Oh, Maple! [Video/Open to Action]

[maple_happiness]

[Canada gets off the train and frowns down at the pocketwatch. He picks up Kumajiro, who is trotting at his ankles, not wanting him to get lost in this strange place.]

I don't know what's going on, Kumari, but I really don't think I like it. This place is completely deserted...

[The bear looks up at him.]

Who?

I'm Canada! Your owner!

[Canada sighs, not

Comments

[herr_edelstein]

[Austria finds himself surprised to see Canada there; he is not unaware of his fellow nation, but he rarely has reason to deal with him and generally doesn't pay him much attention]

Canada; I see they have brought you here as well.

[maple_happiness]

[Canada blinks at his communicator, surprised because he was already using it. Who is speaking is another surprise.]

Austria! I never knew you could see me... Are there a lot of us here?

['As well' sounds somewhat ominous to him.]

[herr_edelstein]

[Austria refrains from saying that he simply didn't pay attention to him; he didn't wish to come off as rude to the poor boy]

Yes, there are several of us here. Do you need a place to stay or have you found suitable lodgings?

[maple_happiness]

I've noticed that, actually. I've gotten a few other messages since your first came through.

[It's nice to be so noticed for the moment. It won't last, but it's nice.]

Well, I'm going to France's house and then England's. I should be able to bunk with one of them until I find my own place. Thank you for asking, though.

[herr_edelstein]

Ah. Very good then. [Austria nods his head politely]

Please do not hesitate to ask if you need anything. We should all band together while we are here. Animosity will only make us weaker.

[maple_happiness]

[Canada can't help the wry grin.]

Now if only we could learn that here and then take the lesson home with us. World meetings would be more useful then.

Joking aside, though, thanks again, and I'll remember that. Have you been here long?

[herr_edelstein]

[Austria nearly rolls his eyes, but remembers his manners and simply nods]

Truer words were never spoken. As for me, since Christmas. Nearly a month, though it seems far longer.

[maple_happiness]

[Canada frowns.]

I've... been here since Christmas too - which, I must say, at least it was quieter than last year - but it's only been a couple of days since New Year's. Hasn't it?

[herr_edelstein]

[Austria frowns a little, confused]

It's nearly half a month after New Years. And...I do not recall having seen you here in this city before now.

[maple_happiness]

[Canada shakes his head.]

This place keeps getting stranger... It was only January 5th when I fell asleep and then woke up here.

[herr_edelstein]

[Austria looks thoughtful for a moment]

I see. Has anyone had the courtesy to explain the circumstances of this place and what our situation is?

[maple_happiness]

Er, well, I have some idea from other people who've come through on here. Though obviously no one's really gone into detail because most of them are my family and I'll be seeing them in person soon anyway.

[herr_edelstein]

Fair enough.

You'll find that information is sorely lacking in this place, however.

[maple_happiness]

It is? Somehow that's not surprising, it all seems very mysterious, but the people who've been stuck here longer pick things up, don't they?

[herr_edelstein]

Yes, we do. It's certainly one of those pick it up as you learn sort of situations.

[maple_happiness]

Well, I'll just have to ask questions and keep an eye out, then.