FINAL TRIAL

[strangerpeople]

FINAL TRIAL

[The Strangers manage to escape. By the time anyone has realized they have left, the Analemma is already on a course to a new destination, one not intended by their Conductor-who was certainly surprised to find their ride gone, hours later.

Cardia has turned off radar and other equipment that would allow anyone to find the train easily. There is no barrier around this train, so everyone can see the Clockwork Sun as it gets closer and closer.

They aren't going to London, obviously. Cardia manages to explain that, originally, the Throne of Hours was located there, but after Victoria became Twice-Renewed, the Throne was ordered moved closer to the Sun. Now, it is connected to the station called Sunspur-a desolate place, formerly an exhibition hall, where only the Sun's engineers and wayward captains now go. No one dares to cross the bridge that connects the Throne to it, when they are there.

That will change, but not immediately. Even at top speed, it will take several hours for the train to reach its destination. Cardia suggests everyone relax in the Lounge of this new train. Apparently, this one was going to pick up its newest passengers very shortly, and so the bar and kitchens are stocked with food and drink, at least.

There is much to talk about. Much to look through, and much to consider. The past four weeks have been difficult to process, but the evidence from Perdurance has been especially daunting. It only shows just how stark the situation is-and it's up to the Strangers to figure out just what they will do when they do, at last, confront Her Enduring Majesty.
After all.

Whatever happens, a reckoning cannot be postponed. Not indefinitely. And the bill is almost due...]





[It's time! The objectives are simple in this trial: untangle the story of this place and decide what to ultimately do when they finally confront Victoria, the Mastermind of the Little Courtesy! It will not be easy and the truth, as ever, will not be a light one.

Will they triumph? Will they go home? What else might happen? What else could be in store? There's only way to find out!

Have fun, and good luck! And remember-

All shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.]

Comments

[katzenpfote]

I admit I have... sticky fingers when it comes to magical items.

[Go go perception! What is it?]

[thricerenewed]

[It's covered in goop. It's a bit ragged and some of the hair is gone.

But Charlotte would recognize-and Caleb can see-the doll in that tentacle, wrapped tightly and securely within it.]

[katzenpfote]

... A friend of yours?

[thricerenewed]

{ !

. . . he is...someone dear to me. Even though he is human. }

[katzenpfote]

... There's nothing wrong with caring for people... though it is easier said than done.

[thricerenewed]

{ . . .I could not run away. This is not the universe I was born in...but it is the universe where my humans are.

I know I have failed.

I know I can only delay the inevitable. I would be foolish to not think at this moment, that that is not all I am doing. }

[katzenpfote]

It is another moment to breathe free. To think. To plan.

[He takes another step forward, and reaches out to put a hand on her shoulder.]

[thricerenewed]

[The golem's head goes down at this, hands clasped.

Above them, the eye quietly closes.]

[katzenpfote]

... It's all right. You are not alone.

[Slowly, quietly, he wraps his arms around her and pulls her close.]

[thricerenewed]

{. . . I am sorry. For all of this. For what it is worth.

But you and I know, a reckoning cannot be postponed. Not indefinitely.

. . .

But . . . I think you have helped me realize what I must do.

But there is one last thing I must ask. }