entranceway | + The Moral of the Next Chapter +

Eat! Devour! Swallow! Consume!

[ The Duchess' announcement sounds loud and fierce, from the mansion's very rooftop, and any device that would listen. But no sooner does her last scream ebb away, than her voice and face alike turn into a picture of quiet melancholy. ]

Would that we could leave it all behind. Alas, such matters make poor resolutions, for what certainty is there, truly, that we could become the hunters, and not merely food for another?

[ She looks towards the forest and lingers thus a moment longer, lest her silent dignity should inspire an artist to paint her greatness. Then she turns with flourish, and embraces the presence of her dearest audience at last. ]

Oh, oh! I do promise we shan't dwell on it a moment longer than we must! [ Her hands clap together with excessive cheer. ] You've all conducted yourselves rather splendidly, and did I not tell you that matters would resolve just as you all deserve? I am so very pleased with you today, and I should like to share a moral thought:

[ Cue the dignified pause for effect. Then: ]

Year's end is no end, yet neither is it beginning. 'Tis a continuance, with all the wisdom instilled by experience.

[ She smiles very, very warmly, and parts with her final thought: ]

Try to avoid the teeth this time, won't you?

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[If William said he understood most of that, he'd be lying. Isn't ending? Not beginning? What? The last part gets his attention though, and William just has to ask.]

Lots of things in this place has teeth. Which ones in particular are you talking about?

[ A fair question, and the Duchess will answer it gladly! ]

The incisors, to be sure! Oh, certainly the canines also. The premolars, yes, I suppose the molars as well. [ She taps her lips thoughtfully. ] They have no wisdom, that I must say. Not a shred of wisdom, and I cannot imagine that they should have the teeth to match.

[Opens his mouth to say that wasn't what he was after, then realizes that technically it is what he asked. William is a smart cookie and will just snap his mouth closed for a moment.]

Right. And um. Whose teeth would those belong to?

[ Her head tilts towards the forest. ]

Would you look for them today? You'll not find them here just yet, my good friend. Consider: You must not scratch your head until it itches, nor must you dance until you hear the music.

[William isn't sure who "them" consists of, but the message is clear. Whatever it is won't show until they show. At least he manages a sincere smile, as frustrating as it is to come out with only a little info.]

Thank you very much for the information. Even a small piece helps in a place like this. I presume to take it there's going to be more than one of them?

Oh, my dearest! Moral value and true helpfulness are perhaps the greatest goal to achieve.

[ The Duchess smiles back warmly; you are so very, very welcome! ]

I counted more than twelve by far!

You don't have to tell me twice. One day I think we'll all be in that position to achieve it.

[Keeps his smile up despite the bad news. Twelve or more things with teeth to avoid. But without wisdom teeth......Oh boy.]

That sounds about twelve too many if you ask me.

[ Truly Wonderland's people have changed for the better at last! The Duchess always knew that it was only a matter of time and sound moral lessons. She laces her fingers together and beams. ]

Are you a creature of the sky, my good friend? You needn't fear, if you are not. When time comes, all you must do is ask, and you will find means to take to the air. Be warned, they can surely reach you there, but. You can reach them as well!

[William's always been a good talker, and for once it's probably helping him rather than hindering. Creature of the sky? His first thought is birds, though they don't have teeth. Then again it is Wonderland... He's more interested in the flying part for now, eyebrows slowly raising.]

I'm not the best with heights. Am I right in assuming that if we can't fly, we will be able to anyway?

Edited 2015-01-06 18:20 (UTC)

[ The Duchess freezes, her features cautiously quizzical. For a long time she gazes dead ahead into the device, silent and unmoving. ]

[ For a long time. ]

[ For rather a really long time indeed! ]

[ Then, at last, she breathes. ]

Honesty is the best policy, yes? You will not fly. But with luck...

[ She holds out the flat of her hand, and tilts it from side to side. ]

...you may not plummet quite as dreadfully as you would, otherwise.

[ That said her smile brightens again. ]

I do have such faith in you, my most edible friend!

[Just waits, quietly.]

[At one point William is sure the Duchess has checked out, but it would be rude to say something right? He's just wondering if it would be impolite to clear his throat or something when she speaks again, nose wrinkling slightly at the mentions of plummeting and being edible.]

I can't say it doesn't sound ominous, but I think it's to be expected these days. Thank you again for the information, I really appreciate it. Hopefully we can make something of it somehow.

You will find the right way and spot, I'm most certain of it! Defend your dear home, or perish gruesomely trying, that is what they always say.

[ She clasps her hands together and beams brightly. ]

Best of luck, my delightful man!

+ The Moral of the Next Chapter +

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