Remove ads

All the World's a Stage - a mystery based on Umineko

Reader mode
[X]Let him go
-[X]Wait till he's cooled down and then talk to him about:
--[X]Apology
--[X]Your own issues with your family
 
Remove ads
Arrival on the mountain - Part 5
  • Threadmarks
    • [x]Stop him
    -[x]Apologize

    This is not how you wanted it to go, you were curious but you didn't want to offend him. You reach out and grab his arm and he stops moving forward. You fumble for the right words before finally saying, "I'm sorry."

    He sighs, and you feel his muscles relax a bit, "Yeah well," he pauses and shakes his head before continuing. "It's fine. It's just what everyone always asks me. Everyone believes my mother is evil, and she isn't." Charles sighs, "Sorry for snapping at you."

    You let his arm go after making sure he has his balance, "That's okay, I probably deserved it. I've been reading to many mystery stories lately."

    Charles turns to you looking interested, "Oh?"

    "Yeah," you reply, glad to see he seems less upset, "I have a friend who really enjoys mysteries and we spend a lot of time talking about such things."

    Charles gives half a laugh, "Ah, and my family seems like could be one eh?"

    "I'm sorry," You say apologetically.

    "I can understand your point of view though," he says surprising you, "I happen to enjoy mysteries too."

    "Yes, I noticed," You reply, "Your Sherlock Holmes impression earlier. You didn't get it right be the way. I'm not hoping to catch the eye of anyone up here."

    "Oh?" Charles replies suddenly looking interested, "Hmm... Not me or Brent then. You don't think it will work out between you and whoever it was..." He pauses and raises his eyebrows, "Someone who works here? If what I've heard about your parents is right they wouldn't like that."

    You turn away annoyed at his nosiness before having a moment of self awareness and laugh, "Maybe we should agree not to discuss personal matters."

    "That might be for the best," Charles agrees after a few moments.

    "So," you say hitting upon an idea, "What did you think of 'When the Seagulls Cry?'"

    Charles shrugs, "I really enjoyed the mysteries in it, but I didn't like how it ended. That whole boat scene."

    The conversation between you and Charles continues for a bit before you go skiing down the hill again. After each run you and Charles ride up together on the ski lift. You spend the time caught up in arguments over different mysteries and how well they were written. Thankfully your time talking with your friend had given you a lot of experience talking about such things and even when Charles is able to out argue you, you never feel out of your depth.

    About an an hour to dinner you as you are riding up the ski lift with Charles you hear the helicopter coming in for a landing. The Ashtons have arrived. You and Charles look at each other.

    "Should we continue skiing or should we go wait to see them in the main lodge?" Charles asks.


    []"Let's keep skiing till Dinner"
    []"Let's go in, I'm starting to feel a bit sore anyway"
    []"I want to go meet them as they walk down to the resort"
     
  • Threadmarks
    • [x]"Let's go in, I'm starting to feel a bit sore anyway"

    Clearly went for dat magic ending first
     
    Arrival on the mountain - Part 6
  • Threadmarks
    • [x]"Let's go in, I'm starting to feel a bit sore anyway"

    "Let's go in, I'm starting to feel a bit sore anyway," you reply as you step down off the ski lift.

    Charles follows you and starts to unstrap his snowboard, "Do you know much about the Ashtons?"

    You shake you head, "Not really. I know they want to buy my fathers company out, and that they have a lot of influence, but beyond that all I know is that my father respects them but doesn't like them."

    "That's not a bad way of putting it," you fallow Charles as the two of you start walking back to the main lodge, "The Ashtons have a lot of influence, but also have a pretty bad reputation."

    "Oh?" you reply.

    Charles nods, "Probably the best way to act around them is if you were around a mob boss. They aren't friendly, and they will ruin your life if they decide they don't like you."

    "So what," you ask, "should I just keep keep my head down or something?"

    "Might not be a bad idea," he admits, "I'm not going to mess with them. I still want to see them though."

    You arrive at the lodge and put your skis in on a rack, and Charles follows your lead. Iven will wax them sometime after dinner. You nod at Charles statement, "I agree. I'm curious about who wants to buy our company."

    You step into the lodge and see your parents sitting on a loveseat across from the Bells. Your father is talking intently with Mr. Bell, while your mother is sitting quietly and giving a faintly disapproving look towards Mrs, Bell who has her arm draped around Mr. Bell. Everyone looks up as the two of you come in and Mrs. Bell waves casually at the two of you, "Did you two have fun."

    "Yeah," Charles grins as he strolls over and slumps down in a armchair. You look at him with a bit of envy and follow suit, sitting down in a different armchair. Unlike him your mother is watching and that means you have to sit properly, legs together, hands folded on your lap.

    Mr. Bell turns to Charles, "Was that the helicopter I heard just now?"

    Charles nods, "Yup, the Ashtons are here."

    Everyone is silent for a few minutes after that. Your father keeps glancing at the door discretely and Mr. and Mrs. Bell seem to have stopped relaxing, though they still manage to look casual. Finally, after you were starting to doubt that they were coming, the door opens and the Ashtons walk in.

    Maxwell Ashton strides into the room flanked by his wife and his son. He nods in satisfaction, "Good, everyone is here. Mathew, Morgan, you will both join me after supper in the library to discuss business."

    Your father nods, "That works for me."

    Mr. Bell looks completely serious, "Me as well. Are you going to join us while waiting?"

    Maxwell Ashton shakes his head, "No, I have to do some work in my cabin. My wife and son will join you though." With that, he turns around and strolls off. His son, Brent pulls an Ipad out of his parka as he sets it on the coat rack and makes his way over to a corner far away from everyone else and studies it studiously.

    Wendy Ashton makes her way over and sits down in a love seat with the rest of you and turns to your father with a smile, "So how is that lawsuit going? I heard that somehow Stevens somehow found a really good lawyer."

    Your father pales but keeps his face impassive, "It's doing well. He doesn't have a leg to stand on."

    "Oh?" Mrs. Ashton's smile grows, "Really? Do tell..."

    [] Stay and Listen
    [] Stay and interrupt (Your parent's won't like this)
    -[] Defend your father
    -[] Insult Wendy
    --[] How? (Write in)
    [] Go over to Brent
    -[] Try to start a conversation
    --[] About getting to know him
    ---[] Friendly Tone
    ---[] Aggressive Tone
    --[] Write in topic
    ---[] Write in Tone
    -[] Wait till he talks to you
    [] Go somewhere else
    -[] Pool
    -[] Room
    -[] Kitchen
    --[] Talk with the employees you haven't had a chance to greet yet
    --[] Get a snack
    -[] Write In
     
  • Threadmarks
    • Arrival on the mountain - Part 7
  • Threadmarks
    • [x] Stay and Listen

    You can't remember your father mentioning any lawsuit and you are curious to learn about it. You keep your hands folded on your lap and listen quietly not wanting to cause your parents problems.

    "It was just a customer that wasn't around to sign for the delivery. It was delivered the next day. Nothing about that delivery was marked time sensitive. Even the best lawyers couldn't argue we were at fault." Your father explains. It makes sense to you. You aren't sure why he seems so nervous.

    Mrs. Ashton continues to smile pleasantly, "Oh, I'm sure that's the case, and I'm sure that when you appeal the decision of the court the ruling will be overturned." Mrs. Ashton gets a look of feigned worry, "but how will the shareholders see it? Once the stock starts dropping you can be sure they will want to change who is in charge."

    "You seem very well informed," Your father replies, "still, most of them are my friends."

    Mr. Bell laughs, "You do know what those are right Wendy?"

    Wendy laughs along with him, "Indeed," she says, "For example I'm good friends with a inspector Berminton. It seems that he has a lead on a case he took a few years back."

    Mrs. Bell, scowls at that, "That little snake. He always had it out for me."

    "Yes," Mrs. Ashton shruggs, "You seem to be a bit of a sore spot with him."

    You've been focusing on the conversation and almost miss Charles getting out of his chair and heading over to talk with Brent. You consider following, but you can't tear yourself away from the scene in front of you.

    "I'm glad you're enjoying yourself," your mother quietly, "I wonder what your thoughts are on what happens after this life."

    "You mean the afterlife?" Mrs. Ashton looks a little taken off stride, "It's a load of crap."

    Your mother nods with a small smile on her face, "I'm not surprised you think that is the case. I suppose if there was an afterlife you would not be looking forward to it very much."

    "Oh spare me your moralizing," Mrs Ashton is back to looking amused, "You'd act the same in my position."

    "Hm..." Mrs Bell sounds skeptical, "While I don't quite agree with Wilma, I can't imagine her ever lording her position over others." He pauses, "Though I can imagine her lecturing me, no offense Wilma."

    "None taken," your mother replies graciously.

    Mrs. Ashton is once again wearing her friendly smile, "Despite your assumptions of me, I'm hear to help. I'm sure I can find a way to help each of your with your problems. It's a good thing I'm generous and don't take offense easily isn't it. "

    "I suppose it is," your Father replies, "it seems that you've caught us in a bit of a bind, and we would welcome any assistance you'd be willing to freely give."

    "See, I knew that we could all be friends," Mrs. Ashton gives your Father a very warm smile, "We'll probably have to work out the details after super though. My husband and I are quite happy to help."

    Mr. Bell gives a low laugh that seems to lack any humor, "We will talk about it after supper then, I for one look forward to a day when we can help you as much as you're helping use now."

    "I'm sure you do," Mrs Ashton replies, "In a change of subject, how was Brent's second year of university?"

    It keeps going, it just keeps going. From barbs aimed at Brent having his detective club disbanded after they attempted to investigate an actual crime, to your slightly slipping grades and the fact that you hadn't managed to find any boy to date yet. Mrs. Ashton takes great joy in suggesting you might be a lesbian and you manage to keep your mouth shut as your parents leap to your defense saying that you are taking your time and being a proper lady. There might be a proper time to tell them, but now isn't that time, so you keep your mouth shut.

    Finally it draws to a close when Mr. Ashton walks in, "It should be dinner time Wendy, shall we go?"

    Wendy nods and gets up, "Yes, let's. Are you coming Brent?"

    Brent Shakes his head, "I'm not too hungry and I would like to eat out here with Charles. We wouldn't want to disturb the conversation with our discussions."

    Mr. Ashton nods, "Okay, if you're going to stay out here I want that report on the western shipping lane done before the end of dinner. It's developing so it can't wait."

    "It's already half done," Brent replies, "I'll email to you in about half an hour."

    Your mother comes up to you, "What about you Gail? Would you like to eat out here? I'm sure that dinner with us will be pretty tiresome and you should be having fun out here"

    [] Eat with parents
    [] Eat with Brent and Charles
    [] Track down Grace and eat with her
    [] Eat with the employees in the kitchen
     
    Last edited:
  • Threadmarks
    • [X] Eat with the employees in the kitchen

    Kitchen workers know all the secrets
     
    Just so everyone is aware, we are getting close to the first murder. So your time for preliminary introductions is running out.

    Just something to consider.
     
    Arrival on the mountain - Part 8
  • Threadmarks
    • [x] Track down Grace and eat with her

    You barely hesitate, "I'm going to go eat with Grace, I haven't seen her around since I got here and we have a year of catching up to do."

    Your mother gives you a hug, "Have fun with that dear," and heads off to a dinner you are sure she is not looking forward to.

    You head down the hall after all the parents a short ways but stop when you see Erik Smith the manager for the lodge coming down the hall toward you. You smile at him and ask, "Do you know where Grace is?"

    He nods, "Last I saw she was grabbing dinner in the kitchen. I think she said that she was going to eat in the library."

    You thank the elderly man, then head down to the kitchen to grab dinner. Christopher is busy cooking, but Melanie grabs you a plate as she rushes rushes to get the starter dishes ready for the parents. Food procured you then head for the library. It's a room full of books that has a small solitary window looking up the mountain. As you step inside you spot Grace sitting reading a book while eating. She looks up as you come in and you can tell that she's reading another tragedy by the sad look on her face. It quickly brightens as she greets you.

    "Gail!" She says getting up to give you a hug which you return, then she winces.

    "Are you okay?" You ask concerned.

    She laughs ruefully, "I slipped on the ice coming back to the lodge."

    "Oh Grace," you laugh, "Why are you always so clumsy."

    "I think my clumsiness is why my mother called me Grace when I was a baby," Grace admits, "But I've but bigger news!"

    "Oh?" you ask, "What is it?"

    "I finally met my online boyfriend," she smiles widely, "You know the one I was telling you about?"

    "You finally met him?" You ask, feeling a slight twinge of jealousy, "What is he like?"

    "Well," she lowers her voice conspiratorially, "He's really rich, and he is cute, in a handsome sort of way."

    You can tell she's holding something back, "And? " you press.

    "And he's up here right now!" She gives a little giggle.

    "Uh..." Your brain crashes, "Wh... Who?"

    "Brent of course," She laughs at your look, "I was surprised too."

    "But... How?" You struggle to regain your mental footing, "I know you've been dating for almost a year now, but Bent?" you look askance at her, "Have you met his parents?"

    "Yes," She replies, sounding slightly disgusted, "His father comes up here sometimes. I think he wants to buy the lodge."

    "I think he wants to buy everything," you agree.

    Grace laughs, "Isn't that the truth. But Brent is nothing like him. He's always gone on about how much he disagrees with his parents but how hard it is to go against them. Knowing who he is now I can really sympathize."

    "Well," you say hesitantly, the memory of Brent's mother refusing to leave your mind, "If you're sure."

    Grace pulls you close and whispers in your ear, "He's actually skimming the books of his parents and donating to charity."

    "Really?" you say, unable to completely hide the skepticism in your voice.

    "You shouldn't judge people Gail," Grace scolds you, "I bet you haven't even talked to him..."

    "Well, no I haven't..." you admit.

    She grins, "Then hold off until you have," she pauses and looks over at you, "How is your girlfriend anyway."

    You wince, "We broke up. She wanted to meet in person, and with my parents it just wouldn't work out."

    "You could say you were just friends?" Grace asks while pulling you into a very nice hug.

    You shake your head, "She was very open about it and refused to hide it. I'm going to tell my parents some day, but until then... I just..."

    Grace holds you tight, "I understand. I'm your friend no matter what you know? We'll figure something out."

    You give her a quick squeeze and then release, "Thanks, how is business so far this year."

    For the rest of supper you and grace discuss boyfriends, girlfriends, and interesting people that have come to Snow Peaks. It's comfortable, if nothing really new or interesting. Finally after you have finished supper, but before you can take your plates back to the kitchen you hear voices coming down the hall, and a moment later Brent and Charles step into the room. You instantly look for and notice the small shared look and smile between Brent and Grace. The small pang of jealousy returns and you vow that if he is playing with her feelings you will kill him.

    You glance at Charles just in time to see a light of understanding dawn in his eyes before he grins, "So, what does everyone want to do? Grab some bear and play strip poker?"

    Everyone gives him a look and he shrugs, "I'm open to any better suggestions."

    "It would be hard to make a suggestion worse than that," you reply glowering at him.

    "What would you like to do then?" He asks.

    [] "Go relax in the hot tub"
    [] "More Skiing"
    [] "I'm planning to do some reading"
    [] "Help out with the dishes and talk with everyone"
    [] "We could play a game?"
    -[] "Strip poker?"
    -[] Write in
    [] Write in

    On the stage Gail explains, "Erik Sanchez was in his sixties or seventies. He had white hair, but he was surprisingly strong, and usually offered really good advise. He managed the lodge, and often I suspected that he was the one that kept it all running smoothly even if Grace's Mother owned it. He could handle pretty much any job, and he he always dressed like a butler, which most of the guests seemed to enjoy. He was like a grandfather to me and had often played with me when I was a child."

    "Christopher Scott," Gail continues on, "was a new hire, and I didn't know him very well. From what Grace had written to me, he seemed very competent but had annoyed someone at his last job leading him to being blacklisted. The only place that would hire him was Snow Peaks. He didn't enjoy being up in the mountains, preferring a warmer climate. Despite that he was pleasant to everyone else, though he tended to keep to himself when he wasn't cooking."
     
    Last edited:
  • Threadmarks
    • Arrival on the mountain - Part 9
  • Threadmarks
    • Sorry for the Delay. Witcher 3 is very very good.

    [X] "Help out with the dishes and talk with everyone"

    "I'm going to go hang out with some of my other friends," You say with a grin, "I don't really care what you guys do."

    Grace nods in understanding, "Tell them that I want to have a quick meeting at eight."

    You nod, "Will do," And gather up the dishes that you and Grace used to eat.

    Charles looks over to Brent, "Want to do anything or?"

    Brent shakes his head, "I'm going to talk with Grace about something privately if that's alright."

    Charles nods, "I understand. If anyone needs me I'll be out on the slopes. I enjoy snowboarding at night."

    "Just keep in mind which runs are properly lit up for night and keep a radio with you," Grace advises him.

    "Will do," he grins, "See you all later." With that he heads out the door.

    "I'm off as well," you smile at Grace and head out the door yourself. She waves as you go. You head down stairs, and make your way over to the kitchen. You hear laughter and voices chatting as you draw closer, and you slip into the kitchen to see Christopher and Melanie talking about something in the news while washing the dishes. Erik Sanchez is quietly cleaning the different cooking appliances. You can't see Iven Stevens anywhere, and you figure he must have already finished his dinner and left.

    Melanie waves at you as you come in, "Hey, how is it going?"

    You drop the dishes in a stack on the counter beside her, "Not bad, just was catching up with Grace," you grab a couple of the wine glasses, "here, let me get that for you."

    "Thanks," says , turning back to her drying.

    Christopher looks between the two of you, "Uh, do you usually come here?"

    "Yup," you grin as you grab a roasting pan and open the cupboard to put it away, "Huh, you moved the pans? Where does this go now?"

    "Over by the oven, quicker to grab in a hurry," Christopher shrugs and goes back to washing.

    "So how was summer?" Melanie asks, "Met any cute guys? Cute girls?"

    You roll your eyes, "No Melanie, I didn't. My parent's would go ballistic."

    "Shame, too bad your parents aren't more like Charles'" she sighs.

    "Oh?" You ask.

    She nods, "Yeah, remember how there was rumors that there was someone taking candid videos of people up here?" You nod remembering the scuffle that had almost stopped you from ever going back. Thankfully the whole thing turned out to be a hoax and the the supposed videos had never existed. The visitors that had tried to sue the lodge had their case fall apart when they couldn't produce any proof. Despite this, every now and then you hear the rumor show up every now and then. Melanie continues, "Willow took me aside and told me that they would be fine if videos were taken, but they would at least like a small cut if the rumor was true. Then we started talking shop about how to get the best angels for a good video and..."

    "Gah! Enough!" You can feel a blush covering your entire face, "Please, I'm still a young innocent lady here."

    Melanie laughs, "Oh, I'm sure that you aren't that innocent, why, when I was your age I had already had 5 boyfriends and 3 girlfriends. You have to play the field to know what you like."

    Erik walks over and puts a hand on Melanie's shoulder, "Tone it down."

    She rolls her eyes, "Yes dad."

    Christopher glances gratefully over at Erik, "Thank you."

    Erik nods and then goes back to scouring down the grill. Melanie hands you a pot and asks, "So what is this meeting all about? Maxwell booked the entire lodge, to make sure it was just the three families up here."

    You shrug, "I think he's planning to buy my father out. Probably wants a place where nothing is going to get overheard."

    "Her wife is a bitch, I wouldn't be surprised if he's going to do something bad to put pressure on your dad," Erik gives her a look and she holds up her soppy hands defensively, "Yes, I know we shouldn't talk about them like that, but it's true."

    "It kinda is," you agree, "And yeah, I wouldn't be surprised ether. I'm not sure if he can actually do anything though. My father is really solid and doesn't really have any weak points you can push. He's sturdy like a rock and twice as stubborn."

    "I hope you're right. Still, people like that get what's coming to them eventually," Melanie observes, "So how was your summer?"

    You spend the next long while talking about things that happened over the summer while Melanie offers commentary. You find yourself feeling relaxed to be amongst your friends again. Soon enough though eight o'clock is just around the corner.

    "Oh" you remember, "Grace wants to hold a meeting for you guys at eight. Probably just wants to go over what will be happening tomorrow."

    Erik nods, "I'll round up Ivan and Giles," and heads out the side door.

    "Right," Christopher says coming out from doing inventory in the walk in freezer, "I should probably head up now, Everything here is ready for the morning."

    "I'll come with you," Melanie stands up from where she was sitting talking with you, "What are you going to do?"

    [] I'm going to go spend some time on the internet in my room
    [] I'll go see what my mother is up to.
    [] I can probably get another half hour of skiing in before bed, and Charles might enjoy the company
    [] I want to talk with Brent
    -[] (About Grace)
    -[] (About parents)
    -[] (About himself)
    [] I'm going to turn in early

    This is the last action for the night. Next post will take us to the next morning.
     
  • Threadmarks
    • Arrival on the mountain -Final
  • Threadmarks
    • [X] I'll go see what my mother is up to.

    You say your goodbyes and head out to find your mother. You find her sitting outside on the deck looking up at the stars. You grab two cups of hot chocolate and join her outside, making sure to bundle up first. She gives you a small smile as you sit down beside her and offer her the cup of hot chocolate, "Thanks." The two of you sit and sip hot chocolate for a while. Looking down you can see Charles snowboarding and see what is probably his mother getting of the ski lift.

    "Beautiful out tonight isn't it?" Your mother asks, and you nod. "I'll miss coming up here," your mother finally says.

    You look over at her startled, "What? This isn't the last time we'll be up here is it?"

    Your mother shrugs, "I can't say, it depends on how negotiations go. But we might have to start looking at cutting back on our spending."

    "But, Grace, Melanie, Matilda, and Erik are like family to me. I can't imagine not seeing them any more. I'll even miss Ivan and Giles." You protest.

    "So will I," your mother agrees, "Matilda is a wonderful woman, I miss her company. I hope she gets well soon."

    "Yeah," you agree, "This is pretty hard on Grace."

    "She's doing well so far," your mother observes.

    You laugh, "That she is. Maybe if we can't come see her, she'll be able to come see us."

    "Matilda and her are welcome any time," your mother assures you and the two of you fall back into a peaceful silence, listening to the wind blow.

    Eventually you start to feel cold, and the few drop of hot chocolate left in your mug have frozen, "I'm off to bed, you tell your mother." She nods. "Are you going to come too?"

    "I'll wait for your father. There will be much to discuss," your mother replies giving you a small smile.

    You nod, and wish your mother a good night before you head inside to drop off your mug and then you head out again, and make your way over to your cabin. You haven't unpacked yet, so you spend some time getting unpacked before you turn in for the night.

    =======================================
    ~The Parents~
    ========================================​

    The next morning you hear knocking on your door and you rouse yourself to wakefulness.

    "Yes" you ask as your slowly roll out of bed.

    "Do you know where your parents are?" You can hear Ivan ask from the other side.

    "No, why?" You ask, starting to feel worried.

    Ivan hesitates before he answers, "The door to their cabin is frozen, and it's cold inside. We were wondering where they might be."

    [] "I'm coming!"
    -[] Quickly get dressed and head outside
    -[] "Give me some time to freshen up first." Make sure you are presentable.
    [] "It's too early for this" (go back to sleep)
    [] Write in

    On the stage Gail describes Ivan, "Ivan used to be an Olympic athlete before he injured himself. He had never won any medals, but he was a great skier. He was fairly friendly, and he handled the accounts of the lodge for free. He had been there almost as long as I had been going. Though his injury had stopped him from being Olympic level he was still a better skier than anyone I knew and a very patient instructor. He almost never was flustered. And hearing him worried that morning? It sent shivers through me." Then Gail walks off the Stage, and the lights dim.
     
    Last edited:
  • Threadmarks
    • Reader mode
    You must login or register to reply here.
    Remove ads
    Back
    Top