audio; un: hob

[100more]

Uh, hello everyone. It looks like we might be here a little longer than we hoped for, unless anyone has figured out how to leave yet.

[ He tries not to sound pesimistic about it. ]

I mean, whoever brought us here threw us a really dull mixer and hasn't made themselves known, so a lot of people are probably looking for places to stay and figuring all that stuff out.

No one's asking my opinion, but I would encourage everyone not to live somewhere too secluded. We don't know what might happen, and if you need help, it may be difficult to reach you. I know most of us probably don't know anything about each other, and it can be difficult to trust strangers, but putting city blocks between you and your nearest neighbor won't make things easier.

That's all.

Comments

audio, @Kromer

[gripper]

Oh, I wouldn't call it dull. I had a such a wonderful time.

( She's just glad she can TALK NORMALLY AGAIN. Her "wonderful time" also was just "I harassed two separate people" though, so this might not account for much. )

I'll wager a guess you didn't find out anything helpful from those ( stupid ) machines either though, huh?

audio — @thesandman

[meowpheus]

[ This is not what they discussed. But Dream won't protest, as much as there's a sliver of disapproval in his tone. ]

You have chosen a place to stay, then?

[100more]

Nothing useful, no. I don't understand why we've been brought here and left in the dark.

[It's very worrisome.]

[100more]

[Hob winces a bit, since he knows Dream wanted them to be more cautious, but the more he talked to people at the party, the more Hob came to feel they're all in this together.]

There's an apartment building a couple streets from city hall. I figured if anything were to happen, it might be around there.

What about you?

[gripper]

You didn't hear it from me, but an acquaintance and I think it might just be some experiment.

( For... things she's cautious enough around nobodies not to discuss, unlike some people with no filter. )

Drop us in a new place with a bunch of people we don't know and maybe a handful we do, invite us to ask questions, give us a little party to drop our guards... ( She sounds criminally carefree about it though, despite the conspiratorial whisper, and if this were video he'd be able to see her shrug a shoulder. ) And the next party, they'll drop some kind of monster on us and see if we manage to survive.

( With those bonds they formed, or whatever. Kromer can take things on her own so she doesn't need that— )

Doesn't sound too crazy, does it?

[meowpheus]

This would also mean you live in an area of great risk, should anything happen. [ There's judgment, yes, but also concern.

His next response is terse, though. ]

No.

[100more]

That's.. another way of looking at it.

[ It sounds as though Hob hadn't even thought about it like that. ]

No? Do you.. want to stay with me?

[ He hopes that's not too forward, but Hob does think they can look out for one another. ]

[100more]

Really? An experiment?

[ The thought had crossed Hob's mind, as well, though it gives him the creeps. ]

I guess nothing is crazy at this point. What do you think could be the reason for an experiment like this? People working together or against each other is hardly a new concept.

[meowpheus]

You should consider it.

[ Look! He's doing so well not bossing you around! Please clap.

And he's ruining his progress a second later, gdi. ]

I am not staying anywhere. This is not my realm. I have nothing to claim, nor will I.

[100more]

[ Hob is used to Dream's opinion. And his ways. ]

Of course. [ .... ] I guess you're not burdened with human problems like sleep and other functions, so you don't really need a place to stay.

[meowpheus]

[ Alright, maybe he's taking his frustration out on Hob. He's still carrying a lot of anger, but that doesn't mean he should be lashing out. This isn't his friend's fault.

After a long pause: ] I will consider your offer.

[100more]

[ Hob figures this can't be easy for Dream, so he'll show a little compassion. His voice then lifts with a smile at Dream's words. ]

I'll text you the address.

[ Even if Dream doesn't stay, they should know where each other are. Just in case. ]

audio, @DONQUIXOT3

[icanfixer]

Heeheehee... I see thee hath neglected to throw thyself upon the innards of the bouncy castle!

[ she's got a bright voice, one that's currently a little smug because she did and she had a great time, her night was................. okay except for one part and that's fine! we ignore the bad! ]

It was a most joyous experience! Being thrown to and fro, my companion and I had not just seconds, not just minutes, but an hour of fun before he felt himself too pained to continue! At the very least, an hour! Also, a city's block is nothing to traverse, so should there be any villainy afoot I shall sally forth upon Rocinante at the mere call of my name!

[ ...

she's just clearly the type of girl who makes her own fun, though. you could put her in a room with nothing in it and she'd find some way to laugh. that sort of feeling from her. ]

[100more]

[ At first, Hob is a little taken aback. What a strange girl. At least she doesn't seem bothered about being here. ]

Well, that's a relief to hear, Miss.

And what is your name?

[icanfixer]

Don Quixote! But thee may call me any manner of name, so long that it is with affection!

[ of any kind. bewilderment is fine, too. ]

And what is thine?

[100more]

Oh, like the book.

[ Maybe she's having some make-believe. That might help people cope in a situation like this. ]

Robert, but you can call me Hob.

[icanfixer]

So I have been told! Though I do not have knowledge of it myself.

[ until this mobile game tells me i'm wrong. it's fine. nothing in the city suggests they have these work of fictions in them, exactly, the characters don't know them at least. ]

Nonetheless! It is a pleasure to make thine acquaintance, Ser Hob! May I ask what would have made an exciting mixer? T'was my first time attending one, so I wish to know more!

un. dimitri.

[stubboarn]

Good day, Hob.

I have never heard of a party referred to as a 'mixer', but I suppose it makes sense.

I agree with your sentiment, however. My roommate and I live close to city hall - that seems prudent for living.

I understand these messages can be read by anyone, but as all of us are new here, and company is always preferred, you are welcome to drop by for tea if you wish, just message so I can prepare.

[100more]

Oh, it's a fantastic book.

[ But perhaps her world does not have that piece of literature? Or maybe she doesn't read many books? Hob is still trying to figure out who is from where and if it's anything like his own home. ]

Well, definitely more music. And not being held against our will always improves the mood of a party.

[100more]

Tea? That would be fantastic.

[ Hob is definitely not heeding Dream's warning about being overly friendly with people. ]

I'm also in a building near city hall. Maybe we're neighbors, after all.

[stubboarn]

[ it's ok, he has the same problem. he has a minder as well. ]

It's possible - my friend and I live a block away from the grocery store.

Do you have any preferences at all for tea or snacks? Things you can't eat? I can make a quick run to the store for anything we need.

[meowpheus]

[ Before, he wouldn't have needed an address. The fact that he does now only unsettles him more.

That's neither here nor there, though. He'll focus on something else. ]

Does this new space please you?

[100more]

It'll do, but it would please me to go home.

[ Even if he can live in a bigger apartment here, Hob would like to go back to his comfortable little flat in London with all of his things. Mostly, he'd prefer his freedom. He did not wish for immortality only to be trapped in one place, not unless that place is his choice. ]

And it pleases me that I'm not alone.

[ He's not referring to all the other prisoners. Just one. ]

[meowpheus]

Would that I could grant your wish. [ There's regret in his voice, but more than anything, he just sounds sad.

He's quiet for a moment. ]

There is some comfort in that, yes. Though I would not wish imprisonment on you.

[100more]

[ Hob knows Dream would have them all out of here in an instant if he could. ]

Nor I for you, old stranger. But if I had to pick one person to be trapped with, I think it would be you.

[ Hob doesn't have any friends he's known as long as Dream. His life is often a cycle of new beginnings and sad farewells as he outlives all others. At least there is one constant in Hob's universe, even if Dream did disappear on him for awhile. ]