It's been a quiet Autumn at Squirrely's, warm, simple, and full of beauties of harvest season. In Nutsy's office out back, Francine has decorated for Fireside and is now making notes for Luminaire, assisted by her close friend, Geranium. Both are taking time to attend to the newest arrival at Squirrely's, Geranium and Branch's daughter, Willow.

"She's too perfect!" exclaims Francine, cooing to Willow one more time. "She's pretty, too!" Chester puts in, shaking a duck rattle, "She likes me!" "Of course she does," Geranium smiles. "You're the best big brother!"

Just the, there is a rap on the door, and Francine opens it to find a confused looking marmot dressed in rather mussed green and gold livery.

"Good heavens," murmurs Geranium. "Did the messenger shuttle hit a meteor fragment?"

The marmot drops a quick bow. "Is this the Nutsy Detective Agency?"

"Yes." Francine answers.

"Good then."

He hands her a rolled letter and a stiff card envelope, and then streaks off before she can ask any questions.

"What's the ruckus about?" Nutsy asks, emerging from working/napping/watching current pictures of Imelda.

"I'm not sure, but these came for you."

Francine hands him the card and the letter, and they all crowd around while he opens them.

The card is evidently an invitation:

Geranium gasps. "I'm not sure I like this at all!"

Nutsy turns to Francine. "This letter says were supposed to dress for 'wonderland' and be ready to assemble at the shuttle on the 27th of November. A deposit fee for my services is enclosed."

He looks at the bank draft. "A very large deposit,"

"This is definitely suspicious!" Francine says firmly. "I suggest we call the Protectors and see how many want to join us!"

(This is a story thread. You may react in character here, but please sign up into teams/partnerships on the team thread.)

(OOC Please pretend this was posted before midnight lol it WAS 12-17 so this dorky situation made sense, but then I ran away to buy my kid a bike. XD)

"Oops..." Juana cringed as she waited for the disappointed sigh and fuming silence to follow.

Mia merely hung her head and rubbed her temples. How could this warrior be so much her elder, have such vast experience, and yet make her - at just 17 mind you - feel like the only adult in the friendship? But then, having grown up the way she had, Mia was stoic beyond her years. And besides, the bumbling and innocence were part of Juana's charm. She'd probably be down right intimidating if it weren't for her flaws. "11-27 not 12-17" Mia spelled out the dates, "Are you dyslexic now?" she teased. "Ah well, better late than never. I'm sure there have been so many developments in our absence that solving the case will be a breeze. Shall we?"

Juana looked up, reassured, and they both glanced at their sprite companions with a mischievous determination. "Let's." Between the four of them they were confident they possessed enough magical skills to figure out how the others had traveled to the scene and either portal there themselves or call up whatever necessary transportation there was to be had. They closed their eyes, joined their forces and minds and....