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

[hasit]

Pixie dust.

[Leia blinks a couple times.]

Go on, go on. I'm interested.

[lostbutnotaboy]

Well, I know it sounds a little silly...

[But if she insists.]

All it takes is a little sprinkle of it, and if you really believe in it then you can fly! Of course, I thought it was silly too at first.

[A little snort. Suddenly she's... happy. At least thinking about her adventure earlier has lightened the mood.]

[hasit]

[It sounds ludicrous, but then again, Leia has seen her brother Luke, hell, Rey, use the Force in such miraculous ways that it really doesn't sound silly at all upon second examination. She shakes her head.]

I don't think that's silly. It sounds wonderful.

[lostbutnotaboy]

I think so too. [Well, she does now.]

It can make anything fly I guess. Giant sea monsters, pirate ships, it's amazing stuff that I really--

[And then she blinks, and remembers.] Oh, I have to tell my family all about it when I get back to them.

[hasit]

Flying without engines or lifters...you know, if you hadn't told me there was some sort of dust involved, I'd think it was the Force making those things fly.

[The corner of Leia's mouth lifts into a smile.]

You must miss your family. I know I do.

[What's left of it. Her surrogate family.]

[lostbutnotaboy]

The "Force"? [That raises a brow. Hmm.] Well, I'm glad you think it's amazing.

[she does too.]

I do. I'm worried about them. The war isn't getting better, and if mother really wants to ship Danny away to the country... he can't be all on his own.

[She's got to be there for him.]

[hasit]

Mmm. An invisible force that fills the spaces between all living things. If harnessed, it can be channeled and used...almost like magic.

[And what's worrisome is that Leia hasn't felt at all attuned to the Force since her arrival here. She's completely cut off from it.]

Your mother wants to send your brother away to a safer place?

[lostbutnotaboy]

Almost... but not.

[Squints... There's a lot about this that she's not understanding. Maybe she really was going through another dream.]

Yes... I'm not sure if you know, but there's a war, a Great War. It's been going on for some time, and now there's bombs being dropped on London town. So, everyone thinks it might be best to ship all the kids to the countryside, where they'll be safer.

[Judging by her tone, it doesn't seem like something she's absolutely in favor of.]

[hasit]

But not. That's right.

[Leia frowns, listening to Jane's explanation. It's all too familiar a story, even if the names and places are different.]

I'm very sorry to hear that. It's not an easy thing, to be away from your parents during times of trouble.

[lostbutnotaboy]

Oh, it's hard enough trying to stay with my family, but my father went off to the war too.

[She frowns, brow knitted together.]

I thought... I was about to see them again.

[hasit]

I've been around war almost my whole life...It's not something a child should ever go through.

[Oh no this poor girl—]

That's not very fair, I'm sorry.

[lostbutnotaboy]

[Oh. For a moment, it's hard for Jane to imagine Leia spending most of her life with a war going on. Then again, that's Jane's life right there.]

It's alright... I-I just miss them right now, is all. I just want to go back and see them again.

[hasit]

[Leia's mouth presses into a thin line, as if she's schooling her expression to be less of a sappy mess, and reaches out to pat Jane's shoulder.]

With any luck, we'll all be back with our families soon.

[lostbutnotaboy]

[Pat pat. It's a small gesture, but not unappreciated. Heck, her smile comes back.]

I hope so.