ALL ABOARD THE DISORIENT EXPRESS!

[thedirectors]

Your journey starts idyllic enough. Steam rises above the tracks, filtering the light from the windows above. The Disorient Express sits in the station, its freshly cleaned blue chassis sparkling in the dim light. The well-worn, elegant platform is bustling with passengers running to meet their departure time. You're one of them. For whatever reason or another, your travels have brought you here, to Istanbul, to make your way to Paris.

The crew--which all seem to be human-sized, anthropomorphic mustelids--scurry back and forth between the platform and the luggage car, helping guests carry their steamer trunks and other bags onto the train. Badgers, weasels, and otters of all varieties can be seen in bright blue outfits with gold buttons and filigree.

Near the front of the train at the far end of the platform is a large brown stoat standing on his hind legs. Unlike the other staff members, he wears a black uniform, marking him as the train conductor. He checks his pocket watch, tilting his head to the side. He takes out a handkerchief and wipes off the face, puts both back in his pocket, and wanders off to help passengers and check tickets.

"Bonjour, bonjour, you have your ticket? Ah, excellent, let's get you on board!"

The train whistle blows, twice, indicating that the train is due to depart soon. Better get your stuff on board and get settled in, perhaps meet your fellow passengers. After all, you'll be stuck together on this train for the foreseeable future--may as well make some friends...or enemies, if that's what you're into.

---

OOC: Welcome to the first episode of Grief Street--The Disorient Express! Characters are free to wander around the platform or the interior of the train. If you'd like to talk to one of the NPCs, Andrea Romero or Ernest Devineaux, please put it in your comment title!

Comments

ernest ping in first prompt

[hefring]

i. baby why you care;

[ Linhardt stares at the animals briefly as they move along, in what is perhaps a rude manner. He makes no intentions of bridging much conversation with them, except for the supposed conductor. ]

Hmm, have you always looked like that?

[ Startin' out great here. Of course, anyone else is free to come on Linhardt's not-so-gentle opener. His people skills? Apparently not so great. ]

ii. what we doin';

[ Linhardt is, at some point, brushing past people to get somewhere even if he isn't in a rush. He doesn't seem inclined to care who he manages to do this to, nor does he say a polite 'excuse me'.

Talk about rude, huh. He does mutter, though: ]

It's far too early for this...

iii. 'cause we havin' fun;

[ Despite the fact that Linhardt isn't exactly the kind of person to hurry, per say, he isn't exactly all that excited to be just lingering and standing around when he could be sitting or taking a nap. In fact, he can already be seen taking a seat at the lounge car section at a nice table. He is available in two flavors:

Already about to order something, or nodding off.

If someone approaches, he will yawn regardless and ask: ]

...Oh, are you here to get me something?

[ ...Well then.

There is technically a third option where he's clearly napping, but why would you wake him (totally an option as well, though.) ]

ernest Arrival

[thedirectors]

[Ernest looks up at Linhardt, whiskers twitching.]

Hrmm? Well, monsieur, I did recently get a haircut, if that's what you mean.

[From his tone, he's unsure as to what Linhardt really means, but he's trying to be polite.]

I trust everything is in order, oui? You have your ticket?

iii

[hardyboys]

[ Mabel, of course, was just moving through the lounge car to see if she can check out the view from the caboose. For a half second, Mabel thinks she's hearing things as Lindhart starts talking to her, but with a look over her shoulder and a pivot on the ball of her foot, she's realized he's talking to her. ]

I'm sorry, do you assume every woman that passes by is part of the staff? Or am I just the lucky one?

[ Absolute deadpan. ]

ii.

[stimpaks]

[Unfortunately, the individual that Linhardt brushes past happens to be Arcade Gannon. It takes him a moment to actually pause, realize that he recognizes the voice, and then freeze when he sees Linhardt von fucking Hevring. A mild sense of annoyance creeps up in his chest.]

Wh--you?!

ii.

[toomanynotes]

[Amadeus scoffs at being pushed past - him! being shoved! - but when he clocks the perpetrator (from the back of the head), that turns into a melodramatic gasp.]

Not even a ‘hello’, Linhardt? [He clutches a hand to his chest.] That’s it! Your shove has shattered my heart into a million pieces!

iii (is it time for some shenapnigans, absolutely)

[whodie]

[There's nothing quite like a good nap in a luxury train car, is there? Of course, it's much more luxurious when you're actually moving, streaking through the countryside where the monotony can lull you; and when there aren't all-new passengers shuffling into the car and delightedly taking stock of the offerings.

Hu Tao looks back and forth to see no one in particular here, not even the stoats, and a particular spark lights in her eye. She reaches up and tips her distinctive hat backwards a little......]

Shh...! You need to learn to be quiet, but I'll let you do this one. Okay?

[... a teeny-tiny ghost, about the size of her palm, creeps out from under the brim and darts over to tug on Linhardt's hair before hurriedly looking for a place to hide itself. Hu Tao is busying herself looking innocent and exploring the carriage.]

III

[theobviousculprit]

My, my! Should I take that as an insinuation I look like one of the employees of this train?

[Does she look like a mustelid to you, Lindhart?]

[contentions]

Come now, I haven't done that for you for free in years. [ Eiji's teasing of course, that signature wink of his on full display. ]

ernest, baby boy

[leywright]

i. inventory;

[ Ernest will find himself approached directly by a tall, lanky, elven woman in a manner that says... well, at best, that she's on a mission. At worse, she looks aggressive. ]

Question. Are we going to be able to access the luggage car for the entirety of the trip?


ii. fuel and balance;

[ In the restaurant car, a dark-skinned elven woman seems to be people-watching through the window view onto the platform. She is wearing a white, button-down shirt tucked into a pair of royal purple ski pants. Her hair is pushed back from her face by a headband and there are a pair of simple, gold hoops in her pointed ears. In one hand, she's twirling and fidgeting with what appears to be some sort of wrench - no, a push of her thumb and it becomes a screwdriver, the bit of which she turns between her fingers until it makes soft clicking noises. ]

No.

[ Is her comment to whoever approaches her before there's a cup of coffee nestled next to her hand. The tool is then replaced by the cup and an almost zen level of calm contemplation. It might be the only time she relaxes today, but it's only until the bottom of the cup. ]


iii. safety inspection;

[ In the sleeper car, Laerryn might be spotted doing things like opening and then shutting the windows, running her fingers over or tapping on the outer wall panels, or looking up at the lights. She inspects the door handle to her room. And, should anyone be opening a door, she'll probably crane her head to see what's in their cabin. She's trying to do so surreptitiously, but she's not very good at it. ]

here he comes!

[thedirectors]

[Ernest balks slightly at Laerryn's approach, but quickly composes himself. It seems that, no matter how hard he tries, he will always be slightly twitchy. Perhaps it's a feature of his species? He clears his throat, crossing his hands behind his back.]

Erm--yes, you should be able to check in with the staff on shift and check out your luggage...within reasonable hours, of course. Why do you ask, mademoiselle?

ii

[campire]

[ Well, he is approaching before coffee, but he'd probably get the same reaction either way.

Leeeeaning in... ]

Honestly, that's no way to greet someone.

iii

[stimpaks]

[Arcade has just finished dropping off his luggage in his room when he notices Laerryn craning her neck to look into his cabin. He blinks, quickly shutting the door behind him and raising an eyebrow.]

What are you doing?

iii (safety is overrated)

[whodie]

Hm? Hmm? Did you lose something already?

[The entirely too peppy voice is probably coming from like, above? Definitely above when Laerryn pokes her head into the room -- the bottom bunk in this cabin is currently unoccupied, so it must be the top bunk, or it might beee.... the girl apparently crab-walked halfway onto the ceiling to inspect the lights (??) or the top of the window.

Maybe she's just really curious about the view. Let's hope the windows don't open at the top or this will end real well.

Hu Tao grins upside down, her pigtails swaying like curtains.]

Everyone should try being more awake, it's going to be quite the journey!

iii

[hardyboys]

[ Mabel opens up the door out of her cabin to see Laerryn tapping on the wall panels immediately around her designated sleeping area. Her face kind of goes on a journey as she tries to figure out what exactly it is the other woman is doing, but before long she realizes that trying to figure it out is kind of moot. ]

Should I be worried the train's going to suddenly burst apart before we pull out of the station?

[ It's a joke, but there's also some part of her that's legitimately wondering if there's a reason why she's looking around so closely. ]

[stimpaks]

i. punctuality is a virtue
[Arcade only arrives a few minutes before departure. The young researcher sprints across the platform, the luggage cart rattling and squeaking from its newfound velocity. It takes all of his effort not to stumble over his own feet as he pushes his luggage towards the waiting train, papers flying from his bag--]

Shit--

[He skids to a stop, scrambling back to pick up the research papers that he had dropped. The cart, however, keeps rolling with all his luggage in tow towards the edge of the platform.]

I'll be there in just a sec--where the hell is my ticket?!

ii. familiar faces (for existing CR)
[Exhausted, irritated, and out of breath, Arcade makes his way onto the train, having secured his luggage and made his way to the lounge to help himself to a drink. God willing, he needs it. Once he makes his way back to the United States, there'll be no more free-flowing booze. Prohibition made sure of that.

Arcade is in the middle of helping himself to a glass of whiskey when the door to the car opens. He turns idly to face it--and stops short.]

You're kidding me. You're here?

[Whether or not this sentence is delivered with outrage or excitement is entirely dependent on the person he's encountered.]

iii. unfamiliar faces? (for new CR!)
[Still hanging around the lounge, Arcade can be found studying a stack of papers that he's brought with him. It looks like it's some sort of research work, based on the amount of tables and charts that have been spread across the table. Isn't a luxury train supposed to be for relaxation?

Well, anyways, if he's approached, he's going to very awkwardly smile and incline his head towards the individual. Talking to people isn't his strong suit--which is why he prefers to bury himself in his research.]

So, what brought you to Istanbul? Work, or pleasure?

[He's being sarcastic with that last bit, but it's hard to tell.]

iv. wildcard
[hmu @ wolfnoir for some other thread ideas!]

Hiiii, 1/2

[toomanynotes]

[With Arcade’s level of shock to see him on the train, Mozart assumes he must be some star-struck fan unable to fathom that celebrities are people too. With that, he simply grins and waves a hand.]

Geniuses have to take the train too, you know. Though the drink could be better —-

iii

[agoddeal]

[Kotoko, who had been frankly making no attempts to conceal a curious glance at Arcade's paperwork, takes that question as an open invitation to plop herself down in the nearest seat with her notebook.]

And well might you ask. Indeed, a delicate young lady of my years travelling without her guardians would appear unlikely to be about any manner of business. And yet! Why would I be passing through Istanbul, a city of luxuries and magnificent Turkish baths ideally suited for couples, with my boyfriend thousands of kilometers away? And what would your conjecture be?

[Does Arcade regret conversation yet.]

i (puttin the punk in punctuality)

[whodie]

You know, it's true what they say about big shot scientists!!

[There's a distinctive thump coming from where the luggage was making a bid for freedom, and if Arcade were to look up he would see a distinctive girl in black garb perched -- apparently -- right on top of the luggage like an odd little crow. One foot is on his luggage and one foot on what is presumably her own stuff, as she squints curiously at the bit of research paper that probably fluttered her way at some point.

After a moment she looks up and flaps the paper in what might be a particular or might be a totally haphazard direction--]

Once you get them out of their natural habitat, it's like watching a fish out of water.

By the wayyy, I saw something like a ticket go flying off that way?

[She did not. She's just messing with him.]

II

[theobviousculprit]

[.........

The question gets Eva's guard up right away. Looking at Arcade, no name comes to mind. Does she know this man at all, she has to wonder. Still, it's pretty natural for others to know right away who Eva is -- she wears the distinctive emblem of her family on her clothes, and when she doesn't, the tattoo of her arm with that same emblem shows it. It's inevitable to know this is an Ushiromiya]

Oh, don't worry about it. Surely there's no need for any kind of scandal because of a chance meeting.

ernest... buddy... c'mere

[campire]

i. boarding

[ Nathan smiles cheerfully as he presents his ticket to the conductor. ]

Mm-hmm, right here!

[ ...And then, glancing down at the white ermine stole he has draped loosely around his neck— ]

Ooh, this is a little awkward. I doubt it's anyone you know, though!


ii. around

[ After luggage is put away, Nathan will be casually milling about and chatting up whoever he runs into. If that person is someone he knows already, he'll approach them whether they want him to or not, smiling and clapping his hands together. ]

Oh, fancy seeing you here! Why, it almost feels like fate, doesn't it?

[ Or if it's a new face— ]

Well, it looks like we'll be traveling together for a while! To think, each of us is on our own journey, but all our paths have converged here for this brief moment! There's something almost romantic about it.


iii. lounge

[ In the evening after they've all started to get settled, you can find Nathan in the lounge, playing a song on the piano, with a glass of wine sitting on the table nearest to him.

When he finishes playing, he reaches over for his wine glass to take a sip, and gives a little wave to whoever ended up listening. ]

I'm taking requests, if you're interested! Can't guarantee I'll fulfill them all very well, but I can at least promise an attempt.

everyone loves ernest!

[thedirectors]

[The stoat scurries over to tend to Nathan, taking a ticket punch out of his pocket. He gives him a warm smile.]

Oh, goodness--it's Monsieur Mahler! I've seen you in the papers before, it is a pleasure to serve you--

[And then he looks down towards the ermine stole that Nathan is wearing, and he visibly freezes up.]

--ah. Well. [He clears his throat.] It's, erm, not a problem, um--

[Eager to change the subject, he holds out his paw to take Nathan's ticket, looking down at the ground.] Is there anything we can do to help make your trip more comfortable, sir?

ii.

[toomanynotes]

[Mozart had tried to avoid Nathan, actually, after hearing him from across the way. Curse those ears of his; it’s one thing when there’s someone he dislikes but enjoys irritating - it’s a whole different thing when he’s the one getting irritated.]

As they say - fate is a cruel mistress.

[Haha.]

Have you come all this way just to reject me again? An artist’s heart can only take so much, you know.

III

[theobviousculprit]

[It takes only one glance to see who this man is. One glance, and Eva is already glad she's on this train]

Oh, no, no, no requests from me! I'd be willing to listen to anything you want to play, hmhm!

[Because she's convinced no matter what he plays, it will be delightful. Eva may not be an overbearing fan, but it's pretty easy to see she knows who she's talking to and is holding back her excitement]

ii

[hardyboys]

Fate's certainly a word for it.

[ There's a thin, tight smile that quickly passes. ]

I guess if I was going to run into anyone halfway around the world, it'd be you. [ ... ] How's Arietta?

iii

[contentions]

[ Eiji had been working, but there's nothing like a nice accompaniment to really get into the groove of things. When Nathan is finished he closes his journal, coming over with a friendly smile. ]

Don't sell yourself short. Do you happen to know Clair de lune, by any chance?