un; hob | video

[100more]

[ The video feed shows a weary looking man who appears disoriented but in good health. He went from disappearing from Auriel to returning to his own world, living his life for a year, attending a somber matter in the realm of dreams, to returning to Etraya.

For anyone who knew him previously, Hob Gadling looks a bit different with a changed haircut and a beard, but it's undoubtably him. Looking into the camera, he offers a sheepish smile. ]

Hello. Uh, not that anyone probably noticed, but I took a little detour on the way back to Etraya. I went home. I'm not sure how much time has passed here since our mission to the fairy lands, but it's been a year for me. My name is Hob Gadling, and I'm just a man from Earth with some extraordinary stories to tell. Much of which I've kept to myself in the year and a half I've lived in Etraya prior to my trip home.

[ He shakes his head, as if removing the cobwebs after a deep sleep. ]

Anyway, I just wanted to say I'm back. Oh, and Happy Christmas. Or.. New Year. Whichever is closest.

Comments

[100more]

You sound like the sort who can take care of himself.

[ That's a good thing. ]

For some people, I'm sure they are. Whether it's due to being jerked around or due to what happens during the missions. Some are more difficult than others.

[neonrain]

I'm a superhero.

[It explains the name.]

I've heard more than one ominous remark about the missions, but never any details. [A pause, then:] I know better than to force it.

So how does this adventure compare to meeting your lord of dreams and Death?

[100more]

I was wondering about that network name.

[ It's as Hob thought it might be. ]

And I don't mind answering questions about missions or anything else. It's what I can contribute here.

This adventure is very different. Death and I did not meet in person until recently, but I would meet the Lord of Dreams for a drink every hundred years. Here, unexpected things happen every few weeks.

[neonrain]

[There's a lot he could comment on, but surprise pushes it to one side for now, and he remarks:]

...Wait. How old are you?

[100more]

You know, we didn't always keep track of those things back then.

[ Not common-folk, at least. ]

I'd guess nearly.. six hundred and seventy or close to it by now.

[neonrain]

[There's a moment of silence, then:]

I've never met an Immortal before. No wonder you have stories.

[100more]

It's mostly just living a regular life, except a few exceptional run-ins. But even an ordinary life is wonderful.

[neonrain]

...For some.

What's the hardest mission you've been sent on?

[100more]

There was one world that was dying, and everyone had resorted to fighting to survive. You had to participate in a colosseum for a score. I'm sure it would not have been a problem for you, though.

[neonrain]

No. [He says it with no hesistation at all. He's definitely a confident fighter.]

But I was useless in the Fae world. It's not the start I hoped for with my universe on the line.

What's been your easiest mission?

[100more]

[ It feels as if their skills are opposite of each other, which could be a benefit to them both. ]

There was a mission where we were all moved into a town and had to live as a family. We were given jobs, and my house was given an infant to care for. She was actually an android, but you couldn't tell. She was so cute!

[ He really liked that one. ]

[neonrain]

As a family? [E-Soul's voice softens.] That sounds nice.

Do you... did you have any children?

[100more]

I did. Long ago.

[ The bit of sorrow is evident in his voice. ]

[neonrain]

...I'm sorry to stir up your grief. You just sounded so fond, I wondered.

[100more]

No, it's alright. It's my duty to remember them.

[neonrain]

I understand.

[He changes the subject.]

I was hoping that there was some way to judge the missions, but they sound too varied to predict.

[100more]

They tend to swing between combat and non-combat missions, so I'm sure you'll excel at the next one.

[neonrain]

Good to know.

If you find yourself in trouble, reach out. I'll be quick to respond.

[100more]

I do appreciate that. Thank you.