PARADISA

( Skilled Fighters & Soldiers )

( The Doctor )

( Ben Paul )

( General Windrunner )

[ Dictated in her handwriting; ]

Residents of Cair Paradisa,

I bring you both hopeful tidings and the most sad news. I have seen the matter as far as I must, but there is no helping it. The Master Once-ler has departed this cursed realm, and for where he goes to requires our most devoted and kind prayers. Just as he understands that his world must be so bettered, he strove to strengthen the love and warmth of this one. For any who have not seen the grand orphanage he tirelessly worked over to place before the first snow fell, I bid you to think of him whenever you look after it on your way to the market; whenever you see children well and good and looked after in a building that seems a realm of it's own. It carries his character with it forever-more, and in such a small way he will never truly leave us.

But though I continue to seek the betterment of the peoples both within and without the castle, and I do promise you I will not allow May Day to go uncelebrated, I still cannot condone the curses we must suffer in trade of supposed gifts and enticement. I will be leading a progress when the ground has thawed and the world beyond beckons those who would brave new possibilities. For some, there is no returning, and it is those who ought to think the most on such a matter. Shall you live here forever, or shall you discover another kingdom entirely to settle? Then there are those who merely need to wander, who have felt trapped for too long but do not wish to stray overlong — you are also most welcome.

Do not worry overmuch for your decisions now, as there is time yet, but to those who can offer protection and guidance, I urge you to not dally in your response. Such charges require planning.

— Anne the Queen

( FILTERED FROM THE MURDERERS AND ACCOMPLICES; )

[ The handwriting is small and flourished but legible, especially with certain old spelling being aided by the journal's lovely powers of translation. ]

My friends and fellow travelers, we may yet have a chance in ending this massacre if we should only shut the door to our panic and open a new one to hope and faith. God has seen to it that we would know of our own strengths, should we only acknowledge His is what guides us. He hears you even in silence. We will soon have time to properly handle the honored dead, as soon as this foe has met justice.

Much knowledge has been shared, though the aid of the story spinner August Booth and Dairine Callahan, and further conference with Mark Hunter and Dora Diniro. Here is the full poem as currently known to us:

"Can't even shout, can't even cry,
The Gentlemen are coming by.
Looking in windows, knocking on doors,
They need to take seven and they might take yours.
Can't call to mom, can't say a word,
You're gonna die screaming but you won't be heard."

[ Followed is a collection of drawings re-drawn by Nora to showcase the tale of the Gentlemen stealing voices and hearts, and the girl's scream killing them. ]

We know that there will be seven deaths if we do naught, for they have tormented kingdoms before. They spirit away our voices so that they may do as they will and we shall be helpless in our newfound solitude, for they hunt at night while we rest out heads. Weapons may not bring them harm, but there is a supposed solution.

The "true voice" of a princess shall strike them dead. Mean it true princess or not, I should think a safe preference for all of the ladies to let their cries by heard best as they may, and should one voice of a siren be enough, evil will tremble and flee.

The trick, then, is to learn of how to retrieve our speech. There has been a suggestion, from one who claims knowledge of witchcraft and curses, and he would say that "True Love's Kiss" breaks all curses in his realm. He would say the love of dear family is just as potent, and I would dare agree, no matter the differing natures. I bid you to do all you can, but pray you use discretion in the knowledge you do gain, genial ladies. There is no proof this will bring back our voices, but it is what I must say and for you to do what you will.

There must also be other suggestions, should this not be the cure for this kingdom. People of Cair Paradisa, the power of your faith and determination must be as one if you are to prove that not only can Man can resist the Devil because of God's grace, but that Woman has a cry of war buried in her heart rather than her breath. There is a key. Find it. Find it.

God bless you all, the denizens who have mine own love and fealty,
Anne Boleyn

( EDITED IN LATER; )

There has been news of a box, a handspan's length to the side, at most, with iron studs and detailing. With such talks that a physical source is needed to conduct such witchcraft, then it is like it holds our true voices, and so now we know best what to seek.

I would also know where The Gentlemen's "minion" has been held, in haste. Can he speak? If not, then as Mistress Everdeen has so said, our only option is to release it and then follow in the greatest stealth. This is not a cause for all to join with blind heart, but with skills that match their character.

General Windrunner, Mistress Everdeen, and "Batgirl". So you have been summoned, with reverent humility for your grace and our cause.

( san diego; action; open )

[dicated;]

What currency is used here? I have no coin, but there must be something to be done for our efforts and sacrifice.

may day!


[ The castle grounds holding the gardens have been transformed into a spring party sensation. Tall banners carrying the Tudor rose have been arranged in a representation of a border surrounding the celebration and events, but there are no real walls or barriers. It might make guarding difficult for the few in her employ, but that's hardly Queen Anne's problem. Nobody will be kept away unless they arrive with no mask (or representation of a mask), and although it might be hard to tell considering it's a masquerade, there will be some people (not many) from the city who have decided tentatively to accept Anne's invitation, helping fill in the crowd.

The theater stage has been covered in flowers of all sorts, as are the four wooden thrones arranged in the center. Each seat is taken, a tie for both King and Queen making for double the fun! Robb and Lucrezia have dressed as Orion and Diana, while Zelos and Galadriel have chosen Odysseus and Penelope (with a little help). The tops of their heads have been left bare, at least for the opening ceremony.

In front of them stands Anne in her costume, and she waits for the crowd to quiet before she speaks. ]

Good citizens of Cair Paradisa and City Royale, you come here today to seek pleasure and company, and I have never seen a finer or more unique looking peoples. I know you may find it difficult to smile in the wake of such recent tragedy. All here have known loss, but we have not let it conquer us, have we? God is with us. Brave souls here risked the unknown to discover the cause, while other remained to help rebuild. I am fiercely proud to see such dedication to one another, and I can only hope such unity continues to blossom! The work on the city will continue, as will the rehabilitation of the survivors most affected by calamity.

But today we spread our arms wide and heartily welcome summer. Today we make merry and keep our loves close. Today we celebrate an unprecedented event, two Queens and Kings!

[ She turns and walks over to the thrones, where the ladies hold crowns of roses in their laps and the men crowns of wooden antlers. She names each as she settles the crowns atop their heads. ]

Queen Galadriel. King Zelos. Queen Lucrezia. King Robb.

[ In playful deference, Anne will lift her skirts and curtsy to the four of them when they stand to announce that the festivities begin! ]



{ Maypole Dance || Dance Floor || The Feast || Music & Donations || Maze & Wine Fountain || Bonfire }

( Micheletto Corella )

( Spike Spiegel )

( Kalinda Sharma )

People of Cair Paradisa, I see that you have done well to begin recovery of the city's oppressive damage. I would encourage further recuperation, as it is only through such open-hearted cooperation that we can find accord with one another. I have also heard tell of an idea for an orphanage, and I find this a much overdue and very welcome prospect.

As for the others wishing to seek answers in the great beyond, I also cannot discourage the pursuit of knowledge, especially regarding a land many seem to know so little of. In point of fact, you have more than my blessing; you will have my accompaniment.

Who will be leading the charge?

( Elizabeth Tudor )

[ She's already had her shrieking fit off camera, so by now she's become more composed and willing to socialize again. Sort of. She dictates the following with tight-lipped composure; ]

I find it difficult to grasp the notion that none noticed by absence. Truly, I am horrified still at what transgressed, having had to depend on a strange but noble woman for escort, only to return and find none the wiser.

This must cease. This... This mockery of a castle is nothing more than a small child dressing itself up in empty purpose. Any fey who might try such nonsense on me again will rue it. Think you that I am the weaker for not having my lord husband at my side? That is a dangerous mistake to make.

If none other will hold court here, then I will take up that role as Regent, and breathe purpose into the very walls. Any who have or would swear fealty to England, I would have a renewal of your vows. If you do not already know the name Anne Boleyn, you will know it soon, and know it well.