(Untitled)

[skeletoncity]

[someone stumbles up onto the castle grounds, into the garden, covered with dirt and looking a bit worse for wear. not that she's ever... not... looking worse for wear, but hey.

she's really tired, but when she notices that there's a giant castle in front of her, she straightens right up in surprise and confusion.]

Oh, I'm... back here again? How

Comments

[adstringis]

No idea. Then again, I did just show up a few weeks ago.

[skeletoncity]

Oh. [there's an awkward pause, and then cheerfully:] Well, um, welcome to Paradisa, I think!

[adstringis]

Thanks. I'm Nishi, and you are?

[skeletoncity]

I'm... Saline. It's nice to meet you.

Even if it's, um, over a book...?

[adstringis]

Likewise. What did you mean by how long you've been away?

[skeletoncity]

Oh, well... I only meant to go into the forest for about a week or so, but at some point, I think I... got pretty turned around. I wasn't able to keep track of the days, so I'm not completely sure how long I've been... away for.

[adstringis]

Interesting. Why did you go into the forest initially, if you do not mind my asking?

[skeletoncity]

... I wanted to see if there was anything else besides the city and the castle. Maybe another town, or a landmark, or... something.

[a-an awkward laugh.] But I guess I've got pretty bad luck with forests, so, um... maybe I should have gone in another direction.

[adstringis]

Well, it sounds like a good idea to me. Maybe the castle made you go in a circle and come back?

[skeletoncity]

Like it... d-didn't want me leaving?

[adstringis]

Exactly.

[skeletoncity]

... I hope not. But I guess it would... make sense.

[adstringis]

Whoever - or whatever - runs this place may have a sick sense of humor.

[skeletoncity]

That's not good. I hope if they do, it's just a weird misunderstanding.

[adstringis]

I'm not sure if we should put some hope into it being a misunderstanding or not.