The Unspeakables

Questbound

Ennea nearly tripped over the last step, clutching her trunk as she emerged onto the Chelsea pavement. The cobblestones still held the night's chill, the gas lamps casting long shadows. Across the street, Sebastian stood patiently, a flicker of amusement in his eyes as she rushed to join him.

"Cutting it a bit close, are we, Bragge?" he asked, his familiar teasing tone helping calm her nerves.

Flustered but relieved to see him, Ennea tried to smooth her travel-worn dress. "Just double-checking," she attempted, but the breathlessness in her voice gave her away. "America forgets how to sleep, apparently. And I could not either"

"What? Something on your mind?," Sebastian said, offering to carry her trunk. "Have you signaled for a carriage? The train won't wait, even for the renowned Miss Bragge."

They paced together while waiting, the quiet punctuated by the clip-clop of horse hooves on the cobblestones. A moment of silence settled, then Ennea broke it. "I know where we're going on the map," she said softly, "but where are we going, really? What are we up against this time?" Sebastian met her gaze "Time distortions, a true mystery and a beauty of this job." a small chuckle escaped his lips.

King's Cross hummed with the familiar bustle, Ennea caught a glimpse of a couple of Hogwarts students, "Huh? Uniforms seem slightly different since our days at Hogwarts." "Bet there's still a mad rush for the luggage racks," Sebastian quipped, his eyes scanning the crowd. "Think we might still manage to snag some Chocolate Frogs?" Ennea chuckled lightly "Not on this train." She broke in laughter recounting his insatiable appetite for sweets.

The train ride to Dover was a canvas of flashing green countryside, blurring past them like a half-remembered dream. The clickety-clack of the rails set a rhythm that echoed the quickening pulse of anticipation inside her. Once on the ferry, they leaned against the railings, watching the English coastline shrink into a hazy smudge. The salt tang of the sea brought clarity to her mind, a focus she hadn't felt since... well, since before America.

Calais greeted them with a burst of unfamiliar voices and the bustle of the port. Then, the gleaming carriages of the Orient Express, a promise of the unknown, its name a whispered legend. As the train started, Sebastian caught her gaze, his eyes reflecting her own excitement. "Alright, Bragge," he said, a grin spreading across his face. "Looks like this trip just got a whole lot more interesting..." he lead her up the stairs as they boarded.

"So, Miss Bragge," Sebastian began, a glint in his eye. "Tell me, are you prepared for the mysteries that might already be lurking somewhere in these luxurious carriages?" His voice held mock seriousness, but the question lingered in the air.

Ennea leaned against the corridor window. Lush velvet drapes framed the passing countryside, a reminder that even amidst opulence, the world continued its relentless forward motion. "Mr. Sallow," she countered with a smile, "our time at the Ministry taught me that the strangest mysteries often hide in plain sight."

Sebastian pushed off the wall, a hint of intrigue in his stride as he sauntered closer. "Hmm... then perhaps the answer lies with the other passengers." His gaze scanned the rich wood paneling and gleaming brass fixtures. "Intrigue, hidden agendas... a billionaire smuggling ancient artifacts?"

"Or a lovesick vampire seeking a lost paramour?" Ennea quipped back, her eyes sparkling. "But seriously, this train... I am glad we got to experience this" her gaze grew more somber

"Indeed," Sebastian agreed, his gaze sweeping over the plush seats and ornate lamps.

"The luxury of this journey is something, isn't it?" he mused, his eyes taking in the opulent surroundings. "Traveling in style like this... it's quite the treat. If only we were here for leisure, I'd be thoroughly enjoying every moment."