α [audio]

[big_googoo_eyes]

[a voice post, it sounds like some of it was cut off]

--ttles it. I'm dead. I mean, I have to be dead. The last thing I remember was that column and...Come on Meg, get it together...

[there's a pause and an intake of breath, an annoyed sigh]

...yeah, pretty much nothing after that. Great. I died like I lived, like a damsel in distress. At least I

Comments

[voice]

[mis_match]

Hello, miss, and welcome to the City. My name is Emma Woodhouse. How may I assist you?

[voice]

[big_googoo_eyes]

Well Emma, if you can tell me what I'm supposed to do that would be great.

[voice]

[mis_match]

[There's no need to take that tone with her, miss! There's a definite trace of forced cheer in Emma's voice.]

The first step, of course, is to get yourself settled. If you stop by the Welcome Center, we can help you with funds, lodging, and acclimation. May I inquire as to your name?

[voice]

[big_googoo_eyes]

[Meg knows forced cheer when she hears it, but honestly she's covering up her helplessness with a bitchy attitude and doesn't care.]

Because I want to settle here.

It's Megara. My nonexistant friends call me Meg. It's easier, rolls just right off the tongue.

[voice]

[mis_match]

I am afraid you have no choice, Miss Megara. You are trapped here until such time as the deities permit you to leave. But it is not all unpleasant, though it does have its fair share of hardships. But we are the Welcome Center are committed to doing everything in our power to make the lives of the City's Citizens more comfortable.

[voice]

[big_googoo_eyes]

Until the deities permit me to leave? So you're telling me this is another one of those stupid contracts? I didn't sign anything, not this time.

I'd feel more comfortable in Thebes than this random place.

[voice]

[mis_match]

A contract? No, it is not any sort of agreement. It is more... forced reoccupation. But really, life here can be quite comfortable.

[voice]

[big_googoo_eyes]

[there's a pause. Meg is considering this.]

I'm not a fan of being forced into anything.

...but I guess being stuck here is better than being dead. Why the heck am I complaining?

[voice]

[mis_match]

That is the spirit! Where are you? I shall fetch you directly.

[voice]

[big_googoo_eyes]

Right, spirit. Nice choice of words there.

I'm by this...uh, thing that has all these animal statues on it.

[voice]

[mis_match]

I believe I know where that is. I will be there shortly.

[voice]

[big_googoo_eyes]

Great. I'll just...stand here. I guess.

[Action]

[mis_match]

[Emma walks quickly and with great purpose. It feels good, having purpose again. This Miss Megara is a prickly one, to be sure, but that does not preclude her from receiving the help of the Welcome Center.

Emma arrives at the carousel and looks around for Megara. Or, at least, anyone who seems particularly lost.]

[Action]

[big_googoo_eyes]

[Meg's trying her best not to look lost, but is failing in the process. She's standing by the carousel, poking and prodding at the weird device she had found.

She raises her head at the sound of footsteps, and she gives Emma a look. Weird clothing, but hey, this was already shaping up to be a weird place.

Megara places a hand on her hip, which was sticking out now as she rested most of her weight on one leg.]

You're the girl I was talking to on this thing...right?

[Action]

[mis_match]

[A girl? The term rankles. But Emma smiles anyway.]

I am Emma Woodhouse, yes. You are Miss Megara, I presume? A pleasure to meet you.

[Action]

[big_googoo_eyes]

Emma, right.

[She crosses her arms, and she raises an eyebrow. That smile was starting to give her the creeps already. It takes a lot of effort to remain somewhat cordial, but she manages to hold back a curt "obviously".]

Yeah, I'm Meg. Nice to meet you too, I guess.

[a pause, she wiggles her toes in her sandles]

Soooo...lead the way.