Case 1

[lawfulmanicure]

[The rustling was quiet and brief, followed by the softer sound of a pair of glasses being unfolded and set in place. There’s other assorted noises that suggest a daily routine, but barely five minutes pass before they’re cut off entirely.]

...Is this some form of trick? There’s no possible way that this could happen.

[ As calm as Kristoph sounds, there was an overtone of disapproval in his voice, brought on by realizing that no, the room’s not all black and white, he just can’t see colors anymore. After a harsh sigh, the quieter noises of routine die off, and are then replaced by footsteps.]

Comments

dictated forever

[both_neither]

You'll have to be more specific with a question like that.

Re: dictated forever

[lawfulmanicure]

The question was not directed at anyone in particular, so I wasn't expecting an answer at that time.

...But since you've made yourself known, I would like to know how I came to be here, to start with.

[both_neither]

There's not really a good answer to that question. The one we have is, it's the castle. Most people say it's magic, though maybe you're just as good guessing ultra-science or something divine even. I'm not an expert in any of those things. Depends on what you feel like believing.

[lawfulmanicure]

I am not particularly fond of the "magic" explanation, and even less so of the divine being in the same realm as one. At the very least, I can consider the existence of high science or technology as credible reasoning for my presence here, so that is what I'll go with for the moment.

[both_neither]

Sure. Either way, it's called Cair Paradisa, or just Paradisa for short. It brings people from all over - different worlds, different versions of the same world, and different times - so whatever powers it is beyond anything you can probably imagine. The basic idea is that you're stuck here for awhile, and at some point the castle will decide it's done and send you back. Or put you in storage, so to speak.

[lawfulmanicure]

Ah, so it has a name...and an interesting one at that.

[There's a long pause as he lets the information process, then there seems to be more of a smile in his voice than before]

...Actually, it's all very interesting. Perhaps I will find some enjoyment in this place after all.

[both_neither]

[Well that was an interesting shift in mood]

It has it's upsides sometimes. It can be a vacation. Heck, it's even sent us on vacation a few times. Though how fun that is depends on how much you want monsters trying to kill you or thinking you're somebody different.

[lawfulmanicure]

[With the "magic" nonsense out of the way, Kristoph sounds a bit more accepting of his fate]

It does feel like a vacation as of now, albeit a rather unorthodox one. I can't recall my previous environment being this pleasant, to be honest. As for entertainment...

[His thoughts and speech are cut off by the mention of monsters] ...Ah, is that common here? The only beasts I have ever encountered were in the forms of human beings, which can be quite frightening in and of themselves...

[both_neither]

[Gren chuckles softly] I wouldn't argue with you there.

To answer the question though, it hasn't happened too many times since I've been here, no. I hear it used to be more common, though, so I wouldn't count it out.

It seems to prefer messing with our heads more lately.

[lawfulmanicure]

[Kristoph sounds quieter, and more neutral than earlier.]

So the presence of actual monsters is merely a factor to consider, instead of one that truly merits concern…Very well.

[A moment of silence is then interrupted by shifting and the sounds of a small bottle opening]

...Mind games? Now that I can certainly handle better than things with claws an teeth.

[both_neither]

The mind can be a scary place.

[lawfulmanicure]

I should think that depends on the mind in question...If you're referring to the minds of other people, then I am inclined to agree with you on that point.

But to be afraid of one's own mind is foolishness. Such a thing should be familiar enough to warrant complete confidence in whatever lurks in its depths…Unless of course, there's certain things that the owner wishes to remain buried...

[both_neither]

I think everyone has at least a little something in themselves they keep locked away, sure.

dictated;

[wilder]

No way what could happen?

[lawfulmanicure]

[There's a brief pause, then a much more cheerful tone than what originally came through. It was as though the initial shock never happened]

...The act falling asleep in one bed and waking up in another, without the assistance of drug-induced inebriation, of course.

dictated

[wilder]

Oh, that.

Yeah...that can happen here.

Re: dictated

[lawfulmanicure]

[...A much longer pause this time, as that sort of information definitely needs it to sink in fully. He doesn't sound any different when his voice is heard again]

Well, that's informative. However, I'm afraid it tells me little about how I came to be here. If I were drugged, there would be a lingering sense of disorientation or sickness. I feel neither of that, so there has to be another reason why I was transported here, and how.

dictated

[wilder]

Well...Do you believe in magic?

Re: dictated

[lawfulmanicure]

[There is no wait for an answer this time, though he doesn't sound as bright as before...]

No, I never had any inkling of reason to do so.

dictated

[wilder]

Oh that's too bad.

Because that always makes the explanation so much harder.

Re: dictated

[lawfulmanicure]

You have my sincerest apologies for making things difficult for you. [Pause] But perhaps with adequate proof, I can find the ability to suspend my disbelief, if only momentarily.

dictated

[wilder]

Hmm...oh I know! Wish for a sandwich!

Re: dictated

[lawfulmanicure]

[There's an everso slight twinge of impatience in his voice now]

Tempting, but I would prefer to have a bottle of nail polish at the...

[pause, a short tap]

...moment.

dictated

[wilder]

Did one show up?

Re: dictated

[lawfulmanicure]

Yes, and thank you for the information. I suppose I can consider my disbelief in all of this pacified for now...

dictated

[wilder]

Haha, nothing works like the wishes...

Anyway! You were brought here by some magical means by a sentient castle that seems to take pleasure in making our lives difficult. There's currently no way out unless you get sent home by the castle, so don't be holding your breath about getting out by tomorrow or whatever.

[lawfulmanicure]

...While the idea of being tormented by such a thing sounds like less than a pleasant experience, it is considerably better than my previous living arrangements so far.

[his voice practically drips with essence of sugar and rainbows]

So I don't think I'll concern myself with leaving anytime soon.

[wilder]

Really? Where were you before?

[lawfulmanicure]

[There's a long period of silence from his end]

How strange...I can't seem to recall the details. I only remember that it was neither entirely comfortable, nor mentally simulating.

[wilder]

...Uh huh. Okay.

Well then kitchen's on the first floor and the room you woke up in should be yours to keep.

[lawfulmanicure]

[Now there's a sound of further rustling, and his voice becomes more distant and quiet]

Thank you again. I am of a mind to tend to this room first...then perhaps I'll have a look around.

[wilder]

No problem! Have fun settling in!

( dictated forever )

[savors]

It isn't a trick.

[lawfulmanicure]

[The tone of his voice is quiet, and contentedly saccharine]

That's certainly a relief. What's the reason for this relocation then...if not for trickery? The entire event was awfully sudden and I'm ashamed to say it left me at a loss for better words.

[savors]

It happens to everyone, they're always at a loss.

[ Was that reassuring? She's still learning to be a social butterfly -- baby steps. ] You were brought here by the castle. We all were.

[lawfulmanicure]

[Every little bit of information has some use to him, especially now]

I see, so this is a common occurrence. Does this happen often, and with some semblance of reason? Or is this castle a more capricious sort of entity?

[As bizarre as he considers the fact that a building has a will, he's going to set that little tidbit aside for now and stay patient and amiable.]

[eat_me_beat_me]

[She makes a buzzer noise]

Wrong answer, but thanks for playing.

Lemme guess - you woke up and you have no idea where you are or how you got here?

[lawfulmanicure]

[He isn't entirely sure if he wants to respond at first. But he takes it in stride, adjusts his glasses and remains polite.]

Yes…I did. And unless I'm assuming incorrectly, you seem to know why this happened, or have some idea. Would you mind sharing?

[eat_me_beat_me]

Welcome to Paradisa AKA Castle Wonderfuck. We've all been transported here by some magical fucking castle and we're stuck here until it decides it's done with us.

[lawfulmanicure]

[As much as...just about everything about her could lead to grated nerves, he's not showing a single sign of it. Smiles all the way.]

I see. Thank you for the information. I appreciate how ah, direct you were. Although I hardly can believe in such things as "magic" so I will remain a skeptic on that front.

[Though the mention of magic makes him tense just a tiny bit.]

[eat_me_beat_me]

Hey I'm not going to sugar coat it. It is what it is here.

You don't believe me? Wish for something.

[lawfulmanicure]

A wish? [He looks skeptical for a moment] …Very well.

[A pause for thinking, then a sigh] I would like the violin I had in my last room.

[Lo and behold, one appears. He still seems skeptical, however, and calmly inspects it. The instrument is decrepit and in dire need of new strings, as quite a few have snapped. The only sign of annoyance in this result that he shows is a very mild twitch of his mouth he hides behind his hand.]

…So you can't be specific about these wishes. [He turns the violin over a couple of times, then begins to pick idly at a loose string] Ah, well…I suppose I should be grateful it worked at all. Thank you for the assistance.

[eat_me_beat_me]

[She shrugs, smirking]

You can be pretty specific but there are some limitations. Like... you can't wish for weapons or things that can hurt people. You can't wish for people. You can't wish for anything too big, like a car or something... aaaaaaaaaand you can't usually wish for things from home.

[lawfulmanicure]

[Kristoph only offers a slight frown as he toys with the violin strings]

...That last piece of information would have been greatly appreciated if given during the initial explanation of these wishes. Why, it's almost as if you wanted me to fail.

[Careful, he's getting a little snippy now that things haven't gone the way he wanted~]

[eat_me_beat_me]

[She rolls her eyes]

Dude how was I supposed to know you'd wish for something from home for your first time? Most people don't try to wish for something that specific. [She shrugs] Besides, I'm not the welcoming committee. I don't usually explain things to newbies so sue me.

[Besides, watching newbies fail is just comic relief for those who've been there long enough]