KaleiWorks

The terrible MouseKing leaps at Nutcracker who stands firm, saber raised against a beast thrice his size as it bares down from above.

Ms. Clara Stahlbaum trips headlong into a 20 year old hallucination. The Nutcracker, who is none too prepared himself for the sudden closeness, does his best to remain composed, and fares much better at this than Ms. Stahlbaum.

A screeching beast in profile with long spindly claws and a rotted, bloody mouth. Six bone spires protrude from his head like a crown, and his huge black bulbous eyes betray a pinprick of black like those of a preying mantis. His tattered cloak betrays mouse skulls that seem merged into the flesh and fur of his back and shoulders.

A young woman in conspicuous white medical attire with a large red cross on her chest beholds an open pocket watch with playful curiosity. She hefts along a large black leather surgeon's bag.

1st Lieutenant Hans Christoph Drosselmeyer cursed with a body of wood and lack of the free will which makes a soldier truly formidable. He readies his sabre and casts around a sharp gaze. His tall Hussar's cover prominent on his head, along with the signature fur-lined and gold-embroidered jacket which hangs off one shoulder.

"Well if it isn't Drosselmeyer's prized mantlepiece..."

"What nonsense you spout!"

"Poor little soldier!"

"Your painted eyes have witnessed a lifetime. And yet, you've seen nothing!"

"Do they hurt?"
"Well...they did at first..."

"At first?...Have...have you always been like this?"

"Have I-!! I'll have you know, Madam, I am under the affliction of a terrible curse!"
"It's "Doctor" and this is a standard practice line of questioning."