She has no idea what her mun's tastes in games are. (Canon is Argento Soma.)

[tophattie]

I know we're not going anywhere yet, but we are going, right? To some place nice? I… I know it won't be the land of the elves. [She smiles through the sadness of that truth.] And Mr. Elf and Walton can come too, can't they?

[Hattie's practically bouncing on her toes until she ponders the possibility that she won't have the big elf or her dog there with her. She settles down and grabs for the crude wooden pendant hanging round her neck.]

I don't think I want to go if they can't. It wouldn't be right. [She wouldn't be safe without them.] Would any of the others be there? …Maybe it'll be okay if Sue's there. But….

[Not so much enthusiasm now.]

I don't want to go if I'll be alone.

Comments

[unlmtdpotential]

Even if you don't go anywhere, you won't have to be alone. There are a lot of nice people in this place, and many easily make friends. I think it would be the same for you, too.

[tophattie]

[But Hattie doesn't much care for strangers. And this whole place is full of them.]

I… don't know…

[unlmtdpotential]

[X's smile softens.] I know it can be scary in a new place, with all new faces.

[He extends a gloved hand. Maybe an offering of friendship will help cheer her up.] My name is X. Let's not be strangers, okay?

[tophattie]

[That's a strange name for a person to have. But he's a strange-looking person – even more than the FUNERAL soldiers. He wears such bright colours, and while he has that normal face, there's that big eye in the middle of his forehead. And his big bulky limbs.

He's a little bit like Mr. Elf that way, and that makes all the difference. Though she's shy about reaching for his hand, she smiles.]

It's very nice to meet you, Mr. X.

[unlmtdpotential]

[X smiles wider and gently takes her delicate hand in his own and slowly shakes it up and down a few times. The girl's eyes are so bright and clear, free from corruption, that he's almost amazed. Just where did she come from?]

It's very nice to meet you, too. You don't have to be so formal, just plain old X is fine.

[tophattie]

[Her grandpa did a good job of sheltering her from the cruelties of the world.

Maybe too good a job.]

Oh. [But she's supposed to be polite!] If it's okay with you. And I'm Harriet… but you can call me Hattie. [As good a curtsy as she can manage with X still holding her hand. You curtsy to elves, after all!]

[unlmtdpotential]

[X can't help a small chuckle at the charming curtsy, and even blushes a little. In his mind he hasn't done anything to warrant that kind of respect, but it's awfully sweet of the girl. He can't help but bow in return.]

Where are you from, Hattie?

[coveredinrust]

It wouldn't be safe either way, with friends or without.

[tophattie]

That's – that's not true. It's always safe with Mr. Elf.

[coveredinrust]

Not with the mundanes involved. Do you really believe one of us could have more power over things than one of them?

[tophattie]

But Mr. Elf always comes to save me…

[There's nothing and no-one in her world stronger than he is. This all makes the mundane sound horrible and terrifying rather than helpful and friendly.]

[coveredinrust]

That's nice. I wish him the best of luck with that.

[her tone is completely flat. this girl seems nice, too. what a shame.]

[tophattie]

Oh, thank you! I'll be sure to tell him!

[She can generally tell if someone means her ill, but she's thunderously oblivious to sarcasm.]

[coveredinrust]

[... somehow, Sabitsuki manages not to facepalm. it's some kind of miracle. instead, she folds her arms across her narrow chest, surveying the other girl quietly.]

You have to be new around here.

[tophattie]

Well – yes.

[The stranger, for being a stranger, seems nice enough a person, but that doesn't sound like a particularly nice question.]

[coveredinrust]

Then I'll give you a warning: the favorite hobby of the mundanes is to toss us into the worst situation they can possibly find and then watch it play out. It may not happen immediately-- it could even be months. But it will happen.

I hope your friend really is as strong as you think, for your sake.

[tophattie]

That's horrible! Why would they do that?

[coveredinrust]

Because it's entertaining for them.

[tophattie]

That's… that's awful!

[coveredinrust]

It isn't that unusual.