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[melania-lowell.livejournal.com]

Sunday, November 8th
Day 161
Evening

I'd been on the road for a month before I scented a town up ahead. When I saw the “Welcome to Excolo” sign I think I almost cried I was so tired of walking, but then I burst out laughing when I saw the population part crossed out several times and “oh fuck it”written in black paint over the numbers. Sounded like my kinda town. I've put enough distance between me and them, besides, I don't think they'll bother trying to track me. Justin might, the selfish prick, this whole thing is his fault. I mean, is a little self control and consideration too much to ask for? He better hope he doesn't find me or I'll show him the real meaning of bitch.

Its been days since I've changed, or eaten for that matter. So when I catch the scent of food being cooked, my stomach grumbles. The smell leads me to a place called “The Miskatonic” Stuffing a hand in my pocket I sigh, pulling out what I have. Almost out of funds. But lucky me, there's a “Waitress Needed” sign in the window. Now that I can do. I go inside, talk to the owner, do a little test run serving some food. (holy shit she's fast and that green wall..yeeeah.) When I leave, not only do I have myself a job, but a little more cash in my pocket too. One job isn't gonna cut it though, winter is coming, no crops, less money to spend on dining out. I head towards Silk Road to see whats there and freeze in front of the bakery, hoping what my nose tells me is wrong.God, please not another one. Opening my mouth,I inhale deeply. Its too faint to tell for sure, but I'm not gonna go in to check. Fuck That. Now I need a drink. Wonder what the legal age is around here? Oh well, never hurts to try. I nearly burst out laughing when I ask a man passing by where the nearest bar is and giving me an odd look, he points down the road and says”The Tavern of Hell is right down there, just past the Sacred Whore.” He smells like he bathed in rum, so I take his word. And “Sacred Whore?” and“Tavern of Hell”? What the hell kind of town is this?

I find the tavern right where the man said and coincidentally, also has a now hiring sign. Not many people inside as I give the barman a smile and take a seat at the bar, and order a beer. No funny looks or questions, he brings it right to me. I think I like this place already. I smile again and thank him, asking about the open job. ”My name is Thomas. You'll have to talk to Verdandi, the owner about the job. She should be around soon."”He says and I thank him again, telling him I'll be right here as I look around the room. This should be a good place to scope out the townsfolk and get a better feel for the place.Holy shit is that a jukebox over there? That and electricity. I must be in heaven.

[OPEN] [CLOSED]

Comments

[nansekam.livejournal.com]

She looks a bit surprised, but I reckon it's not that common to see a monk in a pub.

"Nice to meet you Miss Lowell," I say, smiling. "I think you might be talking about St Willigis church," I say. "Not mine. We're a two church town nowadays," I grin. "Sign of a flourishing town, I reckon. I live at the abbey which is across the park. Nice place. And there've been a couple of fires outside town lately," I say, frowning a bit, "but I dunno if there's any plans to rebuild. Private property, y'see. Still, Excolo's growing and hard workers can usually find something to do. But if you're stuck, you're welcome to a bed at the abbey for a night or two. It's not fancy, and we go to bed early and rise early too, but if you're too short on cash for the inn, feel free to get somewhere to sleep. There's usually a bowl of soup in it as well," I smile. "So what brings you to Excolo?"

[melania-lowell.livejournal.com]

"I think you might be talking about St Willigis church," Smiling, I shrug slightly, I didn't notice the name. Just caught the scent of the usual candles, tears and wine.I nod in agreement that its a sign of a growing town, haven't seen one yet with the need for two churches.My smile fades hearing about the fires, there's the scents of fear, death and charred human flesh all mixed in. Not good.

But if you're stuck, you're welcome to a bed at the abbey for a night or two. It's not fancy, and we go to bed early and rise early too, but if you're too short on cash for the inn, feel free to get somewhere to sleep. There's usually a bowl of soup in it as well," My head tilts as I smile," Thank you for the offer, Brother. I'll keep it in mind, but I tend keep late hours.So, Might not be a good fit." Gotta change an run sometime, an what if it happened there? What a clusterfuck that would be. Sweet offer though, but If need be I'm sure I can find a warm place to crash in the woods. "So what brings you to Excolo?"

"Oh,I sort of stumbled into it really," I laugh, "Left home about a month ago, you know, to see other places." I smile, taking a sip of my beer. "Good stuff here, How's the mead?" Even if I didn't hear him order it, I can smell it from here. "And whats with the names of the businesses? I laugh "Definitely an interesting town. So who do you worship?" I ask, preparing myself to hear something way fucked up.

[nansekam.livejournal.com]

She doesn't seem too keen to stay at the abbey, which is alright - it doesn't appeal to everyone.

"Feel free to stop by if you change your mind."

"Left home about a month ago, you know, to see other places."

Wonder a bit at that, cos it's not exactly a small thing to just wander off into the wild, especially if you're a teenage girl, but I don't pry. No doubt she's got her reasons to be here.

"Mead's good," I say. "Verdandi who owns this place does a good trade, and I can see why."

"Definitely an interesting town. So who do you worship?"

"Nanshe," I say with a smile. "Goddess of dreams, of the harvest and of rivers, protector of widows and orphans, champion of justice." I raise my glass in toast to my lady. "You got any religious leanings yourself?" I say. "Excolo's a pretty tolerant place."

[melania-lowell.livejournal.com]

"Feel free to stop by if you change your mind."

I nod, mumbling another thank you and that I'll keep it in mind. Which I will, if there's no safer option.

He says the mead's good, which I believe, considering the beer is the best I've ever had. Amazing what piss some places try to pass off as beer.

"Nanshe," "Goddess of dreams, of the harvest and of rivers, protector of widows and orphans, champion of justice." I raise my glass in toast to my lady. "You got any religious leanings yourself? Excolo's a pretty tolerant place." he smiles and raises his glass, and I smile back and raise my mug too. Not like it does any harm or good either way. Personally, I think the apocalypse was god's way of telling us to go fuck ourselves and the rest agreed. Like some celestial board meeting that ended with a majority vote deciding "Fuck em." Its one reason I never went home after I was bitten.My parents went to church every Sunday, I couldn't go home as this monster he turned me into. Even if I kind like it once the change is over.

I shake my head, "Nope, no leanings to speak of, but I might stop by just to check it out anyway." I say. Never heard of her, but this guy seems pretty relaxed and nice, so why not? Wonder exactly how far the tolerance in this town goes.Wloves were shot an killed in most others I've been through.

[nansekam.livejournal.com]

I get the feeling from Melania she doesn't give much of a shit either way about religion, but that's alright. As long as she doesn't start mouthing off about how church is stupid, we'll get along fine.

"Do drop in," I say. "Main services for the public are Sundays, but we've got services every day you're welcome to come to," I say, sipping my mead. Very nice stuff indeed. I glance outside, and it's pretty dark now. "Look, I'd better get going since I don't want them to lock the gates with me outside, but good luck with the job hunt, yeah?" I smile. I turn to the barman. "Will you give your boss that message about the thermometer? Cheers, mate." I turn back to my new acquaintance. "Oh, and Miss Lowell, not to be a stuffy old bloke, but be careful in town after dark. There's been a lot of crime lately, and walking around alone late at night is riskier than you'd expect in a small town."

[melania-lowell.livejournal.com]

"Main services for the public are Sundays, but we've got services every day you're welcome to come to,"

"Mhm."I nod, smiling, not even a fake one. I'm curious as to what kind of religion it is."I might just do that." Doesn't sound like one of those seriously fucked up ones at least and he doesn't seem like one of those uptight nuts that accost people in the streets. "Look, I'd better get going since I don't want them to lock the gates with me outside, but good luck with the job hunt, yeah?" locking the gates....Yeeeah, that would be a problem for me. "Thank you," I grin, "Already got one, waitress at the Miskatonic. One down and one to go," I laugh. looking around as a few more people filter in.

He turns and asks Thomas to tell his boss about the thermometer, and I make a mental note to mention it to her as well. Then he turns back to me as I order another beer.Oh, and Miss Lowell, not to be a stuffy old bloke, but be careful in town after dark. There's been a lot of crime lately, and walking around alone late at night is riskier than you'd expect in a small town."

Might be risky for humans...I smile and nod, extending my hand, "Not at all, I appreciate the heads up, thanks. It was nice meeting you, Brother Nanse-kam, take care."

[nansekam.livejournal.com]

"Miskatonic, eh? That's a good place. I'm sure you'll do well."

Melania smiles at me as if she doesn't really have anything to worry about. Oh, teenage confidence. Sometimes I miss it. Hope she doesn't get into any scrapes though. I shake her hand.

"Have a good night," I say, and head off over to the abbey.