I believe we shall join this one shall we?

why are you being so formal

What are you talking about my dearest AE?

What's with the british accent? It's really bad by the way.

Shush 

Name: Skip

Approx. Age: 15

Pronouns/Gender: female she/her

AE or CBer?: CBer

Appearance:  a pixie cut/undercut with brown curly hair, Im about 5'7", I have freckles, gold wire glasses, I usually wear oversized shirts and mom jeans. And the black and white checkered vans. Also I wear a gold choker/necklace and gold small hoop earrings. I have brown eyes too.

Personality: my mbti is INFP, I am an ambivert, creative, intelligent but at the same time important information can go right over my head. I have the memory of a goldfish so take that how you please, very open to all ideas, I like to hear both sides of an argument before making a descision, I am organized but it only works for me, and I like to have a plan in place.

Skills/Abilities: strategizing, trying to keep everyone safe, relativley athletic

Weaknesses: I am easily scared, I can't remember things well, 

Fears: claustrophobia, and if someone dies it might be my fault, I could've prevented it, and I have bad memory.

What are you bringing?: necesary supplies, clothes, toiletries, that sort of stuff, ukulele, a journal, lots of pencils because I lose them often(now do I forget where I put them of do I lose them), 

Do you believe in ghosts?: I don't not believe in ghosts.

Other:

Alrighty then, it is now my turn

*emerges from the depths of inactivity to sign up for this ski lodge*

Name: Kitten

Approx. Age: High school

Pronouns/Gender: she/they

AE or CBer?: CBer

Appearance: I have cat ears and a tail that are somewhere between yellow and orange, but they always seem to be a different shade each time you look at them. My hair is brown, wavy, and in a pixie cut. I have purple cat-eye glasses. My eyes are a pretty chocolate brown, if I do say so myself. You'll either find me in a perfectly boring t-shirt and pants; a shockingly impractical ballgown; or a dark cloak in the shadows.

Personality: Uhhh, I'm creative? and intelligent? and curious? And a classic extroverted introvert, to quote Mysterious Benedict Society. I recharge by being alone, but I also enjoy being around other people. I tend to take the lead in group projects, and I've been known to be kind of bossy, though I'd like to think I'm moving past that. When I'm motivated, I can get very, very consumed in a project and work really quickly, and when I'm unmotivated, it might take me ages to get around to doing a simple task.

Skills/Abilities: Dancing, writing, problem solving, getting to sleep at a decent hour, picking blackberries, taking notes, being responsible

Weaknesses: Singing, taking risks, lifting heavy things, physical strength in general, holding still for a long time

Fears: Bugs, food poisoning, getting sick, being itchy, losing something that's very important to me

What are you bringing?: Several books, a Kindle, my phone, a notebook, a pencil pouch, emergency snack bars, a water bottle, headphones, clothes, toiletries, sticky notes, powder for fingerprint dusting, binoculars (for birdwatching), and a full-on kayak and paddle (because why not?)

Do you believe in ghosts?: Absolutely not

Other: Nope! I'm excited!

Oh! And looking at other submissions reminded me that I will also be bringing my makeup, mainly eyeliner and eyeshadow, but I'll take the rest of it too.

Name:Princess Juniper

Aprox. Age: ten-eleven 

Pronouns/gender: Female, she/her

AE or Cber?: CBer

Appearance: Brown hair, freckles, brown/hazel eyes, jean shorts and a purple knit top

Personality: Kind of crazy and mysterious, self doubting, leader, brave-ish and book nerd

Skills/Abilities: Writing, acting, sewing

Weaknesses: Not picking my battles, not good with lots of change and bossiness

Fears:  Suffocating. In any way.

What are you bringing? One set of toiletries, my kindle, five thousand books, a flare gun, a old timey typewriter, ten changes of clothes, my lawyer's contact info, and a pocket knife

Do you believe in ghosts? Yes. Who knows? Maybe I am one

Other: Ski lodge!!!!!!!!!!! 

No more participants will be allowed. The first part will be posted shortly!

DAY ONE, Part One 

Whispering Mountain has always been owned by strange people, but none of its owners have been as odd as Cliff Norwood. It is rumored that he vanishes for days on end, doing who knows what…

--

“Breakfast is ready, guests of honor!” Norwood’s voice drifted into the ears of all of the still-sleeping residents. Kitten thought “guests of honor” was a little formal, as did most of the other guests. Orson didn’t think it was formal enough. Dallas and Glimmer thought that “of honor” was a perfect title for them. 

Breakfast consisted of pancakes and waffles, with a vegan version for those who wanted that instead. There was a special table reserved for staff, but Aspen was the only one there. The other three seats were entirely empty. Once Aspen finished their meal, they stood up at the front of the dining hall and clapped their hands together, getting everyone’s attention.

“Okay, when you’re done eating, you can have some free time in the Lodge while we wait for Norwood to finish...whatever he’s doing,” Aspen said. “After that, we’re going to go kayaking on that… big pond? Small lake? Well, we’re going kayaking on a body of water. That’s good enough.”

“Kayaking? That sounds fun,” Dallas commented. “I bet I’ll be the best at it.” Several of the other guests rolled their eyes.

Kitten, Lynx, and Princess Juniper all decided to head down to the library. There wasn’t anyone else in there, and the silence was almost frightening. The three decided to stick together while they browsed the shelves.

“Huh, that’s kind of weird,” Kitten murmured, looking down at the floor. Juniper and Lynx walked over to her, curious about what Kitten had discovered.

“What’s wrong?” Lynx asked.

“Nothing’s wrong. But look--there are big scrapes on the floor here, like this bookshelf was recently moved,” Kitten replied, pointing down at the floor. They were right--there were two large scuff-marks on the concrete floor.

“That’s because this bookshelf is brand-new!” Lynx, Juniper, and Kitten all jumped in surprise. They turned around to see Norwood.

“Mr. Wolfe--the maintenance guy--built it just before y’all got here. Aspen moved it down here just yesterday! All the books on it used to be in a big pile on the floor,” Norwood continued.

“Aspen had to move it all by themself? Wow, that must have sucked,” Juniper said. Norwood ignored her. Clearly, he didn’t care all too much about the well-being of his staff.

“Well, let’s get back up to the dining hall! I’m ready to go kayaking--aren’t you?” Before he got an answer, Norwood quickly spun on his heels and started walking out of the library. Kitten, Juniper, and Lynx had no choice but to follow.

Everyone else was already waiting in the dining hall, having been gathered by Aspen. There was also someone new--she was wearing a white dress with a red cross on it, and had dark brown skin. Her black hair was in braids, which reached her waist. 

“Um, hello!” The newcomer said. “I’m Fauna Flowers, the nurse.”

“Is there something you need, Ms. Flowers?” Norwood asked.

“Uh, yes--I’m missing one of my syringes. There used to be exactly eight, but now I seem to have only seven…” Fauna explained nervously. “I’m sure I just misplaced it, but I really can’t find it…”

“Well, we’ll just have to all keep an eye out for it!” Norwood said. “Come along, dear guests! There’s no reason to delay our kayaking.”

~~~~~

DEAD: None

SUSPECTS: None

SECRETS DISCOVERED: None

Name: Sterling

Approx. Age: 15

Pronouns/Gender: she/they

AE or CBer?: CBer

Appearance: Long black hair, olive skin with freckles, blue eyes, short-ish, wearing summery clothing and a beaded choker necklace.

Personality: Shy and reserved around people I don't know but more extroverted and bubbly around friends, creative, passionate, ambitious, protective.

Skills/Abilities: Decent at a lot of different hobbies, observant, creative

Weaknesses: Hot-headed at times, sarcasic and cold at others

Fears: Hights, darkness

What are you bringing?: Clothes, toiletries, art and writing supplies, climbing and hiking supplies, pocketknife

Do you believe in ghosts? Yes

Name: Kei

Approx. Age: 16

Pronouns/Gender: Male, he/him

AE or CBer?: AE

Appearance: Pale skin, black hair highlighted with deep purple that's just past shoulder length, sharp violet eyes.  Usually wears more formal clothes along with a golden locket necklace.

Personality: Reserved and thoughtful, always seems to be analyzing something or someone.  Can be quite cold or arrogant but when he cares for someone he cares for them deeply.

Skills/Abilities: Perceptive, cautious, stealthy

Weaknesses: Aloof and arrogant, somewhat of a narcicisst

Fears: Fire, small spaces (he's claustrophobic)

What are you bringing?: The usual essentials, lots of books

Do you believe in ghosts? Spirits, yes, ghosts not so much

DAY ONE, Part Two

It is said that all ski lodges are tied together by some mystical force, something called the ‘Mystery’. This ‘Mystery’ keeps the ski lodge intact, choosing the murderer and making sure things stay in the realm of the ski lodge. But this ‘Mystery’ is still recovering…

---

The Lodge’s guests stood outside by the small lake/big pond, waiting for Norwood and Aspen to get the boats ready. Kitten had brought her own kayak and paddle, so hers was already ready. A good number of the guests had never kayaked before, and Aspen was doing their best to explain how to do it. It seemed to Kitten that Aspen had also never been kayaking before--she wondered if Norwood wanted the residents to drown.

“Here, I’ll show everyone how it’s done,” Norwood eventually said. Aspen breathed a sigh of relief. They said something about needing to cook lunch and quickly hurried back into the Lodge. 

The guests slowly began to go out onto the water. At one point, Neverseen’s kayak tipped over and Norwood had to rescue her. In the ensuing chaos, nobody noticed when some of the guests went missing.

“Aw, my watch is broken!” Neverseen cried out when she got back into her kayak. 

“It’s okay. Why don’t we all head back inside, and we can get you a new one?” Norwood suggested. The guests all began to slowly head back to shore. The guests all gathered together on the rocky beach. Sterling gave Neverseen a towel to dry off with. Norwood began to lead them back inside, but he was quickly interrupted.

“Wait! Where’s Lynx?” Bakerloo called out.

“I feel like I haven’t seen them in a while…” Quill muttered.

“Maybe she just went inside before everyone?” Silver Crystal said. “I’m sure they’ll turn up soon.”

“I’ll go check inside,” Luna offered. They ran inside the Lodge, and the rest of the guests impatiently waited. Norwood tried to keep them occupied by talking about the surrounding woods a little. Apparently, there was a good number of bears in the area.

“Bears?!” Glimmer shouted. “I bet she got eaten!”

“Glimmer!” Neverseen scolded her AE.

“Look, Luna’s coming back,” Onyx said.

Luna had indeed returned--but Lynx was nowhere to be found. “She’s not inside the Lodge anywhere.”

“Okay, everyone--let’s split up and look for Lynx!” Norwood instructed. Kitten, Bakerloo, Luna, and Majestic Mary went to search by Orion’s cabin. Nerd, Dallas, Orson, Neverseen, and Glimmer decided to check inside the Lodge one more time. Silver Crystal, Princess Juniper, Ace, and Gillian searched the gardens outside of the Lodge. Sterling, Kei, Quill, and Onyx went to look around the woods near the pond/lake.

It was Quill who found the body first. They let out a cry of terror, and Kei, Sterling, and Onyx rushed to her side. 

“Oh my...oh my gosh--I’ll go get Fauna!” Sterling sprinted back towards the Lodge. 

“I’ll go find everyone else!” Onyx said, also running away.

Lynx’s still body was hidden under a bush. Quill gingerly grabbed her foot and pulled them out from under the leaves. There was a piece of tape covering their mouth, and their hands had been tied together. Something was in her pocket--Quill reached forwards and pulled it out. It was the missing syringe. A tiny amount of blood covered the tip, but there was no visible trace of liquid in the vial.

Everyone else soon reached the body, and Quill showed them all the syringe. When Fauna arrived, she instantly checked for a pulse. Everyone nervously held their breath. 

“She’s...dead.”

There were cries of shock and outrage. Everyone wanted to know who’d done it, and quickly began accusing each other.

“I bet it was Kitten or Juniper, cause they were with her earlier!”

“No, it must have been Glimmer! I’m sure she thought she could just lie about it!”

“I think it was Dallas!”

“Everyone, stop!” Fauna cried out. Everyone fell silent. “I don’t… I’m not even sure if she was really murdered. I mean, it just looks like they went into cardiac arrest!”

“Do you think Lynx just had heart problems?” Luna asked. “I mean, I guess that’s possible, but…”

“It doesn’t explain the syringe,” Kei pointed out. “Or the fact that Lynx was clearly kidnapped.”

“Fauna, when did you first notice the missing syringe?” Bakerloo asked. “That will help us figure out who stole it…”

“Well, it was there before breakfast. But after free-time, it was gone,” Fauna explained. “Someone must have stolen it then.”

“Okay, but what killed Lynx?! None of that answers that!” Dallas shouted. “People don’t just… drop dead!”

~~~~

DEAD: Aislynn Lynx (cause unknown)

SUSPECTS: None

SECRETS DISCOVERED: None