trustfell | Welcome.

It doesn't matter where you last were or what you were doing. What matters is that you're waking up in a decently comfortable bed in a room that's completely unfamiliar. You may feel a bit groggy, like you've slept for too long, but that will fade in time.

Welcome to Graceside Preparatory Academy.

You may want to pick up the key to your room before you leave, though don't worry. Your door won't lock automatically so you won't be locked out if you've forgotten to pick it up. The hallway outside your room is most likely full of other confused students by now and should you turn around to look at the door of the room you just left, you'll find a nameplate with your name printed on it. There's a single word underneath it with no explanation. This is your title, but don't worry about that right now.

Depending on when you left your room there may be a clock chiming in the foyer up ahead. It seems like it's seven, though it's difficult to tell if it's seven in the morning or seven at night. There aren't any windows, after all. Should you venture into the room with the clock, you'll find that the only exit is closed - there's absolutely no way to break down that steel bulkhead. It looks like you're stuck in here for the time being.

The foyer also holds some very interesting information. There's a bulletin board with twenty-nine pictures on it. Beside each picture is some very specific and very familiar information. Feel free to examine it. The bulletin board is large enough for plenty of you to gather around and gawk. Don't try to get at it though, that glass in front of it is very thick. If you try to break it, you'll find out the hard way that it's shatterproof. Sorry about that.

Perhaps even more of a concern than the glass is the list beside the profiles. It looks like a set of rules. You might want to examine those, though they're not providing much of an explanation for why you're here or how you got here.

So relax and get to know your fellow students. You might be stuck here for awhile.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[She should calm down, stand up straight, greet him in a polite fashion. Mordecai holds out a hand in attempt for her to do so.]

Pleasure to meet with you, Ashley. Saw that you're a student of sorts. What're you studyin'?

[You're asking the impossible, Mordecai. Telling a nervous Ashley to calm down is like asking for the sun to rise in the west. She does shake his hand, though.]

Um, writing. All kinds of it, but mostly creative.

[His eyes light up.]

Well, what a coincidence! I'm a writer, myself, though more of the hobbyist kind. Always wondered what it'd be like, bein' a famous novelist like Rebecca Rose Rushmore, but my chance to really shine has passed. Mostly it's some sort things for my own enjoyment, you know, nothin' too good, but it's fun.

[Oh. Oh, that does help her a little, like a turtle poking its head out of its shell.]

Oh! It...really is, isn't it? I mean, besides the writer's block and late nights and...all of that. But I really like it, especially writing like, fantasy or romance or mystery.

Well, writer's block is one of the worst an' stubborn of our enemies, but that's why we gotta find inspiration in the world around us. Heck, all this might make for a good story if we get a way out. [And with twenty-eight people to draw character inspiration from? Perfect!]

Never was one for writin' mysteries, I'm more of a romance or short everyday stories about regular folks. You know, spendin' time together, enjoyin' life.

[A frown crosses Ashley's face.] It's not really the kind of story I'd like to be a part of...or read.

I like slice-of-life too, but...there's something about a good mystery. Nothing too scary, but...thoughtful.

Well, my life's already got enough trouble as it is, wouldn't have to add any more, fiction or otherwise. You're right that thoughtful mysteries are good, but it's hard comin' up with one worth readin' about, even if they don't include murder.

Oh, I don't know about that. [With a shaky not-quite-smile, Ashley offers:] How about we talk about the finer ways to make a good mystery? After- some time to uh...take this place in?

[And...for her to calm the heck down.]

Well...might as well take you up on that offer, iffen we don't find a way out right away.

[But they will, won't they??]

[Sure, Mordecai. You just...keep believing that. Sure.]

Welcome.

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