♕ |[98]| show me another city with lifted head singing so proud to be alive

[had_not_lived]

This is always my favorite curse to wake up to. These aren't as regular as the other weekends, but I guess it's about time you all came calling. I hadn't realized it'd been so long since the last.

If we haven't met yet, I'm Neil. Welcome to the City. It's kind of a strange place, but don't worry, most of you are probably only going to be visiting for a few days.

If we have met, I'm glad you've dropped by! I'll be at the bookstore most of the day, if you'd like to visit.


[ooc; please no duplicate neils (tho facedoubles are welcome), and no outright telling him he doesn't exist. Otherwise, anything goes! <3 BACKDATING WELCOME FOREVER, I will be out much of today so expect some delays, darlings.]

Comments

[had_not_lived]

Why not?

[ships_and_snow]

The ship is what I'm used to. The world out there... it's too big. There's too much of it.

[had_not_lived]

I don't know, I think that's exciting. How much there is.

[ships_and_snow]

Doesn't it get overwhelming?

[had_not_lived]

Sometimes, I suppose. But that's part of the beauty of life.

[ships_and_snow]

I don't want my world to be infinitely big. I like parameters. I like knowing where I stand.

[had_not_lived]

I guess I can see why it'd make you nervous.

You could always try exploring a little bit at a time?

[ships_and_snow]

I tried, once. I didn't get far.

[He didn't actually get off the ship at all.]

I don't mean to make this all about myself. Where are you from?

[He likes hearing about places, even if he'll never go there.]

[had_not_lived]

Oh, well. I'm from Vermont-- my best friend from home's here, too. We went to school there. A boarding school, I mean. It's... well, a lot quieter than this place.

[ships_and_snow]

Vermont. Let's see. Your state produces a lot of maple syrup. And your autumn season is said to be beautiful.

[He tries to learn a little bit about almost everywhere.]

[had_not_lived]

It is pretty. Not nearly as exciting as the City, though. And, well, I'm from a pretty small town, so any city'd be pretty interesting, I think.

[ships_and_snow]

I don't know if it seems exciting here. It just seems confusing.

[had_not_lived]

Well, it is that way at first. But there's always something new to see, and new people to meet; that's why I like it here.

[ships_and_snow]

That's why I like where I live, too. But they say that the people who are visiting right now aren't going to be stuck here for long, so I guess I can try to enjoy myself.

[had_not_lived]

It shouldn't be more than a day or two. I guess it's possible, I mean-- sometimes people stay, or they come back after-- but usually visitors are just visiting.

What would you be interested in seeing? Maybe I can recommend something.

[ships_and_snow]

I'd like to see somewhere people perform music.

[had_not_lived]

Oh, well! A lot of the bars here have live music-- there's almost always someone playing at the Blue Light.

[ships_and_snow]

Do they play jazz?

[had_not_lived]

More often than not.

[ships_and_snow]

I'll go there, then. If they have a piano, maybe they'll let me play it.

[had_not_lived]

Oh, you're a musician! How long have you played?

[ships_and_snow]

[He blinks in confusion at that question, like he doesn't quite understand it.]

My whole life. Ever since I can remember.

[had_not_lived]

Wow, you must be pretty good.

[ships_and_snow]

[He nods.]

I am pretty good. I beat Jelly Roll Morton in a piano duel.

[And not at all modest, apparently.]

[had_not_lived]

Yeah? Well, I'm sure they'd love to have you.

What's your name?