action | June 11 morning

[leftmytower]

[ Rapunzel was wandering around the camp, having finally found the area with the lodgings after being dropped off by the Airport Shuttle. She was late, of course, but the tiny, local Pennsylvania airport only made flights out this way twice a week, and Rapunzel got horribly lost while on a layover in Houston and missed that flight, so it was really just a mess. But she was finally here!

She made a little yelp and stopped when her hair got caught on a particularly large stick. ]

I need one of those elastic hair things. Wish I'd thought of that before I came.

[ She chewed her bottom lip. That would have to be fixed later, right now she needed to set her bags down and get Pascal settled. He was not enjoying all of the moving around. Her nose was nearly touching her map of the camp she'd been mailed. It was positioned awkwardly on the aquarium, since Pascal took two hands to carry. ]

Pascal, you are so heavy! Gosh, there should be a picture of a turtle or something, all these cabins look the same... Where is mine?

Comments

[norisknoglory]

Well, in that case-- Welcome to Whispering Rock Summer Camp! [He stepped back a bit to spread his arms wide and gesture to the rest of the campgrounds.]

My name is Randall Ascot. I'm one of the Junior Counsellors here, so please-- allow me to assist you. I can take some of that load off for you, if you like.

[leftmytower]

Oh gosh, thank you! I promise, you really don't have to--

[ She still couldn't help but beam at his gallantry, despite her protests. The people here were so nice already! ]

I mean, well, you can take Pascal, I guess! He's kind of heavy though... well, his terrarium is. He's not at all! But- [ She realized she was rambling. Oops. ] But it's really okay! I can't be much farther, I think! I'm just trying to find the Turtles cabin...?

[norisknoglory]

[He grinned and leaned over a little, giving a small wave to Pascal in greeting.] Hello there, little fellow!

[He straightened back up and waved his right hand, the terrarium levitating out of Rapunzel's grasp and hovering in mid-air between them.

Er...sorry Pascal, we're sure you'll get to be sedentary again soon enough.]

The Turtles cabin is with all of the other cabins on the northernmost end of Camp. It sounds far, but it's not too bad from here. I can show you, if you like.

[leftmytower]

Oh, that's a huge help! I'm sure he'll be, er, okay like that for a little while.

[ The chameleon was hiding in his tree; she could barely see his tail. But he didn't seem too perturbed.

She stretched her arms and readjusted her bag around her shoulder. ]

Please lead the way... I mean, if you're not busy! I don't want to be a bother, if you are. I'm Rapunzel, by the way.

[norisknoglory]

Not at all! I'd be glad to help.

[With another gesture of his hand, Randall started walking, both beckoning Rapunzel to follow him and gesturing the terrarium forward.]

It's nice to meet you, Rapunzel. First year at camp?

[leftmytower]

Yes! It all feels so overwhelming, and I haven't even started yet. How long have you been here? You must be really good, being able to float things like that!

[ She follows him closely, looking very impressed. ]

[norisknoglory]

Trust me, you'll get used to it quickly! [Somehow, I don't think anyone was ever going to get used to Psychic Kids and Teenagers as a regularity.]

Heh-- Actually, I've only been here for three years or so. [But he'll gladly take the ego boost--] But I've done a lot of training to keep myself up to top notch.

[leftmytower]

Are a lot of the kids here really good? As good as you are, even?

[ If he was "only" three years, she could only imagine the kids who were here for more than that! ]

[norisknoglory]

[Randall, you are looking far too smugly satisfied with yourself for how much she's complimenting you.]

Of course! Whispering Rock is home to the best and the brightest! [Accurate summation or fantastical exaggeration? You decide!]

Everyone goes at their own pace around here, but I've not seen a one person fail in my time here. And since you're here as well, that means I'm sure you'll be fantastic in your own right!

[leftmytower]

Well, that makes me feel a whole lot better!

That no one's failed, I mean! I don't mean-- I'll be happy just to catch up, with all I have to learn!

[norisknoglory]

It's simple once you get the hang of it. [Randall you are possibly the only one who thinks elaborate psychic shenanigans are simple.]

Have you got any prior experience with anything?

[leftmytower]

Um, I practiced making shields at home! But not very much. My mom didn't like it.

[ She hesitated. ]

And, I, er, accidentally set something on fire. But that was only one time...

[norisknoglory]

[She may have been hesitating, but the news made Randall laugh-- not in a rude way, he was genuinely amused!]

Oh, you shouldn't worry about that-- I couldn't tell you how many things I accidentally set ablaze when I was trying to learn Pyrokinesis. [Heeee wasn't very good at that one.]

But it sounds like you've got the right idea. Practice makes perfect! And I can't imagine anyone would disapprove.