video; un: Hob

[100more]

[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.]

Comments

[100more]

[ It's true that someone is always quick to go in first, but there's still a soft frown in Hob's voice. ]

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?

[matermali]

Something, yes. Shadows. They were ceaseless once those doors locked. I can attempt to discover if there is anything strange from outside this new building, but even if I can sense nothing, I will not be so eager to rush in.

[ 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.

[100more]

[ So she's sensitive to certain things? Shadows of some kind? People here do possess some extraordinary abilities. ]

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. ]

[matermali]

It very well may be, even if you were the one to make the discovery and barricade the doors each day. Someone must eventually take that first step if we are ever to learn more.

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.

[100more]

[ Hob means that he would probably be the one to take that first step rather than allow another to do it for him, but either way, the point is made. Someone's probably already done it. ]

Oh, Miss Ives.

[ He's familiar with the name. ]

I believe we have a mutual friend. Tall. Pale. Broody fellow.

[matermali]

[ That's an immediate shift in tone. Suddenly softer, curious, however slight. ]

Is that so? How might you know him?

[100more]

We come from the same world.

just wait til she finds out about 'sir robert' ok

[matermali]

[ In that case, she feels safe in making a guess. ]

You wouldn't be Mr. Gadling, would you?

[100more]

I would. [ Though he still finds it odd he was somehow a part of their conversation. ] I should thank you for that token you sent back with him.

[matermali]

Yes? Oh, I am so pleased that you enjoyed it.

[ 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 ]

[100more]

Oh? Well, it's a pleasure to finally speak to you, as well.

[ He's not entirely sure what to expect. If Dream trusts her with his time, she must be alright, though. ]

[matermali]

While I am sorry that you too have been trapped in this wicked city, it is a good thing to have one's friends near for troubled times.

You are an old friend of his, yes?

[100more]

It is nice.

[ 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? ]

[matermali]

I must know, then. Have you ever seen him dance?

[100more]

[ Not what Hob expected. He laughs a little. ]

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?

[matermali]

The—

[ 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.

[100more]

Charming? Really?

[ 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. ]

[matermali]

[ He doesn't what?

No, no. She'll tickle at the truth of that a bit later. ]

Hm, why an inn, then? You must have drawn him there.

[100more]

Honestly, I believe it was just a coincidence. Right place, right time to meet, I suppose.

[ Hardly miraculous, in Hob's opinion. ]

But it seems he had a nice time talking to you. At least, I think he did.

[matermali]

[ Yet again with this coincidence talk. Of course she doesn't believe that. ]

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?

[100more]

They were quite good.

[ Hob enjoyed the fruit, as well.

Companionship in relation to Dream is always a tricky thing. ]

He can be.. a difficult person to know. But I believe he enjoyed your company. I understand you talked about some pretty heavy topics.

[matermali]

Did we?

[ 'Heavy' is easy enough to understand, but then Vanessa rarely bothers to talk about anything light. When has she had the chance? She probably wouldn't last for long if she tried. ]

My, how much did Lord Morpheus share of our meeting? Am I to be flattered or offended?

[ She can't imagine he would have shared the details of their conversation, but one can't help but check after the implication. ]

[100more]

I asked him what you talked about, and he said you spoke of souls and food and stories. He didn't elaborate.

[ Hopefully she's not worried Dream overshared. That's not really the man's style. ]

[matermali]

We also spoke of companionship.

It struck me that he may not have a great number of acquaintances, and perhaps less friends. I was hoping you may tell me that I'm wrong. He seems to know everyone that has lived everywhere, after all.

[100more]

I don't know everything about him or who he keeps his time with, but yes, you're probably right about that. He hasn't always been very good at the 'friends' thing, but he's learning. Maybe he'll learn from you, too.