video; un: Hob
[The video shows Hob, sitting at home on a balcony of his apartment. He smiles, but there's a little uncertainty to his attempt at pleasantness. Something is bothering him.]
Hello, all. Uh, I don't mean to alarm everyone, but...
[That's usually how people cause alarm. Good work, Hob.]
I noticed something strange during my recent walks. I have a path I routinely take as I explore the city, walking different areas each day in case there's something out of the ordinary. Well, I typically stop in the same shops for some water or food, or to carry something home. When I went into one of the stores I frequent, I noticed the things I helped myself to previously haven't been replaced. It always was, before.
[It's hard to mask his concern.]
As more people typically arrive about once a month, if resources get scarcer... shouldn't we think of something?
[A quick smile.]
Or maybe it's all a fluke! A temporary disruption in services. That's all.
[That could be it, right? Hob doesn't have to eat to live, but starving is not a lot of fun.]
Hello, all. Uh, I don't mean to alarm everyone, but...
[That's usually how people cause alarm. Good work, Hob.]
I noticed something strange during my recent walks. I have a path I routinely take as I explore the city, walking different areas each day in case there's something out of the ordinary. Well, I typically stop in the same shops for some water or food, or to carry something home. When I went into one of the stores I frequent, I noticed the things I helped myself to previously haven't been replaced. It always was, before.
[It's hard to mask his concern.]
As more people typically arrive about once a month, if resources get scarcer... shouldn't we think of something?
[A quick smile.]
Or maybe it's all a fluke! A temporary disruption in services. That's all.
[That could be it, right? Hob doesn't have to eat to live, but starving is not a lot of fun.]
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Is this the only change that you have taken notice of?
oops haha it's okay
[ And though Hob hopes they'll be free before things become problematic, they're no closer to finding a way out of the city. ]
There's a new area open, just like in the previous months.
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[ He only means that as a light jest. Perhaps she has some ideas on proceeding more safely. ]
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Too, I ought to be able to sense if something is amiss. My mistake was not paying enough attention when approaching that labyrinth that caged us.
[ She had been far too distracted by the joy of being invited somewhere by friends, very woe. ]
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What if something happens to them? It's hard for me to stay back and let someone else take the risk.
[ But there was more. ]
Sense something? How do you mean? And what labyrinth. Do you mean the mall?
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[ For once. ]
And then what do you expect for me to do? I am not to sit outside the most recently discovered building and caution everyone against going in, as though I should have nothing better to do with my time and energy. If the doors have already opened, then some have already risked themselves. We will have our answer soon enough.
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I'm not suggesting you do anything, Miss, only noting what I would probably do. Foolhardy though it may be.
[ There's a smile in his voice, as if he's used to making bad decisions and he knows it. ]
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Foolhardy, yes. ...But a kind thought. One should be glad such thoughts still carry on while in this prison.
[ He said 'miss' like one out of three gentleman in this entire place, so he gets a pass for any foolish kindnesses. ]
It's Miss Ives, if you like.
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Oh, Miss Ives.
[ He's familiar with the name. ]
I believe we have a mutual friend. Tall. Pale. Broody fellow.
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Is that so? How might you know him?
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just wait til she finds out about 'sir robert' ok
You wouldn't be Mr. Gadling, would you?
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[ private message ]
Forgive me for shying away from the public for any further conversation, but I have been quite looking forward to speaking with you.
[ private ]
[ He's not entirely sure what to expect. If Dream trusts her with his time, she must be alright, though. ]
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You are an old friend of his, yes?
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[ He wishes everyone here had a similar comfort. A companion they felt they could rely upon. It's curious how she emphasizes the word 'old'. ]
I am...
[ What is she getting at? ]
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No, not really.
[ Kind of true. Hob doesn't think the previous image of Dream that was here before this one really counts. ]
Did he disappoint you at the party?
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[ Oh, she won't be distracted. ]
Not at all, he was quite charming.
[ In his own fashion. ]
I only am playing at how you first met. Not a ball. Somewhere else with food and drink to fill the background.
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[ He wonders how that worked, exactly. Dream can come across as rather cold or indifferent, but there must have been something Dream found interesting about the woman or he would not have already had another conversation with her. ]
Yes, at an inn. Though he doesn't really eat or drink.
[ Which she's probably already figured out. ]
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No, no. She'll tickle at the truth of that a bit later. ]
Hm, why an inn, then? You must have drawn him there.
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[ Hardly miraculous, in Hob's opinion. ]
But it seems he had a nice time talking to you. At least, I think he did.
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I believe he did, as did I.
In the least, I can be certain he enjoyed the taste of clementine, if the sincerity of his illumination did not make that clear. I understand that he does not need the nourishment, and for that sake it may only further elevate the experience when he does eat but for the pleasure of companionship, no?
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