The small green shape of the Witch Hunter General's Flunkie comes scuttling into the clearing.
Hey guys, how are you all? Uhh, I heard something bad happened to Club Calistria.
He shakes his head.
Bad stuff that.

Yes, I'm afraid it is gone for good. I think I will petition the old monkey and see if he will make me a new thread ...

But mightn't that be a bit premature - I mean with the lady who destroyed your old Club still out there somewhere on the prowl?
And, uh, if you'll forgive my saying so, you don't look to be so much like a priestess of the big 'C' anymore. Now of course that may be because she's ordered you out onto undercover work, in which case I quite understand, and I'll shut up about it at once....

WHG's Flunkie wrote:

The small green shape of the Witch Hunter General's Flunkie comes scuttling into the clearing.
Hey guys, how are you all? Uhh, I heard something bad happened to Club Calistria.
He shakes his head.
Bad stuff that.

Alaina frowned

Yes, I'm afraid it is gone for good. I think I will petition the old monkey and see if he will make me a new thread ...

Aww, well you will always be welcome whereever I set up shop Lyn!

(edited)
Now wait a moment, the WHG's Flunkie addresses Alaina. If I understand the gist of this conversation, you appear to have abandoned the big 'C', a deity noted for her lack of taking betrayals or double-crosses with any kind of grace, and to have taken up a position as a servant of another deity?
The WHG's Flunkie backs slo-oooh-wly away from Alaina, whilst looking wildly all around as he does so, as if expecting wasp swarms or lightning bolts to start flying at any moment.

You are mistaken little one. The abandonment occurred in the other direction. It is not polite to bring it up.

I do not think it is wise to leave a relic in an unsecure location. Nor will I allow you to endanger yourself any further today, granddaughter. I will go and fetch this cooler so that you may give it to the Fire Flower. You should rest. It has been a long day.
With that, the elder air elemental swirls away.

I asked you how you all were and did anybody say to me 'Alaina has been going through a rough patch recently - she was dumped by Calistria, and we'd rather you didn't talk about it'? No. They did not. They just assumed I would know. It's not like I'm a Runelord or even one of those lords of the boards; I do NOT know even half of everything which is going on around here. I was just trying to make polite conversation. I suppose you'll try and bite my head off if I make any remarks about your eyes too, because no doubt they're another thing I'm supposed to know about but not comment on.
I'd ask Acme what's been going on if he was around, but I suppose he went with the Club.

Alaina starts crying at the mention of Acme

My poor little robot! And poor Rosie too!

She sobs some more

I asked you how you all were and did anybody say to me 'Alaina has been going through a rough patch recently - she was dumped by Calistria, and we'd rather you didn't talk about it'? No. They did not. They just assumed I would know. It's not like I'm a Runelord or even one of those lords of the boards; I do NOT know even half of everything which is going on around here. I was just trying to make polite conversation. I suppose you'll try and bite my head off if I make any remarks about your eyes too, because no doubt they're another thing I'm supposed to know about but not comment on.
I'd ask Acme what's been going on if he was around, but I suppose he went with the Club.

Acme didn't make it back from destroying the Records Room...

Alaina weeps

Alaina starts crying at the mention of Acme

My poor little robot! And poor Rosie too!

She sobs some more

Acme didn't make it back from destroying the Records Room...

Anything else you want to step in, WHG Flunkie?

The WHG's Flunkie seems torn...
You sent him to destroy the Records Room or he volunteered?

The WHG's Flunkie seems torn...
You sent him to destroy the Records Room or he volunteered?

Careful minion, lest your master find you 'volunteered'.

Acme was a Jack.

More than once I saw Acme head into a fight with a foe far stronger than himself with no hope of winning. More than once I had to put him back together after. He was a very brave robot. Don't try to cheapen that.

LJ hands Alaina a handkerchief.
Grandfather was right. It has been a long day, and we should go back to the Oasis and rest. Preferably before any other old wounds are opened, she adds with a pointed look at the Flunkie.
I'm sure Nimora has some sake we can use to toast Acme's memory.

There are some folks around who would have adopted the attitude 'hey, he's only a robot, he's expendable - we'll send him on the one-way trip to certain doom whilst we take the cushy jobs ourselves.'
What I want to know is if I have to blame you Jacks for ordering him to his doom, or if he bravely volunteered for the mission, of his own free will? If the latter, I'll toast his memory, but if the former, well you had better watch out, as I will avenge him if I can.

He's very upset and cross here about discovering Acme was lost on an apparent 'suicide mission', and wants to find out if he has anyone to blame for it, or if it it was Acme's bravery & loyalty that made him seek the danger out.

There are some folks around who would have adopted the attitude 'hey, he's only a robot, he's expendable - we'll send him on the one-way trip to certain doom whilst we take the cushy jobs ourselves.'
What I want to know is if I have to blame you Jacks for ordering him to his doom, or if he bravely volunteered for the mission, of his own free will? If the latter, I'll toast his memory, but if the former, well you had better watch out, as I will avenge him if I can.

He's very upset and cross here about discovering Acme was on an apparent 'suicide mission', and wants to find out if he has anyone to blame for it, or if it it was Acme's bravery & loyalty that made him seek the danger out.

You've worn out your welcome. Leave before I send you back to your master in pieces.

JH was towards the Flunkie, his eyes eerily calm.

Well someone's clearly to blame if you thought it wasn't a one way trip - if not you, then when I find out who...
The WHG's Flunkie scowls fiercely and scuttles off.

I'm tired of answering to flunkies and watching Board Essence being used to attack the good guys.

Let's head to the Oasis.

Great Erl, Emperor7, Spring Sapling by your leave?

Assuming no objections we head off.

Well, there's always the Solar Temple. Though it could use some fixing up. Speaking of which, I have something for you. Only I left it back at the Jack's Clubhouse. It's a cooler. It's a holy relic of Sunny Godhead, so it should go to you now. Since I'm not his priestess anymore.

lynora-Jill wrote:

Well, there's always the Solar Temple. Though it could use some fixing up. Speaking of which, I have something for you. Only I left it back at the Jack's Clubhouse. It's a cooler. It's a holy relic of Sunny Godhead, so it should go to you now. Since I'm not his priestess anymore.

Which would be a wonderful idea. I can introduce my next character there. And this relic, it wouldn't happen to be a fire seed, would it?

"Oh dear have I missed another war?"

"Oh dear have I missed another war?"

AWW how sad, she knew how to have a good time. Humm I do wonder where the body is

Vanishes in a cloud of tribbles

The orb awakens.
"Hey, did I miss something? Dammit, I never get here at the right time. FROGSKIN!"
Frogskin appears, yawning.
"Yeah?"
"Go bring a message to the Champions."
"I'm not a paperboy, KC. I already brought the messages to Plant. And also had to carry him. He should really ease up on the fertili.."
"Frogskin!"
"Alright, alright! Should I tell them that Devlyn attacked us?"
"No time. Candle Lighter is on the move, I can feel it. The Mask is mad, too. Lynora underwent some change, though I know not what. Two threads have been destroyed. If we don't act, this could be the end."
"Again?"
"FROGSKIN!"
"I know, I know. I'm gone. Stupid prissy Lord of the Board...."
"What was that?"
"Nothing!" Frogskin disappears.

For a moment the trees have a sense of something hanging around on the edge of the grove, apparently testing and observing the awareness of the guardians, but then whatever it was, be it friend or foe, it is gone.

LJ and JH arrive back in the Grove. She looks around for a moment before spotting the globe. She walks over and gently picks it up to bring it to eye level.
Hello, Kobold Cleaver.
She is somewhat changed from what he remembers of her. Wind swirls around her of its own accord and snatches of music he can't quite make out seem to emanate from her. But none of that is as noticeable as the galaxies of stars within her eyes, always moving.

Devlyn and Allura come through the portal several minutes later, noting that LJ has picked up the orb.

For a moment the trees have a sense of something hanging around on the edge of the grove, apparently testing and observing the awareness of the guardians, but then whatever it was, be it friend or foe, it is gone.

JH wanders about the area, talking with the Great Erl, E7, Spring Sapling, and any others around. The others observe him examining the life in the area, tamping the soil at the base of a seedling or clearing a bit of fungus from the bark of a tree. He seems at ease, almost carefree, in this place. Of course he takes a large drink from the spring, and smiles as he does.

Dryads and other fey flit amongst the trees trying to get his attention. He waves to them as if he's known them for a long time, but stays in the clearing awaiting KC.

Devlyn goes over to the Tree Emperor.
"In all of the antics yesterday I forgot to give my congratulations on the safe return of your granddaughter to you. I also wanted to apologize for letting things escalate as far as they did yesterday - I'll do my best to not let that happen again," he says, inclining his head.

Devlyn goes over to the Tree Emperor.
"In all of the antics yesterday I forgot to give my congratulations on the safe return of your granddaughter to you. I also wanted to apologize for letting things escalate as far as they did yesterday - I'll do my best to not let that happen again," he says, inclining his head.

Thank you for your kind words, Man of the Dale. Besides being a favored granddaughter of mine, amongst many children, Spring Sapling has a Destiny tied to her.

It is good that she was able to be saved.

E7 chuckles. What is spring without a few thunderstorms? Sometimes even two storms meet in one area.

Thank you for your kind words, Man of the Dale. Besides being a favored granddaughter of mine, amongst many children, Spring Sapling has a Destiny tied to her.

It is good that she was able to be saved.

"And hopefully she will have a bright, happy destiny. We need more of those."

LJ and JH arrive back in the Grove. She looks around for a moment before spotting the globe. She walks over and gently picks it up to bring it to eye level.
Hello, Kobold Cleaver.
She is somewhat changed from what he remembers of her. Wind swirls around her of its own accord and snatches of music he can't quite make out seem to emanate from her. But none of that is as noticeable as the galaxies of stars within her eyes, always moving.

"Hello, Lynora. Hello, Jack Hammer. Hello, (grumble)Devlyn. What brings you to my neck of the woods?"

Kobold Cleaver wrote:

"Hello, Lynora. Hello, Jack Hammer. Hello, (grumble)Devlyn. What brings you to my neck of the woods?"

I got a message for you from one of the Runelords. Something along the lines of you needing to get over your bad self, treat people kindly, and get over the whole disembodied thing. I'm summarizing as the actual message was more than a bit rambling. I'll echo the sentiments about treating people kindly. The forces of evil are rather numerous at the moment and we can't afford to be sniping at each other. You need to be part of the team, or it doesn't matter how powerful you are. As for the body, I can make you a new one, but it will be a living body, with all the vulnerabilities that come with that. I consider that a step up from a marble, she says, with a gentle smile. Will you accept my help this time? I haven't forgotten how you helped me before, even though you got duped by the goddess later. That happened to a lot of people. I still consider you a friend, and my help is freely given for the asking.

There is a pause.
"I'm afraid that I can no longer survive in a living body. When I was a lich, I was using a certain type of phylactery, granted to me by the Board. You see, Servants of the Board (or at least my branch)are supposed to be good. But I grew distrustful, and, as you know, a bit ruthless. That is why Warforged's tent killed me, the wards were very strong..against evil. The Board has turned from me, and until it forgives me, I am trapped in this orb. It is my punishment.
"I see, though, that this place is not safe anymore. Candle Lighter is angry, and nothing will stop him from annihilating me. It is time for me to go."
There is a pause. Then, the orb sighs.
"Someone has to carry me."

There is a pause.
"I'm afraid that I can no longer survive in a living body. When I was a lich, I was using a certain type of phylactery, granted to me by the Board. You see, Servants of the Board (or at least my branch)are supposed to be good. But I grew distrustful, and, as you know, a bit ruthless. That is why Warforged's tent killed me, the wards were very strong..against evil. The Board has turned from me, and until it forgives me, I am trapped in this orb. It is my punishment.
"I see, though, that this place is not safe anymore. Candle Lighter is angry, and nothing will stop him from annihilating me. It is time for me to go."
There is a pause. Then, the orb sighs.
"Someone has to carry me."

That is why Warforged's tent killed me, the wards were very strong..against evil. The Board has turned from me, and until it forgives me, I am trapped in this orb. It is my punishment.
"I see, though, that this place is not safe anymore. Candle Lighter is angry, and nothing will stop him from annihilating me. It is time for me to go."

JH wanders over. A sparrow has settled on his head, ignoring the spiders on his arms. A small snake is coiled upon his foot, but slithers away when he stops. The red fox squirrel on his shoulder seems to be chattering to him, and JH seems to be listening to both conversations.

Kobold Cleaver wrote:

There is a pause.
"I'm afraid that I can no longer survive in a living body. When I was a lich, I was using a certain type of phylactery, granted to me by the Board. You see, Servants of the Board (or at least my branch)are supposed to be good. But I grew distrustful, and, as you know, a bit ruthless. That is why Warforged's tent killed me, the wards were very strong..against evil. The Board has turned from me, and until it forgives me, I am trapped in this orb. It is my punishment.
"I see, though, that this place is not safe anymore. Candle Lighter is angry, and nothing will stop him from annihilating me. It is time for me to go."
There is a pause. Then, the orb sighs.
"Someone has to carry me."

I see. I am sorry then that I cannot help you. Where is it you need to be carried?

"Alright - should we go on and return now, or do you need to take care of anything else here in the Grove first?"

JH wanders over. A sparrow has settled on his head, ignoring the spiders on his arms. A small snake is coiled upon his foot, but slithers away when he stops. The red fox squirrel on his shoulder seems to be chattering to him, and JH seems to be listening to both conversations.

Jack Hammer wrote:

JH wanders over. A sparrow has settled on his head, ignoring the spiders on his arms. A small snake is coiled upon his foot, but slithers away when he stops. The red fox squirrel on his shoulder seems to be chattering to him, and JH seems to be listening to both conversations.

She can't help but smile as she sees him talking with the squirrel. It's just so cute. It's good to see him so at peace with himself, and with this place. She finds herself more at peace here too. She can hear the Song more clearly so near Yggdrasil.

"I will go to the Oasis.
"I am sorry to be a burden, but Frogskin is off on a diplomatic mission to the Viking Kittens, along with the Lemmings. We have rumors that they have returned."

Devlyn stifles a grin.
"Do you want us to take him back to the Oasis, so you two can spend some time here to yourselves?"