01 ↝ Arrival {action}

[creme_master]

[When Francis comes to, he’s in a similar position as he was before arriving to Splendor, seated at a sidewalk café. There’s a large cup of coffee, black with sugar, on the table with him. He’s clutching an erotic novel opened to page 213 which is conveniently his page. The signs that something is horribly awry simply are not there. Not to any

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[pureheartedperv]

[In passing by, Hungary cannot help but be excited to see a familiar face, no matter who it is. Honestly, though, France is far more welcome than some other familiar faces would be. She stops and looks him over for a moment to make sure she has the right person before approaching, waving to him.]

Franciaország!

[creme_master]

[Francis' attention was as close to being scattered to the four corners as it could go, that is until he heard a familiar voice. Turning his head he spotted the brunette waving at him and stood immediately. A relieved smile lit his face and he called out to her in greeting.]

Hongrie! Ma cherie, this is either a dream or I have gone to Heaven you sight for sore eyes! [Cut it out, he's excited to see her. So what if he's laying it on thick?

Barely managing to remember his novel (which he tucked away), he headed toward her though he seemed a bit hesitant. Who knew if she'd evaporate if he stepped too close?]

Where are we?

[pureheartedperv]

[She couldn't suppress her laugh at that cheesy line. A happy smile on her face now, she replied cheerfully.]

Yep, it's definitely you!

[She's also a bit hesitant to get too close, but more in defense of her vital regions than for any other reason.]

That's what I've been trying to figure out.

[creme_master]

[HE HAS HIS SMUTTY NOVEL. HE DOES NOT NEED YOUR VITAL REGIONS.

...yet.] Pff, what does that mean? I am excited to see a face I know.
[His face fell a shade darker at that, sighing; glancing over his shoulder] I am guessing you have just gotten here yourself then?

[za_rodina]

Privjet Frantsiya. [Yes, that is a sudden Russia standing next to you. Didn't hear him approach? Well, that's nothing out of the ordinary is it? That said he's in a surprisingly not crazy mood and simply nods his head in greeting.]

[creme_master]

[Jolts a bit, not because the man is being creepy but he certainly was unexpected. Silent. Well, he was rather quiet for such a tall boy... Looking up with wide eyes he nodded back just enough to be noticeable.]

You nearly gave this old man a heart attack. Sit down, sit down... [Francis took a few deep breaths before his nerves smoothed out a bit and he reached for his coffee which was surprisingly warm for having sat out so long. Curious, but he still drank from it as he eyed the man over his cup]

I did not mean to be rude. It is good to see such a familiar face in such a confusing situation. You wouldn't happen to know where exactly we are, would you? [He's trying not to sound too hopeful. Probably failing.]

[za_rodina]

I apologize, I did not mean to startle you.

[That said he settles in a chair and relaxes with a nod.]

Da, this place is called Splendorocity. I just arrived myself so I'm certain others are more knowledgeable but I do know a little bit about it.

[creme_master]

Quoi? Splendorocity?

[He seems baffled and looks around once more, leaning in, pale brows knit together]

Did Amerique build another theme park and drug us so we would actually come look at it? [Huffing under his breath he leaned back and crossed his arms, glancing at his companion]

I have seen many strange things in my day, cher, but this ah--oh. Takes the cake, am I right? I am so confused.

action

[flyeth]

[ After his own arrival, Hinata had spent a great deal of time studying the gates - and the new arrivals. ]

Mystery novels are a nice pastime.

[creme_master]

[looks from his novel to the man speaking to him, brow quirked in interest] Is it one that you partake in, monsieur?

[flyeth]

When I can. There's not a lot of time to read freely back home.

[creme_master]

So, you are not from here either? [pause; frowning slightly] Is anybody? Surely there are some natives and I'm just being paranoid because I cannot recall how I got here. [A-ha, right Francis?]

[vimyridge]

[Having been passing by, he stopped and did a double-take, wondering if his eyes were deceiving him at first. After shaking his head and rubbing his eyes, he noted that, yes, he still was seeing a familiar face. So with a smile, he quickly walked over.]

Have you just arrived?

[creme_master]

[He'd been staring blankly off to the side, which happened when he got too distracted with thought to keep his expression perfectly poised. However, when he saw a flash of movement heading toward him he turned his attention toward it. Him.

Him?!] Mathieu? What are you doing here?

[He resisted the urge to call him 'child' or to verbalize just how much easier it is to keep track of the boy when everyone around him isn't a screaming dog pile. Instead, he gave the boy a slight smile, patting the chair (that was a chair and not his lap)] Did I honestly look that confused, cher? That'd be correct.

[vimyridge]

[Smiling warmly, he walked over quickly enough and occupied said chair. Really, he just seemed happy to see a familiar face and it was nice to have something to smile about.]

I've actually been here since May. [There was a bit of a soft laugh that accompanied his words.] I think the only one of us who's been here longer than me is America. [Though, that really didn't seem to matter anyway.] So I guess I'm just a bit relieved that you didn't tell me that you've been here a bit and I just didn't realise it.

[creme_master]

Since May?! [Excuse him while he deals with that pang of guilt. Then again, he'd not even noticed Mathieu's loudmouth brother disappearing, which was awful questionable.] Mathieu, not to say anything offensive, but I think I would have noticed if America went missing. He always did have a set of lungs on him.

[Quickly, he added:] People blame me for so much and yet I have had my hand in raising the most well-adjusted gentleman ever. [Paternal puff of pride, here it is. Leaning an elbow against his table, he continued] What IS this place?

[Action] 1/3

[mei_blossom]

[Gosh, something strange must have gotten into the Splendor water supply, as she could've sworn that was...]

[mei_blossom]

[France, sitting in a cafe - it looked like he was reading something, but Taiwan is excited to see someone new and familiar, so why bother with manners?]

[Action]

[mei_blossom]

Francis! I didn't know you were here too!

[creme_master]

[Looking over at his name being called, he blinked a few times just to be clear before jumping up from his chair, briskly walking over and picking her up in a hug. He's happy, thank you.] Child, what are you doing here? [Francis set her down gently with a grin. And then looked confused.] No really... what are you doing here?