+ The Moral Failure of Both Sides +

[pig_and_pepper]

[ At last the Duchess appears on the network in real-time, her whole entire self, clearly and visibly draped across a chair in one of the tea rooms. Her posture betrays her exhaustion and despair, its source hanging loosely from her hips: The Vorpal Sword, kept safely in its sheath by her side.

Her voice quivers with the strain of her failed endeavour, but when she speaks she does not seem to address, or even acknowledge, her audience. ]

Do you see how they reward my kindness, did you hear it? Ghastly they are, and oh! my most thoughtful advice, my most important lessons, wasted! Wasted, like pearls before sw--

[ She clasps her hand over her mouth and goes wide-eyed. The piglet at her feet looks up from its feast of biscuit crumbs, and pricks up its ears in what must no doubt be a great gesture of reproach. ]

I'm sorry, oh, I'm ever so sorry, my poor darling, I didn't mean it! But do you see now? They do not deserve the Sword, and I surely do not deserve the pains of their constant demands! They'll keep asking for it, won't they? They'll keep looking! What do we do, my dear darling, what do we do?

[ The piglet stirs again, this time giving the Duchess' belt a brusque nudge, and letting out a low grunt, followed by two squeals. A sentiment which, to be sure, speaks volumes! ]

...Why. Why yes, we could! No, oh no, I dare say we must, I dare say 'tis the one singular thing anyone ought to do! Of course, yes, of course...

[ Seized by a much livelier spirit the Duchess jumps to her feet, and pulls the blade from her belt. Hastily she scribbles a note onto a piece of paper, and when she is done she kneels, and fastens paper and blade both to the back of her piglet. Once bound tight and secure she shoots the Vorpal Sword one last distasteful look, and gifts her little pig one more encouraging smile. ]

Now, you shan't take the quick way today: Find the Rabbit Hole instead, my dear, as fast as you can, take it all through there, and come back to me at once! At once, do you hear?

[ If the piglet's grunt is anything other than a swift affirmation, then its meaning will remain obscured forever, for the little thing has already disappeared through the door, and out of sight.

When it is gone the Duchess breathes a sigh of relief, and sinks back down into her chair. Only then does she finally look up, into the unseen eyes of her viewers. ]

I daresay the time for guesses is finally over.

[ The feed cuts then and there, and whatever responses it may garner will not be met with any acknowledgement from the Duchess' side. ]

third dream | video.

[climbed]

[ bran's experience on the mirror side had been an altogether unpleasant one, but that's not what he speaks to the network with, today. he looks sad, almost, brows drawn together, hands buried in the wolfskin cloak that so often finds its way around his shoulders. bran nods his head in greeting, and then asks, quietly, though not focused on the camera. ]

Is there a way for one's...mirror and themselves to exist at the same time, in the same place?

[ he saw summer, he watched the wolf through the mirror, and had no way of getting to him. even trying to warg from across the glass failed--he was rejected, as if something was wrong. bran understands little about wonderland and less about the so called mirrors, only that he dreamt of a sword and then suddenly the mansion was abuzz.

that's all he has, though, the only question. he must be reunited with summer again somehow. bran's quiet for just a second longer, before he ducks his head and adds a little more. ] That is all, thank you.

[video]

[superagent]

[ Phil has his device propped up on his desk. He's framed himself almost like a news reporter, a few neat papers and writing implements visible on the desk in front of him. ]

Well that was my first time over to the other side of the mirrors. Has anyone else spent time over there? I'm curious to hear about what else people might have found over there.

001 ♚ [video & action]

[hybrida]

[ After calming down from his initial arrival, and learning just exactly where he is, Klaus thought it was about time to check out this little communicator he'd been given. The recent troubles with the mirror side and the riddle are none of his concern, since that was before his arrival, no matter how recent.

When the video starts, he looks to be in deep concentration. An expression that soon changes into something a little more smug when he notices it's working. ]

I'm to understand this broadcast can be seen by all who have the unfortunate luck to be here. [ He seems pretty amiable, leaning back a little in his chair as he rubs a hand over his chin. ] I'll admit, this isn't my preferred method of communication, but I believe there's a saying about Romans and what not that would apply to the situation.

[ Klaus glances over his shoulder, obviously looking at someone off camera, and his mouth curves into a smirk that seems at odds with his friendly behavior. ]

This is as good a time as any for me to get to know everyone, isn't it? So, out with it. Tell me something about yourselves. [ In truth, he really isn't interested in facts or making new friends - he's there to observe and judge his fellow captives. ] As for myself, my name is Klaus. I assume several of you have met my brother, Elijah.

[ Anyone who's had a run-in with Elijah will be getting extra attention from Klaus, how lucky for them. ]

If you would all indulge me just a bit, I would be most grateful.

[ He doesn't sound grateful - he sounds just the slightest bit condescending. He ends the feed there.

It's entirely possible if anyone happens to make their way to the fifth floor bar, he'll be parked right at the counter, downing a few glasses of scotch. ]

video/action.

[titanocidal]

[Eren's leaning against what would appear to be the kitchen counter. Fingers pinching the bridge of his nose, it takes him a moment to collect enough composure to look up at the feed. There's something cooking on the stove in the background, and by the way the pan pops and sizzles, one would almost suspect bacon. When he finally speaks, his words sound a little forced.]

Wow. It's been hectic around here lately, hasn't it? Is everyone alright? Everyone back where they should be? I got a little banged up before, but I--

...You know what? No. No. I can't just not say this: 

'The fuck was that?! She just sends the sword off on her stupid pig?! She's lucky I didn't find that piece of junk. I would have shoved it so far up her-- [Right on time, the fire alarm goes off. Who even knew the kitchen had one? Eren, for one, doesn't even know what a battery powered fire alarm is.]

Uhg. I hate this place.