Into Wonderland
Posted on Sat Apr 5th, 2025 @ 11:03am by Ensign Connor Turner & 1st Lieutenant Marjani Smith
Edited on on Sat Apr 5th, 2025 @ 12:56pm
3,401 words; about a 17 minute read
Mission:
Episode 16 - Silent Cries
Location: Neverwinter Nights - Promenade - Empok Nor
Timeline: MD003 1600 hrs
It took Marjani longer than she had planned to get her outfit put together and she needed some alterations from a tailor as well. She got the costume done and headed back to where Connor was at. Hopefully he was able to get his ideas put together as well as his outfit. She didn't have her costume on yet. Wanting to wait until he was ready. The door swished open, and she stepped inside. This time she didn't call out, "Honey I'm home." This time she was not saying a word in hopes of not disturbing Connor, if he were still working on it.
The moment that the door swished open, the lights in the quarters started flashing red and a cacophony of sound rushed throughout the room. Connor rushed up to the door and grinned delightedly at Marjani and said, "Welcome back, Marj. I see my alarm spell worked." He waved a small wand, and the blaring noise stopped.
Marjani was rather surprised when that happened letting out a shriek dropping her bag which held her costume in it, clapping her hands over her ears. When Connor turned it off, she lowered her hands. "What the heck, was that!"
Connor smiled mischievously, his eyes twinkling. "I told you. It was my alarm spell. You called for a wizard, didn't you?"
"Holy moley that was rather surprising." She bent down to pick up her outfit from the floor. "That is really awesome. Now when would you like to head off to our Ball?" she asked, giving a chuckle.
"Whenever you want to go," he answered. "Not certain if we need reservations. I probably should have checked," Connor replied abashed. "But, well, you were not back and I, well, have some surprises." The young engineer was practically giddy, an unusual reaction for Connor.
"Surprises? I can hardly wait!" Marjani was grinning from ear to ear. "As for Never Winter, it's open and we don't need reservations. Shall we get ready?"
"Brilliant. Well, I don't have to do much to change. Just need to put on the robe. Have the wand. The holo emitters will take care of my face and the ears. So, when you're ready, I'm ready."
Marjani gave a nod and went to get ready. A few minutes later she stepped out wearing her outfit of soft leather and rabbit fur, no weapon. Her hair was done in two braids with scarlet red feathers in the braid making a lovely contrast against her dark hair. On her feet she wore boots made of the same material trimmed with rabbit fur as well. When she walked there was no sound.
Connor only had his robe on and did not look anything like an elf at the moment. When Marjani came out, he stayed silent, observing her, his eyes smiling. "You look smashing, Marj. I shan't be worried with you protecting me, now."
"Thank you, Marjani eyes crinkling up beneath the eye makeup she had placed around them. A splash of blue around which went from temple to temple. She linked her arm through his. "Off we go."
"No, no," Connor replied unlinking himself. "I haven't fully put on my costume." From inside his robe, he grabbed his wand, waved it above his head and from head to toe, Connor's body changed before Marjani's eyes. His glasses were gone. Pointy elven ears poked upwards from where his normal ears would be. His entire physique looked more lean but somehow more athletic. His skin color remained fair, but his face was narrower and his eyes turned from brown to green. He then looked at Marjani and said, "There. Now I'm ready." He gave a proud smile with his thin elven lips.
That tranformation that Connor did for his outfit, Marjani was mesmerized by it. Marjani was in awe then she had to try it. She walked over and kissed Connor to see if there was anything different about his kiss.
In Connor's transformation, the lips felt thinner and his skin tighter. However, there was no doubting who was actually kissing her, when it was occurring. He broke the kiss and asked, "What was that for? Mind you, I'm not complaining. We could just do that all night, if you want."
"I still want to go to Never Winter but that satisfied my curiosity of if your kiss would be different in your costume. It is still as yummy as before. Okay satisfaction achieved. Now, let's go explore Wonderland."
The place was jumping with quite a few people there, some already in the air dancing. Others were sitting at the bar getting drinks. The people were all wearing various forms of costumes. The bar itself was large and oval, with normal dance floors. In the center was the dance floor which allowed people to be lifted up into the air, which had safety features to keep a person from being injured. There were also private cubbies that those wishing privacy could be had. And it did have the style of a tavern in the D&D spectrum.
When Marjani and Connor stepped inside, they were greeted by a fairy, wearing wings, and carrying a tray which had bracelets upon it. "You both look wonderful! Here are the bracelets that will help you experience the most upon that dance floor. I will advise you to make certain you stay hydrated." With a cheery wave, the fairy woman glided away to greet other patrons.
"Woah isn't this great?! Marjani said just taking in the sights and sounds. She could almost feel the music wrapping itself around her like an old friend.
Connor had entered and immediately felt overwhelmed. There were people everywhere. The sounds and the sights were so numerous to take in. To ease himself, he started calculating how the computer and physical effects were made possible.
The next thing he knew, a bracelet was being placed on him. Did he do that? Or did Marjani or that suspicious fairy? He had to tell his mind, Never mind that. We are here for Marjani and we still have some surprises for her. So, stiff upper lip. You can do this, Connor.
He moved more tightly against Marjani. "I wonder why the fairy said we should get hydrated," he stated aloud.
"It is what is stated in the advertisements for this club, the dancing in the air and also on the ground does make a person thirsty. It's good advice. Want a drink before we take flight?" Marjani wrapped an arm around his waist. " I am looking forward to flying with you on the dance floor."
"Yes, maybe a drink first," Connor agreed, as he wrapped an arm around her shoulder. "Take the edge off. And, maybe we could go into one of the more private areas for a time."
Marjani looked at Connor with compassion in her eyes, he did see like he needed a moment or two to prepare himself for this next part. She did feel badly at bringing him out to this, however Marjani felt that it would be good for him as well. And she will be with him during this whole experience. A stop at the bar to get a couple of drinks, then towards one of the private booths where a curtain could be drawn closed. There was a soft glow from the artificial candle, inside a small lantern provide just barely enough light for them both to see each other.
"This work for you?" Marjani smiling.
Connor moved in towards Marjani and gave her a warm kiss. "What do you think?" he asked.
"I like this. It's lovely." Marjani giving a return kiss. "Are being able to get a second wind now? And what else do you have planned? I saw the twinkle in your eyes."
"Oh, a little of this and a little of that," Connor replied vaguely, while taking a sip of beer that seemed to appear out of nowhere.
Marjani sat back after kissing Connor once more, she had a lemon squash to drink. She decided not to get anything alcoholic. Tonight may well end up being enough of a stimulant for her. Best to have a clear head.
Connor snuggled up to Marjani and drank more of his beer. "This is nice," he told her, his voice smoothing out. "I will never know what you saw in me and still do not know, but I am glad that you do. I know that I'm a right bit mad, but I am certainly a lucky bugger."
Marjani gave a smile to Connor, "Everyone has a little bit of insanity." she looked at the beer glass to see what he had left. "Once you are done, shall we go do some dancing?" She wanted to go fly without the use of a fighter , wings or a balloon.
"That is why we came, right?" Connor asked, nervousness evident in his statement. "Perhaps I should announce us first, though."
"Announce us? Whatever do you mean?" Marjani was very curious now. "Let's see what you have in mind." She moved from the seat to where she was now standing.
Connor told Marjani in a giddy voice, "Come here." The moment she arrived, he opened the curtains, waved his wand and ordered, "Fireball!" A dazzling display of a ball of fire exploded on the other end of Never Winter. There was no damage, but it certainly got the attention of many other people who looked to where the fireball landed.
Marjani's mouth droppeed open in amazement, her attention captured by the light show Connor had created. "Woah, that was wonderful!" she exclaimed, giving him an excited embrace.
The DJ announced, 'Well hello helloi, we've got a mage among us."
Connor, feeling bolder, walked out of the room with Marjani's embrace. "I believe m'lady wanted to dance, no?"
"Yes yes indeed I do." Marjani grinning from ear to ear.
Marjani moved with Connor towards the dance floor the bracelets activating and lifting them upwards. Marjani gasped as the sensations of the music could be felt through her body. It raised goosebumpls all along her arms, and she shivered slightly not due to cold but because of being connected to others on the dance floor, she could feel passions from others, exhiliaration. A sense of euphoria. She was loving being able to fly, and it was very thrilling. Marjani looked towards Connor wondering what he was experiencing from this.
Connor's eyes focused on Marjani. As far as he was concerned, there was nobody in the room but the two of them. Nothing was bothering him at the moment. He just floated up in the air, dancing with Marjani and enjoying the moments. While dancing, he brought her closer and kissed Marjani passionately, flicking his wand upwards to make literal fireworks as they kissed.
Marjani was suitably impressed with what Connor did, when their lips parted, Marjani whispered, "Expressing how you are feeling as we kiss? This is amazing. Shall we go higher?" Marjani made a motion with a free hand to move further upwards. She could 'feel' the emotional highs that others were feeling, it wrapped around her, making her flesh tingle. She moved around Connor, keeping in contact with him, as her shoulders and hips moved with the music, caressing his cheek, and smiling.
Surprisingly, Connor did not seem insecure or self-conscious in this environment. He simply sighed pleasantly and informed Marjani, "I think that you're good for me, Marj. I cannot remember feeling like this. And if I did, it was some time ago."
Marjani beamed she was loving seeing Connor coming out of his shell and he paid her quite the compliment. "I am very happy to hear this. And you showing your creative side is fabulous." She let go of Connor, making a motion to where she moved higher doing a spin, then weaving in and out between dancers. There was one time she had wanted to fly like those in Peter Pan thinking happy thoughts and her dream was coming true. She moved back towards Connor doing a barrel roll before coming back to his side.
Connor laughed as Marjani weaved and flipped. "I can always tell when you're happy. I'm very happy to see you this thrilled, Marj. I wish that I could keep you like this forever."
"Yes, that would be nice, but it isn't a reality. Therefore, I will be treasuring this moment forever." She swooped over and pulled Connor in for a heated kiss. "Yummy." She pulled back.
"Yes, it is, yummy, but why don't you think that I could keep you like this forever?" There was a challenged tone to Connor's voice.
Marjani pulled back a little bit, her brow furrowing. "Connor are you okay? What do you mean by what you had just said?"
"Of course, I'm OK," Connor replied seriously. "Why would I not be? I just don't see why I can't keep you like this forever."
"I-I don't understand Connor. what do you mean by that?" Connor could feel from the emotional link that is a part of the dance floor and connection. Marjani was really, really concerned.
"I don't understand why I can't just keep you happy and carefree forever. I like seeing you like this. So, there must be a way."
Marjani shook her head. "No, I know you would want to do that but it's okay if it doesn't happen. Connor if I am always happy and there is no sadness to appreciate the happy moments. It's a matter of balance. Always being happy yes, it would be nice, just that..." she went quiet, not knowing what else to say.
Connor considered Marjani's words with an audible hum. "I had not thought of it that way, but I would never wish for you to be sad. I think that would be, well, what's the word for it...?"
"Tragic possibly could be the word to be used?" Marjani offered. Her mood went somber, she loved the fact that Connor wished to keep her happy but that wasn't going to be happening." You do make me happy Connor when we are together. And definitely gives me happy moments that keep me going when I am away from you. We can say that thoughts of you make me happy."
"May that always be the case," Connor answered, sending up more sparks up from his wand up in the air. He completely forgot that there was anyone else around them, aiding his comfort. "And maybe one day, we can both be in the same place. That way we will not have to miss each other. Though, I have been told that absence makes the heart grow fonder...." He scrunched his elven lips to the side thoughtfully.
"That saying is true, but I am fond of you being in the same breathing space as well. As for us being in the same place. One of us would have to give up our positions in StarFleet. And... I don't want to be stuck cooped up in a room and not be able to do what I love doing. Though someday I will be-maybe retiring, from doing any flying like I have been. I just need to be able to keep busy, doing something.
"Unless we got stationed at the same place," Connor replied thoughtfully. "But, I would not want you to suffer. I want you to do what you love."
"And I feel the same for you as well Connor. We'll cross that bridge when we get there. Right now, we've got to make the most of this moment before the Pioneer heads off on its next mission. Do you want to continue dancing or do you want to... head back to my place?"
Those there at the dance seemed to enjoy the fireworks that Connor was sending off. Thinking of it being part of the show provided by Never winter.
An offer to go back to Marjani's place? Connor was not about to refuse that. "If you have had your fill here, then we can go. I'm OK, if you're worried about me. Doesn't seem to be anyone else here, anyways. Just you and I."
Marjani, she would have llked to stay a bit longer, just that niggling feeling in the back of her mind. About how this was affecting Connor, Never Winter did give her food for thought about something that she would keep in mind for herself.
"C'mon Connor, I think I've had my fill tonight." She smiled honestly. He after all did come to this place despite his reservations. That was a good thing and his outfit was rather creative. "Yes, it is time to leave Wonderland and avoid seeing the Caterpillar or even the Cheshire Cat."
Picking up the desire of the couple wanting to come back down to the ground level the bracelets lowered them back down. Marjani taking off her bracelets and returning them back to the hostess. "Thank you, this was fun," she smiled warmly at the hostess.
"I could have blasted the caterpillar with my wand," Connor reluctantly told Marjani, as he took off his bracelet. The moment it was off, he asked, "What in the world? Why would I want to blast a caterpillar?"
"I am looking forward to us just relaxing for the rest of the day. And hey we got to dress up. Also, you are very brave to think about blasting that caterpillar. Most definitely." Marjani smiled and wrapped an arm around Connor.
Connor scratched his head, absolutely confused. "If you say so?" He wrapped his arm around Marjani, his face flushing from the public contact. "So, do you want me to keep the costume on?" he asked with piqued curiosity. "I rather enjoyed creating all of the effects."
"Let's walk back to my place and we can keep our outfits on until we get back to my quarters." She gave Connor a warm embrace, and a kiss. "Looking forward to waking up in your arms in the morning."
"Why wait so long?" he asked. "You could stay awake in my arms the rest of the day." He nuzzled in more closely to Marjani. The confidentiality of his costume making him feel more secure about the public displays of affection.
"That we could do as well." She smiled with a feeling of contentment. Marjani liked how Connor was being a bit more bold, being in disguise. Sometimes a person needs to have a mask to hide behind.
"Or for every second until we part," Connor offered with a small snicker. He turned to Marjani and said, "I think I might be fond of you and your company. What do you think about that?"
"I have no tribble, I mean no trouble with that at all." Marjani giving a chuckle, "We are off to our own Wonderland, to enjoy an actual quiet time together with cuddles, a movie or two and plenty of kisses and then some."
Connor audibly sighed before stopping Marjani in the corridor and kissing her publicly again. This time it was quicker. There was some urgency behind it. After breaking the kiss, he said, "Perhaps we could pick up the pace?"
Eyes widening and Marjani gave a nod, taking Connor by the hand and quickened her pace towards her temporary quarters. The door opened at their approach. "We're here."
"Great!" Connor replied, shooting off his fireworks from his wand before allowing the holo-elf drop. "Because I'm quite certain that neither one of us is leaving here until tomorrow."
Giving a hearty laugh, "I might have guessed from the kiss you gave me. Almost brought me to my knees." She pulled him close to her once more and gave him a quick kiss. "Race you to the bedroom area." Marjani gave Connor a playful swat before making a dash towards there. Marjani had a feeling that she was going to be plenty busy tonight.
"Hey now!" Connor exclaimed with mock offense. He immediately dropped any remnants of his costume right where he was, putting them down safely out of harm's way, before chasing after Marjani exclaiming, "You're mine, now!"
A Joint Post By
First Lieutenant Marjani Smith
Pilot
Ensign Connor Turner
Computer Systems Specialist, USS Pioneer
RSS Feed