FIFTH TRIAL

[bathymetric]

[ It's not terribly long, once everything has been found, before Davy Jones heads out to round you all up once more and take you into the theatre. At least plenty of you are around the same area, so it probably doesn't take terribly long.

The ride down to the trial room is the same as ever - a blast of the organ, a slow descent. It's really starting to become clear, though, just how your numbers are decreasing. You're already down three, counting the absence of Chloe, potentially more when you come back up.

The crew of the Dutchman is singing as Jones lets you out into the trial room. ]

To business, passengers. I am about if you need guidance.

[ The circle of podiums is less populated than ever. So many of you are islands now, so to speak.

The song dies down, the waters quiet.

Welcome to your fifth trial.. ]

Comments

[scouserer]

[A pause.]

Plumeria would've attacked Decus if he had threatened your life. Or would've taken a hit for you in the process.

[dokkalfheimr]

Perhaps she would have, if I were on that floor at all while they were fighting.

As it stands, I don't know what happened.

[scouserer]

I have a theory. It's a bit out there, if you'll follow me.

[Constantine leans against his podium, staring at Freyja.]

Plumeria and Decus get in an altercation. Doesn't matter how it started, what matters is that Plumeria is hurt and Decus is dead. Plumeria knows that, since she was the one responsible for his death, she'd be putting you in danger, as well. And, of course, she wouldn't be able to stand that.

[dokkalfheimr]

[...And?]

[scouserer]

And then you come along, and you see everything that's happened. You see your injured retainer, you rush in to help.

[....]

Plumeria knows what she's done, and she readily admits it. And she tells you that the only way out of this is if you help her--perhaps with a dose of poison.

[He makes a vague gesture with his hand.]

You following?

[dokkalfheimr]

And you think I'm trying to kill you all because...?

[Just saying.]

I have no argument with all of you at this point, and wouldn't kill you all for my own benefit.

[scouserer]

But would you, for Plumeria's benefit?

[dokkalfheimr]

Not just for her, either.

[scouserer]

Then, if not for her, and if not for yourself...then perhaps the future of your own realm.

[dokkalfheimr]

I...

[She kind of glances over at Filbo, at that. Shakes her head eventually.]

[ahelpingpaw]

[Filbo catches that glance and he just...stares back for a moment before looking away]

I have seen her motive picture, but...look, it's hard to explain because it's what the Captain says Lady Freyja wants. But if after some prodding if she doesn't wanna talk about it or can't bring herself to, then I will. If that's what it takes for us all to survive.

[scouserer]

[After a brief pause, Constantine nods. Filbo is their best bet...at the moment.]

[dokkalfheimr]

Do you want to see it?

I'm not going to force Filbo to tell you.