action/audio later on.

[contaeoro]

[action; the village]
[He managed to get those pesky wings to stay flat against his back at least. It still feels weird, but he is happier now that he's got his clothes on and he made it out of the forest. He's still far, far away from New York though. That much he can tell. The white cotton clothes held in his hand, Maiza looks around in a wonder as he walks into what looks like a small village.

It doesn't look like anywhere he has been before. Narrowing his eyes, he will approach the nearest, friendly looking person.]

Pardon me, ah... could you explain to me where this is?

[audio; later on]
... I think I've got this figured out now. What an interesting contraption.

Hm.

I was told speakin' to this journal will allow me to speak with the other folks in this area. Thought I'd introduce myself, as from what I've heard we're all stuck in the same boat, here. [A pause.] My name is Maiza.

[Longer pause.... what do you even say to introduce yourself when you're talking at a journal?]

Comments

[immamartillo]

Yeah...

Maybe that's why. Watchin' everybody die of exposure or starvation wouldn't be as fun to those Malnosso guys.

[Firo's not bitter at all. Not at all.]

[contaeoro]

[The smile slips from Maiza's face at that, and he frowns slightly instead.]

... Yeah, it's gotta be a lot more tedious work for them, too.

[immamartillo]

[Firo isn't the best at reigning in his negative emotions, but seeing Maiza upset makes him feel bad for being so openly pessimistic. He bites his lip to keep from cursing himself out loud, then nudges Maiza's arm to make sure he has his attention.]

But don't worry. I haven't--Well, I can't say I haven't seen people get really messed up here but they came back all better eventually.

[contaeoro]

... Right. [He smiles again at Firo's words. He believes them and appreciates the reassurance.] I didn't mean to worry you.

[immamartillo]

What? No, you didn't worry me!

[He was worried, but Firo doesn't want Maiza to feel bad.]

This place just takes some gettin' used to. It's not the best, but it's not the worst place, either.

[contaeoro]

I guess I'm a little lucky. I'm used to going to new places so it shouldn't take too long for me to adjust.

[immamartillo]

I hope so. Considerin' all the weird stuff goin' on in our world, maybe this won't even be the weirdest place you've been!

[Firo doesn't really believe that, but he's trying to be positive.]

[contaeoro]

[He takes the optimism in stride.]

Well, I just got here so we'll see about that, won't we?

[immamartillo]

...Yeah, I guess we will.

So, um, was there anything you wanted? We've still got some food left over.

[He did ask earlier, but his hat dilemma seemed to distract Maiza.]

[contaeoro]

[It's an important hat.]

I'd hate to take food from you and your housemates. I'm sure I'll be fine.

[immamartillo]

What? But all the food's free anyway. I'm sure they won't mind.

[contaeoro]

If it's free, I can find some for myself too.

[immamartillo]

But it's more convenient since you're right here anyway.

[He trots over to the kitchen.]

What do you want?

[contaeoro]

Well, if you insist... anything's fine.

[immamartillo]

Anything?

[He starts searching the fridge, finally brandishing a loaf bread.]

How about a sandwich? Do you want anything to drink?

We don't have anything like Alveare does, but I think there is honey around here somewhere...

[He kind of does miss that special touch.]

[contaeoro]

Drink, huh? Just water will be all right. Thanks.

[He chuckles when Firo brandishes that bread.]

Sena would be upset if we thought anything measured up to her honey.

[immamartillo]

[Firo laughs as he sets the bread down on the table.]

She would. I don't think she's gotta worry, though, nothin' can compete with hers.

[contaeoro]

[He nods, slowly.]

When we get back there, we'll have to make sure we eat plenty of it to make up for what we missed.

[immamartillo]

Definitely. Hopefully she won't ask if something's come over us.

[Luceti would be difficult to explain.]

[contaeoro]

I'm sure she wouldn't say anything unless we were eating too much for her to keep up business.

[immamartillo]

[He nods, laughing.]

True. I think everybody'd be on our case then. Sena, Lia...

[He gets Maiza his water and starts looking through the fridge for something to put on the sandwich.]

Is there anything specific you want on it?

[contaeoro]

Whatever you have is just fine. I'm not that picky.

[However, he still steps over to the fridge and peers in, just to see exactly what kind of food is available here.]

[immamartillo]

Hm... Alright.

[There's a nice jumble of items in the fridge from a bottle of wine on the bottom shelf to a few pieces of fruit to various veggies. Firo selects some sliced turkey and cheese.]

Are these good? We went shoppin' not too long ago, so they should still be fresh.

[contaeoro]

Is there a place you get all these things from? [He sounds impressed, reaching over to poke at the wine bottle to read the label.]

[immamartillo]

Yeah, there's a buncha' shops right in the town center. No big places like Gimbels, but you can get what you need.

[Firo moves aside so Maiza can reach the bottle more easily.]