paradisa | 001 {dictated}

Entry tags:

001 {dictated}

[Well, after having arrived a little while ago, North has kept a watchful eye on the communications of others, and he's got an idea of what he ought to be doing.

It's been a harrowing trip--mentally, at least--and he's still slightly confused by the situation. Last thing he knew, he wasn't conscious. And now he's been deposited in a place that's about as mysterious as it gets.

He stands in the lobby of the castle in full armor, book open, and decides to introduce himself. Voice muted by the helmet, he addresses the general populace.]

Don't stop me if you've heard this one before. This is North, and I'm less lost than I am confused. Anybody care to give a guy the grand tour?

[After which point he just shrugs at the damn thing and tucks it away in his armor. With a shake of his head, he takes off his helmet, and begins to wander the lobby.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Thanks for keeping up with her. I imagine she did, even if she wants to go off on me for ruining everything.

She's worried things will change between you two. [The focus of most of their conversations.]

See, I have this "big brother" thing that she'll never understand. Unless she changes something, I'm going to do what I've done for thirty-odd years.

Might want to remind her of that. [Which she's sure he's already done, but it wouldn't hurt to remind about it.] I'm glad to have you here, though.

Once she settles down, we'll talk. I think she just needs a minute to get over the shock.

[A pause.]

Thanks. Can I say I'm glad to be here?

[Carolina's tone brightens further.] Yeah, you are and you're not alone there. Most feel like this place is a second chance.

Definitely. I'm already wondering what surprises--pleasant and unpleasant--I'm in for. But it's better than nothing.

Looks like you came on the tail-end of a few unpleasant months. Things should be looking up.

Here's hoping. I've got some catching up to do, and I'm not entirely sure I want to do some of it. I walked into one hell of a mess, didn't I?

It always manages to get cleaned up by the time another one rolls in.

That much is good, then. I'm not looking forward to it, but I'm not worried. Should I be?

I don't know, honestly. South can be unpredictable.

Don't I know it. But I guess she'll have a calming influence now.

If you want help from any of us, you know how to reach us.

I know. I think I can handle her on my own, though, unless something's drastically changed.

Not that I know of. [Carolina nods silently.] But don't hesitate to contact us if things have.

You bet. She's not a bad kid, she just doesn't think sometimes.

Saw more of the not thinking back in the Project. [And when she got here. Carolina's not going to mention the flash-bang incident with the NOBLEs.]

If she's shaped up, more's the better.

She has. [That same confidence slides back into her voice, both in South and the team. They've gone through a hell of a lot together.]

I always knew she could.

You had the hard part. [Because, really, Carolina's not sure she could have done what he had his entire life.]

You know, if you do something difficult long enough, it gets easier.

[Carolina nods silently on her end.] I'll still see what I can do.

I appreciate it. And everything you've done while I wasn't here. Seriously, she's... Well, she's South.