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Post by NightshadeVII on Jun 18, 2019 16:35:34 GMT -6
The city still confused him, even if there had been cities like this back in his home world, this new world was still so different and everything was so much harder to navigate. The streets were bustling and noisy, filled with humans and non human creatures, which he had been told was called supers here and that he qualified as one as well. It was strange not seeing any non humans he recognized, not sensing any of his own kind nearby. And even stranger was not being able to feel Eda nearby, underneath his feet and in the air around him. Even if he had been in this world for maybe a little over a week now, he still hadn’t gotten used to the weird feeling of loneliness he carried around.
Thinking, he spun one of the rings in his lower lip again, as he looked up at the sleek building, towering before him, he had been here before, he knew as much, after all, he had been in the hospital ward while he was recovering from his rather rough arrival. However, lately he had been going out and trying to get a hang of the city and finding his way back to the WDSA headquaters had proven to be more difficult than he had expected. That was why he was late now. He was supposed to be meeting with a person named Simon Groves, who apparently was supposed to help him get settled here? Edge took a deep breath, hoisting up in the guitarcase slung across his shoulder, which had been among the few belongings he had had on him, when he arrived in this world, along with a wallet holding foreign currency, a phone with no service, a bundle of keys to places he couldn’t get to, and a badge he always carried in his pocket. He knew that he could’ve left these things at his temporary lodging, however, it brought him some semblance of comfort to carry them around with him, it made him feel a little closer to home, somehow.
Some part of him couldn’t shake this weird feeling of regret, perhaps because he feared that getting settled now, meant that he wouldn’t have a chance to get home, to his own world, or that it simply wasn’t possible. That everyone had given up on it. But then again, he had gotten here some way, so surely, there had to be a way to get back as well.
After trying to psych himself up, he finally managed to walk into the WDSA building. Trying to seem relaxed, at least as relaxed as he could, he walked up to the front desk, and sent the person behind it a smile, as he asked where he could find the civil services department, where he had been told Simon Groves worked. After a quick, surprisingly painless chat, he made his way towards the elevator, which would take him to where he needed to be. To calm himself, he began humming his favorite song, which probably didn’t exist here, and toyed with one of the piercings in his lower lip, a nervous habit of his, showing that he was thinking.
An elevator ride had never been slower or more quiet, the numbers slowly illuminating and fading, as Edge was left alone with his insistent thoughts. Yet he was thankful that he was riding the elevator alone for now. Finally the doors slid open on the right floor, and Edge stepped out. Almost immediately he sucked in air, in a weird, surprised reverse-gasp. The floor was teeming with people, walking from one desk to another or across the room to get something, some were engaged in conversations across their desks, and some were talking in phones. It was now that Edge realized he had no idea who he was looking for. He only had a name and felt more out of place than ever.
Finally, he managed to get ahold of one of the people he hoped worked there, tapping their shoulder. “Oh, uh, hi, excuse me?”, Edge fumbled for his words, his voice low and careful, as a sheepish smile decorated his lips, “I’m looking for Simon Groves? I was told to meet him here...”
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Post by beastly on Jun 20, 2019 10:55:05 GMT -6
Simon had been expecting Edge. He knew what he knew about the guy from his files, but didn't have too much else to go on. The smaller guy had dug up what his coworkers new, a bout Edge's unfortunate arrival, and prepared himself for the appointment. ... Edge wasn't there on time though. Simon waited, and waited a little bit longer more, but there was no sign of the other. Perhaps he'd gotten cold feet, Simon thought. It was a very new situation for the guy, after all. He couldn't imagine the emotional stuff that comes with being thrust into a new world. Simon decided to walk around the building a little, there was also the chance the guy had gotten lost somewhere. He took one last look at the photo in Edge's file, then went to casually look around.
Tapped on the shoulder, Simon looked up. OH! There's his guy, and wouldn't you know it, he's looking for a Simon. Simon puts on a friendly smile, and offers his hand.
"Oh, hey there, I'm Simon. You're in the right spot, fella," He reassures, "do you want somethin to drink before we get talkin?"
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Post by NightshadeVII on Jun 24, 2019 12:57:53 GMT -6
“Oh!” Edge laughed, sheepishly and surprised, as he found out he had accidentally run into the person he was supposed to meet, “well, uh, hello Simon. Sorry I’m late, I... got lost in the city... everything’s still very new to me...” The Darai sent the other an apologetic smile, and rubbed the back of his neck. Luckily, Simon didn’t seem annoyed, and if he was, he was good at hiding it, but either way, it was a relief for Edge. Then he took Simon’s hand, shaking it, like he had seen so many people do in this world. A nurse had patiently explained to him, that it was a common greeting here, but it was still something he needed to get used to. Most everyone would be able to see that Edge felt out of place, like a fish out of water, or an alien, the latter of which was pretty much true, depending on what ones definition of aliens were. The Darai took a moment to look over Simon. He hadn’t had any expectations to what the civil services worker looked like, but the other’s open body language and soft features helped put him a little more at ease. Of course he was still tense, and obviously still a little overwhelmed by his arrival in an entirely new world, but seeing a friendly face never hurt.
Then when Simon spoke, asking if he wanted anything to drink, Edge snapped out of thought. “Oh, uh, no, I’m good...” he said, smiling, tilting his head as he did. His voice was soft and gentle, with a pleasant hint of sleepy horaseness, in many ways, it was a voice you’d never expect to come from a tall, broadshouldered punk.
“I... really don’t have any idea of how these things usually go down.” He continued with an apologetic shrug, “so I hope you can be patient with me.”
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Post by beastly on Jul 15, 2019 13:05:05 GMT -6
"That's completely understandable, no worries at all. It's a big city, huh?" After shaking Edge's hand, he stuffs his hands into his pockets and rocks back on his feet a little. "It's a lot to get used to, but I'm confident you'll get it eventually. Just a matter of time 'n practice." He pauses when Edge says he doesn't know how things really work here. "No, it's all good, I don't expect you to have it all figured out. that's what I'm here to help with, right?... lets walk 'n talk." Simon gestures in the vague direction he came from, where his desk and papers are. A little casual talking to get a feel for who Edge was wouldn't hurt, it could only help.
As he starts walking, Simon notices the guitar. He should ask about that more later. Maybe they could find some kind of music activity for the guy.
"So, have you gotten a chance to look around the city much?"
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Post by NightshadeVII on Jul 18, 2019 15:41:53 GMT -6
Simon’s relaxed, accepting demeanor was rather comforting, and it helped Edge relax as well. Some tension eased out of his shoulders, and his posture became more relaxed as he shoved his hands in his pockets, after shaking Simon’s hand. While they walked, Edge took some time to look around the room as he listened to Simon speak. Even though he had never worked in an office landscape like this, a fact he was grateful for, there was some kind of familiarity in the rows of desks and the bustle and chatter of people as they made their way through the day. Then he returned his purple gaze to Simon. “It’s definitely big when you aren’t used to it”, Edge agreed, before sending Simon an appreciative nod, “but I appreciate getting help for sure. Would be lost if I had to figure all this out on my own.”
Then Simon asked if he had looked around, and Edge uttered a little hum he began to speak. “I’ve looked around a bit, yeah, as much as I could anyway, I’m still pretty beat after my, uhh... clumsy arrival, so to speak.” He shrugged, his smile becoming a sheepish, almost embarrassed thing. Simon probably knew about the Darai’s less than graceful arrival here in wathais, how he had stumbled, disoriented and on the verge of collapse, through the city, looking for something, anything really, until he finally had collapsed and some passerby had called an ambulance That was little over a week ago now, and he had definitely recovered, not fully, but it had to count for something. And while he still wanted to find some way to get home again, he was beginning to feel curious about this new place. That curiousity is what drove him to ask his next question. “Do you know any good places here? Any things I just have to see?”
He appreciated that the other wasn’t jumping directly to being all serious and business-like, and that he instead took a slow, relaxed approach to it all. It made it seem less strange that Edge was here. Of course, it didn’t make him forget the circumstances that had brought him to this place, but he felt just a little less alien like this.
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Post by beastly on Jan 2, 2020 15:31:39 GMT -6
Simon nods in agreement. He really did believe in the system he was working for. Sure, there were things he thought could be better, but he thought things were way better off than they would be if the WDSA wasn't around.
"That's fair, that's fair. There's plenty of time for lookin around later. It's good to see you just doin better." The werewolf smiled at the next question. Things to see. Oh there were endless things to see, but what to recommend? Simon thought about it as he guided them to where his desk was.
"Well, one thing we have around here are restaurants, good places to grab a bite. One of my favorites is a burger joint called ' Silver Plate Eats'. I recommend going there at least once. Plates ain't actually silver." He thinks more, what would someone not from here want to see..." Oh, we got some pretty good libraries too, and the museum is great if you wanna learn about earth stuff. Oh," He gestures like he just thought of something brilliant, "The mountains. Those are a sight and a half, lemme tell ya." They're finally at his desk, and Simon gestures for Edge to sit in the seat sat before it.
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Post by NightshadeVII on Jan 6, 2020 13:51:15 GMT -6
Purple eyes rested softly on Simon, as Edge listened to him speak. It was by no means a hard or judgemental gaze, in fact it was surprisingly gentle and attentive, which was rather surprising, considering the darai’s looks. Despite frame, piercings and unruly hair, he had kind eyes, tired, but kind eyes. Simon had a wonderful energy about him, different from those who came to work already tired, he seemed to genuinely care about the work he did. Despite the circumstances of Edge’s visit, it made it a little easier to be here. The Darai had a lot of emotions in the situation, but meeting with someone who seemed invested in helping him settle did help, at least a little.
“That all sounds wonderful. Sounds like I’ll have quite the to do list then. Though, I’m probably going to sound dumb now, but what’s a burger?”, Edge asked, with a slight sheepish chuckle, as he rubbed the back of his neck. There was a lot of new things to get used to, both new additions and things that were different. Even the air wasn’t like he was used to from back home it seemed. But better to start with the small things, than try to take everything in at once. It would require a lot of these more mundane questions, but he’d have to start somewhere. “Oh... oh yeah the mountains. I saw some of those when I... when I arrived”, he continued, slightly hesitant as he was reminded of his rather rough arrival. His shoulder was still sore from that. “I didn’t see much though, so I’ll have to go there again.”
Then they reached Simon’s desk, and once prompted by the young man, he sat down in the chair with a grateful nod. “So... how does this work?” He asked, “Can’t say I’ve done this before...”
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Post by beastly on Jan 9, 2020 18:15:43 GMT -6
Oh no, he doesn't know what a burger is...! That shouldn't really shock Simon, the guy wasn't from earth, but he did feel a little bad about it. He needs to watch how he phrases things, he doesn't want to make Edge feel too ignorant.
"Oh, burger is uh, you got your bread," he puts a hand horizontally in the air, "then your meat, then your cheese," he puts his other hand on top of that hand," sauces," he moves the bottom hand to the top of the other hand, "lettuce," The process is repeated," 'n you top it off with another piece of bread. They're good. My favorite, hehe."
He rubs the back of his head.
"You'll see em, I'm sure."
The werewolf nods, time to get to work.
"That's alright, I assure you I've done this enough times for the both of us," He winks at Edge, " What we're gonna do first is assess your needs. I'm gonna ask you some questions, and you just answer them to the best of your ability. Then I'm gonna take this information and figure out what we need to set up so that you have a good, safe time here in Wathais. Set you up with some housing, getcha enrolled in some human culture classes, get you involved in the community, that's important... those types of things."
He smiles, and reaches for his stack of papers.
"Ready? I promise I won't make it drag on too long."
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Post by NightshadeVII on Jan 17, 2020 8:18:20 GMT -6
It quickly became obvious that the mysterious burger was similar to something he knew from home, and immediately the feeling of having asked a dumb question maginified 10-fold. But at the same time, he couldn’t help but find it weirdly funny. Here he was, in a new world who knew where, and this had been among his first three questions. Then the Darai laughed, quietly, but wholeheartedly. It was by no means a mocking or malicious laugh, instead it almost sounded like a mix of relief, embarrassment and enjoyment. But it was clear that it was a laugh that Edge had needed since arriving in wathais. It was almost melodic to listen to, even as hints of sounds that humans shouldn’t be able to make slipped in.
Then, when the laugher had faded, Edge sent Simon an apologetic look. “I’m sorry, there’s nothing wrong with your explanation, it was perfect”, he chuckled to himself, “I just... I don’t know... didn’t expect that to be my first question for you... it’s such a... small thing I guess? Weirdly normal, everything considered, you know?”
Once they sat down and Simon explained what they would be looking at, Edge listened carefully, wanting to make sure he didn’t overhear something. It seemed rather basic, classic stuff that was worked with in places like these, but he didn’t want to assume anything about this place, even if his stay would be temporary. He hoped.
“That sounds really good”, he said, adjusting a little in the chair in order to get properly comfortable. It was an oddly familiar situation and at the same time it was so different, not only because he was in a different world. There was a moment of silence as the Darai made sure he was fully ready and clearheaded enough to answer Simon’s questions to the best of his abilities, but once he was certain of that, he nodded. “Yeah, I’m ready.”
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Post by beastly on Feb 18, 2020 15:16:52 GMT -6
Simon didn't look offended or anything at the laughter, he had thrown in a chuckle just because laughter is contagious.
"It's been pretty wild for you, it's fine, pal." Simon himself valued humor greatly. Sometimes, if you don't laugh, you're gonna end up crying. It would be funny to find your first question was about a sandwich.
Speaking of questions... Simon looked at his notes, and drew a pen from a cup on his desk. It has little dogs on it.
"Let's start out easy, but important," he taps his pen on the desk lightly, " have you encountered any trouble breathing? Any pain in your lungs? I want to make sure you're alright with earth air."
If he wasn't alright with it, they might need to get an enchanter or something involved fast.
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Post by NightshadeVII on Mar 14, 2020 3:47:53 GMT -6
Edge was relieved to find that Simon didn’t seem overly offended by his laughter, and it put him at ease when the other even seemed to laugh with him. Made him feel less alien in this new world, which was very appreciated. Walking here, he had felt like the fact that he wasn’t from this world had been more obvious than anything else, so having someone laugh with him and just treat him normally was a claming experience.
“Trouble with the air?” He repeated the question as he thought about it. The air was without a doubt different here, he had noticed that pretty quickly, along with the things that were missing. However, luckily it didn’t seem to be harmful to him. It was just something to get used to. Like when moving into a new house and the tapwater would taste different for the first little while.
“No, I haven’t, luckily. I can breathe just fine”, he finally replied with a smile, “the air here doesn’t feel much different from home. Though... it does taste... dirtier here. It’s probably just because we’re in the city though.”
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Post by beastly on Apr 9, 2020 12:49:55 GMT -6
Simon nods, and writes something in his notes. Good! He's glad to hear that he's not having trouble with air. That'd be a big issue, so it's nice to slide it off the table. Although if there had been an issue, he probably would have noticed it just by watching Edge a little.
"Yeah, city's got a bit of pollution 'n all that. Good! Glad it's all goin' ok on that end." He smiles a little.
"Okay, next question, how are you doing with earth technology? Does it differ wildly from what you're used to?"
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Post by NightshadeVII on Nov 12, 2020 12:16:58 GMT -6
“The technology?”, Edge echoed, “It seems pretty similar from what I’ve seen, phones, cars, computers and all that, I recognize that. I don’t think it’ll take long to get used to. You use a lot more of it here though.” “The world I’m from is generally modern, like this one, it’s more the general rules and policies regarding... non-humans that I’m iffy on, they seem kind of different? I hope it’s alright I ask about that?”, he didn’t dare mention what he was yet, remembering all too clearly the rules of his home and drawing some uncomfortable parallels to this place. He was a Darai after all, knowledge of his existence would probably do little more than spread panic, even among these people. Edge knew that they handled non-humans on a day to day basis but, he had seen much the same back home, non humans and humans living together, even more openly than here, and even there, he had needed to keep what he was secret. It was a vulnerable position to be in, and made him worry whether or not breathing the wrong way would give him away and cause a mess. The thought of going through that again was already exhausting him.
For a moment, his mind wandered back home, and he wondered how everyone was doing back there. If the conflicts were over, if his people could breathe a little easier. It was killing him not knowing. He felt like he had let them down.
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Post by beastly on Nov 12, 2020 13:15:48 GMT -6
Simon scribbled something down, nodding at Edge.
"Right, okay! That's helpful. I'm sure you'll pick it up quick, then." IT was nice the guy wouldn't need to be taught technology from the ground up, or be fearful every time a car passed by. He was curious about Edge's homeland, he'd be interested to see similarities and differences, but now wasn't the time for that.
The werewolf listened to Edge speak, and nodded, folding his hands on the desk again. He could sense some anxiety there, which was completely normal for a guy in Edge's situation. He offered his best reassuring smile, and attempted to let Edge know he wouldn't mind him asking questions. That was part of the gig!
"Of course, that's what I'm here for, bud. Any questions at all, go ahead and ask em. You're new, from a whole different place, after all, and there's a lot going on. Wouldn't expect you to know all our weird stuff, huh? Whatcha wanna know?"
There was a LOT to talk about, Supers wise. He could give him a run down of the basics, or answer specific questions.
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Post by NightshadeVII on Nov 15, 2020 18:03:38 GMT -6
Simon’s easy going and relaxed attitude helped the Darai feel at least a little more at ease. He seemed like a nice, man, Simon, genuine, with a kind soul. It was always nice to know what the capacity for kindness hadn’t changed. Carefully, Edge returned the smile, but it faded quickly as he fell into thought. What did he want to know? It seemed like there was some kind of government body in place to take care of non-humans, obviously, he was there now. Similar to what it had been like at home, but most likely also very different. He’d have to be careful about what he said, what he revealed about himself, in case this place shared some of the more unfortunate similarities with his home. Absentmindedly, he began twisting his necklace between his fingers, his tongue toying with one of his snakebite piercings. Habits whenever he thought.
“I guess a general overview would be nice?” Edge mused, looking back up at Simon, “how are non-humans treated? How intergrated are they in society? How much do humans know about non-humans? That kind of thing” Yeah, that felt right. Gave him the answers he needed, without him having to expose himself too much, just in case. It allowed him to stay safe a little longer.
Slowly, he leaned back in his seat a little, rolling his shoulders stiffly. When he had arrived, he had landed on his bad shoulder, and it was still acting up a little bit, it’s movements noticeably jerky and awkward compared to his good shoulder.
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