voice testing! ohh my childhood...

[makingwaves]

I know you're unsure about this, Mundane, but I think it's fantastic! There's so much I'll be able to do now, I don't even know where to start.

Actually, I have a couple of ideas. First, what is this thing you're using to write me with? It...it has it's own source of light. And it plays music? That's incredible!

And look, you have one of those hairy animals too! It's smaller than Max, but he's so soft.

What other things can we do? There are so many people on this magic box to talk to! Oh, there's no way I can just float around during all this. We have places to go, Mundane, so let's get going!

Comments

[voice_seeker]

A....Ariel?

[makingwaves]

Eric!

I was hoping I'd find you here too!

[voice_seeker]

[Eric is still a little too stunned to answer...he'd JUST been talking to Rapunzel about wanting to find Ariel on Dear_Mun, and now here she is!]

[Max is a different matter, though. Barking joyfully, he runs and jumps at Ariel, licking her face like crazy.]

[makingwaves]

[ That just proves that this box is even more magical than she originally thought!

Of course, what better way to be greeted than dog slobber? She's having a hard time thinking of one. Ariel laughs, taking the onslaught of doggy kisses, and manages to get in a few pets of her own. ]

It's nice to see you again too, Max. He really doesn't go anywhere without you, huh?

[voice_seeker]

[Eric finally finds his voice.]

I'm so glad you're here, Ariel! I've really missed you.

[Max steps aside, panting happily, as Eric gives Ariel a gentle hug.]

[makingwaves]

[ Oh, don't you think we're beyond gentle hugs by now? Because the one she gives in return is a doozy. ]

I've missed you too, Eric. You've been here the whole time?

[voice_seeker]

[Eric is a little surprised...Ariel's arm strength is stronger than it looks! But he just smiles and replies as he and she pull out of the hug.]

Not exactly...I'm here, but I'm also registered in a game called The Wake, which takes place in an amazing city called Nautilus.

[alwaystraveling]

That's an oddly positive attitude to being taken out of your world. I don't think it's bad, though.

[makingwaves]

[ She beams up at him before tucking the long tresses of her hair behind her ear (it always seems to get everywhere). ]

The Wake...Nautilus? What's that like?

[makingwaves]

You think so? I guess I just like the idea that I might get to see something new!

[voice_seeker]

It's amazing! There are forests and beaches and volcanoes and other neat places, and all sorts of interesting people living in the city! I've made quite a few friends there. There can be danger and scary stuff sometimes, but it's worth it.

[makingwaves]

Oh wow, that does sound fantastic! It must be an enormous place to have so many different things like that... [ A pause. ] Eric, what's a volcano?

[voice_seeker]

It's....kind of like a mountain that shoots out fire at the top. It's dangerous up-close, but from a safe distance looks really cool.

[makingwaves]

A mountain that shoots fire...! Oh Eric, you're so lucky to be able to see something like that! Where does the fire come from? Does it...what's the word--smoke too?

[alwaystraveling]

Usually people complain, and I was one of them. But I'm enjoying my time in the game, even with the bad things happening.

[voice_seeker]

The fire comes from inside the mountain, where it's in liquid form...like water! And yep, it smokes alot.

[makingwaves]

What sort of bad things?

[makingwaves]

A fire that's like water? That sounds almost impossible!

[alwaystraveling]

There was an monster invasion a little over a month ago that destroyed the city we were staying in. There also seems to still be a war brewing, and quite a few of the people of the city we fled to seem to blame us.

And, the more ordinary features of this world, which include showing people your dreams and sometimes putting you in other people's dreams.

[voice_seeker]

Well, it's possible, trust me.

Oh Ariel, I really wish you could come to Nautilus and see everything for yourself with me.

[makingwaves]

Oh my gosh. Oh my gosh. That sounds terrible! I mean, the wars and destruction. A monster invasion...you're very brave for making it through all of that.

[makingwaves]

I do too! It seems like such a magical place...And exploring this new world would be much better with you.

[alwaystraveling]

Thank you. There wasn't really any choice about making it through.