"I will always be a liar."
When I say that I'm a liar, I'm lying.

*brain implodes*

What would Henry's curse do if he were to say "this statement is a lie"? And why has it taken this long to think of it? :)

That sort of statement, or anything along the that vein would be sort of a Schrödinger’s cat to the curse, and so both true and false. For this reason, one donkey trait would be replaced with another. It is one of two instances where telling the truth has bearing on his transformation.

As for the second question… good question XD

That could actually prove useful in a pinch.

True!

What would the other instance be...

Declaring his love to Charlotte.

Enedia: Are you proud of yourself, Lady Moth? To harm a relationship? I know why you are doing this, believe me, I know, but... you have put Charlotte in the same position that you have suffered in for many ages. In fact, you might have created a scar that can never truly heal between them.

I imagine that's the point. Moth herself is about one step away from 'look what you made me do'.

Enedia: I cannot blame her for wanting to get back at Henry. After all, the choice to take off the wedding ring was Henry's, no influence on Moth's part.

Moth: You are a persistent little thorn, aren’t you, darling? No, I’m not proud. Pride doesn’t enter into it. Try apathetic. As far as I’m concerned, both she and Henry are at fault even without my influence. He betrayed her for me, and she wasn’t woman enough for him not to wander. They made their beds and now they can lie in them while I collect my due. *she looks up from examining her manicure* Does your mentor know you’ve broken her word?

Enedia: Not woman enough for him not to wander? In certain circles, they have said that about you and Costa. I admit that Henry's decision is the reason why this whole situation has happened. I don't even mind the curse, and I admit that Charlotte might be better off with another, but it isn't my decision to interfere with her relationship. If she loves him, that is her choice. But imagine, Moth, if that had happened between you and Costa... if someone decided that in the moments where Costa was alone, that someone decided that he was no longer your partner, your love, and try to drag you apart, even to the point of kidnapping and hiding you, just so he could never see your face.

Are you happy with that?

Are you happy with that idea?

Moth: *growls and twin wisps of smoke curl from her nostrils* Enough with this farcical analysis! I will only warn you once, if you ever insinuate that my Costa was unhappy in our marriage again, darling, I’ll remind you just how destructive fire is. You’re picking a fight with the wrong dragon. And, if this is some misguided attempt at altruism, you’re going about it ass-backwards.

Enedia: I did not say that I believed that Costa was unhappy, he wasn't, I know that. I never believed the others that ever spoke of your marriage and said that it was an unhappy one. I know that your love for him is dear and important to you, and I truly feel that your journey of trying to find him once again is something that I will support, even if you don't support myself.

But have you not spoken to Charlotte about what you intend to do with her selfish and morally stupid husband? Can't you relate to the struggles that she is having?

Moth: Then why bring it up if it isn’t how you feel? I don’t care what everyone else thinks. I’ve already been branded a villain by the whole damned sidhe! But you, who have been maligned yourself, should know that struggle better than anyone. Why point it at me unless you want to start another fight?

Why bother? I gave her an opportunity to benefit from this situation and she outright refused before trying to pick me apart just as you’re doing now. I’m not unreasonable. She was the one who chose not to accept my generous terms. Not that talking to her would matter much at this point anyway. *shrugs* She lost her speaking privileges a while ago. It would be a one-sided conversation.

Enedia: You are not a villain for grieving. You are not a villain for wanting someone who stood you up to be make responsible for his actions. But you will be seen as a villain in her eyes if you don't explain why you are doing this, and what Henry did to you. Honestly, explaining what Henry did to you, that might be the one thing that might make this whole situation of yours more understandable to her.

...and I hate to say this, but with the loss of speaking privileges, she'll be able to listen.

You were never a villain in my eyes, Moth. Never.

Moth: *her brows knit together and she looks askance as she attempts to play off how thoroughly and deeply that last sentence touched her* I don't care if she understands at this point. I'm not looking for her approval or, really, peace with her at all. She is a means to an end. Plain and simple. You might care for her --that's your prerogative-- but I don't.

*she hazards a brief glance at Enedia and crosses her arms* If you can accept that and drop this, maybe we can talk over a glass of wine... or something.

Enedia: *sigh* If you allow me to talk to her... if you give me that chance to meet her again... and apologize... I will accept it. I know you don't care for her. I've known that since you've started this, and I don't blame you for that, because this whole situation was brought by Henry and his mistakes (to put it lightly), but I do. I care about her, because she deserves better. Henry may never change. And I do not want her to be hurt by him like you were.

Moth: *eyeing Enedia skeptically* Know that she's warded to oblivion and back if you have any designs to try to rescue her from under my nose, darling. I may not care for her, but I need her here if I'm going to draw Henry in, you understand.

*she turns her gaze to the mouth of the cave* Monstro! Escort the little thorn to our guest's room.

*Mangiafuoco leaves his post keeping watch at the cave entrance and does as he is bidden. There are a pair of brief flashes from the bell and a portal opens to an immaculately kept white room that appears to belong in a mansion*

Enedia: *tries to focus around the room to spot Charlotte as she steps inside the portal* Charlotte... it is me... Enedia... I-I know that you probably don't want to speak to me... I'm not sure if you can, Lady Moth has told me about what she has done...

*The room is a well furnished bedroom. A handsome four poster bed takes up much of the space, but Charlotte has elected to sit with her knees curled toward her chest in the corner of the room. She looks tired and her eyes are red from recent crying. She shakily stands and mouths "Enedia?"*

Enedia: *She just stands there in shock. Tears falling as she ran up to hug her, tight. Not letting go. She was upset to see how Moth let this happen, but she was powerless to do anything. She had to agree to her terms, and she couldn't help but want to free her but she couldn't. She couldn't. Enedia had never been this powerless since the knights arrived in her village.* "It's okay... it's okay..." *She wasn't sure who she was talking to, Charlotte or herself. She placed a finger by her head as it glowed with energy.* "Mouth out the words. You'll be able to speak within your mind to me, while still missing your speech..."

Lottie: *returns the embrace just as tightly* How did you get here? Did Moth let you in?

Mangiafuoco: *waits silently by the portal, watching to see if anything needs to be reported to Moth*

Enedia: She did. I had a talk with her. I tried to get her to understand what she is doing. But it was a lost cause. I'm sorry... I'm sorry that I can't help you out of this. It was the one thing I couldn't do, the only reason why I could be here is to talk. But it was worth it to see you again. Both you and Moth are hurting in different ways.

Lottie: *brows knitting * She has made it clear that Henry is the only one who can save me now, but it means a lot that you tried. I know how badly she’s hurting, but she’s got to find a better way to deal with it. Henry isn’t going to give her what she wants, even if he does everything she says… no one can. I think she’s just going to keep up this cycle of hurting people.

Enedia: She's already started this cycle long ago. It's really since Henry decided to act as he pleased during that moment that has forced you apart. I know that you love him, I understand, but I worry that this whole sequence of events will happen again. I don't want you to be hurt, in the same way that I don't want Moth to be hurt. ...in the same way that I don't want Mangiafuoco to be hurt either. If I have the chance to keep on Moth's good side, no matter if that means I cannot interfere with anything, I'll make sure to always see you.

Lottie: *sighs* I’m not as sure as I was that I want to be with Henry anymore. I’ve had weeks to think about what he did and why… it makes me feel like he had stopped truly loving me a long time ago. But that isn’t something I should burden you with. I’m grateful for your visit, and I’ll continue being grateful for the ones to come, but I’ll understand if you can’t. Moth doesn’t like to share, I’ve learned.

Mangiafuoco: *stance softens slightly at the idea that Enedia cares about his emotions *

Enedia: Yes, I have learned that the hard way with Moth... please, don't think you are burdening me with what you say. I've been waiting for so long to get to meet up once again to speak with you. Any topic, any thought, please feel free to share it with me. When I learned what Henry had done, I was shocked that he could ever do that to you. Lying is one thing, one very annoying thing, but what he did struck me with anger. I couldn't believe that not only did he do that to you, but he did that to Moth as well. I worry that even after saving you, that he might return to this behaviour.

*noticing Mangiafuoco's stance changing*

You could join us if you would like to, Mangiafuoco. I feel as though a guard inside the cell is much better than a guard outside it. It would be far easier to catch me if you were right here with me. I want to hear how you are going.

Lottie: *leaning her forehead against her knees* Yeah. Me, too. That is, if he even comes for me at all. At one time I wouldn’t have given it a second thought, but now? Now I can’t help but question everything.

Mangiafuoco: *takes one step into the room, but never takes his eyes off of the portal* I am as I always am. There is little to tell. And how are you, Lady Enedia?

Enedia: His arrival will be a game to Moth, so either the game is still happening, where Moth lays her traps, or Henry hasn't arrived to start the game. Knowing that he has held grudges for the others around here does not help him in the slightest. There are people who could help him, but his stubborn ass always tries to fight them off. ...one of the people who brought you here, Candlewick... he is one of the sweetest people that I have ever had the chance to communicate with. And the reason why he has done that act is that Moth has allowed him to live on. A price to pay for his extended life. And that has both benefitted him and left him with little to nothing. Because of that act, Henry has decided to completely shun him off, but if he allowed himself to be kind to him... Candlewick could have helped in some way. That was his choice... and he will pay for that with time.

*Sees Mangiafuoco enter the room*

I do doubt that there is little to tell within your life. It only depends if you want to open that chapter. I am... fine. I am fine. Better knowing that I can see Lottie.

Lottie: *lifts her head, eyes wide* Candle’s alright? Oh, thank God! I was so worried… But… now he’s with Henry?

Mangiafuoco: *stiffens at the news* No… no… that was never supposed to happen!

Lottie: *glares up at Mangiafuoco *

Mangiafuoco: Don’t give me that! You know that it is his life or mine! Not that it ever mattered to you, anyway. You proved that in the forest! *growls* Don’t pretend you aren’t just as selfish as me.

Lottie: *cannot maintain eye contact*

Enedia: *looks at the both of them* Wait, wait, wait, hold on! Before I ask what happened in the forest, I am surprised that you do care for Candlewick. I care immensely about him and Juni, so it is incredibly good that you do care for him as well! I just wish that Henry would see it the same way. Do not be surprised if he decides to leave Candle, knowing how much Henry keeps reminding himself that Candle had helped out with your capture. I do not blame Candle for his act, it was Moth who gave that order, and Candle had to do it to survive.

*she looks at Mangiafuoco with a cocked brow*

The forest... tell me about what happened there. I am eager to know, but if you decide against it, that is fine too. I just hope that you are safe.

Lottie: *brows knitting* He isn’t a bad guy. I learned that while we were in the forest… he’s just a lost boy trying to find his way. I don’t know who Juni is, so I can’t speak to that, but I’m not surprised about Henry. *a little bitterly* He’s good at holding a grudge.

Mangiafuoco: I made the mistake of believing yet another woman who betrayed me. Leave it at that. *he sneezes*

Lottie: You’re hardly being fair. You kidnapped me.

Mangiafuoco: And I’d be dead if you succeeded, and you knew that. *sneezes* Just… drop it.

Enedia: Unfortunately, yes. If Henry wants to truly better himself, he best learn how to let go of those grudges, especially if the people that Henry is grudging do not deserve such treatment.

*Enedia pulls out a hanky for Mangiafuoco*

It seems as if you might need this. Both of you were fighting for survival. Survival from Moth. I doubt that either of you wanted the outcome if either side won. I must ask, Mangiafuoco, for a man with much on his conscience, I thought that such failure, to be brought to death, wouldn't be as frightful to you as I thought. I must ask. Do you fear it?

Mangiafuoco: *uses the hanky* Grazie. We’re only sure of our courage until we actually have to look death in the face, signora. It’s hard to die when un piccolo, piccolo, piccolo part of you holds out hope for something.

Enedia: I sincerely wish that you continue to hold onto that hope, unless that hope is used to hurt others. And I know that your continuation to work with Moth will test that hope. Her methods are hurtful at times, but I do hope that she finally seeks out Costa. In some form or another. But only if it does not come to the harm of others. Your life, Mangiafuoco... there are so many questions I would like to ask, yet I fear that if I do, I would open old wounds, or Moth would stop these questions before answers had surfaced.

Mangiafuoco: *scoffs* Ask, signora. She cares very little about me. *sneezes*

Enedia: Charlotte or Moth? I'm sure that Charlotte wouldn't mind hearing about your life. You, like Candlewick, can speak of your past. Stories of the future aren't for us to tell. More the people who grant us that path.

Mangiafuoco: Both, I suppose. *he glances at Charlotte, who sighs*

Lottie: Just because I tried to escape doesn’t mean I don’t like you. Under different circumstances we’d probably be friends. I did try to be friends first, if you recall… we just both valued our survival more.

Mangiafuoco: *ignores this and resumes replying to Enedia* I was a performer, a fire eater, before I met Moth. But being Romani, people made certain we could never stay too long in one place. My family had a falling out, I went my own way, and ended up at Il Paese dei Balocchi. *he colors slightly, more out of anger than embarrassment* What I did there and what happened after is hardly a secret.

Enedia: *moving closer to Mangiafuoco* You were a performer? I never knew that information before. What happened in Il Paese dei Balocchi has certainly hidden away what new information I have to know about you. It certainly seems that Lady Moth has an interest in performers, both in and outside of Il Paese dei Balocchi. *Enedia tries to hide some feelings that she had for a certain jester at the Land of Toys. She never knew what happened to him in the end* Please, recount a story from your performing days. Something that is pleasant for you to remember. But before you do, please do tell me if you are well being within this room. I couldn't help but notice your coughs and sneezes.

*To Lottie* Perhaps this is the best way to gain his friendship.

Acrathia: *Shadows gather and materialize taking on her dark feminine shape. Soon Acrathia forms and she does not look pleased*

*To Enedia* For one who wishes to be my apprentice you seem to enjoy blatantly defying my orders. I can respect some defiance, but it cannot be needless. Tell me girl, is This of all arguments, really worth it? Do you really think this will improve the relationship with her?

*Looking back to Moth still looking displeased* Not woman enough? That's beneath you Lady Moth, and you know it.

Enedia: ...I care for Charlotte. You would have done the same for Cassandra, and you know that. Why can't I at least try to reconcile this? I do not know if this will improve things or worsen them, I do not have the power to know all the answers, but I try because I care about her! I care about what has happened to the both of them! I do not care for that swine, Henry, he had started this whole path of destruction, but I care that both these people do not get their hearts broken.

You've seen people who's hearts have been broken, and you have tried to interfere with that. Cassandra's boyfriend, remember him?

Acrathia: Your concern for Charlotte is admirable, and I share your feelings on it. It is not you heart or your character I am questioning however. I question your methods, and your intentions. You seemed utterly distraught when I had told you Lady Moth did not wish to have any interaction with you for the time being, and you promised you would not seek her out. What is it you hope to gain by calling her out like this? Do you honestly think this will change her mind? Is Lady Moth's friendship something you no longer seek? Because this seems like a good way to ruin any hope you have of mending the relationship. Just like how my interference in Cassandra's love life cause a rather large rift between us. If this is truly the path you want to take, then it is yours to follow, do not complain however if you find the consequences not to your liking.

Enedia: I cannot gain both their trust if they know how much want both of their friendship. I have tried to mend things, I have understood her motives for why she is doing this, and why she requires Henry, but I cannot seek that friendship with Lady Moth as well as Charlotte. Her kindness to me I ruined for my deeds to Lady Moth. I cannot try to reconcile both anymore... I just want to be with them... to support them... perhaps it is best that I stop here and now. It is a lost cause, Acrathia.

Acrathia: *smiles* Your passion is one of your greatest attributes. Never lose it, but temper it. Learn where to direct it and there will be no limit to what you can achieve. You are learning your lessons well...

Moth: *crossing her arms defensively * Perhaps that was too harsh. But the fact remains that his needs were hardly being met.

Acrathia: a womans value is never dependent on what she can provide for a man. This is just as true for her as it is for you. But perhaps I am allowing the bitterness of the past color how I perceived your comment...

Acrathia: *a look of something between shock and anger appears on her face.* You took... her speaking privileges?!

*she breaths in deeply as to calm herself. Paces back and forth, also to calm herself.*

*Speaks as though trying to remind herself* You are my friend and I respect your decisions... you are my friend and I respect your decisions... you are my friend and I respect your decisions!

Moth: I’m not saying she’s without worth, I’m just saying she’s not without fault in all of this. As for taking her speech, you knew her for what? All of half an hour, and when she was at her most sympathetic? I’ve been in her company for weeks, and if you knew how damnably annoying she can be, I doubt you’d skip teaching her a lesson either.

Acrathia: *inclines her head in acknowledgment* True, you have spent much more time with her, and would likely have better insight as to her temperament. I would point out that mortals tend to get a bit snippy when they are kidnapped... by their husband's mistress no less... but perhaps I overlooked something in her. May I ask what she has done to so egregiously annoy you?

Moth: Well, for starters, she— *groans and rolls her eyes* Apparently I’m not allowed to say. Spoilers, the author says… whatever that means.

Acrathia: Ugh! Wretched authors! I'll give you the benefit of the doubt that it was necessary. It was rather disheartening that she did not accept your offer to benefit from the situation.

Moth: Darling, you are always so generous. *she looks a little perturbed* Honestly, I had hoped that we could find common ground in our frustration with Henry. Solidarity among sisters and all that. Unfortunately, it seems our only common ground is that we each want his affections.

Acrathia: *groans* I know how utterly stifling monogamist attitudes can be! It's always *in a sarcastic tone* "I'm looking for a mate, not a fling!" Or "We should raise our pups together, not seperately!" Its the worst when he tries to be all insightful about it. *still sarcastically* "You can't run away from your inferiority complex, and abandonment issues you claim our teacher gave you by sleeping and/or cursing your way through every being that strikes your fancy!"

Moth: *raising an eyebrow* I feel like we’re not talking about theoreticals anymore, darling. Imoldra really wanted pups?

Acrathia: *distantly* wants, and has had. Each of The Three has sired our own progeny... in my case twice with him. They both took more after their father than me, and thus once they were of age I bowed out, visiting from time to time... There are times I really tried to remain with him and only him... Imoldra... just has a way of reminding me of my shortcomings, whether he intends to or not... and I refuse to constantly feel inferior... every other being I've been with pales in comparison with him, thus I move from fling to fling... it suits me well enough...*bitterly* besides if there is one lesson teacher taught me well, was that I shouldn't rely on anyone other than myself for too long.

Moth: *brows knit in empathy and she conjures a pair of full wine glasses* Oh, darling… Fate cursed you when it made us so alike. Though, you do surprise me. I would never have guessed the guide of lost children had any but your ward, Cassandra…

Acrathia: *takes the glass graciously, and pours themselves both a glass* I am not surprised at your surprise, few know of the children of Fate's Bastard Grandchildren. There aren't many, and I have far more adopted children that "blood" children. Not surprising when you consider our existence was a bit of a departure from Fate's Plan, let alone any of us having any. With Imoldra, I had a son and daughter. Our son Herne, decided to strike off on his own becoming a minor woodland god. Our daughter currently serves as her father's White Raven.

Moth: *recognition flickering* Herne I have heard of in passing. I believe the cu sith rather enjoy him? The rumors of Immoldra’s ravens precede them, but I took them only to rumors.

This has been a bit of an enlightening look into several psyches, hasn't it. Moth believes herself to be beyond redemption - or at least, seen that way - and rolls with the assigned role as she feels nothing else would make any difference. Enedia's conscience is on full display, she can't keep up the pretence of a heart of stone any more and it's spilled over into self-loathing and personal harm.

Meanwhile "wise old" Acrathia is... complicated. She gives no excuses, but whatever mistakes and misplaced alliances she's made in the past, analysing her with my human sensibilities reveals regret, ethics, and a strong case for and pursuit of changing the world for the better (after being talked out of making it in her own image). Acrathia has also expressed surprise in the past that 'friendship' between a unicorn and an emblem of 'darkness' shouldn't be possible, yet here we are.

The pureblood's single-minded striving for balance perceives good and evil, light and dark, white and black, law and chaos, all to pairings from the same tree, while the man knows that they're not. Now that I've been made aware of myself as an instrument in maintaining the balance of Fate itself, one of my tasks to that end lies in recognising the potential in people, and ensuring their fate lines are untangled by trusting in and encouraging them to bring the best out in themselves... by being true to myself. Both my selves.

Bloody hell. I'm a four-legged Jiminy aren't I, just without the patronising in-your-face smugness.

This certainly has become a thoroughly complex and terribly fun weaving of the tapestry. Even the chaotic parts. Or, perhaps I should say especially the chaotic parts.

Jiminy: *clears his throat quietly at the comment and lights his pipe*

Whatever brand you smoke in that thing, you probably expect me to rub it in by pointing out it's bad for you. Well I'm not going to.

*cough* Though 'tis certainly of no welfare to mine.

Jiminy: *raises an eyebrow* Why should I expect one thing or another from someone I have barely spoken to?

Well for what it's worth, I shouldn't deign to believe for a moment that you'd be as one-dimensional as your animated counterpart. Not after the experience I've had with this world, up close and personal. I have no idea of the formalities but you'd be fulfilling an assignment each time, right?

...Though I'm familiar with the book, and what's liable to occur starting around a 'client' unbound by any benchmark for a moral code at all.

Jiminy: *nods and tamps out the embers in the pipe so as not to irritate the unicorn aspect* Pinocchio was my first. Though the recounting of his adventures is largely accurate, I never died. The hammer blow blinded me, certainly, but hardly killed me. It was through that incident that I met my mistress, the Judicator. She could not restore my sight but she was able to afford me a magical means of perceiving the world around me. The rest, as they say, is history.

Happily, up until this point I was able to contribute to society as something of a councilor in the sidhe rather than a full-fledged conscience. Henry, however, needed a more direct approach given the strength of his curse… that, and his utter dependence of deceit.

Mine gratitude.

Well... I jump to conclusions, I speak off the cuff, and I make mistakes. And I'm not above the occasional deviousness to extract crucial information - not through falsehood, but withholding that which people don't need to know. In these lands, the wrong knowledge in the wrong hands is a dangerous commodity indeed.

So it's true that you began as an actual cricket?

Jiminy: *spreading his hands* None are infallible and all must navigate the grey spaces between right and wrong. Often even a conscience like myself may find it hard to see the proper path. But when coping mechanisms mature into near-addictions, problems with differentiating between right and wrong arise. Henry was such a case. Couple that with a curse designed to feed on his weakness and my charge to keep him as human as possible… I had to be persistent.

Yes. I still am, at heart. This human form is simply for utility.

Yes, it must hard for a conscience made manifest to be faced with something like the prisoner's dilemma or the trolley scenario. Do you ever find yourself questioning a decision and whether you actually have the right?

Jiminy: *turns so his sightless eyes seem to look into yours* Always.

*flinches slightly, feeling the blank stare browsing my aura...

You know who and what I used to be of course, and how this strange co-existence has allowed me to retain that human part of myself. Perhaps I too with this acquired power could unveil a means to change the human world, 'save' it from itself... but I couldn't do it. No single being has the right to dictate the future, and the ability of mankind to learn from its own mistakes, as bad a job as it's doing now, would be lost. No, if I had the wish... I think I'd grant every single person on earth a functioning conscience of their own. Not that the grand majority are lacking such a thing, it might make no difference at all. But it would mean that those with influence who haven't been doing so, get to take a long and hard look at themselves, but on their own terms and merits.

*realising a thought...

How long then have you known the Judicator, and the boon and responsibility she gave you?

Jiminy: *shrugs* In a perfect world, perhaps. Watching and advising those within our own circles seems to be the most we can hope for, given the state of things.

It was the year 1887 of the mortal calendar when I met my mistress and was charged with assisting Pinocchio in the quest to find his humanity. I have been in her service ever since.

And what can you do? I mean, what powers did she give you? I could sense you looking into my own soul, just now. It must have occured to you before that perhaps she chose not to grant your normal sight back, to leave you dependent on this 'second sight'. And she has no shortage of 'advisors'... before you, there were already Medoro and Acrathia, to name but two.

Jiminy: For lack of a better means of explaining it, she permitted me to “see”. I can get the sense of a person’s soul, yes, but I can also trace magical signatures, divine the nature of curses, and sense danger just before it strikes. I have learned a few elementary spells from the High Magister as well -just enough to get by, really- but most of my “magic” is simply the natural luck granted to my species and an interest in psychology.

So you can perceive that which Medoro can't do, and act upon things about which Acrathia won't do. Which would lead one to believe that Pinocchio was a test, and Henry is a sideline, 'practice' if you will. I know how long the magic sickness has afflicted her... your real 'charge' is Azura herself.

Did Azura ever confide in you her intentions on how to bring the Nobles back, and what advice did you give her if she did? Or were you already preoccupied with Henry by that point?

Jiminy: *brows furrowing* I may have originally been brought into the fold for that purpose, but I can only do as much as she permits. And, since I ought to practice what I preach, I am honestly afraid of her. Indeed, Medoro has been more efficient than I at my own post, as much as it pains me to say it.

If she has any designs to win the Nobles to her side again, they must be recent and unknown to me...

...I thought as much.

A sure surfeit of evidence.

Off the record, the Judicator ought to scare you. But not because of her. She and the Traitor are every inch obverse and reverse, and the Fates have capitalised on that when each are at their emotionally weakest. One prod by the Vile One and the dominoes start tumbling down; another by the White One to try and stem the fall and start to sweep up some of the damage. The so-called 'White One's Gambit'.

It's always easier to destroy than to create. Oberon and Titania struck down in a fit of grief; simple, immediate and direct. Fixing all the subsequent burnt bridges; complicated, time-consuming and subversive. The Judicator, in her fragile and desperate state, prepares to risk - nay, considers it her duty - breaking the known rules of magic to preserve the borders. And rather than the Fates stepping in to stop it... well, it's not entirely hyperbolic to describe a unicorn as magic made flesh. Do you know how much raw power it must take to create one essentially from scratch, and imbued with hybrid qualities and perspectives no such being has had before? Because not only did she place her faith in success, I remember she fully expected it to, didn't bat an eyelid when it did, and looking back it later, against all odds suffered no consequence to her own malady afterwards. So if the Blue Lady was merely the conduit, where do you suppose the power came from?

Also, what Azura expected to gain over time from such a prize and how that prize has ultimately developed? Two entirely different things.

Are you scared yet?

Jiminy: I am. And not because she is a conduit, Master Unicorn, but because that is her own magic. With the late king and queen no longer in the courts she is the single most powerful fae in all of the sidhe; more powerful than the Magister, more powerful than Goodfellow, and more powerful than Mab, herself. She created a life from nothing, imbued a donkey with immortality, and made a member of the Noble races from a mortal man. Her bloodline is the golden standard, and that is why she was made Judicator. She is the only one who can go toe to toe with Titania’s stolen essence. And, sadly, she is one of the few fae in history who has developed Magic Sickness simply because their innate magic is too potent for their own psyche to handle.

I do not pretend to understand Fate’s machinations in all of this, but I know my mistress. I know her control is degrading and her temper is becoming more and more of a hair trigger. She is a magical time bomb that I dare not jostle, so yes. I am beyond terrified. If she indeed survives her coming encounter with the Traitor, there is a good chance she will detonate and take us all with her.

*pales, face draining its pale tint and going ghostly white...*

...Impossible. That would mean... oh Goodfellow, why in the first place did I not lis-

*eyes turn crystal-blue with a thousand-yard stare, before hind legs give way, slumping down onto haunches in silence. Long unnerving seconds go by before the glasses float off from the muzzle and the human image manifests, appearing to hold the unicorn's neck and look worriedly into the natural eyes...*

Come on... come on, don't do this! Come back to me - the White One was still the guiding influence - remember all the encounters, it doesn't make our existence or purpose any less... it's more urgent than ever -

*to Jiminy* Help me! I'm not getting through to him, I - he - oh, damn the pronouns! My other self is having an existential crisis... it's like he suddenly learned he's adopted!

Jiminy: *tucks his pipe away, stands, and takes the unicorn by the chin so they are eye to eye and speaks sternly* Pull yourself together. You are still magic made flesh, no matter where that magic comes from; you are still an intensely powerful steward of the sidhe; you are still a source of light in this growing darkness; you are still the White One’s champion; and, dammit all, you’re a unicorn, which is a fair sight better than a sometimes-lucky cricket and a talking poodle! Lady Azura needs you now more than ever, and if she fails the entire sidhe will depend upon you! There is no time for doubt, now. This is the time for logic and balance, and none can provide that in your stead.

You do not know the mistress like I do. She may not be herself now, but somewhere inside of her she knew that she needed someone who could be wise and objective when she no longer could be. You aren’t a puppet, you are the heir she chose to appoint.

*slow ghost-image faceturn to Jiminy...

The... 'heir'?

Jiminy: *grimly* If she dies in her quest, there must be someone to uphold the law until a Judicator can be found… if indeed another is found at all.

*slow and deep 'breaths'...*

They're doing this deliberately.

*raises head to the heavens and points...*

One of you is pulling on this thread to prove Goodfellow right!

*to Jiminy* There hasn't been an 'encounter' between the two before in all these years as members of the Hand have contrived to keep Azura and Moth apart. Judging from the tone of what you say though, even that is at risk of breaking down.

When this began I was a shade under fifty years old. In mortal years, I'd now be around seventy-five. With the normal aging process halted, a youthful body with a middle-aged mindset. But experience? Very little. Put to scale, hardly more than a snap of the fingers. But in that short space of time, I've been privy to and had my own 'encounters' with all five of the Hand now, and witnessed how they operate.

Things are happening, and fast - well, 'fast' being relative. It may be decades away. It might even be a lifetime. But whichever inexorable and unavoidable wire it comes down to, you can be sure I'm going to be smack in the middle of it.

*unicorn's eyes flutter and blink, and ears swivel...*

I think he's coming round. Are you back with us? How do you feel?

...As though mine entire perceived existence were but a fabrication.

Jiminy: *curiously* If it is not too insensitive of me to ask, what about your perception of your existence has shifted, Master Unicorn?

T'would be that of mine own creation.

Let me explain. My consciousness splitting into two didn't happen overnight, and by the time it had to the point where the unicorn instincts were gaining real agency of their own, I was aware of the White One's influence in and watching over what I'd become. Thus it's only natural the new personality would latch onto the White One as a 'mother figure' of sorts.

*ghost image taps own head*

This resulting 'balance' within Two Minds here once we'd stopped clashing for dominance and figured out our mutual advantages in going forward, that may have been anticipated and even planned by the White One, but it most certainly wasn't by the Blue Lady. What was that she said, that very first guarded warning about the length and strength of this new undertaking?

Memories be that which separate fact from fiction, and memories also be fleeting.

Yes, that. It never occurred to me before just now that may have been a Freudian slip about her own state of mind as much as she meant my own.

Jiminy: Could it not be that you had two “mothers” in this set of circumstances? One to birth the magic out of her own desperate designs and one to guide your steps toward a greater purpose?

*unicorn attempts to reconcile this thought, but looks disconcerted about it...

*side-leaning close to Jiminy, speaking through side of mouth* He's not that good with metaphors, that's a unicorn thing. He sees the world as it is, though several layers of it. Metaphors and abstracts are my job. Besides, to him that would make it three mothers, including mine.

Jiminy: *murmurs* Ah, I see. Never really had the occasion to speak to a unicorn before… they had returned to the Verdant Hills before my time. How to explain what is… *he subconsciously adjusts his tie as he thinks, and then, to the unicorn aspect* Let us think of it this way, instead. Your creation, in all of its nuance, could easily have been facilitated by my mistress while its potential was overseen by the White One simultaneously. Whether that is certain is not for me to know. I can only speculate. However, such an arrangement did happen once before with my first charge. It is not outside of the realm of possibility that it has happened again for greater purpose.

*unicorn nods and bows head, gently touching Jiminy's scalp with his horn...

Aye. It beith painful to accede once more that mine creation came not out of natural means, but now and times hence will call for strength. Though long may such times be forestalled as both this self and the man are yet unprepared for a position whence the twain must forever reunite as one.

Master Conscience, I pledge to heed your beck and call should our aid or our errors demand it so, as there is much to be strived for in what mayhap become a short span.

Finally, you're starting to get what the human sense of urgency is about.

Jiminy: *with a smile* My good unicorn, I should be the one at your service. A cricket may play a conscience, but a unicorn understands the station far better.

*ghost image fades, the glasses returning to the muzzle, the unicorn shakes his head and arises, opening the humanlike eyes...

Thank you. I think he's calmer now than when we started talking. I know who I'm going to appoint as a master diplomat if the worst ever comes to the worst.

Still, since we all share the same concerns... maybe put our collective heads together and start figuring a way around them.

Jiminy: *bows his head* I am honored that you would say so, sir.

I am certainly open to a meeting of the minds, but it is only fair to warn you that I have a sneaking suspicion that Medoro has clandestinely taken matters into his own paws… his —for lack of a better term— vibrations have shifted when I look at him.

His body language, you mean? Or...

This doesn't sound good... Medoro is the last being I would expect to attempt something reckless without consulting anyone.

Okay, think. Think. Start with what Medoro wouldn't do. He has always been fiercely loyal to his oath of office and devoted to the best interests and welfare of his mistress. He'd never conspire to harm her, or involve anyone else to do the same. He's honest, scrupulously so. And above all, he wouldn't use magic - at the end of the day, he's just a dog. An intelligent, studious and book-learned dog with a vastly abnormal natural lifespan, a diary-like memory... and an educated and erudite debating tongue.

...He'd put a case to the rest of the court to have her removed from office for the sake of her deteriorating health!

Jiminy! You must find Medoro at once and arrange a meeting at my mound at the earliest possible moment. He could be mistakenly disrupting the chain of cause and effect and playing into dark forces he's not aware of at this very moment!

Jiminy: *blinks, fumbles his pipe in his haste, and hurriedly goes to find Medoro *

*paces worriedly, ruminating to self and waiting for Jiminy's return, since Medoro - not being magical - is a being that realm-awareness can't trace.

After a time, the two convene as requested at the faerie mound.

Medoro: *looking haggard and uncharacteristically rumpled* My colleague says you asked to see me?

Medoro! You look - well... dreadful. This is seemingly worse and worse by the minute. What happened? Is this... related to your mistress?

What hast thou donst to manifest such an appearance?

Medoro: *carefully adjusting his tie and attempting to dust himself off with a paw* It is, yes. One must travel into rough country if one is to keep rough company. I have sought to enlist help where I have otherwise found alarmingly little. *he gives Jiminy a pointed look*

*look of dread...

She - she is still yours - and everyone's - official mistress, isn't she?

What hast thou DONST?

*paws the floor, head lowered...

DAMNATION, THOU OBSEQUIOUS MONGREL, WHAT FRESH DISASTER -

No!

*a struggle for control of the physical form, as though the body is wrestling with itself...

Unhand me, ere I threaten thine own mortality!

*strained* You're still - agh - in a state of upheavel! Not used...

*the body is forced down, jerk by jerk, onto knees and pasterns, before collapsing to the floor, thrashing as if pinned there...

Release me!

Not before you calm down and start thinking straight! Give him - ugh - a chance... you aren't used to this level of emotional outburst!

Medoro: *nonplussed* Why, of course-- *watches, frozen at the spectacle, before circling and trying to assist*

Jiminy: How do we separate them when we cannot separate them?

Medoro: I do not know, but we cannot just stand and watch! *tenses to jump into the frey, but Jiminy stops him with a hand*

Jiminy: No offense meant, old friend, but I very much doubt your involvement would help, given the state the unicorn is in. *kneels to try and awkwardly help Eala pin down the unicorn as best as he can*

Don't... don't. This is a matter between myselves. I wouldn't want to unexpectedly lash out.

*pauses*

Now, are we prepared to be civilised yet? You heard Medoro, the worst hasn't happened, or at least not yet. So why not give him the benefit of the doubt while he gives us an explanation?

I hath little choice. Offer mine apologies whilst I remain silent.

Good.

*stands up and shakes head and mane...*

Now then Medoro, what's this about 'taking matters into your own paws'? What secret measures would appear so desperate that you'd approach a conscience, of all people? You can't possibly have expected him not to blab.

Medoro: *seating himself and heaving a sigh* We are on the cusp of finding the bell. Surely you know how dire the situation is if the mistress were to actually use it. Given the venom that has been festering in her heart toward the Traitor, I am inclined to believe that she would. I had hoped that my colleague would see the need for discretion in this instance, but it seems I was mistaken. Though, it does ease my mind about seeking outside assistance. *his eyes rove to Jiminy and the barest hint of a growl colors his voice* I may not be a conscience, but I am beginning to feel that I am very discerning when it comes to character.

The Blue Lady must not clash with the wielded of the bell. We hath seen the threads that weave twixt the pair.

You said were going to -

The matter be too grave when ruination of all is a potential. Tell them, man! The Traitor, the court and the bell. One thread of hers be severed, then others wouldst gain in strength. Once the Lady hath use of the bell, when dost thou think she would ever stop using it - afore she forceth the unravel of further threads and destruction of fixed points?

Not to mention Moth's own thread. We know that here and now this is not how it must end, it's too deeply entangled in the knots. The heart of the weavings of Fate would be ripped apart.

Medoro: Precisely! At last, someone who acknowledges how dire this situation is! Fate, Jiminy, Fate is bound up in this!

Jiminy: *beginning to look uncomfortable* You only had to say--

Medoro: In front of the rest of our party? Do you truly believe they would keep to secrecy in front of the Mistress? They are terrified of her!

...Are you telling me one of them - the Hand - made an appearance to you? Or to her? Because I don't recall your library containg reference of -

Anull thy habit of wandering from subject in hand, if thou pleaseth.

Oh. Right. Fate lines, I should elaborate a little more about those. Okay... every person in their lives makes bonds with other persons, or things, or ideas and beliefs, that are important to them. These create strands within the tapestry of Fate. The stronger the bond, the stronger and more influential the thread, as Fate writes itself around a person's natural actions and reactions. There's more to it than that, particularly with two-way bonds between people, but you get what I've driving at.

So Azura, with her intense dedication and narrow focus, is chiefly bound to three main threads; her status at the court, her fued with Moth and the Magic Sickness inside her head which you hint at she's on the edge of losing control of. As my other half says, should one bond be suddenly severed or anulled, you are apt to get a crisis of purpose until the remaining threads are taking up the slack of the finished one. That's just life. But if unsavoury elements of Fate sieze an opening and the wrong thread was to be severed, one that should not be which is pivotal to the rest of the tapestry at that time...

That's what I was terrified of- that Azura was about to be forcefully deposed from her post. If that happens, there would be nothing to stop her from going rogue. The other two threads would see to it that Moth gets the full ire of blame in Azura's mind for her own downfall, and she'd hunt her down by any means possible, ethics be damned. And then if she were to succeed to the ultimate end of that endeavour, and sever that thread... Then there's just one guiding thread left, in full command of Titania's power, seeking out new 'enemies' to vanquish. Mab would be aftterwards, certainly. Then who? Her grudges against Goodfellow? The Nobles, for running away when she felt she needed them most? Where would it end?

And as he appointed successor, even if I had a shred of the ability to stop her, what could I actively do if I'm thereby bound to the Judicator post myself long before I'm ready for it, and my own duties and threads left incomplete?

Medoro: Not a soul in the sidhe is ignorant of the Guardians and what they protect. Their machinations may be obscured to us, but we must always step carefully when such volatile matters are at hand.

Jiminy: You make good points, of course, Master Eala. I see now the need for this intervention... but who have you sought toward that end, Medoro?

Medoro: Suffice to say it is a party who has no ties to the Mistress and would benefit from removing the bell from the Traitor's possession. This person is also thoroughly experienced in burglary and larceny... I feel they are our best hope.

Jiminy: And you will not give us a name?

Medoro: I believe it best.

*skeptical...

Should I perhaps not be the judge of that? Previous attempts to infiltrate the Traitor's inner circle haven't met with universal success... is this anyone I actually know? And if this mysterious 'larcenist' does manage to procure the bell, what guarantees do you have that it'll be delivered and then secreted somewhere safe, and not end up in an equally wrong pair of hands?

Medoro: *one ear perking at a nearly imperceptible voice* I am only permitted to say that love is our failsafe in this endeavor. There is too much on a personal level for this person to permit internal failure or greed. Heart magic, and a surprisingly strong dose of it given the source, is the binding agent.

*eyebrows shoot up...

Heart magic. Then your 'agent' is human... or maybe should I say, 'was'? I've witnessed a similar situation present itself before, not that long ago. And that 'need to know' restrictive silence, the geas upon you to withhold pertinent details... I've seen that employed by the Bronze Warrior, and she plays her cards from a position of strength. Well that's one crumb of comfort at least, if it's so.

Medoro: *he nods wearily* All that remains is to see if the key players play their roles well. Apart from what I have already done, and what may be done in the very moment that my Mistress and the Traitor meet in the coming days, it is now out of my paws.

Jiminy: Then, what little lucky magic I have is at your disposal, my friend. I apologize for my hesitance to trust your perspective on this matter... I should have known better.

...It's Bottom, isn't it. One with 'no ties' but who still loves Moth despite the spurned abuse and would do anything rather than see her destroyed. Good God man, you weren't joking about 'rough country'. There wasn't anyone more... *polite cough* 'reliable'?

*raises head up, broadcasting a silent plea to the heavens...

(Bronze Warrior, if such be a manifest of your will, we wouldst place our faith and trust within you once again, should our involvement in yon misadventure come to light.

In other words, I'm a peripheral figure this time, so if this matter and the outcome has a strong chance of affecting me personally, you're damn right I 'need to know'.)

Medoro: *again raises an ear at an imperceptible sound* I am not to give an answer, save that the Bronze One is not the one you should be addressing in this case, though she hears you. I can say no more.

Jiminy: It is not like you to be so cryptic, Medoro. A strong magic indeed must be at work here.

Medoro: I am a dog of dignity, Jiminy. I would rather not be reduced to the modern coarse language of my domesticated brethren for breaking my word.

Hrm. I really would have thought the logic was that the Order of the land in this case was greater than the Law between the Judicator and Traitor, and counter to the Chaos that would be unleashed by the bell. I must be overthinking things again.

The Shadow is loath to get involved, and gives a very particular sort of audience, if you can gain his attention at all. The White One... perhaps she anticipates losing the Blue Lady for ever. If that's so, then if there is anything I can do, she would make herself known to me.