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[had_not_lived]

I'm not quite sure if this counts as things going back to normal, but I guess it's close enough to normal. It's almost a relief when we have Visitors' Days after the really bad curses-- I always wondered if that was a reward for getting through it, maybe, a way to keep us all from really going nuts.

I've never thought of myself as being stuck here, because... well, because it's home now, and I don't mind that... but I always like seeing old friends. And new ones.

So, welcome. I'm glad to see you all.

[ooc; please no duplicate neils (tho facedoubles are always welcome), and no outright telling him he doesn't exist. Otherwise, anything goes! <3 BACKDATING WELCOME FOREVER]

Comments

[practicingforhell]

Hey. I hear the City's under new management?

[had_not_lived]

I guess it is, though not for long enough to really know if things are going to change.

Hi, Henry. It's good to see you.

[practicingforhell]

You too, Neil.

What d'you think of them? The new guys?

[had_not_lived]

I'm not sure what to think. I'd like to believe they have our best interests at heart, but-- well. All I want is to stay here. If the curses really stopped it'd be... easier. So maybe it will work out.

[practicingforhell]

Yeah, well. Things have to work out sometimes for some people.

[had_not_lived]

I always try to stay hopeful.

[practicingforhell]

Seems to be working for you. 'S why I like talking to you--you think things can be better than they are. Better than they'll probably be.

[had_not_lived]

It takes some practice.

[practicingforhell]

Takes more than that.

Did you read any Ibsen?

[had_not_lived]

You know, I hate to admit it but it slipped my mind. I promised, didn't I? I'm sorry.

[practicingforhell]

'S okay. Maybe next time.

I got through the Shakespeare play... Midsummer Night's Dream? It wasn't too bad. Thanks for that.

[had_not_lived]

I'm glad you liked it. I think-- no matter what, that one will always be my favorite.

[practicingforhell]

What about it makes it your favorite? Can't just be everyone going after the wrong people.

[had_not_lived]

It was the first play I was in. And the first here, too-- they were looking for actors a few days after I arrived. It's-- well, it means a lot, that's all.

[practicingforhell]

Who'd you play?

[had_not_lived]

Puck. Both times.

In the City, he played Bottom.

[her_waterloo]

This influx is temporary? [ She'd been wondering why it was so swift and sudden. ]

[had_not_lived]

It happens three or four times a year, maybe? Visitors' Days, usually it's only a weekend and then everyone goes home.

It's sort of nice. Like seeing friends from out of town.

[her_waterloo]

That seems like a nice way to think about it. Is it always people you've met here, or ones from where you're from?

[had_not_lived]

I've only ever had someone from home come once. I mean, apart from Todd-- he's been here as long as I have, nearly. But our friend Charlie visited, once.

[her_waterloo]

I was wondering how common it was. I haven't met anyone that I knew at home, but I figured that the chances were astronomically small, just based on averages.

[had_not_lived]

It's hard to say. Sometimes people have a lot of friends from home-- all the time or as visitors, I mean-- and some people never see anyone.

If you're waiting for anyone, I hope they show up.

[her_waterloo]

Thanks. I'm trying to hope that no one does... It doesn't really feel like my home right now, and I wouldn't want anyone else to be here if they don't want to be. But it's hard. I'm sure you know.

[had_not_lived]

I understand, I think. I've been lucky, having someone from home but I still miss my friends a lot.

That's one of the nicer parts of having visitors-- they don't stay, so you don't worry about them being unhappy here.

How long have you been here?

[her_waterloo]

Almost two months now. It's hard to believe it's been that long.

[had_not_lived]

It can take you by surprise. Especially when the City's... well, when something crazier than usual is going on. Then, time really flies.

[her_waterloo]

Every day is an adventure. Seriously. It's weird to say that in a non-sarcastic way.

[had_not_lived]

Most of the time, I love that about this place.