Snippet #1938247

Cheshire

Duchess? Why was she coming here? Quickly she pulled herself up and stood atop the house. She squinted her eyes as she looked into the distance. There you are, she praised herself upon seeing movement. She squinted harder, seeing that there were more than two people. Who else is with her? She pondered, trying to make out the figures. The speed at which the caravan was gaining ground was impressive. She didn't know Duchess could run like that. "Surely, she hasn't been sending my message personally. Why come here..?" Her stomach dropped. She wasn't running for the fun of it. She was fleeing. Why else would she come to the Mushroom Patch, unless it was to take refuge in Absolem's lair?

She swore to herself and faded off the roof, making herself visible at the door. She barged in, running pass the still sleeping boy and stopped before Caterpillar, only hearing the words "The house will disappear" "Are you insane?!" she cried out. The only thing that kept her from ringing the man's neck was that he seemed to be doctoring her contractor. She cocked her head at the sight, distracted for a pause, but quickly continued her tantrum. Her finger stroke towards the window, her arms flailing wildly, "Put the barrier back! Have you forgotten what else is out there looking for us?" She couldn't believe how idiotic the Chain was being at the moment, and he was supposed to be one of the wiser Chains! The only reason Duchess would have coming here was she was running, and from the looks of it others were too. That many people, Chain or not, were a beacon for Jabberwockey, and they were lighting the way to them. He's doomed us. The idiot's killed us all.

Her body was trembling as she was having a difficult time keeping herself under control. Various hues were swirling frantically about her, their activity mimicking the distress she was feeling. This was not the time to cause a fight. It may already be to late. Jabberwockey may have seen the house by now or was letting Duchess lead it to them. She gathered herself together and took a deep shaky breath, "Please tell me you have other defenses besides the barrier," Her cold eyes met the Caterpillar's and remained there, "Because if I'm right. We may be expecting other company beside Duchess and her friends." True, she might be overreacting, but everyone seemed to think they were safe within Absolem's walls. Did they forget how easily Jabberwockey destroyed her sanctuary? That was before the Thing had time to grow and get stronger. She knew the creature was out there, it was either sheer luck that they remained hidden this far or the Plague was just biding it's time. She told herself she was willing to fight, but now she found herself faulting in her logic. She wasn't fully healed. Even Absolem, though seemingly perkier, she feared wouldn't be up for the challenge. Things were happening too fast. She kicked mentally herself and rested her eyes on Rhia. She was happy the child's back was facing her. She didn't want her to witness her moment of despair. She sighed. Others were on the way and if Jabberwockey did make it's move at least it would have all of them to deal with.