4th Abnormality - Dictated

[teratologist]

[there is a soft clearing of her throat and a pause, one could almost hear her wringing her hands]

I need to offer an overdue apology to you all, at least a good number of you. In my return I seem to have lost my head and nearly did the same to others.

For any offense I may have given in my time as the Queen of Hearts, I apologize most humbly and can only hope you can forgive me.

If you cannot, I can accept that as a consequence of my actions as well.

I am so terribly sorry.

[It's heartfelt, even a little choked with emotion, as much as a Victorian lady can allow.]

Comments

[spongetastic]

Nice to hear from you again, doctor.

And hey, don't worry about the Queen of Hearts. The castle can bring out the bad in anyone.

[teratologist]

I suppose it's good to be back, I just wish the conditions had been more...ideal.

You're doing well?

[spongetastic]

I am. I got all the rest I needed while I was the Dormouse.

[teratologist]

Ah, well if I correctly recall my bedtimes stories with Ashley, at least the Queen never set out to have the Dormouse beheaded.

[spongetastic]

He was pretty harmless... Just hung out at the tea party falling asleep everywhere.

[impetuous]

[ Oh hey not!wife. ]

At least no one really lost their head.

[teratologist]

And for that I shall be eternally grateful.

I also apologize for the intimacy we were forced into, you were very gracious about it.

[impetuous]

It's fine. You don't need to apologize.

[teratologist]

I keep being told that, and it is kind but I do still feel the need.

[mal_addict]

Welcome back, Helen. Nice to see you lost in insanity. It wasn't a good look on you.

[teratologist]

Thank you Maladict, I feel more myself. I hope I didn't do anything horrible to you. I don't recall anything but...

[mal_addict]

Nah, just ranted through the journal, I wasn't stupid enough to go through the mirror, unlike a certain two men we both know very well.

[teratologist]

[You can almost see her pinch the bridge of her nose with that sigh, can't you?]

James and Nikola often find themselves in difficult situations.

Mrs. Aplogetic ex-Queen

[originalcopy]

Listen lady, don't beat yourself up over it. It wasn't that big a deal.

[As far as dealing with kill crazy psychos goes, he'd take the Queen of Hearts over O'Malley any day.]

Mr bad flamingo swinger

[teratologist]

I do feel responsible though, it is perhaps irrational but..well that is what it is.

Mrs. Animal Cruelty

[originalcopy]

Well, it's not your fault the place fucked with your head.

And if you didn't actually chop any heads, then at least you were better than the actual Queen.

How are those argyle socks treating your armor?

[teratologist]

No, others have made that point as well, but I am relieved to know the damage cause was at least minimal.

The actual Queen was a brute, I am sad to say I used to read those stories to my daughter when she was young.

[vampirize]

Well, you didn't cut off my head, so believe me, I'm thankful we got out before it reached that point.

[A pause.]

You...are feeling alright, right?

[teratologist]

Thank goodness for small favors. I was not in my senses, I still shudder to think what I might have done without others moderating my actions.

I am as right as I can be, I'm sure I will be fine in short order.

Thank you, Nikola.

[vampirize]

...

[It's strange, being thanked, because usually people would just curse him out for whatever he would do (and he's been cursed out by Helen so many times already), so it takes him a while to respond.]

Not a problem. [He tries to inject some quiet amusement in his voice.] I mean, it's just my job to keep you from going axe-crazy on everyone, so I'm just relieved I still can do that.

[And then a bit more serious:]

...Want me to come over?

[teratologist]

You do have that honor, Nikola. When you aren't the one causing me an interest in axes.

[She paused and nodded to herself after a short moment of thought.]

Yes, I rather think I would.

[inafadingcrown]

I would hope, by now, most would know better than to hold such things against you.

[Warmly:] It is good to hear your voice again.

[teratologist]

I still feel the need to extend my apologies.

It is good to hear your voice my friend, it is a comfort.

[inafadingcrown]

As would I, were our circumstances reversed. [But still.]

I am glad I can offer that, at least. How are you?

[teratologist]

You understand me so well.

I'm holding up, trying to get things back to what passes for normal here.