pre-intro with Annie

[dominoeffect]

[it wasn't easy, but Hal somehow found his way to the mess hall. which smelled absolutely horrible, but at least there were no remnants of blood in the Tuesday soup. he's ended up cowering in the corner with a cup of tea and a book he had on hand. in fact, he's been there for a while. in the hand that isn't holding his book, he's holding on to a domino and gripping it very tightly]

Comments

[dominoeffect]

That doesn't account for the people. Do you know how I manage to be at work? It was Tom. Tom and his stakes.

[departea]

Then... we'll have to come up with a plan B until Tom shows up. If you're here then he might not be too far behind.

[ ignoring the fact that she has been here for months but ]

[dominoeffect]

Why are you here? Why are we here? There was an explanation in the information packet. Information about the rules, the warnings for everything. It was, ah, a courtesy packet. I see it as a warning.

But that doesn't explain why we're here. A summer camp of all places and against our wishes.

[departea]

I haven't got a clue. Someone told me some story about the Director and her boyfriend, or something, as a reason for us being here, but it makes as much sense as camp does.

But, um, the people here are really nice except for all the ones that aren't.

[dominoeffect]

I'm not interested in the people.

[departea]

You'll have to deal with them either way.

[dominoeffect]

There was no pay grade in my letters. I assume this is a voluntary position.

[departea]

You don't have to do the whole counselor thing, but we're sort of trapped. It's like that one movie where the guy gets stuck on an island, but instead of a volleyball we have each other. And awkward signs.

[dominoeffect]

I'm not in any particular need of anyone else. You'll do fine. Once we find a place that is not one of those shabby cabins, that is. I'll keep it clean and you'll find a way to brew tea. And take books from the library for me.

It's not perfect, but it's better than the alternative. You understand, don't you?

[departea]

[ she opens her mouth, but then figures it might be best to tell him about the usual camp shenanigans over a period of days instead of all at once. ]

We should figure out somewhere temporary for now then. Once midnight hits, people are bound to head over here.

[dominoeffect]

[oh. that's in the paper work. he's just in denial]

Do you have anywhere in mind? Midnight's just around the corner.

[departea]

[ she's shifting into planning mode now ]

We could go wait out in the library for a bit, but then there's the matter of rooming. You said you rather not stay in a cabin... There are some actual buildings here. The hotel may have some free rooms, we'll have to check. I mean, of course there are other people there, but the rooms are private enough that it shouldn't really matter.

[dominoeffect]

The hotel sounds suitable.

[departea]

Hotel, okay, good. We'll give that a look over. And work on finding magical pants as well, I'm sure someone here can set up something.

I do suggest giving the area a quick look over. It'll be easier to avoid camp's usual antics if you know the area well.

[dominoeffect]

I don't need to know it. This is called voluntary hermitage.

[departea]

[ she is about to argue again, but, yes. he will soon see for himself ]

I can talk like Tom if it'll help you feel better?

[dominoeffect]

... That won't be necessary.

[departea]

Right. I'll probably sound completely ridiculous.

[dominoeffect]

Yes. That level of ... that is really quite difficult to pull off.

[departea]

I can ask for lessons whenever we see him.

...

We should head off.

[dominoeffect]

I haven't finished my tea yet.

[departea]

Right, right!

[ quickly glances down at her cup then looks back at him ]

Do you have any other questions?

[dominoeffect]

How long have you been here? It's unusual that you're not carrying around Eve.

[departea]

Since last August. Time works differently here than outside the barrier. And then sometimes you get these sort of... updates, and you suddenly know what's been going on back home.

[dominoeffect]

Updates ... Another way to throw things out of order.