"Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy."

[john-thiess.livejournal.com]

Day 147, Sunday October 26th
Just ready fer dinner
The Tavern of Hell

It's - it's bin an okay week. That Damien guy seemed pretty nice, though I haven't seen much 'a him since. I saw him buskin' with his guitar, which dunt seem like real work, 'specially in harvest season, but that's his business, I guess. I wanted t'go out t'the Carnival this week t'see if that Vic woman went out t'see Zann, 'cause I think they'd get 'long real well, but it's bin busy 'n I ain't had a chance.

I met three new people this week and if it hadn't bin fer Friday it would 'a bin nice. But I got a feelin' like the hound-god ain't too pleased with me fer carryin' off that girl. Mr. Laclos said her name was Alice, and he was real glad at me bringin' her back like that. He invited me in fer a cup 'a coffee, but I wanted t'get as far from the Silk Road as I could, knowin' the hound-god was out on the street. I skipped out the side 'n near ran all the way back t'my room.

Saturday I was workin' again. Mr. White wanted t'be greetin' people and doin' the councilman thing, 'n Rob was needed fer bakin', so it was me mindin' the stall at the market. It was okay, 'cept I could really go anywhere. I did chat with a few folk - I think the townies 'r gettin' more used t'havin' a couple 'v us wanderin' 'round. I dint see much 'a Tess though. She's bin spendin' lots 'a time with her friend Kate. I dunt think she's even really looked 'round fer a place t'stay 'r work t'do.

Sunday's my day, and I'm grateful fer it. I went t'the church this mornin'. It was okay, but way different than home. And their book's got some stuff that's different than the Book. I ain't sure theirs is a proper Bible, but I dint say nothin'. Spent the rest 'a the day cleanin' my room 'n loungin' 'bout on the bridge, just watchin' the water go by.

By the time the sun's started towards the horizon I'm hungry 'n ready fer food. I ain't gone t'the Tavern in ages, but I should be able t'get somethin' t'munch on and maybe a beer. They dint said nothin' when I was there with Luke, 'n I figure they dunt mind me bein' there. So off I go, steppin' into the dim room with the jukebox playin' in the back 'n one 'a the bartenders workin'. I order up 'n find myself a table near the door.

[Open]

Comments

[a-cheval.livejournal.com]

I seen Johnny this morning at church. I was with Samuel so I never had a chance to say much, 'cept to nod hello, but it gets me thinking of how I ain't seen him since he got back from the farm, and wondering if he'd had much bother with the hound god. 'n later when I'm taking round some mail for Miss Miao I notice him heading into the tavern, so I nip in after him. Figure I'll at least say hey, cause even with everything else, he's one of the nicest folk in town I've met, I reckon. Wouldn't say no to a beer neither, thinking 'bout it.

That jukebox is on when I get inside, and I sorta like that. Ain't nothing like that in Dry Run. Spot Johnny soon enough, sitting by the door with a beer 'n looking sorta thoughtful, so I get myself one and slide into the seat opposite him, tilting my head a bit to catch his eye. "Hey. D'you mind?" Hoping he don't. Always feel sorta weird in the tavern if I'm on my own, like folks're looking at me, even if they probably got much better stuff to fret over. "Seen you at church this morning but I never got chance to say hey, or see how you're doing or nothing. Pretty good, I guess, having a church in town now. Ain't so sure what I reckon 'bout the preacher, mind." He's a funny one, that Father Laurence. He don't seem half so cross as Father Mackenzie back in Dry Run.

[john-thiess.livejournal.com]

Luke comes in 'n orders a beer, then comes by 'n sits down 'cross from me. "Hey. D'you mind?" I shake my head 'n smile at him, 'cause Luke's nice t'be 'round. "No, not all. It's good t'see you, Luke." I remember I ain't had a chance t'tell him how I was sorry fer him. "Seen you at church this morning but I never got chance to say hey," he says, "or see how you're doing or nothing. Pretty good, I guess, having a church in town now. Ain't so sure what I reckon 'bout the preacher, mind."

I nod. "Yeah, it's good not feelin' guilty not goin' home one Sundays fer services. The preacher seems okay - it's a bit different than I'm used to." I stop fer a moment. "I - I heard 'bout Ares, Luke. I'm sorry, even though I know you - I mean, I know you were close." I ain't tryin' t'ruin the mood 'r nothin', but I'd feel weird not sayin' anythin' either.

[a-cheval.livejournal.com]

"No, not all. It's good t'see you, Luke." Grin back at him, nodding. "You too." Guess is says something 'bout Excolo, but it always feels just normal being round Johnny, and I don't hardly think about him turning into a wolf at all. Guess his folks know about it, and by all accounts they keep to 'emselves out there, but still, they done a good job seein' he don't turn out weird or nothing. "Yeah, it's good not feelin' guilty not goin' home one Sundays fer services. The preacher seems okay - it's a bit different than I'm used to."

"Same," I say, taking a mouthful of beer. "My other brother, Elias - he's in Dry Run still - he don't reckon much of Excolo, cause they never had a proper church, even if I told him there was an Abbey. Ain't the same, mind, I know. Mind, some of the folks going to church here you'd not reckon to see." Seen that girl from the Salon twice now, with all them tattoos and funny make up and her hair weird colours. Dunno that that's appropriate for church, frankly, but I never said nothing. He stops for a moment, and I ain't sure what he's going to say, so I just sit quiet. "I - I heard 'bout Ares, Luke. I'm sorry, even though I know you - I mean, I know you were close."

Aw, Johnny. 's real nice of him to say, and I smile a bit over at him, then look down into my beer. "Thanks, Johnny. Can't- can't say as I expected that, really, him dying." Don't reckon he did, neither, but I guess I won't ever know. "Guess if they want to live down here with the rest of us, maybe that means they can die too."

[john-thiess.livejournal.com]

He grins at me. "You too." There's a minute while we're both takin' a drink. I'm really lookin' forwards t'that food. "Same," he says. "My other brother, Elias - he's in Dry Run still - he don't reckon much of Excolo, cause they never had a proper church, even if I told him there was an Abbey. Ain't the same, mind, I know. Mind, some of the folks going to church here you'd not reckon to see."

"Yeah." Miss O'Hara was there, and Tess, and 'Ri. I probably should 'a talked t'them after services, but it's my day off 'n I dint want t'get stuff talkin' t'a bunch 'a folks. Though maybe I should 'a said 'Hi' t'Ri... "I dint know there was so many believers in town. I guess it's cause there's so many new folks." I knew there was one or two, but none 'v us close 'nough together t'have a church.

He dunt seem too upset 'r mad 'r anythin' when I mention Ares. He just smiles 'n blushes into his drink. Thanks, Johnny. Can't- can't say as I expected that, really, him dying. Guess if they want to live down here with the rest of us, maybe that means they can die too." I nod, with church still in my mind. "'S what all the stories I heard say. 'Cept sometimes there's resurrection." Not fer some god like Ares, maybe, 'cause he ain't God, but it's not like I know too much 'bout this stuff. "How - how's stuff bin otherwise," I say, tryin' t'change the subject. The last time we talked it went all girly, with both 'v us near tears. I ain't goin' t'do that in the Tavern.

[verite-belrose.livejournal.com]

Got that generator just in time. as the power went off the next day, not once but twice! hope it doesn't mean we're in for a cold winter with increasingly unreliable power. Maybe now that Vic's here, the power won't go out as much. Wish Kataniya luck with the wind farm.

Almost went to the Carnival today, but it's kinda depressing that every time I go back it feels less like home. Went to that new church instead. Not sure I like the sermons, so I probably won't go back next week.

Wander down to the tavern as I'm feeling like a bit of humanity but not maybe not much talkin'. Besides, it's the only place, besides L'Heure Vert, that has absinthe. Normally I don't touch that stuff cuz it represents the place I left, but tonight I'm feeling kinda homesick. I head straight for the bar and place my order so it's not til I'm turning round to see if that bitch from before is at my table that I see Johnny. He's sittin' with someone. The stranger's face is kinda familiar but I don't know where from. I wave at Johnny not sure if I should go over there or not. looks like they're deep in conversation.

[a-cheval.livejournal.com]

"'S what all the stories I heard say. 'Cept sometimes there's resurrection." Frown sorta thoughtful at that. Ain't like that's for just anyone, but I guess I dunno. 's the kinda thing I don't much like to put much store in, mostly, cause I don't want to be hoping for stuff like that. Something's got to be set in stone, might as well be death.

"How - how's stuff bin otherwise," he says, sorta quickly, like he's worried 'bout upsetting me. Guess it's fair enough, but I dunno, it's weird, I don't really get upset about it, sorta. Just ain't been feeling so much like mixing with folk, or else I been sorta quiet. Even Boku said so, but he don't mind. "Been okay. Or.. you know, I ain't been up to much really. Mostly working and stuff. You get your job back at the bakery?" Hope so. Reckon Mr Whyte wouldn't hold a couple of weeks away against no one though.

Then I spot that girl from the church with the weird hair, giving Johhny a wave all friendly like. Wouldn't figure him for hanging round with that sort, but I guess she looks friendly enough, so I nod over to let him know, in case he ain't seen her. "You um.. you got a friend over there I reckon."

[john-thiess.livejournal.com]

He frowns when I mention comin' back, 'n I feel bad 'cause maybe he's hopin' it'll happen with his friend. But he says he's bin okay. Or.. you know, I ain't been up to much really. Mostly working and stuff. You get your job back at the bakery?" I nod, takin' a sip 'a my beer. "Yeah. Mr. White dint give me too much trouble neither - he just said I had t'be sure t'give warnin' next time."

Luke looks over t'the bar 'n 'Ri's there givin' me a wave. "You um.. you got a friend over there I reckon.," he says. I grin at him. "Dunt let all the hair 'n stuff put you off." I wave back at 'Ri 'n gesture her over. "She's from the Carnival, but she's moved t'town," I say, turnin' back t'Luke. "She's real nice." I smile at 'Ri as she comes over. "Hey 'Ri. I saw you in the church, but I dint get t'say 'hi'. How's it goin'?"

[verite-belrose.livejournal.com]

First Johnny's friend spots me, but then John himself notices an' waves me over with a grin. I return his smile and walk over to say hi.Hey 'Ri. I saw you in the church, but I dint get t'say 'hi'. How's it goin'?

"Hi, John. Hi John's Friend. Things're quiet." I say flashing the stranger a quick grin as I take a seat at the table where I can see both of 'em.

[a-cheval.livejournal.com]

Guess I ain't been so subtle 'bout not being too sure about her, cause Johnny grins at me. "Dunt let all the hair 'n stuff put you off. She's from the Carnival, but she's moved t'town," - and I could've guessed that much - "She's real nice." Feel a bit sheepish then, and hell, it ain't for me to judge folks, not really, so I smile at her when she comes over.

"Hi, John. Hi John's Friend. Things're quiet." Watch her when she sits down. Hard to imagine she don't get a lot of trouble looking like that and travelling with the Carnies too. But she don't look scared. "Hi, um, Ri? 'm Luke." Offer my hand, smiling at least, even if I'm blushing a bit. She don't look nervous at all. "Seen you round town and stuff. How's your shop going?" Wouldn't've thought she'd do well with that kinda thing, but fuck me if she ain't doing just fine, so far as I can tell.

[john-thiess.livejournal.com]

'Ri smiles at me and comes over. "Hi, John. Hi John's Friend," she says, which makes me want t'wince 'n laugh both at once, 'cause it's a bit rude but it's just 'Ri bein' herself. "Things're quiet." Luke's watchin' her like he's still not sure 'bout her, but he smiles 'n offers her his hand. "Hi, um, Ri? 'm Luke. Seen you round town and stuff. How's your shop going?"

I think they'll get along some. 'Ri might shock him some, 'cause she does me, but Luke's pretty easy t'get 'long with. He dunt seem t'hold what happened against me, which is pretty big of him. "Lots 'a new people in town the last week though, yeah? It's bin busy fer us, and the market was more crowded 'n usual."

[verite-belrose.livejournal.com]

John's friend offers his hand and I take it give it a brief squeeze 'n let go. I see John almost wincing at my greeting to his friend but still grinning. Hi, um, Ri? 'm Luke. Seen you round town and stuff. How's your shop going? and Johnny adds, Lots 'a new people in town the last week though, yeah? It's bin busy fer us, and the market was more crowded 'n usual.

"Hi, Luke. Pleased to meetcha. And the salon does okay, market day's a good one. And yeah new people tends to mean new customers. and apparently new residents." I take a sip of my absinthe. not quite the same as Mama's...

[a-cheval.livejournal.com]

"Hi, Luke. Pleased to meetcha." Nod and take a swallow of beer, mumbling back. "You too." Swear to God, she's drinking something bloody green. Try not to wrinkle my nose, but for the life of me I ain't got a bloody clue what it is, and I don't like to ask, cause she seems like she knows what she's doing. Reckon I'll stick with beer. "And the salon does okay, market day's a good one. And yeah new people tends to mean new customers. and apparently new residents."

"Busy with us too. You'd reckon folks'd be gearing up for winter, never mind moving around the place, but I guess they reckon they'll have a better chance of it in town than on the road." Guess they're right, too. Excolo ain't gone short of nothing since I been here. "Ain't the same in Oakridge, mind, or the other towns on the route I been through. They ain't got the same thing with new folks. 's just Excolo."

[john-thiess.livejournal.com]

"Hi, Luke," she says t'him, shakin' his hand. "Pleased to meetcha. And the salon does okay, market day's a good one. And yeah new people tends to mean new customers. and apparently new residents." She's drinkin' somethin' that makes my nose twitch, 'cause it smells off, but I guess it can't be worse fer you than anythin' else they'd serve.

"Busy with us too," Luke answers t'us both. "You'd reckon folks'd be gearing up for winter, never mind moving around the place, but I guess they reckon they'll have a better chance of it in town than on the road." I nod, 'cause I bet lots 'a the new folks 'r plannin' on winterin' here instead 'a gettin' holed up in a smaller town. There's lots 'a places that are pretty strange 'n bad fer outsiders. Excolo's more dangerous 'n any 'a them I think, but not on the outside. "Ain't the same in Oakridge, mind," he says, "or the other towns on the route I been through. They ain't got the same thing with new folks. 's just Excolo."

Huh. I take another drink 'a my beer. "That is a bit strange," I say, tryin' t'catch Luke's eye as I do. I know there's some stuff goin' on with the Carnival, but I know Luke know's some 'a what's happenin' here. "Maybe it's cause we're more open t'them?" I'm pretty sure that ain't it. I hope it's not the Adversary that's drawin' folks.

[verite-belrose.livejournal.com]

Busy with us too,You'd reckon folks'd be gearing up for winter, never mind moving around the place, but I guess they reckon they'll have a better chance of it in town than on the road.Ain't the same in Oakridge, mind," he says, "or the other towns on the route I been through. They ain't got the same thing with new folks. 's just Excolo. Johnny's nodding at that. Well it is one of the bigger an' more prosperous towns we've ever been in. That is a bit strange,/q> Johnny says and he's trying to catch Luke's eye. Wonder why. What aren't they saying?Maybe it's cause we're more open t'them?

I snort at that last."I bet it ain't the openness a the town they're after. It's that this is the most prosperous town with stuff that no one else's got but the cities."

[a-cheval.livejournal.com]

"That is a bit strange," says Johnny, taking a drink. Reckon I'd say the sum of what's going on in Excolo makes it sorta worrying, and even Samuel's been saying we should be careful, else it won't always be so easy here. Johnny catches my eye. "Maybe it's cause we're more open t'them?"

Wrinkle my nose a bit. Dunno that it is, frankly, seems like there's something else going on here, and I think about them maps in Boku's attic with all the red dots spiralling in on Excolo and getting denser and denser. Maybe I'd tell him 'bout that if his friend weren't here, but I don't reckon she knows 'bout the gods and stuff, or 'bout Johnny, so I don't. "Could be," I say. 'bout to say more when Ri snorts. "I bet it ain't the openness a the town they're after. It's that this is the most prosperous town with stuff that no one else's got but the cities."

Guess she reckons she knows better'n Johnny, by the way she's looking, and I ain't so sure I like that. Shrug a bit. "Could be a whole load of things. Excolo's handy for moving on come spring, with the river and the road. You're right 'bout there being stuff here that ain't in other places, mind," I say. doubt I mean the same stuff she does. "Why'd the Carnival stay?" I ask. Maybe they got the same reasons, and I'm sorta curious now I'm actually talking to one.

[john-thiess.livejournal.com]

'Ri snorts at me, which kind 'a takes me back. "I bet it ain't the openness a the town they're after. It's that this is the most prosperous town with stuff that no one else's got but the cities." I'm thinkin' there's a connection 'tween the two, but I ain't goin' t'fight on it, 'specially since I think the Tower's got somethin' t'do with it. Luke's wrinkled his nose, 'n I guess he dunt agree either. "Could be," he says. "Could be a whole load of things. Excolo's handy for moving on come spring, with the river and the road. You're right 'bout there being stuff here that ain't in other places, mind," and I nod t'that. "Why'd the Carnival stay?"

I look over at 'Ri. I dunt know if she'll tell him - heck, all I know is they can't leave town fer some reason, and half the reason I know that is 'cause Tess told me.

[verite-belrose.livejournal.com]

Johnny looks a bit shocked at my blunt dismissal of his theory. Luke is more polite about it but I can tell he thinks there's something more going on as well. Then he turns to me an' asks, Why'd the Carnival stay? I can feel Johnny looking at me as well. An' I look down an twirl the glass 'tween my hands as I try an' figure what to tell them.

Look up an start, "We didn't choose to stop here. Managment did. The only way to leave this town is to sever all ties to the Carnival. Otherwise you're stuck. The town becomes a trap. We can see the freedom of the road but we can't have it. Not without giving up something whose real cost you never find out til it's too late." I stare into the depths of my drink, the green calming me. I've heard stories, from Mama an Abby, bout those who paid Management's price to leave.

I down the rest of my drink in one go and slam the glass down on the table.

[a-cheval.livejournal.com]

"We didn't choose to stop here. Managment did." Guess they got to have someone in charge, or else a few folks, but it seems sorta weird thinking 'bout them having a set up with management and paperwork and all that. "The only way to leave this town is to sever all ties to the Carnival. Otherwise you're stuck. The town becomes a trap. We can see the freedom of the road but we can't have it. Not without giving up something whose real cost you never find out til it's too late."

"Huh." Dunno quite what to say to that. Ain't sure if that's just how things work with Carnies or if it's particular to Excolo, but somehow I'm guessing the latter. "'s that why you left 'em? What'd you have to pay?" Yeah, Luke, cause that ain't nosy at all. Duck my head a bit and rub my hand through my hair. "Sorry. You don't have to say, 's just curious. Seems like you folks'd do well tell your manager he don't know what he's up to, putting you down somewhere and not picking back up." Reckon I'd be pretty pissed if that was me, some bloke tellin' me I'd have to pay him to resign. Don't seem fair at all.

[john-thiess.livejournal.com]

'Ri dunt really want t'answer, I think, 'cause she just turns her glass in her hands, lookin' down at the weird green stuff she's drinkin'. But she looks back up at us. "We didn't choose to stop here," she says. "Managment did. The only way to leave this town is to sever all ties to the Carnival. Otherwise you're stuck. The town becomes a trap. We can see the freedom of the road but we can't have it. Not without giving up something whose real cost you never find out til it's too late."

I start t'nod, 'cause I heard some 'a the first bit, but this things with makin' some sort 'a deal, 'r payin' some cost? I jump a bit when she slams her glass down. It all sounds like somethin' out 'a one 'v the stories. That sort 'a thing never goes right in 'em. "Huh," Luke says, and yeah, it's not somethin' you can say much to. "'s that why you left 'em? What'd you have to pay?" He gets embarrassed and does that thing where he rubs his hand through his hair. "Sorry. You don't have to say, 's just curious. Seems like you folks'd do well tell your manager he don't know what he's up to, putting you down somewhere and not picking back up."

I think 'Ri knows some 'a what's goin' on. Luke's actin' like the Management she's talkin' on is like Samuel, runnin' stuff 'n doin' ledgers 'n that. But from what I heard it's lot less normal. "They're tied up with the Tower, ain't they?" I'll make somethin' up if she dunt know what I'm talkin' 'bout, 'cause I dunt want her thinkin' I'm makin' stuff up 'r crazy when I start goin' on 'bout the Adversary.

[verite-belrose.livejournal.com]

Luke blinks and and then out comes a bunch a questions, 's that why you left 'em? What'd you have to pay?Sorry. You don't have to say, 's just curious. Seems like you folks'd do well tell your manager he don't know what he's up to, putting you down somewhere and not picking back up. He seems to realize after that he's asking some rather personal n' sensitive questions cuz he gets all embarrassed, runnin' a hand up into his hair.

Johnny jumps a bit when I slam the glass down but he gives me a sympathetic look an' says, They're tied up with the Tower, ain't they?

I give him a surprised an' grateful look. He gets it. Johnny gets it an' Luke don't. I don't know how John knows that but it's enough that somebody does.

"Yeah. They are." I turn to Luke, "You can't just do that. Not to Management...." I can feel my voice sinking to a shocked whisper at the thought of something telling off Management for what they done. "I--They ain't---Look, I can't really talk 'bout Management, not really. you guys ain't carnies an' never were."

I look at my empty glass and their partial ones. "um...lemme buy the next round? when you guys're ready?"

[a-cheval.livejournal.com]

She don't say nothing to the stuff I ask. Guess that's fair enough, we ain't even met before and she don't seem to think much of me anyway, the bloody looks she's giving me and slamming her glass about. "They're tied up with the Tower, ain't they?" Glance at Johnny, but she's looking at him like she knows 'bout the tower, and I relax a bit. "Yeah. They are."

Fuck me if Samuel ain't bloody right 'bout the Carnies. Tied up with the bloody tower all along! 's all very well her looking at me like I'm a bloody idiot, but I been up to the tower and I seen him as lives in it, and I ain't no idiot to be looked at all pitying. "You can't just do that. Not to Management...." Can see why, if they're in with the fucking devil! I wouldn't talk to him neither, and I sure as hell wouldn't work for him. "I--They ain't---Look, I can't really talk 'bout Management, not really. you guys ain't carnies an' never were."

"Nope," I say. "We ain't." She looks at her glass. "um...lemme buy the next round? when you guys're ready?" Shake my head and down the rest of my beer. Ain't that she don't trust me, cause we don't know each other, though I'm fucked if I'm trusting her after that 'bout management. But if she's supposed to be Johnny's friend she shouldn't be all cocky with him. "You two stay. Thanks anyway, but I got work to do. See you round, Johnny. Good to meet you too Ri." Give 'em both a nod before I head off, just to be polite.

[john-thiess.livejournal.com]

'Ri gives me a look that makes up fer her bein' short like that, like she dint think anyone'd get the trouble they're in. "Yeah," she says, "They are." Luke's gone white and his eyes have gone a bit wide 'n he smells yellow 'n red like he's pissed and scared. 'Ri turns t'him. "You can't just do that. Not to Management.... I--They ain't---Look, I can't really talk 'bout Management, not really. you guys ain't carnies an' never were."

I try not t'take that hard, 'cause Lord knows I got secrets I dunt want t'share. I'm kind 'a surprised that I'm hurt by it though - I dunt really know 'Ri well 'nough t'care what she thinks 'a me, right? "Nope," Luke says, and he sounds kind 'a cold 'n mad still. "We ain't." And then 'Ri seems kind 'a sorry, and I really dunt understand girls at all. If she's mad 'bout somethin' why dunt she say so, instead 'a gettin' mad and then feelin' sorry? "Uum...," she says lookin' at her glass, "lemme buy the next round? when you guys're ready?"

I look t'Luke, but he's shakin' his head and finishin' his beer. "You two stay. Thanks anyway, but I got work to do. See you round, Johnny. Good to meet you too Ri." He nods as he leaves. "I - " I look at 'Ri, then him - "see you 'round, Luke." He's pretty much gone. Damn. I still got food comin' so I slump back in my chair. "Sure, 'Ri," I say, feelin' kind 'a down now that Luke's gone off like that.

[verite-belrose.livejournal.com]

Aw crap. I said the wrong thing. Luke looks upset. Johnny looks hurt. Luke's the first to speak,Nope,We ain't. An' the way he says it, all cold an' hard n' fulla mistrust. it lets me know I screwed up an' shoulda just kept my mouth shut. This is why we don't talk 'bout Management with outsiders, not even in the little ways I was tryin' to. I hope I haven't juts made life here worse for those still with the Carnival.

When I make my offer, Luke just downs the rest of his beer and stands up. You two stay. Thanks anyway, but I got work to do. See you round, Johnny. Good to meet you too Ri.

John makes like he's gettin' up[ to go after him and then slumps back. I lift a hand in a wave and say, "Good to meetcha too, Luke."

Johnny looks real down an' I'm not feelin' too good either. He mumbles something that sounds like, Sure, 'Ri I get up an' stand by his chair a moment.

"John...I wanted to tell you. But I-I found out I couldn't...not really. Sorry." I turn away to go to the bar and get us some beer.

[john-thiess.livejournal.com]

Looks like 'Ri dunt think it went well either, 'cause she's got this stricken look all 'v a sudden 'n shes "John...I wanted to tell you. But I-I found out I couldn't...not really. Sorry." She goes off t'the bar. Damn. I finish my beer as she comes back, the bartender trailin' her with a dish 'a fries. I shake my head as she sits back down. "I - it ain't that, 'Ri. I shouldn't 'a mentioned the Tower like that. I dint know you knew 'bout it, and now Luke thinks it's you folk who're tangled up with it when it really ain't your fault." I poke through the fries, but I ain't so hungry now.

"I should 'a just kept my mouth shut 'n asked you later. Luke - he's just worried 'bout me 'cause I met some folks who ain't too friendly." I think that might be part 'a it, really. He's worried I'm goin' t'fall in with folk like the hound-god, 'r Conley 'n his smugness. "He means well, he really does."

[verite-belrose.livejournal.com]

I come back with the beer and bartender is following me with some fries that Johnny ordered earlier. I st and Johnny shakes his head and starts appoligizing. As if it what happened was his fault instead of mine.I - it ain't that, 'Ri. I shouldn't 'a mentioned the Tower like that. I dint know you knew 'bout it, and now Luke thinks it's you folk who're tangled up with it when it really ain't your fault. He's poking at his fries and in spite of everything I find that really cute. I should 'a just kept my mouth shut 'n asked you later. Luke - he's just worried 'bout me 'cause I met some folks who ain't too friendly.He means well, he really does.

I give him a bit of a smile. "Guess it's both our faults then. If neither of us'd said anything, Luke wouldn't have anything to be so upset about."

I raise the beer to my mouth and then put it down untasted. "It's only Management that is mixed up with the Tower, the rest of us try to steer clear." Even if we're not entirely sure just what's up in that water tower.

[john-thiess.livejournal.com]

She smiles quick at me. "Guess it's both our faults then," she says, her voice dry. "If neither of us'd said anything, Luke wouldn't have anything to be so upset about." I chuckle at that. "It wouldn't 'a bin much 'v a conversation then, now would it?" Definitely not without me havin' a chance t'blurt somethin' out 'n cause trouble.

'Ri goes t'drink her beer but sets it right down 'afore she's even had a sip. "It's only Management that is mixed up with the Tower, the rest of us try to steer clear." I look up at her, kind 'a startled. "Heck, I know that 'Ri. I may not like that witch, even if Tess says she's okay, or your magician, but you and Zann are good folk." I take a fry 'n nibble on it. "I never figured any 'a you had much choice in the matter. And heck, you're in town now too, so you're away from it." I look up at her, rememberin' why she was out the other night. "Though you got family there, 'n I'm sorry they're caught in it."

[verite-belrose.livejournal.com]

Johnny chuckles when I mention how we shoulda kept our mouths closed.It wouldn't 'a bin much 'v a conversation then, now would it? I smik a bit at that, the mental picture of us sittin' there lookin' at one another but not talkin' is kinda funny.

When he gives me a startled look I realize I'm on a roll with the not knowing when to shut up. But he's pretty good about it, all he says is, Heck, I know that 'Ri. I may not like that witch, even if Tess says she's okay, or your magician, but you and Zann are good folk. He pauses to nibble a fry. I never figured any 'a you had much choice in the matter. And heck, you're in town now too, so you're away from it.Though you got family there, 'n I'm sorry they're caught in it.

I take that sip of the beer so that I don't answer too quick.I better not be blushing. I better not. I hide behind my glass just in case. It feels good to know Johnny at least don't think so bad of us.

"Thanks. It's good to know you-that someone doesn't hold it against us."

More homesickness comes right along with his words. Family...right now I'm feeling very lonely. I push the feeling away. "Yeah. So'm I."

[john-thiess.livejournal.com]

She grins at the idea 'v us all sittin' 'round, havin' a drink but not sharin' a word. But when I mention her and Zann she takes a sip 'a her beer 'n holds it up, like she's smellin' it 'r hidin' her face
r somethin'. I swear I dunt get girls. Maybe I ought t'ask Luke. I know he likes guys, and the thought 'a that sends a bunch 'a uncomfortable thoughts through me, but maybe he gets girls better 'cause 'v it.

"Thanks," she says finally. "It's good to know you-that someone doesn't hold it against us." She sounds kind 'a bitter 'bout it, and I really do wish she 'n Luke had hit it off better. "There's folk in town as dunt hold nothin' - 'r not much anyways - 'gainst folk from the Carnival. It's just - things are weird, right, and so're lots 'a you, 'n so it's easy fer people t'point at you." 'Ri in particular, 'cause she's in town now 'n so people see her all the time. And she looks pretty strange in town.

She gets sad when I mention her family. "Yeah. So'm I." I shrug then, 'cause I dunt know what t'say t'that. It ain't like I've got any bright ideas fer helpin' my folks. We're all 'v us trapped here, in some way.

[verite-belrose.livejournal.com]

There's folk in town as dunt hold nothin' - 'r not much anyways - 'gainst folk from the Carnival. It's just - things are weird, right, and so're lots 'a you, 'n so it's easy fer people t'point at you.

"I know," I say, "I just wish they'd stop. I kinda thought it had. Guess I was wrong." I swirl the beer around the glass and put it down. Must be better things to talk about.

"So. How'd it go with Mr. White?" I hope things went alright with that. Otherwise I might hafta just go away so I stop messing up.

[john-thiess.livejournal.com]

"I know," she says, "I just wish they'd stop. I kinda thought it had. Guess I was wrong." She sounds tired, 'n she's just playin' with her drink. I feel bad now, 'cause somehow we all got brought down. "So. How'd it go with Mr. White?"

I grin. "It went well. He gave my job back 'n said I just better let him know next time." I hesitate fer a sec, but she did help. "I - thanks, fer pushin' at me t'go talk t'him. I dunt know that I would've otherwise."

[verite-belrose.livejournal.com]

John grins when I ask about his job and whether Mr.White gave it back to him. Oh good. A tension I didn't even know was there loosens an' I relax just that little bit. It went well. He gave my job back 'n said I just better let him know next time. John hesitates for a moment then continues. I - thanks, fer pushin' at me t'go talk t'him. I dunt know that I would've otherwise.

A big smile takes over my face, along with a definite blush. I reach out an squeeze his hand very briefly. The I steal a fry. I kinda wanna give him a hug but that means getting up an I'm still not sure if he'd be okay with hugging. "That's great! See?-- I'm glad it worked."

[john-thiess.livejournal.com]

'Ri gets a big grin and it's nice she's pleased fer me, but she's also blushin' and I dunt get why she'd - oh. She reaches out 'n squeezes my hand 'n I think I blush too, just quick. And almost giggle as she breaks the short moment by stealin' a fry from the plate. "That's great! See?-- I'm glad it worked."

I get myself lookin' serious again. "Er, yeah. Me too. It is. I mean - um." I look 'round the room quick tryin' t'think 'a somethin' t'say that ain't babblin'. "So, I dunt think you ever said what you 'n your folks did, back at the Carnival." That's somethin', anyways, though I hope it dunt get her thinkin' 'bout the trouble they're in there.

[verite-belrose.livejournal.com]

John blushes when I squeeze his hand and was that a giggle? He returns to serious,Er, yeah. Me too. It is. I mean - um. And he starts looking around the room,wonder if he's looking for something or someone in particular or does he just not want to look at me? So, I dunt think you ever said what you 'n your folks did, back at the Carnival.

A corner of my mouth twitches at that. Yeah. I didn't say. I was bein' kinda careful not to. I've now idea what he'll think of it. Well long as I don't hafta explain about my father or lack of one it probably won't be that bad. I take a deep breath an say," You're right. I didn't. Mama runs a bar tent. S'called, L'Heure Vert, means The Green Hour in French. Me'n my sister Abby help her run it." I run my hand through my hair, look at my empty glass. "Mama wasn't too pleased with me for leaving her n'Abby shorthanded." Which is why we fight just about every time I come back there.

Look over to Johnny. "Hope your family's better about you being in town."

[john-thiess.livejournal.com]

She looks kind 'a guarded as she answers, like she ain't sure how I'll take it, 'n she takes a deep breath. "You're right. I didn't. Mama runs a bar tent. S'called, L'Heure Vert, means The Green Hour in French. Me'n my sister Abby help her run it." I blink. I mean, a bar sure ain't a place fer girls, but it's honest 'nough work. "Mama wasn't too pleased with me for leaving her n'Abby shorthanded," she says, starin' down at her drink.

Huh. I guess that'd explain why she dunt talk 'bout them much, 'f there's bad blood over her movin' into town. "I could see that." She looks up at me. "Hope your family's better about you being in town." I grimace.

"A little better, but only 'cause some 'a them think it's a good idea and manage t'convince the ones who dunt. I think I've got Pa t'see it's fer the good 'a the Family, me bein' here in town, but there's no guarantee he won't just change his mind on the whole thing." It's easier too, 'cause there's more 'v us t'take care 'a stuff on the farm. It must be a bit strange, havin' such small families. Even if it is normal.

[verite-belrose.livejournal.com]

I could see that. He grimaces when I ask bout his family. A little better, but only 'cause some 'a them think it's a good idea and manage t'convince the ones who dunt. I think I've got Pa t'see it's fer the good 'a the Family, me bein' here in town, but there's no guarantee he won't just change his mind on the whole thing.

I nod. "Mama runs our little family, so as eldest child I'm settin' a bad precedent for the others. It sounds like you got it better cuz you got your Pa to agree to what you wanted. Even if later on he does change his mind, you can remind him he agreed in the first place. I just up an left. Told Mama afterwards when the deal with the town council was done. Less trouble that way."

I pick up my beer again. I don't really wanna drink I just want something to do with my hands so I start rolling it from hand to hand.

[john-thiess.livejournal.com]

She nods. "Mama runs our little family, so as eldest child I'm settin' a bad precedent for the others. It sounds like you got it better cuz you got your Pa to agree to what you wanted. Even if later on he does change his mind, you can remind him he agreed in the first place. I just up an left. Told Mama afterwards when the deal with the town council was done. Less trouble that way."

I nod back. I can see doin' that, even if I dunt know that I could do it t'Pa. She starts playin' with her mug, 'n I dunt know if she's bored 'r embarrassed 'r what. "It must 'a bin hard, goin' off 'n doin' what you wanted 'stead 'a followin' your Ma."

[verite-belrose.livejournal.com]

He nods. I like the fact he gets things like this. "It must 'a bin hard, goin' off 'n doin' what you wanted 'stead 'a followin' your Ma.

I shrug an' smile. "Going off to do my own thing was the easy part," I admit. "What's hard is staying when things aren't going so well or you get lonely."

Sip the beer that I don't really feel like drinking and steal another fry. There must be something less serious to talk about.

"Enough of the serious stuff," um... now what do I say? I spot the jukebox sittin' at the back. "What kinda music d'you like?"

[john-thiess.livejournal.com]

"Going off to do my own thing was the easy part," she says with a shrug. "What's hard is staying when things aren't going so well or you get lonely." We sit there sippin' our beer. I feel kind 'a bad fer 'Ri, 'cause I know what it's like t'not be 'round your family 'n be feelin' kind 'a lonely.

"Enough of the serious stuff." I look up but she looks kind 'v unsure 'a what she's goin' t'say. "What kinda music d'you like?" she asks. I shake my head. "Um, I ain't quite sure what you mean. I ain't a real fan 'a church music, but otherwise..." I shrug. "We go t'some 'a the barn dances sometimes, and Paul can play guitar. Anythin' with a good tune, I guess."

[verite-belrose.livejournal.com]

Johnny shakes his head when I ask what kinda music he likes. Oh right. Small town...But they have jukeboxes in town. Plural. I try to not to show my confusion and just listen to his answer. Um, I ain't quite sure what you mean. I ain't a real fan 'a church music, but otherwise...We go t'some 'a the barn dances sometimes, and Paul can play guitar. Anythin' with a good tune, I guess.

Shoulda expected that. Small town stuff. I grin at him. "Ever hear any rock? That's my favorite. But outside of the cities it's all real old so you need tech to play it properly. D'you know id the jukebox here works? If not I've gotta ghetto blaster back at my place n' some tapes n' cds."

[john-thiess.livejournal.com]

She grins at me. "Ever hear any rock? That's my favorite. But outside of the cities it's all real old so you need tech to play it properly. D'you know if the jukebox here works? If not I've gotta ghetto blaster back at my place n' some tapes n' cds."

I heard a few old songs on record, but not 'nough t'say what I like 'n dunt. And I ain't really bin payin' attention t'the jukeboxes in the background when I bin at the Tavern 'r the café. I pause 'afore I answer. I know the jukebox here works, but I think it'd cheer 'Ri up t'get me t'hear some 'a this rock music she's talkin' 'bout. "It dunt really work. But I'd love t'hear some 'a the music you got."

[verite-belrose.livejournal.com]

He pauses as if thinking then says, It dunt really work. But I'd love t'hear some 'a the music you got.

He sounds sincere, like he actually does want to hear my music. I give him a brilliant smile, it's so nice to finally have someone near my own age here in town who gets things. It's been too long since the last time I was actually happy. Quickly I finish what's left of my beer.

"Wanna finish those fries, an' go?"

[john-thiess.livejournal.com]

She smiles real wide, 'n I dint think she'd be so happy 'bout it but it makes me glad, like I made the right choice 'cause she ain't so down no more. She stops toyin' with her beer 'n polishes it off, gesturin' at the fries. "Wanna finish those fries, an' go?"

I finish my beer almost as quick, feelin' a bit dizzy as I do. "I'll bring 'em," I say, standin' up 'n gettin' a small bad from the bartender fer the fries. "I can't remember where you live, now. At your place?" I find myself wantin' t'go now, t'spend some time with her where she feels more comfortable 'n I can get t'know her more.

[verite-belrose.livejournal.com]

He tosses back his beer n' stands. I'll bring 'em, He says and goes to get something from the bartender to put them in. There's strange fizzing kinda feeling. He's going to come to my place! I'm gonna have a guy I like come home with me.

I can't remember where you live, now. At your place? Johnny looks just slightly impatient to go. I grin and head for the door. "It's not far. I live above the Salon."

[john-thiess.livejournal.com]

She grins at me as we leave. "It's not far. I live above the Salon."

We walk up Silk t'Main. It's gettin' darker now, but I dunt think it counts as night. I look at bit nervous behind us as we go by the Whitechapel, but there's neither sight nor smell 'a the hound-god. Good. I got 'nough worries 'round him without him knowin' who I'm spendin' time with.

The salon seems a bit strange, dark 'n deserted as we go in. I ain't ever bin in here, but it looks like 'Ri's place. There's posters on the walls 'a skinny guys with hair like the doc's and guitars sneerin' out at me, 'n one's 'a women wearin' hardly a stitch carryin' big swords. Is this fer the music she's talkin' 'bout? Like everythin' 'bout 'Ri it's outlandish and strange 'n kind 'a interestin'. "How old 'r those?" I ask, noddin' at the posters. Lord know you dunt get paper like that much - they remind me some 'a the posters up at the Carnival, but less... livin'. Heck, I dunt know art.

[verite-belrose.livejournal.com]

Johnny looks behind us once as we walk up Silk road but I'm not sure at what he's watchin' for.

It's not long before I'm unlockin' an' lettin' us into the darkened Salon. Johnny lookin' round at my posters of rockstars an' sword wieldin' women. Not sure how much he can see. I make my towards the kitchen, I want some light but not too much. He nods at the posters an' asks, How old 'r those?

I lean on the door to the kitchen n' turn back to answer, "Real old. From Before. They only survived cuz they was sealed up in tough plastic." I reach behind me for kitchen light switch. "Um...I'm 'bout to turn on a light." I say as my fingers find the switch. I pause to give him time to cover his eyes, then flick it.

[john-thiess.livejournal.com]

'Ri's walkin' into the back room while I look 'round the front. "Real old," she says, turnin' back at the door. "From Before. They only survived cuz they was sealed up in tough plastic." I whistle low. I know we got some stuff left from them, and Tess has the journals, but stuff like this... "Um...I'm 'bout to turn on a light."

I close my eyes and she turns 'em on. I wait fer a sec t'get used t'the light 'n then open my eyes back up. There's more stuff in here than I thought, and there's all sorts 'a weird-lookin' machines 'n stuff. "Huh," I say. "I guess this is all more complicated 'n I thought." I ain't sure what t'do now, so I stuff my hands in my pockets.

[verite-belrose.livejournal.com]

john closes his eyes as the lights go up. He looks around at my stuff especially the tattoo gun and piercing needles. "Huh. He sticks his hands in his pockets clearly at a loss for what to do. I guess this is all more complicated 'n I thought.

I grin a little n' make myself comfortable leaning in the doorway. "Most customers don't want anything more fancy than a trim, but I also do hair dying, piercings an' Tattoos. Each has it's own equipment." I point to the shelves and stations.

"But we didn't come here for that" I say. I lean in an hit play on the ghettoblaster. I can't remember what's in there but because it's my music it'll be an example of rock music which's why Johnny an I came here.

I keep my eyes on him as the first notes play.

It's all the same, only the names will change
Everyday it seems we're wasting away
Another place where the faces are so cold
I'd drive all night just to get back home


I'm a cowboy, on a steel horse I ride
I'm wanted dead or alive
Wanted dead or alive

[john-thiess.livejournal.com]

'Ri grins and leans in the doorway. "Most customers don't want anything more fancy than a trim," she says soundin' a bit peeved, "but I also do hair dying, piercings an' Tattoos. Each has it's own equipment." She points out the different spots and some 'a the gear. Sheesh. I guess some people ain't satisfied with what they got. But 'Ri's into it, so I dunt say nothin'.

"But we didn't come here for that," she says, leanin' over and flippin' a switch on a machine near the door. The music starts up, 'n I hardly recognize any 'a the instruments 'till the guitar comes in. But it's got a good twang t'it, like the music we play out on the farms. The guy's voice is pretty good.

I'm a cowboy, on a steel horse I ride
I'm wanted dead or alive
Wanted dead or alive

The song speeds up as it goes, the singer's voice buildin', 'n I find myself havin' a hard time not singin' 'long, 'r dancing even though it ain't quite a dancin' song. I grin at 'Ri as it ends. "So that's rock music? It sounds kind 'a like some 'a what gets played on the farms. Ain't bin no railroads 'round here fer a while, mind." I was expectin' somethin' stranger, lookin' at the posters, but it was good.

[john-thiess.livejournal.com]

Continued here (http://community.livejournal.com/estdeus_innobis/273392.html).