Out of the deep, misty woods, a figure staggers out and into the
clearing.  Every now and again, she stops suddenly then jolts forward.
It is the Oracle dressed up in her best robes.  Like a colony of ants
dashing out of their hole in a mad frenzy, little pretty ferrets follow
her and amass around her.  More and more appear in a massive wave.  The
Oracle has seen, uh ... better days?
 
A taupe colored Dippy is behind her and every time The Oracle stops and
staggers, she gives a mighty push ... as mighty as a teeny ferret can
give that is.  It becomes clear that the Oracle is, well, hung over.
 
"It's-a-no-bad-Oracle-no," chastises, Dippy.  "How could you forget?  How
could you forget the Ferret Charmers Birthday?  All because you wanted to
party with the rednecks last night.  Have you no shame?  I hope they beat
the robes off you at cards." Hundreds of beady, black eyes narrow in her
direction.
 
Her arm raises and the Oracle wipes her itchy, hung over nose, then
glances over the faces that were shooting her looks that could kill
a cat.  "Guys ... It's the Charmer for gosh sakes..."  Silent stares
burn through her.
 
"It's just the Charmer.  What am I saying, It's just ROBIN.  Sheesh."
 
Each ferret raises a tiny, fuzzy lip, on one side to bear a single
gleaming fang..  "Oh bloody hell!  Happy Birthday Robin ...sigh, er
Ferret Charmer."  With that, The Oracle raises a hand with a beer in it
to toast the celebration.  Before she takes a swig, you can barely hear
her mumble, "here's to ya having one foot in the grave, half way over the
hill and half way dead, by God."
 
A white blaze careens out of the sky and with lightening fast speed
snatches the bottle before it hits The Oracles lips.  In mid air, a
little white ferret floats with legs slightly spread apart and paws on
his hips.  Red eyes blaze.  With huge eyes, The Oracle holds up her hands
in submission.  "Kidding, I was just kidding!  A little birthday joke,
hehe ..."
 
With a roll of the eyes, the Oracle turns around, bends over, lifts her
robe and emits a mighty poof in Robins honor.  The smoke spells, Happy
Birthday Robin Jones.
[Posted in FML issue 5327]