The Hatter's Tea Party (Part One)

DAY FOURTEEN (December 12th), 8:00 am

Korbin flits to and fro searching, almost desperately, for the Jabberwock’s hoard.  The talking crow from the Aesop Islands even goes so far as to claw at what may or may not be droppings left behind by the beast, thinking that perhaps some trinket from a previous victim went undigested and was passed along.  Hours go by as the bird becomes increasingly agitated until, finally in frustration, he caws raucously at the sky, cursing any and all beasts that aren’t smart enough to collect treasures he can loot from them after their death.

Grotto joins in the search although not for nearly as long as his mind has already drifted to thoughts of a victory feast.  Leftover roc meat and sides of spiced potatoes and ale seem to be a banquet indeed after the hard-fought victory.  Niklas muses thoughtfully about new ale recipes over the meal and bounces around potential names for his upcoming brew in his head, his favorite being “Jab-Or-Walk Away Ale”.

Cedron moves the group away from the massive carcass after the group has pillaged with body parts they wish to take as keepsakes, with Hansuke pulling teeth, Ra’ziir cutting away strips of hide to wrap around the hilt of his obsidian blade and Shadow delivers a few swift kicks to the beast’s groin.

Drax scouts ahead and finds a suitable spot to set up camp and the group settles in.  Ra’ziir clears a large area to fashion a magic circle in and goes to work transferring the vorpal enchantment from Bedlam into his new sword.  Several hours pass and the sun is sinking low in the sky when he has finished his work and holds it aloft.  The black stone blade gleams in the half-light of the setting sun, reflecting whorls and eddies deep inside the stone.  He speaks a single word, “Fumus” and smoke begins to seep from the blade and whirls around him, concealing him from view.  He speaks the word again and the smoke dissipates and he nods, hugely satisfied with the work he has done.

Kysek spends the evening curled up in a blanket; feet propped up on the edge of the fire pit Grotto built for reheating the roc meat and reads the book he acquired at Myrlund’s house.  The tome contains what to a casual reader would assume are simple, common-sense tips and observations about adventuring are actually highly detailed tips and pointers that even seasoned adventurers would find value in.

Raven paces like a caged animal, eager to be on our way out of this world.  The night passes quietly and turns are taken at watch as the adventurers recover from whatever wounds the priests were unable to heal with their spells.  As morning dawns bright and clear, the elf bustles about, dousing the fire and burying the embers, cajoling everyone to grab their things so they can get on the road.

With some grumbling coming from those who may have overindulged in the ale the night before, the party sets out.

The group walks for most of the morning and as the sun reaches its zenith overhead, they finally come upon a rather idyllic scene. 
They soon find a quaint two-story home with a circular front door, lower walls made of fitted stone while the upper floor’s exterior is made of plastered lumber.  The home has a thatched roof and a front yard enclosed by a white picket fence.  A long table has been set up in the middle of road leading to the house and a number of individuals are seated at, apparently engaged in afternoon tea.  The smell of crumpets and cookies provide a pleasant aroma and a platter of sandwiches are plainly visible along with tiny cakes and other desserts.

A man with wild hair poking out from beneath a large hat seems to be overseeing the entire affair.

Several "people" are seated at the table, among them a brown-furred rabbit with a small mouse wearing a vest perched on his shoulder, and a pink cat with darker pink stripes.

As he party draws closer, they see one more, unexpected guest.  Desmond Carlisle, who has been missing since the group's arrival in Wonderland, is seated at the table

The small lagomorph sets aside his tea cup and rushes over, clears his throat and makes an announcement, “Congratulations, stout heroes!  You have reached the Eighth Square and are, therefore, invited to join our party where you shall be given the appropriate honors!”

= = = = = =

• Arthur: 82% health;

• Bubo: 100% health;

• Cedron: 100% health;

• Desmond 100% health;

• Drax: 100% health;

• Grotto: 100% health;

• Hansuke: 96% health;

• Korbin: 100% health;

• Kysek: 100% health;

• Morn: 86% health;

• Niklas: 100% health;

• Raven: 88% health;

• Ra’ziir: 78% health;

• Shadow: 100% health;

• Spewer: 100 % health;