public channel; forward-dated a hair to day 67

[kingsroads]

[ There's a bit of a pause before Strange starts talking, as if he's not entirely certain what he's going to say. He sounds a bit tired, but awake enough to hold a conversation. ]

For those of you who didn't already know, I'm not dead anymore. [ pause. ] Which, I suppose, is obvious as I'm talking to the radio, but the point stands.

I'd like to speak directly to the Ringmaster, Syrlya, and Zangetsu, if possible. As for everybody else, can you please fill me in on what happened from the time I left with Ignatius to now? Don't spare any details, this will be written down for posterity's sake.

[ fun fact: Strange has ABSOLUTELY ZERO CLUE about the various levels of trainwreck that the fae party in the library + rescue missions + torture session were. ]

Finally, odd question, but did anyone bring any flameproof fabric?

Comments

[betheman]

Hmn! You hatched swiftly, it would seem, [Comes Gongenzaka's reply.] ...As for what occurred...as best as could be heard through the radio, it would appear that Zangetsu returned here with your soul and body upon your demise, while those left behind...

[Is it his place to go into the gory details here? Probably not. He'll let them expand on what he says, then.] ...Continued with their actions against Ignatius until the Ringmaster was forced to step in herself. [...By their hand.]

...Sadly, the most I, the man Gongenzaka can offer, is a crown of fire immunity... ...which I, the man Gongenzaka, would rather not part with for very long, as it was not originally mine...

[kingsroads]

I did? Well, we can add reviving to my list of many talents! [ because fun fact: Strange has no clue how long he was dead and no clue why he would hatch faster than most (he's chalking it up to 'because he's awesome,' though).

Gongenzaka's explanation raises more questions than answers. Still, he wasn't there, so Strange at least realizes Gon might not be able to ask the ten billion questions Strange has about the rescue mission. ]

So they continued fighting after I...erm, after I fell? How odd. [ so much for those books on tactics he gave Lambert. ] But what of the Rose Queen? I know Steven was taken. How did that happen and how was he retrieved?

[betheman]

Indeed, you can! With regard to exactly what they continued on with however...I, the man Gongenzaka, feel that is for themselves to explain. No greater words can come, save from those who were present, after all.

[Especially when it's torture. YAY. That said.] As for Steven however, I, the man Gongenzaka, can answer many things!

I was among those to retrieve him, after all! Though Steven was in poor condition upon our arrival, we were able to take him swiftly, and our escape resulted in few injuries..! ...Though indeed...we have most certainly created a grand enemy for ourselves...

[He has no doubts that queenie will want their hides especially thorn slashed and flayed, now.]

[kingsroads]

We have, [ Strange muses, with a sigh. ] I doubt the Rose Queen will take kindly to her changeling slipping through her fingers again.

Still, at least it was only the Summer Court. The Winter Court has reason enough to hate us, I don't want to add more to the fire.

[ uh, about that.... ]

[periphrasing]

Strange!!!!!

[Shouted directly into the radio. Guess who's small and green and overjoyed to hear your voice again?]

Oh oh oh, I have SO MUCH TO TELL YOU. It-- Where are you? I'm not doing this over the radio!

[kingsroads]

Hello Peridot. [ and man, he is just as delighted to hear her voice as well. ]

I'm in the medical tent. I...don't exactly know where on the campgrounds it is, just that I'm there.

I guess action from here on out? SORRY IF YOU WEREN'T PREPARED FOR THIS,

[periphrasing]

Understood!

[It helps that she can get an aerial perspective on the camp. That's the last thing he hears from her until, not even five minutes later, the green gem practically bursts in through the flaps at the entrance to the medical tent like some kind of friend-seeking missile. She surveys the cots inside, searching for her target, and shouts out:]

JONATHAN STRANGE!!!

[mylastchance]

You died?

[kingsroads]

Yes. [ there's still a bit of awkwardness and hesitancy in Strange's voice before he continues. Raising the dead is a concept that he's used to. It's only the fact that he was the dead person which is still a little bit weird. ]

You have to set it up with her ahead of time, but the Ringmaster has a ritual to bring someone back from the dead.

[mylastchance]

I know that.

[Just not the part where Strange kicked it.]

What happened?

[chronosynthesis]

Welcome back to the living, Strange. [He actually sounds a little positive about that, even. It's genuine!]

The Ringmaster is tending to the carnival, so you may not have a chance to speak with her just yet. But I'm listening, unless it is something you wish to speak of in person.

[kingsroads]

I don't mind waiting: there's something I want to ask her directly.

[ namely 'why the hell did I find out about you killing the Winter Queen from IGNATIUS?' ]

As for you, I found out some more information about our Huntsman. The fae was an ally of the Courts before the Ringmaster deposed him.

[chronosynthesis]

[There's a pause, as Syrlya's still reorienting his head to what was relevant in the carnival since returning some hours ago.]

Oh! Yes--an ally of the Courts? I wonder if the Huntsman is even a Wyld Fae himself... he must have been around before they began to conflict with each other.

[At least, he's not sure either of them would take a mutual ally without screwing them over one side or the other. Or both.]

[atouts]

Come find me when you're capable of it. The rest should be able to fill you in on what happened just fine.

[kingsroads]

Can't you find me instead? [ Strange whines. if there was any worry in Childermass's mind that Strange was still enthralled, this whiny tone of voice is straight up proving that Strange is himself again. ]

I'm still in the medical tent.

[atouts]

[ Oh, he knows. He was lurking in the trees, watching everyone else scramble around the newly hatched magician. ]

No. [ Also he can't punch a man too weak to leave the medical tent, which is surely what will happen, though he won't inform Strange of that. ] You'll be busy with visitors enough as it is.

[moonfang]

Well, that didn't take very long. Welcome back to the world of the living, I guess? I guess it really is a good thing I didn't eat yer body, hehehehe. What can I do fer ya?

[kingsroads]

I wanted to say thank you. You did what had to be do and stopped me before I hurt anyone.

[moonfang]

... Eh? [he's not sure what he was expecting. But it wasn't that!] You're.... welcome? I have to say, I think this is the first time anyone's ever thanked me for killing them.

[scientificist]

I certainly hope someone has. [Herbert doesn't even look up from his book, and this is only caught on the radios if Strange still has his on.] I'd like to stop wetting that towel.

[Yes, he's been making Strange lie on the cot on a damp towel. Sorry, Strange. It's that or the entire forest goes up.]

[kingsroads]

[ Strange rolls his eyes before looking over at Herbert. Yeah, he's tired of this towel as well. ]

Camping involves open flames, doesn't it? Something should exist so people can sit near the fire.

[scientificist]

[Herbert makes a brief choking noise, which is his attempt at stifling a laugh.]

Perhaps Carly can make you an asbestos hat.

[dressedtothe]

[He's absolutely relieved to hear Strange's stupid voice again. The relief is clear in his voice.]

Welcome back, Strange.

[Relief at Strange's return isn't gonna stop him from mind whammying him later though.]

Sooo, now that you're back, do you still have injuries from when you were killed?

[Like the people who were killed at the Manor?]

[kingsroads]

I don't! [ which is good because his corpse got nasty. ]

I have a few new changes and a few new scars, but the most debilitating thing that I currently have to deal with is that I'm tired as hell.

[dressedtothe]

[Grose. All that decomposing, why do humans also have to be so organic?]

Well, that's good. That just means you'll be fine with some rest, doesn't it?

[That's how it works, right?]

While you're awake, do you need anything?

[do you need a gopher, strange]