( 01 ) ( video / action. )

[feigns]

[ when the video clicks on, it shows a teenager — not uncommon in and of itself — looking distinctly bemused, not wet and somewhat out of sorts. what can be seen of his surroundings show him to be near the fountain, like most new arrivals, although he doesn't look especially surprised. when he speaks, his tone is primarily level, whilst his accent belies his british origins — southern english, with a noticeable undercurrent of welsh. ]

The last time I was here, I was greeted by a multitude of redheads and a blonde. I also, as it happens, momentarily believed myself to be Alice, although rather than having taken a tumble down a rabbit hole, I found myself the victim of a short drop into water. This time, I find myself in possession of all of my faculties and wholly dry. Alas, there appears to be no redheads in my immediate vicinity — recognisable ones, that is — or the solitary blonde bearing a cup of delightful coffee with an awful name. [ a beat. ] If it helps, I could go for a short paddle in the fountain and recreate my arrival from before; the sympathy and pity were quite welcome.

[ there's another pause, albeit a longer one, and the humour briefly fades from his expression and is replaced by a rather marked lack of surety. ] Tessa—. [ nope, nevermind. refuge in the familiar; awkward conversations can come later. ]

I wonder, will I have to spend my first night under a bush again?

Comments

[charring]

I'll take your word for it. [She extends her hand, introducing herself.] Charlie. Hello.

[That's pretty much what passes for manners from Miss McGee, here. Most days.]

[feigns]

That's very kind of you. [ he accepts the hand. ] William. Herondale.

[charring]

'Kind' is my middle name. [It's really not. She's just full of wise-cracks and smartass remarks today. She chews her lower lip a moment, buying time as she tries to think.] Trying to com up with something helpful to say, but you know all about the City already. Nothing comes to mind.

[This makes her feel a bit useless but she's still smiling a bit. At least she's trying, right?]

[feigns]

What an unusual middle name you have, Miss Charlie. [ he eyes her momentarily before shrugging loosely and directingting his attention elsewhere. ] I shouldn't expect there to be much of use to share: the City is the City. There's not much else to it, is there?