A special welcome tour short to the weird but lovable city of Emshurst. Some stay away because of odd rumors of things happening there, and others come running because of it. Which one will you be? Take the tour and decide!
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Emshurst, X, USA. Johnson Welcome Center. 7pm.
"Hello, my name is Angelo. I'm a grad student at U of E- that's University of Emshurst- and I'll be your guide on today's welcome tour of the city!"
The sun-loved male flashed a million kilowatt smile, sparking the same response from the nervous crowd. He had issued his greetings while idly leaning against a lamp post. He now pushed off from it and walked to the front of the group. His salmon pink spring suit whipping lightly in the easy breeze.
"I have lived here in Emshurst all my life, and as we Hursters like to say- 'there's nowhere weirder and friendlier than Emshurst!' Insert polite laughter~."
Angelo motioned with his hand and began a small chuckle, which the rest of the crowd intermittently followed along with. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the retractable rod with a small pennant displaying in the wind. The pennant was white with a bold E in a black over a golden sun design. It was the marker to help the lost sheep keep sight of him as a tour guide, or they might not make it to the end.
"Quick show of hands, how many of you are visiting just as tourists, passing through for a day or two?"
Angelo's eyes zeroed in and counted the hands. Tourists were the most expendable, but occasionally brought unwanted publicity.
"And how many of you are prospective students?"
He smiled at the few hands. It was always nice to welcome more to the school. They would not be touched, or at least would not be noticed for some time.
"Finally, are there any new residents just starting out?"
Another dangerous category. Especially if they haven't settled into their new home yet. He counted each group mentally, taking special note of their distinguishing features.
"Great. Looks like we have a good mix of people. Now that the icebreakers are out of the way, let's get this show on the road, shall we?"
With that, Angelo waved everyone to follow as he continued into town proper. He clicked the 'ON' switch for his clip on mic so he could begin speaking without having to project quite as much. Humans had abysmal hearing. He began a slow backwards gait while speaking.
"Right now we're leaving the Johnson Welcome Center at the outskirts of the city. The Emshurst Welcome Tour wants new residents, students, and tourists alike to get a taste of each quarter. It's a rough circle that will cut through downtown for shopping before ending right back here. I'll advise you now, as you should be cautious for ALL cities: keep an eye on your party members, always keep my flag in sight, and try not to stray too far or leave belongings behind. We always lose a few each tour, but it's the reality of being in a large, mixed city such as ours. A small price to pay, I say, if you know how to stay safe."
He grinned despite the anxious murmurs amongst the crowd. He did not specify who or what they lost, because of course it was mostly *who*. But nothing Angelo had said had been a lie. He emphasized the presence of his tourist 'beacon' by waving it back and forth a few times. Humans had poor attention spans too. Then he blinked a few times. His contacts were drying out. That wasn't good. His smile fell for a fraction of a second before refreshing itself.
