NEWCOMER MINGLE
The breeze across the waters is cold, Norrhamn glowing like a bonfire with the reds and oranges of the trees. Autumn has truly arrived and Olivia, the administrator, has foregone summer dresses for warmer clothes. The ferry lands soft as always, letting off the small group of newcomers. Welcome to Norrhamn.
As is tradition, a welcome party is planned for later that night. A small fire pit has been set up in the community center garden and Ingvar is present to liven up the night with his accordion. The fika for the night is apple cake and hot chocolate — and if you know who to ask, you may be able to spike that chocolate with something stronger.
HOUSE GNOME MAYHEM
You're sure you had it a minute ago. The book you borrowed from the library, that trinket you brought from home, your favourite shirt, maybe even the keys to your cabin — whatever it is, it was there and now it's gone without a trace. Weird, huh? To make matters worse, whoever manned the community center kitchen has also disappeared, leaving the guests to fend for themselves with whatever they can find in the fridge.
Those who investigate this odd string of thefts - if that's what they are - may hear footsteps, see movement out of the corner of their eye, smell tobacco smoke or hear a faint, gruff chuckle without being able to place where it's coming from. Stranger and stranger...
[Well, if they weren't stolen, he doesn't know what to call it. So he tilts his head in a sort of shrug.]
It sounds that way, though I wouldn't know. I have had nothing taken from me, but have nothing of interest to take. I will be sure to keep watch for your doll, if you would like. [It hadn't been comfortable even offering that much. Even if he found the doll, what was he to do with it? How would he know where to send it?]
[He had half expected her not to tell him, just to give some excuse and walk away. But she doesn't. He doesn't feel particularly inclined to continue the conversation, but she's the first person he has met in this place he has spoken to beyond the receptionist.]
[Not that it bothers him to be left alone. Now, he's just curious.]
Sentimental value, then. [He knew of the concept, but had very little to compare to her experience. At least, in the way of inanimate objects. He wondered about relating a little.] I do hope you find it. Something like that should be irreplaceable and whoever has taken it punished severely.
[ Although she was object of scorn and mockery by other people for her scars, Hanako bears no ill will towards people. Even if the thieves took away her doll, she's only hard pressed about taking it back even if it means letting the culprits go.
The stranger's words are still kind, and she's not at all arguing his point. She nods meekly, clutching her chest some more and casting her visible eye downwards. ]
I hope so, too. I can hardly believe someone would be so cruel, there must be a reason why they did it... but I'll get my doll back, some way or another.
[Admittedly, he doesn't know what form of law and order this island has, but he can only assume some form of justice exists. It would be utter chaos here if not, and as far as he sees, it hasn't been. Until this incident.]
Indeed. [A light nod.] There must be security in this place. I suppose you must have reported the theft by now. Have they had any suggestion or been of any help?
N-... Nothing much. I was just told to report immediately if I see anything off, and they will give me updates as soon as possible. But I can't sit idly... I need my doll back.
[ Having such an attachment to a gift isn't healthy, but to have it taken away so suddenly... it hit her quite badly. ]
[He tilts his head, for once irritated to hear it. If someone wanted, they could destroy this place, and what would security do? What could they do? Even at a vacation resort such as this.]
How very lazy of them. Is it any wonder items have gone missing?
[There's a soft sigh as he looks back at the girl again, but it doesn't seem there's anything that he can do for her.] I do wish I could be of more assistance.
[ Hanako could come up with justifications as to why they can't do a lot in this case. Life in Norrhamn has been mostly peaceful up to last week's odd incident with the talking horse, and she's not blaming them if they were caught unprepared.
Then again, because she's in a slight case of emotional overdrive at the moment, she will not mention it. She shouldn't be the one seeking her stolen property out, but alas... ]
I appreciate it, mister, t-truly. [ A small nod. ] I don't think it's lost forever. This is a rather small island, s-so... it's only a matter of searching harder, I do think.
sorry, I'm having a hard time trying to figure out what to do ;3;
[Whatever the case might be, however things had happened, it looked like not all was as promised on the brochure. It didn't surprise him. Nothing was ever truly as it seemed.]
I should hope not. Otherwise who will want to come here if the stories they hear are less than favorable?
it's fine, we can end it here and thread more in the future~
[ An unsure nod. It would be crushing to her if this whole vacation business turned out to be a scam, as much as she liked being here so far.
With that, she also gives the man a bow. ]
Again, sir, thank you very much for the support. I feel a little b-better now.
[ Raising her head, she sheepishly adds: ] I'm going to go looking around some more then. And, um... if you ever need anything and need to track me, m-my name is Hanako... and like I said, I live in the Moose cabin.
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[ It's the only conclusion she can reach, after hearing that. Fingers curl as she clutches the front of her shirt with her scarred hand. ]
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It sounds that way, though I wouldn't know. I have had nothing taken from me, but have nothing of interest to take. I will be sure to keep watch for your doll, if you would like. [It hadn't been comfortable even offering that much. Even if he found the doll, what was he to do with it? How would he know where to send it?]
Where should I leave it if I should find it?
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[ For once there's a lilt to her voice, not submissive as usual, her visible eye brightening a bit from hope. ]
Bring it to the Moose Cabin. I-If you see a man called Jack instead of me, give it to him. He's my roomate.
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Then if I see it, I shall. If I may ask, what significance is it to you?
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It was a birthday gift from someone from back home I dearly cared for. That's why I really need it back.
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[Not that it bothers him to be left alone. Now, he's just curious.]
Sentimental value, then. [He knew of the concept, but had very little to compare to her experience. At least, in the way of inanimate objects. He wondered about relating a little.] I do hope you find it. Something like that should be irreplaceable and whoever has taken it punished severely.
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The stranger's words are still kind, and she's not at all arguing his point. She nods meekly, clutching her chest some more and casting her visible eye downwards. ]
I hope so, too. I can hardly believe someone would be so cruel, there must be a reason why they did it... but I'll get my doll back, some way or another.
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Indeed. [A light nod.] There must be security in this place. I suppose you must have reported the theft by now. Have they had any suggestion or been of any help?
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N-... Nothing much. I was just told to report immediately if I see anything off, and they will give me updates as soon as possible. But I can't sit idly... I need my doll back.
[ Having such an attachment to a gift isn't healthy, but to have it taken away so suddenly... it hit her quite badly. ]
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How very lazy of them. Is it any wonder items have gone missing?
[There's a soft sigh as he looks back at the girl again, but it doesn't seem there's anything that he can do for her.] I do wish I could be of more assistance.
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Then again, because she's in a slight case of emotional overdrive at the moment, she will not mention it. She shouldn't be the one seeking her stolen property out, but alas... ]
I appreciate it, mister, t-truly. [ A small nod. ] I don't think it's lost forever. This is a rather small island, s-so... it's only a matter of searching harder, I do think.
sorry, I'm having a hard time trying to figure out what to do ;3;
I should hope not. Otherwise who will want to come here if the stories they hear are less than favorable?
it's fine, we can end it here and thread more in the future~
With that, she also gives the man a bow. ]
Again, sir, thank you very much for the support. I feel a little b-better now.
[ Raising her head, she sheepishly adds: ] I'm going to go looking around some more then. And, um... if you ever need anything and need to track me, m-my name is Hanako... and like I said, I live in the Moose cabin.
yey thanks!
You are kind. I will keep that in mind while I am here.
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[ Hanako stutters one last time, and then takes a hushed leave. ]
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