[ Spain is seen petting a cat, smiling at a mirror presented to her by the Vine. ]

Hola a todos~ Hello there everyone~ [ Looks down at the cat. ] So I talk into this mirror to talk to anyone? [ At the cat's blink and nod, she looks back up again. ]

Well, this place is certainly an eyeopener. It's very beautiful, and I'm hoping to meet someone who can show me the place better. [ Laughs a little when the cat bats at her leg, looking down at her again. ] Not that I dislike your company, gatita. I just want someone more, human-like to talk to.

[ Turns back to the mirror, waving slightly. ] So, anyone here available for friendly conversation?

Hey, Minako-chan, did you make it through that blizzard alright? Let me know, I've been a bit worried about you.

[Holding her newly recovered Subspace Suitcase in her lap when the mirror feed turns on. The zipper is undone, and Ramona's arm is halfway gone inside the opening.]

So, I was going through my stuff this morning and I found some of... [Rummages, withdraws a small plastic baggie full of dirt] ...this. It's dirt from the last time I went exploring in the jungle. I've heard some people talk about creating stuff with it? How exactly do you do that? Anyone wanna enlighten me?

[ a young woman's voice comes on the Vine. she does not sound pleased. in fact, 'furious' might be a more appropriate way to describe it. ]

What is the meaning of this?! I demand an explanation! Right now! [ there is a loud, sharp CRACK!, the sound of leather hitting hard against the ground. ]

Any foolish answers will be met with a whipping! I don't want to waste my time hearing nonsense explanations!

[ she ends this with another CRACK!, to emphasize her point. ]

[ now that the storm's finally died down, the mirror comes into view, displaying an unfamiliar face. There's a woman there, going to no effort whatsoever to make a show of her emotions; her expression remains neutral, even as she speaks ]

With the blizzard over, it's time to tend to your wounds. I assume that plenty of you have them, after that festive display. [ pauses, mumbling: ] If certain people weren't so involved in putting this new world together, then I wouldn't have to be fussing over our guests' health. —regardless, I can't be everywhere at once. If anyone desperately needs medicine, the snakes will bring it to you.

Sit tight and don't make it any worse for yourselves. They'll know where to find you, so show some patience. For lesser ailments, now's your chance to speak up.

[ ooc; thus marking the plot's end ]

[This queen, clad in black and gold, stares at the mirror and gives it her most judgmental look possible. The sheer amount of disdain here could probably melt steel if applied appropriately. Like, in a laser maybe. Still, she's not pleased.]

You piece of trash who calls herself queen. What right do you have bringing myself here? I have no wish for your disgusting invites or anything to do with you. Show yourself so this queen can properly sentence and execute you like the dog you are.

Tch. And the rest of you? I have no wish for your thanks when this fool is destroyed. Consider yourself lucky that this queen has even decided to grace you with your life.

Not as though there had been any doubt, but it seems Team Princess has successfully managed to not freeze to death. Congratulations, Estelle, and I apologize for setting the sleeping bag on fire.

And to a lesser extent everything else I had set on fire.

But, in the end, we were warm and safe, and that's all that matters, right?

Now, on a more serious note, has anyone figured out just what those noisy friends of ours were? I doubt this will be the last time we see them. For that matter, any ideas as to where they are now?

[video]

[Grell is gazing out absently, holding a handful of snow that she slowly makes into a ball while she speaks.]

Do you come from Heaven or rise from the abyss,
Beauty? Your gaze, divine and infernal,
Pours out confusedly benevolence and crime,
And one may for that, compare you to wine.

[She crushes the ball in her hand then.]

[filtered to Madam Red and Ciel]

If the both of you are ready, I am as well. Countess, I have the tea. Madam, please do not forget your coat.