video;

[wendigoner]

[ It's Hannah's network debut! The teen looks cheerful enough, for a person trapped in a monster-infested cave nightmare, standing in front of one of her city-decoration projects. ]

Does it work? I know everyone hates when people hit "reply to all" on e-mail, but I haven't really used this thing yet, and I thought I should introduce myself to everyone. We're all stuck here, so... better to have names to go with the faces, right?

[ Hannah, no, this isn't an online college course. ]

My name's Hannah - Hannah Washington. My brother Josh is here, too, and... I'm from the same place as Chris, Ashley, and Emily, if you've met them.

[ She isn't exactly sure how long her friends have been in Hadriel, but it's been longer than her own one-month period for sure. ]

Um - So, I got some cookies for painting, I guess. From Hope, maybe? Are they safe to eat? I know that the "gods" aren't all the same in how bad they are, but if there's any chance of them being risky, maybe it'd be better to throw them away.

[ Hannah pauses, tucking some hair behind her ear. Behind her, occasionally visible, are paintings of butterflies on the walls. ]

Any tips for a cave-city newbie?

Comments

[voice]

[wendigoner]

Oh. [ beat ] I didn't know.

[ Should she apologize? Instead of focusing on the mild awkwardness, she presses: ]

So, they're like... sacred ground. [ She does know some stuff from horror movies. ] Why don't we just stay there all the time, then?

[voice]

[synthedick]

Most people seem to avoid them because while you're in one, you can feel the gods' influence. Emotions that aren't yours.

[voice]

[wendigoner]

[ Hannah frowns. That doesn't sound good.

But, then: ] Wouldn't it be nice to feel hopeful all the time? Or even delighted?

[voice]

[synthedick]

You like being told how to feel? Or made to feel that way against your will?

[voice]

[wendigoner]

[ She thinks about it, still frowning, considering-- ]

... I guess not. It sounds creepy when you put it that way.

[voice]

[synthedick]

Just trying to help you see why most folks aren't keen the idea.

[voice]

[wendigoner]

No, I... appreciate it. You're right.

[ Ultimately, she doesn't want to be controlled, even if she would think she was actually happy - or, hopeful. ]

[voice]

[synthedick]

You just be careful out there.

[And since it seems other folks got the rest of her answers covered, he lets her go for now.]