02 | Location: Wandering | And in your soul they poked a million holes

[buffy_slayer]

It had driven her out of the house that morning.

There had been a whisper that drifted into her just-waking consciousness, a familiar voice that felt as comfortable as anything had ever been.

"Wake up, Buffy. You're going to be late..." There's a touch of a hand on her head, smoothing back hair, and Buffy leans into the contact, mostly still

Comments

[imperial_long]

"Good afternoon," says a polite British voice, coming from a man very muffled and wrapped up in clothing. A long coat, nearly brushing the sidewalk, and gloved hands tucked under his arms, and a grey scarf that swathes almost all of his face except for a few inches just below the brim of a furry hat.

"You appear lost. May I be of assistance?"

[buffy_slayer]

"Can you find me a way back home? I would like to go home now." Her hands are tucked into jacket pockets and Buffy shivers involuntarily. That's what she gets for leaving the house without gloves or scarf.

[imperial_long]

The man spreads his gloved hands apologetically.

"If such were in my power I would not be here myself. I am sorry.

"Also, if you will forgive some unsolicited advice, you might wish to hatch a warmer coat for this appalling weather."

[buffy_slayer]

"I forgot to check the weather before I ran out of the house this morning. And I haven't had the chance to try the hatching thing yet, though I did get some super helpful info on it right after I got here."

Buffy breathes out, visible in the cold air, and shoves her hands deeper into her pockets.

"I'm Buffy, by the way."

[imperial_long]

The man brightens, although it can't really be seen behind the layers of scarf and hat. He must really hate the cold.

"Miss 'B'?" he asks, and relents enough to unpeel a layer of scarf, showing a dark-skinned face with Asiatic features.

"We corresponded, albeit very briefly, at your arrival. The information guide," he explains, offering a hand.

"Mayland Long."

[buffy_slayer]

"Oh! That was you? Hi, then." His hand gets gripped briefly in a cold grasp, and then relinquished as she stuffs her hands back in her pockets.

"Buffy, Buffy Summers. Which maybe you know already. That guide was really helpful."

[imperial_long]

Long's gloved hands get tucked back quickly under his arms as well, and he smiles, pleased.

"I am glad to hear it. There are only so many times one can repeat basic information. Would you prefer to walk? This cold is ridiculous; I myself was on the way to a café."