❧ Entry No.1

[avoirfaim]

[ Hannibal does not make himself known on the network right away. He instead explores, reading what he can and figuring out exactly where he is. Wonderland. He's not above believing in what was once thought impossible, so long all the evidence fits. God works in mysterious, cruel ways after all, and Hannibal takes it in stride. He takes a day to officially announce his arrival. Making a move on the board without knowing what game you’re playing is be naive at best, but more likely just plain stupid. His device is comfortable enough in his hand, like the familiar shape of his ipad, and he’s already scrolled through, until he found he understood the situation well enough. Only then, after learning what he could and checking his person suit in the mirror does he show himself. It’s a video, and Hannibal is the model of concerned professionalism. ]

Good evening, my name is Doctor Hannibal Lecter, and it seems that I’m what you might call a new arrival. I’ve combed through the archives and believe that I have a good understanding of the situation at hand. While I do find it terribly rude that I have been torn from my home without the courtesy of an invitation, one can hardly expect such a formality from any higher power.

[ Not that he considers himself to be lesser in any way, but it’s curious, and he keeps the thought to himself, as he does so many others. He then pauses for a moment with his tongue to the roof of his mouth, choosing his words, before continuing. ]

It seems that I’m not alone in being pulled from my world into this one, so I find myself somewhat obligated by my profession to provide you all with a warning. There is a man here now, another new arrival, by the name of Will Graham. While I do consider him to be a friend and a good man, he has a history of mental instability and is currently on trial for multiple murders. I would suggest exercising caution in his presence and referring to me should you have any questions or concerns.

[Do you see that waters of being genuinely concerned in his eyes? Good. ]

Comments

[avoirfaim]

[ He likes the look of her, reflecting back at him something he recognizes. The hollowness recognizes itself in others, when presented without shade. He presents shade though, even if he is pointedly meeting her eyes with his own. ]

It's entirely possible. More than possible, actually, but I have hope that perhaps we've missed something.

[becauseihaveto]

[Not a definitive yes or no. Abby notices but doesn't comment. There's no point. She's just going to have to see what her own instincts tell her about Will Graham.

As for Hannibal, there's something, something she can't quite put into words, that's there. Something that has her interested in the abject sort of way she's interested in other things most would find dangerous. There's no immediate threat to her but she recognizes it just the same.

She still doesn't show any emotion. Normally now would be the time when she'd offer some ghost of a smile but she doesn't. The conversation isn't appropriate and she doesn't really see the point in trying to pretend at niceties.]

Isn't he going to be angry that you've told all of us like this?

[avoirfaim]

He will be, but it will pass.

[ And he doesn't seem terribly upset about it. ]

I've done what I deemed necessarily on a moral and professional level, which has nothing to do with my feelings towards him as an individual.

[becauseihaveto]

[On a moral level.

Abby simply stares at him, seemingly unfazed, for several long seconds.]

Thank you for the warning. [But she's going to be her own judge, thanks.]

[avoirfaim]

You're welcome. I recommend that you heed it.

[ It seems that theirs is an interaction of constant eye contact that would frighten off a layman. He keeps on looking at her, into her, and he continues. He won't let her leave the conversation so easily, not yet. ]

I've given you my name, it would be rude of you not to share yours.

[becauseihaveto]

[The wonders of technology means that Abby can easily stop speaking to someone if she wants. She just has to turn the thing off and that's that.

Several centuries worth of practicing manners, however, keeps her from doing that in most circumstances. It stops her especially now, when her possible rudeness is put on display.]

I'm Abby.

[No last name is given. No other information is offered either. She pauses just long enough to draw a breath - or it would be, if she had need for such things.]

It's nice to meet you, Doctor.

[avoirfaim]

Abby. What a lovely name.

[ Short for Abigail he imagines. Fitting, and almost poetic if he's right about this one. He nods, his lips curling up into the slightest smile in the vein of reassurance. ]

And you. If you find yourself with any more questions, my door is always open.

[becauseihaveto]

[Abby's tone carries a faint warning but a ghost of a smile plays upon her lips.]

You should be careful saying something like that around here. An open invitation can be dangerous.

[If only he knew.]

[avoirfaim]

[ He does smile then, superior and dangerous. It twinkles in his eyes like smug mirth. ]

Yes, it can be.

[becauseihaveto]

[And there it is. That smile that's all too familiar to her. The one that confirms what she's wondering about Wonderland's latest arrival. It's a smile she's seen worn by a select few over the centuries and she's pleased to realize her instincts are still spot-on.

Abby's smile remains small, private, but her eyes gleam knowingly. She's going to have to keep an eye on this one. He should prove interesting.]

It's getting late. [Early, really, by her standards, but she needs to feed and she's not doing that over a video feed.] I'm sure we'll speak again, Doctor Lecter.

[avoirfaim]

I'm sure we will. Good evening, Abby.

[becauseihaveto]

Good evening, Doctor.