since I'm not buddied up with anyone, I'll post a chunk of my story here - give you an idea what it's about.
“Ahem, ladies, gentlemen and er, creature-folks. If you could all gather ‘round and quiet down. Time is of the essence, as you all know.” The noise in the room continued. “FIRE, GOD HELP US ALL, FIRE, FIRE!!!”, the Host screamed. The effect of his words was instantaneous: all chatter ceased. Everyone froze in place, glasses halted mid-way to lips, heads swivelled as one, in the Host’s direction. “That’s more like it! Begging your forgiveness for being a little over-dramatic, but we really must get underway, if this evening’s participants are to depart on schedule. I know how anxious many of you to begin and being as how we’re only allowed a short window of time here in the human world, it is best to make the most of it. So without further ado. . . before I send you in the direction of the registration table to sign the necessary release papers, I must make you aware of the Rules and Conditions of this the 92nd Annual After Hours Outing for Literary Characters.”
“Those of you who have been with us since the beginning feel free to tune me out at this point - no worries there, I know which of you will do just that. But for those of you newcomers or those who just need a few friendly reminders, please listen closely. The Rules and Conditions are really quite simple and straightforward. Our Registration volunteers will record the names of everyone wishing to participate in the Outing. You may not, under any circumstances, leave the building without registering your name and the names of any characters you may be Travelling with this evening. This is very important. We cannot have any undocumented Travellers wandering the human world. For your safety as well as our record-keeping, this is vital. At dawn tomorrow, when you return to the library, you will visit the Registration table and have your names struck off the Traveller’s record. Those who fail to do so, will not be allowed to Travel in next year’s event. Upon registration, Travellers will be required to surrender all items in their possession, with the exception of their clothing. That is, each Traveller must empty his or her pockets and turn over handbags, purses, tools, knives, coins and so on. No personal items, besides clothing, belonging to the original story are permitted in the real world. Any supplies or aids to your Travelling must be located, collected, borrowed, stolen, and so forth, from your surroundings; gathered during encounters with other inhabitants.”
Next, Travellers will be allowed to leave in small groups, so as not to attract unwanted attention. With this in mind, if you haven’t chosen anyone to Travel with and would like to do so, please choose your companions before being officially registered. At the Registration table, each Traveller will be given a key to the library. This is no ordinary key, however. Keep it with you at all times while travelling. You will not, I repeat, not be allowed re-entry to the library at dawn without your key. Your key is your lifeline. “
