First Entrance.

[seelightbelight]

[With a rebooted Xamot and Tomax.]


Seeing people handcuffed together and looking unhappy about their situation was not what the pair of twin brothers standing in the doorway expected to see when they enter Milliways for the first time.

Actually, Milliways was not what they were expecting to see when they went through the door.

"What sort of establishment is this?" asks the twin with the scar on his face.

"One run by law enforcement?" replies the scarless twin.

"I do not think it is, Tomax. Look. No officers of law."

"They could be plain clothes, Xamot."

"Then I suggest—"

"—That we watch our steps, and our backs."

"Agreed."

Comments

[dont_mention_the_tips]

"What if I told you it wasn't any of whatever you guys think it is," says a part Elf sitting by the door with a quizzical expression.

[seelightbelight]

"Ah. I am at ease then," Xamot says with a serene tone, while Tomax casts about, studying the interior, before adding,

"But where are we, and how have we come to be here?"

[dont_mention_the_tips]

"The bar tends to hijack doors," explains the young man with a shrug, "Yeah, I am not sure what's up with the handcuffs though."

[seelightbelight]

"Hijack doors. An interesting concept," muses Xamot.

Okay then. But as far as the handcuffs go...

"Are the handcuffs a new way to maintain order in this tavern?" ponders Tomax.

[dont_mention_the_tips]

"I have a feeling they are more of a way to promote chaos," says Wil wryly.

[seelightbelight]

"Then we shall do whatever is necessary—"

"—To keep from becoming a part of this chaos."

[dont_mention_the_tips]

That thing they are doing with the sentences is creeping Wil out a little.

"So, where are you guys from?"

[seelightbelight]

You have no idea how far the weird goes.

"Originally? Or currently?" asks Xamot.

"Originally: Corsica. Currently: America," Tomax answers before Wil can get a word in.

[dont_mention_the_tips]

"Yeah, I have no idea where those place are," says Wil, "I'm from The Four Lands. Oh, I'm Wil Ohmsford."

[seelightbelight]

The two are silent for a moment, but only outwardly. Inwardly they are not.

If he does not know what these lands are—

—Then somehow we are not in these lands either.

Possible explanation?

Many. Let us inquire as to the nature of where we are.

"I am Xamot Paoli," indicates the twin with the scar.

"And I am his brother, Tomax," adds the one without, who then adds, "Where are these 'Four Lands'?"

[dont_mention_the_tips]

"That's hard to explain," said Wil, "Well, kinda. You see that is my world, or part of my world, you know. I come from the South Land... You know this is an entirely different world, don't you?"

[seelightbelight]

As Dorothy would say—

—"We are not in Kansas any more".

"No, we do not," they chime together.

[dont_mention_the_tips]

"Well, then welcome to Milliways the Bar at the End of the Universe," says Wil with a slight smile, "It gets a little crazy here sometimes."

[seelightbelight]

"End of the universe, you say?" Tomax.

"A little crazy?" Xamot.

"Tell us more."

Knowing is half the battle, or something.

[dont_mention_the_tips]

"Well, I've been coming here for like six months my time," he starts, "And it's only been about a month here. Time gets strange here. Like, when I am here time stops on the other side of the door. Then there are the evil bunnies out back. Weird little buggers. Oh and this stuff."

[seelightbelight]

"So if we were to spend a week here?"

"No time will pass?"

They rub their chins thoughtfully.

Imagine all the work that could get done when you can alter the flow of time!

[dont_mention_the_tips]

Wil shrugs, "Maybe. Open your door to find out."

[seelightbelight]

"I will conduct this experiment, Tomax," Xamot says, as the two synch watches.

Really nice watches.

"I shall be back in no time, for you, if Wil is correct."

[dont_mention_the_tips]

Wil watches the exchange, "All you really need to do is open the door."

[seelightbelight]

While Tomax waits, Xamot opens the door and steps out—

—for what feels like only three seconds—

—before the door opens again, admitting Xamot.

"What time do you have?" inquires Tomax.

"Approximately fifteen minutes. I intended five minutes, but no matter. Our friend here speaks truly."

[dont_mention_the_tips]

"Huh," says Will, "I usually just look out my door."

[seelightbelight]

Xamot gives a one-shoulder shrug. "Nevertheless..."

"What else do you have to tell us about this most unusual place?"

[dont_mention_the_tips]

"Uh... yeah there are some rules," says Wil, "You should ask one of the rats for a pamphlet."

[seelightbelight]

"Pamphlet?"

"Rats?"

Ew, but sure enough, there are rats scurrying about, now that they've noticed.

"Rat?"

"One of these pamphlets... Please?"

And don't touch their robes!

[dont_mention_the_tips]

"Yeah, they are strange aren't they?"

Wil stops the same rat and orders an ale, "And they are quite clean."

[seelightbelight]

Tomax gingerly takes the pamphlet from the rat, making sure not to touch it, no matter what anyone says.

"Well. In a tavern that bills itself as being at the end of the universe," sages Xamot, "What is strange?"

[dont_mention_the_tips]

"Depends on you I guess," said Wil pushing a piece of hair behind an ear.

[seelightbelight]

Xamot flashes an innocent, yet cryptic smile. The one he's used to win over their clients.

Tomax does not smile, though.

"The bar is a living thing?"

[dont_mention_the_tips]

"Oh yeah, and a lady," says Wil with a smile that hints at his naive and trusting nature.

"And she's kind of mischievous. I think she's responsible for the handcuffs."

[seelightbelight]

"May I see?" Xamot asks of his brother, who shows him the relevant entry.

Xamot, however, scans lower, to the section on magic and time.

We must be careful not to tip our hand too soon, Tomax, if they know about people with "our skills".

"Is she always up to mischief?" Xamot asks, still trying to come to terms that a bar can be a living thing.

[dont_mention_the_tips]

Wil shrugs, "So far she's only played one trick on me during a holiday."

[seelightbelight]

"So I'm reading," Tomax says neutrally.

"Now that we have read about it, it is time to see it," Xamot says, closing the pamphlet. "Perhaps you would be willing to guide us, friend?"

More of that innocent-cryptic smile.

It's almost persuasive.

Especially when both are smiling like that.

[dont_mention_the_tips]

"Sure," says Wil a little creeped out, "Why are you smiling like that? I feel like you are gonna try and bite my face off."

[seelightbelight]

"My goodness," Tomax says, all affronted now. "You make us sound like wolves."

"We are but simple men of peace and enlightenment," adds Xamot. "I do apologise if we have unnerved you."

[dont_mention_the_tips]

"Okay," says Wil, "Hey, this place is pretty cool."