001; the most optimistic newb you will ever meet. (video; open)

[assumedposition]

[ There's a boy on your video feed. Or more accurately: an intense close-up of his face, like he's inspecting it without realising it's turned on. But then before you know it, he leans back with an excited victory whoop. ]

Whoa! I got it working!

[ Now you can see more of him: he doesn't look to be any older than sixteen, but he's dressed in what are unmistakably fine clothes-- a collared shirt, a cravat, a jacket, etc. Even the patterned material is obviously opulent. ]

Man, these things are really ancient... --oh. Sorry. Talking to myself. Where are my manners? I'm Albert...

[ He trails off quite suddenly, as if he were about to say something else after his first name, but then thought the better of it. It's also noticeable that he pronounces it in the French way, "Al-bear", without the t. ]

Anyway! I'm making this video because I was hoping one of the kind citizens of this place could direct me in the way of food! French cuisine is preferred, but I'm not particularly picky. Hunger is the greatest sauce, or something like that.

Although-- now that I think about it, I don't... actually have any money? Oh, goodness. That was silly of me. I'm sorry, maybe just forget the whole thing.

[ He has the decency to look slightly sheepish. ]

In any case, since I'm under the impression that we're all sort of in this place together until we can manufacture an escape plan, I'm looking forward to the opportunity to meet everyone soon. I hope we'll be good friends!

Comments

[twitterpate]

"Latin is a dead language," or that's what we've been trying to tell the nuns at schools, anyway.

Mind you, none of that is important now, yeah? You do sound posh as hell, though.

[assumedposition]

[ Looking away awkwardly... ]

Ah. Do I?

[twitterpate]

[Your face is on the communicator, Albert. There's no escaping.] Fancy schooling and all these languages. Next thing you'll tell me you holidayed all over the Riviera just for the fun of it.

[assumedposition]

[ WELL HE PROBABLY DID BUT HE ISN'T GOING TO SAY THAT NOW. As it is, his face goes quite red. ]

N-No!

[twitterpate]

Why not? There's no shame in being rich. [She shrugs a matter of factly.] As long as you're not a git about it.

[assumedposition]

[ A slump and a sigh. ]

I'm so bad at this...

[twitterpate]

[A-Aww...]

Oh, love. You're not a git.

Just so you know.

[assumedposition]

[ Laughs in spite of himself ]

I-- thanks? That's good to know! It's not quite what I meant, though...

[twitterpate]

You looked a tad worried over there.

[assumedposition]

Well, it's just--

It's true, my family used to have a lot of money. But... not anymore. So lately I've been trying to live life like a normal person, just... I don't think I'm very good at it yet.

[twitterpate]

That's braver than having to deal with too much money when you never had any.

[assumedposition]

I don't know, I don't feel particularly brave. Mostly I just miss good food.

[twitterpate]

You and me both, Albert. I wouldn't say no to a big fat steak right now.

[assumedposition]

I've heard there's some food to be found here in the kitchens. Do you happen to know how to cook at all?

[twitterpate]

I'll just pretend I didn't hear you questioning that, but I'll have you know that I have so much cooking prowess in me I'm probably suffering from kitchen related PTSD without all of the Gordon Ramsey involvement bit.

[assumedposition]

I have no idea what that last bit means, but good! Would you mind terribly, showing me how it's done?

I'm afraid I have to admit I hardly know a saucepan from a spatula.

[twitterpate]

Most men wouldn't, unless you're Gordon Ramsey.

I'll make a chef out of you yet.

[assumedposition]

Great! Thank you. You're a lifesaver.