001 [video]

[did_i_say_percy]

[Armand found his clothes and the communicator and his way as far as the base of the ramp exiting the ship. The utter unfamiliarity of the landscape hit him hard, and he didn't make it much further yet. So he fiddles with the device until his fingers find the combination he wants, though he has no idea why he knows it.

The tip of his nose is already red from the cold. He speaks with a noticeable French accent, and his voice is pleasant and cheerful, at least for the moment.]

I'm game if someone wants to tell me the trick. This is hardly England, nor France either. And it wasn't this cold last I knew.

[A pause, as he looks around yet again. He's not wearing a jacket over his shirt and waistcoat. Apparently he didn't have one with him when he was spirited from there to here.]

I'd go back inside, but it doesn't seem hospitable in there. I can see a city, but it looks a fair way off to walk. Is that where I should go?

Has anyone seen or heard of Sir Percy Blakeney or Marguerite St.--I mean Lady Blakeney? If you have, could you tell them I've been found though I don't know how I was lost this time? It's not my fault, anyway. I'm Armand. St. Just, that is. Margot's my sister.

The short of it is that I'm cold, and if I should just go back inside for a bit, I will, but I'm hoping to hear of a better alternative.

Comments

[professorwolf]

No, most of us live out in the city, here. Some live here, in the Flop, and others find their own homes outside. As there is no currency, there are no property owners to lease from, simply people who live in particular places. Almost everything you find will require rebuilding, but there are people who will help with that, for barter.

[did_i_say_percy]

I wouldn't want to cause so much trouble, but I do know that I wouldn't want to live completely alone. [He dips his head and blushes.] So long as I don't have to compromise any poor woman's dignity or reputation. My sister was very strict, and I'd like to live in a way that would allow her to be proud of me if she knew it.

[professorwolf]

There are plenty of young men about you could room with, I'm sure. If all else failed, you could stay with me, though I imagine you wouldn't enjoy that much. I live underground, after all.

[did_i_say_percy]

I didn't realize that. I'll find something. [He doesn't sound confident, but he is going to look diligently.]

You're already too kind to me.

[professorwolf]

Do let me know if you can't or are uncomfortable with what you do find. I have been here long enough that I have a few connections I can call upon if need be.

[And he says it with the kind of parental sternness that comes with being a werewolf Beta, that he hopes a young man like Armand can respect and obey.]

Simply call me on that--

[He motions to the communicator he'd handed back.]

--and if I am awake, I will answer. If I am not, I will answer when I wake again.

[did_i_say_percy]

I will. I promise.

[Armand responds to tones like that almost automatically.]

It won't wake you? Like a messenger?

[professorwolf]

Sometimes I can be quite a heavy sleeper, depending on the time of day, and whether or not I have been awake for most of it.

[He waves a hand lightly to dismiss the worry, at least pleased that Armand is such a polite young man.]

Do not concern yourself with it. I imagine I will get back to you shortly enough, regardless. What other questions do you have, so far?

[did_i_say_percy]

I don't have any specific ones. Mostly, I'm completely overwhelmed. [He shakes his head.]

I probably need to sleep or something. I don't know if I can grow used to living here.

[professorwolf]

You may surprise yourself. I imagine you will be just fine, given some time. You're young. And more flexible than some.

[Lyall can only think of his alpha, one Lady Maccon, who has far more in the way of adjustment hurdles than one young man. And he smiles a bit, somewhere between amused and encouraging.]

Eat something. Sleep a bit in one of the empty rooms; there should be several here, after the plague docked our numbers here. Look around and talk to people. You'll find your place, I'm sure.

[did_i_say_percy]

I feel so out of my element. Though meeting you has helped. You seem almost like someone Percy would have known, if he'd lived in the right time. [And that does make Lyall seem comfortable to be around. It's just as well, Armand doesn't know everything about him yet.]

I'll take your advice. I hope I find an empty room. I'm terribly tired. It must be the cold and all the changes.

[professorwolf]

You will. There should be plenty for you to find one, at least.

[Lyall is glad to be of help, as well as a comfort. He certainly understands the feeling of being out of time. He pushes himself to his feet.]

Remember to call me if you have any need, any more questions, or cannot find somewhere suitable to stay-- good?

[did_i_say_percy]

[Armand also rises, because it's polite.]

I will. You've been very generous so far.

[professorwolf]

Ah, well, it is the least I can do. I was as lost as you are now, when I first arrived, and I have quite a bit more experience behind me than you do.

[He offers Armand his hand.]

I look forward to seeing you again about the city, Mister St. Just.

[did_i_say_percy]

[Armand takes the hand and shakes it, then bows when he releases it.]

I will look for you, too, Professor Lyall.

[professorwolf]

[What a polite boy. Lyall shakes warmly, for all his palm is a bit cool, then smiles.]

Good luck with your hunt. Good day, Mister St. Just.

[And with that, he's off. He probably has more paperwork to get to, and perhaps a nap to catch....]