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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(Wattpad won't let the photo show... but picture an older Northeastern school, like brick with modern renovated glass design. Statues of old men and women scholars, a jogging trail around the campus, a large white old fashioned library, stone steps all around with concrete ramps, and large trees swaying over the quad.)
As promised, Angelo didn't stop walking until they were well within the gates, standing in the commons' green area. He slowly turned around and put his hands together. Let's see who was left. He was surprised they still had a little more than half the original left. There may be some particularly strong minded people in this group. If they were intending to move or stay here long term that could be a problem.
That was an additional test for newcomers. Each faction was trying to increase their influence on the city. Members of all the factions were allowed to run tours, vetting potentials for their own goals and generally contributing to the health of the lives- population and economy.
"Thank you to everyone who is still following along this far. I'm sure if you lost anything it will be reported soon enough and taken back to the Welcome Center."
The group still responded with various disgruntled murmurs and whispers despite his fake assurances. For a second, Angelo's honey brown eyes would burn to a redder russet, and his voice took on a more velvety tone.
"I'm sure you have your various concerns. I too, share them, but the tour must go on. Our residents are all kind and willing to redirect lost visitors and belongings to the Welcome Center- where the police and security can reconnect you. We host tours every evening, so we have a strong routine. Please have faith."
His eyes returned to their lighter shade of brown as the murmurs became mumbled 'yea, okay's and other signs of assent. He rubbed his hands together, a gesture some might interpret as an attempt to increase blood flow and warm the hands against cold. But no, Angelo did not have that issue. He was simply eager to speak about *his* home turf.
"We are now on the 'quad' of the University of Emshurst. My alma mater, and well, still my current school. UE has hundreds of programs and certifications, the bulk of which are in the liberal arts, but the school enjoys funding research in all fields of study. The university was founded in 1845 as Emmers College, but changed its name when it was bought and expanded by the city to the University of Emshurst in 1920."
The UE campus and Money Street were true gray areas for the town. All were allowed to enroll at the university, regardless of race. This meant that rules could be broken much more often since they were always mixed. UE was built on a hill, with Money Street down on one side, and SxSw on the opposite side, wrapping slightly as it met the river and 'Porters', the shipping district.
Angelo led them diagonally across the campus, pointing out the various departmental buildings and activity centers. The library was the largest building on the campus and sat at the highest point, with various meeting rooms and research labs beneath it. Students were openly walking to and from buildings, chatting and lounging in hammocks, on benches or picnic blankets. Part of accommodating everyone was having classes at all hours, only possible thanks to an equally diverse faculty. Most were none the wiser.
"For our few students in the group, you are more than welcome to leave here to wander the campus or spend time in the bookstore and gift shop- our Campus Ambassadors can help you back to the Welcome Center a different day to join another tour. The Freshman Organization and the Student Activities Council also do regular excursions all over the city.
A pair of students broke off at his word to run to the cafeteria building.Their group would then descend one of the official exit points for the university- it had large gates all around with guards posted for safety- and emerge onto a street with a modest decline and a hint of moisture. Angelo could hear the large Squannock River gushing from here, although his flock would not hear it over the din of cars and deckhands working the docks. He turned around and began to lead them while walking backwards.Groups always marveled at this ability, but he had had decades to master it.
