+ some wonderlands are kind

[Beato looks slightly disheveled, and very, very tired.]

I assume you all have babies too? I finally got mine to go to sleep. She's awfully feisty...who would've thought something so small could have so much energy?

[The Golden Witch rubs her eyes.]

I'm pretty sure these babies are us - I noticed when she bumped her head earlier today that I felt the pain as well. I had left the Goats to attend to her, but after realizing that...there's no way I can let anyone else watch over her. They're too unreliable to be trusted with something that precious.

I'm not tired because I've watched after her - although it can take a lot out of you. More than anything, I'm just tired from using so much magic. She really likes to see my golden butterflies. I've used more magic trying to keep her happy than I have in a long time...I'm exhausted.

[She doesn't mention the fact that her baby-self has spent a lot of time tugging on her ears, pulling her cheeks and trying to grab and/or eat anything she can put her hands on. That's a bit too embarrassing to be talking about to everyone else.]

I think I may help Souji-san with the daycare. With some rest, I'll be as good as new, and the pure innocence of all these babes is giving me a bit of a magical boost, I must admit. I'm sure many of you need a break - it's important to have one, or else you may do things you regret.

[Her thoughts drift to Maria and Rosa, but she quickly shakes her head. She's too tired - now isn't the time to think about the past.]

I'm going to get some sleep now. Best of luck to all of you.

[The feed opens to show Beato sitting at the Ravenclaw table during lunch. She has several books open around her, and two plates of food: one for herself and one for the chicken sitting in her lap.]

There's so much schoolwork to do...I'm not too worried, because it's nothing I can't handle, but-

[She stops talking to give her chicken a stern "no" as it tries to eat some of the food off of her plate, then winces when it pecks at her in reply.]

Let's just say that I'll be looking forward to this weekend at Hogsmeade. A night at The Three Broomsticks is exactly what I need. I hope to see some of my fellow Ravenclaws out there; especially you third, fourth, and sixth years. The work is only going to get tougher from now on, but as important as studying is, it's even more important to take care of yourself. Make the time to go to Hogsmeade - trust me, you won't regret it and will find your brain feeling refreshed and better equipped to deal with your schoolwork.

[The chicken nibbles at her corn on the cob contentedly. Beato dabs some ink on her quill and makes note of this in the diary Professor Pie had given them. The calm is short-lived, however; several owls come swooping in through the window to deliver some letters and parcels, frightening the chicken so badly it manages to sort-of fly out of Beato's lap, where it begins to run around the Great Hall. The feed ends with Beato struggling to get out of her seat, trying to get the chicken back.]

[The feed turns on to show Beato's room. It's extravagant, as to be expected of the Golden Witch, and there seems to be a bit of a commotion in the background. A few goat-headed butlers are trying to mop up some champagne that's spilled onto the floor, while another is wrestling with the closet, which has poured out a huge pile of wine and sake bottles. There are bowls full of crunchy, salty snacks on a table behind her, arranged as if she were expecting guests. Classical music with an otherworldly hint to it is being played on a old record player, and the witch seems to be in high spirits. Her cheeks are flushed with drink, and she grins into the camera.]

Just because the mansion is finished providing everyone with drink doesn't mean the party has to be over yet! Anyone is welcome to stop by! I am a most gracious hostess, and will provide you with good drink and tasty food! I promise that there's no Krauss wine, Eva salad, or Rudolf pie. Only decent foods.

Battleeeer. You should definitely stop by. Nothing wrong with having a drink with friends!

[A tapping can be heard as a young woman with blue eyes and bright blonde hair done up in a bun peer into the communicator. The hedges of the maze in the gardens can be seen in the background. She seems confused.]

Hm...such a peculiar place this is. It is very strange. I feel like a piece in someone else's game - perhaps another Witch found my actions interesting or deplorable? It can't be that. Witches aren't pieces.

[She fumes over this for a moment before becoming absolutely serious, glaring into the camera.]

Never mind that, though. There are more pressing matters to attend to. Has anyone seen a red-haired young man named Battler Ushiromiya? He's very stubborn and an idiot, although I'm finding these are his redeeming qualities. I wonder if he left my game? I don't know why he would, though...we were getting along so well, and I was finally beginning to understand how much more I have to learn and how far I have to go. If I'm lucky, perhaps he is here as well? If so, I want to continue our game as soon as possible. I do not like the fact that right now, Bernkastel and Lambdadelta are in my territory, possibly doing whatever they please to my peices. Hmph.

[Beato pauses for a moment, her eyes falling as she contemplates to herself.]

I wonder if Teacher's "North Wind and the Sun" strategy worked. I do feel a bit remorseful for what I did, but it was necessary. We were going nowhere, always caught at a stalemate, which, amusing as it was, began to be a bit troubling. I had forgotten the true meaning of the endless magic, but George, Jessica, and Teacher have helped to remind me what it is.

Even so, I will continue this game, no matter how long it takes. I'll make Battler acknowledge me! Anything to see that look on his face again!

[She snaps out of this reverie, coughing slightly in embarrassment.]

That aside, is there anyone that can tell me where I am, or if they've seen Battler? I will make it worth your while, I assure you.