entranceway | ❧ Entry No.1

[ 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. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[...Evelyn actually isn't certain if that was meant to be a flirtation or a passive-aggressive statement of fact. Either way, her response is the same.]

Well, until I get to know you better, I'll be sure to use the appropriate moniker.

[So, Doctor it is. For now. But it reminds her that while he was gracious enough to let everyone know he has expertise in something, he didn't exactly disclose what that something was.]

If you don't mind my asking, what is your profession?

Of course, Evelyn.

[ He smiles. Always amicable, deceptively friendly. ]

I'm a psychiatrist, with a focus on forensic and cognitive neuropsychiatry. I believe that now it's your turn. What is it that you do professionally?

[Psychiatry. A practise that is definitely gaining ground in her time, but then...well, Evelyn can remember reading early manuscripts by Freud while in preparatory school, laughing with classmates at how ridiculous his theories seemed. (Truthfully, it was probably only funny because they were young girls and all Freud could talk about was sex.)

The second part of Doctor Lecter's career choice goes absolutely right over her head. Neuro-whatsit? Something to do with the brain and psychology? Maybe? Yes?

Evelyn nods and smiles and tries not to let that dreadful temporal disadvantage get to her.]

I teach Ancient History at Bembridge on the Isle of Wight in between expeditions. I'm an archaeologist with a focus in Egyptology.

[...it doesn't sound nearly as intimidating, but she's always happy to say it out loud. It's affirming, since it took her so long to get there.]

[ To an extent, Hannibal holds in high regard anyone with an unconventional but elite field of study. To teach ancient history and be a functioning Egyptologist is a feat of effort and intelligence, with a general disregard for personal well-being in favor of intellectual pursuit. It's respectable, to say the least, and the fact that she's polite in spite of it makes her perhaps worth his time. ]

A difficult field to navigate, particularly for women. [ I'm impressed doesn't seem necessary to put into words; it hangs in his voice with purpose. ] It must be frustrating being stuck here, away from your work.

[Of course, Evelyn is from a time when any bloke with a trowel can walk out into the desert and muck about some ruins and call himself an archaeologist (see Jonathan Carnahan, her reprobate brother), but it was a great deal harder to be recognised by the community when the community is so...full of old men.

Lecter's comment actually comes as a high compliment - not everyone is willing to acknowledge that she came into the field at a distinct disadvantage.]

Believe me, it is. Wonderland doesn't really go in for sand and pyramids. Being here as long as I have, one is forced to find alternative interests. You may have more luck practising psychiatry, though.

[ He chuckles, lips curling up into a smile. ]

It seems you may be right. It may also prove fruitless, given that the nature of Wonderland is inclined towards unending and exponentially increasing madness. Perhaps you and I might both find something worth our expertise here, if we look in the right places.

[Evelyn doesn't feel as though she's gotten any madder, and he's only been here a half-hour next to her three years, so she doesn't take that particular observation too seriously.]

A very optimistic view,

[she muses, trying to remember all the activities she's ventured into just to waste time. At least she's learned that she's rubbish at baking.]

I'll see how I feel about that when I've attempted another failed soufflé. Do you have any interests outside of cognitive- [Dash it, what was that word?] -neuropsychiatry?

A bit of optimism is necessary, I've found, given what I do.

[ And that smile remains put, only quirking in pleased surprise at her chosen words. It has all the making of a pleasant conversation, and of natural inclination towards interest. She is, after all, far better company than the rest that he's met so far. ]

I like to consider myself a cooking savant in my own kitchen, as a matter of fact. A soufflé is as much an art as it is a science.

[Art and science, both fields in which Evelyn never exactly excelled. She was incredibly intent on not getting trapped in the domestic sphere that so many of her university friends traipsed home to, so much so that she never bothered to learn how to do anything but boil water.

(She's better now, really. Sometimes she doesn't even let the servants make the finger sandwiches for tea. Her husband even taught her how to skin a rabbit!)]

Hence my inability to keep it from collapsing - there's a delicate line one walks when incorporating chemistry into cookery.

[You should have seen the dreadful Linzer cookies she baked over Christmas. Very nearly as dry as Al-Nafud.]

If you're amenable, I may ask for your advice later over the stove.

[ And his smile is positively friendly. ]

Advice I would be more than happy to provide, whenever you like. I can never say no to an opportunity for soufflé.

[Thoroughly indefatigable in her quest for knowledge, Evelyn fairly beams at him. It really is a pleasure being able to share and share alike when it comes to personal learnings.]

I would be much obliged, thank you. And should you have any questions about Wonderland, please feel free to contact me.

[Seriously. She's been here forever. She knows just about everything there is to know.]

I would be more than happy to direct my questions your way, Evelyn. You've proven to be pleasant company in the face of unfortunate circumstances. That's a rare gift.

[ At least, it's a rare gift to not seem entirely worthless to him. ]

[...she's not entirely sure if that should be considered a legitimate compliment, but it's nice to hear regardless (and she is always pleasant company).]

Thank you, [Evelyn replies, lips quirking into a funny little smile.] Only glad to assist. I'm on the second floor, room ten, if it's any help.

[Although-]

But if I'm not there, the library is usually your best bet.

I'm on the first floor, room six sixty nine. Consider my door open to you whenever you feel the need for company.

[ and then a beat, and a smile. ]

Within reason, of course.

Of course.

[Barging in at an odd hour would, after all, be terribly rude.]

I'll let you get back to settling in. It was very nice making your acquaintance.

❧ Entry No.1

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject