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

[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.

[matermali]

[ Now that almost gets a laugh, though it's barely audible with the lightest breath. ]

I fear that I am no good at such a thing, myself. In besides, is there any such lesson that a mortal can teach a god of dreams?

[100more]

I don't know. You two had a nice conversation, didn't you? I think that's pretty valuable.

As you said, lessons in companionship. I don't know the first thing about gods, but just the title sounds... far removed from others.

[matermali]

Then I suppose we would be teaching one another, in such a state. Though I doubt he would call me a friend.

[100more]

It may take some time, but we seem to have that, at the moment.

[ It doesn't look like they have any option but to stay here. ]

Do you not know many people back home?

[matermali]

I am very glad to have a few dear friends back in London, but such company has been more of a recent occurrence.

[ She probably shouldn't mention how before this year, her friends had a tendency to, well, drop dead. ]

Responsibilities got in the way, you might say. To that, I am not very good for most people.

[100more]

Not good for them?

[ A strange thing to say. ]

Why would you say that?

[matermali]

[ She's oh so cursed, but that is always a bit heavy for an introduction! ]

Mm, some might say that I am a bit of bad luck. [ Said like a tease anyone could make about a gambling addiction. ] Do you believe in such a thing? Luck?

[100more]

[ A smile. ]

I think I do.

[ It was certainly very lucky that he was the one who got the attention of two Endless in a random inn one night. ]

But I can't imagine you're bad luck.