Happily ever after with a little flavor

[missrecalled_mods]

Sponsors for the ship? So... Sponsor'ship?

Rare had an hour seemed so long on the Isle, or carried so much hope. The King and Queen spoke to all who wished to speak with them, and to Yen Sid. At one point they even opened the barrier enough to go back to the ship where they conferred inside a silence spell with Sylvando. And once more for the King and Queen to return a few minutes later. Then back on the Isle they pulled a few individuals aside once more. Oddly, not those from the Isle this time. Aqua first. Then Lea. Then Æn'kae.

Finally the hour came to an end and the King and Queen called for everyone's attention. Mal stepped forward to address everyone.

"Alright, so here is how this is going to work," she told them without preamble, once she had their attention. The wind pulled at her purple hair, pulling it like a banner behind her. "Here are the terms by which we will take the people we will name to Auradon. Each person will be assigned a sponsor. If you want to change sponsors you may let us know once we are back in Auradon. Your Sponsor will be watching out for you. You need to check in with him, her, or them, regularly. How often that will be will be between you and your sponsor, but the sponsors will report to King Ben and myself. Behave and you'll get to stay in Auradon, and we will let you know when your probation is over and you no longer need to check in with your sponsor. Break the rules of Auradon, hurt anyone, steal.... depending on how bad the act and how many were harmed, we may, with your sponsor decide to give you a warning... or you may wind up back here. This is a chance to prove that the sorting magic was wrong, that you are good people. Or can become good people given the chance." Mal looked and sounded like she was clearly waiting to make her own judgments.

"As I list each name, please go to your sponsor if he, she, or they is here. If not, come stand with the king and I."

She took a deep breath. "Xion, your sponsor is Lea." she pointed to him, suspecting that she didn't actually have to, but it was good to set a pattern.

"Utau, you are with Sylvando, who is on the ship so come join us." Then a bit of a wicked grin. "He's also keeping an eye on Nadeshiko and Nagihiko, why not let him keep an eye on all three of you," she said, knowing she was throwing fuel on an explosion waiting to happen. But she trusted Sylvando to sort out which of the kids actually belonged on the Isle.

"River you are with Æn'ki. Hope you like animals," she said with a grin that wasn't all that softer than her last as she gestured to him.

"Morgana and Emporio, you are with Aqua," she added nodding to the woman with the blue hair. "Of course we understand if any of you want to stay..."

She turned to the Headmaster. Doctor F.... We're aware of you, and your efforts, I assure you. We'll be speaking with those heading to Auradon. But for now, stay where we can see you while the rest of you, those coming with us? You have ten minutes to get your stuff if you have any and say goodbyes to anyone if you want to. Goodbyes with the headmaster will be supervised so we can make sure he is being as good as he claims these days. Alright. Ten minutes, starting now!"


**************************************************

The gathering of belongings and saying of goodbyes was accomplished in the allotted ten minutes without much trouble. Getting everyone onto the boat, then equipped with lifejackets- thankfully the boat's owner was a bit over prepared so there were enough for everyone, if only just-, and reasonably settled for the trip back took a bit longer, however. The boat was a large catamaran, painted mostly in blue and purple pastels. The life jackets however, were the standard safety orange, and so stood out as sharply as they were meant to. The water was still rough so once everyone was equipped, Sylvando advised those unused to boat travel to settle down somewhere until they were in calmer waters.

Getting back to the mainland took time as well, though not quite as much as getting there had, as the tide was in their favor for the return trip. Still, there would be plenty of time for conversation, awkward silences, or angry glaring during the trip. And Sylvando himself wouldn't be adverse to conversation, provided it didn't interfere with the steering of the vessel. Those without their sea legs would also want to be careful walking around, as the boat-while large for a catamaran- wasn't large enough to prevent it from rocking.

Once they'd reached the harbor and the Bibbity Bobber had been secured in her berth, her passengers and crew disembarked and began the trek back up to the school. There seemed to be an inordinate amount of junk that had once been clearly blocking the road before the path to and from the harbor had been cleared. All of it was the sort of things one might expect to find in a modern city- cars, sign boards, fallen trees and lamp posts, etc- but there seemed to be too much of it for the simple vanishing of the populace to account for it all. Very odd.

Once they arrived at the school, they were led past the pretentious sign and statue of King Beast and directed into the lobby. There, they were issued phones and information sheets. On account of everyone being exhausted, no formal welcoming ceremony was planned for that evening, and those staying were directed to the dorms to get showered and settled in. Since that was sure to be a process in itself, Ben, Mal, Sylvando, the other sponsors, and anyone who still had the energy would likely be around for all that as well until everyone got settled. Thankfully the exhaustion had been anticipated, and it was announced that there was soup in the kitchen's refrigerator that had been premade and portioned out and needed only to be reheated for supper at each person's leisure.

The next morning however, proved that Auradon was still Auradon and couldn't really go without some kind of official welcome, as those who came down to the lobby would find a simple but tasty breakfast of muffins, fruit - provided by Malia-, tea, and coffee waiting for them along with the eternally chipper Sylvando, ready to answer any further questions they might have.


****************


Professor Yen Sid and the Headmaster stood and watched the ship through the barrier until they could no longer see it. Then the headmaster, looking bitter, turned on his heel, stalked back to the school, muttering under his breath about needing to speak with someone. He did not say who, but it did not seem like it was likely to be a pleasant conversation.

Yen Sid, on the other hand, turned to those who chose to remain. “Shall we get these supplies in before the humidity destroys them?” he asked, gathering his things into his bag before grabbing it and one of the boxes.

Comments

Isleside Goodbyes

[missrecalled_mods]

Most of those who would be making the trip to Auradon didn't really have much in the way of personal belongings to gather, but there were some farewells to be said. Perhaps a few more than most were expecting, in fact. And those who were leaving might well have a few questions for some of those they were unexpectedly saying goodbye to as well. Still, best keep the conversations brief; ten minutes goes by quickly!

NPC Mingle - Isle NPCs

[misery_called_npcs]

During the goodbyes

Doctor F. The headmaster is still lurking in the shadows, he isn't sulking. He'll insist he isn't if accused. But that means he is there if anyone wants to talk to him. And after Mal called him out, it's hardly like he is hidden.

Professor Yen Sid is with Mal and Ben, but willing to speak to anyone. As are Mal and Ben, actually.

Mother Gothel and Lady Tremaine were still at the school if someone wanted to say something to them before they left, or pull a nasty little prank...

After those heading to Auradon have left

Doctor F. was heading back to the school and can be found there or stopped along the way.

Professor Yen Sid was looking for help moving the supplies into the school.

Mother Gothel was in her classroom posing before her bits of mirror.

Lady Tremaine, was lesson planning in her office.

(If you want an NPC while on the Isle, please post here with which NPC and if it is before or after the Auradon group is leaving)

I'm on A Boat!

[missrecalled_mods]

With goodbyes said, all those headed for Auradon crossed the temporary magic bridge back over to the boat, and once everyone was aboard, the opening in the barrier was once again closed. "Welcome aboard, everyone!", Sylvando greeted everyone, both those returning and the new passengers. "And to all the new faces, it's lovely to meet you all! I'm Sylvando, your captain for this voyage. Once everyone gets their life jackets on- safety first you know, especially in waters as rough as this- it'll be all aboard for Auradon! And someone should secure our new tree friend in the cargo area as well. I don't doubt that they'd float, but we wouldn't want the poor dear- or anyone else- falling off and being left behind."

Thus began the task of securing an ent and fitting a number of people- many of whom had likely never worn one- with life jackets, which would likely take a little while. But eventually it got done, and the boat got underway. As the Isle became more and more distant, the waters became somewhat calmer, and it became safe for those aboard to- carefully- move around on the deck and talk to those not right next them. Sylvando was at the wheel of course, but even he was open to conversation, provided it didn't require him to leave his post.

NPC mingle - Mal and Ben

[missrecalled_npcs]

Despite being as tired as anyone else, once they got back to the school, Mal and Ben made themselves available, sitting in the lobby near where the phones and info sheets were handed out. Ben looked like he was only still awake because falling asleep here would be rude, and Mal was chugging bottles of glowing water like they were espresso shots. But they were ready willing and available to talk.

Well, willing to talk to anyone who wasn't there to shoo them off to bed, anyway.

The Next Morning: Breakfast With NPC Sylvando and General Mingle

[smilingarmor]

When everyone came downstairs the next morning they would find a simple bit tasty breakfast of muffins, fresh fruit- provided by Malia- tea, and coffee set up and waiting for them in the lobby along with the smiling face of Sylvando who seemed to be hosting the small event.

"Good morning, darlings!", he greeted them all with a cheerful wave. "Our dear royal couple have earned a break, so I opted to let them sleep in a bit. But never fear, The Great Sylvando is here to make sure Auradon's reputation for hospitality is upheld! It's nothing fancy, but I do hope you all enjoy! Take a bit of time to get to know each other, and I'll be here to answer any questions you might have."

Chell ★ OTA

[elvendryad]

He'd been chatting with Mallia again, well enough before the announcement. He passed his pet tree ent to her and stepped back to make sure everyone else had room; he was neither surprised nor even seemingly displeased when the two spoke. If anything, it looked like staying behind was what he wanted....

[lovebites_sodoi]

At first, Morgana was beyond giddy that she could finally leave this worthless place. The urge to let out an evil laugh was difficult to suppress! But... then the list of names sunk in, including those who didn't make it, despite her arguing for him. A weird feeling of guilt hung in her chest, and she awkwardly made her way over to him.

"... Hey." All right. Now what? What was she supposed to say? "I'm, uh... sorry?"

[lovebites_sodoi]

Magic! Morgana finally had magic again! Oh, she could use it for any number of things - attacking anyone who angered her, submit the hapless folks here to her siren call, plot revenge on those back on the isle... but there was something much, much more important to try out.

So anyone on the way to the lobby that morning would hear someone singing a few bars in the hallways...

"In life, one has to face a huge assortment,
Of nauseating fads and good advice,
There's health, and fitness, diet, and deportment,
And other pointless forms of sacrifice,
Conversation? Wit? I am a doubter!
Manners? Charm? They're no way to impress!
So forget the inner me, observe the outer...
I am what I wear and how I dress!"

As she went down the stairs, Morgana kept snapping her fingers between lyrics, changing her outfit over and over. From her villain attire, then going into ballroom, flare flair, risky risqué, over and over until she kicked open the doors to the lobby.

"Oh, now I believe in lookin',
Like my time on earth is cookin',
Whether polka dotted, striped or even checked!
With some glamour guaranteeing,
Every fiber on of my being,
Is displayed to quite remarkable effect!"

With one final change, into her normal civilian look, she grabbed a chair, threw her feet on the table, grabbed a chunk of fruit, and began to eat.

C-Come say hi...?

[elvendryad]

Blink, blink. He didn't look as if he'd caught on... had he not been listening to the announcement...?

"....For what?"

[lovebites_sodoi]

"You know, for..." ugh. She wanted to bounce out of this conversation ASAP, but she couldn't make herself do it. "You being... stuck here. I told them to take you along, I don't know why they didn't listen. Maybe I didn't have the right words..."

[elvendryad]

He shook his head. "...I told them that I am staying, for now. There is still more to be done here. Perhaps you could help take care of that one...?" He indicated the ent, which was being gently herded toward the area the bridge would appear by a lady in a long dark dress, and couldn't help some little hint of a smile. "It is very fond of shiny things. I must have cleared away more rubbish trying to find what bit of metal-looking paper caught its attention, than for the sake of clearing it away on its own."

[elvendryad]

After: Yen Sid?

Chell was already on the task of moving the cargo, gathering up what was left a bit further away from the main deposit of it, though he was having a little trouble gathering the boxes all up at once. He could lift quite a bit of weight, but getting it into his arms in the first place was where he was having issues.

He paused, having managed to get three decently heavy boxes stacked up on top of one another, and stood up slowly with them, balanced on one arm, leaning them against his chest and shoulder. He eyed a fourth box, uncertain. He could carry a second stack of three, but how on earth would he be able to pick it all up in the first place?

"If someone is able to pass more cargo to me...?" he began, and paused. He could crouch again, to make it easier for them to get it into his grip, but he only had two arms.... But perhaps he was looking at this incorrectly? What if he were to arrange two stacks of boxes, crouch, work his hands under them, and then stand back up....?

Either way, this seemed to simply be what he got, for living centuries in a situation where this sort of thing simply never even remotely came up. When he'd sent someone away from his forest with food before, it hadn't been an issue to simply conjure up something with which to transport it, but here...?

[lovebites_sodoi]

Wait. What? Hold the phone here.

Morgana blinked rapidly, holding up a hand as if she could press a pause button. "Wait, wait, wait. You... want to stay on this floating heap of garbage? Why?!"

[elvendryad]

"It... is inaccurate to say that I want to stay.... But there were people like us here before I arrived -- people from elsewhere, who would not wish to be here. ...Do you really think that if every one of us leaves, no others will similarly be brought to this cold place in the future?"

He eyed her, quiet. "What I have seen of this place may be unpleasant, but there are things I suspect that I can do here to help make it less so. And unlike most others, I do not eat, as such, so I do not need to contend with hunger claiming my strength." A little pause, and, more reluctantly, "...And here, without magic, I cannot hear the ent. Nor can it seem to hear me. It would be best looked after on the other side. Knowing that it is in good hands... I can spend my time doing other things."

[lovebites_sodoi]

Great, now the guilt was growing. What about the poor schmoes who would keep popping up here? But it'd be insane to change her mind about leaving now... ugh. Well, she'd always been a terrible person, so why not have some proof here as well?

Awkwardly shifting back and forth in her heels, she exhaled sharply, trying to turn off her emotions, arms crossed. "I'm certainly not going to tell you what to do. If you want to rot here, that's your choice. Shouldn't be hard to keep track of that walking bark-and-no-bite, I doubt I'll have anything better to do."

[elvendryad]

He made a small sound that was mostly just breath, refraining from much of a chuckle at her display. "Thank you."

A slight pause, and then, more quietly, serious again: "If I might ask a further favor...?"

[misery_called_npcs]

"Of course, but do inform me when it is enough, it serves nothing for you to become over burdened," Professor Yen Sid said. "There is no magic here with which to heal you, after all." He helped by adding a box.

[elvendryad]

That wasn't quite a snort under his breath, but he was almost smiling faintly. Not all that happily, but maybe there was something vaguely funny about this? "Had I my magic, I could heal myself," he said. "But had I my magic, we would have easier means of transport, as well. ...I have confidence that I can bear twice this weight easily enough. The trickier aspect is the bulk and shape of it all, and the balance." He stepped closer to another box, trying to make it easier for the human to load him up with those. It made sense for a human to carry one at a time, possibly two, but six? Well, he wasn't human. He gave the sorcerer a nod, indicating that he was ready for that fifth box, and the presumed sixth next to it, if he would...?

[lovebites_sodoi]

Morgana tried not to keep eye-contact, lest the guilt keep eating at her. Instead, she pretended to inspect her nails. "I won't make any promises, but I'll listen. What's up?"

[elvendryad]

He looked away briefly too, to eye Mal and Ben over where they were standing. "Those two," he said softly, lowering his head so it was less obvious at a glance that he was trying not to be overheard by anyone but her, "But primarily that human 'king'....

"I would appreciate, should you remain alert... and should you have a chance to send word back... hearing what you think of him. And of the others there... the humans. Are they as they seem? I admit, I did not feel from them the hatred I have felt from others before... but there had hardly been time, and then it was, all of it, gone again, before I could draw near enough....

"But perhaps the dragon keeps him in check...? Or perhaps he has learned better...?" He frowned, folding his arms, back to discreetly side-eyeing the couple as he watched them. This was already bothering him, not knowing quite what to make of Ben and the others....

[lovebites_sodoi]

Boy, that sure sounded like a sore subject for him. Morgana wasn't sure that mortals and humans were that different beneath the surface level, but then again, what did she really know? Her world didn't have humans at all. She did want to trust Mal after that shared dream... but could you really base a whole perspective on one meeting that was forced to begin with?

...Actually, wait. That wasn't quite what Chell was saying, was he? He was only talking about Ben. What dragon? Was he saying Mal was actually a dragon? That would be... insanely cool and earn more Mal more points, to be quite honest, but Morgana couldn't help but think asking any further would be opening a can of worms. She felt way over her head to begin with.

She tossed her hair over her shoulder. "As if I wasn't already going to have my guard up around them, and the entire island of goody-goodies! Believe me, they haven't totally earned my trust just yet."

[elvendryad]

The humans in general, sure, but Ben in particular... there was definitely no lack of mistrust here, and he was doing nothing to hide it from Morgana now. Honestly, he'd seemed more relaxed on the Isle in general before this whole meeting, excepting being glad to be able to hand out fruit again for a while there an hour prior.

He nodded. "Thank you, sister." A long breath, not quite a sigh, and he tried giving her something of a smile. "At least we have kin there as well. In fact, I would even suggest that the hostess -- the wine fairy," he quickly clarified, "--might appreciate some company, should you have a bad day. She seems to remember more than I do about the past... I wonder if she has any embarrassing stories from when I was a small child?"

The look he gave her seemed almost a dare, at that point, an open invitation to try to get ammunition on him.

[lovebites_sodoi]

Why would anyone over there have memories of anyone's childhood period? That wasn't something that sat right with her, but as always, she did her best to hide it. She even clicked her tongue at the implication.

"You realize it's hardly embarrassing when you're offering it on a silver platter? That's no fun. The best humiliation is a surprise." Said with a smirk.

[misery_called_npcs]

"A lot of things would be easier with magic, lad. But easier is rarely the point. Still, even if you can handle the weight, let us not block utterly your ability to see and walk. There is no harm in taking multiple trips, after all."

[elvendryad]

"But it would be a surprise. I don't know what stories there may be. ...I haven't spoken with her long here, and while we did, it... was about my last battle, and the centuries which followed. She wanted to know what I may have done, which could possibly have prompted this place to bring me here." His smile had disappeared, tone quieting, seeming hesitant, unsure if he should elaborate.