enter a lost prince

[theredprince]

 Jalan had been through Hel.  No literally.  He'd walked through actual Hel and it honestly was one of the worst experiences of his life.  Far less fire and brimstone then he thought though.  It was mostly just a vast endless gray desert.  Filled with, of course, countless abominations that wouldn't be out of place in the deepest dankest of nightmares.  Which was why he was so very incredibly thrilled to discover there was actually an Exit.  An exit that would take you anywhere you thought of when you opened it.  Unless you weren't thinking of a 'where'.  Then it just dumped you kinda... wherever.  And Jalan wasn't really thinking about anything besides outrunning the terrifying lady demon who seemed rather keen on tearing off his delicate bits.

So he really didn't care very much where he ended up as he tumbled through the door.  He spun around to slam the door shut, a magical black key clutched in his hand ready to lock it up tight so Little Miss Hellspawn couldn't eat his soul... only to discover there was no door.  He looked around in confusion but ended up breathing a sigh of relief.  His key was on a chain so he slipped it back around his neck as he got a good look around.

Didn't recognize anything one bit.  But he wasn't really concerned.  Honestly he was just grateful that he was alive and not in Hel, and there were no undead monstrosities looking at him with hungry eyes.

He was a little concerned when he read the brochure.  The food wasn't safe?  What about the water? He hadn't had a sip since he started traipsing about the Afterlife and he was beyond thirsty.  And starving.  Honestly he was just a complete mess right now.  Even his garb, which normally might make a Lord of the Rings cosplayer green with envy, was covered in dust, dried blood, and torn beyond repair.

"Pardon me," Lost, alone, and on the verge of dehydration, the prince put on his best, most charming of smiles and waved to the closest person, "I've read the food and drink here could be dangerous.  Any chance you can lead me to something safe? A change of clothes too... these have.  Had it I think."

Plus he felt as if he was sticking out like a sore thumb.  Most of the people here... well they weren't dressed like him really.  In fact a lot of them reminded him of the little he'd seen of the ancient Builder's culture.  Weird.

Comments

I have assumed walking I hope that's okay. To make amends: http://bit.ly/2cZKN1g

[brave_heart_verity]

That's very likely true. But people can ride a wave of adrenaline through all sorts of circumstances only to collapse when they're finally safe. And there's the very real chance he could already be dead, but she hasn't figured out a polite way to ask that yet, so a more roundabout questioning of how one is feeling will have to suffice to prompt a little self-reflection. At least, until she figures out a better way to handle these things.

Verity watches his pantomime of sunglasses with amusement before adjusting her glasses. "Sunglasses. Or shades, yeah, we have those too. I'm sure we can find you another pair you'll like."

They could get him all sorts of plastic things. Even plastic clothes. But they've reached The Harp of the Stars and food is more of a priority right now, she's guessing. Don't worry, none of the food is plastic. It's a nice little fusion French-Torilian cafe where everything smells good and most of it even looks like food. The patio seating is charming with its little tables and view of the parklands, but she opts for a table inside and sinks into one of the leather seats with the ease of a regular. "How long has it been since you've eaten?"

The waiter, who might be a centaur of some goaty kind, brings Jalan a menu and Verity a greeting. Yup, definitely a regular.

looks just like him!

[theredprince]

He looked visibly brightened when she mentioned shades were, in fact, available. Truly the best news he's heard in... a very long time. To be honest he couldn't remember when the last time was that someone actually told him something to be excited about. Of course he was significantly more excited about the prospect of getting something to eat.

"How long?" he echoed as he slid into the seat opposite her. He looked worried, like he hadn't really thought about the question until she asked, "Since before I walked through the door to Hel. That's where I was moments before I stumbled into you. You can't eat anything there or you'll never be able to leave again. And time... it passes oddly there."

He couldn't suppress a shudder as he accepted the menu from the waiter (and tried not to gawk)

[brave_heart_verity]

He should be careful with that, she doesn't have her sunglasses on! (Bad jokes are the best jokes.) Still, the excitement is cute. She easily grows fond of cute things. Poor boy has no idea what he's in for. With her, or with the meal. Maybe she'll be nice and not order anything too weird.

"Let's assume it's been a while." Her eyes narrow slightly at his shuddering, because rude, but she's got a smile--for the waiter, when she turns to him. "A cup of bone broth for him while he decides, and an akhaccino for me, please." There's a little teasing from the waiter about her going so easy on this one, which gets a smirk aimed at his departing back.

Jalan's still getting to make some decisions, so he shouldn't complain. The menu is varied and extensive, so his problem is less likely to be finding something that sounds good and more that he has to narrow it down to what he can conceivably eat in this sitting. He can take his time, Verity looks content to people-watch while she waits. Her eyes dart through the crowd at regular intervals, expecting something but never surprised it isn't there.