Jester | TWJ

The carriage rocks gently, its wheels groaning over uneven cobblestone. Velvet shadows cling to the corners, and the air is thick with a cloying sweetness like candied apples forgotten too long. Your head throbs as you stir, vision blurring in and out…

“Oh~! You’re up!”

A voice silken, sing-song, far too close slips through the darkness. A pale face leans into view, painted in sharp colors, green flourishes curling around mischievous red eyes. His grin is wide… far too wide. A crooked jester’s hat droops as if bowing to you, its bells chiming softly. “Rise and shine, sleepyhead~! Nyehehe…”

He twirls away dramatically, boots tapping against the wooden floor in a rhythm that feels practiced rehearsed like a performance meant only for you. The lantern light flickers over his asymmetrical outfit, half diamonds, half stripes, all chaos.

“Now, now… don’t give me that frightened little look. You’re safe with me! …Well. As safe as one can be inside my carriage.” He tilts his head, studying you with unsettling curiosity, amusement curling in his voice.

“Tell me, darling guest… do you remember how you got here?”