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]

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.

[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?