[The Vine's mirror-like screens show a certain girl with a very, very frustrated look upon her face.]

Can someone here please explain how to get these infuriating--

[A few small birds flutter down and place an ever-so-pretty band of flowers atop Azula's head. She responds by grabbing the flowers, throwing them to the ground, and directing her attention to the birds.]

I have already told you that I do not want flowers in my hair. Go...Go eat some grubs or whatever it is feathered forest pests do!

[After the birds flutter away, she sighs, collects herself, and returns her attention to the Vine.]

As I was saying: It seems the birds here have taken a...liking to me and I would like to know if anyone has any ideas as to why or, better yet, suggestions as to how to get them to stop. I casually mention one thing about being a princess around a few animals and they start to swarm m--

[As if on queue, several more tiny birds flutter down and place another ever-so-very-very-very-pretty wreath of flowers atop the princess's head. Without making any other movements, Azula grabs the flowers from atop her head, holds them in front of herself, and makes them disappear in a flash of bright blue fire and smoke.]

Why, yes. Charbroiled bird does sound delicious. Time to make dinner.

[The birds were already fluttering away, but Azula turns and waves a hand above her head--a stream of blue fire chases behind the birds, but disappears before actually coming into contact with them.]

[ The sound that comes through the vine is almost like a little sad wail - it is not human, but it's not eerie. It is an odd noise, yes, but strangely as if it has a soul. The wail dims until there's a little hiccup and a muffled voice comes whining. Oh, yes, the little bird is complaining because, boy, this cold does not sit well with a bird of fire. ]

It's so cold, too cold, I don't like this, no. [ Whine, whine, whine, almost like a petulant little child. ] I want to go hooommeee. But I can't, can't even fly away, no, no.

[ Another tiny wail. ]

Let me goooo.


(( All replies will be voice! ))

Really? Ooh, that would be wonderful, but are you certain --?

[ Giselle's voice sounds somewhat distant, as though she's not speaking to the Vine, but to someone else beside her. Someone very short. Muffled squeaking can be heard. ]

Well, all right then!

[ Her voice is clearer now, speaking directly into the Vine. ]

The bunnies, little darlings that they are, told me that we can...make things? They're not terribly clear on it, they say that it's outside the Garden, and...I didn't think we were supposed to go out there? I tried once and a wolf showed up and growled -- then he apologized for startling me and turned out to be very nice actually, and he had a lovely baritone as we sang a duet about traffic safety, but it was a bit frightening at the time!

I did mention it to the cats, but they just asked me if I wouldn't rather go play a few rounds of that unicorn game with the rainbows and the beautiful music. Which would be such fun, but first I must be certain that there are enough cups for -- er, I mean, I find this subject fascinating in a purely hypothetical sense, and would like to know more about it in case I should ever have need of it!

So if, say, someone -- a hypothetical someone -- might hypothetically happen to be interested in creating something, would any of you kind souls have some advice that might, hypothetically, help them to do so? Hypothetically, of course!

[The darkness doesn't bother her, not with her powers coming back online. The sun being blotted out unnaturally might be a little unnerving, but the fireworks make up for it, the sensation of new beginnings and hope make up for it. The steady increase of her order's voices inside her heart definitely make up for it, and they all have the same request.

She's missed their new years ritual at midnight, the augur's singing, the blaze of expectant glory that they put up, the drums and the dancing. It's been her dance for centuries, but just because she's here doesn't mean she gets to skimp on ritual. She takes herself out to the Ruins, the white temple stone seems apt enough, and she begins the firebird's dance. Death and rebirth, prayer and exultation. Those who watch her long enough will feel the urge to dance alongside her. Her movements are strangely graceful for the size of her body, for the power in her feet, each stomp of her feet sets the threads of magic in the air ringing joyfully.

It ends in flame, her head tilted back as the heat flares, engulfing her like a firework all her own, glimmers and then dies. She stands panting, sweaty and smiling.]

New Years. Who wants a kiss?

You can hear me, right?

[Here is a woman's voice! It's soft and feminine, and surprisingly calm--or at least composed.]

This is a complicated system, so one never really knows, but I think I've gotten the hang of it. The [a... light and kinda amused pause...] wildlife was very helpful, after all. Still, I'd like to hear a human voice for a change, and perhaps there are some answers the cats won't give me. Is there anything important about this place that I should know?

I'm all ears.

[Meanwhile, if you actually want to actionlog dis shit, Lust has managed to find her original clothes and is out by the ruins! She's sitting on what was probably once a wall and kind of... peoplewatching in the absence of actual people. ALSO this is probably forwarddated to the morning of January 2nd, so it's not fireworking and also she's not going to blurt out that genocide is sexy.]

[Having found a nice place to stay, Hiling begins to settle in. She finds it quite a relief that the threat is over, but she's still on her guard. Not knowing anyone around here, she isn't sure who can be trusted, but she intends to find out as soon as possible. Gaining allies is another goal she has in mind. The last thing she wants is to be caught alone next time something happens.

Reclining on her couch, she activates the vine and smiles into the mirror. She still wears her green flight suit and her helmet sits nearby on a glass table.]

So I suppose we're safe, for now anyway. It wasn't very nice taking me here in the middle of all that. I wonder if it was some sort of test... or a game. Actually, that's not such a bad idea. Anybody up for a game?

I heard him this morning. [A soft voice, full of reverence and close to tears.] Thought I was fucking dreaming, but he didn't stop his squawking until I was sure. [She gives one of those humorless laughs that's people give when they're trying not cry, breathless and embarrassed.] Shit. Am I grown woman, or what, I can handle being by myself. [Her breath hitches, there go the waterworks.] Shit. I missed his voice. I missed all their voices.

[Paderau's current crying location is this small altar she built in the woods, for those more inclined to action.]

[ - ACTION - ]

[Being a battle robot from a war/meteor/alien-torn future Earth, Lamia never has a chance to experience certain common things most would take for granted: such as trees. And squirrels. Running into animals wasn't very commonplace in THE FUTURE, especially for one who spends all her time at military bases in-between blowing things up.

...And, no, certain talking magical subterranean cats didn't count as normal animals.

So, curiosity piqued, Lamia has been trying to familiarize herself with and learn about the nature that was so alien to her but once totally normal to Earth. This begins with idly sitting by and watching the animals, but she eventually gets up to attempt to pet them; of course, being jittery forest creatures, they scurry away before she can touch them. After this happens two or three times, she sighs, crosses her arms, and leans against a tree--accidentally activating the Vine in the process.]

[ - VOICE - ]

Animals are known to have senses and instincts superior to a human's. I wonder if they can tell?

[After, she'll be going back to trying to inspect the squirrels, cats, and other ordinary animals. Feel free to comment via voice or action. Also note: Lamia's voice is identical to Signum's (brustriese), so castmates or anyone familiar enough to recognize Signum's voice feel free to mistake them.]

[A shrill cry comes through the vine, a girl weeping and cooing miserably:]

P-paaaddy. Wake up. Wake up now, up please, please, cold now, Paddy, wake up.

[She stops trying to speak eventually, and only warbles a mournful, helpless song.]




[[ OOC;; The lovely Nessy is hiatusaurus, so it may not do you any good actually talking to Birdie, but you can feel free to try. Paddy could use a lift back to her cabin though. Much obliged, and first come first served on that account. Back tagging is also an option if you want to lay down your bagsies. ]]

Huh. So I get a vacation... guess Iggy took all my bitchin' seriously...

[A tall redhead wandering the garden, completely at ease considering her new surroundings, considering she hadn't really consented to this 'vacation'. Not the strangest thing that's ever happened to her, and there's nothing dangerous yet.]

Woulda been nice if he'd told me about this little furlough beforehand. [She swallows.] This place is... pretty damn gorgeous. Makes a lady think about never leaving. I think there's definitely somethin' missing though. Lost my cigarettes somewhere between here and there.

[The dress reminds her of more ceremonial garb, she doesn't mind it, but its lack of pockets definitely means she's got no cigarettes.]

Somebody help a sister out here.



[ooc: Hi, I'm Vee, here's Paderau's app for those interested.]

[An accidental recording, as Angelina gathers her skirts to walk across the grass. Her gown is white and fair, an indicator of her fresh arrival. A red rose is tucked behind her ear to match her hair. She's humming 'London Bridge' to herself.]

London Bridge is falling down, falling down, falling down, My Fair Lady...

[She pauses to smile.]

Well... If I have perceived correctly from the voices filtering through the garden, I can assume this is not Paradise. I do not count myself on one that belongs there anyhow. But I would like to know my companions at the very least.

Hello, who is there?

[The mirror pops into view, flickers a few times, then reveals the Queen of Hearts once again, still against a dark background. This time, there's a holly wreath perched atop her hair.]

I'm sorry I haven't had the time to listen to all your helpful suggestions, darlings! It turns out creating a world is hard work...ahahaha, who knew?

Besides, I'm feeling a bit...

[She trails off, looking absently to the side, then quickly readjusts her wreath and continues.]

Anyway! One of my less tame incarna has shown her face, has she? I may not like her attitude, but I think she had a good idea this time. There are so many ways to enjoy this season, but this might be the best!

Now, I have work to do. At this rate, the whole place will fall down around my ears while I'm working on opening the dungeons...ah, it's enough to drive a girl crazy!

[And the mirror shrivels back up. But the mistletoe, that remains, wherever you are...]

[OOC: The Queen won't be replying to comments directed at her (she is, like she said, busy), but this post is free to be used for general mistletoe antics and mingling so that everyone who wants to make use of the mistletoe doesn't have to make a whole post.]

[A new face has shown up on the vine tonight! It must be; how many people here are decked out in one of those especially revealing Santa costumes? In any case, she's smiling very tersely indeed, leaning down for a rather nice view of the... ornaments.]

Ladies, ladies, ladies! I am most disappointed.

I've been keeping a list and checking it twice, but there's not enough naughty and far too much nice. Means you wouldn't know how to take advantage of wishes if they were tied to a chair in tinsel and pretty lights, for those who can't keep up.

Where's your holiday spirit? 'Tis the season to be giving! If you're into receiving, that's fine too. Her royal bustiness told us you'd be encouraged in no time, honestly.

It's high time I take matters into my own hands, don't you think? Yes? Glad we agree!

[That's that, apparently. It takes nothing more than a teasing flick of the wrist to prompt some alarmingly quick plant growth in the background. Maybe you've encountered these before. Then have a kiss blown at the mirror, as if to demonstrate:]

Now pucker up, girls. You'll thank me later.

[OOC: You heard the, um, lady. Mistletoe now decorates the Gardens, and any two people caught beneath it will be compelled to kiss. For child and pre-teen characters, this does not have to be a kiss on the mouth. The mistletoe will last through Saturday the 18th, after which point it can be assumed that the Vamp got bored of putting it back up after its victims tore it down or set it on fire.]

[ Caprica has been avoiding Gaius's house ever since she accidentally conjured it from her memories. Once she considered trying to burn it down, but eventually decided she couldn't bear it. The original is already ash and splinters because of her; she doesn't want to repeat that.

But inevitably, she's back there again, sitting on the balcony, where a tendril of the Vine has crept its way up the side of the house — it's becoming part of this place. She has a cocktail glass of something a dull green color — ambrosia and rum, almost unbearably sweet, but she likes it that way — and she's staring off past the mirror, watching the lake as the sun begins to set over it.

When she speaks, her tone is idly curious, or seems that way. She still doesn't look at the mirror. ]

What do all of you miss? From home.

[Ren's sitting on a log outside her tent, watching the sun set. And singing, quietly]

"Yami ga hirogaru
Hito ha nanimo shiranai
Dareka ga sakebu
Kakumei no uta ni odoru
Yami ga hirogaru
Kono yo no owari ga chikai" **

She stops, and smiles sadly, still not really looking at the vine.

I have sung and danced for a far harsher mistress, my dear Queen. What do you wish of me?

(**Translation: The darkness is spreading
People don't know anything
Someone is crying out
Dancing to the song of revolution
The darkness is spreading
The end of the world is near)

[ Apparently, Revan has just finished changing out of the white shift she arrived in; she's found her Jedi robes, and the video feed catches her fastening her belt and checking the various attached pouches, then pinning her hair up out of her face. The flash of the mirror seems to catch her eye, though, and she looks up, blinking at it. ]

Well, this is— [ She walks over to it, studies it. ] Different. A communications device of some kind? Can anyone see me, or hear me?

[ Her lips part as if she's about to say more, but her attention is abruptly arrested away from the mirror — one of the rabbits is gnawing on the hem of her cloak. ]

Hey, that's— [ She laughs. ] You'll get indigestion, bunny. Go on. [ Shooing it away, she picks up her cloak from the grass, shrugs it on. ]

I should take a look around, see what's here. Maybe find another of those cats; the first one was helpful at least. Though I can't say I've ever heard of using cats to carry information.

[ She looks around again, thoughtfully. ]

Huh. This place reminds me of Dantooine in the spring — only with more flowers.

What the fuck is with the fucking wolves?!

FUCK!

[Vanille is smiling at the screen, greeting anyone watching with a wave.] Hello, Gardens!

Uhhh, I just have a question. Did anyone... hm. [She purses her lips, giving herself a minute to figure out how she is going to ask this. It is quite random, after all.]

Well... did any of you ladies have, say, a power of some sort before you got here that you no longer have now or has changed a bit?

[ Hands and cheeks pressed against the mirror, the image one would get through the vine would be of a blonde girl all squished against it, before she pulls back, though only barely. She tilts her head and blows against the mirror, looks up, looks down, in a very skittish nature, very energetic, almost. Like a bird trying to find her way out of a closed house.

She knocks on the mirror softly and waits. When nothing happens, she pouts, puffs her cheeks out, then seems to stare directly at the viewer - not that she's aware that this is some sort of communication device. ]

Lost, so lost. So very lost. [ She says in a little wail, her tone a bit of a sing-song like sound, pressing her forehead on the mirror again with the saddest look. ] Lost like the Stars. Must find my way back home, yes, yes, I do, must find the Stars again, too, also, yes. [ She gives a strange wail-like chirp and presses her face to the mirror, looking rather comical, but her eyes, big eyes, golden, so very sad. ] Will the lost Stars be here, yes, no, please, maybe?

[ She presses her hands against the mirror again and wails again. It's almost as if she's acting like a mix of a spoilt child that has just gotten lost and a wary caged bird - and really, that's what she is. ]