01 / VIDEO

[beneathbluerafters]

[The video feed clicks on to show... an extreme close-up of a cat's nose pressing into the screen. The camera jiggles around for a few moments before the view lurches up and away, with an unmistakably annoyed meow being heard in the background. It isn't clear where this is being filmed... it's obviously indoors, but the room is dark, and the curtains are drawn]

Teekl, away from that thing! Give it here, you obstinate beast! Now then, how does this work...?

[The video gradually swims back into focus as Klarion squints into the camera, before finally holding the phone out at arm's length and giving any viewers a polite nod.]

Ah, there we are! Greetings, fellow imPorts... or should I say temporary kidnapping victims. I am called Klarion, and this is Teekl. [The camera swings down to show the cat, a large, impossibly fluffy ginger Maine Coon who looks less than impressed, then moves back to Klarion's face.]

First, I should make two things clear: one, I'm a witch-boy from Limbo Town, not a pilgrim, although I understand that my hometown's fashion sense has certain unmistakable similarities to their clothing. Ill-intended jokes about turkeys or thanks-giving day pageants are not appreciated, and will be met with extreme prejudice. Any jokes about these wretched blue creatures called 'smurfs' shall be met with even more extreme prejudice. Consider this your first and final warning.

Second, where might I find some 'iced cream'? I've heard that it's a delicious remedy to this absurd heat, and I should like to taste it for myself! Especially if it comes in strawberry.

Comments

VOICE.

[enabeled]

Oh, sixteen to seventeen. After you first pass a driver's test.

VOICE.

[beneathbluerafters]

How boring. They look like they'd be fun.

Who am I speaking to, by the way?

VOICE.

[enabeled]

Dr. Abel Gideon. Good to meet you.

Not quite there yet then, I take it? Well, but if you're a witch-boy</i. perhaps age won't be an obstacle.

Re: VOICE.

[beneathbluerafters]

It rarely is, in my experience. People do like to make a fuss over it, though.

oh my god my html u_u

[enabeled]

Society does have certain standards to which we're meant to abide. Is it not the same down in Limbo Town?

Italics foil us all!

[beneathbluerafters]

Of course, but that doesn't mean we should be held back by them. Rules are meant to be questioned.

bows head sadly

[enabeled]

Oh, I wouldn't disagree. So long as they're questioned cleverly.

[beneathbluerafters]

That goes without saying. You wouldn't think to question them if you weren't clever.

[enabeled]

Nor would you ever get away with it.

[beneathbluerafters]

Exactly.

You sound quite experienced in this, yourself.

[enabeled]

Experienced enough -- who doesn't care to experiment every now and then?

[beneathbluerafters]

Boring people. Some are perfectly content to lead dull, restricted lives.

[enabeled]

Not everyone can be the life of the party. Otherwise there'd be nothing to measure by.

[beneathbluerafters]

I suppose that leaves more excitement for the rest of us.

[enabeled]

As it should. [ He pauses. ] Plenty of excitement around these parts, you'll find.

[beneathbluerafters]

... You mean apart from the sort that involves being kidnapped from our home worlds against our will?

[ Oh no now you've got him interested! ]

[enabeled]

Apart from that, yes. Nothing that can be done about that, but it's never a dull moment. They do bring in all sorts.

[beneathbluerafters]

[ Oh, he's just talking about people. Pffft, whatever man. ]

But nobody who can find a way to leave, I've noticed. You find the other imports interesting, though?

[enabeled]

[ People and the events they bring with them... ]

They can be. More so the reactions they provoke.

[beneathbluerafters]

[ Welllllll okay, when you put it like that ]

Familiar faces, you mean? Or the sort of loud, rude people who provoke a reaction no matter where they go?

[enabeled]

Well, there is that. Familiar faces do crop up from time to time. [ However-- ] But some folks are bent on making a scene. If you catch my meaning.

[ Supervillains and tricksters mostly. Though not exclusively. ]

[beneathbluerafters]

I think I'm beginning to. It sounds like it could be entertaining to watch from the sidelines.

[enabeled]

Sidelines is recommended. Getting involved tends to be more trouble than it seems worth.

Unless you're the one making the scene. But even then, flaunting will only get a person caught.

[beneathbluerafters]

Mmm, so I've heard. That depends on the cleverness of the one making the scene though, it wouldn't be very clever to let yourself be caught. Is it true that they can stifle one's powers?

[enabeled]

To some extent, it would appear so. Don't think they shut them on and off at will... but I've heard those in prison find themselves forced to do without.