❧ 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]

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.

[nascensibility]

[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.

[avoirfaim]

[ 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.

[nascensibility]

[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.]

[avoirfaim]

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. ]

[nascensibility]

[...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.

[avoirfaim]

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.

[nascensibility]

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.