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(align:"=><=")[(text-style:"blink")+(text-style:"bold")+(css: "font-size: 70")[ Elenor Of Illuo]]
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Chapter 1
[[Part 1]]
[[Part 2]]
[[Part 3]]
[[Part 4]]
[[Part 5]]
[[Part 6]]
Chapter 2
(if: $Final is "available") [
[[Day 1|Day 1: Morning]]
[[Day 2|Day 2: Morning]]
[[Day 3|Day 3: Morning]]]
(else-if: $Final is 0)[Currently Locked]
]
(if:(history: where its name contains "THE FINALE")'s length >= 1)[
Revisit the finale?
[[THE FINALE]]
]]
The mansion of Belle Florence was 20% decor, 20% functionality and 60% eccentric design. Tolling the numbers you could see why the place would be an easy target for someone such as Naomi “Buttercup” Salaiya. Buttercup had become a name whispered in the halls of the wealthy. Whenever something goes awry, whispers of Buttercup are quick to reverberate throughout the halls. Among the walls of Belle Florence was much the same, along with gilded outfits and bedazzled headpieces. All the most popular decor of the past, present, and future could be found within those walls. And now it was all on the line.
Detective Elenor stepped out of the car a moment after the butler let Belle out. She found herself enamoured by the mansion, the spiral staircase leading up to the towers holding the rooms tipped off with fans that cut through the ambiance. If she squinted she could even see the attic from one of the many spires, a mannequin head peeking out from behind the curtains.
She was so enamoured by it she didn’t think to look where she was going, causing her to collide with an obviously distressed lady. She quickly halted in a panic, gripping tightly onto her clipboard as papers spun awry. Her outfit was plain, just a quaint yellow dress with long and poofy sleeves. What really caught Elenor’s attention was her eye refracting dozens of colors in the light of the Sun. It vaguely reminded her of a conversation she had a long time ago. Proper eye replacements and all, the really good ones were expensive. Almost foolproof as they moved within the socket as a mockery of actually seeing.
The lady in yellow began first, speaking in a large jumble of words, “Oh I’m so sorry—I must’ve not been looking where I’m going. Why I hardly know where I’m going most of the time these days. Not that I don’t know what I’m doing because I definitely do—.”
“No need to worry.” Elenor said, picking up the papers that flew her way. “It’s okay, I’m not your boss or anything.”
“And you aren’t one of her friends?” the lady asked, tentatively taking her papers back.
To that Elenor laughed, “Oh definitely not. I’m just here to do a bit of an investigation and then I’ll be out of your hair.”
“Well,”she said with a smile, brushing a strand of jet black hair out of her face. “That's quite a relief. I don’t think I could’ve handled another one of Miss Florence’s lectures.”
“The name’s Elenor. And yours?”
She paused for a moment, her eyes flicking to Belle who was still talking to the butler waving her hands around as if her words were itself the performance and her hands the stage. “I’m Anna, pleased to meet you Elenor. I must say you're a breath of fresh air.”
Elenor smiled, finding herself quite nervous all of a sudden. “I could say much the same. You’re much better company than that boss of yours. I’m sorry to say that the glaring has not made her my favorite client.”
“Poor Quincy,” she frowned. “Miss Florence has really been in a bit of a tiff all week.”
“Has she now?” Elenor asked. She was pulled out of her trance by a hand brushing on her shoulder. She flinched and then realized it was only Miss Belle.
“Inside now,” she ushered. “I’m not paying you to dally.”
“Work calls,” said Anna with a reserved look. Eyes filled with pity hidden under that glittery trick of the light.
“See you around?” Elenor asked, and with a nod she began to tail Florence yet again.
The inside was decorated like a cake, with frills and fabric flowers all on display. It was like walking into The Museum of Extravagant Outfits, which she’d only been to like twice. Still the designs all around put all of the visits she had to the museum to shame. Elenor had to shake off the shock of actually being there so she could gather clues.
“So Miss Florence, where do you generally keep your designs?”
“Well most of them are out and about.” she said waving a hand at the statues of designs hidden behind glass, all donned with their respective awards. “But….” she started. “My more ... incomplete works are in the attic.”
“Mind showing me there first? I’d like to scope the place out.”
“Of course. Quincy!” she called out snapping to summon him to her side. Almost like clockwork he was there, with a key.
They made their way up, and she took in the layout. The halls were large, the floors shined but were very creaky. A disruption could be easily noticed.
“So, Quincy has the key to the attic huh?”
“Yes, he's the only one who does. I take my designs very seriously, you know. Can’t have every old servant have their hands on my prized possessions.”
Elenor nodded, letting her steps fall in tandem with Belle’s until they reached the doors. She quickly unlocked the door, hardly looking as she twisted the key and opened the door with a click.
Stepping into that room was like walking into a whole other world. The designs were things that Elenor, and probably the world, had never seen before. There was a design with a technicolor splash on the gown that looked almost technical. A steady stream of steam huffed from the bow in the back, making a circular pool of smoke coalesce at the feet of the outfit. Then there was a blouse built like a terrarium, actual flowers sprouting out the bodice. And they looked rather healthy too. Elenor considered asking about it when her eyes were caught by the dress in the center of it all. It was a plain white dress, but then the light hit it just right, it looked as though it refracted. Colors quickly spilled into view and then disappeared. Speaking of the window, Elenor noticed it was cracked open a tad, a slight breeze wafted within the room.
“I see you’ve seen my prized possession.” Miss Belle said, walking up and lightly touching it. As she did colors splashed beneath her fingertips, running onto the dress like a splatter of paint.
“This is my masterpiece.” she said with a wide grin.
“It’s quite a simple formula really. A dress that can be anything you desire. Each design can be formulated by your mind. It is every style you want in a singular piece of fabric.”
“Wow, that really is something.” Elenor said, eyes widened.
“I know! A pity that my magnum opus of designs is being threatened. Terribly dreadful I tell you.” she said, placing a palm on her forehead and sighing.
“Well I promise not to let that happen Miss. Now tell me everything you can about the days before you found the note.”
“Well, I always wake up, go to the washroom, and then immediately after I have my morning tea.”
“What type?”
“Cinder. Why?”
“Just looking for recommendations. Anyways, what do you do next?”
“Then I spend most of my day in my attic. Just enjoy tea while I sketch up some designs and have my butler fetch some lunch when I’m hungry. The usual.”
“When do you lock up?”
“The evening. Around 8:00. By that time I’m quite tired so I hang out in the dining room until I’m served. Then I go back to bed to get my beauty sleep.”
“And you do that every day.”
“There’s never a change in my schedule if I can help it. I’ll make sure of it.”
“Well at least that lowers some variables. When do you usually open the window?”
“What—?” Belle’s eyes drifted to the window which was opened a sliver.
“I—I didn’t. Or at least I thought I didn’t. I thought it was locked…. I guess I must’ve forgotten.” she said with a frown.
Elenor walked over to it and shut the window, eyes lingering on the lock. “Well no need to fret now Miss Florence. Now tell me, do you have any suspects in mind?”
Belle’s face brightened up as she clapped her hands, “Yes suspects! As you know I’m quite the popular subject so there are many people I’ve grown to suspect. Luckily I have done you the favor of arranging a get together with all the suspects tomorrow afternoon.” she said with a brilliant smile.
“I’m sorry, you did what?!”
“Oh don’t be too shocked. It’s not a good look on you darling. Plus I made your job easier didn’t I?”
“But you didn’t even know if I’d accept your case. What do you mean you planned a get together?” she asked, eyes still wide with confusion.
Belle’s expression fell serious for a second. “Oh, I knew you would have accepted my case one way or another.” Tension hung in the room for a moment as the two locked eyes. It was the smallest Elenor had felt in a while. And then Belle smiled and the tension dissipated, for the most part. “Plus you hardly ever reject a case. I highly doubted that you’d reject mine.”
Elenor shifted uncomfortably but nodded, “Y-yeah. Okay.”
“Look alive Detective Rose! You’ll probably only get to go to a party like this one or twice a lifetime. The least you could do is pretend to enjoy it.”
Elenor let her shoulders fall and forced a small smile on her face. “Yeah, of course. See you tomorrow Miss Florence.”
[[Continue|Part 3]]Daylight streamed in through Elenor’s small office window but it didn’t phase her. She was already awake and pacing. She’d been doing so almost all night, energy circling her like an animal with its tail on fire, spinning around and around in distress and fear and never growing any less frantic. She hadn’t slept at all last night and she hoped it wouldn’t show on her face. She thought about going to the pharmacy and getting some DayBGones. She didn’t have the money though. Her fault for taking a few more unpaid cases than usual. She huffed out a breath and looked at her files for Florence’s case again.
“A party. Why a party??” she mumbled to herself.
After her and Florence’s talk had stopped the tension in the room was too thick for any more conversation. Elenor had said her goodbyes and took her leave. Quincy had dropped her off back at the office and told her to be ready to go this afternoon. She didn’t even fully know what “ready” meant. It was practically impossible to go to that party and not feel majorly overshadowed. Still she had made an attempt when the time came, putting on one of her favorite dresses and her least scuffed pair of boots. She had turned the idea in her head of just wearing nice pants and a dress shirt but she worried it wouldn’t be up to standard. She threw on a chain bracelet on both of her arms, real and prosthetic and put on her favorite necklace(the one with a rose, a bit on the nose but it was a gift and one she still treasured to this day). She paused a bit, looking in the mirror at herself. She tried her best attempt at a smile, cringed, and then headed to the door. She made sure it was definitely locked this time, she’d double and triple checked. And when she headed out the door where Quincy waited for her, fiddling with his small circular glasses that rested perfectly on his rounded nose.
“Ah I didn’t know you were already here! I hope you weren’t waiting too long.”
“Not at all Miss Rose, not at all.” he reassured. “I arrived mere moments ago. I'd rather say it’s very lucky you left when you did.”
Elenor bit back a hollow laugh that rumbled in the back of her throat. Lucky? She wouldn't call herself that. She’d known luck. She’d known that sparkle that followed certain people. That made their every step glow with a potential so bright it couldn’t be tampered. And that, it just wasn’t for her. It couldn’t be.
Quincy opened the door for her and as she hopped into the seat and Quincy entered, whirred the engine to life, and started the drive.
“So, how long have you worked for Florence?”
“Twenty years.” , he said, the first churns of a smile entering his lips. Then he backtracked and his face went serious yet again. “Quite a lot of work I’d say but it’s a family business of sorts. Serving the wealthy, keeping the family afloat, it’s a noble cause isn’t it?”
Elenor nodded, a pang of feeling strumming her heartstrings and then whispering out like it never occurred at all.
“Yeah I guess so.” Elenor responded. The rest of the ride was filled with the motions of the streets outside, each producing their own cacophony of noise. It was—familiar. And Elenor hoped it’d never change.
Belle Florence greeted Elenor as she stepped out of the car. She took a once over of Elenor and frowned. “Oh no no no, now this just won’t do.”
“What?” Elenor hesitantly asked.
“Your outfit darling! No it’s just not up to par.”
“This is kinda the best thing I own Miss Florence.”
“Oh I’m aware,” she said with a sickly sweet smile, “that’s why you're going to be wearing something from my own collection.”
“I’m—what?!”
“Come now, you didn’t think I’d set you up without one of those al-ee-bee things did you?”
“An alibi?”
“That’s what I said.” she said, narrowing her eyes at Elenor.
Elenor just sighed, “Yeah sure that.”
In a moment's notice Miss Florence whisked Elenor away, throwing the particular gown in her direction and shutting the door to her study. As Elenor slipped on the dress momentarily growing entranced by the way fabric rustled, and by how a sheen of rainbow passed her gaze as she looked at it. Then she was off, she had a party to attend after all.
The guests filed in one by one. Each with an air about them that screamed wealth in a way that echoed across the ballroom. Florence kept Elenor to her side as they all filed in, her expression flickering between complete neutrality and an unprecedented disdain. The people flooding in each looked filled to the brim with enough money to disregard most things Elenor would see as normal.
The first of the people to enter that ballroom was Richter Wells, or as most people knew him as, the priciest doctor in all of Illuo. It’s where people got the best medications, prosthetics, and a signature that could get you paid time off for at least 6 months. It’s no coincidence why he became the most coveted doctor in the city. He approached gradually, smiling with a grin full of alloids, veins probably full of alkaloids, and a smile that never once fell from his eyes.
“How nice of you to come Wells.”
“Ah formalities formalities.” He tutted, “You know how I hate those. And that I would never miss one of your little shindigs.” he said with a wink.
“My life’s work is a bit more than a ‘shindig’ Wells.”
“Yes yes of course.” he replied, eyes trailing around the expanse of the room.
They stood in front of the other for a moment, pillars of formality and individuals stripped of personality until Richter clapped his hands abruptly.
“I’m going to look around now, hope you don’t mind Florence.”
“Of course not!” she said, smile strained.
Next to enter was a woman with circular glasses, a bejeweled string falling from either side. She didn’t wear her wealth like the others with a simple plaid skirt and a bag sloped over her shoulder. She took Belle’s hands in her own, a twinkle in her eyes and her many bracelets clinking like wind chimes.
“Betsy! Thank you for joining!”
“Oh you know I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” she said. Her voice was quiet, never above a whisper.
“It’ll be nice to see what you have in store this time around.” she winked and then quickly turned to Elenor.
“And who might you be? I’ve never seen you around before.” her words came out quick as a snap as she turned to Elenor, as if a switch had been turned and her entire demeanor with it.
“I-I’m Elenor.”
“Oh Betsy, don't be like that now. She’s helping me showcase the outfits today.”
“Hmm.” Betsy gave Elenor a once over, her eyes holding an intensity rivaled by a quiet softness. “Okay… I’m Betsy Lotts, I’d urge you not to forget the name.”
Elenor gave her a quick nod and smile.
Betsy turned back to Belle for a second, placing a hand on her shoulder for just a moment, “I’ll talk to you later.” she said, giving Florence a pointed glance and setting off.
Last but certainly not due to inconsequence was Alexandria Gold. And wow. Elenor blinked and then blinked again to shake the feeling. There was a reason every fashion magazine in town gushed about Alexandria Gold. From the first step she took into a room, heads began to turn. She just had an aura that captured your mind and made you think, I wish I could be her. The rival model and designer was one of the most famous in Illuo and she wore that title with pride. Another thing that was clear as the chrystal chandelier was Florence’s distaste for Alexandria, which was made obvious by the second Gold stepped foot in the ballroom. Her face scrunched up as though she just took a bite of a lemon and her eyes glared a hole through the newcomer's face.
“If you hate her so much, why did you invite her?” Elenor whispered.
Florence laughed like it was the most obvious question in the world, “To show off of course!”
Elenor gave her a confused look and Florence huffed just a bit. “Also because I suspect she would have something to do with sabotaging my brand.”
Gold walked up to the two, donned with a fur scarf that trailed down her bodice and a tight fitting dress that looked two times fancier than it actually needed to be. She took a hand and tapped Florence’s shoulder, her fingers sparkling with rings filled with diamonds and rubies.
“Why, Florelle sweetheart, it's been months! And months practically count for years in this industry. Just where have you been?”
“Working obviously Alexandria. What else would I do?”
“Ah boo you're no fun.” she said with a pout then turned to Elenor.
“And you! What a doll! Where’d you find her Flor, I just have to find one just like her.”
“She’s not for sale.” Belle hissed.
Alexandria glanced at Elenor and smirked, “Sure. Now what did you call me here for anyways. I know you don’t actually want to chat with me.”
Belle glared, “I’m getting to it! This is my moment you can’t rush me.”
Belle clapped her hands, swiftly drawing the attention of the room back to herself.
“Now for the subject of today’s meeting.
She quickly grabbed Elenor’s arm, sidling her onto the stage.
The eyes of the room were on her and she suddenly remembered how much she hated crowds.
“Relax.” Florence whispered, placing a hand on her shoulder. “And when I give the signal, think of as many colors as you can. And try to make them correspond.”
She gave Elenor a smile and for a second there was a twinkle of passion in her eyes that was undeniable. Suddenly and for a quick moment, she believed in Belle Florence too.
The lights dimmed centering on Belle and Elenor. Elenor did her best to squint and focus on everyone in the room she recognized. Alexandria and Richter were talking near the drink stands where Anna was placing the last of the drinks.
For a moment Betsy was nowhere to be found, but Elenor suddenly recognized her in the corner talking to Quincy, periodically glancing at the stage as she did.
Then she focused back on Belle, “As you all may be wondering, I have been working on a new part of my selection and I am so glad to finally be able to see. Now watch, as the product of my invention comes to life.”
She tapped Elenor’s shoulder and all of a sudden she thought of days online Illuo staring at the Sun. Of the life in the streets and surrounding it. Of all the colors she could pick from those memories. There was a gasp in the crowd and then Belle beamed in the awestruck reaction. Elenor’s eyes caught on her dress, flickering and then swarming colors like a cloud, shifting to block the Sun. It was so bright, just like her darling city.
“Now we are just starting to work on the production of these, but it’s the first of its kind! That will soon change however, and all of you could get your hands on such an invention. For those not partial to dresses we will also be making them in suits, hats and everything else you could possibly desire.”
Elenor did her best to smile, and twirled for the crowd to see the rest of the outfit. The applause feathered through the room before the erupted excitement infected everyone. Then the lights turned on and people began to chatter. The room was loud as people bombarded each other with questions. The energy shot across the room like a live wire, sparking in the eyes of many and turning their expressions to intrigue. Belle brushed past it all, and headed towards the drink table where two people awaited her approach.
[[Continue |Part 4]]Belle walked with a purpose and exceedingly smug expression as she made her way to Alexandria and Richter.
“Well,” she said, stopping in front of them. “How’d you like my little show?”
Alexandria scowled, her flowery facade decaying in a simple moment.
“It was fine, I suppose.” she said.
“I’d say it looked to be quite the success. I can’t say I understand all this fanfare but I’m glad it has worked so well.” He said, a smile poking through his gruff exterior.
“Why thank you Ricky! I’m glad that someone appreciates my genius.”
Alexandria offered her a sickly sweet smile, “Well let’s hope you can keep production up without your little business staying intact.”
Now it was Belle’s time to be shocked. “How did you—I mean, what makes you suspect that?”
“Oh a little birdie let me know. I’m just here to watch the show.” She smiled widely.
Elenor looked at Florence, her confidence slowly filtering out of her system.
She quickly snatched up the closest drink to her, downing most of it in a few gulps.
She looked around, her breath growing noticeably more erratic. “Have you seen Betsy? I think I wanted to talk to her.”
Elenor looked around and oddly enough she couldn’t find Betsy anywhere. Her eyes trailed to anywhere she could be with no success. However she did find Quincy.
“I’ll find her.” Elenor spoke up, nodding at Florence. Belle looked at her, eyes glazed over with discomfort, and nodded.
Elenor weaved through the people, giving one last look to Florence—Richter now standing close beside her—as she went.
Quincy was stationed near the ballroom doors, standing guard.
“Quincy!” Elenor said.
He jumped, quickly fumbling with his monocle.
“Oh well, Elenor hello. I wasn’t expecting you.”
“Who were you expecting?”
“Oh well Betsy, she wanted to go upstairs so…”
His voice was cut off by a loud thud. Everyone turned. Then a scream, shrill and echoing resonated through the room.
As Elenor cut through the masses of people huddled closely together she finally saw what everyone was so shocked by. There, collapsed onto the ground, was Belle Florence. She was sprawled out, limbs all way-ward like a doll abandoned by a child.
Elenor saw Richter holding a hand out and reassuring the crowd. “I’ll check her pulse.” he said, face grave and bordering on pale. After a couple seconds he sighed. “She’s breathing. I’ll have to administer more tests to find out why she passed out.”
As he pulled out a briefcase, filled to the brim with medical equipment coming to life, Quincy cleared the majority of the individuals out of the ballroom.
Elenor shook off the tension from her shoulders and her gaze hardened.
So Elenor, are you ready to solve a mystery?
Who to question first…..
[[Richter ]]
[[Alexandria]]
[[Anna]]
(For the best gaming experience I recommended playing it through to its entirety and not going back when locked out of other options. Not knowing everything is part of the game’s charm. Make good choices and best of luck figuring this out!)
Before Elenor could ask another question Betsy entered, Quincy following in tow. Betsy looked mostly annoyed, eyebrow raising as she found the ballroom mostly empty. Then her eyes locked onto Florence’s unmoving figure and she gasped. She rushed to Belle’s side. Her knees hit the floor as she quickly checked for breathing. She let out a breath and quickly turned to Elenor, setting her fury on her.
“This is your doing. I know it is.”
“Me—how?” Elenor asked incredulously.
“I knew every damn variable at this party. Then you show up and conveniently everything goes wrong. A little suspicious, don't you think?”
“Be mad at me all you want but I’m not the one you should be angry at.” Elenor shot back.
“Uh huh and who else would I be angry at?,” she spat.
Elenor watched out of the corner of her eye as Anna began to speak up, concern flitting onto her expression. Her words were quickly covered by Richter who stood up and leveled a glare at Betsy. “This is no way to act. I refuse to let you come around here and drum up chaos, especially when I am currently monitoring Belle’s health.”
Betsy glared but she quieted considerably, her hands moving to her bracelets and fiddling with the charms.”
“Fine.” she said. But what are we doing about this?”
“What do you mean?” Alexandria piped up.
“I mean, are we calling the police?”
Alexandria rolled her eyes, “Sweetheart don’t you know that’s how you drum up a scandal. I’d rather not be involved in one of those.”
“Well someone needs to be held accountable.” Quincy said with a frown.
Richter nodded in response, “I agree.”
“Let’s not get too hasty.” Elenor piped up. “We should wait until Florence wakes up to figure out the next course of action.”
Of course Elenor believed that would be the right thing to do, but most of all she didn’t want to blow her cover so early. She still had two people to question after all. And after all that, she needed to get some information out of them. Though with how Betsy was glaring holes into her, she wasn’t sure how long she had before the woman would want her head on a platter.
Who to question next?
[[Quincy]]
[[Betsy Lotts]]
As Elenor turned over her shoulder her eyes caught on movement. Maybe it would not have surprised her much if her brain didn’t immediately know what–or well–who was moving. As though awoken from a peaceful dream, Belle Florence finally began to stir. Elenor watched, halting in shock.
Betsy was the first person to move to her side, helping Florence to sit up in her daze. Richter’s brows unfurrowed as he put down his monitor too, finding his way to her side.
Florence arose in a daze, eyes lazily flicking around the room before she yawned.
“My my what is all this commotion about.”
She turned to Betsy and her expression brightened, “Right I was looking for you wasn't I! So glad Elenor found you.”
Betsy’s expression warmed for a second before once again growing still as she brushed off her outfit. “Well I’m glad to see you’re doing well. You caused quite the commotion.”
“I’d agree.” Alexandria spoke up, walking towards the two. “I’ll just call back my lawyer and inform them you're not dead and I have no reason to worry.”
Elenor turned her head to the side pivoting in her direction.
Alexandria simply shrugged, “What? I had to make sure all my bases were covered.”
“She would not have died.” Richter spoke up. “I did a number of tests and it seemed her heart rate was just slowed. Just the effect of some DayBGones, nothing too serious.”
At this Florence quickly jumped to her feet. “Actually my darling friends, companions…and others,” she said, her eyes flicking to Alexandria. “I’m afraid I have one more ace up my sleeve. And so you cannot leave just yet.”
“Another ace?” Betsy started, turning to Florence, her eyes examining Florence’s face like a puzzle piece.
“Yes, what do you mean?” Alexandria questioned.
“I’ll have you know that I’m not in the mood for many ‘games’.” Richter said, a renewed frown on his face. “I still have work to do.”
“I'm afraid that work will have to wait! Because this note here tells me that one of you is here to steal my most prized possession!! My knowledge.”
Taking out and unfurling a piece of paper from her pocket, she furnished it for all around her to see.
Elenor drew closer to see the familiar note. Elenor stood back and watched everyone’s eyes flick over the paper. Even Quincy and Anna sidled up beside the rest, eyes scanning the page with serious expressions.
“Belle….what is this?” Quincy asked.
“It’s why I needed Elenor of course.”
Alexandria rolled her eyes, “You have no proof any of us were a part of this.”
“Well if you actually read the letter, the thief mentioned my next get-together as the target. And something bad did happen which means whoever ‘Buttercup’ is, their word holds merit.”
“So you think that one of us is this elusive ‘Buttercup’.”
“Exactly!” she said, clapping her hands. “Or well, working with her at least.”
“Hold on, you said you needed Elenor.”
“Yes, as my detective of course. I wouldn’t have fixed this party to begin with without a backup plan.”
In an instant all eyes were on Elenor, “Umm… surprise?”
Elenor watched as Anna bit back a smile at the reveal. Alexandria’s eyes widened, her mouth falling open and then shut like a fish trying to find water on land. Quincy mumbled something about hating surprises. Betsy turned to Belle, eyes widened in what looked like betrayal. And Richter just shook his head.
“Belle,” Richter said. “Surely there was some easier way to do this.”
“Perhaps, but this was the best way to catch two mechanical birds in the titanium stack.”
“I don’t see why you couldn’t have told me.” Betsy contested quietly.
“It’s nothing against you B.” she said, holding Lott’s shoulder for a brief moment. “It’s for the company.”
Betsy huffed, “I think I need a moment to myself.” she said, turning out of the room.
Alexandria blinked, “I need to call back my lawyer.” she said, heels clicking out as well.
Richter sighed, “I guess I should set up here until this debacle is over. I’m glad you're feeling better, Belle.”
She smiled at Richter and watched them go.
“Aren’t you worried that they’ll….y’know leave?” Elenor asked Belle.
“Oh no I have way too much dirt on them for them to even try.”
She suddenly yawned rather loudly. “I’m positively exhausted. Quincy go fetch me a duvet, I’m going to sleep.” she said, trailing out of the room, a smile glowing on her face.
Elenor sighed letting her shoulders slump.
“Well that was entertaining!” Anna said after a long bout of silence.
Elenor sharply turned and found that it was only Anna. She wished it could alleviate the tension she was feeling but she got the feeling she wasn’t out of the worst of it yet.
“It was definitely something…” Elenor said, trailing off as she thought.
“Well what do you make of this little mystery, Rose? Do you have any inkling who the culprit might be?”
“You know I can’t tell you that.” Elenor shot back. “You’re a suspect too, you know.”
“Ooh how thrilling! Tell me Elenor, how much should I up the ante.”
“I think all the drama going around is quite enough thanks… but I’ll make sure you know if I need someone to faint on command.”
Anna smiled, and Elenor couldn’t help but feel like both her eyes, prosthetic and otherwise, had a shimmer to them.
“Well I suppose I have to return to my work now. See you in the morning, Elenor.”
“See you in the morning.”
Elenor paced around the ballroom as she thought up her next course of action. Her eyes caught on the chandeliers, bright and sparkling. The light was blinding and gave her a headache. Florence had ensnared herself in a bit of a web of her own making, and each conversation, line, or lie spiraled in Elenor’s mind.
“Focus on the facts, Rose” she mumbled to herself.
Being stuck in this trap trying to assert authority over this mess was more trouble than it was worth. Luckily, she had the experience, she just had to relearn the ropes yet again.
(set: $Final to "available")
[[Go To Chapter 2|Chapter Select]]Elenor woke up in a plush bed, miscellaneous notes scattered around her. She shook off the exhaustion pulling her back to sleep, and checked the time only to notice it was morning. She took in the lavish setting, startled by the fact it looked nothing like her office, before realizing it was simply Florence’s manor. Shaking off the confusion she yawned and stood up, collecting her notes, and searching for where she put her arm. She found it laid off to the side, along with a towel and an outfit for today, all set aside Florence’s prized outfit. She walked up to the new clothes and was relieved to see a more casual cargo pants and a shirt that looked to be made of a comfy material.
After a bit of bustle, and a lot of searching for a proper bathroom, she got ready for the day.
In her searching, she really took in how large this manor truly was. With so many twists and turns, it felt more like a maze than a home to her at times. It made her miss her small office, she always knew where everything was there.
She made her rounds to Florence’s study. It seemed to be occupied, two whispered voices heard from inside.
There was the kitchen where Richter stared at a blender, turning it around in his hands and looking rather confused.
She also bumped into Quincy in the hallways cleaning up. It was a brief encounter but he said to come back anytime and he would be around.
(if: (count: (history:), "Day 1: Morning") is <2)[
Where to go first?
[[Florence’s Study]]
[[The Kitchen ]]
[[Hallways]]
]
(if: (count: (history:), "Day 1: Morning") is 2)[
[[Day 1: Afternoon]] ]
Elenor doesn’t remember going to sleep. She doesn’t remember waking up with the birds in the morning or making her coffee. Her moments have been spent in a blur, clues whirling around her head more than the idea of sleep ever could.
She could hear Alexandria’s early morning calls to her lawyers finally promising her release from this silken cell. She could hear Richter’s movement as he packed up. She could hear the maids bustling around. And most of all she heard Illuo, ever-bright Illuo and its desire to move on to the next day. Elenor supposes she was the same as her city after all. There was no longing for sleep left within her bones. Only the desire to move forward. Perhaps this city did have roots that you could never shrug.
Or maybe it just showed that progress was too enticing to truly be ignored.
From the kitchen she can hear pieces of Richter and Alexandria’s conversation. It fades in and out with her focus as she stares at the cup warming her hands. She watches Quincy and Florence pass her and move throughout the hallways. Florence gives directives to Quincy who writes them down with a nod and a quick scribble.
She downs the rest of her coffee, staring at the emptied cup for a moment. Illuo waits for no one and so neither should she. She discards the cup in the sink and then walks towards….
(if: (count: (history:), "Day 3: Morning") is <2)[
[[Kitchen|Kitchen RA]]
[[Hallways|Hallways BQ]]
]
(if: (count: (history:), "Day 3: Morning") is 2)[Go on! [[Day 3: Afternoon]] ]Richter Wells sat to the side of Belle, high tech hospital gadgets whirling at Florence’s side and an IV in her arm.
Whatever was wrong it looked like her heart rate was going steady. He glanced from the medical equipment to his tablet methodically, checking and rechecking almost obsessively.
As Elenor’s footsteps approached he turned around. He smiled oozing practiced reassurance that she’s sure he had done thousands of times before.
“Evening Elenor, apologies this mess has gone and interrupted your show. I’m sure the rather unfortunate circumstance won’t totally eclipse your performance. The outfit is quite beautiful.”
Elenor smiled and nodded politely. “It’s alright Doc. There’s other times to look forward to. I’m more interested in how Florence is doing.”
“Yes, well, her vitals are steady. I’m doing a quick blood test to find out why exactly she passed out but that shouldn’t be ready until an hour or so.”
“That’s quick.”
“Yes, well I get the best gadgets for the work I do. People pay heavily for perfection.”
“Mind if I ask you a few questions Mr. Wells.”
He paused suspicion laden in his gaze for a moment. Then he slowly nodded. “If you must. Just make it quick. I have a patient to attend to.”
——
[[How long have you known Florence| Knowing Florence]]
[[What's it like being a doctor in Illuo| Being A Doctor]]
[[What exactly where you talking about before she passed out| Leading Events]]
Alexandria Gold stared at the body as Elenor approached, eyes glued onto Belle like a spark to dried wood. She didn’t notice Elenor at all sidling to her side.
“So, that’s one way to deal with the competition.” Elenor said.
Alexandria jumped, her eyes flicking to Elenor.
She fixed her hair and puffed her dress out with her hands.
“Oh Elenor was it? Seems this little party has gone astray rather quickly.” she said, a sliver of a smile returning.
“Truly.” Elenor responded. “Did you see what happened to her?”
“Just barely. I was socializing with other people— I’m a busy woman you know—when I saw her with Richter. And well, she was talking to him and she didn’t look so well. Perhaps she was just thrown off…” her eyes glanced to Richter who was sidled around Belle. “But who can say?”
Elenor nodded.
“Well,” Alexandria said, cocking her head to the side. “Do you have something to say, or are you here to soak up an inkling of my genius.” she said with a laugh.
——
[[What's with your distaste for Florence| Distaste for Florence]]
[[Tell me a bit about your business| Her Business]]
[[How are you feeling| Feelings right now]]
Anna sat by the corners of the room, eye flicking over everyone.
“Hey Anna, how are you holding up?”
Anna startled, her black curls falling out of place as her eye grew wider.
“Oh Ellie you scared me.” she said with a faint laugh.
“It’s Elenor.” she corrected. Elenor noticed a slight frown on Anna and said, “I’m not mad or anything. It’s just a sorta special nickname alright?”
“Yes I understand.” Anna conceded. “My what a party this has turned out to be hasn't it.”
Elenor sighed, “You’re telling me.”
“But you can solve it can't you?” she said just beneath the tone of her breath. Perhaps it was a trick of the wind but the voice sounded different as a whisper. Perhaps curiosity tinged it, creating an unnatural lilt, an allusion of something else.
That curiosity was infectious bubbling up in Elenor’s heart and rattling her brains churning for a moment.
She laughed underneath her breath, “I’ll try my best.”
“I hope the dreadful company won’t dampen the novelty of the case too much.”
Elenor fought back a louder laugh but pushed it away quickly with faux sincerity. “We’ll see. Gotta ask some questions first though.”
“Oh! How exciting. Ask away then.”
——
[[How long have you been working for Belle Florence| Working for Florence]]
[[When did you get the prosthetic eye| Prosthetic Eye]]
[[Anything strange you noticed| Strange?]]
Quincy stood near the corner of the room, anxiously fiddling with his suit jacket. He immediately noticed as Elenor walked towards him, turning to her with a warm smile.
“Yes Elenor? Did you need anything.”
“No, not necessarily. Just wanted to ask you a few questions.”
“Right,” he said, expression turning more grim. “I suppose that was what we hired you to do. I just hoped it wouldn’t come to this.”
He swiftly took a handkerchief from his breast pocket and dabbed at his forehead.
“Well,” Quincy said, “Ask away.”
——
[[Do you enjoy your job?]]
[[Where’s the key to the study?]]
[[What was Betsy doing? ]]
Betsy frowned as Elenor approached her.
“What?” she snapped.
“I’m just here to talk a little bit.” Elenor stated, holding her hands up in retreat.
“Whatever, just say what you need to say.” she said, averting her gaze from Elenor. Instead it fell to Belle and for a moment she stared, unblinkingly. It seemed cold, or perhaps she was just thinking. Elenor couldn’t tell.
“You seemed a bit defensive. You have history with Florence?”
“I don’t see why I have to tell you that. Really it’s none of your business. I don’t even know why you bothered to come over here.”
Elenor sighed. “Can we please just get along for a few moments.”
Betsy’s eyes only narrowed, “Stop pretending to be friendly and say what you must already. I’ve grown exhausted of you.”
“Alright then…”
——
[[Relationship with Belle]]
[[Why were you invited?]]
[[Why are you so angry all the time?]]
“Ah, I've known Belle for quite a while now. Since our university days.”
Really? What was she like?”
“Just the same as now, determined to the point of fallacy.”
“So what, you think that’s a bad thing?” Elenor prodded. Mostly for the line of questioning and a little inkling for that piece of her still reminiscing on determination and sacrifice all too much.
Richter sighed heavily, dropping his head in exhaustion.
“I just think it isn’t the safest thing to do. Sometimes the safer option is easier. Sometimes it’s better. But she wanted to follow her dream of fashion and here we are.”
“So you wanted her to do something safer.”
“Something secure—,” he corrected. “We were heading towards the same field originally. She was quite alright at it too. Going places I’d say. But one day she gave up to follow this dream.” He slowly shook his head. “I’ll never understand it. But she’s happy.” he said, words trailing off and his attention doing so as well.
[[Anything Else?|Anything Else?R]] “The medical field is not all bad. Just a bunch of the same thing everywhere you go. People need you to help or diagnose any list of ailments, I pride myself on knowing them all.”
“So you are used to seeing these ailments before and after treatment is needed then?”
“Well of course. Quite the quick thinking too, are you sure you don’t have a medical mind?”
“Nope, I don’t think I’ve ever been much of a medicine person. Just always had a curious mind.”
“Yes, curiosity is good. It helps plenty I’d say.”
“Mind if I ask how Florence was acting before she went lights out?”
“Quite out of it I’d say. She was almost delirious. Kept muttering to herself about needing to find—,”
“Delirious you say,” Elenor interrupted. “Strange symptom. Say, do you know anything that can cause that so quickly?”
“Well I’m not sure at the moment—”
“But you’re a doctor. So if anyone would know it would be you wouldn't it?”
“I suppose, but what are you implying?”
Elenor simply just smiled, wrapping her hands together. “Just wondering.”
[[Anything Else?|Anything Else?R]] Richter raised his eyebrows, “A rather strange question for you to ask young lady.”
He huffed out a breath and let his shoulders sag. “As you know we were talking about her successes before her feathers were ruffled. She had downed her drink and was going for another but I thought it best to stop her before she could drink any more. Other than that she was a bit shaken. She kept mentioning Betsy. She kept saying she needed to see her but I wouldn’t let her go in the state she was in.”
He shook his head. “I just don’t know what was in her mind that she was so desperate to talk to her. Alexandria’s words really ruffled her.”
“So you think we should be wary of Miss Gold?”
“I would never say such a thing.” Richter snapped. He looked around, eyes flicking to the inhabitants of the room before letting his voice take on a more hushed tone. “But I do recommend we keep an eye on her. Who knows what she is up to.”
[[Anything Else?|Anything Else?R]]
“Oh I don’t actually hate Florelle.” she said with a roll of her eyes.
“You….don’t?” Elenor asked, raising an eyebrow.
“It’s the nature of business sweetheart. No one stays on top in Illuo without a few cutthroat decisions. I’m sure even she knew that.”
Alexandria huffed out a laugh. “I must say, she is a worthy rival.”
“You think so?”
“Of course! That gown you're wearing, I don’t think I would have thought of it given a million years. You can’t get anywhere in Illuo without good ideas.”
“And what’s your good idea Miss Gold?” Elenor prodded.
She smiled a lopsided smile that never quite reached her eyes and whispered, “Why I’m the star of course. Everyone loves to look at the stars.”
“Well? Anything else or are you simply here to enjoy the view?”
[[Anything Else?|Anything Else?A]]
“Gold Industries? What about it?”
“I just want an overview Miss Gold, that’s all.”
Alexandria’s lips pressed into a thin line before going on a spiel; it sounded like it had been practiced thousands of times before.
“Well from a child I dreamt of doing something big. I wanted to be big, so I took that passion, marched up to Illuo, and made a name for myself. And I didn’t stop until everyone knew who I was.”
“Huh, sounds a little like Florence too.”
Her eyes quickly met Elenor’s with a halting seriousness.
“It does, doesn't it? It’s how most of the greats start.”
“So by your standards Florence could be great. And that’s a threat to you.”
She narrowed her eyes, something like discomfort or rage tugging at her lips.
“It’s rather awful to assume isn’t it.” she said. “Yes” she mumbled, “a rather awful question. I won’t put up with such disrespect.”
She cast her gaze away and turned up her nose like a child throwing a silent tantrum. Elenor fought back a laugh and turned around. There would be other times for questioning. For now she could set her sights elsewhere.
———
(if: $_R or $_An is "available")
[ Time to Progress!!
[[Part 5]] ]
(else-if: $_R or $_An is 0)[
Which person do you wish to question next?
[[Richter ]]
[[Anna]]
(set: $_A to "available")]
“Me? Why I’m doing just peachy. All golden and never anything less.”
“Are you sure? You look a bit shaken up.” Elenor asked, softer this time.
“I—you’re too kind, Elenor. Let me give you some advice. That won’t get you far here. If you wanna keep that model job of yours, you’ve got to be used to showing no sympathy. Then you have what it takes.”
“Did you think Florence had too much of that sympathy?”
Alexandria smiled and it felt almost wistful. “No, she proved she could be just as cut-throat as the rest. That’s how she fit in so well. No one able to rise above the crowd as much as she has could have done so by being ‘nice’.”
Elenor shrugged, “Well we could always agree to disagree I guess.”
Alexandria Gold stared at her then and for a few quiet moments Elenor felt as though she could reach into her soul and see into the very marrow of her fears. “Sure, we can do that.” she finally said.
[[Anything Else?|Anything Else?A]] Anna paused, “My I’m so bad with dates. You must forgive me.”
Elenor nodded, “It’s fine. Just a broad estimate would do.”
“I’d say it was a few months ago. Maybe five.”
Elenor nodded, “And how would you say work is shaping up so far.”
“It’s fine,” she said with a frown.
Elenor raised an eyebrow, “It doesn’t look fine.”
Anna sighed heavily, “It’s just that Miss Florence can be very particular in how she likes things. She does get quite a temper with me when things don’t go her way.”
“Does that happen often?” Elenor asked, giving a side glance to Florence.
“More often the past few months. I’m trying to be careful. This job is very important to me.”
Elenor nodded. “Well hopefully you can stay out of trouble.”
Anna nodded in agreement.
[[Anything Else?|Anything Else?An]]
Anna stared at her, long and hard. Her expression fell from her face and what returned had lost that luster of sparkle she was usually ordained with.
“It’s not important.”
“I didn’t mean to push, it’s not a judgement thing." Elenor said, slightly lifting her metallic arm. “Did you get it during your time here?”
“Around that time, yes. I’ve been saving up for a while though.”
“Interesting, a friend of mine looked at it once.”
Anna shifted, her stare growing just a pinch more curious as it bore holes into her.
Elenor cleared her throat with a cough, “Yeah, I know it must be an expensive model. Does Florence pay you well?”
“It’s better than any other place I’ve worked.”
“And what has your work been?”
“Oh you know just tidying up places no one really wants to go, mostly. Rather boring for the most part.”
“I see.” Elenor said with a nod.
[[Anything Else?|Anything Else?An]] A sparkle of mischief entered Anna’s eyes as she drew closer. She spoke, closer to a stage whisper then an actual whisper. “Honestly both Miss Gold and Miss Lotts have been rather suspicious to me.” she said.
Elenor checked the area, making sure that at least Alexandria could not hear her.
“Why’s that?”
“I saw Miss Lotts leave the room to go to the powder room, but I doubt that’s what she was doing. As for Miss Gold, technically I don’t have any reason to be suspicious of her. I just don’t think she can be trusted.” Anna shrugged, “Who knows, maybe they’re working together.”
“You think?”
“I’m not sure I’m not quite the detective here. But—what do you think?” she asked.
“Not sure yet.” Elenor said, “I’ll definitely have to ask around more. Definitely need to find Betsy as well.”
“All speculation unfortunately. But thought you should know anyways.”
[[Anything Else?|Anything Else?An]]
(if: (count: (history:), "Anything Else?R") is 0)[
Questions
[[ Being A Doctor]]
[[ Knowing Florence]]
[[ Leading Events]]
]
(if: (count: (history:), "Anything Else?R") is 1)+ (if: $_An or $_A is "available")[ Time to Progress!!
[[Part 5]] ]
(else-if: $_An or $_A is 0)+ (if: (count:(history:),"Anything Else?R") is 1)[
[[Anna]]
[[Alexandria]]
(set: $_R to "available")
]
(if: (count: (history:), "Anything Else?A")+ is 0)[
Questions
[[What's with your distaste for Florence| Distaste for Florence]]
[[Tell me a bit about your business| Her Business]]
[[How are you feeling| Feelings right now]]
]
(if: (count: (history:), "Anything Else?A")+ is 1) + (if:$_R or $_An is "available" )[ Time to Progress!!
[[Part 5]] ]
(else-if:$_R is 0) + (if: (count: (history:), "Anything Else?A")is 1)[
[[Anna]]
[[Richter ]]
(set: $_A to "available")]
(if: (count: (history:), "Anything Else?An") is 0)[
Questions
[[How long have you been working for Belle Florence| Working for Florence]]
[[When did you get the prosthetic eye| Prosthetic Eye]]
[[Anything strange you noticed| Strange?]]
]
(if: (count: (history:), "Anything Else?An") is 1) +(if:$_R or $_A is "available")[ Time to Progress!!
[[Part 5]] ]
(else-if: $_R or $_A is 0)+ (if: (count:(history:),"Anything Else?An") is 1) [
[[Alexandria]]
[[Richter ]]
(set: $_An to "available")
]
“How do I know Belle? Well I came upon her before it all. When she was just a girl with a dream.”
“What an origin story. You two best friends?”
“Wouldn’t say that. Just…we have an understanding. I’m just here to support her anyways.”
“You sure seem friendly though. You know she called for you before you went lights out?”
“She…did? Did she say anything in particular?” Betsy asked, leaning forward just slightly, fiddling with the sleeves of her shirt.
“Nothing much. Why is Florence a bit of a chatterbox?”
“I mean—yes a bit.” she said, with the first small inklings of a smile Elenor had seen on her in hours.”
“You seem like you got history.” Elenor stated, glancing at Betsy, a bit more understanding in her gaze this time.
“Why do you say that?”
“I just happen to know what history looks like.”
Betsy laughed, a genuine laugh that was barely audible. Mostly filled with air.
“This miserable little city sure has its roots in both of us then, doesn't it.”
And Elenor smiled somberly. “It sure does.”
[[Anything Else?|Anything Else?B]]Betsy paused, “That’s a bit rude, no?”
“Sorry,”
“No, I get it. What’s a librarian doing at a fashion show? ‘Shouldn’t your head be in a book or something?’ I’ve heard it all before.”
“I promise I’m not trying to be disrespectful Miss Lotts—,”
“Sure, well I could ask you the same. What’s a low rate model like yourself doing with Belle Florence?”
“Hey I—,”
“Doesnt seem like you have the flair or the experience since I’ve never heard of you?”
“Hey where were you during the show anyways?”
Betsy stopped and blinked. “I just went to the powder room.”
“Really, you were gone an awful long time.”
“Just a bad day I suppose.”
“Hm.” Elenor said. Betsy readjusted her glasses, balancing them at the crook of her nose.
“You are quite an interesting one Elenor.”
“So I’ve been told.”
(if: $_Q is "available")
[ Time to Progress!!
[[Part 6]] ]
(else-if:$_Q is 0)[
Which person do you wish to question next?
[[Quincy]]
(set: $_B to "available")]“What a question,” she scoffed.
“Are you going to answer?”
“Tell me, where does being nice get you? In this city you get angry or you go home.”
Elenor shook her head, “It doesn't have to be like that y’know.”
Betsy bitterly laughed. “This city is gonna eat you alive. It’s a miracle that you got this far with your attitude.”
Anger prickled on Elenor’s skin, blooming in the curling of her lips. “You don’t know that.” she muttered.
Betsy stared at her, eyes boring holes into her with a frightening intensity.
“You couldn’t even handle me. Be real Elenor, you are not meant for here or for any business. Maybe you should pack up and go home.”
Elenor crumpled her fist into a ball as she felt her fingers shake. “I’m done talking to you.” she said, and she turned.
(if: $_Q is "available")
[ Time to Progress!!
[[Part 6]] ]
(else-if:$_Q is 0)[
Which person do you wish to question next?
[[Quincy]]
(set: $_B to "available")](if: (count: (history:), "Anything Else?B")+ is 0)[
Questions
[[Relationship with Belle]]
[[Why were you invited?]]
[[Why are you so angry all the time?]]
]
(if: (count: (history:), "Anything Else?B")+ is 1) + (if:$_Q is "available" )[ Time to Progress!!
[[Part 6]] ]
(else-if:$_Q is 0) + (if: (count: (history:), "Anything Else?B")is 1)[
[[Quincy]]
(set: $_B to "available")]
“Well it is still work.” Quincy grumbled, “But it’s reliable and it pays well. I couldn’t ask for much more.”
“Couldn’t you?” Elenor prodded, raising an eyebrow.
“I mean you've been here a while. Surely Florence would give you some more extensive attention.”
He shook his head, “Miss Florence hardly remembers who her mailman is. She doesn’t pay much attention to us?”
“She doesn’t?”
Quincy answered with a slight shake of his head.
“Interesting…. so if Florence was to be asked when you started, would she know?”
“Perhaps. I truly can’t be sure. She hardly recognizes half the things I do with the day.”
Elenor nodded, “Try not to run yourself ragged Quincy. Especially not for someone who barely notices you.”
Quincy nodded, eyes softening and brows creasing a bit less. “You too. Make sure to get some sleep after this mess. You look rather exhausted.”
[[Anything Else?|Anything Else?Q]]“I have it of course. Why wouldn’t I?” he said, fishing into his pockets and pulling out a key ring. After a bit of looking through them he found a key, labeled with a blue cover.
“How often do you lend that out?”
Only when Miss Florence asks for it.”
“And never anytime else?”
“I can assure you—,”
“Because if you have… I need to know about it. Any time at all Quincy.”
Quincy stared at Elenor, gaze faltering for a second before he looked up, returning her gaze with one of his own. Furious, and from what Elenor thought, sincere. “I take my work very seriously now, young lady. Do not mistake my actions for foolishness because I have set away those trifling ideas decades ago. I have never misplaced the keys.”
Elenor nodded. “Alright Quincy. I believe you.”
“Good,” he said with a pointed look.
[[Anything Else?|Anything Else?Q]]I found her near the door of Florence’s study. The door seemed to be ajar but she hadn’t gone in yet. She seemed to be waiting around and pacing. I’m not sure why but she seemed to be nervous.
“So the door was ajar?”
“Ever so slightly, yes.”
“But it’s usually locked isn't it? Were there any signs of a break in?”
“No, the lock was still intact, no Bobby pins or any other material in the keyhole either. It seemed completely normal otherwise.”
“Hm, interesting," Elenor said as she thought. “So what did she say after you found her?”
“She was mostly surprised. She said she was just looking for the bathroom. I asked if the door was open the whole time and she said it was. Then I locked the door and left with her.”
“And now you're here.”
“Yes, that is all I know.”
Elenor smiled and nodded, “Alright thanks for the help.”
“Oh it’s no trouble at all.” Quincy reassured, smile slightly weary.
[[Anything Else?|Anything Else?Q]](if: (count: (history:), "Anything Else?Q")+ is 0)[
Questions
[[Do you enjoy your job?]]
[[Where’s the key to the study?]]
[[What was Betsy doing? ]]
]
(if: (count: (history:), "Anything Else?Q") is 1) + (if:$_B is "available" )[ Time to Progress!!
[[Part 6]] ]
(else-if:$_B is 0) + (if: (count: (history:), "Anything Else?Q")is 1)[
[[Betsy Lotts]]
(set: $_Q to "available")]
Elenor quietly made her way into the study. The conversation slowly became clearer to her as she got closer and closer.
“It’s not that big of a deal. I’m sure it’ll be sorted out soon.”
“I just don’t think we can trust her.”
The conversation halted as Elenor stumbled forward, one of the mannequins almost falling before she caught it.
“Oh, it’s you.” Betsy said, narrowing her eyes.
Surprisingly enough she was accompanied by Florence. She pushed Lotts’ shoulder lightly. “Don’t be like that Betsy. How are you this morning, Elenor?”
“Fine, a bit tired. You know how to throw quite a party.”
She laughed, “Oh I try! What did you think of it, Betsy?”
“I think it was all a bit much.” she said, rolling her eyes.
“Come now I’m sure it’ll get us a lot of press.”
“Us?” Elenor said, her expression pausing.
“We’ve been working together for quite a while now. She’s the brains behind most of the dresses I make you know.”
“No I didn’t know Florence! Why didn’t you tell me?!” Elenor asked, incredulously.
“Oh please Elenor, what’s a mystery without a little thrill?”
Elenor sighed, rubbing her temple to stave off the incoming headache. “Yea sure.”
“Well, any questions in mind for the newest talk of the town?” Florence asked, smiling brightly.
Betsy smiled, and then turned to Elenor with a hint of a more serious expression.
“Just don’t take too long and I guess it’s fine.” she mumbled.
——
[[So how long have you been working together?|Working Together?]]
[[What was the point of not telling me?|Not Telling?]]
[[Betsy, how do you feel about Florence?|Feelings?]]
(if: $F1 and $F2 and $F3 is "available")[ Question On! [[Day 1: Morning]] ]
(else-if: $F1 and $F2 and $F3 is 0) []
Elenor stepped into the kitchen to meet Richter as he mumbled.
“Need some help with that?” Elenor asked.
“Oh! Yes, that would be quite helpful. I’m not sure how to work this old thing.”
It was a model Elenor was used to. She had a few in her childhood home. A city not too far from Illuo called the Daybreak District. Illuo was originally a subset of the greater place, quiet and quaint like the rest of her town. Then it all began to change, and Illuo turned into something all its own. A place of dreams and stakes that pushed so many out.
Elenor moved the blender, finding a small button on its cap before setting it into place and watching it huff a plume of smoke and then begin to work.
As Richter watched the iridescent lights turn on and his food begin to blend into a paste he sighed, tension releasing from his shoulders.
“Thank you for this Elenor. I never quite understood how these things worked.”
“You never used one?” Elenor prodded.
“Never had the time. Usually I have someone else do it for me.”
Elenor nodded slowly, “Ah I see.”
“Yes well… I’m sure you’ve grown tired of this game of formality. Just ask your questions and I’ll reply to the best of my ability.”
——
[[So, how often do you do things entirely by yourself? |Mundane tasks ]]
[[How do DayBGones Work?|About DayBGones ]]
[[Do you like your clients? | Your clients]]
(if: $R1 and $R2 and $R3 is "available")[ Question On! [[Day 1: Morning]] ]
(else-if: $R1 and $R2 and $R3 is 0) []
Elenor had to do a bit of wandering to find Quincy again. It seemed as though he was always moving, heading from task to task at an alarming rate. She wondered if he ever took a break.
“Quincy! How are you?” she asked, as he wiped down a display case with a cloth.
“Oh Elenor! Well I’m quite fine, just a tad more to do than usual. I don’t think any of us here were prepared for guests."
“But don’t you have other people to help?”
“Oh of course I do, but working here for so long has made me a bit of a perfectionist.”
Elenor frowned, “Don’t work too hard okay?”
Quincy looked at her, a small smile morphing into a slight chuckle. “Elenor, it is my job to work hard.”
When her gaze did not relent he shook his head, “I will make sure I take a break when I can.”
Elenor nodded, “That’s good. Mind if I ask a few questions as well?”
“You don’t have to ask to do your job.” he said, returning to walking.
“I know,” Elenor said, “but I thought I would anyway.”
“Yes, of course, ask away then.”
——
[[The stuff you left ]]
[[How often do you see Betsy around?]]
[[How long has Anna worked here?]]
(if: (count: (history:), "Day 1: Afternoon") is 0)+(if:$Q1 and $Q2 and $Q3 is "available")[ Question On! [[Day 1: Morning]] ]
(if: (count: (history:), "Day 1: Afternoon") is 1)+(if:$Q1 and $Q2 and $Q3 and $Q4 and $Afternoon is "available")[ [[Day 1: Evening]]]
Like clockwork by 5am the dusk encapsulating the city lifts and day begins in Illuo. Detective Elenor Rose sleeps the dim nightlife away in her office as she does most of the time. She is awoken by a loud rapping at her door,
“Detective? Detective Elenor are you in? Please tell me you are, it’s urgent!”
Elenor wipes the sleep from her eye with her left arm, then quickly snatches up her prosthetic arm, letting it attach itself and whirr into place.
As she stumbles to unlock the door it swings open. She must’ve forgotten to lock it.
“Oh there you are.” says the woman standing in her doorway. She wears a dazzling smile and titanium earrings that are surely worth twenty times their weight. Along with her flowy orange gown donned with black trim, and firmly fitting high heeled boots, there was a worry plastered on the woman’s face. Elenor had seen that worry before, and she never had the heart to turn a person down.
“Uh please come in. I’m sure it’s cold out there. What can I do for you?” Elenor started, eyes shifting as the woman made her way into her office. Her face looked somewhat familiar, but so did most people in Illuo. With the copper most people had to throw around, she’s sure that they could buy her entire life twice over. But that’s just how things shook out in this here city.
The woman walked towards Elenor’s desk, heels clacking towards her seat.
“Hey wait that’s my—.” she managed to say before the woman plopped herself into her chair. The woman frowned as she looked around her office and current living space.
“You really outta clean up around here. All that excess waste around is surely bad for business.”
“Thanks for the advice.” Elenor started, trying her hand at annoyance but coming just close to a slightly wavering tone, “Now I don’t think I caught your name.”
“Oh! Right.” she said, lips fluttering open and adding a long string of laughter to the room. “I’m sorry detective I just thought you would’ve known by now. The name’s Miss Belle.” she held out her hand.
Miss Belle. After a moment of letting the gears on her mind turn they finally offered up the answer she was looking for. Miss Belle Florence, head of the company SeeM. The market was always looking for something new and innovative and she had to admit Belle had an eye for new styles. Elenor had even caught herself looking at one or two elaborate necklaces of the brand filled with lace and twisting chains that drooped to create a perfectly criss crossed pattern that Elenor couldn’t help but enjoy. It was too fancy though, only good for parties. And it wasn’t like she was getting invited to many of those.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Belle.” Elenor responds, taking her hand and offering a quick shake.
“Let’s get to business shall we.” she said, placing down a stock card small and firm with a swirling script upon it. And written on it was a name Elenor had been chasing for the last few years.
The name she used for her signature was always the same. Buttercup. It was a silly thing they had thought of as kids. Rose and Buttercup, an inseparable duo. People joked with their nicknames they were better off starting a bioluminescent garden than a career. Remembering that time came with a levity, always followed by a crushing weight thereafter. It reminded her of the whirring of the compactors that remained on the city streets, crushing every scrap into profit. In this city there was no room left for feelings. Most of it fled years ago, starting on the day those with the copper to spare decided that her home needed to be fixed.
Detective Elenor set her eyes on the letter in front of her. It stated,
For my Detective Rose,
I intend for you to receive this letter. Though I’m sure Miss Belle will no doubt bring it to you, trust its value will not be sullied. I’m coming to you with the most exciting news. A heist, one at Miss Belle’s own mansion. No need to worry about the time or place. I’m sure it’ll occur at one of her next haughty arrangements(you know how they are). Catch me if you can, or don’t, I’m sure I’ll come up with another plan any time soon. Oh and do make sure you dress for the occasion, you know us lower city-folk have a name to uphold.
P.S. Miss Belle I am being very generous by sending you to the very best detective I know. Verify in your systems if you’d like but her record is, mostly, spotless. I find that this will be good enough as the folks you confer with aren’t without their spots either. If you do not wish to play my game however, I will make sure to leak those new designs of yours. I’m sure it would be absolutely devastating for your own competitors to catch wind of your new designs before you could even receive the patent.
Ta-ta for now,
Buttercup
She always did have a flair for the dramatics.
Elenor looked at Miss Belle, “I’ll help. What do you need me to do?”
Belle smiled, stress rolling from her shoulders.
“I thought you’d never ask. Come now, I have a party to prepare.” She made her way up and towards the door with a renowned purpose. Elenor paused for a second as she watched her leave,
“Well, not like I was doing much anyways.” she shrugged, quickly grabbing a bag and her keys, making sure to double check it was locked this time.
Outside was Miss Belle’s own personal vehicle, a grand silver car shaded with a shiny new coat of reddish paint over the metal. It was bright, complex, and couldn’t help but stand out in the duller colors of all the buildings and skyscrapers surrounding it. It was quite fitting of the person who owned it.
Miss Belle made her way to the vehicle, opening the door and stepping inside, beckoning for Elenor to follow suit. Elenor stepped into the personal locomotive, shoes clanging on the metal as the engine loudly began to churn.
The man sitting in the driver’s seat with a neatly styled mustache and a watch with at least two extra hands gripped the wheel firmly. “Back to your residence?” he asked, voice wavering with the years that strained those vocal chords.
“Yes, and make it quick.” she snapped, boring holes into the driver's seat.
Elenor quieted her thoughts, staring out at those bright lights. The city was wild and still so filled with life. Some part of her hoped she would never have to see it dim. She had watched most good things dim these days.
She sighed, letting her breath fog the glass.
Maybe I’ll need to buy something nice after all, she thought, watching as the city passed her by.
[[Continue |Part 2]]“Hmm I’d say a while.” Belle started. “How long has it been Betsy?”
“Around 10 months and 11 days. Not that I’m counting.” Betsy said with a quick adjustment of her glasses.
“It’s been quite a bear of a task but I’d say we managed well. You know she actually approached me, believe it or not?”
“Did she?” Elenor asked, giving a questioning glance to Betsy.
Betsy’s face grew warmer and she looked everywhere that was not Elenor. “Yes well, I kept on seeing your name around and thought you were onto something. I just wanted to help.”
Florence laughed boastfully, covering her mouth as she did so as if that alone made the action more proper. “She’s so modest. You know she came up with the technical aspect of the dress you were wearing yesterday? She puts a lot of effort into making my designs reality.” Florence gushed.
“Yes, well….. I try my best.” said Betsy. “You never fail to give me quite a challenge though.” she said with a glance towards Florence.
[[Other Questions?|Florence’s Study]]
(set: $F2 to "available")
“You have to understand, it’s not like I wanted to keep this a secret.” she said with a pout. “But you have to realize that working with someone is a point of contention–,”
“And I just didn’t want the drama.” Betsy added. “I think it’s better this way.”
“Drama huh?”
“Obviously” Betsy said with a roll of her eyes. “If this is any indicator. Being the knowledge keeper around here comes with a certain amount of notoriety. People see me as neutral for the most part. To jeopardize that…..” she gazed to her side before shaking her head. “No! I’d rather not think of that.”
“Well as I said, I’m happy to take over the burden.” she said with a sweet smile. “The spotlight is very fitting for me anyhow.”
Betsy adjusted her glasses, a small smile tugging on her lips as she did.
[[Other Questions?|Florence’s Study]]
(set: $F3 to "available")“I haven’t the first idea what you’re talking about.” she said, glaring at Elenor.
“Y’know, your business relationship. How is it working together?”
“Oh..” she said, her face flushing red for a moment before returning slowly to its normal shade. “I’d say it’s quite nice when she’s not planning elaborate parties and passing out at them.”
Florence shoved Betsy lightly, “That wasn’t even my fault.”
“Wasn't it?” Elenor asked with a raised eyebrow.
“Of course not! I wanted to enjoy my whole party. Passing out was not ideal but it wasn’t my choice either.”
“So you didn’t just plan it?”
“Elenor, why in the world would I do that? Well other than the drama but I was really looking forward to my most extensive debut piece.”
“Well I’m sorry I couldn’t prevent that from happening.” Elenor said with a slight frown.
“It’s all fine. I’m trying to remind myself of the positives and I’d say we stirred up quite the show.” she said with a slight smile.
[[Other Questions?|Florence’s Study]]
(set: $F1 to "available" )“I don’t usually participate in many trifling tasks. I have no time for them anyhow. My patients keep me rather busy.”
“Sounds like a tiring gig.” Elenor lamented.
“Yes yes, but at the end of it all I help. That’s what’s important to me.”
“You said Florence was once in the same field as you? Do you think she had that passion for helping?” Elenor inquired.
Richter sighed rather harshly and his face twisted. Elenor assumed he had gone down this train of thought before by how his eyes fell to the floor, his mouth wrought in a tinge of embarrassment. “I suppose not. She always had a technical mind. The way she thought about things was technical too. She…. well that is not to say she didn’t have a good heart…but she might not have had what was needed for this field of work.”
“Did that hurt you?”
“Perhaps a tad. I had my…expectations. But it seems her passion has pulled her farther away from me than I would have liked.”
Richter shook his head. “But it’s all in the past now,” he said. “Not worth thinking about.”
[[Other Questions?|The Kitchen ]]
(set: $R3 to "available")“Hey Richter. I have a bit of a question about DayBGones.” Elenor said.
“Oh well, I guess I would be the correct person to come to for that. Please ask away.”
Elenor slowly nodded. “How long does it take for them to work?”
“I would say a couple hours. It takes a while for the effects to truly get into your system. The effects make you a bit tired for the first thirty minutes but it doesn’t receive its full force until around two hours, maybe less depending on body mass.”
“Interesting.” Elenor said, narrowing her eyes.
“I hope that gave you the information you need.”
“I actually think it may have.” she said, softly and almost to herself. Elenor met his gaze and smiled, “Thank you.”
Richter smiled in response. “Always happy to help.”
[[Other Questions?|The Kitchen ]]
(set: $R1 to "available")
“Hmm what about them? They're my life, and their health is my main priority.”
Elenor didn’t know how much of that was linked to their wealthy status and how much was pure care but she supposed it could be a bit of both.
“So,” she said, “you probably don’t want much with the business you have.”
“Truly.” he replied, “I make sure to treat them right and they do the same.”
“I guess it’s quite nice to live like that. Do you miss it right now?”
Richter breathed out heavily. “Elenor, work is work. You must know that. No matter how much affection one may have for their work, there is doubt and exhaustion.”
Elenor nodded grimly. “Believe me I understand the exhaustion. Do you doubt it often?” she asked, her voice quieter than she was trying for. Perhaps doubt was closer to her heart than she liked to admit.
He stared, eyes distant for a second. And he was quiet and horribly still. “No, not that I think so.” he answered, way too slowly for Elenor to truly believe him. “I’m where I should be,” he insisted.
“Of course.” Elenor said with a nod. And she let him believe it.
[[Other Questions?|The Kitchen ]]
(set: $R2 to "available")“Ah yes? What about it?” Quincy asked, raising an eyebrow.
“I just wanted to thank you. These” she said, motioning at her clothes, “are pretty comfortable. I couldn’t imagine wearing stuffy outfits this whole time. It’s a relief.”
“Yes well, I can’t take all the credit. I asked Anna to help me choose something for you.”
“Oh,” Elenor said, her eyes widening. “Well I’ll have to thank her when I see her.”
“Please do. I’m sure she’ll be more than ecstatic to hear it.”
Elenor glanced briefly at Quincy, “Oh really?”
“Yes, she’s mentioned you quite often these past few days.” he looked at Elenor and then cleared his throat. “Perhaps I’ve said too much.”
Elenor paused. “How is she doing anyways?” she tried to ask casually. Her voice quaked, sounding shriller than she intended. She quickly cast her eyes downwards.
“She’s alright.” Quincy started. She could hear the smile in his voice, and she thought she might die of embarrassment. “She’s been trying to keep high spirits it seems. I’m glad as it’s been rather tough for me to think so positively these days.”
[[Other Questions?|Hallways]]
(set: $Q1 to "available")“Every once in a while.” Quincy says with a nod.
“Sometimes I see her and Betsy around but most of the time they are departing.”
"Do you drive them to many places?”
He shook his head, “No they usually take walks for the most part. I don't see them often, just as they come and go. Then Miss. Florence holes up in her room for a while as she comes back.”
“Is it often they meet up?”
Quincy shrugs, “Twice every month I believe.”
Elenor nodded. “You ever overheard any of their conversations?”
Quincy quietly thought. “Hmm. Mostly just work, how to tailor things, going about construction of fabrics. It’s mostly scientific things, I can hardly keep track.”
[[Other Questions?|Hallways]]
(set: $Q2 to "available")“Oh Anna? Not long I think.”
“Can you make an estimate for me?” Elenor prodded.
“Around three months I’d say, maybe less. Very recently.”
“Would you say she’s fitting in well?”
Quincy raised an eyebrow, “I think that’s a rather personal question. Shouldn’t you ask her for herself.”
“Don’t worry, we’ve talked.” Elenor said, “Just want to hear from you.”
“Well if you say so.” Quincy said with a huff. “She’s often very quiet but she seems to be getting by quite well.”
“And any conflict with the boss herself?”
Quincy shook his head, “No. Not particularly. Every once and a while Miss Florence will go on about something but her words never truly hold any weight. I think everyone here knows it.”
“Really?”
“Yes of course, I wouldn’t be working here as long as I have if I didn’t.”
[[Other Questions?|Hallways]]
(set: $Q3 to "available")The Sun was high in the sky and streamed through the windows in wide rivulets. Elenor found herself looking out those windows, eyes catching on the garden below. Her eyes danced around the soft pinks and blues within it, filling the space below with color. Then she saw movement. She squinted her eyes as she saw what looked to be Alexandria. Elenor figured she’d go talk with the woman, winding down a staircase and trying to find a proper entrance to the garden itself. In her puzzling twists and turns around the mansion she bumped into Quincy.
“Quincy I’m so glad I found you!” she said, slightly exasperated. “How do I get to the garden?”
He chuckled lightly. “I always did tell Florence the entrance was too hard to find. “It’s out near the dining hall. I’ll show you, I’ve been meaning to spruce up around those parts anyways.”
He led Elenor to the dining hall, and much to Elenor’s relief he showed her to the door, hidden by a curtain and barely in view.
Elenor could see Alexandria moving about outside and considered the fact she would have to question the woman sooner or later. But perhaps it could wait for another time? Quincy was still in the dining room, shuffling things around and glancing at what he could do next. She could always catch up with him instead and leave the primodonna to her dramatics.
[[Hallways]]
[[Garden]]
(set: $Q4 to "available")
(set: $Afternoon to "available")Alexandria was sitting amidst the floral bed, the chrysanthemums and hibiscus plants scattered about. Alexandria leaned back, her head facing towards the Sun and her breathing calm.
“You look relaxed”, Elenor piped up.
Alexandria lazily opened her eyes, looking up at Elenor with an unsurprised expression.
“Hello Rose. I see you've finally come out to soak up all the Sun’s glory with me!”
“Please, Elenor is just fine.”
She raised an eyebrow, “You need to make your name a brand if you’re going to make it. Rose is a good brand, its beauty distracts you from its thorns.”
“I don’t think I have many of those.”
“I think you're giving yourself too little credit.”
Elenor stood silently for a second, both at a loss for words and thinking of something more to say.
“Well are you going to ask me questions or…?” Alexandria finally spoke up.
“Right, right of course.”
——
[[How long have you been in the fashion industry?]]
[[How’d your call to your lawyers go?]]
[[Is maintaining a fashion career difficult?]]
(if: $GA01 and $GA02 and $GA03 is "available")[Go on! [[Day 1: Evening]] ](if: $afttrue is "available") [Elenor hesitated, she didn’t think that silence could ever stretch that long. Her voice stuck to the back of her throat, and it took more effort than she was willing to admit to unlatch it.
“I can’t sorry. I have to—y’know. Maybe another time?”
Anna’s lips twitched, a subtle frown appeared for just a second. Then her expression dropped back to neutral as she nodded.
“Of course it’s fine. Another time then. Just shut the door behind you, won’t you?”
Elenor nodded and watched as Anna left. Then she unlatched a heavy breath she didn’t know that she was holding.
As she shut the door, she heard a small sound clang against the floor. Looking closer she picked up an item, no smaller than a pin. As she grasped it in her hand it pulsed, growing and then returning to its small size. She wished she could say she was unfamiliar with the gadget. But she’d broken into enough locked abandoned buildings in her youth to know what it was.
Elenor grimaced as she pocketed the item, then she began to walk back.
(set:$annasus to "available")]
Elenor returned to the living room and to Betsy who was still engrossed in her book. Elenor did her best to quietly sit down across from her. The chair scraped loudly across the ground. Elenor grimaced as she found her seat. Betsy finally looked up, letting out a quiet sigh.
When the fact that Elenor was not moving became apparent she placed her book down and stared at Elenor with something between curiosity and contempt.
“What?” she said, her eyes only slightly narrowing.
“Uh, just checking how you’re doing.” Elenor said, stumbling to put on a reassuring smile.
“Okay…” Betsy responded. Her gaze, however, did drop its slight scowl so Elenor assumed she was doing something right. Elenor waited a moment for some social cue or start to the conversation but Betsy said nothing. It seemed like she’d have to pull the weight of this one.
——
[[What are you reading?]]
[[Are you working with anyone else?]]
[[This place is super big, do you ever get lost?]]
(if: (count: (history:), "Day 2: Afternoon") is 0)+(if: $LivB01 and $LivB02 and $LivB03 is "available")[Question on! [[Day 2: Morning]] ]
(else-if: (count: (history:), "Day 2: Afternoon") is 1)+ (if: $LivB01 and $LivB02 and $LivB03 and $afttrue is "available")[Question on! [[Day 2: Evening]]]Elenor quietly made her way to the ballroom, hearing her shoes echo around the mostly empty room. Alexandria turned to her, pausing her looking around.
“Oh, hello Elenor.”
“Alexandria? What are you doing here?”
Alexandria squinted at a particular corner of the room before turning her gaze to Elenor.
“Nothing….just looking.” she said. “And how are you darling? Come around for a little advice?”
Elenor shrugged, "You could say that.”
“It’s really such a drag that we have to stay here. Florence is such an incorrigible host.”
“Yeah well, this isn’t really much of a get together now. Someone here is potentially committing a crime.”
Alexandria huffed. “Florence needs to learn that these sorts of things just happen in the business.”
“And that’s okay to you?” Elenor pried. With wealth and morals it was hard to say who truly cared. Morals just weren't in the cards once the wealth got too great.
“It doesn’t matter!” Alexandria said, waving her hands about. “It shouldn’t matter! It hasn’t mattered before her and it shouldn’t matter now. She just messes with the natural order of things and expects we all must follow her rules now.” Alexandria said with a scowl, deepening further around her lips.
The tension hung in their air. An untapped mine ready to blow. Elenor didn’t know what to say for a moment, afraid that any movement could lead to an explosion. Alexandria looked at her, eyes in a frenzy. It worried Elenor, not for Gold’s sake but everyone else’s.
——
[[Do you own a ballroom like this?]]
[[Did you want to ask me something?]]
[[Have you dealt with many scandals?]]
(if: $BallA01 and $BallA02 and $BallA03 is "available")[Question on! [[Day 2: Morning]] ]
“Oh all my life. Since I was a little child I’ve been trained to do just this.”
Elenor’s mouth fell open, “Really?”
“Talent this amazing doesn't just appear. I was born for this.” Alexandria said, smiling widely.
“But….that must’ve been hard, not even getting to enjoy your youth, working every second of every day.
She paused as her lip trembled. Then she spoke again, voice angrier this time. “You just don’t understand. You haven’t seen my branding. The Gold brand has such a shine too. You don’t understand the spotlight Rose. If you’d felt it too you would understand.”
“The spotlight…?”
Alexandria’s eyes grew wide and wistful. “There is nothing like it. Seeing the crowd cheering for me, their eyes all mine, the praise, the glory, the gold.”
“I can only imagine.” Elenor said tentatively.
“Yes. Maybe one day you can be as successful as me too. If you work hard enough.”
[[Other Questions|Garden]]
(set: $GA01 to "available")“If you're asking why I’m talking to you, you must find a more subtle way to say it.”
“Well, I still want an answer.”
She sighed loudly, “In truth, I’m not supposed to be talking to you. But I’ve just decided that I can just not tell you anything worthwhile.”
“How do you know what I won’t find worthwhile?”
“Oh shh, you’re so negative.” she said with a slightly badgering tone. “I have a sense for such things, Rose. I’ve been in this business for years and haven't tripped up before.”
“If you say so.” Elenor shrugged. “At least it makes my job easier.” she added, the words mumbled out in a silent breath.
[[Other Questions|Garden]]
(set: $GA02 to "available")“Sometimes.” she said, tapping a finger idly on her chin. “But so long as the people I work with find something new and exciting for me to model I’m usually good.”
“Has that been difficult as of late?”
She frowned, “Maybe a bit.”
“Because of Florence.”
She stayed silent but the gaze she levelled said a lot on its own.
“Florence is out there reshaping the market. That’s gotta feel like a bit of a threat.” Elenor pressed.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Alexandria said, waving her hand around. Her voice inched out from between her lips, tightly slotted into a smile.
“Fine, let’s shift the conversation.” Elenor said, noting the distance in her expression. “Miss Gold, how important is your image to you?”
“It’s everything I have. I would never sully it.” she said, voice a little calmer, but still calculated.
“Never?”
“Never.” she repeated. “My brand is everything to me. It is my life. And I refuse to have it ruined by anything.”
[[Other Questions|Garden]]
(set: $GA03 to "available")The evening drew closer, the mansion quieting until only the footsteps and hushed voices of people could be heard. As Elenor glanced past the living room, she saw Alexandria, now within the comfort of the house. She was leaning back on the seating arrangement and talking to Anna. Anna looked like she was going to pass out from boredom, nodding at Alexandria’s words with a polite smile that was becoming less and less so with every word that left Gold’s mouth.
There was also Belle in the dining room nearby, though not too near as could be assumed by the fact that Alexandria and Belle were currently not in a heated debate. She talked with Richter with a large smile gracing her face. They seemed to be entrapped in a very vivid discussion with how their expressions changed. It seemed to be the least stressed either of them had been.
[[Living Room | Living Room AnA]]
[[Dining Hall| Dining Hall BR]]
(if: $AnA1 and $BR1 is "available") [Onto the next day! [[Day 2: Morning]] ]“As I was saying, you really ought to wear something less dull.”
Anna slowly nodded, her jaw tightened. Elenor noted her outfit for a moment. It was a bright tank top, the collar inching higher in smaller semi-circles. Then some normal slacks paired with it. It was a completely normal outfit from what she seemed, especially with someone who was to be working.
“I think it looks quite fine, Miss Gold.”
Anna’s eyes flicked towards Elenor, offering her a slight smile as she visibly unclenched her jaw.
Alexandria sighed, “I suppose I am outnumbered by those with drab tastes. Pity.”
“Yea well, I guess I’ve never been one for fashion.” she said with a shrug. “But how are you two adjusting to everything today?”
“Definitely a lot more work than I'm used to.” Anna lamented.
“I’m doing just splendid darling. Trying to enjoy the time off while this ‘situation’ is sorted.”
Elenor nodded. “Well I hope you don’t mind me joining to chat for a bit.”
Before Alexandria could open her mouth to speak Anna vigorously shook her head. “Not at all. It’s more than welcome.”
——
[[How did you two end up talking?]]
[[What are you discussing?]]
[[Alexandria’s steps towards success]]
(if: $AnA1 and $AnA2 and $AnA3 is "available") [Question on! [[Day 1: Evening]] ]By the time Elenor had walked over to the two they had erupted into a fit of laughter. Belle rested her head atop Wells’ shoulder as he threw his head back, his voice reverberating. As Florence cracked her eyes open , she met Elenor’s and slowly straightened up.
“Oh Elenor, hope you’ve been enjoying the accommodations around so far.”
“Oh course! Just wandering around, how are you doing?”
“Oh just catching up with my dear friend.”
Richter softly smiled, “It has been nice to talk again.”
“Perhaps this whole scare was worth it after all.” Florence considered.
Richter shook his head slightly, dabbing at his forehead with a cloth, “I would have to disagree Belle. I don’t think a repeat of this would do positive things for my blood pressure.”
“True,” Belle said, huffing air out through her teeth. “Well, my career rests in Elenor’s hands currently so I might as well enjoy it for the days I have left.”
Richter nodded, his expression falling serious as Elenor grimaced.
The mood was unbearable for a moment as Elenor stumbled to continue the conversation.
——
[[How’s the reminiscing been?]]
[[Why didn’t you go through with being a doctor, Florence?]]
[[Richter’s working tendencies]]
(if: $BR1 and $BR2 and $BR3 is "available") [Question on! [[Day 1: Evening]] ]“I needed someone who knew their way around this place. I haven’t the first idea where anything is.” Alexandria complained.
“I’ve been tagging along to help.” Anna added, “I haven’t been able to get back to my regular work because of my newfound job leading Miss Gold around.”
“All while Quincy’s been working overtime today.” Elenor said with a frown. “The poor man.”
Anna glanced to the hallway outside the living room, a frown prevalent on her face. “Oh, that’s a pity.”
Elenor sighed, “Yeah but that’s just life sometimes isn’t it.”
Anna nodded slightly, her eye never quite looking directly at Elenor. It was still directed at that door.
[[Other Questions| Living Room AnA]]
(set: $AnA1 to "available")“Oh just making it in the industry.” Alexandria says, her eyes alight. “I happen to have a lot of good information in that field, you know.”
“Anna, I didn’t know you had an interest in this fashion life.” Elenor said with a raise of her eyebrows.
“I happen to be a bit curious, yes.” Anna said, her expression blanching for a moment. “It’s just an idea though.”
“Well if it’s a passion of yours you should go for it.” Elenor said.
“I agree,” Alexandria said with a wide smile. “Perhaps you can be my pupil.” she said, her eyes sparkling. Sometimes Gold truly did live up to her name.
(if: $Q1 is "available") [
“Speaking of discussions,” Elenor started. “Thanks for the comfy outfit. I appreciate it.” she said.
Anna smiled brightly, expression morphing from mildly annoyed to excitement. “Oh it was nothing.” she reassured, with a wave of her hand. Just glad it’s comfortable of course. ”
“It is a drab thing though,” Alexandria said, wrinkling her nose.
“Hey, how did you know what size I was?” Elenor asked, eyebrows furrowing as she puzzled over the question.
Anna narrowed her eyes, “Oh I just guessed,” she said. “Glad I was right.”
Alexandria cocked her head slightly to the side, “That’s pretty difficult to do,”she said. “Perhaps you do have an eye for fashion after all.”
Anna’s eyebrows raised for a moment before falling again. “Perhaps I do.” she said. The words hung in the air with a strange sense of finality. ]
[[Other Questions| Living Room AnA]]
(set: $AnA3 to "available")“Now listen closely darlings, it isn't every day you get advice from a star like me.” Alexandria said, brushing off her dress.
Anna glanced at Elenor, a look of utter boredom prominent on her face. Elenor stifled back a laugh.
Gold cleared her throat rather abruptly before continuing. “As I was saying, what’s most important is connection. The right connections can make or break a career. Don’t you think so?”
“Uh yes, of course.” Anna said, her voice a touch unsure.
“And get your name out there. It’s not an easy task but once you get in, people usually see you as a threat.”
Elenor glanced at Anna, expecting her to make a comment. She noticed how Anna’s eyes hung on her words, and how she leaned forward ever so slightly. Elenor wondered if Alexandria’s words held more credence then she was considering.
Alexandria smiled widely at the attention, “You know Rose, the advice could help you as well.” she added.
Elenor tore her gaze away from Anna entirely, “Oh…. maybe. I’ll consider it.” she answered, a bit rushed.
[[Other Questions| Living Room AnA]]
(set: $AnA2 to "available")“Absolutely wonderful.” Florence said with a wide smile.
Richter mirrored the expression, though a touch less emphatically. “We’ve been discussing all we got up to in our younger years.”
Florence sighed wistfully, “It truly feels like forever ago.”
“Agreed.” Elenor watched as he raised his eyelids, the first thing akin to mischief she ever saw on his face, “Do you remember the contortionist?”
Florence snickered loudly, “Oh my gosh I forgot all about him.”
Elenor looked between the two of them, confusion apparent on her face.
“It’s not my story to tell.” Richter said, nudging Florence anyways.
“Oh it’s fine—,” Florence assured. “So Elenor, back in med-school we were discussing methods for promoting wellness. So this fellow in the classroom mentioned yoga.”
Richter scoffed quietly, “But he only mentioned it because he was some acrobatics fanatic that found his way into medicine.”
“So I said, ‘I promise you, no one cares as much about yoga as you. If they wanted to contort their bodies they would join a circus like you apparently are so enamoured to go back to.’”
“Then he challenged her to a fight.” Richter said, amusement in his gaze.
“He’s lucky he was so flexible. Otherwise it would have been much worse for him.” Florence replied. Her gaze was cutting and Elenor remembered why she had feared the intensity of her presence.
The two broke into laughter again and Florence wiped her eyes, “Why those were truly the good old days.”
[[Other Questions| Dining Hall BR]]
(set: $BR1 to "available")“Where’d that question come from?” Florence asked.
“Richter and I have been talking and I’ve just been wondering about it.”
Florence glared, and for a moment Elenor worried she had pushed the fashion designer too far. That was until Elenor followed her stony gaze straight to Richter.
“Richter knows why. Tell her Richter.” she ordered, her voice blunt.
Wells huffed, “You were no longer passionate about it and thought there was nothing there for you.”
“And….” she said, tapping her foot on the ground impatiently.
“And you wanted to actually follow something you were passionate about and not just something you knew you could succeed in doing.”
“Good, thank you Ricky.” she said with a smile. “I hope this answers your question, Elenor.” she said, turning to meet the detective’s eyes.
“Uh... yeah thanks Florence.” Elenor hesitated before saying. As she glanced at Richter she saw his head was hung low. Clearly it was still a sore subject for the both of them.
[[Other Questions| Dining Hall BR]]
(set: $BR3 to "available")Florence sighed long and dramatically, “I hardly ever see him during the week. He’s always so busy.”
“People’s health is a big deal Flor, I can’t just call out.”
“Perhaps,” she said with a pout. “Shame I can’t trap you in my abode for longer. I’ll miss your company terribly.”
“You know I feel the same of course.” Richter said, fondness prominent in his smile. “But my patients wait for no one. You can always take some time to join me at my—,”
“Don’t.” Belle said abruptly, her voice cutting.
“Of course.” Richter said, voice short in its reply. “I’m just glad we get this time together.”
“Me too.” Belle said, with a smile.
“I can’t believe you still miss my presence with all the time you spend with that woman, Lotts was it?”
“Oh well—,” Florence startled, her entire face flushing red with embarrassment. “That's a different sort of situation.”
“I suppose so,” Richter said, his expression thoughtful. If he noticed Florence’s reaction he didn’t say anything about it, nodding his head absentmindedly.
[[Other Questions| Dining Hall BR]]
(set: $BR2 to "available")Elenor doesn't remember falling asleep. She’s not quite sure she even did. She ended the previous day, jumping into her bed and staring at the ceiling. She was uncomfortably conscious every second that passed. The truth was, she worried, about this case, about the expectations, about Naomi’s role in all of this. History was more complicated than it was worth. She didn’t have much history in this city anymore, and what she did have, she tried to push away.
She mentally lamented about how personal it all felt. Maybe every jab this city contained was meant to be personal.
She slowly rose from the plush covers, a more comfortable fabric than she could ever afford, and found her outfit for the day lying next to where she placed her prosthetic. She felt the weird numb and prickly feeling she never got used to as she attached it before looking at today’s outfit. She smiled slightly and then let her brain turn on, and the day begin.
She faintly heard a quiet conversation when making her way across the halls. Richter quietly talked with Anna who seemed to just be waking up. She had a small night gown, the sleeves of which traveled all the way to her arm. And she didn’t have her eye in. It must be something important then.
Elenor passed by Betsy in the living room, her legs crossed together as she adjusted her glasses. She seemed to be invested in whatever she was reading, methodically turning pages at a speed Elenor had never read at before. As Elenor made her way around Betsy’s eyes flicked up towards hers. She glanced at Elenor, her face unchanged before returning to her book.
After dropping into the kitchen for a small snack Elenor passed the ballroom. Her eyes halted as she saw Alexandria walking around. She walked in one direction and scanned, then walked to another and did the same, almost as if looking for something.
Where to go?
——
(if: (count: (history:), "Day 2: Morning") is <2)[
[[Sleeping Quarters | Sleeping AnnR]]
[[Living Room| Living Room B]]
[[Ballroom|Ballroom A]] ]
(if: (count: (history:), "Day 2: Morning") is 2)[Go on! [[Day 2: Afternoon]] ]Elenor made her way back towards the direction of Anna’s sleeping quarters. She felt a bit weird spying on Anna’s conversation but her job came first—as it always did.
She paused when she heard Anna’s voice drifting from upstairs.
“So what do you think?”
Elenor heard a small click and a slight hum. “Well I think it’s just a bit of irritation in the socket. Do you usually wear your prosthesis often?”
“Not this one, no. It’s new.” Anna said quietly, her voice almost timid.
“Well I recommend eyedrops, and going without one for a bit. Perhaps a patch to soothe it as well if you prefer.
She heard Anna sigh heavily. “Okay.” she finally said, though she didn’t sound very happy.
Elenor took this as her cue to finish walking up the stairs.
“Hey morning you two,”
“Oh morning Elenor,” Anna said, brushing her hair slightly over her eye.
“Yes morning.” Richter responded.
——
[[You feeling alright Anna?]]
[[There's no need to feel awkward, okay?]]
[[Aren't you supposed to be taking a break from work Richter?]]
(if: $AnnR01 and $AnnR02 and $AnnR03 is "available")[Question on! [[Day 2: Morning]] ]Her scowl returned for a moment.
“Don’t ask that.” she said.
“Why not?” Elenor asked.
“I don’t need you to patronize me by asking about knowledge you don’t actually want to know about.”
“But isn't that called small talk?”
“If you think I care for small talk after these couple of days then you have horrendously misjudged my character.”
“Well what do you want to talk about?” Elenor tried to pry.
“I don’t know but not that.”
“You're being impossible.”
“I’m not the one who started this conversation.” Betsy pointed out.
“Yeah well—you got me there.” Elenor conceded.
[[Other Questions| Living Room B]]
(set: $LivB02 to "available")“No.” she stated. “Plus it’s not that easy to work with people. I don’t…..gel very well with most people.”
“I would never have guessed.” Elenor said with a roll of her eyes.
Betsy glared at her before continuing. “Finding Florence was like finding a diamond in the rough. No one cares about knowledge anymore. Like true knowledge. Everyone’s more fascinated by parties and their little rendezvous.” she grimaced.
“But you came to this party.”
“Yes I did.” she said, flipping through the pages of her book absentmindedly.
“Why?” Elenor pressed.
Betsy’s eyes flicked back up towards Elenor. “I wanted to see if my designs worked, and I wanted to see if there was anyone else here worth my time.”
“Well did you find anyone else?”
Betsy hummed slightly, “I’m not sure yet.” she finally landed on.
[[Other Questions| Living Room B]]
(set: $LivB03 to "available")She sighs heavily, tension slowly releasing from her shoulders. “Oh all the time.” she complained. “I can hardly understand how Florence can manage it all.”
“I suppose it’s different from working in a library.”
“Yes, well everything is labeled there. This place,” she said with a slight wave of her hand, “it just goes on and on.”
“I can understand. I feel like I keep on getting lost.” Elenor said with a laugh.
“Finally someone who understands. It’s a breath of fresh air talking to someone who isn’t as familiar with the overly giant nature of this place.”
“Yea I bet,” Elenor responded with a nod.
[[Other Questions| Living Room B]]
(set: $LivB01 to "available")She laughed, “Rose the ballrooms in my repertoire and twice as large and exceptionally have more shine to them.”
“Oh really?”
The twinkling in Gold’s gaze dimmed a bit as she searched through Elenor’s gaze for a mirror to her excitement.
“You don’t seem very interested.” she complained with a pout.
“No—it’s just hard to visualize.” Elenor said slowly.
“Oh of course! It’s truly elaborate. Nothing you lower city folk would have seen before. But once you see it you’ll never be able to forget, believe me. Have you been to the bigger theatres around here?”
Elenor paused, the memory of it abrupt and vivid. The times she went with Naomi, naive promises that one day she’d go back with her friend as the star. Naomi loved the idea of stardom and Elenor was taken with the idea of being able to watch her from the audience. Just another captive piece in the newfound starring performer Naomi Salaiya. “Yeah…” Elenor said hesitantly. “I’m familiar.”
“Great! Imagine something as glamorous as that!”
“Right.” Elenor said, then she swallowed hard, pushing down any emotion that might remain and burrowed it deep within her stomach.
[[Other Questions|Ballroom A]]
(set: $BallA01 to "available")“How did you—,”
“I’m just good at reading people Miss Gold, it’s in the job description.”
“Right. Well I just wondered if you ever yearned for stardom? I know most people who work in Illuo do.”
“Yeah,” Elenor said through gritted teeth. “Well I’m not everyone in Illuo.”
“Oh don’t be like that Rose,” Alexandria said with an overly-pronounced somber expression, “you know what I mean. No one stays here without some grand idea of who they want to be.”
Elenor stared forward, “I didn’t move just for me,” she finally confessed.
“Oh really?”
“Yeah…” Elenor said, leaving it at that. She didn’t care to elaborate more. She didn’t want to open the wound more than needed.
[[Other Questions|Ballroom A]]
(set: $BallA03 to "available")“Elenor, you never ask a business person how many scandals they’ve been in. Truly that is rule number one of getting around in Illuo.”
“My bad, didn’t know it was a sore subject.”
“Yes, well, I forgive you. But only because I like you.”
“You…..do?” Elenor paused, unsure if this was just a ploy for Alexandria to earn her favor.
“Of course. I don’t give my advice to just anyone.” Alexandria continued on. “I’ve been in too many and too few scandals at the same time. It’s not pleasant Elenor, I’ll tell you that. But it is good for advertisement. They are horribly difficult to brush away after they’re done. They're more trouble than their worth. I’d advise you to stray far from them altogether.”
[[Other Questions|Ballroom A]]
(set: $BallA02 to "available")Anna looked to Elenor, expression fraught.
“Of course!” Anna reassured, “I’m just not used to all these festivities. And my eye is acting up.”
Elenor frowned, “Have you been taking breaks? I know sometimes even my arm gets uncomfortable if I have it attached for too long.”
“There hasn't been time Elenor." she said with a sigh.
“You still need to make time.” Richter explained, “It can be harmful and lead to excessive irritation if you don’t.”
Anna huffed out a breath, “Right, you’re right. You both are. I guess I’ll try.”
Elenor smiled, “Good, and don’t be worried about not putting on your prosthetic around me. You have nothing to worry about.”
To that Anna smiled, quiet and genuine as she mumbled a quick, “Thank you.”
[[ Other Questions| Sleeping AnnR]]
(set: $AnnR02 to "available") “I guess,” Anna said.
“Sometimes…” Elenor started, pausing and choosing her next words carefully. “I feel a bit out of place, even with my prosthetic arm. So I know how it feels.”
Richter nodded slowly. “I also—that is to say I know what it feels like to get so comfortable appeasing the greater populous.”
Anna looked at him, the eyebrow on her uncovered eye raising slightly. “Really?” she asked, her voice raising with a slight inkling of disbelief.
“Yes well I have veneers over most of my teeth, the highest tech of course, practically unnoticeable. People expect doctors to be of good health and my smile to be so as well. It is uncomfortable, at times, to know I’m putting up a facade to the world.”
Anna nodded, “I guess we all have our own masks in a way.”
Elenor glanced at her, letting the silence absorb the room. “Yes, I guess we do.” she finally managed to say.
[[ Other Questions| Sleeping AnnR]]
(set: $AnnR03 to "available") Richter nervously laughed, “Oh well, you can’t separate me from my work for long. It’s hard to find times to take breaks anyways when health is so apparent.”
“Really? You’d think with how wealthy the people are it’d be easy.”
“I thought that too once, when I still had the naive heart of youth. No Elenor, wealth makes you paranoid. You never realize how much you have to lose until you have it all.”
“I guess I never thought of it like that.”
“Do you have anything you’re scared of losing, Elenor?” Anna piped up abruptly.
Elenor turned to her, her head swiveling sharply. Her throat burned with emotion for a second before she pushed it down.
“I’m not sure,” she lied. “Probably my job, my city. Those are important to me.”
Anna nodded in return, her eye boring an uncomfortable hole through Elenor as she looked away.
[[ Other Questions| Sleeping AnnR]]
(set: $AnnR01 to "available") It’s a mellow day, and Elenor is already feeling the heat of the Sun find a peaceful mid-ground in the sky. It’s unbearable and a part of her wishes for nothing more than to be home. She hopes her ability to function hasn't been impacted and briefly considers sleeping the rest of the day away. She doesn’t though, because no matter how tenuous her relationship with Florence was, she didn’t have the heart to give up on her.
Betsy remained in the living room, still filtering through her book, slouching in a manner that made even her laziness seem like a bout of practiced precision. She looks zoned out from the rest of the world and peaceful. Elenor feels guilty for a moment when the idea of bothering her pops into her mind.
Instead she wanders off, taking her rounded checkups of places of note. She rushes up the stairs and to Florence’s study. Outside of the door, tea tray set aside on the floor beside her, she sees Anna. Elenor squints as she sees Anna open the door, taking the tray with her. Elenor quietly follows behind her. She watched Anna place the tray on Florence’s desk, then lean against it with a sigh. Elenor watched Anna’s eye flick across the room, narrowing slightly as it did so. Elenor felt like she was holding her breath, as she stood entirely still. Then Anna’s eye flicked toward the door again, and met Elenor’s gaze.
They froze, eyes locked in on each other, before Anna cocked her head to the side and smiled.
“Are you spying on me? That’s not very nice is it?” she asked, her voice practically a whisper. For a second Elenor’s voice failed her, and with a final invisible push she stumbled into the room.
“I—sorry. I was just wondering what you were doing.”
Anna’s eyes met her and for a second, they stood not saying a thing. The lights of Illuo shone on their faces, a silent unbearable warmth that settled underneath their skin.
“You’ve caught me taking a break. But I suppose I should get back to work now. I’ve been looking for Florence to give her some tea.” Anna said, motioning to the tray.
“I—right of course.” Elenor stuttered out. She stood awkwardly as Anna picked up the tray again.
“You can accompany me if you're not busy. I’d appreciate it.”
[[Accompany Anna ]]
[[Go back to the living room| Living Room B]]
(set: $afttrue to "available")Anna’s face brightened immediately.
“I’m so glad! You know I was a bit worried you would refuse but I guess it’s all under the bridge.”
Elenor narrowed her eyes, a playful smile on her lips. “Really? That’s a shame. I’ve been looking forward to getting some time to just talk to you.”
Anna’s eye widened and she looked away, a shy smile on her lips. “Oh, yes, good.”
Elenor and Anna began their walk side by side. Elenor watched Anna’s expression falter as she tried to look for something to say. The moment she opened her mouth to speak the silence was filled with the presence of another voice.
“Good afternoon Anna! Elenor as well. I didn’t think I’d bump into you two together,” he said. His eyes sparkled with excitement at seeing the two of them that Elenor couldn’t quite understand.
“Yes I was finally able to pull our dearest Elenor away from her job.”
“It’s about time as well. I was starting to worry for her health.” Quincy said, huffing out a breath quietly.
[[Positive Response]]
[[Cynical Response]]
Evening time in Illuo, especially in the Florence manor, was no quieter. The city did not rest for anyone, and the sound of machinery outside was still as active as ever. It was not always like this in Illuo. Even the name was newly heralded by the technological revolution. The nights used to be cooler then, but now the temperature ran hot and arid.
Elenor looked out a window, trying to breathe in that air and really feel it. She was distracted, however, by loud chatter. No–not chatter. Yelling. Elenor closed her eyes, breathing in one more time before turning on her heel and going to investigate.
She followed the sound to the dining hall where Betsy and Alexandria stay, and saw Alexandria flailing her arms around, her voice high pitched and screeching. Betsy’s voice was just as cutting, the quiet demeanor she displayed all the time replaced by a firm bold voice that shook the clockwork on the walls. Elenor slightly backed away, trying to distance herself from the tornado of anger. It was already making her head throb. In doing so, she bumped into Richter, who lightly laughed at Elenor’s startle.
“I see you are avoiding the sparkful conversation as well,” Richter said, an amused smile on his lips.
“It’s quite unprofessional in my opinion,” Quincy grumbled. “If you’d like you may stay with us, Elenor. Have some tea!” Quincy insisted, holding up his cup.
[[Dining Hall|Dining Hall AB]]
[[Kitchen|Kitchen QR]]
“Yea,” Elenor said with a shrug. “I thought I could use this as a break. I’ve been meaning to spend some more time with Anna.”
Anna was positively gleaming, a wide smile splitting her face.
“Well, I sure am glad you two finally made the time to spend time together. I worried with how Anna raved about you that she didn’t have the courage to ask,” he said with a chuckle.
Anna sputtered and glared, “I have no clue—why would you even,”
“Well I’m glad she did.” Elenor said, sending a small reassuring smile Anna’s way. Her voice quieted, dropping from its high pitch as the flush slowly warmed her cheeks.
“Well make sure you have her back to her work by evening. Don’t keep her away for too long.”
“I promise I will, you have my word.” With a stifled laugh Elenor put a hand over her heart and gave Quincy a small nod.
They found their way to the ballroom, and peeking inside they saw Alexandria walking around the place. She seemed to be on the phone too, chattering on her personalized device as she moved around. Whenever she walked around, it was loud and persistent. Even her shoes echoed with a less than quiet pronunciation letting the space know that she was the star of the show. With someone who loved the spotlights in Illuo so dearly, it was strange to see her within the room when only the dim artificial lights were glowing.
“I can’t believe she’s in there again,” Elenor said with a scowl. “I can’t tell if she’s suspicious or just strange.”
Anna stifled a laugh. “Can’t it be both?” she asked with a raised eyebrow.
“Probably,” Elenor said with a shrug.
Alexandria looked their way and Elenor ducked for cover, pressing against the wall and pulling Anna’s arm to remove her from Alexandria’s view as well.
Anna opened her mouth to speak, and Elenor quickly covered her mouth with her mechanic hand. They stared at each other, nerves racing high as they listened to the sound of Alexandria’s footsteps. The steps paused, and then continued again, like nothing had ever happened. The hitched breaths of Anna and Elenor finally returned to normal as Elenor retreated her hand.
“I think—maybe—that the coast is clear.”
Anna was quiet, her eye flicking from Elenor to the door.
“Oh—sorry I’m a bit close aren't I?” Elenor stepped back, averting her eye gaze.
“Alexandria does have a point though.”
“What—?” Eleanor never thought she would hear the words “Alexandria” and “has a point” in a sentence together without a “not” sandwiched between the two phrases.
“She spoke, to me, a lot about searching for more from this life.”
Elenor scoffed, "Probably a way to scam you into a new purchase,”
“But,” Anna chewed on her lip, turning the phrase in her head before she spoke. “Elenor don’t you ever wish for more?”
[[Yes]]
[[No]]
(set: $secret01 to "available")“It’s just for a moment. I still have a job to do,” Elenor said, her eyebrows furrowed.
“Yes, well, I’m glad we still get this time together anyways.” Anna said, her voice quiet as she brushed her hair out of her face.
Quincy looked to Anna and then to Elenor tentatively. “Well either way, I’m glad to see you two spend time together. Perhaps you’ll find you have a lot in common too.”
Elenor looked at Anna, curiosity and suspicion coagulating into one. Sometimes she wished she didn’t have this job, that she didn’t have to be suspicious of everyone she met. She wished she had met Anna outside of this case.
They found their way to the ballroom, and peeking inside they saw Alexandria walking around the place. She seemed to be on the phone too, chattering on her personalized device as she moved around. Whenever she walked around, it was loud and persistent. Even her shoes echoed with a less than quiet pronunciation letting the space know that she was the star of the show. With someone who loved the spotlights in Illuo so dearly, it was strange to see her within the room when only the dim artificial lights were glowing.
“I can’t believe she’s in there again,” Elenor said with a scowl. “I can’t tell if she’s suspicious or just strange.”
Anna stifled a laugh. “Can’t it be both?” she asked with a raised eyebrow.
“Probably,” Elenor said with a shrug.
Alexandria looked their way and Elenor ducked for cover, pressing against the wall and pulling Anna’s arm to remove her from Alexandria’s view as well.
Anna opened her mouth to speak, and Elenor quickly covered her mouth with her mechanic hand. They stared at each other, nerves racing high as they listened to the sound of Alexandria’s footsteps. The steps paused, and then continued again, like nothing had ever happened. The hitched breaths of Anna and Elenor finally returned to normal as Elenor retreated her hand.
“I think—maybe—that the coast is clear.”
Anna was quiet, her eye flicking from Elenor to the door.
“Oh—sorry I’m a bit close aren't I?” Elenor stepped back, averting her eye gaze.
“Alexandria does have a point though.”
“What—?” Eleanor never thought she would hear the words “Alexandria” and “has a point” in a sentence together without a “not” sandwiched between the two phrases.
“She spoke, to me, a lot about searching for more from this life.”
Elenor scoffed, "Probably a way to scam you into a new purchase,”
“But,” Anna chewed on her lip, turning the phrase in her head before she spoke. “Elenor don’t you ever wish for more?”
[[Yes]]
[[No]]
Elenor sighed, feeling the weight of her breath from within her throat.
“Of course I do,” Her voice hitched, somewhere between desperate and exasperated. “All I’ve done since I set foot in this city is yearn for more.”
Anna frowned, turning her head to the side. Her hair was covering a good deal of her face, curling into view and obscuring her expression from Elenor’s view.
“I’m sorry for asking.”
“No, please. Don’t be.” Elenor quickly insisted. “Do you? Yearn for more?”
A small smile quirked up on Anna’s lips. Subtle enough that the expression itself felt like a secret only she could catch.
“I wish for so much more than this place, for myself and for you too.” Anna moved forward and took Elenor’s hand in her own. “I think we both deserve something more than what this place has to offer.”
There is a quiet disdain in Anna’s voice that Elenor finds. She chooses not to question it, letting the moment linger and the burrowed smile grace her face. And gently, subtly, she squeezes Anna’s hand back.
“We should get going.” Elenor states and she leaves the moment behind, conserving it to memory.
The lights of Illuo are still as overbearing in the afternoon. More than anything they are hot, searing into Elenor’s eyes with an intensity that makes her want to squint. Elenor and Anna walk to the garden, and the flowers around them seem much more alive. Anna crouches down to smell one and faintly smiles. Her jet black hair seems almost out of place in this bright garden.
“It’s beautiful out here,” Anna says.
“It’s always beautiful in Illuo,” Elenor replies. Elenor feels the city in her every bone. It sears into her flesh and burns just as brightly in her heart. She doesn’t know how to describe the ache it leaves her with. She doesn’t think she has the words.
Anna’s eye glances around and Elenor watches as her smile disappears, replaced by a subtle frown.
Elenor follows her gaze for a moment and sees Florence wandering around the garden and bending down every once in a while to smell a flower.
“Looks like our adventure has come to an end,” Anna says. Her voice is somber. Elenor feels the need to apologize for a moment but she can’t think of the first clue why she would. Instead she decides to say….
[[We should do this again sometime]]
[[See you around]]
(set: $secret02 to "available")
Elenor shook her head, “I don’t… I don’t deserve more.” She stops to keep her voice from fraying. The emotion within it scares her. She looks at Anna and her expression scares her too. It is mournful, grieving.
“You deserve so much more Ele—,” Anna reaches out and Elenor flinches back. Her breath is unsteady for a moment, every hair on her skin raised with goosebumps.
“I’m sorry…thanks.” Elenor says.
There is a beat: quiet, and bulbous before Elenor takes a breath and steps back.
“We should get going.” Elenor states and she leaves the moment behind, conserving it to memory.
The lights of Illuo are still as overbearing in the afternoon. More than anything they are hot, searing into Elenor’s eyes with an intensity that makes her want to squint. Elenor and Anna walk to the garden, and the flowers around them seem much more alive. Anna crouches down to smell one and faintly smiles. Her jet black hair seems almost out of place in this bright garden.
“It’s beautiful out here,” Anna says.
“It’s always beautiful in Illuo,” Elenor replies. Elenor feels the city in her every bone. It sears into her flesh and burns just as brightly in her heart. She doesn’t know how to describe the ache it leaves her with. She doesn’t think she has the words.
Anna’s eye glances around and Elenor watches as her smile disappears, replaced by a subtle frown.
Elenor follows her gaze for a moment and sees Florence wandering around the garden and bending down every once in a while to smell a flower.
“Looks like our adventure has come to an end,” Anna says. Her voice is somber. Elenor feels the need to apologize for a moment but she can’t think of the first clue why she would. Instead she decides to say….
[[We should do this again sometime]]
[[See you around]]
“We should—I mean if you want to we should do this again,” Elenor finally manages to say. “When you're free. If you're free I don’t know how busy you are.”
Anna laughs, breaking Elenor from her spiral of anxiety. “Of course. When I have the free time I’ll write to your office and let you know.”
“Oh of course! Right. Do you need the address?”
Anna shook her head in response. “I’ll figure it out.” She pauses for a moment before adding. “I can just ask Florence if anything.” The sentence feels almost like an afterthought.
Elenor nods, relieved. She watches Anna push the cart up to Florence who gives her no mind, and they exchange a few words. Then Elenor turns around and goes back to the manor.
(set: $secret03 to "available")
[[Day 2: Evening]] “I’ll see you around. I hope.” Elenor said with a nod.
Anna’s saddened expression lingered. “Of course. Thank you for joining me.”
“It’s nothing really. I promise.” Elenor reassured.
Anna’s expression made her nervous, like she had said something wrong. Elenor watched as Anna’s expression shifted, turning blank again and then returning to her smile.
Anna turned on her heel, heading towards Florence with the cart in hand. Elenor felt a shiver travel down her spine. She turned as well and she tried her best not to dwell on it. She subtly watches Anna and Florence over her shoulder as they exchange a few words. Then Elenor turns around and goes back to the manor.
[[Day 2: Evening]] Elenor shook her head. “Thanks for the offer, but I should probably check on them.” she said, motioning towards the battle of words.
“I understand, work waits for no one,” Richter said with a solemn nod. Elenor returned the gesture then made her way back to Betsy and Alexandria. Their argument had not quelled by the time Elenor got there, much to her dismay.
Alexandria currently held a book, one of Betsy’s, and was waving it around.
“Your little textbooks teach you NOTHING about fashion! You’re a fraud you know!”
Betsy’s face was scrunched up and her eyes were lit up with rage. “If you used your head you would know that was never my plan! But I bet you never had an introspective spark in your head once in your career! You just have people do it for you. That’s why you're so brain dead.”
“Well I never—,”
Elenor cleared her throat, making the sound as loud as she could muster. The two of them swiveled, the fire still churning in their gazes. Alexandria’s vitriol quelled to an immediate disinterest as her gaze met Elenor.
“What—,” they said in tandem before turning to each other with a newfound anger.
Elenor was quick to interrupt before a new tirade could begin.
“What are you even fighting about? What is there around that could even be worth yelling this much about.”
“I’m just trying to prove a point.” Alexandria said snippily.
“About what?!” Elenor replied.
“About how she sees everyone as a threat.” Betsy said, regaining her calm demeanor and giving an annoyed look to Elenor.
Alexandria rolled her eyes, “No about your incompetence! What do you even do?”
“I do not have to tolerate this disrespect from you. I am a part of this community whether you like it or not.”
Betsy wrinkled her nose in disgust as Alexandria huffed out an annoyed breath. The tension was thick and Elenor waded through it as she looked from Betsy to Alexandria. She decided this was as good an opportunity as any to make conversation. Maybe she could manage to get something useful in their heightened state.
[[Why don’t you two just get along?]]
[[Can you please tone it down?]]
[[You have a fair bit in common, you know?]]
(if: $AB01 and $AB02 and $AB03 is "available")
[[Go to kitchen|Kitchen QR]]
(if: $AB01 is not "available")
[Elenor barely had to think about it before coming to her answer.
“Yeah I think I’ll stay.” Elenor replied. Her shoulders relaxed in relief. She’d deal with whatever conflict those two had ongoing later.
“Glad to hear it,” Richter said with a nod. ]
“How have you been today, Elenor?” Quincy asked. His smile was warm as always, wrinkles crinkling near his eyebrows as he did so.
Elenor shrugged, “I’m alright. Just a bit tired I guess.”
“I’ll tell someone to get you some more blankets or pillows. Perhaps that would help.”
“Or you could look into getting some DayBGones.” Richter mentioned.
Quincy’s face fell ever so slightly, his brows furrowing with distaste.
Elenor chuckled lightly, “If I had DayBGone money I’m sure I’d have some.”
DayBGones had been running up in price, skyrocketing to higher than the very biggest power mechanisms in Illuo. Because what’s a better way to make money than to up the price of something everyone needs? Richter wasn't any more worse for wear, being that his pockets were lined with more wealth than he could count. But Elenor couldn’t expect him to know the struggle of yearning for that pill just so she could reach that nirvana of a good night’s sleep.
“Well Elenor, perhaps if you stay on my good side I’ll make sure you get a few containers worth, on the house.” Richter said with a wink.
Disgust roiled in Elenor’s gut, potent and bitter. She masked it with a smile. “We’ll see how the cards fall Mr. Wells.”
[[Quincy, do you not like DayBGones?|DayBGones]]
[[How’s your break been Richter?|Break]]
[[Why’d you stay Richter, are you really worried about the scandal?|Scandal? ]]
(if: (count: (history:), "Dining Hall AB") is 0)+(if: $QR01 and $QR02 and $QR03 is "available") [
[[Elenor's Inquiry]]
[[Dining Hall?]]]
(else-if: (count: (history:), "Dining Hall AB") is > 0) +(if: $QR01 and $QR02 and $QR03 and $AB01 is "available") [
[[Elenor's Inquiry]]
[[Day 3: Morning]] ]“Perhaps…. It would be rather inconvenient and while I don’t know what exactly Flor has on me I’d rather not test her.”
His expression darkened as he contemplated for a moment. Then a smile broke that darkened exterior in two.
“But it’s quite nice to have a break! It’s been a welcomed relief I’d say.”
“I wish I could afford a break like that.” Elenor softly lamented.
“Ah right, you are working aren't you. Shame. Well I suppose should Belle pay you handsomely for your work you’ll get your break eventually.”
Quincy nodded, “I’ll make sure she does.”
He smiled as he looked at Elenor and Elenor nodded back.
Perhaps, she mentally rescinded, this job wasn’t all bad.
[[Other Questions|Kitchen QR]]
(set: $QR02 to "available")“It’s been quite nice actually. I’ve been so busy. Haven’t truly had the time to do much of anything. It has been quite a relief to catch up with smaller ongoings.”
“Perhaps Miss Florence should drum up rumors of scandal more often then?” Quicky said with a hearty laugh.
He looked to Elenor and Richter who emitted a less enthused chuckle.
“Maybe,” Richter said, though his face expressed otherwise.
“Maybe a less stressful alternative next time?” Elenor piped up.
Quincy and Richter both made sounds of agreement.
[[Other Questions|Kitchen QR]]
(set: $QR03 to "available")“Not particularly,” he said. He averted his gaze from Richter who looked at him with a stark confusion.
“How come? Are you allergic? You know we are developing a version with less of the common allergens that should work—,”
“No no no, it’s none of that,” Quincy explained. “I’m just not fond of that artificial stuff. You know the staff here trade it like they’re committing back alley deals.”
Quincy’s face scrunched up in disgust as he recalled all he’d seen..
Richter looked at him, his face wiped of all discernible emotions. Elenor wondered how much Richter had to practice that expression for clients. He was definitely pretty good at it.
“Well I certainly don’t see the problem you have with that. But perhaps you're more of an old fashioned lad than me.” He tapped Quincy shoulder as though he was coddling an upset child. Elenor fought back a glare. She almost forgot how obtuse the wealthy could get. It really just stuck to them, no matter how tolerable their surface layer was.
“Well I’m sure I’ll contact you if I’m ever looking for a discount Mr. Wells.”
Richter grinned widely, showing off his wide array of teeth, “Well if you ever do I’m sure we could have something arranged.”
[[Other Questions|Kitchen QR]]
(set: $QR01 to "available")“Hey I had a small question for you Doc.”
Richter smiled, “Of course! Always here to help. What is it?”
“So I’m a really infrequent eater. If I took some DayBGones without having a meal first would I be good?”
Concern flashed over Richter’s face. “Oh no, that would not be ideal. Taking DayBGones without any sustenance could lead to unpleasant side effects.”
“Like what?”
Richter gave Elenor yet another concerned look.
“Just curious I promise,” she reassured.
“Weariness, nausea, fatigue. Things a young person such as yourself should not be messing with.”
“Alright alright. I got it. I won’t mess with that then.”
“Good,” Richter said, audibly relieved.
[[Kitchen|Kitchen QR]] “Well thank you too for the pleasant conversation. I’m think I’m going to talk to Betsy and—,”
''CRASH. ''
A loud sound echoed through the room, stopping Elenor in her tracks. She was running before her mind could catch up to her.
There she saw Betsy and Alexandria engaged in a tousle. Betsy’s face was filled with a shocking amount of rage. Elenor had rarely seen her this angry. As for Alexandria, she looked terrified. The smug smile she usually adorned with was gone as Betsy held what looked to be a sharpened edge of an item at her.
“I’ve had ENOUGH of you! Keep her name out of your mouth you pompous—,” Betsy yelled, her voice shrill and unnerving.
Elenor acted as quickly as she could; she looped her arms through Betsy’s and pulled her backwards. Alexandria stumbled up, holding her shoulder where a sliver of blood dripped past her fingers.
Elenor looked between the two, her eyes catching on the blood seeping from Gold’s arm. The red that flowed down and down and…
“What is wrong with you two?!” Elenor yelled. “Quincy get Richter, and a cold compress and some alcohol.”
“Huh? Why of course Elenor.”
She heard Quincy give hushed orders to a woman who worked there. Then he set off in another direction.
“You never answered my question?” Elenor said with a glare. Betsy had hung her head low, something similar to shame across her face as she looked down at what seemed to be a bookmark with a sharpened edge. Elenor would laugh at how incredibly crazy it was if she wasn’t so furious. Alexandria had obviously recovered from her fright as she stood just a bit taller. As she pushed her chin up slightly in her usual defiance Elenor could see the slight quiver of her lips as she spoke.
“Well I was just talking when that madwoman attacked me.” Gold complained. Her voice was quieter than usual, no longer echoing but held the same smarmy defiance it usually has. “But she will be dealt with. After all no one can counter Gold and go without consequence,”
At that Quincy, Richter, and another helper came into the room.
“My…. what happened?” Richter immediately asked, eyes darting between the two. He immediately went into his routine of examining the injury and treated it as Alexandria loudly lamented about how much it hurt.
Betsy looked at Alexandria, a slightly dazed look in her eyes.
Elenor watched intently as Alexandria was patched up, a wrap being secured around her arm to stop the bleeding. According to Richter it wasn’t anything too bad.
“Don’t think you're off the hook for this,” Elenor said to her once Richter took his leave. “I don’t know what you said but whatever happened here is not helping your case in any way.”
Alexandria rolled her eyes, “Oh we’ll see.”
She gave one last glare to Betsy before walking out.
“And you—,” Elenor said, turning her attention fully to Betsy. “Whatever that was, it wasn’t it. What are you even doing, are you crazy? Why are you picking a fight with her?”
Betsy looked up at Elenor, hollow eyes staring back at her, the echoes of rage dancing around her peripheries.
“Elenor don’t you ever get tired….? Tired of listening to people like that.”
“What did she say to you?”
Betsy shook her head. “I—no I can’t say.”
“Betsy. You have to tell me something. Something that will actually help me understand what just happened there. Do you know how bad this looks for you?”
At that Betsy’s head snapped up, her rage returning full force. She grabbed the dagger in her hand, squeezing until her fist was reddened.
“Believe what you want,” she finally said. “You people are all the same. Not a shred of honesty in your bones.”
Elenor shook her head. “You know that’s not true.”
Betsy didn’t budge.
Elenor sighed pacing the room as she thought.
“I’m gonna just ask you questions. Tell me what you can.”
Betsy slowly nodded, readjusting her glasses to their normal spot on her nose.
(set: $injury to "available")
[[What did she say?]]
[[Are you not worried about what Gold will do?]]
[[What would Florence think? ]]
(if: $fight01 and $fight02 and $fight03 is "available") [
[[Day 3: Morning]] ]
Betsy looked away from her, a frown prominent on her face.
“Elenor, have you ever wanted to shield someone from the world?”
Elenor looked to her, turning her head to the side. She watched Betsy take a deep breath in, noting its shakiness.
“Alexandria is evil. She just knows how to use people. And that’s all she does, Elenor.”
If Elenor looks close enough, she can notice tears form in Betsy’s eyes. She tries to not look too hard, the pain seeming too much to bear.
[[Questions? |Dining Hall?]]
(set: $fight02 to "available")Betsy left out a laugh that sounded more like a sob. It was wilted and free from its normal assuredness. It sounded—well, she sounded scared.
“Whatever she does it’s up to her. I can’t do much of anything. Some people have more than you no matter what. It can’t be helped.”
“You can’t think like that, Lotts,” Elenor reminded her.
“I suppose… maybe I need to sleep on a few things.”
[[Questions? |Dining Hall?]]
(set: $fight03 to "available")Betsy’s head shot up.
“Don’t even—,” she started. Then she took a breath and laughed. “Oh for starlight’s sake, what would she think of me? Elenor, promise me you won’t mention this to her please.”
She gripped Elenor’s arm with her hand. Just the small press of her gloved fingertips on her arm as Elenor gazed at her.
“I-I promise.” Elenor agreed. “Only if you play it safe from now on. No more of whatever this is.”
Betsy nodded, a bit of worry leaving her expression.
“Okay. Okay I will.”
[[Questions? |Dining Hall?]]
(set: $fight01 to "available")“You don’t think I’ve already tried that?” Betsy said, that whip crack of anger back in an instant. “Elenor I’ll have you know that I’m quite the easy person to work with.”
“Uh huh….” Elenor said, very much unconvinced.
“However some //people// see everything as a threat.”
Alexandria laughed, “Oh you are no threat to me. It's more akin to a bug to me. A pesky. Annoying. Bug.”
“This is why Florence is leagues better than you. At least she has vision.”
Alexandria took a few long steps until she stopped in front of Betsy’s face. She was taller, her shoes adding to the extra height to look down at Lotts. Then she jabbed a finger into Betsy’s chest.
“Say that again. I dare you.”
Betsy smirked, pridefully. It was the most enthusiastic Elenor had seen her that entire argument. She looked like she had won.
“Luckily for you I don’t repeat myself Gold.”
Alexandria stood there, a blinding ball of fury as she gazed back at Lotts. Elenor considered perhaps she should ask another question before another argument bubbled to the surface.
(set: $AB01 to "available")
[[Questions? |Dining Hall AB]] “Oh sweetheart I don’t 'tone it down’. That’s just not my style.” Gold explained with a roll of her eyes. Betsy looked at her, her serious expression twitching.
“And what is your style, Gold? I haven’t seen anything from you in months.”
Gold kept up her manufactured smile though her eyes narrowed on Lotts.
“Our grander designs are just….in the works at the moment.”
“I’m sure they are,” Betsy replied, her more playful tone laced with venom.
Elenor worried if she was part of this conversation for any longer she’d start to suffocate.
“Okay no toning it down then—but I’m sure you could teach each other quite a lot.”
“I doubt she could teach me anything useful,” Alexandria said with a scoff.
“And I doubt Miss Gold could see the importance in anything that doesn’t sparkle.” Betsy replied, folding her arms with a quiet indignance. “She doesn’t have the time for books or innovation. She just doesn’t understand how much there is out there.”
Betsy shook her head. “But it’s no use talking to people stuck in the past, Elenor. They’ll drag you down till you forget what the light really looks like.”
Elenor nodded slowly, savoring the bitter taste of the words in her head. Then she let their impact wash over her and tried to will them to fade from her head.
//Those words aren't for me//, she told herself. //They’re for Gold not me. //
(set: $AB03 to "available")
[[Questions? |Dining Hall AB]] Betsy raised her eyebrow and Alexandria immediately frowned.
“What is that supposed to mean?” Betsy asked.
Alexandria nodded in agreement, her gaze now entirely focused on Elenor.
Shit, Elenor thought. That’s not what I meant to do…
“Well you two are both very passionate about your craft,”
“And?” Betsy asked, clearly unimpressed.
“I do hate to agree with //her// but everyone in Illuo is passionate about their craft.”
“Okay okay umm….” Elenor paused, and her mind went blank. Well… there went all of her quick thinking. She swears this only happened when it was least convenient for her.
Elenor watched Betsy visibly cringe. “No, I think that’s enough for me.” Betsy turned to Alexandria. “Gold when you put your mind to it, your wit is quicker than most of the plebeians out there.”
Alexandria smiled, barely but the motion was still there. “And if I had to push all my correct opinions aside I’d say you actually have a good presence. You're not a person that easily fades from people’s memory. I respect that, I suppose.”
They stared at each other then, waiting for the other to speak or add some wayward rebuttal. When none came they slowly, and rather awkwardly looked away from each other.
“Okay…. Well I’m glad we could sort that out,” Elenor said tentatively.
“Don’t take credit for embarrassing us into reconciliation.” Betsy snapped.
“Just because we couldn’t stand to see your own dumpster fire doesn't mean you can take credit for our momentary alliance.”
Elenor snapped her mouth shut. Perhaps it was better if she just didn’t say anything else after all.
(set: $AB02 to "available")
[[Questions? |Dining Hall AB]] Hearty laughter emitted from the dining room, a sound that almost shocked Elenor when she found out just who it was coming from. Alexandria and Richter were talking?? It seemed that the unlikely pair had begun to have breakfast together.
Elenor didn’t even know what they had in common and she stared at the sight in frozen shock as she tried to figure it out.
“Oh Elenor! Wondrous morning we’re having isn’t it,” he said with a wide smile.
Alexandria turned, meeting Elenor with a smaller smile than she had before. Elenor looked between the two of them, turning the idea around in her head and examining it from every angle.
Nope, she still didn’t get it.
“How are you two doing?” Elenor tentatively asked.
“We’re doing just splendidly, Rose. Richter here was just regaling me with some of his more medical tales.”
“And you listened?”
Elenor still couldn’t believe the sight before her eyes. She looked to Richter, trying to see if there was any annoyance he was attempting to hide in front of the designer. There was none she could see.
“Miss Alexandria has quite the eye and ear for detail, believe it or not.” Richter explained with a warm smile.
“Oh I don’t doubt it….” Elenor replied.
[[So, since when did you two get along?]]
(if: $injury is "available")[ [[How’s your injury doing?]] ]
(else-if: $injury is 0)[]
[[Are you two packing up? ]]
(if: $RA01 and $RA02 is "available") [ [[Day 3: Morning]] ]Elenor almost tripped over her own shoes as she attempted to keep up with the pace of Florence and Quincy. She rattled on instruction after instruction with Quincy writing it down and quickly instructing someone else to do the task. They seemed like a well oiled machine, bouncing from task to task with maximum efficiency.
Elenor could hardly keep up enough to get a word in.
“Wait….wait,” she croaked out, at a loss for air.
Florence and Quincy turned back, surprise on their faces as though they were just noticing Elenor for the first time.
“I would ask if I could tag along but I worry I’d get left behind anyways.”
Elenor cracked a tired smile as she looked at the two. Quincy’s eyes darted to Florence who huffed lightly.
“We can slow down a bit,” she relented.
As soon as Elenor caught her breath the two began walking again. Admittedly they were a bit slower which Elenor appreciated. So with the air she had left in her lungs, she started the conversation.
“So are you excited for this little escapade of yours to be over?”
“Partially, while I did enjoy the whole scheme, all these people in my house did make it quite hard to work.”
“But it couldn’t be that much more than normal right? You’ve always got a lot of people around here.”
Florence scoffed, “I’d hardly say that! No one with a true name anyways.”
Elenor glanced at Quincy who gave her a knowing smile.
“So Elenor? How has our little investigation gone?”
[[Good]]
[[Confusing]]
[[Not the best]]
“Oh most definitely, there's nothing truly keeping me here anymore and I need to get back to work.”
“But what about the scandal?” Elenor prodded.
“Please. If Florence truly had something legitimate under her sleeves she would have shown all her cards already. This was a bluff and nothing more.”
Alexandria nodded in agreement.
“I only stayed to scope the place out.” Gold explained. “Not every day I’m allowed to stay in Florelle’s abode, and definitely not for this long. While it was important to make sure she had nothing on me, I was never going to stay more than a few days.”
“Huh….”
“Business moves fast here Rose. You have to learn to keep up. You either adapt or get crushed by the competition. Florelle having us here, just slinking around like sea serpents, does more harm to her than good. The only reason she could do something like this is if she had someone else on her side to keep an eye on everyone.”
“Someone like me.” Elenor said, her voice quiet enough that neither of the two could hear her.
[[Questions|Kitchen RA]]
(set: $RA02 to "available")“Oh don’t get your curls in a twist Elenor this is a very recent development.”
Elenor folded her arms, a slight pout still on her face. Richter looked at her, fighting back genuine amusement.
“Don’t worry young detective, I’m sure this won’t meddle with your case too much.”
Alexandria rolled her eyes, “I almost forgot about that thing. A dreadful waste of time if you ask me. Now that I think about it—I don’t know why I stayed at all.”
“Don’t be silly Alexandria, you know what a big scandal could lead to.”
“What could it lead to?” Elenor asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Don’t you know? This city is built brick by brick on reputation. Ill worded rumors—especially from someone well known in the industry—can destroy a lot of what you're working towards.”
“Seems a bit silly to me.” Elenor admitted, shaking her head.
“Most business things are,” Richter said with a shrug.
[[Questions|Kitchen RA]]
(set: $RA01 to "available")Florence sighed, the tightness of her smile dropping as her expression finally relaxed.
“Oh good, that’s good,” she muttered. “Of course I knew you’d figure it out. You seemed sharp enough and I wouldn’t waste my time with anyone who didn’t know what they were doing.”
“I'm sure what Miss Florence means to say is thank you for all the work you’ve done so far,” Quincy added.
“Don’t thank me yet. Maybe wait until after I solve it.” Elenor combatted quickly.
“Right…” she said, scrunching up her brow. “But I’m sure that’s not everything you're here for. Ask your questions, Elenor."
[[How long has Quincy been working for you? ]]
[[Are you both excited for this to be over? ]]
[[How has your designing been? ]]
(if: $BQ01 and $BQ02 and $BQ03 is "available") [
[[Day 3: Morning]] ]Florence glared ahead before turning that piercing expression to Elenor.
“What do you mean? Haven’t you had enough time!?”
“It’s just the motives, Florence. I’ve had the time but everyone seems to have so much going on. It’s hard to pin down one suspect.”
“But you’ll be sure to have one by the end of day right?”
Her voice raised, the tinge of fear that was so prominent that first day she marched into Elenor’s office. That fear Elenor had decided she would help assuage.
“Of course Florence, I’ll figure it out. I always do,” Elenor said with a confidence she didn’t know she had.
Florence paused as she looked at Elenor, gaze searching her face for a word of a lie. Then she nodded and replanted her smile on her face. “But I'm sure that’s not everything you're here for. Ask your questions, Elenor."
[[How long has Quincy been working for you? ]]
[[Are you both excited for this to be over? ]]
[[How has your designing been? ]]
(if: $BQ01 and $BQ02 and $BQ03 is "available") [
[[Day 3: Morning]] ]Florence’s face fell and she raised a hand to her forehead,
“Oh for star's sake, I’m doomed.”
“I wouldn’t say—,”
“Doomed! And it’s all your fault. I should have never trusted that stupid letter. And now my business oh my business—,”
Quincy placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. As if soothing a writhing animal he spoke in a hushed tone.
“Give Elenor a chance. I’m sure she just needs a bit more time.”
“Right… but I’m sure that’s not everything you're here for. Ask your questions, Elenor."
[[How long has Quincy been working for you? ]]
[[Are you both excited for this to be over? ]]
[[How has your designing been? ]]
(if: $BQ01 and $BQ02 and $BQ03 is "available") [
[[Day 3: Morning]] ]“It’s truly been a while hasn’t ” she said, glancing at Quincy to see the hearty smile he gave.
“Yes Miss Florence it truly has.”
“His family worked for my parents, when I went into the fashion business he worked for me. Quite simple really.” Belle continued.
“Seems like you have a lot of trust in him.” Elenor said.
“Perhaps too much,” she said with a playful roll of her eyes. “But he gets things done so there’s no necessity for me to complain.”
“I don’t suppose there’s any others you have as much of an attachment towards?” Elenor asked.
Belle flicked her eyes around, gravitating from each of the workers who floated past her, all adorned with small momentos from Florence’s collections.
“I wouldn’t say so,” Florence said with a furrow of her brow.
“And no one in particular who you have a distaste for?”
Florence gave Elenor a judgemental stare, “Why do you think I would keep someone like that on my team? That sounds like an incredibly daft thing to do.”
Even Quincy gave Elenor a confused look at the question.
“Okay one more thing. How long has Anna been working here?”
“Who?” Belle said, then turned to Quincy.
“About three months or so,” Quincy answered. “Remember Florence, black hair, yellow gown.”
“Oh the one who’s been extra talkative recently? Haven’t paid much attention I suppose. She hasn’t really done much to merit any of my attention.”
“I see," Elenor said. “Well that’s good to know anyways.”
(set: $BQ02 to "available")
[[Questions? | Hallways BR Questions]]“I cannot speak for Miss Florence but it will certainly be a welcome relief.”
“I’d say so as well. It’s been quite a nuisance for production to have them all here for so long.”
“Didn’t consider how this whole investigation would impact everything else?” Elenor asked, trying to stifle any wayward amusement on her lips.
Florence pouted, “Truly. Even if this masked assailant was nearby, at least my production would have had to take as much of a halt as it had. The allure of the idea has definitely been lost.”
“I’m terribly sorry for all that,” Elenor said, her voice dripping with so much faux sincerity she thought briefly it would make Naomi proud.
Florence put a hand on her shoulder and with a slight smile said, “Worry not Elenor, I don’t blame you for this at all. Even if I could.”
//Wow//, Elenor thought. //What a ''total'' relief//
(set: $BQ03 to "available")
[[Questions? | Hallways BR Questions]]“Not much of that unfortunately. Mostly I’ve been focusing on the production of my color-wheel clothes line.”
“The what—?” Elenor asked, turning her head to Florence in confusion.
“My debut item….at the party? You do realize it is my newest collection?”
“Oh right! Umm totally.”
Elenor quieted her muted embarrassment. She had been so caught up in the hectic case she had forgotten to consider the essentials. She wouldn’t say she felt too guilty but she defensively felt obtuse.
“I need it to succeed. These opportunities don’t come by every once and a while, even for me.”
Florence spoke with a whisper, all that passion and fire now quieted down into something smaller and more desperate. Fear. Elenor had never heard the emotion ring so true in Belle Florence’s voice.
(set: $BQ01 to "available")
[[Questions? | Hallways BR Questions]]In Elenor’s last afternoon in Florence’s mansion she could almost trick herself into seeing the beauty in it yet again. The curtains mostly blocked out the oppressive light, leaving a dim afterthought brightening the hallways. The lights here are tailored to the time of day, making sure the overbearing light is not a problem. Elenor thinks she’ll miss this place, if only or that. The blinds in her office barely keep out the light that cracks through her window, disturbing any idea of sleep she usually conjured up.
Speaking of things she’d miss. She found Anna and Quincy talking away in the ballroom, the two of them looking quite relaxed. Walking past them and towards the entrance was Richter, bag in hand. Elenor decided she should probably make conversation with either one of them before the evening bells tolled. It would be quite boring elsewise.
[[Ballroom|Ballroom QA]]
[[Entrance|Entrance R]]
[[How long has Quincy been working for you? ]]
[[Are you both excited for this to be over? ]]
[[How has your designing been? ]]
(if: $BQ01 and $BQ02 and $BQ03 is "available") [
[[Day 3: Morning]] ]“So what are you two doing in Alexandria’s usual hiding spot?” Elenor asked, approaching the two sitting side by side on the stage. The curtains were drawn giving a burgundy backdrop as they rested and Elenor noted how her voice echoed around the empty space. It was certainly a grand place to hang out. Somehow, Elenor always felt so minuscule whenever she stepped into the room.
Quincy let out a small laugh and Anna’s head shot up at the words, her smile widening.
“Elenor!!!” Anna exclaimed.
“How’ve the two of you been holding up? Excited for it to be done?”
“Definitely! I’ve had way too much Alexandria Gold exposure than anyone should have in a week.” Anna said with a sigh. “I will miss seeing you though. You’ll visit right?”
“As much as possible. I wouldn’t want to abandon you to the madness of Florence.”
“It isn’t too bad once you get used to it.” Quincy added, hand popping open his pocket watch.
“Says you, she actually likes you.”
“I’m sure she doesn’t despise you Anna. Miss Florence doesn’t hate anyone truly.”
“Yeah that would probably be too much work for her too,” Anna muttered. Elenor watched the distaste enter Anna’s face, contorting her calmed expression with a temporary sourness.
“Well anyways,” Elenor continued. “You don’t mind if I stick here with you two for a bit?”
Anna’s expression faltered yet again, changing back from its normal neutrality to its regular soft smile.
“Not at all!” Anna said.
Quincy smiled at her as well and Elenor was beginning to understand why Belle Florence trusted the man so much. His expression was one that made Elenor feel safe.
“I think your presence here would be much appreciated, Elenor.” he said.
[[Secret DayBGone Business]]
[[Florence’s Business]]
[[What do you usually do around here Anna? ]]
(if: $QA01 and $QA02 and $QA03 is "available") [
[[Day 3: Evening]] ]
The entrance to Florence’s mansion was larger than Elenor had assumed a doorway could be. With the silk draped around it, it was also the fanciest one that Elenor had ever laid eyes on.
“Getting ready to bail already?” Elenor asked.
Richter paused, slowly turning around and giving Elenor one of his practiced smiles that felt just a twinge too artificial to be real.
“Elenor! Yes I’ve been itching to get back into work and I’m starting to feel like I overstayed my welcome. I think many of us are feeling the same.”
“I can understand the cabin fever. Been itching to go home myself and take a well needed break.”
Wells nodded vigorously. “Yes you understand! That’s all it is. I’m homesick.”
“I’m glad you're not taking a mad dash home for any other reason.”
“No—no why would I? I’ve just got work you see. Lots of work. I’m a very busy man.”
“Right…” Elenor responded. She looked the doctor straight in his eyes, letting the uncomfortable silence stretch for a moment before she decided to ask her questions.
[[The Scandal]]
[[Alexandria|Alexandria and R]]
[[Aren’t you gonna say bye to Florence? ]]
(if: $EntR01 and $EntR02 and $EntR03 is "available") [
[[Day 3: Evening]] ]
“What do I think about it?” Anna asked, glancing around. She looked confused why the question was even being asked of her.
“Just wanted to know. I already know what Quincy thinks of it.”
“Which is—?”
“I don’t find it very favorable.”
“Oh ...well it’s not hard for me to find, I suppose. I know the correct people to contact in regards to it. I hardly have the need for it though.”
Elenor nodded. “Good to know.”
Anna’s eyes flicked to Quincy and then back to Elenor’s holding her gaze.
“Why’d you ask?”
“Just testing out a theory I have I guess.” Elenor said with a shrug.
(set: $QA01 to "available")
[[Questions?|Ballroom QA]]
“What about it?” Quincy asked, raising his brow.
“If her business does fail, do you have a game plan?”
Quincy grimaced, like the thought had never before crossed his mind.
“I think I’d stay with Miss Florence. It had been my life’s mission to accompany her in her business ventures. Abandoning her now, I couldn’t do it.”
He shook his head slightly. Elenor could see the worry in his face, etched so deeply into his features they could not be mistaken as something else.
“And Anna, what about you?”
Anna gave a rather disinterested shrug. “Just find another job. Hopefully one that pays a lot more.”
“Are you not satisfied here?” Elenor asked. Quincy’s eyes darted to Anna’s then, almost unsure. Anna visibly shrunk into herself.
“Oh well-I wouldn’t say //that//. Is anyone truly satisfied in this city anyways? There’s so much more out there.”
(set: $QA03 to "available")
[[Questions?|Ballroom QA]]
“Wow you are asking me quite a number of questions today! I’m flattered.” Anna said, a twinkle in her eye as she did so. She turned her head as if to think, pursing her lips slightly.
“Mostly just clean up but sometimes I’m tasked with giving Florence her morning and afternoon tea. Those are the only times me and Miss Florence are ever in close proximity though.” She rested her hand over her heart, a small smile growing on her lips. “Scouts honor and all.”
“Sounds nice. What type of tea do you usually make?”
“Cinder tea! It’s truly to die for. It's made from these flowers that //only// grow in Illuo. Some teas leave you with a bad aftertaste but not this. Sometimes,” she added, her voice a whisper now, “I save just a bit for myself, just to enjoy.”
“You're lucky no one noticed Anna. You need to be careful with that.” Quincy scolded sternly. He didn’t hide his slight amusement at the comment however his face still held a serious tone.
“Of course Quincy. I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen too often.”
(set: $QA02 to "available")
[[Questions?|Ballroom QA]] You cannot see the stars during the day. You cannot see the moon in Illuo. These are two facts of life that Elenor had to adapt to.
Elenor missed the darkened skies she was so used to in Daybreak sometimes. She used to watch the Sun fade from view and the cool darkness cover her figure. Then she would stare at the moon. And it was beautiful. But things were different then. Very different.
She wished she could see the moon in Illuo.
Betsy Lotts stood, overlooking the balcony. She chewed her nails, the only act of nervousness Elenor had ever seen on her. Maybe the time in the mansion was taking their toll on all the residents. Betsy slowly moved her gaze, turning to see Elenor staring at her. Embarrassment flushed on Elenor’s face as she turned around, eyes fixating outside the window. There she caught sight of Anna, seated within the garden. She looked peaceful there.
Where should Elenor go?
(if: (count: (history:), "Day 3: Evening") is <2)[
[[Balcony|Balcony B]]
[[Garden|Garden A]]
]
(if: (count: (history:), "Day 3: Evening") is 2)[
[[THE FINALE]] ]“So it seems you aren’t particularly worried about the scandal anymore.”
Richter narrowed his eyes at Elenor.
“If she wanted to ruin my business she could have done so already. Obviously it was just a bluff and I don’t need to stay any longer.”
“So you were never really scared then?”
“Of course I was! When did I ever say that? Scandal business is serious. All it takes in Illuo is one bad day—then you're out //for good//.”
“Seems finnicky.”
“Business in Illuo always is. That’s why you need people. Why do you think no one else went storming out when she said you were here? Most people would rather make a deal and stay silent rather than risk losing it all. It’s not worth it to do anything else!”
(set: $EntR02 to "available")
[[Questions? |Entrance R]] He cleared his throat awkwardly.
“What about her?” he asked.
“You two seemed super friendly the last time I saw you talking.”
“We just found a lot of common ground. Nothing out of sort.”
“I’d hope not. Wouldn’t want Florence finding out about that would we?”
His practiced poise fell, as did his expression. “I would never betray Belle. Of course I wouldn’t. She just makes rash decisions. Like this one.”
He waved his hand around, gesturing to the entirety of the mansion. “Even if she found out it was a friendly conversation, she would almost certainly take it as a betrayal.”
“And you think it isn’t?”
“I //know// it isn’t. I don’t care for her any less. Wanting to avoid her ire isn’t wrong. At least until she’s at a point where she can understand.”
“That’s a slippery slope you're navigating Mr. Wells. Hope it doesn’t snap back at you.”
Richter’s eyes fell to the rug below them, tracing patterns across the floor.
“I haven’t done anything wrong.” He mumbled. Elenor let him believe it. It wasn’t her problem to fix.
(set: $EntR03 to "available")
[[Questions? |Entrance R]] Richter scoffed. “Of course I am. I’m not leaving yet. Just preparing to.”
“Could have fooled me."
“Don’t be fooled by actions, Elenor. They are a tricky thing.”
Elenor tilted her head, beckoning him to go on.
“People will say one thing, do another, and feel something completely different. That’s all this city is truly, a place steeped to the brim with feelings. Rather complex ones at that.”
Elenor wasn’t sure she understood most of what he was saying. She was unsure what point the doctor was trying to make but some of it made sense at least.
“So people don’t act how they feel?” Elenor asked, trying to unjumble the concoction of words he was saying.
“Our actions are yet another piece of the disguise.”
Okay now she was lost. “Are all doctors this confusing?”
Richter smiled slightly. “No, I’m afraid it’s just me that’s like this.”
“Well that’s a relief,” Elenor said with an amused exhale.
(set: $EntR01 to "available")
[[Questions? |Entrance R]] Elenor approached Betsy Lotts in a fashion in which you’d approach a lion. Slowly, carefully, and with an eye on all exits.
“Hey—,”
Betsy’s head snapped around. She pushed up her glasses as she glared. Then her gaze softened and she frowned. (if: $injury is "available")[Elenor could see the bruising in her face, reddish blotches on her face and arms that were slowly morphing purple. ]
“Are you okay?”
“Don’t ask stupid questions.”
“It’s not stupid if I genuinely want to know.”
“I am just ecstatic to leave. These people are taking their toll on me.”
“Alexandria?”
Betsy’s eyes flicked towards Elenor. She didn’t say a thing. Her face said it all.
“I miss my house. I miss my books. I miss the quiet. I just miss being surrounded by things that always made sense.”
“This is a bit of a madhouse isn’t it.”
Betsy grimaced. “If this is a madhouse and I'm standing here, what does that make me?”
Elenor wished anyone in this house would say something normal and well adjusted. How does she even respond to that….
[[Alexandria seemed extra hostile]]
[[Why did you become a librarian?]]
[[I didn’t hate talking to you]]
(if: $BalB01 and $BalB02 and $BalB03 is "available")[ [[Day 3: Evening]] ]Elenor carefully walked down the steps and pushed past the entrance doors to make her way to the garden. The air was still warm, an after effect of all the production happening so often. The temperature in Illuo never really lowered during the nights. Not like it used to when this place was filled with swamps and fireflies and a buzzing nightlife. Back when it still held the name Sunset.
Elenor approached Anna quietly, careful not to rustle any leaves or crush any flowers. She was easy to find. And she frowned as she twisted that stem within her fingers.
“Anna,” Elenor finally spoke. It was softly, as if she was terrified she would scare the other woman away. As if she as scared to break the peace of the moment.
Anna looked up. Her glittery eye still glinted in the sunlight. It made Elenor glad, just for a moment, that it was still so bright.
“Elenor,” Anna whispered back. Like the name held more weight than it actually did. She moved aside on the bench she was sitting and motioned for Elenor to sit beside her. Elenor did, their shoulders clashing for a moment before they gained their comfortability.
Anna’s hands paused, picking up a flower that lay on her lap and handing it to Elenor.
“For you.” She said, “It’s a marigold.”
“Oh!”
Elenor took the flower from Anna placing the stem behind her ear then covering it up with her hair.
“How do I look?” Elenor asked.
She watched Anna’s eye drift across her. The feeling of being seen it gave her made her turn her head to the collection of floral arrangements in front of them.
“Like the entirety of this garden has competition.” Anna finally stated after a moment. Elenor felt breathless as she turned to Anna. And for the first time, she felt like she truly saw the woman before her. The feeling scared her. She tried to quickly change the subject.
“Do they….um do you think they have buttercups in this garden?”
Anna’s head turned slightly, searching Elenor’s eyes with a confused look. Then she smiled, “I don’t know but I can definitely check. Why is it a favorite of yours?”
“No no—that’s not necessary. I was just curious.”
Elenor shook her head trying to scrape the thought out of her mind. She touched the petals of the flower with her fingers.
“It’s beautiful! Thank you.”
Anna smiled. Elenor was fascinated by how subtle the expression was. Just a small movement of the lips, barely visible if you weren’t focusing in on it. Gone in an instant, as though it was a trick of the light.
[[Why are you out here?]]
[[It’s lovely out tonight? ]]
[[What’s on your mind?]]
(if: $GardA01 and $GardA02 and $GardA03 is "available") [
[[Day 3: Evening]] ]“I traded my task with someone else today. I just wanted to be outside.”
“I don’t blame you, the garden is one of the best places here.”
Anna nodded.
“What’s your favorite flower?” Anna suddenly asked. “It isn’t a rose is it?”
Elenor shrugged. “Honestly I’m not sure. I hadn't put too much thought to it. With my last name I swear I didn’t have much of a choice.” she said with a laugh. Anna laughed alongside her. Elenor thought she could almost forget about the case and the mystery as the moment stretched on.
“Roses aren’t bad though.” Elenor added. “Quite a nice flower.”
“I think they are too.” Anna agreed.
(set: $GardA02 to "available")
[[Questions?|Garden A]] Anna sighed. “I’ll tell you but you have to swear on your life you won’t judge me.”
Elenor’s eyes widened. “Okay okay I swear.”
Anna paused, as if still considering whether or not to tell her. Then her shoulders fell and she turned to face Elenor.
“Do you ever feel lost? Like you're just a gear in a bigger machine that has fallen away. And the machine still goes on without you. And you were sure you had a bigger purpose to keep that machine running, but lying on the ground and looking up at where you’ve come from—you realize how easy it is for it to leave you behind?”
Elenor stared. Then she opened her mouth to say something but no words came out. Anna rose from her seat and if she’d been practicing a grand theatrical gesture held her hands out towards Elenor. Elenor hesitated before grasping them in her own, mind still sifting through the undertow of surprise.
“Would you run away with me? If I asked you. Right now. Would you?”
“Run? Run where?” Elenor laughed both confused and surprised.
“Anywhere! Away from here at least.”
The deja-vu hit Elenor first. A reminder of a promise she once made when her and another first had the idea to move to this place. To set up shop in a burgeoning city with potential. The feeling repulsed her, a sick crawling that scratched at her stomach. But was that fear? Or was it just the same logic that kept her stuck here while her best friend flew the coop?
[[I can’t ]]
(if:$secret01 and $secret02 and $secret03 is "available") [
[[Yes|Yes Secret]] ]
(set: $GardA01 to "available")“Right! It’s evening. Time flies so fastly doesn’t it, Elenor? I can’t believe it sometimes.” She shook her head, expression seeming somewhere off in the distance. Elenor wondered if Anna was always this wistful. Maybe the two of them were more alike then she realized. The thought comforted Elenor.
“You know, I forget what time it is here all the time.”
“You do?”
“Yes! I keep on having to run around to check nearby clocks. I’m lucky there are so many in the manor!”
“It is a relief I’m sure!”
“What about you? You got a handle on it?”
“Kind of.” Anna said with a shrug. “My internal clock adjusted fast. I’m really good at making adjustments on the fly.”
“Lucky you! I’m from Daybreak originally so being in Illuo was quite the change for me. I had plans to move here when it was just Sunset. I wasn’t prepared for all this.”
“I can imagine…”
Anna frowned and Elenor hoped she hadn’t steered the conversation into depressing territory. “Have you been in Illuo long though?” Elenor asked.
“Long enough. Rarely when it was Sunset though. What was it like?”
“It was beautiful… I never wanted to live in another place more than I wanted to be there.”
(set: $GardA03 to "available")
[[Questions?|Garden A]] Elenor shook her head and let go of Anna’s hands, placing her own back on her lap.
“I’m sorry I can’t.”
Anna’s expression dropped. She sat back down, silently. The two of them stared towards the distance, watching the time go by together. Anna fiddled with the fabric of her dress.
“I feel like I’m always running towards something new.” Anna said to her.
“I wish I could say the same,” Elenor admitted. “I’m always just stuck to one place.”
[[Questions?|Garden A]] You’ve reached a very special option! Congrats for finding it! You gave Elenor a lot of hope.
Now that you’re here I’m going to issue you a warning. Choosing this option will prematurely end the game. Call it a secret ending of sorts //wink//. However, if this is your first playthrough I recommend you go back and save this ending for another day. You can always come back again once you’ve achieved the true ending!
Hint for how to get this option again: Trust in Anna, fully. She will lead you on quite an adventure but only if you never doubt her. If you do, Elenor won’t be able to take that leap.
[[Continue|SECRET END]]
Elenor squeezed Anna’s hands softly and she smiled.
“Okay. Okay I’ll run away with you.”
And Anna’s smile widened. She pulled Elenor towards her and into a hug.
“You won’t regret it! I promise.” She whispered. And Elenor decided she would believe it.
The two of them snuck into the mansion, packing their bags and laughing. It was complete bliss. They rushed out of the back door of the mansion and stumbled into a taxi and towards Elenor’s apartment.
Elenor laughed as she leaned into Anna. She felt safe. She felt so safe. Anna wanted to enter the apartment first so Elenor gave her the keys. Anna forgot which way to turn the lock the first time she tried and Elenor couldn’t stop her fit of giggles. Anna paused as she reached the center of the office, eyes looking around amazed at the piece of junk Elenor called a home(and an office).
“It looks just like I remember—,” Anna whispered.
Elenor paused in front of her desk. She looked up at Anna.
“What?”
Anna looked at her. She looked confused. Like Elenor had missed the punchline to a joke she’d planted.
“Elenor. Don’t act foolish now.”
“What do you mean ‘don’t act foolish’? Anna what are you—,”
“Don’t call me that!” she snapped. “Elenor the game is over. We won. We beat them. We can both drop the act.”
Elenor felt her heart stop. Felt herself stop breathing. Felt the world pause, and tilt, and spin until she was too dizzy to think.
Anna(?) stepped towards her. “Don’t tell me you didn’t know. You must’ve known Ellie.”
The words scratched against her throat. She felt so miserable.
//No. No no no no no no. //
“Naomi?” She asked.
Her expression brightened. “In the flesh!” She twirled around. As if this was some game. Elenor felt sick. She didn’t know how she was standing. She staggered her way to her seat.
“But how—why?”
“It took a lot to break into Florence’s mansion, you know. You ought to be impressed. And I had to get a whole new look just to pretend to be some old maid. But it’s nothing a wig and some makeup couldn’t fix. Gold helped me with that at least—such a horrible woman I swear.”
“Stop.” Elenor held her hands up. She looked at Anna. No. Naomi. God she should have known. “You lied to me.”
“You're not focusing on the big picture Ellie! You never focus on the bigger picture. One of your worst traits I swear. You won! We get our happy ending.”
Elenor remembered again what she’d promised. She felt like she was going to be sick.
“No,” she finally said.
Anna’s gleeful expression dropped. She didn’t look mad like Elenor expected her to. She just looked defeated.
“No?” Naomi repeated.
“No I won’t go with you.”
“What do you mean?”
“I already said no once. Did you really think you could convince me with a game! Naomi you can’t just do that.”
“You’d go for her! For “Anna”. Why is it any different if it’s me?”
Elenor watched as tears rolled down Naomi’s face, smearing the careful disguise.
“I’m staying in Illuo. You can go if you want. I’m staying.”
“I don’t understand. Why do you keep choosing this miserable city over me Elenor?! What do I have to do?”
“Leave.” Elenor stated. And her voice was steadier than she expected to.
Naomi looked at Elenor then. Deep into her brown eyes in search of an answer or a sign. Then she let out a loud frustrated noise and headed for the door, slamming it on the way out.
Elenor let her gaze drop to her desk. Then she cried. She cried until sleep overtook her.
Over the next few days Florence’s new line of clothes was plastered on billboards. It seemed to be a raging success. Elenor went back to her normal routine, a new bottle of DayBGones available due to some strings pulled by Dr Wells himself. And even Quincy stopped by once. He asked about Anna but Elenor couldn’t muster up the words to explain. She kept her answer short as she did but the way Quincy looked at her, he knew there was something. He didn’t push, and so Elenor felt no need to share. In the afternoons she stared at the lights outside her window, gleaming bright and beautiful. And she turned the page on a new chapter. Because the Sun does not dim in Illuo which means the coming of the dawn never truly ends.
[[Thanks For Playing!|Credits]]Thank you for playing my game! I enjoyed making it and I hope you loved the story.
Thank you to my wonderful friends who have been here with me throughout the creation of my story and listened to my rants about writing it and the horrors of coding LOL.
This is not the end of Elenor’s story(I love her too much for that). But thank you again for sticking through this one. I hope you enjoyed your first experience in Illuo!
[[Chapter Select]]
“Hostility is all she knows how to do.” Betsy said.
She grimaced, an almost sick expression on her face. (if: $injury is "available")[
With shaking fingers her hands graced over her bruises.
“Nasty bruises there. Healing up well?”
Betsy jumped at the mention of it as though she was being burned.
“Oh. It’s healing fine I think.”
“Say what was where you two were talking about anyways.”
Betsy shrugged. “Nothing really, she was just trying to get under my skin. She wants to use Florence’s image to insult me.” ]
“Well Alexandra is obsessed with sharing hostility wherever she goes. I hardly know anyone she gets along with.”
“It’s a positive for me. The less people I know who are in her little clique the better.”
[[Questions? |Balcony B]]
(set:$BalB02 to "available")“That’s a stupid question.”
Elenor shrugged. “Humor me.”
“I like books more than I like people. Always have. There wasn’t anything else out there I thought I could do. I like books, I’m good at learning. That’s why I chose it.”
“You know, there are barely any people in Illuo with as much knowledge as you.”
“I know that.” she said.
“So why are you here? Why did you find yourself doing this? You said it yourself, this isn’t your area. This loud party, this business. Why are you here?” Elenor pressed.
Betsy took a long time to respond. As if she had been asking herself the question and still couldn’t figure out the answer. Elenor was about to give up the idea of hearing a true answer until Betsy finally spoke.
“I’m here because for the first time, a person grabbed my attention. A person with potential and with actual ideas. Someone who listens enough to grasp information that isn’t just obvious.”
“And do you still feel that way now?”
“Make no mistake, my opinion hasn’t changed. All I need is a temporary shift in approach.”
Betsy looked down at her outfit, focusing on flatting the ruffles out.
[[Questions? |Balcony B]]
(set:$BalB01 to "available")Betsy’s eyes widened as she looked at Elenor.
“Really? You aren’t lying?”
“You are actually one of the most tolerable people to talk to. Sometimes.” Elenor added. The sentimentality felt strange but if this was the last time she was going to see Miss Lotts she might as well say it.
She glanced outside, silent for a moment. Then she adjusts her glasses.
“You weren’t horrible to talk to either.” Betsy admitted. “More tolerable than others at least. And you were honest to me. I feel like that counts for something.”
“You deal with a lot of dishonesty?”
“No one’s truly honest. I wish they were.”
Her eyes followed the motions outside, quietly losing herself in the dream. Honesty. True honesty. But Elenor had never seen anyone who was capable of that.
[[Questions? |Balcony B]]
(set:$BalB03 to "available")
Elenor was walking through the halls of the mansion when she was pulled into a quiet room by a familiar face.
“Did you figure it out?” She asked in a whisper that could hardly count as such.
“Oh Florence!”
Elenor adjusted to the darkness of the spare room, and focused on Florence who was looking at her with a worried expression.
“Yes I did.” Elenor said.
“It was…
[[Richter|Richter Fin]]
[[Quincy|Quincy Fin]]
[[Alexandria|Alexandria Fin]]
[[Anna |Anna Fin]]
[[Betsy |Betsy Fin]]
Elenor watched as Alexandria gripped her arm, far too tightly for someone who actually had a terrible injury.
“Oh it’s just been horrible. I’m lucky Richter came to check on me. I don’t know how I could have managed with all that blood!”
Alexandria placed a hand on her forehead, leaning back in her chair as if bracing for the gust of wind that would cause her to wither away. Elenor’s eyes darted to Richter as the man fought against a smile.
“Yes it was quite the commotion. I’m glad I checked in on you.”
Elenor shifted awkwardly as the two met each other’s gaze. She felt like she was interrupting something and quickly wanted to change the subject.
“Soooo….” she said, “I’m guessing you haven’t seen Betsy around after the little stunt last night.”
Alexandria scoffed. “Hopefully the amount I see her is as limited as possible. If she knows what’s good for her she’ll heed my advice.”
Elenor looked to Richter to see if he was at all perturbed by Gold’s newest sinister monologue. His expression remained unchanged for the most part and Elenor silently resented the fact. She guessed it was all just business to Richter. Just as he had said before.
[[Questions|Kitchen RA]] Belle gasped. “Really?! To think I trusted him! How could he sell me out like this? Absolutely no honor.”
“You know what tipped me off is—,”
“Oh I don’t want to know the details. Save that for the arrest.”
The two raced down the halls of Florence’s mention, rushing past the cluttered halls to stop the group before they left.
“Quincy! Shut the doors! Don’t let anyone out before I get my say!”
Richter let out a large sigh and turned.
“What now Florence?”
“You can’t keep me here forever. My chauffeur is waiting and I won’t pay for another one!” Alexandria loudly protested.
“Don’t fret. Most of you will be going home. I don’t want to keep you. But the police outside will have another story to tell.”
As the doors swung open the officers approached the group.
“Miss Florence. How can we help you today?” One spoke up.
“I want you to arrest this gentleman here!” She said pointing to Quincy.
The man looked both shocked and confused.
“Of course. On what grounds Miss Florence?”
“Theft and conspiring of course. Now put him in a cell and let him rot!”
“I knew it had to be you. You had the only keys to the study. And you’ve worked with Florence long enough to memorize her routine. As for motive, you’re probably sick and tired of being overlooked aren’t you? So you decided to take that out on her own business.”
Quincy’s brows furrowed and a saddened look crossed his face. “Miss Florence…how could you think such a thing? I could never…”
Florence raised her hand and Quincy immediately quieted. “I don’t want to hear it! Take him away gentlemen.”
And they did, filing him out of the mansion and into a small car to the Illuo police department.
They contacted Elenor later, saying they’d need her testimony if anything which she agreed to. She was just happy for it to be over. As she settled into bed, finally awaiting the relief of a good sleep she began to hear her office phone ringing. It wasn’t a number she was familiar with but it filled her ears and continued on and on and on. Eventually Elenor made her way out of bed and pulled the phone off its handle.
“Hello?” She answered groggily.
“MY DESIGNS! THEY’RE ALL GONE!” She heard Florence’s voice reply, way too loudly in her opinion.
Elenor rubbed her eyes as she processed what Florence was saying. “Wait they’re what—,”
“I hope you know you are not getting paid for this mess.”
Before Elenor could muster up a dignified response she was hit with a dead line.
She sighed and trudged back to bed but her mind was wracked with guilt. She couldn’t go to sleep…..
You picked the wrong answer!! Uh oh… Try again?
[[Restart Day 3|Day 3: Morning]]
[[The Choice|THE FINALE]]
Belle gasped. “For shame! To think I trusted him enough to invite him to my party.”
“You know what tipped me off is—,”
“Oh I don’t want to know the details. Save that for the arrest.”
The two raced down the halls of Florence’s mention, rushing past the cluttered halls to stop the group before they left.
“Quincy! Shut the doors! Don’t let anyone out before I get my say!”
Richter let out a large sigh and turned.
“What now Florence?”
“You can’t keep me here forever. My chauffeur is waiting and I won’t pay for another one!” Alexandria loudly protested.
“Don’t fret. Most of you will be going home. I don’t want to keep you. But the police outside will have another story to tell.”
As the doors swung open the officers approached the group.
“Miss Florence. How can we help you today?” One spoke up.
“I want you to arrest this gentleman here!” She said pointing to Richter.
The man looked both shocked and confused.
“Of course. On what grounds Miss Florence?”
“Theft and conspiring of course. Now put him in a cell and let him rot!”
“I knew he was hiding something from Florence and it was hard to figure out what. As the only person with access to DayBGones he definitely had the main thing needed to commit the crime. And he had the motive too, with his desire to keep Florence around after she jumped on their career plans together.”
Richter scowled at Elenor but she pushed past the cold expression and moved on. “The last thing that tipped me off was how friendly he was with Alexandria that final day. Almost as if they had discussed something like this before.”
Florence’s smug expression shifted as she swiveled her head. “Wait, you did what?!”
“Belle you don’t understand.”
Florence raised her hand and Richter immediately quieted. “I don’t want to hear it! Take him away gentlemen.”
And they did, filing him out of the mansion and into a small car to the Illuo police department.
They contacted Elenor later, saying they’d need her testimony if anything which she agreed to. She was just happy for it to be over. As she settled into bed, finally awaiting the relief of a good sleep she began to hear her office phone ringing. It wasn’t a number she was familiar with but it filled her ears and continued on and on and on. Eventually Elenor made her way out of bed and pulled the phone off its handle.
“Hello?” She answered groggily.
“MY DESIGNS! THEY’RE ALL GONE!” She heard Florence’s voice reply, way too loudly in her opinion.
Elenor rubbed her eyes as she processed what Florence was saying. “Wait they’re what—,”
“I hope you know you are not getting paid for this mess.”
Before Elenor could muster up a dignified response she was hit with a dead line.
She sighed and trudged back to bed but her mind was wracked with guilt. She couldn’t go to sleep…..
You picked the wrong answer!! Uh oh… Try again?
[[Restart Day 3|Day 3: Morning]]
[[The Choice|THE FINALE]]
Belle gasped and then her face broke out into a gleeful smile. “I knew that woman was shady from the beginning!”
“You know what tipped me off is—,”
“Oh I don’t want to know the details. Save that for the arrest.”
The two raced down the halls of Florence’s mention, rushing past the cluttered halls to stop the group before they left.
“Quincy! Shut the doors! Don’t let anyone out before I get my say!”
Richter let out a large sigh and turned.
“What now Florence?”
“You can’t keep me here forever. My chauffeur is waiting and I won’t pay for another one!” Alexandria loudly protested.
“Don’t fret. Most of you will be going home. I don’t want to keep you. But the police outside will have another story to tell.”
As the doors swung open the officers approached the group.
“Miss Florence. How can we help you today?” One spoke up.
“I want you to arrest this woman here!” She said pointing to Alexandria.
The woman didn’t look very shocked. Instead she just looked furious.
“Of course. On what grounds Miss Florence?”
“Theft and conspiring of course. Now put her in a cell and let her rot!”
“You’ve been the most suspicious individual throughout this whole process, Gold. You’ve already got a vendetta against Florence and you were the last person to talk to her before she passed out. Not to mention how shady you’ve been this entire time! This mystery practically solved itself.” Elenor explained.
“You’re a fool, you know that Florence. Even more of a fool than I thought. And if you believe this nonsense then it means I already won!” Alexandria laughed, loud and shrill.
“We’ll see about that. Take her away gentlemen.”
And they did, filing her out of the mansion and into a small car to the Illuo police department as she complained all the while.
They contacted Elenor later, saying they’d need her testimony if anything which she agreed to. She was just happy for it to be over. As she settled into bed, finally awaiting the relief of a good sleep she began to hear her office phone ringing. It wasn’t a number she was familiar with but it filled her ears and continued on and on and on. Eventually Elenor made her way out of bed and pulled the phone off its handle.
“Hello?” She answered groggily.
“MY DESIGNS! THEY’RE ALL GONE!” She heard Florence’s voice reply, way too loudly in her opinion.
Elenor rubbed her eyes as she processed what Florence was saying. “Wait they’re what—,”
“I hope you know you are not getting paid for this mess.”
Before Elenor could muster up a dignified response she was hit with a dead line.
She sighed and trudged back to bed but her mind was wracked with guilt. She couldn’t go to sleep…..
You picked the wrong answer!! Uh oh… Try again?
[[Restart Day 3|Day 3: Morning]]
[[The Choice|THE FINALE]]
Belle gasped and then her face fell, “Wait who?”
“You know the woman that works for you…”
“Oh. Well that’s kind of boring isn’t it.”
Elenor attempted to speak again but was cut off.
“I don’t want to know the details. Save that for the arrest.”
The two raced down the halls of Florence’s mention, rushing past the cluttered halls to stop the group before they left.
“Quincy! Shut the doors! Don’t let anyone out before I get my say!”
Richter let out a large sigh and turned.
“What now Florence?”
“You can’t keep me here forever. My chauffeur is waiting and I won’t pay for another one!” Alexandria loudly protested.
“Don’t fret. Most of you will be going home. I don’t want to keep you. But the police outside will have another story to tell.”
As the doors swung open the officers approached the group.
“Miss Florence. How can we help you today?” One spoke up.
“I’d like you to arrest this woman here.” she said. Then she spun around. “Wait, where is she?”
Just then Elenor caught a glimpse of Anna passing.
“Did you need me for something?” She asked. She looked confused.
“Anna, could you come here for a second?” Elenor asked.
She walked up with an eyebrow raised.
“Anna, how long have you been working here?”
“A couple months, why?”
“No, tell me exactly when you started.”
Anna narrowed her eyes. “I don’t see why that matters.”
“You know Anna, I thought that too at first. But the window in Florence’s study was the first thing that tipped me off. Because it would only be open if someone was trying to get out or get in.”
Belle gasped.
“Okay Elenor, you think you’re so smart then. How did I supposedly commit this crime?”
“Well the first big question was how Florence passed out at the party. I was truly lost until Quincy told me about the underground DayBGones sale among the workers here.”
“People are doing what—?” Florence asked, she looked around completely at a loss.
“What’s the first part of your schedule again Miss Florence?”
“I wake up, get ready, have my tea, then I get to work.”
“Richter, I have a question for you?”
“Yes? What is it, Elenor?”
“What are the symptoms of taking DayBGones without a substantial meal?”
“It’s definitely not recommended. It can cause wooziness, disorientation, and—,”
“Fainting?” Elenor finished.
“Well yes!”
“But why would I do that? That doesn’t help me at all.”
“It does! It creates a distraction. Especially for me. Everyone becomes a suspect and it gets all the attention off of you.”
“Sure,” Anna said with a sigh. “I suppose that’s true. But why would I do that? I’m just trying to do my job.”
“Oh the job that you’re so excited to leave? You didn’t like it here.”
“I accepted it.” Anna added. “I doubt you like your job much. We all do what we need to in order to survive.”
“I could have believed that if it weren’t for how close you were with Alexandria Gold.”
Alexandria scoffed. “I don’t even know her.”
“Really? The two of you seemed quite chummy. Especially considering how much you took her words to actually mean something. But if you thought she was your way out. There wouldn’t be much of a reason for you to feel like you need to stay here.”
“You’re not even making any sense. How would I even break into Florence’s study? Only Quincy has the key!”
(if: $annasus is "available")[“I would’ve thought the same thing. If you hadn’t gotten sloppy.”
Elenor pulled the pin out of her pocket. “I’ve used a few of these in my day.”
“What is it?” Florence stared at the small item.
“It’s a small device that helps you break open doors. A portable lock picker. And you were the only other person there when I found it. ]
(else-if: $annasus is 0)[“If you could break into the window you obviously had some sort of device on you. One that could pick locks. I’ve been noticing a few doors that haven’t been properly locked around. Maybe you had something to do with that. ]
Which leaves one last thing.” Elenor explains
“A motive!” Betsy spoke up. All eyes turned to her and her face flushed red. “Sometimes I read a detective story or two in my free time.”
“But you're right. A personal motive!” Elenor sighed. “Honestly I couldn’t believe it myself at first but all the pieces fit too well. Why would you wanna work with Alexandria? Why would you want to run away from a place that seemed to be benefiting you. Why would you continually talk to me, especially if you were the culprit of the crime.”
“Well…don’t keep them all waiting?” Anna said.
“But you knew I’d figure it out. Didn’t you Naomi?”
Then Naomi smiled. And then slowly she said, “I almost thought you wouldn’t figure it out Ellie. But I knew you’d get it eventually.” The fake voice she used dropped and even though she still looked different, with the long black hair so different from her mid-length blond one. And when she spoke Elenor realized she hadn’t heard Naomi’s real voice in years. The thought shocked and unnerved her.
“It was a perfect plan too,” she said with an overdone sigh. “I mean what better way to achieve the dream of a famous actor than with everyone’s favorite fashion designer on my side.”
“Well I’ve certainly heard enough,” Belle said, folding her arms. “Take her away gentlemen.”
And they did, filing her out of the mansion and into a small car to the Illuo police department. Elenor made sure she got one last look from the doorstep of Florence’s mansion as they drove away.
The police contacted Elenor later, saying they’d need her testimony if anything which she agreed to.
Then she settled into bed, and finally fell asleep. It was the best sleep she had in months, which was quite a relief.
Later, she would find new poster's advertising Florence's greatest new clothes brand. It seemed to be quite the success, already flying off shelves in massive quantities. And luckily for her Wells had keeped his promise and after a quick trip to the pharmacy she had an extra bottle of DayBGones that she could use to actually keep her sleep schedule in check.
(And when a week later she found a bouquet of buttercups she didn’t order on her doorstep she just laughed and found a pot for the flowers.)
[[Credits]]
Belle’s vindicated expression fell. “Oh…are you sure?”
“Unfortunately Miss Florence. She just —,”
“Don’t tell me the details. Save that for the arrest.” Florence said, and her expression was cold. Colder than Elenor had ever seen before.
The two raced down the halls of Florence’s mention, rushing past the cluttered halls to stop the group before they left.
“Quincy! Shut the doors! Don’t let anyone out before I get my say!”
Richter let out a large sigh and turned.
“What now Florence?”
“You can’t keep me here forever. My chauffeur is waiting and I won’t pay for another one!” Alexandria loudly protested.
“Don’t fret. Most of you will be going home. I don’t want to keep you. But the police outside will have another story to tell.”
As the doors swung open the officers approached the group.
“Miss Florence. How can we help you today?” One spoke up.
“I want you to arrest this woman here!” She said pointing to Betsy.
Betsy turned to Florence. Her regular frown grew as she glanced for Belle to Elenor.
“Of course. On what grounds Miss Florence?”
“Theft and conspiring of course. Now put her in a cell and let her rot!”
“The first thing that ticked me off was how close you and Florence are Miss Lotts.”
“Of course we are. She’s my business partner.”
“Yes but that also means you and Quincy were the only ones with constant access to the study. It also meant that Florence would never doubt you had nefarious intentions. After all, you helped her with all of it.”
“Okay Detective Rose, you think you're so clever. What’s my motive then?”
Elenor paused. It was the one thing she hadn’t been sure about. What reason would Betsy have to betray Florence. She didn’t like Alexandria. She didn’t even like people.
“Maybe you're just the type of person who wants to see the world burn to keep yourself warm.”
Betsy Lotts looked at Elenor with the most disgust she’d ever seen on the woman’s face.
“If you truly believe that Miss Rose, then you are much more of an idiot then I ever considered.”
Florence raised her hand and Betsy immediately turned to her. “I don’t want to hear it! I can’t believe you’d do this to me Betsy.”
“You’re going to regret this.” She said, and then she turned around and let the officers take her away. There was hardly a struggle to be heard as they filed out of the mansion and into a small car to the Illuo police department.
They contacted Elenor later, saying they’d need her testimony if anything which she agreed to. She was just happy for it to be over. As she settled into bed, finally awaiting the relief of a good sleep she began to hear her office phone ringing. It wasn’t a number she was familiar with but it filled her ears and continued on and on and on. Eventually Elenor made her way out of bed and pulled the phone off its handle.
“Hello?” She answered groggily.
“MY DESIGNS! THEY’RE ALL GONE!” She heard Florence’s voice reply, way too loudly in her opinion.
Elenor rubbed her eyes as she processed what Florence was saying. “Wait they’re what—,”
“I hope you know you are not getting paid for this mess.”
Before Elenor could muster up a dignified response she was hit with a dead line.
She sighed and trudged back to bed but her mind was wracked with guilt. She couldn’t go to sleep…..
You picked the wrong answer!! Almost got it though. Maybe you should try looking at the facts again?
[[Restart Day 3|Day 3: Morning]]
[[The Choice|THE FINALE]]