fandomhigh | MSND Production, Saturday, 7 p.m. FHT

"What could be wrong?" Titania tried for a slouch, heard Parker's triumphant laughter, then scowled, wondering what he'd seen. "The darkness. It is... annoying. And the others do not seem to know their parts. Their frivolity angers me."

You are doomed now, O Queen. What did Dream say? Give no explanations?

Think you yourself a Queen?

In this, we're more alike than you'll ever admit.

Jarod stared at her, hard. She sounded like she'd eaten the play and she definitely wasn't herself. "What's wrong with you?"

He was starting to get angry--he would be patient with her, but only up to a point. She wouldn't respect someone she could walk all over.

"What's wrong with me? What's wrong with you?" Parker's laughter was not to be borne; she cared not whether this mortal knew the truth, but Titania would not be mocked by the girl locked within her. She scrambled to her feet, looking for an easy exit. "Do you go your ways, sir. I have a play to complete, and lines to recite. I can not waste my time on you."

BITCH.

And instead of walking away, she froze in place, as Parker fought within her, her/their hands trembling with the conflict.

You do not talk to my friend that way!

Titania raised one hand to her head in pain, and closed her eyes, gritting her teeth.

He tensed, but refused to give up that easily. "Who or what are you, and what have you done to my friend?"

As she raised her hand to her head, Jarod jumped up on stage. "Maur...Parker? What's wrong?"

At that, the girl fought harder, clawing and shrieking with rage, until Titania retreated a moment to gather her strength, and reassert her control. Moments, only, but--

"Jarod. Possessed. Fairies. Everyone. In the play." Parker was gasping for breath, and managed to blurt out, "I've got Titania--"

And the Queen rose up again, coldly furious, and gave Parker the mental equivalent of a blackjack across the neck. SILENCE!

Her hand dropped away from her face, and she smiled coldly at the mortal before her. "Queen of the Fae."

"Nice to meet you," he said, dark eyes hard and jaw tensed, "except for the part where you've possessed the best friend I have."

"What do you want?"

"No more than that which I already possess. Your friend's form, for a few hours entertainment." Her lips curved cruelly. "Participation in this, their play. And what joy I may have of my time here. Do you wish to make the time pass more pleasantly, while I am here?"

He sneered at her. "Not even on your best day could you hope to have what she has. Leave. Her. Alone."

At least her steed's taste in lovers could not be faulted. "We have leave to stay. Not even the Lord Shaper may tell us 'go' until we are done here. Set your mind at rest, little mortal," Titania drawled. "No permanent harm shall come to your 'friend.' We did promise this, and We keep our promises. What embarassment or humbling she may suffer, ere the curtain's drop; well, that depends on her."

She studied Jarod, then said, "Do you speak to her, and make her see sense. She screams at trifles, and rages without point. And there is still the close of the play to be accomplished."

He was not at all happy with this state of affairs, but he fairies were outside of his considerable realm of expertise.

"Let me talk to her," he ordered.

Titania warily retreated, mental fingers still held fast around Parker's mind. Reassure your love, do not speak all of your mind.

Bite. Me. Queenie.

Parker took a breath, and hung onto Jarod's fingers, hard. "She was telling the truth, she promised Professor Dream. And she told the others not to hurt the students, but I don't think she can keep them all under control."

Silence!

Jarod held onto her hands and squeezed back. "You will get through this, Parker. And I'll be here for you afterwards." He couldn't quite hide his anger at the idea that someone was raping and using her like this.

"And there will be retribution. But for now, you need to not fight. Do what you have to, and I'll try to figure out a way to take care of it."

He squeezed her hands again. "I know it's tough, but I need you to trust me on this one, Parker."

Fighthing her way past Titania's grip, Parker managed control again for precious seconds. She laughed, a little hysterically, breathless. "You? I trust. Her? Ha." Parker shook her head. "They don't have their powers here, that's important. I don't think she'll do anything too awful, but-- she's really mad at her husband. And Bottom's more than a fr--"

Titania snatched her fingers back from his, anger straightening her spine. "Enough."

"You will do nothing, fool." The Queen tilted her head, regal and condescending. "We hold your friend, and her fellows, in the palms of our hands. And We shall take any who wish to go with Us, when We leave. Think on that, Jarod. And be wise."

"Understand that there will be payment for this wrong. And I promise that I will be the one to deliver it. Someday." Jarod folded his arms across his chest, not without a few threats of his own ~~as soon as he did some research~~. "You will never have power over me, because you need my name to do that. Just like you will never have hers."

Titania smiled, amused again, and shook her head. "I could have her name, given enough time in this form. Nightmares and helplessness engender the giving up of secrets. Not tonight, in truth. But easier done twice, what was done once. I might return." Her eyes narrowed. "You, perhaps, lie a few steps outside Our power. Do not think it so far that you are safe, mortal. Jarod." She laughed softly. "And if you can find Us to deliver payment, then We will speak of wrongs to be undone."

She turned away. "This conversation lacks charm. Return to your seat, enjoy the conclusion of our show." She smiled sweetly. "There is still the scene with the kiss you practiced, to be played."

Jarod gritted his teeth. There would be no return for Titania, even if he had to bind her powers to make it happen. Hey, it worked in fairy tales. "There will be Justice."

Titania laughed, softly, spun away and stalked across the stage in front of the curtain, toward the other entry door.

He'll do it, you know. If anyone can. You have just made a terrible mistake, Your Majesty.

No one can. We are long gone and away from this plane. Sought, we can not be found. Looked for, we can not be seen.

East of the sun and west of the moon...

This tale has a different ending. And he shall have no cause to seek Us, when you are returned to him.

Think so? Laughter. Mocking, furious, happy laughter. Think again.

Love has limits, little girl. I learned that long ago.

Silence, wondering and careful, and a retreat.

Finally. Strange that the truth would be what muffled the Maenad.

Jarod frowned and took up a position sitting on the very edge of the stage as he watched Park...Titania leave, but leaned out of the way of the action, looking casual. Let someone try to move him.

MSND Production, Saturday, 7 p.m. FHT

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