Hawk: *lands with a whump on the wall couch in the Bar* ...fuckin' hell...
Shane: *Lands with a thud just outside the Bar door* Shit!
Hawk: *rolls off the couch and to his feet, frowning at the new surroundings, heading for the door and the cursing he heard beyond it*
Shane: *pulls himself to his feet, dusting off his racing coveralls*
Hawk: *hand reflexively resting on the axe at his hip, opens the door peering at the hall beyond, blinking in surprise at the other man* Shane?
Shane: *looks up, blinking* Rupert? Um...where the hell are we?
Hawk: *looks around warily* Damned if I know...it was a typical landing...but this is not anything I even remotely recognize.
Shane: Me, either....
Hawk: *frowns and steps up to Shane's side, eyes scanning up and down the Hall* So you up for exploring?
Shane: *nods* I think we'd better. Maybe there's someone here who can tell us where we are.
Hawk: *nods once* Okay then...let's get a move on. It seems too damned quiet for my tastes.
Shane: *wishing he still had some of his B.A.D. weaponry, nods* Let's go.
Hawk: *without thinking slips the axe into his grip as wired as if he were in Northside and starts toward the Entryway*
Shane: *follows Hawk, a few steps behind since he's unarmed*
Hawk: *steps into the Entryway, growling softly at the elegantly carved woodwork* We definitely aren't anywhere we've been before...
Shane: *shakes his head* Nope...I was thinking maybe it was a new room tacked onto the Inne...but this.... this is....wow....
Hawk: Mmmhmm...the upper crust of Haven can only dream of having it *this* good...
Robinton: *appears in the Entryway, and stops dead when he takes in the very unfamiliar surroundings, frowning a bit in confusion. Turns around when he hears the too-familiar voices* Rupert... Shane?
Shane: *Breaks into a grin* Rob! Thank god, a familiar face! Any idea what's going on?
Robinton: *looks around, whistling low at the goregeous decor* The Patrons decided to redecorate, perhaps?
Hawk: They've never done it on this scale before.
*chuckling can be heard from the nearby desk*
Robinton: *turns towards the desk, raising an eyebrow at the figure there, but his gaze flicks over the carving in the wall as well* Hello...
Hawk: *turns toward the desk, growling softly at the ability of someone to appear on them unawares*
*An androgenous figure sits on the desk, lounging as if on a fainting couch, smiling a bit* What think you of this humble place?
Hawk: *snorts* Humble? I think it has exceeded expectations then.
Robinton: Humble is not the word to describe it, even in jest. *chuckles and shakes his head a bit*
Figure: Pleased to be meeting you, all three. *Smiles a bit*
Robinton: I'm sure the pleasure would be all ours.. if we'd any idea of who you were, or where we are, for that matter.
Hawk: *nods in agreement*
Figure: *Smiles and nods* Of course. You may call One Mad Hatter, if you please.
Robinton: *nods a bit* And as for the other part of the question?
Mad Hatter: We've called this place the Fall Inne.
Hawk: Not to be rude or anything...but this ain't our usual stop.
Robinton: *raises an eyebrow and nods at Hawk's words*
Shane: *has become lost in studying the surroundings*
Mad Hatter: No. With luck, One hopes you'll find this place more to your liking.
Hawk: So...who decided here would be better for us?
Robinton: I'd like to know that as well. It didn't seem to me there was anything wrong with where we were to begin with.
Mad Hatter: *thoughtfully* Truly? *looks at Hawk* I would say your previous stop has wronged you rather badly.
Hawk: *frowns and looks away* It's not like it's his fault...
Mad Hatter: *tsks* You've misheard me, friend Rupert. Did I say it was your lover who had wronged you?
Robinton: *gently puts a hand on Hawk's arm, giving a soft, reassuring squeeze, listening to the Mad Hatter intently*
Shane: *at the words, rips his attention back to the conversation*
Hawk: *relaxes at Rob's touch* No, but then what did you mean?
Mad Hatter: Precisely what I said. The White Oaks itself has become nothing but a place of pain to you. *swings long legs off the desk and slides off to stand still*
Robinton: You seem to think that his pain will not transfer here as well.
Mad Hatter: *Smiles pleasantly* One knows pain very well, and One has experienced many different kinds. One knows how it may follow from place to place until it finds a way to heal. Thus have the others and I established this place.
Hawk: And you're hoping to do a better job at fixing our pains or something?
Robinton: *mutters softly* Taken to a place of healing... to find respite from another place of healing.. *shakes his head a bit*
Mad Hatter: What healing you find here will be of your own choosing. But I do hope you'll not dismiss this place outright.
Robinton: We've done nothing of that sort.. but questions still linger in my mind. What of our companions, *nods in Hawk's direction* ... his lover?
Mad Hatter: That shall depend upon all of you....
Hawk: *frowns deeply, suddenly facinated by the woodwork*
Robinton: *quirks an eyebrow* What do you mean by that, exactly?
Mad Hatter: Why, precisely what I have said. *smiles and walks over to Hawk, stopping just a few feet shy of him*
Hawk: *glances up at Hatter, pain still in his dark eye* What?
Mad Hatter: *reaches out and touches Hawk's cheek very lightly with a gloved hand* What shall I do? What would make you happy, if I cannot bring your lover to you?
Hawk: I...don't know...it hurts to even think of never seeing him again...
Mad Hatter: *leans in, whispering softly* What if I could make you forget?
Robinton: *glances from the Hawk to the Hatter, frowning slightly, gently squeezing Hawk's arm*
Shane: *has wandered closer as well, listening carefully, a frown on his own features*
Hawk: *looks almost horrified, stepping back towards his companions* ...I...don't...exactly what would I be forgetting..
Mad Hatter: What would you wish to forget?
Robinton: *softly interrupts* Do not ask him if he wishes to forget the man he loves... give him the option to forget the pain that plagues him instead. Surely if you can offer one, the other should be just as simply done.
Hawk: *breaths slowly and deeply, like someone trying to keep back pain* I would wish...I wish I'd never seen him again...God, but I love him, but this hurts more than the not knowing all those years with Isobel....
Mad Hatter: Hmmm....to forget you were reunited with him, then...to leave you with your happier memories of your time with him?
Hawk: *nods, stepping closer still to his companions for reasurance* I never want to forget him, but I don't want to hurt anymore either...
Shane: *steps up and lays his hand on Hawk's unattended shoulder, looking at the Hatter suspiciously*
Robinton: *gently puts his arm around Hawk's waist and looks at the Hatter* Would simply bringing Childman here be so difficult a task?
Mad Hatter: I am afraid such a thing is not possible.
Hawk: *swallows back a sob, leaning against the harper*
Robinton: *frowns a bit more at that* Not possible, or shall not be granted? *holds onto Hawk a bit tighter*
Mad Hatter: *eyes narrow* Not possible, as One has said.
Hawk: *softly* But why us and not him too? Why not *all* of us?
Robinton: *nods* That is something I would like to know as well... why choose the three of us alone?
Mad Hatter: Such decisions are not One's alone to make. Perhaps One should take the three of you to the Gallery, and let you ask One's compatriots as well.
Robinton: If it is possible, perhaps so. It is a question that seems to sorely need answering.
Hawk: *nods and reaching upto touch Shane's hand again for reassurance*
Shane: *tightens his grip reassuringly and nods* Then I think the Gallery should be our next stop.
Mad Hatter: Follow One, then. *begins to walk*
Robinton: *keeping his arm around Hawk's waist, begins to follow the Hatter*
Hawk: *moves along with the Harper and almost lost in thought*
Shane: *stays in step with the other two, worry for his friends clear in his eyes*
Mad Hatter: *leads them to a door and it opens before they reach it, leading to an almost utilitarian room decorated with three shrines*
Robinton: *looks around, eyes widening at the huge swirling globe in the center of the room* What in the world...?
Hawk: *pulled from his reflections, gives a low whistle* Well, would ya look at that?
Robinton: *looks a little spellbound by the sphere, and reluctantly tears his eyes away to glance over at the Hatter* So, your compatriots.. you said we were going to be able to speak with them as well.
Mad Hatter: Indeed I did.
Robinton: *raises an expectant eyebrow* So where do we find them, then?
Mad Hatter: *chuckles softly and indicates the portraits* You have only speak with them...
Hawk: *gaze sweeps the room, eyeing the three portraits on the wall* Just talk to a painting?
Robinton: *looks around at the portraits, then back to the Hatter* Interesting mode of communication... *glances over at Hawk* Shall we, then?
Shane: *walks up to the Hatter and looks their odd host over* You're pretty aptly named, aren't you?
Mad Hatter: *smiles* One likes to think so, yes.
Hawk: *nods, a little nervous* Might as well get it over with. *raises an eyebrow at Shane's comment, reminding himself to ask for an explanation later*
Shane: I'm gonna risk sounding odd, but y'know, I've seen a lot of wierd shit in my life. Are you a guy or a girl?
Robinton: *doesn't quite understand Shane's comment either, but shrugs it off and starts toward the shrine nearest the door*
Mad Hatter: *Laughs merrily* One is both and One is neither. One is merely Mad Hatter.
Robinton: *looks over his shoulder* One is also quite the character. *shakes his head a bit and keeps walking*
Hawk: *follows the Harper over to the portrait of a tall, dark and handsome man with the oddest looking donkey-headed dragon in the background* Huh?
Robinton: *stops in front of the same painting, putting on hand on his hip* Interesting looking fellow...
Patron: *from the portrait* Well, surely a Masterharper can be more eloquent than that.
Robinton: *raises an eyebrow* Well forgive me, but I don't usually find myself having to be eloquent when referring to paintings. *chuckles softly*
Patron: *mimics the gesture, raising his own eyebrow* Maybe you should, sometimes we're listening. *becoming more serious* How can I help you?
Robinton: *blinks, still not quite used to speaking to a picture and clears his throat before answering* We have a few issues that should be addressed. The Mad Hatter suggested we come here to speak to you.
Patron: *lounges against the portrait frame, arms folded across his chest* Then ask away, I'll tell you what I can.
Robinton: You took part in deciding that the three of us were suited to be brought here, yes?
Patron: *nods* Yes, you are just the first to arrive...others have been chosen as well.
Robinton: Would those others happen to include our companions? *glances over at Hawk a moment* And lovers?
Patron: *frowns a little* If I could I would. I am not used to having my power thwarted, but I am not allowed my way in some things...nor are my companions able to overcome these obstacles.
Mad Hatter: Although some of you will find certain companions or lovers here.
Robinton: *nods slowly, but frowns a little* So there is nothing you can do... *turns around a bit, giving the Hatter a bit of an odd look before turning back to the painting*
Patron: *frowns* Because I have watched you and I feel for your suffering I will give you more of an answer than others would get. We are tampering with someone else's dream by trying to give you this respite and some of them are quite the jealous types. They have had a negative reaction to our meddling and have spent some effort to block our own plans. I'm sorry if this hurts you, but we shall try to ease your pain, if you'll let us.
Robinton: You intend to ease the pain by having us forget, do you not? What if not all three of us wish to?
Patron: *spreads his hands* If that is truly your choice then that is how it shall be...but I have the feeling that your answer will be unanimous one way or the other...you three are still bound so closely to one another.
Robinton: *sighs softly and nods* {Then it would seem the three of us have much to discuss...}
Patron: *smiles a little sadly* I'm sorry we cannot do more. We'd give you your heart's desires if we could.
Mad Hatter: *solemnly* Indeed we would. One understands what pain as been seen within the White Oaks...and One wishes One could do more to ease that.
Robinton: *smiles a little sadly in return* If you've already done what you could, I cannot ask you for more. *sighs and looks over at Hawk and Shane*
Shane: *has resumed his place at Hawk's side*
Hawk: *wraps his arms around himself in a protective gesture* Yeah, thanks for trying at least...
Robinton: *runs his hand through his hair, sighing again, reaching out to touch Hawk's shoulder*
Hawk: *looks up and tries to smile at his companions*
Shane: *offers a smile back, then looks at Rob, his expression worried*
Patron: *returning to his original position in the portrait* Should you need anything else don't hesitate to ask. We are always here....
Robinton: *looks as worried as Shane is, a frown creasing his brow. Looks back to the painting* I understand.
Shane: *hugs Hawk, feeling utterly at a loss*
Robinton: *clenches his jaw, both very much concerned and frustrated. Turns around and brings his hand to his face, pinching the bridge of his nose*
Hawk: *leans against Shane, almost to the point of mental exhaustion mind is so worn out trying to weigh the decision before them*
Mad Hatter: *keeps a respectful distance, watching the three of them quietly*
Robinton: *speaks softly, still not facing the other two* So... now what?
Hawk: *sighs deeply* What do you two want?
Shane: I want to see you happy, Rupert...aside from that, it really doesn't matter.
Robinton: We are of the same mind on that, Shane...
Hawk: *laughs weakly* I survived losing him once, I survived losing Fisher, I can survive a third time. I'm not going to force you two into something you don't want for yourselves.
Robinton: *slowly turns back* Rupert, what do *you* want?
Shane: *Sighs* I have very little to lose from the forgetting, Rupert. Coming back to the Inne...it's been wonderful to see all of you, but it really hasn't benefitted me much. So it comes down to you, Rupert.
Hawk: *lifts his head, gaze flat as he regards the Harper* And what do you want? *leans more against Shane, smiling a little more at the repeated support*
Robinton: *shakes his head* Inconsequential... I want only what's best for you.
Hawk: *softly* I don't want to forget returning to the Inne, I just wnat to forget seeing him there again, I just want that one piece taken away...just that one piece...*can't help but turn his head and sob against Shane's shoulder*
Shane: *holds Hawk tightly to him, offering whatever comfort he may*
Mad Hatter: *quietly* Such a simple request to fill.
Robinton: *eyes soften and he moves to their sides, one arm going around Shane's waist, the other reaching up and placing his hand on Hawk's head* Then fill it.. I can't bear to watch him in such pain...
Mad Hatter: Then you are all of one mind? One may remove that shard of memory from all three of you?
Hawk: *tries to fight down the sobs* I'm sorry...forgive me...stupid of me to act like this....
Shane: *nods* I'm in.
Robinton: *softly* No, Rupert.. there is nothing to forgive. *looks up at the Hatter* As am I.
Mad Hatter: *gives a single nod, and moves toward the three of them until s/he can reach out and tilt Hawk's face to his/her's again*
Hawk: *doesn't fight the movement, single dark eye focusing on the androgynous face*
Mad Hatter: *the eyes that meet the gaze a mix of cold and tender as s/he presses his/her soft lips to his forehead* Let a Demon's kiss whisk away the shard of memory that pains you, Rupert, and know that pain no more.... *whispered against the skin*
Hawk: *his gaze unfocuses for a moment, suddenly puzzled as to why he feels like he'd been crying, knowing it was something vaguely to do with the other Inne, but shrugs giving up worrying over it*
Mad Hatter: *pulls away, a faint smile on his/her lips as s/he does*
Robinton: *lets his hand fall from Hawk's hair, smiling a bit at the almost immediate change in the other man's expression*
Shane: *does much the same, keeping nearby but also pleased*
Hawk: *blinks and looks from Rob to Shane* Is something wrong?
Robinton: *shakes his head, starting to grin a bit* Absolutely nothing.
Shane: *Shakes his head* Nope. *grins*
Hawk: *frowns a little looking between them, sure that he's missed something but without a clue as to what* Hmmm...if you're sure.
Mad Hatter: *With a soft chuckle, walks to Shane and Rob each, and presses what appears to be an affectionate kiss to each of their foreheads as well* Such good friends, you three. One is almost jealous. But One represents Pride, not Envy.
Robinton: *blinks at the kiss, and the odd feeling that passes over him, but pays it no mind, and chuckles at the Hatter's words*
Shane: *blinks as well, certain he'd had something to ask, but can't remember what it is. Shrugs and smiles a bit himself*
Hawk: *smiles at the Mad Hatter* Okay so we came we chatted and now what?
Mad Hatter: Now, One will direct you to a room, that you and your friends may rest and speak. *holds out her hand, three keys materializing in the slender palm, floating vertically* Take one apiece.
Shane: *watches in amazement for a moment, before taking one of the keys, inspecting it carefully*
Robinton: *gives the Hatter the same slightly bewildered look, adn slowly reaches out to take his own key*
Hawk: *warily accepts the final key* Interesting trick...
Mad Hatter: One tries. *smiles mysteriously and leads them from the Gallery and toward the stairs that lead up to the rooms.*
Robinton: *pockets his key before following along behind the Hatter as he leads them to their room*
Shane: *still studying the key, follows along*
Hawk: *shrugs and follows, wrapping an arm around Shane's waist and grinning* Y'know, I get the feeling that things are looking up now.
Shane: *Grins* Hey, I know they are on this end of things.... *leans over to press a kiss to Hawk's cheek*
Robinton: *looks back over his shoulder as they acsend and grins* Good to hear that coming from the two of you.
Mad Hatter: *stays with them until they reach the appropriate room* One hopes you will enjoy the accomodations. You shall see more of One, One thinks....One finds you fascinating.... *tips his/her hat, bows, and vanishes*
Hawk: *blinks at the sudden disappearance* Yeah...definitely intresting tricks....*grins at Rob* So care to do the honors, Harper?
Robinton: *grins and inclines his head slightly* It would be my pleasure. *brings out his key again, unlocks the door and opens it, stepping to the side to allow the other two entrance*
Shane: *steps forward, bringing Hawk along with him as he steps into the room*
Hawk: *grins and snags Rob's wrist as he's pulled past hauling the other man along with them* Feels like home already.