The dangers of exploration

[emilia_galmar]

Characters: Emilia Galmar, Howard Link, CLOSED
Setting: Floors 21-34
Summary: Emilia and Link decide to observe some of the dangers of the Tower. The Tower isn't willing to let them just observe.
Warnings: Warning for the effects of Floor 34


[Although the restaurant on Floor 21 is closed it still looks invitingly normal. Emilia tugs her coat tighter and looks up at Link standing by her side] 

I've been told that the food is lovely here, but the prices are incredibly high. I never did ask exactly what the prices were, but I received the impression that it wasn't in money.

[She presses her arm softly against him, seeking the reassurance that his solidness always provides. It's these seemingly normal places that she finds the most unnerving]

Comments

[emilia_galmar]

I still haven't met him.

[Truthfully she's dreading that moment slightly. It's always difficult to look into the eyes of a friend who doesn't remember.

After a moment more to appreciate the view they begin heading up the stairs again]

Did he tell you what time he's from?

[Her question trails off at the end as they stop to look at the next floor. The faint smell of embalming fluid and rot is sickening]

[inspector_link]

He said that the last time he saw me was in France. I believe he comes from after that mission...

[Link trails off once that chemical scent hints him. He surveys the room quickly, only a few seconds really, before reaching back to take Emilia's hand and pull her to the next floor. With a smell like that, there's no need to linger and risk finding out just what's making it.

He almost bypasses the next floor when he sees the laboratory equipment, but stops to before Emilia still has her breath.]

[emilia_galmar]

[She's glad he dragged her away from that room before she could see to much and glad too he's stopped to catch their breath. The chemical stink wafting out is stinging enough to cut through any smells lingering in her nose]

The Supervisor would have loved this room. It worries me that it's right over the last floor.

[She keeps hold of hand and continues the walk up the stairs. The gentle sound of instruments playing grows louder as they reach the next room and falls silent when they enter. The instruments look so normal in their racks and open cases. She twines her fingers through Link's before stepping out to have a closer look]

I wonder what sort of curse is on these? I'd quite like to try playing a flute again if it won't be detrimental to my health.

[inspector_link]

[Link follows, considering a rack of beautifully made violins for a moment before reaching out to brush a finger over the nearest one. Nothing happens.]

Someone was playing these while we were climbing the stairs, but no one's here.

[emilia_galmar]

[Her breath catches in her throat when he touches the violin, but when nothing appears to happen she lets herself breathe again. She steps into the room and looks down the rows of instruments, calling out]

Hello? Is anyone here? We don't mean you any harm.

[There's no response, so Emilia steps further in, peering round a corner]

Link, they've even got a full-sized organ!