Time Is My Friendliest Enemy And My Cruelest Ally @the-11th-hour - Tumblr Blog

[Victor sees someone messing with a clock in an antique shop window]

@the-11th-hour

[He pauses, thinks for a moment, then walks up to them.]

Pardon, but may I ask what you’re doing? [He looks confused but is smiling.]

Setting the time.

[They answer flatly, though lacking any sort of aggression]

Ah I see. Was it incorrect?

Yes. A few hours ahead. Had to correct it.

[He nods.] Oh that is quite annoying.

Agreed. Who are you?

[Merlyn enters Eda’s office carrying a box. It glances behind itself when it enters before shutting the door. They whisper when they speak]

I’ve brought a few books down early. I’ve already got them sealed and wrapped up!

@the-11th-hour

[eda sat up quickly when she heard Marlyn's voice. She rubbed her eyes and adjusted her glasses... she was sleeping.]

Books? What books...

[She muttered before she gasped]

Fantastic! My books!

[Merlyn pauses, giving Eda an odd look as it sets the box of books down]

Were. . . were you sleeping?

If i say no would you belive me?

[She smiled and brushed some of her messy hair out of her face]

No. But I won’t question it.

[They glance around the room and turn their watch back several hours, then turn their attention to the box]

Right. There’s seven in there. Watch the one with the padlock. There’s uh. I don’t know what but there’s something in there. Oh and the blue one has all of your childhood as a photo album. Except now you have a brother you don’t recognize. I tried it with a few of us up in Artifact Storage. So don’t look too far into it. I think you’d call that a Stranger.

[She nodded along as it spoke, though her gaze was fixed on their watch]

Gotcha.. dont pick the lock on the locked one and dont look through the photo album...

[She muttered as she stared very intently at their watch. She really wanted to study them, it was really interesting]

[They push the watch back another few hours] the face is pearlescent, a rose gold rose emblem in the center. The band looks very worn, patterned like old wallpaper. Merlyn notices her looking.]

Um. Sorry. Nervous habit. Changing the time that is. This is my favorite watch.

Why do you do it? What started your habbit? Do you use your watch to tell the time? If its your favorite, do you have others?

[She couldnt help herself. She felt bad for rapid firing questions at the new hire, but she was so curious]

I-

I do it because I need to. If I run out of time that’s it I’m gone and I can’t run out of time-

I always set it back but it always goes back to the right time. That’s how I set other clocks I just set them back a few days because then it’s still right.

I have another watch but I have to wear this one. I need it.

[They gasp and cover their mouth, the ticking of the watch much more obvious now]

I- what did I-? what just-?

[They look at her for any sort of answer, suddenly looking very very scared]

Fascinating...

[She muttered, had her eyes always been that green color? She hurriedly scribbled down this information in her journal and looked back up at it. Her gaze softened when she noticed their scared expression.]

I- im sorry.. i- i- I didnt mean to-

[They look confused]

You. . . You made me say all that? I mean. Accidents happen but- how did you do that?

[They seemed insistent to get off of the topic of their watch or anything to do with it. They spin it back another few days worth of hours.]

Its- it's like how the books are uhm.. haunted. The eye. I- im an avatar- gods- im sorry- im usually good at not uh- forcing i formation out of people.

It’s. . . um. . . that’s okay. I get it it’s an accident. Avatar. Okay. I’ll add that to the vocabulary list. . .

But really, honestly, I’m not upset. If you made a mistake you made a mistake.

[They’ve been turning the watch back constantly now]

And uh. Sorry. It’s a weird thing to talk about. The watch thing I mean. It’s impulsive but also not because it’s. . . I don’t know. Like it’s the kind of thing someone would give a statement about. That kind of weird.

I dont belive its weird- though that is coming from the resident crazy lady. But yknow... if you did want to give a statement... i have plenty of free time.

[They consider this for a while, and slowly sit down in one of the chairs in her office, turning the watch back over and over, not quite meeting her eyes]

I guess I have some time. . .

How do you uh. . . how do you do that? I haven’t actually read or listened to any statements.

Before we do this, swear you wont throw a teacup at my head.

[She said as she pulled a tape recorder out of her desk drawer and set it down between them]

Um. . . I promise? Is that a common concern?

[Merlyn enters Eda’s office carrying a box. It glances behind itself when it enters before shutting the door. They whisper when they speak]

I’ve brought a few books down early. I’ve already got them sealed and wrapped up!

@the-11th-hour

[eda sat up quickly when she heard Marlyn's voice. She rubbed her eyes and adjusted her glasses... she was sleeping.]

Books? What books...

[She muttered before she gasped]

Fantastic! My books!

[Merlyn pauses, giving Eda an odd look as it sets the box of books down]

Were. . . were you sleeping?

If i say no would you belive me?

[She smiled and brushed some of her messy hair out of her face]

No. But I won’t question it.

[They glance around the room and turn their watch back several hours, then turn their attention to the box]

[She nodded along as it spoke, though her gaze was fixed on their watch]

Gotcha.. dont pick the lock on the locked one and dont look through the photo album...

[She muttered as she stared very intently at their watch. She really wanted to study them, it was really interesting]

[They push the watch back another few hours] the face is pearlescent, a rose gold rose emblem in the center. The band looks very worn, patterned like old wallpaper. Merlyn notices her looking.]

Um. Sorry. Nervous habit. Changing the time that is. This is my favorite watch.

Why do you do it? What started your habbit? Do you use your watch to tell the time? If its your favorite, do you have others?

[She couldnt help herself. She felt bad for rapid firing questions at the new hire, but she was so curious]

I-

I do it because I need to. If I run out of time that’s it I’m gone and I can’t run out of time-

I always set it back but it always goes back to the right time. That’s how I set other clocks I just set them back a few days because then it’s still right.

I have another watch but I have to wear this one. I need it.

[They gasp and cover their mouth, the ticking of the watch much more obvious now]

I- what did I-? what just-?

[They look at her for any sort of answer, suddenly looking very very scared]

Fascinating...

I- im sorry.. i- i- I didnt mean to-

[They look confused]

You. . . You made me say all that? I mean. Accidents happen but- how did you do that?

[They seemed insistent to get off of the topic of their watch or anything to do with it. They spin it back another few days worth of hours.]

Its- it's like how the books are uhm.. haunted. The eye. I- im an avatar- gods- im sorry- im usually good at not uh- forcing i formation out of people.

It’s. . . um. . . that’s okay. I get it it’s an accident. Avatar. Okay. I’ll add that to the vocabulary list. . .

But really, honestly, I’m not upset. If you made a mistake you made a mistake.

[They’ve been turning the watch back constantly now]

I dont belive its weird- though that is coming from the resident crazy lady. But yknow... if you did want to give a statement... i have plenty of free time.

[They consider this for a while, and slowly sit down in one of the chairs in her office, turning the watch back over and over, not quite meeting her eyes]

I guess I have some time. . .

How do you uh. . . how do you do that? I haven’t actually read or listened to any statements.

[Merlyn enters Eda’s office carrying a box. It glances behind itself when it enters before shutting the door. They whisper when they speak]

I’ve brought a few books down early. I’ve already got them sealed and wrapped up!

@the-11th-hour

[eda sat up quickly when she heard Marlyn's voice. She rubbed her eyes and adjusted her glasses... she was sleeping.]

Books? What books...

[She muttered before she gasped]

Fantastic! My books!

[Merlyn pauses, giving Eda an odd look as it sets the box of books down]

Were. . . were you sleeping?

If i say no would you belive me?

[She smiled and brushed some of her messy hair out of her face]

No. But I won’t question it.

[They glance around the room and turn their watch back several hours, then turn their attention to the box]

[She nodded along as it spoke, though her gaze was fixed on their watch]

Gotcha.. dont pick the lock on the locked one and dont look through the photo album...

[She muttered as she stared very intently at their watch. She really wanted to study them, it was really interesting]

[They push the watch back another few hours] the face is pearlescent, a rose gold rose emblem in the center. The band looks very worn, patterned like old wallpaper. Merlyn notices her looking.]

Um. Sorry. Nervous habit. Changing the time that is. This is my favorite watch.

Why do you do it? What started your habbit? Do you use your watch to tell the time? If its your favorite, do you have others?

[She couldnt help herself. She felt bad for rapid firing questions at the new hire, but she was so curious]

I-

I do it because I need to. If I run out of time that’s it I’m gone and I can’t run out of time-

I always set it back but it always goes back to the right time. That’s how I set other clocks I just set them back a few days because then it’s still right.

I have another watch but I have to wear this one. I need it.

[They gasp and cover their mouth, the ticking of the watch much more obvious now]

I- what did I-? what just-?

[They look at her for any sort of answer, suddenly looking very very scared]

Fascinating...

I- im sorry.. i- i- I didnt mean to-

[They look confused]

You. . . You made me say all that? I mean. Accidents happen but- how did you do that?

[They seemed insistent to get off of the topic of their watch or anything to do with it. They spin it back another few days worth of hours.]

Its- it's like how the books are uhm.. haunted. The eye. I- im an avatar- gods- im sorry- im usually good at not uh- forcing i formation out of people.

It’s. . . um. . . that’s okay. I get it it’s an accident. Avatar. Okay. I’ll add that to the vocabulary list. . .

But really, honestly, I’m not upset. If you made a mistake you made a mistake.

[They’ve been turning the watch back constantly now]

[Syl is out doing normal Syl things, when he spots someone messing with a clock hung from a lamppost. They seem to be trying to set it back several hours.]

@the-11th-hour

[Syl watches for now, quite confused]

[Once they’ve set it back several weeks worth of hours, the jump down off of the lamppost and check their watch, glancing around nervously before spotting Syl.]

Just doing maintenance.

...are you sure that's correct..

It looks-

[and then he cuts himself off, not wanting to insult them]

Nevermind-

Sorry..

Very. It um. It’s very very necessary.

[They check their watch again, turning it back a few hours. They adjust their jacket, the sleeves covered in cross-stitched roses]

And if they say that the clocks don’t need adjustments, they don’t know what they’re talking about.

W-

Who is "they"?

I don't get what you mean.

City Maintenance guys. They say the clocks run on solar so they always run correctly but they’re lying.

How'd you find out they're lying?

[he unintentionally got quiet, nervous]

Some of them are off. Mistakes happen. I check them to my watch because my watch is always right. I make sure of that. So sometimes I go out and reset them.

..and you just get away with it?

So far. I don’t think a lot of people question it. Maybe I look like I know what I’m doing.

Though you did. What gave me away?

[he shrugs]

Never seen anyone modify that clock before.

[They think about this for a minute]

No. No I guess not. Though that’s the first time someone has done that. I’ll take two strikes more and then get concerned.

So who are you?

Sylbanus. Sylbanus Smith..

And you are?

Merlyn Doully.

[They offer their hand. Their watch ticks noticeably louder. Which it seems not to notice at all.]

[he flinches but doesn't say anything]

Cool name.

Sounds like it's from a fantasy novel.

Thank you. I’d like to say I was named for the Arthurian legend but I never asked.

Sylbanus isn’t a very common name either. It’s rather interesting. Is it inspired from somewhere?

Not sure.

I didn't pick it, I was just born with it.

Parents didn't tell me why they named me what they did..

They didn't tell me much of anything, really.

Didn’t they? Why not?

How would I know?

Again, they barely talked to me.

Well don’t they sound wonderful.

I suppose you don’t speak to them much then. You move to London or have you lived here your whole life?

Lived here forever.

I don't remember traveling much, if I'm being honest.

Not everyone travels. What do you do for work?

Wander...

Find my purpose.

[They give him an odd look]

Interesting. What have you found so far?

A man in a theatre who lied to me.

Lied to you about what?

I-

He was trying to manipulate me into making everything worse for myself.

I'm not that gullible.

Really? What did he say to you? That sounds terrible.

He told me to do nothing they told me to do.

Whose “they”? The way you say it feels very shady.

Why?

They're the Narrator. They help me be successful in my life.

That’s. . . a name. How exactly have they helped you be successful? You aren’t even employed.

I'm surviving like this, aren't I?

They've helped me to survive, helped me avoid danger.

I guess. Still. Weird name. Pompous. Takes a certain amount of gall to declare yourself “The Narrator”.

They didn't call themself it.

I choose to call them that.

Huh. Where’d you meet this guy?

They've always been there..

As in you knew them when you were a kid?

[Merlyn enters Eda’s office carrying a box. It glances behind itself when it enters before shutting the door. They whisper when they speak]

I’ve brought a few books down early. I’ve already got them sealed and wrapped up!

@the-11th-hour

[eda sat up quickly when she heard Marlyn's voice. She rubbed her eyes and adjusted her glasses... she was sleeping.]

Books? What books...

[She muttered before she gasped]

Fantastic! My books!

[Merlyn pauses, giving Eda an odd look as it sets the box of books down]

Were. . . were you sleeping?

If i say no would you belive me?

[She smiled and brushed some of her messy hair out of her face]

No. But I won’t question it.

[They glance around the room and turn their watch back several hours, then turn their attention to the box]

[She nodded along as it spoke, though her gaze was fixed on their watch]

Gotcha.. dont pick the lock on the locked one and dont look through the photo album...

[She muttered as she stared very intently at their watch. She really wanted to study them, it was really interesting]

[They push the watch back another few hours] the face is pearlescent, a rose gold rose emblem in the center. The band looks very worn, patterned like old wallpaper. Merlyn notices her looking.]

Um. Sorry. Nervous habit. Changing the time that is. This is my favorite watch.

Why do you do it? What started your habbit? Do you use your watch to tell the time? If its your favorite, do you have others?

[She couldnt help herself. She felt bad for rapid firing questions at the new hire, but she was so curious]

I-

I do it because I need to. If I run out of time that’s it I’m gone and I can’t run out of time-

I always set it back but it always goes back to the right time. That’s how I set other clocks I just set them back a few days because then it’s still right.

I have another watch but I have to wear this one. I need it.

[They gasp and cover their mouth, the ticking of the watch much more obvious now]

I- what did I-? what just-?

[They look at her for any sort of answer, suddenly looking very very scared]

Fascinating...

I- im sorry.. i- i- I didnt mean to-

[They look confused]

You. . . You made me say all that? I mean. Accidents happen but- how did you do that?

[They seemed insistent to get off of the topic of their watch or anything to do with it. They spin it back another few days worth of hours.]

[Syl is out doing normal Syl things, when he spots someone messing with a clock hung from a lamppost. They seem to be trying to set it back several hours.]

@the-11th-hour

[Syl watches for now, quite confused]

[Once they’ve set it back several weeks worth of hours, the jump down off of the lamppost and check their watch, glancing around nervously before spotting Syl.]

Just doing maintenance.

...are you sure that's correct..

It looks-

[and then he cuts himself off, not wanting to insult them]

Nevermind-

Sorry..

Very. It um. It’s very very necessary.

[They check their watch again, turning it back a few hours. They adjust their jacket, the sleeves covered in cross-stitched roses]

And if they say that the clocks don’t need adjustments, they don’t know what they’re talking about.

W-

Who is "they"?

I don't get what you mean.

City Maintenance guys. They say the clocks run on solar so they always run correctly but they’re lying.

How'd you find out they're lying?

[he unintentionally got quiet, nervous]

Some of them are off. Mistakes happen. I check them to my watch because my watch is always right. I make sure of that. So sometimes I go out and reset them.

..and you just get away with it?

So far. I don’t think a lot of people question it. Maybe I look like I know what I’m doing.

Though you did. What gave me away?

[he shrugs]

Never seen anyone modify that clock before.

[They think about this for a minute]

No. No I guess not. Though that’s the first time someone has done that. I’ll take two strikes more and then get concerned.

So who are you?

Sylbanus. Sylbanus Smith..

And you are?

Merlyn Doully.

[They offer their hand. Their watch ticks noticeably louder. Which it seems not to notice at all.]

[he flinches but doesn't say anything]

Cool name.

Sounds like it's from a fantasy novel.

Thank you. I’d like to say I was named for the Arthurian legend but I never asked.

Sylbanus isn’t a very common name either. It’s rather interesting. Is it inspired from somewhere?

Not sure.

I didn't pick it, I was just born with it.

Parents didn't tell me why they named me what they did..

They didn't tell me much of anything, really.

Didn’t they? Why not?

How would I know?

Again, they barely talked to me.

Well don’t they sound wonderful.

I suppose you don’t speak to them much then. You move to London or have you lived here your whole life?

Lived here forever.

I don't remember traveling much, if I'm being honest.

Not everyone travels. What do you do for work?

Wander...

Find my purpose.

[They give him an odd look]

Interesting. What have you found so far?

A man in a theatre who lied to me.

Lied to you about what?

I-

He was trying to manipulate me into making everything worse for myself.

I'm not that gullible.

Really? What did he say to you? That sounds terrible.

He told me to do nothing they told me to do.

Whose “they”? The way you say it feels very shady.

Why?

They're the Narrator. They help me be successful in my life.

That’s. . . a name. How exactly have they helped you be successful? You aren’t even employed.

I'm surviving like this, aren't I?

They've helped me to survive, helped me avoid danger.

I guess. Still. Weird name. Pompous. Takes a certain amount of gall to declare yourself “The Narrator”.

They didn't call themself it.

I choose to call them that.

Huh. Where’d you meet this guy?

[Syl is out doing normal Syl things, when he spots someone messing with a clock hung from a lamppost. They seem to be trying to set it back several hours.]

@the-11th-hour

[Syl watches for now, quite confused]

[Once they’ve set it back several weeks worth of hours, the jump down off of the lamppost and check their watch, glancing around nervously before spotting Syl.]

Just doing maintenance.

...are you sure that's correct..

It looks-

[and then he cuts himself off, not wanting to insult them]

Nevermind-

Sorry..

Very. It um. It’s very very necessary.

[They check their watch again, turning it back a few hours. They adjust their jacket, the sleeves covered in cross-stitched roses]

And if they say that the clocks don’t need adjustments, they don’t know what they’re talking about.

W-

Who is "they"?

I don't get what you mean.

City Maintenance guys. They say the clocks run on solar so they always run correctly but they’re lying.

How'd you find out they're lying?

[he unintentionally got quiet, nervous]

Some of them are off. Mistakes happen. I check them to my watch because my watch is always right. I make sure of that. So sometimes I go out and reset them.

..and you just get away with it?

So far. I don’t think a lot of people question it. Maybe I look like I know what I’m doing.

Though you did. What gave me away?

[he shrugs]

Never seen anyone modify that clock before.

[They think about this for a minute]

No. No I guess not. Though that’s the first time someone has done that. I’ll take two strikes more and then get concerned.

So who are you?

Sylbanus. Sylbanus Smith..

And you are?

Merlyn Doully.

[They offer their hand. Their watch ticks noticeably louder. Which it seems not to notice at all.]

[he flinches but doesn't say anything]

Cool name.

Sounds like it's from a fantasy novel.

Thank you. I’d like to say I was named for the Arthurian legend but I never asked.

Sylbanus isn’t a very common name either. It’s rather interesting. Is it inspired from somewhere?

Not sure.

I didn't pick it, I was just born with it.

Parents didn't tell me why they named me what they did..

They didn't tell me much of anything, really.

Didn’t they? Why not?

How would I know?

Again, they barely talked to me.

Well don’t they sound wonderful.

I suppose you don’t speak to them much then. You move to London or have you lived here your whole life?

Lived here forever.

I don't remember traveling much, if I'm being honest.

Not everyone travels. What do you do for work?

Wander...

Find my purpose.

[They give him an odd look]

Interesting. What have you found so far?

A man in a theatre who lied to me.

Lied to you about what?

I-

He was trying to manipulate me into making everything worse for myself.

I'm not that gullible.

Really? What did he say to you? That sounds terrible.

He told me to do nothing they told me to do.

Whose “they”? The way you say it feels very shady.

Why?

They're the Narrator. They help me be successful in my life.

That’s. . . a name. How exactly have they helped you be successful? You aren’t even employed.

I'm surviving like this, aren't I?

They've helped me to survive, helped me avoid danger.

I guess. Still. Weird name. Pompous. Takes a certain amount of gall to declare yourself “The Narrator”.

[Merlyn enters Eda’s office carrying a box. It glances behind itself when it enters before shutting the door. They whisper when they speak]

I’ve brought a few books down early. I’ve already got them sealed and wrapped up!

@the-11th-hour

[eda sat up quickly when she heard Marlyn's voice. She rubbed her eyes and adjusted her glasses... she was sleeping.]

Books? What books...

[She muttered before she gasped]

Fantastic! My books!

[Merlyn pauses, giving Eda an odd look as it sets the box of books down]

Were. . . were you sleeping?

If i say no would you belive me?

[She smiled and brushed some of her messy hair out of her face]

No. But I won’t question it.

[They glance around the room and turn their watch back several hours, then turn their attention to the box]

[She nodded along as it spoke, though her gaze was fixed on their watch]

Gotcha.. dont pick the lock on the locked one and dont look through the photo album...

[She muttered as she stared very intently at their watch. She really wanted to study them, it was really interesting]

[They push the watch back another few hours] the face is pearlescent, a rose gold rose emblem in the center. The band looks very worn, patterned like old wallpaper. Merlyn notices her looking.]

Um. Sorry. Nervous habit. Changing the time that is. This is my favorite watch.

Why do you do it? What started your habbit? Do you use your watch to tell the time? If its your favorite, do you have others?

[She couldnt help herself. She felt bad for rapid firing questions at the new hire, but she was so curious]

I-

I do it because I need to. If I run out of time that’s it I’m gone and I can’t run out of time-

I always set it back but it always goes back to the right time. That’s how I set other clocks I just set them back a few days because then it’s still right.

I have another watch but I have to wear this one. I need it.

[They gasp and cover their mouth, the ticking of the watch much more obvious now]

I- what did I-? what just-?

[They look at her for any sort of answer, suddenly looking very very scared]

[Syl is out doing normal Syl things, when he spots someone messing with a clock hung from a lamppost. They seem to be trying to set it back several hours.]

@the-11th-hour

[Syl watches for now, quite confused]

[Once they’ve set it back several weeks worth of hours, the jump down off of the lamppost and check their watch, glancing around nervously before spotting Syl.]

Just doing maintenance.

...are you sure that's correct..

It looks-

[and then he cuts himself off, not wanting to insult them]

Nevermind-

Sorry..

Very. It um. It’s very very necessary.

[They check their watch again, turning it back a few hours. They adjust their jacket, the sleeves covered in cross-stitched roses]

And if they say that the clocks don’t need adjustments, they don’t know what they’re talking about.

W-

Who is "they"?

I don't get what you mean.

City Maintenance guys. They say the clocks run on solar so they always run correctly but they’re lying.

How'd you find out they're lying?

[he unintentionally got quiet, nervous]

Some of them are off. Mistakes happen. I check them to my watch because my watch is always right. I make sure of that. So sometimes I go out and reset them.

..and you just get away with it?

So far. I don’t think a lot of people question it. Maybe I look like I know what I’m doing.

Though you did. What gave me away?

[he shrugs]

Never seen anyone modify that clock before.

[They think about this for a minute]

No. No I guess not. Though that’s the first time someone has done that. I’ll take two strikes more and then get concerned.

So who are you?

Sylbanus. Sylbanus Smith..

And you are?

Merlyn Doully.

[They offer their hand. Their watch ticks noticeably louder. Which it seems not to notice at all.]

[he flinches but doesn't say anything]

Cool name.

Sounds like it's from a fantasy novel.

Thank you. I’d like to say I was named for the Arthurian legend but I never asked.

Sylbanus isn’t a very common name either. It’s rather interesting. Is it inspired from somewhere?

Not sure.

I didn't pick it, I was just born with it.

Parents didn't tell me why they named me what they did..

They didn't tell me much of anything, really.

Didn’t they? Why not?

How would I know?

Again, they barely talked to me.

Well don’t they sound wonderful.

I suppose you don’t speak to them much then. You move to London or have you lived here your whole life?

Lived here forever.

I don't remember traveling much, if I'm being honest.

Not everyone travels. What do you do for work?

Wander...

Find my purpose.

[They give him an odd look]

Interesting. What have you found so far?

A man in a theatre who lied to me.

Lied to you about what?

I-

He was trying to manipulate me into making everything worse for myself.

I'm not that gullible.

Really? What did he say to you? That sounds terrible.

He told me to do nothing they told me to do.

Whose “they”? The way you say it feels very shady.

Why?

They're the Narrator. They help me be successful in my life.

That’s. . . a name. How exactly have they helped you be successful? You aren’t even employed.

[Syl is out doing normal Syl things, when he spots someone messing with a clock hung from a lamppost. They seem to be trying to set it back several hours.]

@the-11th-hour

[Syl watches for now, quite confused]

[Once they’ve set it back several weeks worth of hours, the jump down off of the lamppost and check their watch, glancing around nervously before spotting Syl.]

Just doing maintenance.

...are you sure that's correct..

It looks-

[and then he cuts himself off, not wanting to insult them]

Nevermind-

Sorry..

Very. It um. It’s very very necessary.

[They check their watch again, turning it back a few hours. They adjust their jacket, the sleeves covered in cross-stitched roses]

And if they say that the clocks don’t need adjustments, they don’t know what they’re talking about.

W-

Who is "they"?

I don't get what you mean.

City Maintenance guys. They say the clocks run on solar so they always run correctly but they’re lying.

How'd you find out they're lying?

[he unintentionally got quiet, nervous]

Some of them are off. Mistakes happen. I check them to my watch because my watch is always right. I make sure of that. So sometimes I go out and reset them.

..and you just get away with it?

So far. I don’t think a lot of people question it. Maybe I look like I know what I’m doing.

Though you did. What gave me away?

[he shrugs]

Never seen anyone modify that clock before.

[They think about this for a minute]

No. No I guess not. Though that’s the first time someone has done that. I’ll take two strikes more and then get concerned.

So who are you?

Sylbanus. Sylbanus Smith..

And you are?

Merlyn Doully.

[They offer their hand. Their watch ticks noticeably louder. Which it seems not to notice at all.]

[he flinches but doesn't say anything]

Cool name.

Sounds like it's from a fantasy novel.

Thank you. I’d like to say I was named for the Arthurian legend but I never asked.

Sylbanus isn’t a very common name either. It’s rather interesting. Is it inspired from somewhere?

Not sure.

I didn't pick it, I was just born with it.

Parents didn't tell me why they named me what they did..

They didn't tell me much of anything, really.

Didn’t they? Why not?

How would I know?

Again, they barely talked to me.

Well don’t they sound wonderful.

I suppose you don’t speak to them much then. You move to London or have you lived here your whole life?

Lived here forever.

I don't remember traveling much, if I'm being honest.

Not everyone travels. What do you do for work?

Wander...

Find my purpose.

[They give him an odd look]

Interesting. What have you found so far?

A man in a theatre who lied to me.

Lied to you about what?

I-

He was trying to manipulate me into making everything worse for myself.

I'm not that gullible.

Really? What did he say to you? That sounds terrible.

He told me to do nothing they told me to do.

Whose “they”? The way you say it feels very shady.

[Syl is out doing normal Syl things, when he spots someone messing with a clock hung from a lamppost. They seem to be trying to set it back several hours.]

@the-11th-hour

[Syl watches for now, quite confused]

[Once they’ve set it back several weeks worth of hours, the jump down off of the lamppost and check their watch, glancing around nervously before spotting Syl.]

Just doing maintenance.

...are you sure that's correct..

It looks-

[and then he cuts himself off, not wanting to insult them]

Nevermind-

Sorry..

Very. It um. It’s very very necessary.

[They check their watch again, turning it back a few hours. They adjust their jacket, the sleeves covered in cross-stitched roses]

And if they say that the clocks don’t need adjustments, they don’t know what they’re talking about.

W-

Who is "they"?

I don't get what you mean.

City Maintenance guys. They say the clocks run on solar so they always run correctly but they’re lying.

How'd you find out they're lying?

[he unintentionally got quiet, nervous]

Some of them are off. Mistakes happen. I check them to my watch because my watch is always right. I make sure of that. So sometimes I go out and reset them.

..and you just get away with it?

So far. I don’t think a lot of people question it. Maybe I look like I know what I’m doing.

Though you did. What gave me away?

[he shrugs]

Never seen anyone modify that clock before.

[They think about this for a minute]

No. No I guess not. Though that’s the first time someone has done that. I’ll take two strikes more and then get concerned.

So who are you?

Sylbanus. Sylbanus Smith..

And you are?

Merlyn Doully.

[They offer their hand. Their watch ticks noticeably louder. Which it seems not to notice at all.]

[he flinches but doesn't say anything]

Cool name.

Sounds like it's from a fantasy novel.

Thank you. I’d like to say I was named for the Arthurian legend but I never asked.

Sylbanus isn’t a very common name either. It’s rather interesting. Is it inspired from somewhere?

Not sure.

I didn't pick it, I was just born with it.

Parents didn't tell me why they named me what they did..

They didn't tell me much of anything, really.

Didn’t they? Why not?

How would I know?

Again, they barely talked to me.

Well don’t they sound wonderful.

I suppose you don’t speak to them much then. You move to London or have you lived here your whole life?

Lived here forever.

I don't remember traveling much, if I'm being honest.

Not everyone travels. What do you do for work?

Wander...

Find my purpose.

[They give him an odd look]

Interesting. What have you found so far?

A man in a theatre who lied to me.

Lied to you about what?

I-

He was trying to manipulate me into making everything worse for myself.

I'm not that gullible.

Really? What did he say to you? That sounds terrible.

[Victor sees someone messing with a clock in an antique shop window]

@the-11th-hour

[He pauses, thinks for a moment, then walks up to them.]

Pardon, but may I ask what you’re doing? [He looks confused but is smiling.]

Setting the time.

[They answer flatly, though lacking any sort of aggression]

Ah I see. Was it incorrect?

Yes. A few hours ahead. Had to correct it.

[Merlyn enters Eda’s office carrying a box. It glances behind itself when it enters before shutting the door. They whisper when they speak]

I’ve brought a few books down early. I’ve already got them sealed and wrapped up!

@the-11th-hour

[eda sat up quickly when she heard Marlyn's voice. She rubbed her eyes and adjusted her glasses... she was sleeping.]

Books? What books...

[She muttered before she gasped]

Fantastic! My books!

[Merlyn pauses, giving Eda an odd look as it sets the box of books down]

Were. . . were you sleeping?

If i say no would you belive me?

[She smiled and brushed some of her messy hair out of her face]

No. But I won’t question it.

[They glance around the room and turn their watch back several hours, then turn their attention to the box]

[She nodded along as it spoke, though her gaze was fixed on their watch]

Gotcha.. dont pick the lock on the locked one and dont look through the photo album...

[She muttered as she stared very intently at their watch. She really wanted to study them, it was really interesting]

[They push the watch back another few hours] the face is pearlescent, a rose gold rose emblem in the center. The band looks very worn, patterned like old wallpaper. Merlyn notices her looking.]

Um. Sorry. Nervous habit. Changing the time that is. This is my favorite watch.

[Syl is out doing normal Syl things, when he spots someone messing with a clock hung from a lamppost. They seem to be trying to set it back several hours.]

@the-11th-hour

[Syl watches for now, quite confused]

[Once they’ve set it back several weeks worth of hours, the jump down off of the lamppost and check their watch, glancing around nervously before spotting Syl.]

Just doing maintenance.

...are you sure that's correct..

It looks-

[and then he cuts himself off, not wanting to insult them]

Nevermind-

Sorry..

Very. It um. It’s very very necessary.

[They check their watch again, turning it back a few hours. They adjust their jacket, the sleeves covered in cross-stitched roses]

And if they say that the clocks don’t need adjustments, they don’t know what they’re talking about.

W-

Who is "they"?

I don't get what you mean.

City Maintenance guys. They say the clocks run on solar so they always run correctly but they’re lying.

How'd you find out they're lying?

[he unintentionally got quiet, nervous]

Some of them are off. Mistakes happen. I check them to my watch because my watch is always right. I make sure of that. So sometimes I go out and reset them.

..and you just get away with it?

So far. I don’t think a lot of people question it. Maybe I look like I know what I’m doing.

Though you did. What gave me away?

[he shrugs]

Never seen anyone modify that clock before.

[They think about this for a minute]

No. No I guess not. Though that’s the first time someone has done that. I’ll take two strikes more and then get concerned.

So who are you?

Sylbanus. Sylbanus Smith..

And you are?

Merlyn Doully.

[They offer their hand. Their watch ticks noticeably louder. Which it seems not to notice at all.]

[he flinches but doesn't say anything]

Cool name.

Sounds like it's from a fantasy novel.

Thank you. I’d like to say I was named for the Arthurian legend but I never asked.

Sylbanus isn’t a very common name either. It’s rather interesting. Is it inspired from somewhere?

Not sure.

I didn't pick it, I was just born with it.

Parents didn't tell me why they named me what they did..

They didn't tell me much of anything, really.

Didn’t they? Why not?

How would I know?

Again, they barely talked to me.

Well don’t they sound wonderful.

I suppose you don’t speak to them much then. You move to London or have you lived here your whole life?

Lived here forever.

I don't remember traveling much, if I'm being honest.

Not everyone travels. What do you do for work?

Wander...

Find my purpose.

[They give him an odd look]

Interesting. What have you found so far?

A man in a theatre who lied to me.

Lied to you about what?

[Syl is out doing normal Syl things, when he spots someone messing with a clock hung from a lamppost. They seem to be trying to set it back several hours.]

@the-11th-hour

[Syl watches for now, quite confused]

[Once they’ve set it back several weeks worth of hours, the jump down off of the lamppost and check their watch, glancing around nervously before spotting Syl.]

Just doing maintenance.

...are you sure that's correct..

It looks-

[and then he cuts himself off, not wanting to insult them]

Nevermind-

Sorry..

Very. It um. It’s very very necessary.

[They check their watch again, turning it back a few hours. They adjust their jacket, the sleeves covered in cross-stitched roses]

And if they say that the clocks don’t need adjustments, they don’t know what they’re talking about.

W-

Who is "they"?

I don't get what you mean.

City Maintenance guys. They say the clocks run on solar so they always run correctly but they’re lying.

How'd you find out they're lying?

[he unintentionally got quiet, nervous]

Some of them are off. Mistakes happen. I check them to my watch because my watch is always right. I make sure of that. So sometimes I go out and reset them.

..and you just get away with it?

So far. I don’t think a lot of people question it. Maybe I look like I know what I’m doing.

Though you did. What gave me away?

[he shrugs]

Never seen anyone modify that clock before.