❖ 001 - Video

[spotlighted]

[The lady looking curiously into the camera could have just stepped out of a time machine, or a nuclear bunker that's been sealed up for the last sixty years. She's dressed in a luxurious velvet evening dress and her pin curls are draped elegantly round her face, which is full of nervous excitement as she glances round her. She's still a little bewildered by her surroundings, but she's clearly trying to make the best of them.]

Is this on? [A small, delighted laugh.] I never thought I'd be able to film anything like this - that's just for big time Hollywood people. This place sure is great, having this sort of technology readily available. It's so futuristic.

[She pans the camera round the Square briefly, before the shot returns to her face, looking a little more confused now.] Is there one of these buildings that's better than the others? To live in, I mean. I can't tell just by looking - is there one that the right sort of people tend to go for, or do I just plump for one and make the best of it? ...If there's one that's known for housing troublemakers, I'd rather avoid it.

[Now she adopts her most charming smile.]And if this really has worked and people can actually see me on this, then I've been awfully rude in not telling you my name. It's Ruby. I've figured by now that I'm probably stuck here, but if there actually is a bus back to New York that I could catch, I'd appreciate being pointed in the right direction.

Comments

[spotlighted]

Well, it really doesn't matter what anyone else thinks so long as you're doing what's making you happy.

[coyote_walking]

Very true. And I do love my garage. I really miss it here.

But there aren't a whole lot of cars, so there's not much use for a lot of mechanics.

[spotlighted]

I suppose there isn't. Even if it's not cars, though, surely people still need mechanical things fixing? It would be a shame not to be able to use your skills.

[coyote_walking]

I'm building a car in the garage attached to my house here, but it's not quite the same. And for my 'real' job I run a magic store. It keeps me in food and hot chocolate and parts for my project car.

[spotlighted]

Well, that's something! Once it's finished and you show it off, I'm sure everyone will want one, you'll start a revolution in transport before you know it. [She pauses, looking a little incredulous.] ...Did you just say magic?

[coyote_walking]

There's not a whole lot of places to drive here, so I'm not expecting much.

But it let's me keep my hand in and I enjoy it, so that's enough for me.

[spotlighted]

And so it should be. Keep doing what you love.

[coyote_walking]

That's what I think.

And yes, magic. There are lots of people here who can do magic. Or who are magic in some way.

[spotlighted]

The more I hear about this place, the more bizarre it seems.

[coyote_walking]

You have no idea.

Has anyone told you about the curses yet?

[spotlighted]

Yeah, I heard a bit about that. I have to say, I'm not sure I like the idea one bit. I suppose nobody does really. I've always been one for stability, not anything so unpredictable as these curses sound.

[coyote_walking]

They're not always very fun. They're usually not any fun.

But they are a big part of life here in the City.

[spotlighted]

I suppose I'll just have to get used to them, then.

[coyote_walking]

I'm not sure anyone actually gets used to them, but at least you know we all go through it, so we're very understanding of any strange things people do when cursed.

Makes it a little easier to know people won't hold things against you later.

[spotlighted]

That's good to know, at least. I do hope I don't up rubbing anyone up the wrong way, regardless.

[coyote_walking]

If you do, we won't worry about it.

Do you need a place to stay? The City usually lets people stay rent free at any of the empty apartments for a while. Orif you need I certainly have rooms free here.

[spotlighted]

I was going to try my luck with one of these apartment buildings here, but thanks for the offer, I really appreciate it.

[coyote_walking]

Sounds good to me.

You'll have to stop by my magic shop sometime.

[spotlighted]

I sure will! I think it will take me a while to get used to the idea of magic - like everything else here, I suppose - but I'm definitely curious.

[coyote_walking]

Well, you'll sure have a lot to experience here - as much as you want, I'd imagine. Good luck!