entranceway | + The Moral of the Prologue +

[ The Duchess stands on the beach in new attire. She balances head and hat on her neck with caution. The high collar is of use. The sand around her is disturbed, by ordinary footsteps and peculiar traces alike. She looks at something far beyond the video transmission, her voice as distant as her gaze. ]

We reflect on the actions of the past; We can't let go. We want to move forward. We can't change. We don't want to change. We want to protect. But there are Others. Others that won't give up. We can not help but be moved. We can't-- We can't help. But. Ha--no!

[ The Duchess lets out an ear-piercing shriek. ]

I am not her any longer! My duke! My dear duke, come to me! Remind me who I am! Their dry bones grasp for ours, 'tis no time for a crisis of character, we haveourresolveshatteredwecan'thelpbutbecomewholeagain.We-- We do not want our children hurt... so long we have waited-- Duke! Stop her, I say! Stop her from trying!

[ At last - apparently - the Duchess' piglet waddles into view, and finds shelter underneath her dress. The Duchess scoops him up with relief. ]

There! Come, my love, we are already late. There is still enough time to seek shelter- from the lesser of the evils, at least!

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[The woman is clearly mad, beyond that, but there is something in her words, as though there is a message beneath it all.]

Who are you? Who are these lesser evils?

[ The first question causes her some consternation. ]

I am the Duchess, I am the Duchess, I, only I am the Duchess, I am the Duchess!

[ When she catches herself, the rest is simple: ]

...the lesser evils only wish to devour your flesh, they always do! 'Tis the mind you must protect, truly.

Who brought us here? Why are we in this place?

[She doesn't expect straight answers, not from a mad woman, but she will try anyway.]

Are our minds in danger?

[At least she's not crying like the last time Elizabeth met her, but once again she's unsure just how to help the Duchess.]

Are you quite all right, my lady?

[ The Duchess remembers her, and must be remembered in turn. It does nothing to improve her mood. ]

Find me once, shame on me. Find me twice-- [ She lets out something close to a cackle. ] Shame on her! Such conduct in public, why I-- why, I would never! Only when I do, but I do so with good cause, much better than hers --I am well. And I, only I, am your lady. 'Tis sweet of you to ask, my dearest.

[Zacharie hasn't interacted with the residents of Wonderland prior to this but he might as well try. So there's a man in a cat mask on the other end of the feed.]

I suppose that depends on what you define as the lesser of evil. But what has you stressed, my friend? It's a bit of a killer.

[He should know.]

[ She shifts the weight of her piglet into one arm, and waves the other hand airily. ]

Everything is a bit of a killer, if you try hard enough. Or poke them with spears. Not that they should need it.

[ The Duchess looks at him with intent. ]

Merchant, yes? Do you intend tohope whenever you go outside that you all keep yourself bundled up. A mother does nothing but worry for her childrenstop it! [ She clicks her tongue irritably. ] I lost a perfectly good question now!

Ahaha. Sometimes it may involve someone loosing their head.

[Burnts. Always fun!]

Yes I am! And perhaps I should have offered you a perfectly good answer. Nevertheless, I am curious. What are these lesser of evils you speak of?

[The camera is pointed upwards, and one could clearly see a candlelit chandelier viewed from above. Renfield comes into view every so often, but it is clear he doesn't realize the woman's shrill voice was coming from the little black box that laid on his bed.]

You poor, sweet thing... I understand your plight. He promised me many things, but I was trapped in my cell. Now I am unguarded, but I can no longer reach him.

What's so intent on keeping me from my master? I doubt you would understand. But the change! The sudden change in routine, and all the suffering it brings... Can I truly take comfort in the fact that the doctor can no longer watch?

Yes! Yes, you do understand, my good man! [ The Duchess is moved by such insight. She wears her lip briefly, considering. ] Listen now, there shall be more change to come, and I shall tell you what you must do: Eat, do not be eaten, nor let the other one devour you. Be mindful and present at all times! Also, seize as many rats as you can, and stuff them into a large shoulder bag.

[Renfield nods eagerly, happy to find another soul who understands.]

Yes, yes, yes! Very good advice to hear!

Though, I would probably use a cage instead of a bag. Rats have an annoying habit of chewing through things.

[He's crazy, not stupid.]

+ The Moral of the Prologue +

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