It's a blue sky, a pleasant breeze, the warm sunlight is gentle, there's people, along with a giant lizard. I searched around me, a tall gazebo casting shade for a table filled with food?nothing I cared for because I wasn't hungry. People were eating though, talking, jovial. This looked wonderful and inviting, but it definitely wasn't what I would call heaven. A dazzlingly handsome man walked up to me, outstretched his hand, eye contact that I couldn't avoid. He was tall and lean, and he had a mischievous glint in his eye and a half-smile that was offsetting in a way that took from his charm.

*** Looking at you makes me kind of miss my first bit of time here. I'd say years, but that starts to make no real sense after you've been here long enough.

I shook his hand, and it felt as real as anything else in my life.

Crits Crits. So how long have you been here? Or maybe that's a bad question to ask.

*** I was one of the original batches. So, about as long as possible. I'm ***.

Crits That's an interesting name? Should I call you three-star? And you like to greet the newcomers I guess?

*** If you need to say it, tristerisk. And I love the curiosity you guys always have. Still in awe of this. It's surprising how mundane it becomes to some.

Crits So I take it's mundane for you?

*** Not yet, at least. What have you done here so far if you don't mind me asking?

A slightly disheveled, but handsome man, with a warm smile and bright eyes walked up. He put me more at ease. His demeanor is softer and down-to-earth.

Brett Brett. He said with a genuine smile. *** here always gives newcomers his tour, but I wouldn't recommend it.

*** And Brett here always tries to get in everyone else's business

Crits I guess you two fight over new people's attention a lot then?

The giant iguana strolled over on two feet. He moved between all of us talking, and proceeded to jump back and forth in the semi-circle. His name floating above his head.

Crits Hi?Iguanadon

Iguanadon waved and kept jumping for a few moments, and when no one else said anything, they dropped on all fours and ran to another group of people. Brett and *** were unphased, and I more or less felt more at home for a moment with the non-sequitur.

Brett I think it's more that we have a responsibility to be upfront about the challenges. Not everyone adapts to Ever-Life the same way, and some Involutes really struggle with the transition. I like to make sure newcomers are comfortable and know what they're getting into.

*** Don't you think she should see some of the fun stuff first though?

Brett Here, just open up that UI like in your house. Sent you an invite. You can dynamically set your privacy options per person or per group.

*** Brett tends to get pretty attached to people easily so you may want to up your privacy settings for him.

Brett You mean I make friends and they stay friends? What do you do, abandon people when you get bored of them?

Crits Maybe I should go meet some people who aren't at each other's throats.

*** We're just playing around. It gets surprisingly lonely here sometimes.

Crits Why does it get lonely?

Brett Lots of people tend to stay in their cliques and areas without venturing out except to play games with people or go out on holidays to celebrate. It can be hard to go outside of your bubble, which is one reason I come to these intro places.

Crits So I guess that means I'm stuck with newbie greeters until a holiday rolls around?

Brett You can still meet people in games or there's more adult themed events that allow newcomers. You should try out one of the games first though as they're less awkward. I'd love to see what you think.

*** Of course Brett plays the games.

Brett At least I'm not afraid to show who I am three-star.

Crits I'm not going to do anything with you guys if you're like this the whole time.

*** Tell you what. Accept my invite, and I'll show you around to some awesome places later on. I gotta get going anyway.

Brett The games here are seriously a lot of fun.

Crits Alright, bye tristerisk. I guess I'm up for checking out a game.