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So, MDP started telling her story about her travels. As it grew longer and longer, Ronin’s grin grew larger and larger, while Miko’s expression of genuine concern grew more and more worried. After MDP finished, Ronin just laughed.

[color=55B7AA]‘Sounds like you’ve been having a great time!’[/color] Ronin laughed and smiled widely.

[color=DC9495]‘I have… so many questions, but I don’t think I want all their answers…’[/color] Miko said, knowing fully well what kind of world Mayra’s home actually was. [color=DC9495]‘Who is “Flower Wower”...?’[/color] … was just one out of a whole bunch of them.

Of course, MDP wasn’t actually there to answer them, because she’d already jumped off to marvel at Lily and the animals. Ronin just chuckled some more.

[color=55B7AA]‘I think whatever happened, she probably wasn’t actually in any danger!’[/color] Ronin said, confidently.

[color=DC9495]‘Sigh…’[/color] Miko mumbled to herself before looking about. [color=DC9495]‘Is it time, yet?’[/color] .


__________________


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It would seem that Mariette had solved the riddle. She looked on blankly as the Pea Princess felt her bed and then seemed to call it all off, so intent on brushing it all off and falling into a deep sleep…

[color=077ae6]‘Not so fast,’[/color] Mariette declared, and a tentacle promptly wrapped around the princess to pull her up, extended directly from Mariette’s shadow. If she couldn’t sleep due to a single pea, then this should do more than rock her sleep.

[color=077ae6]‘The dawn of the conflict approaches. I cannot have my ally sleep it away quite yet. Your request, while crudely delivered, is sensible. It is time my allies learn where they stand, and who stands with them. Let us wash away any doubts about our allegiances, and establish the order which shall embrace our future,’[/color] she told, her glare transfixed on the Pea Princess. A portal opened behind her.

[color=077ae6]‘Come, Pea Princess. A meeting awaits,’[/color] Mariette told. She would not take no for an answer.

 
_______
 
In the park, Mariette eventually stepped out of a portal before Penny and the others. The portal closed, and the eyepatched girl in a blue dress holding a stuffed bunny turned to look at the queen directly.

[color=077ae6]‘I apologize for the delay. I have assembled my allies on the other side. We’re ready to move,’[/color] she explained courtly, turning her eyes slightly to nod at Lily, then looking back to Penny.