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]

[Firo shoves his hands in his pockets and resists the urge to slouch down to hide himself further.]

A-anyway, the house is right here! I'm not sure if anyone's there right now.

[contaeoro]

Well, I won't overstay the welcome if it's crowded there.

[immamartillo]

[For that he turns to look at Maiza.]

What? But you're always welcome! It definitely won't be too crowded!

[He'll temporarily kick someone out if need be!]

[contaeoro]

That's kind of you. Well if you insist, I think I'll drop by once in a while. [translation: Yeah I'll be there all the time.]

[immamartillo]

Of course I insist! I bet they'll all love havin' you around.

[Translation: Good luck trying to leave.]

Just don't let Tao bite you.

[contaeoro]

You know me. I'm sure I could take care of myself.

[immamartillo]

Right.

[He smiles and dashes forward to hold the door for Maiza. With a wave of his free hand, he beckons for him to enter.]

Make yourself at home!

[contaeoro]

[That's so cute. Maiza's all grins in his head as he walks up to the door and takes off his hat politely like any guest should.] Well then, I think I shall. Thank you Firo.

[immamartillo]

No problem!

[Firo scurries in after him, letting the door bang shut and neglecting to remove his own hat for the moment.]

Can I get you anything? Somethin' to eat or drink?

[contaeoro]

Firo, calm down and take off your hat! You shouldn't wear one inside.

[immamartillo]

Huh?

[Startled, he spins around.

Can you blame him for getting carried away? It's been so long! He'd prefer Maiza to be home and not here to suffer with him, but he is happy to see him again.]

Oh! Uh, I'm sorry!

[He shuffles back to place his hat by Maiza's, his enthusiasm somewhat dampened by embarrassment.]

[contaeoro]

Wild thing. [He teases, trying to bring back Firo's enthusiasm by patting his arm.]

Well, I'm touched that you're glad to have me over, Firo.

[immamartillo]

It wasn't that bad...

[He laughs, though, mollified by Maiza's joking.]

I am glad!

[He holds his hands up defensively.]

Don't get me wrong, I'd rather we both be home where we belong... But it's nice to see you again.

[contaeoro]

I'm with you. The best thing would be to get home all together, but while we're stuck here I'm relieved that we could at least look out for each other.

[immamartillo]

Right.

[He nods quickly, suddenly serious.]

You can definitely count on me.

[contaeoro]

I know that, and it's a relief to have you here. Could I take a look around?

[immamartillo]

[!

Boy, is Firo happy to hear that. He straightens up and a smile slowly overtakes the surprise on his face.

He nods quickly, and starts pointing around the house.]

Y-yeah, go ahead! My room's down that way, and then Seto's is over there, and the kitchen's right over here.

[contaeoro]

[Such an easily pleased boy. Maiza smiles and nods at everything Firo points out, looking around but trying not to be intrusive. He looks at the kitchen and in the direction of the bedrooms.]

This house is quite well-furnished. Are they all like that?

[immamartillo]

[Firo calms down a bit as he mulls that over.]

I think so. I dunno. It was like this when Seto and I got here, but Kazuma'd been here for a while. Everything's free here, so even if it wasn't like this when he moved in it woulda' been easy to get this stuff together. Why?

[contaeoro]

That's the interesting thing, isn't it? Everything sounds easy to get here. Even when I found my clothes, there were plenty of extra ones still lying around.

[immamartillo]

Yeah, it's really weird. I don't know why it's like that, it doesn't really make sense, does it?

[contaeoro]

Not at all. Though I suppose I can't complain. Cold and hunger can't kill us, but we also can't say the same about others.

[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.