#earthrunes

"Aged poorly." The ghostly bride tuts, and hits them with the soured, sticky wine.

Leonora draws, shots ,and hits a keg causing it to spew!

Twain withdraws; he doesn't throw anything, just watches.

The two are driven off.. nude and witth nothing. Oh they're mad

The original beers are drying on Coradel's costume, but right now she considers that a small price for front row seats to a great show!

And the veil lifts "Oh there you are" thje queeen says "Look, I know you're supposed to be made fun of, but are you okay?" August chooses quaility

"Oh!" She's charmed. "Oh, majesty, you needn't worry about me, it's part of the job. But...thank you. You're kind to ask." Then conspiratorially, "And you've got one heck of a king!"

"I think we're going to find the royal bed chamber soon" She admits "or a chamber anyay"A blush

After a moment, he goes about picking up the discarded clothes and weapons, which he sets aside for later.

August finds Poe doing the same and he looks at August "I was thinking of flicker flashing all this to a river in Europe and letting them go fish"

Poe being Earl

"But then what will the quintains wear on the morrow?"

"No. Please. Let me take it." softly.

"Birthday suits." Emma offers.

Vince, holding up a pair of briefs held by bartender's ice tongs.

"Oh, I believe we have one set up JUST for you to enjoy. But surely you'll play some games of chance first?" Coradel conspires with the Queen.

Poe nods "of course , friend ..but you know the rules, no revenge for anything on Carnival"

The queen says "Good point.." ANd she plops near Vince and puts some chips down "What's the game?"

the king laughs and tries roulette

And Coradel does, indeed, find a mop and a bucket and set about cleaning up the worst of it from near the dancing and gambling.

"The name of the game is my own name. They call me Black Jack, though I am also a Knave of Hearts." He flirts with the Queen outrageously.

"Oh, a man after my own balls..." Spinning the roulette wheel, he flirts with the King just as badly!

The Queen enjoys it, the king goes "Ahhhh"

August gathers everything up (with help) and sets it aside carefully where it won't be disturbed.

Poe goes back to his Ghost Bride

August gives them a respectful nod.

Surely the job she does is not up to boggan standards, but it's the attempt that counts at the moment.

He returns to Leonora. "My apologies. I was distracted, and rude. You know I meant no disrespect?" He will take her hand if she allows.

"Quite all right... if you'd like to dance with a certain barmaid.. I'd not blame you"

"She has her duties." but his eyes to find the maid for a moment.

"Barmaid" Leonora declares "You're still on the clock right?"

"Hm?" Coradel looks up when she's called after setting mop and bucket aside. "Absolutely, what can I getcha?" She's still game to play out the role.

"Dance with this guy ffor a bit to hold my place for when I return later" She winks and walks off. THe fool has her orders

And so, August and Coradel do get at least one dance in.. in the name of duty

A laugh and a "Yes, ma'am!" And she goes to slip into Twain's arms. "I'm sticky with beer," she warns him.

"I don't mind." he assures her.

A deep breath and a sigh, and she rests her head on his shoulder as they dance.

Vince happily takes on the pleasant task of entertaining the Royalty for a time, plying them with strong liquor and hinting that a pomegranite 'Cordial of Strength' awaits them when the monarchs are ready to retire.

Coradel offers Vince a little wave while dancing.

His tail swishes in return, though attention is fully on the monarchs!

Vince is rewarded with a kiss on the cheek from the queen, and a pat on the back from the king. As for the cordials, they'll take two

Twain gives the barkeep a nod as well.

When they finally DO decide to tuck in for the night, that final drink has a dual effect - both sobering up and liquoring down at the same time, finding that PERFECT balance of tipsy euphoria, but before the point where performance is, ahem, affected.

And of course there is a buffet of the finest foods for everybody to enjoy, and trays of special treats await the king and queen as well.

It is the last of his (stolen!) pomegranate liquor... but all good things must come to an end.

And poe whispers sweet adorations in his ghost bride's ear. She is so clever and he knows who tied those shoes

(Fade to carnival delights)