First;;

[hopebyname]

[The camera flicks on when the device is dropped onto a surface. All that is seen is green pants and an orange jacket before Hope leans forwards, holding his head in his hands in a posture of despair.]

It's no use, I can't find anyone. I've been looking for hours.....

[A pause as Hope looks up a little to watch some birds take flight from nearby

Comments

[voice/text]

[north_skie]

Hey there. You're new here huh? I got something to show you, hang on a sec. [With that there is a pause before a large amount of text appears on the screen]

Welcome to Demeleier. I'm North and I am a member of Demeleier's welcoming committee.

The purpose of this message is to greet you and to provide you with the necessary information to make your stay as easy as possible. You will find a helpful guide containing information regarding the circumstances of your displacement and the environment in which you've found yourself HERE. It is a highly recommended read that will enable you to better acquaint yourself with your surroundings and the general workings of the village.

Additionally, the Watch, about which you can learn more HERE, holds a meeting at Town Hall on the twenty-seventh of each month at one o'clock in the afternoon. Many topics are addressed at these meetings, which revolve around Demeleier's current affairs and concerns in all areas from safety to development to stores and trading to relationships and issues with the fae. It is open to members and residents alike and attendance is recommended as the products of these meetings influence the village as a whole. On a separate but related note, should you require wood for whatever reason, please take only from the trees in the forest marked with a leaf to preserve the agreement between the village and the Ghillie Dhu. It is also advised you retrieve a link of iron from the forge for your protection if you have not.

If you have any questions, I'll do my best to answer them for you, so please don't hesitate to ask. Alternatively, you will find many residents and Watch members alike will be more than happy to answer your questions, so please don't hesitate to ask them as well.

[video]

[hopebyname]

[Is reading it for a moment, self consciously tugging one of his gloves up over his wrist. And then it sinks in.]

Wait. So this basically says "welcome, enjoy your stay because you aren't leaving anytime soon"?? That can't even be! I can't stay here, I need to go back home!

[voice]

[north_skie]

Most people here need to get back home. Sorry to say, it's just like the texts says. There isn't any way out. Try to get your head around that yeah?

[video]

[hopebyname]

[Is about two minutes away from outright panicking, and Hope's voice is getting more and more incredulous with each moment.]

What?! But this is urgent, and if there's a way in then there's always a way out!

[video]

[north_skie]

I'm really sorry. [North switches on his video feed. Maybe being just a voice is kind of unnerving.] If it makes any difference, time is kinda messed up here. If you ever do get out it might be like you were never gone.

[video]

[hopebyname]

[Suddenly having visions of becoming a cie'th. And this time it's not something he can avoid.]

There's really no way out?

[video]

[north_skie]

[North shakes his head]

[video]

[hopebyname]

.....Right.

[Absently rubbing his wrist again. Worst news ever.] Thank you for letting me know.

[video]

[north_skie]

Look, I'm here to help if you need anything. Information can keep you alive around here, this place can be pretty dangerous.

[video]

[hopebyname]

[Gives a snort at the mention of staying alive. It'd be some kind of a mercy if something in the forest ate him before he turned into a monster.]

I'll make sure to reread everything you linked, North.

[video]

[north_skie]

[sigh] What's your name kid?

[video]

[hopebyname]

It's Hope Estheim. [And if this is some elaborate ruse by Cocoon to get hold of him, then at any moment he'll be dogpiled by guards. Except even that is looking unlikely now.]

[video]

[north_skie]

Want me to come get you Hope? I can tell you more about this place, show you around? You can sort of... talk to me about whatever. [He really does try to be helpful but, damn it, he's not a people person]

[video]

[hopebyname]

[Raises his eyebrows at that. And yet, if the people here knew then they wouldn't be so inclined to help out. What would Light do in this situation? Darn it, it would be pretty awesome if someone did show him around.]

No, it's okay, really. I think I'll have a look around and.... think things through a bit. Thanks, though.

[video]

[north_skie]

Well learn how to use the communicator, keep your Rowan crown on, and take care then.

Later.

[video]

[hopebyname]

Will do. ...Later.