First Trips to the Dreaming [for the Jacks]

[vicioussweetie]

At the end of the hall, where there shouldn't logically be one, there's a door. This door is locked at all times, and only rarely does anyone open it; when they do, Sasha and Ali try to be careful that nobody's around. But today there's no need for secrecy: there's a carnival to attend! Ali made very special cocoa for breakfast, making sure all

Comments

[ghoulcouture]

Jack had done his best to verbally prepare Jack 74 for the Enchantment experience within the house, but once they get out, the jaws really start dropping. Ali's tree-scolding abilities are well within the expected parameters for her, of course, but until then, it's terribly disturbing. And after then...wow. Beeuuutifulll.
And then... there is some following of noses. The Jacks remind themselves as the scents hit their noses that they should keep their face-stuffing within reason, especially in front of the children.
...And there's a wildcat with wings over there....that doesn't look like it's in pain. My goodness.

[vicioussweetie]

There are many fantastic sorts of creatures to see before they reach the varnival: dragons and unicorns of course, griffons and a sphinx, tiny elephants the size of a thumbnail with butterfly wings, dogs the size of ancient wolves who want nothing more than to frolic and play fetch, jewel-toned snakes that slither through the grass to say hello, and proper dragonflies (teeny-tiny dragons with feathery wings). A family of society quails is seen in one of the trees by the path, the mother lecturing her children on proper behavior at the carnival.

Ali pauses to greet all the creatures, as it's only polite and rather expected, and tries to keep an eye on all her charges. Casey, who looks much bigger now and somewhat less dog-like, does an excellent job of herding the children, but even he's anxious to get to the fun.

"Jacks, darlings, would you mind letting some of the snakes ride you to the carnival? It's such a long way for them still."

[ghoulcouture]

The Jacks manage to stop staring in omigosherie at things enough for one to say "Oh? Um, certainly," the other to say. "Uh, yes, happy to." And for both to stoop a little and extend a hand down to the ground. Definitely never been ridden by snakes before, but wow...look at the colours on them

[vicioussweetie]

A pair of sapphire blue snakes slither forward, each coiling their way around a Jack's arm to ride on his shoulders. "Thank you, kind sssssirss. We are much obliged." They're very polite snakes. The children are also carrying snakes, it seems, each a different color; even Casey's got one riding on his back.

When they crest the next hill, the carnival comes into view; it's as bright and full of things to do as anyone could ever hope, and with the number of people headed there from all around, it's also going to be very crowded.

Luckily they get to go right in. It's good to be the kingduchess.

[ghoulcouture]

An in-unison "You're quite welcome."

And the Jacks are quite thrilled, albeit also trying to help keep an eye on the children.

....They simply must have caramel apples.

[somany_names]

There are many sights at the carnival, fantastic and wondrous to tell, and the people are but one. Bright folk in brighter clothes, gawking, talking, laughing, shouting, a wild, pulsing knot of life in the hot summer sun. There are even, here and there, arguments, most good-natured.

One such is a point contested with quiet heat between a number of pale young men with wild, touseled hair and long coats and robes similar enough to nearly constitute a uniform. Those who come close enough to listen long enough will learn the root of the debate is over which of the young gentles is dressed most like a certain fictional lord of dreams. One pale member, on the periphery of the group, looks on in silence--which may be a pity, as he's got the look down. By default, really.

[vicioussweetie]

There are caramel apples, some rolled in nuts and some not; better, there are slices of apple, caramel-coated, just perfect for smaller appetites. Because really, how many kids ever finish their caramel apples

[ghoulcouture]

The Jacks nod appreciatively at the suggestions.
"We'll see you shortly, Ali."

And, sticking close together, they make their way the twin joys of snacks and nifty potential dress-trimmings.

[vicioussweetie]

"Have fun, darlings."

Ali watches them go for a moment with a little lingering smile before looking over at Dream again. Yes, if he's here, he must have a reason, and it'll be easy enough to know if it's really him (she hopes)... She walks over, letting Alured catch her finger and gum on it while she goes. "Hello."

[somany_names]

"Greetings." He inclines his head to her in a nod as he "speaks." "I trust you are well?"

[vicioussweetie]

"Yes, quite. And yourself, my lord Shaper? I hope all is well with you?" She makes no effort to hide how curious she is as to his presence there, but nothing in her expression or demeanor hints that he's unwelcome.

Alured, in the way of babies, decides now is the time for cuteness and coos.

[somany_names]

"All proceeds apace. Your festival would appear to be doing well." If he takes any notice of the other young men's reactions at how he was addressed, it doesn't show. "This child is yours?"

[vicioussweetie]

"Yes, everyone seems to be having fun, which was the point so I'm very pleased." She's smiling that loving mothers-only smile when the topic turns to Alured, lowering her gaze to her beautiful boy. "Yes, this is my son Alured. Alured, this is Morpheus. Moor-fee-us."

Alured blinks up at Dream. "Gah?"

[somany_names]

Dream nods sagely, as though Alured said something tremendously profound. Perhaps he did. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Alured." And, generously or unwisely, he places his hand within reach of Alured's tiny extremeties.

[vicioussweetie]

Hand! Alured makes a grab for it, intending to drool on the Prince of Stories just like he does to all of mommy's friends. "Isn't he just the most beautiful baby ever?"

Oh please, Dream, be smart enough to agree.

[somany_names]

Alured is a baby, and as such gets a certain measure of tolerance that few others could hope for. Remember this day, little guy, you got to goober up one of the stuffier Endless. "Indeed."