It was completely unexpected to have a swirling vortex open up underneath you; indeed it was quite disconcerting to find yourself falling through space and what could only be assumed as time, falling into the unknown depths of the earth. Or perhaps, falling beyond the earth and onto an entirely different one. One so unfamiliar to us, that we were instantly sure that no one from our world had ventured here before. It was startling to realize that we were not the only ones falling through this particular vortex, there was a man with us…a man dressed in a suit and clutching a bowler hat. What most surprised Violet was this man's face. He seemed almost bored as he fell down to some unknown destination…as though this was merely a dreadfully dull inconvenience, instead of a descent into the unknown. The man pulled a pipe from his jacket pocket, lit it, and proceeded to smoke it—all the while falling through this strange swirling tunnel.

Klaus looked afraid, yet interested at the same time. Sunny was undoubtedly worried about the landing, and Violet was hoping that a certain Uncle had not followed them down the vortex. We continued to fall, there was a translucent barrier ahead and then there was nothing but darkness.

We awoke to the sound of birds chirping nearby. Violet slowly opened her eyes to see a vast sky, bluer than any sky she had previously seen, clouds blew lazily across her field of sight. She turned her head to spy her siblings stirring at her side. The man who had fallen with them was on his feet leaning against an outcropping of stone, and puffing his pipe. Upon noticing that Violet and her siblings were awake; the man pulled out his pocket watch, glanced at it a moment, removed his pipe from his mouth, and said.

"I dare say that 'tis about time that you three woke up. It has been nearly three hours since we were deposited here, and I must say that there is no other person around who can be of assistance." The man then stuck out his hand and said rather pompously. "James T. Barrington the third, at your service."

Violet, Klaus, and Sunny introduced themselves and cordially shook the man's hand. It seemed that wherever the siblings had ended up, they were stuck with this odd and pompous man, for the time being. Though where they were was anyone's guess.

I wanted to try something out, so I am starting this story. I do hope that you enjoy, and thank you for reading.