what

[heartburning]

[There is a flash of bright, gaudy colors roughly ten feet in the air above one of the park's equally gaudy fountains, a downward blur, and then a loud splash and a yelp.

Evidently, people can arrive here at most any point in space. Also, the water in Heartland fountains is apparently quite cold.]

Comments

[edasich]

Not... particularly, no.

[ As if anyone'd even want to be entertained by something like him, anyway. ]

But you should know that.

[ He shifts on the fountain, blowing a few agitated sparks from his nose. ]

[heartburning]

Should I, now?

[He casts around him, trying to remember the directions to the nearest clothing store.

(but not forgetting about the dragon)

(the dragon who, at this point, is seeming much less like the IV he's seen)]

Do we know each other well?

[edasich]

[ Thomas shifts to actually sit down on top of the fountain, crossing one leg over the other, and curls his tail into his lap. ]

You could say that.

[ That and then some. ]

[heartburning]

[...suddenly he's a bit more intrigued.]

That well, hmm...?

[He leans in slightly, smiling.]

How very interesting.

[edasich]

But you don't seem to know me at all.

[ He tilts his head, raises an eyebrow. ]

So what are you? Some kinda weird fae copy, or...?

[heartburning]

...A copy?

[The notion doesn't seem to sit well with him, and he tuts.]

I assure you that I'm the genuine article, boy.

[edasich]

Then how come you don't know anything about me, hu~uh?

[heartburning]

[He grits his teeth for a moment. This boy certainly knows how to get under his skin, doesn't he?

Then he forces himself to smile.]

Different circumstances, I suppose.

Perhaps you should fill me in on yours?

[edasich]

Why would I tell you anything, when you're not Heartland?

[heartburning]

...excuse me.

[Huff.]

I think you'll find that I am exactly who I appear to be.

[edasich]

But if you were him, you'd know the things he does. Which you don't. So you're not him.

It's not difficult.

[heartburning]

...You are a very vexing boy.

[He doesn't let the actual extent of his irritation show through, of course.]

I may not be the one you know, but I am certainly not some kind of mimic.

[edasich]

...what does that even mean?

[ He tucks his wings in, leaning forward. ]

[heartburning]

Perhaps there are just two of us.

It would explain you, don't you think?

[edasich]

[ He contemplates it, ears twitching a little. ]

Like... other worlds?

[ Hadn't Byron done some research on that, or something? ]

[heartburning]

Something like that, yes.

[He adjusts his glasses, still flicking through cameras idly.]

Two entirely separate versions of oneself. It's an interesting situation, don't you think...?

[edasich]

Hmm.

[ Thomas contemplates Heartland for a few long moments, then spits a few sparks out in his general direction and turns to face the other way. ]

Well. If you're not the Heartland I know...

[ He shrugs a little and curls his tail. ]