[if april showers bring may flowers, then july showers bring. . .?]

[sevenhorrorsmods]

Who: everyone!
When: July 31st throughout the day
Where: outside, but also wherever you want to be!
What: a general all-purpose mingle with flavor
Warnings: nada

[Today, for the first time since your arrival, dark and angry clouds gather in the sky above to block out the sun. It is sweltering outside, so when those clouds eventually open up in the early afternoon, showering everyone with cool rain, rolling thunder, and a few flashes of lightning. . . it probably feels good!]

[It seems to be normal rain, for the most part. Look at it from the wrong angle and some if it may seem to be tinted red, like blood. And sometimes, when a drop spatters against the ground, a spider lily suddenly blossoms in its place. The flower dies almost immediately upon springing to life, its petals dissolving into dust that is quickly washed away by the rest of the water]

[dwbi]

[. . . things have been awfully quiet since your arrival. It feels almost a bit like the calm before the storm, doesn't it? Are you still waiting for that other shoe to drop. . .?]

[What else are you up to today!]

Comments

[ratiocinations]

Oh? But more information is still better than none. Let’s hear it, dear fellow.

[presgarddihellis]

The stars are consistent with a 21st century Earth. Northern hemisphere.

[ratiocinations]

I see.

In that case, you’re right. It neither confirms nor denies much of anything, though it does set the stage as something more familiar for people like us.

[presgarddihellis]

As long as one is open to the idea of magic and myths and legends and haunted tales are now plausible and very real, yes.

[ratiocinations]

Unfortunately, given the state of things, I fear we have little choice but to make room for the unaccountable.

[presgarddihellis]

Fortunately, I am already an expert in this area.

[ratiocinations]

And that is a credit to you, Mr Smith! Tell me, how do you feel about this nighttime discovery of yours?

[presgarddihellis]

... I'm admdittedly a feeling both overwhelmed and a bit at a loss.

[ratiocinations]

And why is that? Were you hoping for a different answer?

[presgarddihellis]

I'm not sure what I was hoping for.

I... suppose I was of two minds of it.

[ratiocinations]

[Hm.]

Please, I am all ears if you wish to discuss it. After all- [Motions at the rain splattering outside.] -this is a fine backdrop for serious discussion.

[presgarddihellis]

[watching a spider lily sprout up and wither away just as fast]

... I won't deny I'm someone who's been greatly homesick for my original world and time, so there is that simple wish.

But... if this is real, then I'm just a stone's throw away from home, and that's... extremely upsetting in its own way.

[ratiocinations]

[He can understand that, too. How would he feel, perhaps, if there was evidence that this place might be a few hours' ride from, say, London?]

...I suppose it makes for a cruel tease. But I need remind you that even if the stars dictate that this is Earth, it may be only one... strange, strange version of it.

[presgarddihellis]

That is one fact I am trying my best to keep in mind.

Being on an Earth does not, necessarily, mean my Earth.

[ratiocinations]

Quite.

Your Earth is likely not mine, nor is the Earth of a Mancunian classmate of mine, nor is the Earth of a man with a fondness for coffee on another team. For as mystifying as the concept can be, take heart in knowing you are not alone in being farther from home than the stars would imply.

[Somehow, if one can twist that into a comfort.]

[presgarddihellis]

[a certain Fool is actually the best candidate for twisting such facts into a comfort.

he even gives a small laugh, seeming surprised.]

In fact, it does help a little knowing that.

There are enough things only I have a singular experience in, so... that there is something that's a commonality... it does help.

[ratiocinations]

[Huffs, amused.]

No doubt that's a trend you can break sooner or later. You have seen the group we're stuck with?

[buncha weirdos!]

[presgarddihellis]

True.

But there are some things I would not wish even on my worst enemies.

[ratiocinations]

We all have such instances filed away in the darkest corners of our lives, I'm sure.

[He shrugs a shoulder and actually... sits down, just right here, pulling his legs up just to look at the rain coming down. His fingers itch for a cigarette, but he is being good and not wasting his limited supply.]

I only mean to say that despite the secrets you cannot share, there is likely an array of other traits that those here would understand and empathize with.

[presgarddihellis]

... I will say. Having a gentleman such as yourself here is also a relief. I'm not sure how well I would do without a reminder of my other hometown as well.

[amused at himself for this, really. Victorian gentleman keeping him grounded in the Loen Kingdom hometown feels. how nice.]

I doubt many others would necessarily understand certain experiences from there. And even if you can't completely relate... you're at least knowledgeable of them.

[ratiocinations]

Oh, I try to make myself as knowledgeable about London as possible — I have all its streets and shops memorized by now, unless something has changed between then and now.

[As knowledgeable as it pertains to his work, anyway.]

But if they are as similar as you say, then yes. I can relate, at least in the way that only a native can.

[presgarddihellis]

I've never been to London, but... I think Backlund would strongly remind you of it.

[ratiocinations]

Truly? Why don't you tell me a bit about it.

[presgarddihellis]

[... time to join a man in sitting at a shabby school entryway.]

Let's see... of course, the East Borough is rather large and poor. Squalor and crime running rampant... though... in recent years, it has gotten better. Though that is mostly because the upper classes' hands were forced after a certain disastrous event cost the lives of tens of thousands.

[says it oh so mildly, but quickly continuing,]

It's a port city, so there are many people from many places. Foods and enterprises from different regions. The nobility lives more on the west and north ends, of course, away from the industries.

Ah, the weather... it rains quite a bit. And rarely dips into freezing temperatures, though that does not keep one warm in the winter. Many middle and upper class take their holidays at Desi Bay for the warmer weather. But others also venture out to the countrysides.

... there's a neighboring city, Tingen. It's known for its universities. I'm actually--or, at least, in that life I am--from there and attended university there.

[ratiocinations]

[This is fine, it's comfortable down here.]

Already, there are differences and similarities alike. The weather sounds the same. [Hmphs!] And you have your own Cheapsides and Mayfairs, too, the residents of either never intermingling.

Though, what was this "disastrous event" you mentioned?