fandomhigh | Fandom High Welcome Picnic, Front Lawn of the School, All Day: Part I

The forecast for today might have called for rain, but thankfully, there was no sign of bad precipitation in Fandom. The weather was bright and sunny, but still a bit chilly, so the first thing people might have noticed when they arrived was the bonfire set up in the middle of the lawn. There were tables and chairs scattered around the bonfire, some a safer distance away than others, and each table had been graced with a good portion of gold and blue glitter because the glitter supply was never, ever going to run out and certain people in the administration had just come to terms with that.

There were tables of ~~moddable~~ food and drinks, complete with the ingredients to make s'mores, as well as name tags and the lists of Big Siblings and roommates. It was time to welcome some new people!

[OCD is up! This is part one of the picnic, specifically for meeting siblings, roommates, and teachers. The rest of the picnic is happening here. Since it's outside, the picnic is open to all students, teachers, and townies!]

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"Fear is to be acknowledged but not allowed to control our actions," Hanna said on reflex. One of her father's axioms. Her lip trembled a little, and then she firmed her mouth. "I did not expect to be here. I did not plan this. I joined the school group at the airport. I have known about this school only a couple hours. And yet." She pointed to Elsa's name tag, and then back at the list. "You are assigned to me. How?"

Ah... those were the important questions, weren't they? Now it was Elsa's turn to crouch down and give the pup a scratch behind the ears.

"Oh... you're one of the ones who didn't plan to be here," she ventured, nodding knowingly. "Then... I'm sorry about your confusion. The island sometimes gets a little ahead of itself."

Or was that too much, too fast? Elsa hesitated, and then added, "I suppose it's possible that you introduced yourself to somebody at the airport, and they called ahead?"

Totally possible! That wasn't what had happened, but at least it wasn't a crazy answer that might freak the obviously nervous girl out even more.

"Possible," Hanna hedged. "But." Unlikely? Yes. Hanna folded her arms, hugging herself. "Is this place... is it connected to the government? In any way?"

She'll know if you're lying, Elsa! And she'll run straight for the Causeway, too. Don't try to suck her in with puppies and food and not expect some double-checking! "Others-- did not plan to be here?"

"There aren't any government connections that I know of," Elsa promised, as soothingly as she could. "The school is mostly funded by private sources, mostly former students here, I think. And... it does tend to pick up a few people every semester who weren't planning on coming here. The island seems like... like a sort of a beacon, I think, for those who desperately need somewhere to belong."

Hanna's shoulders relaxed, and she gave Elsa a considering look. "I don't want anyone to be hurt," she said very softly. "Or to be in trouble because of me. I think--I do not think anyone can find me here. But..."

She was just so tired. She closed her eyes, then opened them again, forcing a smile. "I would like a place to rest. At least a while."

"You're hiding," Elsa realized, her own voice soft. "Then... here is a good place for hiding, I promise you that."

She'd come here to hide, as well. Though she suspected that their situations were at least a little different.

"Is there anything you need, Hanna? Food? Help finding your room?" She paused a moment, trying to think of anything a girl on the run might have left behind. "Clothing?"

"I bought six pairs of under wear and ten pairs of new socks in Paris."

So that was a yes on the clothes.

"And I have eaten. The food here is very good." It was just. She looked down at Canute again, embarrassed. "I have spoken to people. And met my roommate." In an even smaller voice she asked, "Do I have to stay until the end of the picnic?"

Please say no.

"That's all they really ask of you," Elsa offered, gently. "I think you have your bases covered enough to leave if you need to."

Not want to. Need to. Elsa knew that sort of fear pretty well.

"Would you like me to walk you to someplace quiet?"

Hanna nodded, then whispered, "Yes, please." It was all new, and wonderful, and the food had been great, but honestly, truly, she needed a rest. She had to think. And decide if she was going to stay.

"Come on," Elsa said, nodding toward the dorms. "I'll help you find your room. And if your roommate is loud or something and you need to escape, I can give you my number, and we can find a better place for you to rest from there. Is that okay?"

With Anna on the island now, it was really all Elsa could do to keep from hiding, herself.

Hanna nodded, speechless, and leaned down to bury her face in Canute's fur for a moment, gathering herself. Then stood up and straightened her shoulders. "I am in 411 with Carmilla Karnstein." Then, with a real smile, "Thank you, Elsa."

"Of course," Elsa replied, smiling back. "Let's get you settled in, then. And welcome to Fandom, Hanna."

Fandom High Welcome Picnic, Front Lawn of the School, All Day: Part I

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