Journal the Fourth

[theabjectauthor]

[the journal picks up the sounds of rustling, creaking, and other hubbub - a phrase which here means hustle and bustle. Lemony is in the process of packing himself a trunk, and dictating as he does so]

My dear residents ... [ahem]

I do apologize for dictating to you thus, rather than my usual written discourse, but I have something to prepare for, and I have lost quite a bit of my preparation time due to having been - [cough.] - terribly transmogrified into a cantankerous caterpillar for the last few days. While I appreciate a literary allusion as much as the next well-read, open-minded individual, I must admit that sitting on mushrooms for such an extended period was neither a comfortable nor recommended pastime.

[cough cough] And neither, of course, is the constant inhalation of mood or mind-altering stimulants, no matter how harmless they may be in a nonsensical situation. I certainly hope that I did not form any lasting first impressions on any of you during that time. While I do enjoy the occasional dose of nicotine, I am hardly such a wanton imbiber under normal - [COUGH.] - circumstances. ... Good heavens. Castle, might I have another pitcher of lemon water? ... Thank you.

[there's a pause as he takes a sip] That being said, I hope that some of you found enjoyable circumstances in recent days, and that no one was terribly injured by that terrible, manxome creature.

[general reparations having been made, he sets to folding up the laundry he'll be taking along, and starts in on the bevy of filters he's been intending to make for a short while now]

[Kalinda]

I have not heard from you recently ... I hope you've been well?

[Jane Crocker]

When would you like to have that cooking lesson in the kitchen?

[Dr. Gregory House]

Sir, I apologize for contacting you out of the blue, but may I have a word?

[Spike]

I have located that book on knids, if you are still interested!

[/Filters]

Comments

[kungfuwitch]

[Mrs. She'll never get tired of hearing that. Smiling, she chuckles]

Yeeaah I've been turned into things more times than I can count, even before I got here. This is one of the few times that I didn't remember who I was while I was transformed.

This was also the first time I've had a beak. That was a new one. I'm glad to hear that you made through the experience relatively unscathed, though.

[theabjectauthor]

I should think that a beak would be a very difficult thing to become accustomed to, honestly. And I'm glad we're all quite ourselves again.

What else have you been up to since we last spoke? It's been quite some time, after all.

[kungfuwitch]

Other than pestering people for stories, you mean? [she laughs]

Oh the usual, mostly. Practicing magic, spending time with friends, shopping... Peter's anniversary of being here passed recently, so there was that. Otherwise I've been getting ready for a trip to the Dead Zone.

Yourself?

[theabjectauthor]

OH! Are you, by any chance, traveling with Mr. Walker? [this is exciting, clearly.] If so, it appears we are both going on the same errand.

[kungfuwitch]

I am, yes. [She laughs] Well it's nice to know I'll be traveling with good company. Have you been out to the Dead Zone before?

[theabjectauthor]

I have not, no. It sounds as though you have, however. Have you been to our proposed destination before, Lastlook? It sounds quite interesting. I admit, I have some extensive experience in spelunking, so I look forward to seeing the caves.

[kungfuwitch]

I have, yes. I've spent some time at one of the outposts and I went on an expedition to a place called Lente's Point. I haven't been to Lastlook, though I followed the expedition over the journal.

[She pauses] I'm not as much help in the Dead Zone as I am out of it, honestly. But curiosity and the fact that I was affected by the disease they're warning against got the best of me.