk very easily off it."&nbsp; <br><br>" :-) ", said the pixie, rubbing herself against Robin's finger.&nbsp; He scooped her up gently in both hands.&nbsp; Then he lifted her to his face and blew gently on her wings.&nbsp; She giggled, a very sharp, tinkly sound, and as they watched, she took off, flying around the room before eventually finding an open window and escaping from it.<br><br>Still smiling, Robin turned toward Jude.&nbsp; "Jude, I'd like you to meet someone.&nbsp; This is Sir Xander of the Ethereal Knights, Guardian and Protector of the Sunlit Lands."<br><br>At his cue, something stepped forward from the doorway.&nbsp; It was a...suit of armor, but dwarf-sized.&nbsp; That is to say, the tip of the metal helmet was at the same height as the top of Jude's head as she sat at the table.&nbsp; Within the helmet, there was...nothing, just empty space where a face should have been.<br><br>And yet, a heavy metal gauntlet raised up and snapped into a salute, armoured fingers striking the brow of the helmet with a metallic <em>ting</em> sound. Chainmailled heels clicked sharply together.<br><br>"At your service, Your Majesty," came a tinny echo from somewhere inside the helmet. &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kaileikehi</strong> on <strong>October 10, 2009, 06:16:13 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Ambrosia?" Jude tilted her head to the side. "Pixies?" She was curious, as she watched the little creature zoom about and then disappear out the window. She was sad to see her go. It would have been nice to have gotten to know the little thing despite not being able to hear a thing she was saying. <br><br>Her head was still facing the window when Sir Xander came in, and she turned it at the sound of his feet hitting the floor. She blinked and stared at him in shock, wondering whether she should ask if he could see without a face or not, but figured that would be rude. Instead, she rose from her seat with a smile and cautiously made her way over to him, sticking out her hand for him to shake. If he was ok by Robin, he was ok by her. "It's nice to meet you Sir Xander! I'm just Jude, ok?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>October 10, 2009, 08:45:01 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The helmet didn't move.&nbsp; If there was a face under there, it would probably be staring at Jude's hand in shock.<br><br>The helmet turned, and looked at Robin, who shrugged. "She doesn't remember," he said. "Don't be rude, Sir Xander.&nbsp; Shake hands with your Pr-- with Jude."<br><br>Slowly, very carefully, the suit of armor raised its arm with a creak of iron.&nbsp; A heavy steel gauntlet grasped Jude's hand, gripping it with extreme care.&nbsp; It felt, of course, like a metal gauntlet ought to feel like; it was cold, and slightly oily.<br><br>"I am honored to meet you at last, Your H.."<br><br>Robin cleared his throat meaningfully.<br><br>"...Jude," finished Xander.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kaileikehi</strong> on <strong>October 11, 2009, 08:44:51 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Jude laughed, grasping his gauntlet firmly and shaking his hand up a down with a smile, not seeming to care what it felt like. "Robin says it isn't berry season, but what about apples? Are those in season yet?" She beamed at them both, dropping his hand and twirling about to stare at Robin inquiringly. "Would we be able to make pie?"<br><br>She was suddenly very energized, something about the ambrosia or soup she guess. She spun back around. "And Sir Xander! I suppose you're going to come with us, to search for people, who will help us save the Sunlit Lands right? We'd need a good trusty knight along of course." She nodded to herself. "I know Robin likes pie, do you like pie? My favorite is a berry quartet, you know, blueberries, and raspberries, and blackberries, and strawberries... But Robin said they're not out this time of year... pity." She frowned and skipped back around the table to pick up the spilt cup and started wiping up the ambrosia with her already soiled nightgown. "I think we're gonna have some good fun, despite the dark forces."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>October 12, 2009, 02:04:38 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Robin put his hand out, to object as Jude began to wipe up the spilled ambrosia with her nightgown.&nbsp; "Um...Jude..." he said, hesitantly.&nbsp; "That's probably not a good idea, unless you want to have dozens of pixies clinging to your dress the moment you step out of here.&nbsp; Hrm.&nbsp; Perhaps we should find you something else to wear."<br><br>Sir Xander, meanwhile, shuffled his armoured boots, somehow managing to look embarrassed and awkward, which is quite a trick to do without any kind of facial expression, or, for that matter, a face.<br><br>"Your Highness, I regret to say I will not be joining you.&nbsp; By your leave, I must marshal our forces here and prepare our defenses.&nbsp; I wish I could go."<br><br>Robin shook his head. "Peace, Sir Xander.&nbsp; We all know you are needed here.&nbsp; Jude will be just fine.&nbsp; I will be with her."<br><br>"As you say, my Lord.&nbsp; Where will you go?"<br><br>"To seek the help of the Nac Mac Feegle."<br><br>The suit of armor gasped, a metallic echoing noise.&nbsp; "The Mac Feegle? But they're not... that is, they're..."<br><br>"Yes.&nbsp; I'm quite aware.&nbsp; But we need all the help we can get."&nbsp; <br><br>The gauntleted hand saluted reluctantly.&nbsp; "As you say, M'lord."&nbsp; Turning back to Jude, Xander said, "Your...Jude? It was very nice to meet you.&nbsp; Perhaps someday we can make blackberry pie. I'm sure it would be delicious."<br><br>With that, the armor turned and tromped out of the cottage.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kaileikehi</strong> on <strong>October 12, 2009, 08:11:17 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"But... I like the pixies..." Jude grinned and dropped her nightgown back downhaving finised clearing up the mess. She frowned looking down and realizing she was covered in ambrosia and whatever that red liquid in the cup she had broken had been, probably wine. "I could go back home and change...?" She was then distracted by Sir Xander leaving and she frowned. "Oh, it would have been nice to have him along... But we'll manage." She lit up, smiling at Robin. <br><br>Jude made her way around the table and promptly hugged him around the middle.&nbsp; "Robin? Who are the Nac Mac Feegles? And why is Sir Xander so wary of them? Are they bad? And if so, why would we ask for their help?" She breathed, yes, she remembered him even better now. That old familiar naturey scent washed through her and she buried her face against his front, nuzzling rather affectionately. "I missed you."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>October 12, 2009, 08:09:24 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; "The Nac Mac Feegle aren't...bad...exactly..." said Robin, wondering how he was going to explain it.&nbsp; "They're just more sort of...unrefined.&nbsp; &nbsp;Unpredictable.&nbsp; &nbsp;More to the point, they're not your people.&nbsp; They're... strangers to the Sunlit Lands. Foreigners. They came from somewhere else.&nbsp; They're really decent folk, though, once you get to know them," he added. "Usually.&nbsp; But they're incredibly brave, and fearsome in battle.&nbsp; With the Mac Feegle on our side, we might just have a chance."<br><br>He seemed surprised when she reached out to throw her arms around his middle.&nbsp; But then he smiled, laying his arm across her shoulders.&nbsp; "I missed you too, Jude," he murmured. "I missed you too."<br><br>Indeed, he smelled of everything good and magical about childhood.&nbsp; He smelled of warm summer days, and pine trees, and (curiously enough) snow.&nbsp; He smelled of grassy fields, and dandelions, and wildflowers.&nbsp; He smelled organic, like a forest in full bloom, or a farmer's field at harvest time.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kaileikehi</strong> on <strong>October 19, 2009, 10:57:44 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Well then, I suppose we must find them, if they are brave and unafraid of battle as they sound to be had we not?" Jude smiled, beaming up at him with great delight. She snuggled up to him affectionately, her thumb finding it's way into her mouth as it always did when she was afraid or very comfy. "Nac Mac Feegle.... such a strange thing to call someone... I wonder where they got that name?" She pondered thi aloud as she relazxed, letting his scent swirl around her and [lease her to the point of sheer joy. "How will we find them, and when do we begin?<br><br>((GAH! I'm soooooooo sorry! My internet has been down and I'm stuck on the downstairs comp and it sucks but yeah. And I'm sorry it's short.))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>October 21, 2009, 11:14:32 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Robin observed Jude tuck her thumb into her mouth, but his only response was to smile.&nbsp; No one would ever mock or make of Jude for nibbling on her thumb, not here. Not in the Sunlit Lands. Not in her kingdom.<br><br>"We must leave shortly," he told her, gently letting the hug unwind.&nbsp; "We must meet the Mac Feegle up in the highlands, near the Skybreaker Mountains.&nbsp; The way is long, and treacherous, but I have a few tricks up my sleeve. I have a few friends who can aid us."<br><br>He carefully untangled himself from her and stood back, looking at the thin material of the dressing gown, now soaked in ambrosia. "We should first find some clothes for you.&nbsp; How's your arm?"&nbsp; &nbsp;He gently touched the elbow of her cast.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kaileikehi</strong> on <strong>October 22, 2009, 09:12:58 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Jude beamed at him, letting go. "Well, let's leave as soon as we can then. I want to meet the Feegles." She bounced about happily, her messy hair bouncing with her. She kept her thumb firmly in her mouth, talking around it with ease. "How far, exactly, is this journey? Who's going to help us? Are they nice? Well, I suppose they must be if they're your friends, huh Robin?" She was still unsure about trying to save the kingdom and whatnot, but an adventure sounded lovely. A chance to take her mind off of her sister. "What're their names? Are they like you or Sir Xander or different?"<br><br>Glancing down at her cast she blinked, having forgotten it was there. "It twinges sometimes but my doctor says I'm healing up nicely considering how messed up it was. They had to put in a little metal thing one part was so crushed, but that's just until the space between the bone grows back." She tilted her head, looking down at her arm curiously. "He said it should be completely better in two more weeks."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Candybot</strong> on <strong>October 24, 2009, 10:29:55 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				[would like to play a character of Nac Mac Feegle, if it's okay.]
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>October 24, 2009, 03:40:13 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				(Anna -- it's certainly fine by me, but Jude's not quite there yet.&nbsp; If you can be patient with us for a few days, they'll certainly be a role for you. That is, of course, if it's okay with Kaileikehi.)<br><br><br>"Let's go, then," he said.&nbsp; "I have a friend who can get you some nicer clothes, and she might even be able to do something about that arm. "&nbsp; Releasing her, he strode up and opened the door of the cottage.&nbsp; Behind her, the grandfather clock -- the only thing in this world that didn't quite belong, that belonged to a world of funerals and ambulances and hospital rooms -- ticked away the seconds, its pendulum swinging from one side to the other.<br><br>Outside, if she chose to follow, she was greeted by an explosion of...light.&nbsp; And color.&nbsp; That was something you could say about the Sunlit Lands.&nbsp; It was very bright, and it was very colourful.&nbsp; Long ago, when Jude was in kindergarten, she had been tasked with drawing a place that she'd like to live in someday.&nbsp; This... place, this world, was exactly like that.&nbsp; <br><br>Except that it wasn't drawn in in crayon, obviously.<br><br>Gentle green rolling hills, lush with grasses and flowers, surrounded the cottage; a wide, trickling river gurgled away in the distance.&nbsp; All manner of birds flit through the air, trilling a song that seemed as complex and as orchestrated as any major civic symphony.&nbsp; Ahead of her, a tall, white castle stretched, almost to the sun, trellises and battlements and towers almost gleaming.&nbsp; Colorful banners waved and undulated in the breeze, bearing an insignia of Jude's favorite animal, done in Jude's favorite colors.<br><br>"Your castle, Jude," said Robin, smiling in the way of a rich uncle bestowing upon his favorite niece a grand present.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kaileikehi</strong> on <strong>October 24, 2009, 09:16:47 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Jude's heart sped up when she stepped out the door. She blinked rapidly against the sun, her eyes having gone from dark, to dim, and then, to this, the happy brightness she'd always adored. Holding her arm up she stood for a moment, shadowing her face. As soon as her eyes had adjusted she let her arm fall to her side and she blinked a few more times before a smile lit up her face almost as bright as the world about them. "Ohmygoodness! I know this place." She laughed and darted to a cluster of strange flowers, pale pink, Jude's favorite color when she'd been five, with purple stems instead of green and blue leaves. She beamed, bending down as her nose was filled with the most wonderful scent in the world. <br><br>"Oh Robin!" She looked back up at him. "We made flower crowns out of these once! Remember? You have to help me make mine because I couldn't quite figure it out. And they lasted for ages, never died, just like the flowers. They never die on the vine and take years when plucked..." She reached a hand out, stroking a petal gently. "Are there still friendship flowers as well?" She looked up at the castle, at the manateea on the flags, the most gentle of animals, so Jude thought. "My castle... oh yeah... I forgot about that. I've always been fonder of the cottage to be honest. Good times here. But the castle is gorgeous too." &nbsp;((Absolutely. ^_^))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>October 27, 2009, 12:17:43 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Just then, something buzzed over to Jude. It was the golden pixie from before.&nbsp; Making a sound like " :-)", she flew in a tight circle around Jude's head and then, in a succession of random spirals, zipped around the girl until she glomped onto Jude's nightgown just above her left knee.<br><br>Another glittering flying thing, this one silver in color, appeared from beyond the cottage and looped wildly from the sky until it, too, clung onto Jude's gown, this time over her stomach.<br><br>"Oh, no," Robin said, although he seemed as amused by the events as anything else. "I was afraid this would happen. The pixies smell the ambrosia in your gown.&nbsp; Quick, let's get up to the castle and change you into some different clothes."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kaileikehi</strong> on <strong>October 28, 2009, 09:16:09 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Jude gasped in shock at first as she became the pixies' happy house of ambrosia. The first two ere quickly followed by a rainbow, red and purple, pink and blue, green and yellow, orange and white. She burst into a fit of giggles as she was clung to, looking down at the little sparkling ones drinking the ambrosia from her nightgown. "They're still so very cute!" She reached down and plucked the smallest, the pink one, from her gown, very gently, cradling her in the palm of her hand. "This one's got flower petals on for a dress... so they're not always naked?" She smiled as the little one took up cuddling up in her warm hand and sucking away at the frilled edge of her sleeve. "And this one still looks fairly young, she's so tinchy." <br><br>Very distracted by the pixies, Jude had stopped walking to observe them and looked up to realise this. She bolted foreward, the pixies keeping right along with her, to catch up to Robin. &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>October 31, 2009, 03:14:17 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<br>"Well, most of them don't see a need for it," he responded to Jude's question.&nbsp; "But sometimes the younger ones like making dresses for themselves out of flowers, or bird feathers, or leaves.&nbsp; Each one has her own preference."<br><br>By now, they'd made it to the castle, which was like something right out of a fairytale: white sparkling towers, pointed minarettes, pendants flapping in the wind.&nbsp; A great wooden drawbridge lay sedately across a real moat, in which, yes, brightly colored fish were swimming around.&nbsp; The doors were wide open, inviting and welcome, and as Jude watched, a column of living suits of armor marched out.&nbsp; Sir Xander was at the front of the column,&nbsp; leading the march.&nbsp; "Company...halt!" he ordered, as Robin and Jude approached.&nbsp; The suits of armor stopped abruptly, in perfect formation.&nbsp; "And...salute!" bellowed Xander.<br><br>With a chorus of metallic pings, gauntlets struck empty helmets.&nbsp; The warriors stood at attention until Jude passed.<br><br>"Forward...march!" yelled Xander, and the squad began marching again.<br><br>In the castle courtyard, a variety of strange beings were visible.&nbsp; Gnomes, dwarves, giants, elves, fairies, along with all kinds of animals, both familiar and mythological.&nbsp; As she gaped, a giant sparrow hopped up.&nbsp; The bird was enormous, easily the size of a pony.&nbsp; Stranger still, a pair of spectacles perched on its beak, and an apron hung down over its birdy chest.&nbsp; <br><br>"You must be Princess Jude, dear," said the bird, turning its head this way and that to get a closer look at Jude.&nbsp; "I'm Mrs. Periwinkle.&nbsp; You probably don't remember me."&nbsp; Noticing the pixies clinging to Jude's nightgown, she flapped an irritated wing, causing them to scatter. "Shoo! Shoo, you naughty things."<br><br>Her tone eased somewhat as the last pixie fluttered dreamily away. She sounded a bit like Jude's grandmother, whose face always brightened into a rosy smile whenever Jude and her sister came to visit.&nbsp; "Let's get you into some proper clothes, dear.&nbsp; Do you prefer wearing trousers or a dress?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kaileikehi</strong> on <strong>November 08, 2009, 10:24:03 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				((Gah! Sorry sorry sorry... ^_^;;; ))<br><br>Jude smiled. "I think I like them best with clothes. But naked is ok too." She stroked the pink pixies head fondly and gently as her sleeve was suckled. When all the other pixies were shooed away, the pink one stayed, safe in Jude's hand and perfectly content. She waved. "His Sir Xander!" Smiling she skipped past the suits of armor. She paused on the drawbridge to kneel and look down at the little fish with absolute delight. She adored fishies. "They're so pretty!" And back up again to go through the doors and into the courtyard.<br><br>She stared up at the Mrs. Periwinkle with wide wondering eyes. Blinking for a few moments before she let out a squeal and promptly broke into a run that ended with her hugging the great bird around the middle just as she had hugged Robin earlier. It was easier to not recognise a humanish face than it was to forget a giant bird. "Mrs. Birdie!" 'Periwinkle' had been beyond her slow to grow vocabulary when she was younger. "I remember! You make everything pretty!" It was a five year old's understanding,. because she didn't remember exactly what it was that Mrs. Periwinkle did besides making things 'pretty'. "Oh.. um... both? A short dress? Over a pair of trousers? THan I could get dirty all I wanted and still appear somewhat proper... right?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>November 21, 2009, 09:23:41 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Anything you wish, dear."&nbsp; The giant sparrow seemed pleasantly surprised that Jude remembered her, and extended a wing, folding it around the girl in a feathery hug.&nbsp; "Welcome back, Princess.&nbsp; I wish it could have been under more auspicious circumstances."<br><br>She withdrew the wing, and shook herself. "Right. You lot!" This was to a mob of smaller birds, who had been watching the scene from the nearest door. "You heard the Princess. Let's make her a short dress and a pair of leggings!"<br><br>Immediately there was a flurry of feathers, as every bird seemed to take off at once.&nbsp; There was chaos, and a noisy din of tweets, chirps, and honks.&nbsp; Birds flew up with swathes of fabric; Mrs. Periwinkle would eye each one critically, and choose one.&nbsp; Then they flew back, cutting and measuring and sewing.&nbsp; <br><br>A robin and a bluebird landed on Jude's shoulders, carrying a measuring tape between them.&nbsp; They stretched it, measuring her shoulders, her armspan, her height, her hips.&nbsp; The bluebird fluttered up her nightgown, before being scolded fiercely by Mrs. Periwinkle.&nbsp; "You naughty thing! Off with you!" she swatted the abashed avian. <br><br>Through it all, Robin simply smiled and shook his head, leaning against the castle wall with his arms crossed.&nbsp; <br><br>At last the birds produced a pair of purple leggings, and a bright blue dress which stretched down to Jude's knees.<br><br>"In here, love," said Mrs. Nightingale, ushering Jude into the room and then closing the door behind her.&nbsp; "All right, all of you who aren't women turn around and cover your eyes!" she ordered.&nbsp; Roughly half the birds complied, hopping around to face the opposite direction.&nbsp; The giant sparrow held the dress, ready to drop it over the girl's head when she was ready. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kaileikehi</strong> on <strong>November 29, 2009, 09:22:01 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Jude watched with absolute wonder. She giggles as feathers tickled her everywhere and the swarm of birds flew in ever which way. It was amazing how they could work so very quickly. Her nightgown was swept upwards and she looked down and hopped backwards as a bird tried to get under it. She didn't know there was such a thing as peverted birds but there you are. <br><br>"I.. oh!" She blinked as she was led into the room in what seemed like no time at all. She giggled watching the male birds turn on Mrs. Periwinkle's command. It was astounding how the large sparrow had so much control over the smaller birds, but then, she guessed that's how it was just about everywhere. The bigger people always telling the littler ones what to do. Not quite a bad things when one thought about it, unless it was an over need for power. <br><br>Jude took the leggings and tugged them on under her night gown before slipping the white thing down and off her body and holding her arms up over her head as Mrs. Periwinkle dropped the dress over her. She giggled as she was caught in the fabric for a moment before her head poked up and through and she tugged the dress down about herself. "Thank you!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>December 23, 2009, 06:53:01 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				((So sorry about the immense lag ;_; My muse has taken a nose dive on this one.&nbsp; Will respond to this soon, if you're still interested in continuing...))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kaileikehi</strong> on <strong>December 23, 2009, 06:55:51 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				((Not a problem hun. ^_^ Respond when you can.))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>December 24, 2009, 11:57:23 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"You're quite welcome, dear," said Mrs. Periwinkle.&nbsp; She fussed over bits of Jude in the way of a governness, straightening her shirt, adjusting the dress, acquiring a comb from somewhere and using it to comb through her hair.&nbsp; She moved like a sparrow, hopping from place to place, but it was slightly unnerving to see a bird the size of an ostrich doing it.<br><br>Robin surreptitously slipped into the room, crossed his arms, and leaned against the wall.&nbsp; He cleared his throat meaningfully.<br><br>Mrs. Periwinkle glanced at him, then nodded.&nbsp; "All right, you lot," she ordered the other birds.&nbsp; "See your Princess off in a proper fashion."&nbsp; &nbsp;At that, the smaller birds stopped their fluttering, and quickly lined up in three neat rows.&nbsp; At Mrs. Periwinkle's bidding, they bowed, each row in turn, small feathery bodies tilting forward, wings outstretched.<br><br>"Thank you, Mrs. Periwinkle."&nbsp; Jude felt Robin's fingers slip into hers.&nbsp; "But we really must be going."<br><br>The giant sparrow hopped closer to Jude, her glasses sliding forward on her beak.&nbsp; &nbsp;"It was very nice seeing you again, dear.&nbsp; Please do be careful."&nbsp; To the man, she said, sternly, "You look after her, Robin Goodfellow."<br><br>"I will," he said. "I promise."&nbsp; And with that, Jude was tugged out of the room with the birds and into the courtyard again.&nbsp; Outside, the mishmash crowd of pixies, dwarves, giants, and centaurs were still there, but standing in front of her now was a magnificent white horse, its coat and mane as bright as snow.&nbsp; It whinnied as she and Robin approached, and shook its neck--and there, Jude saw, was a sparkling ivory horn, perfectly cone-shaped, upon its forehead.<br><br>"We must move swiftly," explained Robin, stroking the unicorn's flank.&nbsp; There was no saddle, but Jude somehow knew that the unicorn was intelligent, and would not let you fall off if it could help it.&nbsp; Snorting softly, the animal lowered its head, looking the girl directly in the face.&nbsp; Its eyes were large, and dark, and soulful.&nbsp; <br><br>"I'll help you up," added Robin, cupping his hands so Jude could step up on them.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kaileikehi</strong> on <strong>December 25, 2009, 11:06:14 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Jude blinked as the little birds bowed and then, she ran at Ms. Periwinkle and threw her arms around her, giving her a kiss on her feathery face. "Oh thank you, thank you!" She beams up at the great bird with pure gratitude before slipping down out of her wings. "Robin will take good care of me." She stated reassuringly. "He always has." With that, she ran to Robin and allowed him to take her out of the room.<br><br>She gasped at the sight of the beautiful creature standing before them and wasted no time letting go of Robin and moving to face the unicorn with a fixed stare. "Well, you are most charming, aren't you?" She tilted her head, smilin brightly before leaning foreward and giving the creature a kiss on the muzzle. "Thank you, for carrying us upon your back and the use of your legs, that are so much faster and steady than our own. Do you have a name that we might call you by?" The creature stared at her very intently and she smiled. "Oh! That is a most wonderful name! Alright then, Noblelity, off we go." She beamed still, place her foot into Robin's hands and hoisted herself up onto Noblelity's back, grasping his mane tightly, knowing she could hold are hard as she wanted for he couldn't feel it. Jude had been on a horse but once before, and that had been more of a pony than a horse and she'd been five with her father holding her tight to keep her from falling. Now, she felt just as sure about staying on, knowing the creature would keep them steady as he could. &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When Reality Died. </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>December 30, 2009, 12:25:50 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The unicorn snorted at the name "Nobility", although Robin put a warning hand on the animal's back.&nbsp; "Be nice," he warned.&nbsp; Nobility whinnied, and tossed his head in response.&nbsp; &nbsp;With a final wave to Mrs. Periwinkle and the other birds who had gathered to watch them depart, Robin wrapped his arm around Jude's waist, flexing his thighs as he lightly kicked the unicorn's flank.&nbsp; The animal sped forward, legs flashing in a brilliant display of white, all muscle and power and speed.&nbsp; The castle dwindled away behind them, and trees flashed by on either side.&nbsp; A brilliant blue, glassy lake passed by on the left, with still more colorful fish leaping from the glittering surface.<br><br>Time passed, as Jude and Robin and Nobility sped along the road.&nbsp; They passed over bridges and fields of soft grass, passed forests teeming with life.&nbsp; They climbed over hills and descended through valleys, and the further they went, the less signs of civilisation there seemed to be.<br><br>At long last, when the grassland had faded to a richly yellow prairie, some shadows appeared in the sky.&nbsp; Robin frowned up at them but said nothing, only held onto Jude all the higher.<br><br>The shadows seemed to follow Nobility, though, and when he stopped at the edge of a riverbank, they grew larger.&nbsp; Judge could see that they were birdlike in shape, like vultures dipped in oil, although their heads were small and fanged, instead of beaks.&nbsp; They made a shrill hissing shriek as they flew overhead, circling around the riders.&nbsp; One let out a blood-curdling cry and swooped in, talons poised to rip and tear.&nbsp; Nobility turned, however, snorting in anger, and charged the creature.&nbsp; The dark flying thing swooped up at the last moment to avoid the lethal horn, making hissing, snickering sounds as it retreated up higher in the sky with its fellows.<br><br>"Carrion crows," said Robin, quietly.&nbsp; "Creatures of the Blight."<br>
			</dd>
		</dl>
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