with the river's flow (open)

[unerasable]

Characters: Alphonse and whoever!
Content: This place just took in an alchemist, and it's a lot to take in.
Location: The fountain in Traverse Town, Fourth District
Time: Morning-ish
Warnings: None for now!

[At some point early in the day, there's a sudden crackling burst of blue light - and then, without further fanfare, a large key nestled in a hollow in the cobblestones that wasn't there a minute ago.

It's perfectly formed; the only giveaway that he didn't just find this thing is a couple of very, very tiny rectangular cracks along the side, and that's if you know what you're looking for. Still, that doesn't stop the nearby kid in the red duster from looking a shade disappointed as he picks it up. Sure, it's about the right size to fit the keyhole he remembers, but what's he going to do with it, stick it under his head the next time he takes a nap and hope that if he happens to dream the same thing again he'll be lucid enough to carry it in with him? Geez. He'd been hoping he was done with dreams like these.

Then again, the way that bat-winged cat thing had put it, maybe it won't be too much longer. He has to get his bearings first, though, and he won't make much progress there if he just sits by the water for the rest of the day. He can practically hear that in his brother's voice already, even awake.]

...I think we've both got a lot to get used to.

[The Meow Wow beside him tilts its head sympathetically.

Then, without warning, it springs up and snatches the key out of his gloved hand.]

H-Hey! [Al scrambles to his feet so quickly he almost trips on his own coat.] Look out - don't -

[He's too late. The Meow Wow collides head-on with whoever was in its path and bounces helplessly away, losing its grip on the key, which clatters some distance across the cobblestones.

Al hurries over to help it right itself before looking up.] Are you okay? I'm really sorry!

Comments

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[ The pricklemane - for that is indeed what its fellow spirit collided with - chirred in surprise, bounced back in turn by the impact and eyes spinning a little for the force involved. After a moment of dizziness, the critter shook its head, then wriggled its ears at Al's question. Oh, no, it was quite okay!

Across the cobbles, someone else stepped forwards and ducked down, hand scooping up the abandoned key. Turning it over on her palm curiously, the tall grey-haired human woman turned her gaze and faint frown to the young boy. ]

I think this belongs to you.

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That's right. [He holds a gloved hand out for it, the circular pattern on the palm clearly visible, as he sizes the lady up. Something about the look in her eye makes him wonder if she took it personally...] Sorry, I just wasn't paying attention. I'll have to be more careful.

[Completely unperturbed, the Meow Wow skips back over to the Pricklemane and attempts to nudge it in the side with its nose.]

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[The circle design was certainly interesting, but did not appear familiar to Lin; it was noted and filed away for later, but not commented on. The key was placed dead center on the boy's palm, before Lin's hand dropped to her side, coming to rest behind her back.]

Not a problem. My pricklemane should have been a little quicker on his feet, but no harm seems to have been done.

[Her head canted slightly to the right.] A recent arrival, I take it?

wow I tense failed there

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Mm. [He nodded, still a little nervous.] To tell you the truth, I just woke up here... [His fingers quickly curled around the key.] But it sounds like people must be used to that kind of thing in a place like this.

s'all good, i flipflop terribly X)

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[That new, huh. The expression doesn't soften, but the sharp edges fade into neutrality.]

It's unnerving for all of us, no matter how well or poorly the moogles explain it. You've made your dream eater. [Meow wows were pretty reliable as companions went, even when up to mischief.] They'll be a good companion to you for as long as you're stuck here.

[Her hands remained clasped behind her back.] The First District is relatively free of nightmares, but I recommend going to the hotel. The moogles offer board there, and it is safe.

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[Safe... He tilted his head slightly.] What about the rest of the town?

[Meanwhile, the Meow Wow, apparently bored of harassing the Pricklemane, took a step back and began to critically size up Lin's feet.]

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When you are outside, you're more likely to encounter a nightmare - darker spirits, aggressively inclined and usually in groups.

Certain districts have areas where they exist in a greater concentration than others. This-- [she gestures to the First District] --has them occasionally, but you'll find it helps to keep your spirit close to you, especially if you're not versed in combat.

[ He's young, but there are other kids here, and Tenzin's kids had been competent. Still, her head does tip to one side: can you fight, kid?

The meow wow can eye her steel boots all he likes. He just better not get any ideas. ]