quietmounds | (no subject)

(no subject)

WHAT IN PERSON, YA FOOLS
WHERE anywhere
WHEN Day 8, evening

[ it's beginning to be summer -- or something like that, sort of. late spring? the weather has been warming up is the point and in the twilight of, well, now, the fireflies have also come out.

twinkling little stars that are actually bugs. Rather, slightly larger than the normal firefly -- in fact, perhaps they seem more like will o' the wisp sized.

But still, a lovely summer. If you follow one they may lead you (crashing into) the path of someone else.

Or the lake.

Definitely also the lake. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ McGillis is careful; he tries to keep his face more neutral, as he doesn't have the benefit of a mask to cover it. he knows, too, that people have arrived from all sorts of times as well as places here -- so it's only safe to doublecheck. ]

This may sound strange ... But what do you last recall of me?

[ That is just weird enough, edging over "this has a small chance of being a dream" into "this is just weird."

But he's giving him a steady stare, his hands curling into fists. ]

I killed you.

[ there's a dry smile and he easily meets his gaze. ]

Then we line up, I see. I hadn't expected to see you again.

[ Why are you smiling?????????? ]

...you should know better by now.

[ Isn't it ironic, though. ]

[ there's just a lot of things occurring, okay, it's automatic for McGillis. at least the smile fades a bit then. ]

I suppose so. Even in death you've found me again.

[ At least he didn't mean to this time.

Which means he also has no idea what to do with this. You were dead under his hand like an hour ago?? ]

Where are your injuries?

[ there's a lift of his shoulders, his arms spreading wide as if to indicate his entirely being in one piece. ]

Gone entirely. It was a far more literal resurrection then your own was.

[ His hands are tightening into fists, which is a little comical because he's still holding an open bag of Cheetos. ]

How did you get so lucky?

[ he drops his hands, putting them behind his back, more composed but setting his lips. ]

That, I have no answer for. I certainly didn't choose to be here.

[ Things Gaelio should do: ask him where they are, how long he's been there.

Things Gaelio is not doing: either of those. ]

You... [ Actually, he's not sure what to do, so he's falling back on just being angry. ] I killed you!

Do you think I have forgotten that so soon? Gaelio.

[ it almost sounds as if he's chiding him, above those silly things like emotions. again he opens his arm wide. ]

You're free to try again here. But you won't succeed.

[ HE SAW THAT TINY BABY TEAR ON YOUR DEAD FACE YOU SHITLORD. ]

McGillis— [ He didn't think that far, actually. ] Don't give me another reason to.

[ sounds like FAKE NEWS Gaelio!! he laughs, short, humorless. ]

Then you'll allow my presence here for the moment?

[ He's making a sharp tch noise. ]

I don't know why you're alive, or why we're here. I've spent years waiting, before. I can do it again.

[ Really, it's just that he doesn't want to deal with killing a guy in public.

And not at all because of how McGillis managed to break his defenses. Nope. ]

[ sure. suuure.

he shrugs expansively, looking back towards town. ]

Regardless... As I've already told you, it'd be impossible to kill me no matter how long you waited, here. No one can die.

You weren't just being cocky?

I've been thoroughly convinced of my own mortality outside of this place, thank you.

[ ... that shouldn't make him feel a little bad. It should just be satisfying. ]

That's right. You've been given extra time, apparently, but my fate is still tied to you.

Is that what brought you here, I wonder ... ?

[ it's more musing out loud than anything. ]

I don't know the logic this place seems to operate on.

[ Gaelio is sure opting to ask someone else about the mechanics here. ]

If it was anything else, I'm not aware of it.

I've met others who can't recall how they arrived... so you're the same way.

[ he tips his head a bit, looking at him curiously. ]

Have you been told the basics of this place at all? Or did you just arrive?

[ He's got a semi-permanent scowl on his face, and now he's approaching.

And shoving the Cheetos at McGillis. He can't look pissy while holding them. ]

No. I was helpfully given these.

[ He doesn't sound very impressed.

But also, confused. ]

Ah.

[ he takes a second ... then takes the Cheetos?? was he being offered them? ]

I had sunglasses when I arrived. I'm not certain which I'd prefer.

I can tell you what I have been told, if you'd like.

[ and not like, tackle the circumstances of his death, or any of the revelations that came before that, that's not important. ]

[ sunglasses at least suit a char aznable... ]

Don't bother. I'm going to figure it out myself, and then drag you back home.

[ He's a strong Gali now.

Even if he cries and freaks out at the word friend. ]

[ there's a flicker of something -- like fondness, before he quickly looks back towards the town again. ]

I'd like to see you try that. But I've heard all paths out of here simply lead back to this town; it's as impossible to leave as it is to die.

This place seems determined to remain unchanging, beyond its new arrivals.