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]

[Oh no. He seems sad too. Ariel reaches over and gently pats his hand. She wants him to know he's not alone at least.]

[madeofpine]

[It's fine, he never dwells on the details of his existence or anything long enough to really get upset about it.]

But if I do become human here, you could help me figure out how to walk again, I guess. You seemed to learn pretty fast, and I think wooden legs are pretty different than normal legs.

[notasingleword]

[She lets out a silent laugh at that and then nods. Her walking is far from perfect, but at least she's getting there. Ariel thinks it would be nice if he could. Or if she could get her voice back too. It's hard not being able to express her feelings...

The girl gets an idea and starts to draw again. It's another crude drawing, but it's sweet one. It's one of her and him walking together on the beach. She hands it to him to keep.]

[madeofpine]

[Crude or not, Pinocchio seems pretty impressed by it, if the way his face lights up is any indication.]

Gee... thanks!

[And he just sort of pats her hand in return, as she did earlier.]

Don't worry! I bet we'll figure out something once we find out what's going on.

[notasingleword]

[Aw that makes her happy! Ariel nods in agreement and then eases herself to her feet. The only way to figure out what's happening is to look for it right? She gestures to the door to encourage him to go with her.]

[madeofpine]

[Honestly making sure she doesn't fall is a solid 50% of why he follows after her. That and he's tired of looking through rooms by himself.]

Where're you going?

[notasingleword]

[All she can really do is shrug. Who knows? She doesn't know anything going on here so the best thing to do was look for answer.]