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

[lostbutnotaboy]

Well it's... it's just strange, isn't it?

[To you, Jane. Yes.

Speaking of, she kind of glances at him.]

And... you're, er...

[madeofpine]

Not really. Lots of animals talk.

[But his world isn't exactly known for its logic.

In response, he just sort of leans around her and points to his bio. He's figured out by now, at least, that it's got everybody's names on there, though he's not entirely sure if she's figured that out given that she seems a bit confused.]

Pinocchio.

[lostbutnotaboy]

Not many that I've met. If Nana two could talk, I'm sure I would never hear the end of things.

[Sighs. She misses that lovely dog.]

"Pinnocchio"... Right. And I'm Jane. [Squints] Are you really a puppet?

[madeofpine]

My pets don't talk, either, so I guess I don't really know how it works.

[He's sure Figaro would be a chatterbox, too, if he were one of the talkative types.]

I think so? I mean, I was in a marionette show this one time, and I don't think they would've hired me if I wasn't a real puppet.

[lostbutnotaboy]

[Puppets have pets. What a strange new world she's been discovering.]

...No, I guess not. [He's got a point and she can't argue it.]

I've never met a talking puppet before. You don't seem that bad.

[madeofpine]

There's another talking puppet here, but he doesn't really think he's a puppet so you probably shouldn't bring it up with him.

[Not that Pinocchio's going to stop trying it but at least he's somewhat considerate of Arrow's dislike of the subject.]

I've never met any real kids before today. You don't seem that bad, either.

[lostbutnotaboy]

...Right, I'll keep that in mind. Thank you. [Just what she needs, more strangeness. She thought she was going home...!]

Oh, I'm real. I wish everything else felt like that. [Hmm.] Magic is just so confusing sometimes.

[madeofpine]

Is it? The magic I've seen always has lots of rules, but they're pretty easy to remember. But I guess fairy magic is just different like that.

[According to Freddie, anyways, so maybe she was onto something.]

[lostbutnotaboy]

...I guess it is. [She honestly has no clue. She's so new to this whole part of life.]

Mostly the rules are just you have to believe in it. And maybe clap your hands.

[madeofpine]

I've never heard of having to clap your hands before. But believing in it is probably true.