(Untitled)

[somany_names]

The Lord of the Sleeping Marches stroked his chin in thought, brooding on recent events. There was a Corinthian in the Nexus. The nightmare obeyed him for the time being, but he could not guess at its purpose there, nor how long its obedience would stand. Moreover, it was not the Corinthian he had made--some trace of that familiar being lurked

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[vicioussweetie]

Ali is engaged in the very best sort of futile task: helping Alured build great towering cities of blocks, so that he can knock them down again. He jumps and stomps and kicks enthusiastically, scattering the blocks around the room--the better for Mommy to have to go and fetch, as any toddler knows. And fetch she does, without complaint, even when it involves half-crawling under furniture.

"This'll be the last time," she informs Alured as she fetches one particularly hard-to-reach block. And then she feels that something's...maybe not wrong, but not right. Straightening, she shifts her grip on the block, eyes darting around the room. Yes, she's preparing to defend herself with a block. (It's almost a pity children aren't given lawn darts anymore.)

[somany_names]

A first glance around the room mightn't reveal the presence--he isn't properly in the room, merely reflected in a mirror overlooking it.

[vicioussweetie]

Alured has none of his mother's paranoia, and a great deal more childish enthusiasm and single-mindedness.

"More! More!" He wants to destroy an entire block world! It shall know his vengeance and cower before him. At least until bedtime.

"One more," Ali reminds him, looking around the room once more before handing Alured the block. "And then, bedtime."

But she isn't looking at Alured right now, since they've got a guest.

[somany_names]

Dream inclines his head in greeting, before giving Ali a querying look; will she invite him in?

[somany_names]

To give fair credit, after uncountable ages of service, Lucien has become a logistical genius. It takes him next to no time at all to assemble all the essentials for a karaoke night in the dining room (which has, for the time being, been slightly redecorated toward that end).

There is a stage, with requisite microphone and karaoke machine, clusters of chairs and tables, and a bar to provide refreshments and liquid courage.

It's already starting to draw a crowd.

[vicioussweetie]

Ali is absolutely thrilled when she sees the setup.

"Excellent job, Lucien! Everything looks just right. And I knew it'd be popular." It might just be popular because it's something new, but that's okay; she's still right. "Looking forward to your turn, I hope?"

[somany_names]

"I, ah, expect I'll be needed to make certain everything's running properly," he replies. He really hadn't expected to make a fool of himself.

[vicioussweetie]

"Oh no, darling, we all get a turn," she replies with her sweetest-of-sweet smile. "But you don't have to go first, if that makes you feel better."