Forget all your troubles

[grimgrinningghosts]

[You wake up and instantly realize something is wrong.

There is a vague feeling of dread hanging in the air and, as comfortable as this bed is, there’s just something off about everything, even before you open your eyes. The dread only grows when you open your eyes and realize that you are in a completely unfamiliar room. One that has clearly seen better days at that.

As you explore your room, you will soon find a bedroom key resting on the dresser along with a note]

Welcome, esteemed guest, to our humble abode. We hope that you enjoy your stay in this Phantom Manor, as we expect you to stay with us for a very long time.

Feel free to make yourself at home as you enjoy what this manor has to offer, whether it’s the library, our projection room, or our famous wax museum. We’re sure you will find great joy

However, before you can get too comfortable, we ask you to please come to the portrait gallery at noon so we can discuss your stay here.

We eagerly await to meet you.

-Your Host

[The uncomfortable feeling doesn’t let up as you leave the safety of your bedroom. The manor seems old and decrepit, almost like it would fall over at the slightest breeze. Despite that, anyone who tries to escape will soon realize that the walls are unusually sturdy, and there are no doors that would seemingly lead to the outside world.

Still, at least you’re not alone in this scenario, if the other bedroom doors are any indications. Maybe there are a few more people coming out of their bedrooms too, so you have someone to talk toif you want to try to figure out what's going on. But if the 30 bios in the foyer hall are any indication, whoever has you here did not do this on accident. Whatever you’re here for, it seems like you’re here for a reason.

But hey, what’s the use of being pessimistic about this? Maybe it’s all an innocent situation… right?]

Comments

[notasingleword]

[When she doesn't notice her, Ariel tries to call out to Kim... but nothing comes out. Oh... it's going to take a lot of adjusting isn't it. She shakes it off and walks over to her more directly. The girl gingerly pokes her shoulder with a smile.]

[pinkflip]

[ Not quite facing her, Kim notices Ariel right before contact is made, which is probably for the best. No startling, that'd be lovely. ]

Oh! Sorry, I didn't hear you, um...are you from here?

[notasingleword]

[Ariel is smiling, trying to hide her excitement. She's so close to a human! The other girl's question brings her back to reality, and she shakes her head with a shrug. Nope, definitely not from here.]

[pinkflip]

[ Dang, another swing and a miss. She'll find someone from this place eventually...she just hopes it's no one threatening. ]

Okay, me neither. I just woke up, did you?

[notasingleword]

[Ariel nods to respond, looking around a little. The fact that the other girl doesn't know where they are worries her, and it's clear on her face. What was this place? Certainly she didn't give everything up to end up here...]

[pinkflip]

[ Kim puts a hand on her shoulder. ]

I'm sure we're going to figure out what's going on here. How about... My name's Kimberly. Who are you?

[notasingleword]

[Ariel goes to say her name and...can't. Her mouth is moving but there's no noise. Right... the voice thing. She gives her a sad smile and shakes her head.]

[pinkflip]

[ Oh no... ]

You can't speak? Oh no... Do you know sign language?

[notasingleword]

[She has to shake her head again. The no speaking thing is brand new.]

[pinkflip]

[ Even more troubling. Kim decides to focus on keeping this girl calm, or at least...trying her best. ]

Well... That's no problem, we'll find a notebook and you can write out what you need to say. How's that sound?