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estdeus_innobis2009-08-21 05:08 pm
melania-lowell.livejournal.com) wrote in estdeus_innobis2009-08-21 05:08 pm
Home Sweet Home
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]
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.
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Drinks poured and bottles all set neatly on a tray, I make my way back, smiling cause I know I got it right. I almost at the table, when my toe catches on a slightly raised floorboard,"Shit,"I gasp, feeling myself stumble forward, drinks sliding across the tray. I manage to recover my balance and quickly stabilize the tray and drinks and I smile, thinking I got it when a bottle wobbles an falls off the tray. Still holding the tray and swearing sharply again, my free hand quickly comes up, catching the bottle by the neck. Looking at them both,I blow my hair from my face an laugh, "Wow that almost sucked. Don't worry ladies, the floor show is free" I wink, and then with a smile and name each drink as I set it down in front of the one who ordered it. Laughing again at the amount Verdandi has in front of her. She must have one hell of s tolerance if she's gonna drink all that.I give her a wide smile, "Everything look all right? Oh, Verdandi, some guy by the name of Nanse-Kam stopped in, needed a thermometer or some beer or something? He talked to Thomas about it," I say smiling down at her.
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She moves her finger to another part of my tattoo, and I shiver again. My arm tingles where her finger was an I can feel the same thing happening under her finger. Then she looks up meeting my eyes and I feel the intensity and something else. I push away the other feeling to concentrate on what she's saying. I look away a bit but I'm smiling when I reply, "Yeah. changed my life, it did, finding him. Sometimes I wish I coulda stayed..." An' I do. woulds liked it better if I thought he'da left his shop to come with me, but I knew better than to ask, specially after things went bad.
Melania's coming back with a big tray full of our drinks so Verdandi leans back, but I can feel her right next to me. I hope I don't end up blushing. Damn, but she's gorgeous.
Verdandi giggles and changes the subject, this asking bout the carnival this time.
I smirk at her. "You could say that. I grew up there."
Melania's almost to our table when disaster strikes, she stumbles and a bottle falls off. I start to rise from my seat before I realize I'm just too far away to help but then our waitress manages to grab the falling bottle after all. It's an amazing catch an I'm sitting there openmouthed in surprise as she winks at us and brings the tray over. I smile back her. I bet she's got the job. Everything's here an in one piece too.Oh an she has a message for the tavern keep as well. There's no way Verdandi won't hire her now. I pick up my drink an salute her with it.
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"I'm sure he misses you, too. How could he not? But if you had stayed, we'd have never met." I continue brightly, noting that Melania is almost to our table, "This might not be better but it's definitely not boring." I ask about the carnival and Verite smirks at me as she answers, "You could say that. I grew up there," and isn't she absolutely adorable? "That's exciting! You've must have seen so many different places and people." Since Verite already knows the carnival, maybe she'll go with me. "Maybe you wouldn't mind showing me around the next time I go?"
Melania arrives and Verite and I are treated to a free juggling show along with our drinks. Melania's got speed though, and agility. I'll bet her sharp scent has more than a little something to do with it as she says, "Wow that almost sucked. Don't worry ladies, the floor show is free." I clap my hands, smiling and laughing as she sets the drinks down in front of us.
"That was excellent, Melania!" and Verite salutes her with her cider and I laugh again, touching her arm and nodding happily before I beam at Melania and continue, "You're hired. Take a seat and we'll talk about what you can expect working here. Oh, and we need to celebrate so you pick any drink you want in front of me and we'll toast." Melania brings up Nanse-kam needing a thermometer, whomever he might be. "I know I have an extra one downstairs. Where did he say he was from?" I open the Firewhiskey, pouring myself a shot as I wait for her to choose. Will she choose the strong stuff or go with the weaker brews? Either way, I have a new barmaid and a great reason to celebrate.
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"That was excellent, Melania!" Verdandi exclaims as Verite raises her glass to me. Laughing I return Verites' gesture and lift my mug, "Probably couldn't do that again if I tried," I lie, taking a long sip from my mug. Gotta watch the showing off.Normal humans can't do that stuff.Verdandi touches my arm saying I'm hired, and again I'm reminded of laying in an apple orchard under the sun as she smiles. Laughing I let out a small howl of excitement as she offers me any drink I want and asks where Nanse-kam was from.Judging by the scents of them all, The stuff called fire Whiskey seems the most pungent and is probably the strongest, and she's having one, which means I should be fine considering I generally can handle more than most humans, so I knock back one of the snake bites and set the shot glass in front of the whiskey bottle,"That, please,"I grin,"Oh and he said he was from the Abbey on the other side of town? Brother Nanse-kam was his name. Real nice guy with a real nice smile."
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"Fate can be kinda mysterious like that." I say mock seriously but I can't help the sly grin that tugs at my mouth.
I'm glad that Verdandi thinks it's cool that I'm a carnie as she happily goes on to say, I have time to nod an say, "Sure!"
Then Melania is here, an Verdandi is clappimg her hands in delight at that amazing save an touching Melania on the arm and congratulating her on the new job. offers her one of the drinks in front of her too. The new barmaid has already responded to my salute by raising her glass and drinking but she takes our hostess up on her offer. She drains one of the shots an' puts the glass in front of the whisky that Verdandi just opened. That stuff is strong, I can smell that from here. She's grinning an I hope she's got a good tolerance as otherwise she's gonna end up smashed.
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She agrees to show me around the carnival and I'm so pleased that I give her a little hug. Melania arrives, tripping but catching all the drinks safely. She sits down, saying "Probably couldn't do that again if I tried," and I beam at her, replying, "Oh, I don't know. I think you could, with enough incentive." And I salute her with my shot of whiskey, clinking my drink with Verite's cider and Melannia's Snake Bite.
We down the shots and Melania grins as she slides her shot-glass towards me, "That, please." I fill the glasses, one for her and one for me as I smile sweetly. "Oh and he said he was from the Abbey on the other side of town? Brother Nanse-kam was his name. Real nice guy with a real nice smile." I smile, tickled at the thought of meeting someone from the Abbey, "It sounds like he was lovely. Was he?"
Downing my shot, I refill it and reach for the second Snake Bite and drinking that one as well. "Firewhiskey is the strongest liquor we have here and it knocks men twice your size under the table pretty quickly but if you can match them, shot for shot, we tend to sell more liquor. I don't do it often but when I do, it's more fun than it should be." I can't help the knowing smile that escapes and I look at them both and chuckle.
Trying to not giggle as I explain, I take a breath and begin, "You'll get paid every week and I provide room and board along with whatever liquor you might want. The rooms above mine are being renovated but I have a place to sleep, if you need one." I down the Aces & Eights shot, counting myself as one ahead of Melania. "We have an employee meeting every two weeks and we also taste-test any new liquors that we have."
"You'll also run some errands during the day. The boys take care of the deliveries so you won't have to worry about that." I pause, thoughtful before continuing, "If you hear of any carpenters or anything like that, let me know. The one carpenter upstairs is already overwhelmed." I turn to Verite and give a sweet smile as I ask, "Do you know anyone from the carnival like that, carpenters or builders? If you do, could you send them my way?" How does she get her hair that amazing color? Maybe I should visit the salon and see what it's all about. Looking at Melania again, I ask, "Do you have any questions"?
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"Firewhiskey is the strongest liquor we have here and it knocks men twice your size under the table pretty quickly but if you can match them, shot for shot, we tend to sell more liquor. I don't do it often but when I do, it's more fun than it should be."She says with a smile and little laugh that makes me think matching her drink for drink may mot be a good idea. Generally I can match a man twice my size, and she's hardly that. Matching her smile I nod once and toss back the shot she poured me. Holy fuck its name is no lie, cause I can feel it sizzle and burn as it slides down my throat into my still almost empty stomach. They already gave me a funny look at the Miskatonic when I ordered the biggest meal on their menu, I wasn't about to order a few more just to fill up.
"Don't worry, I know when to say when," I smile at them both and drink another shot, nodding as she continues telling me what to expect as she knocks back more shots. Its her bar, so I guess she would have a good tolerance for what she serves. Makes sense.Though it doesn't stop me from grinning at Verite and shaking my head a little as I notice Verdandi is making damn sure my shot glass is never empty. "Everything sounds great, Verdandi," I laugh, "Better than I hoped for, actually," I say, smiling and downing another shot. Might still be one behind her or might have caught up, but fuck it, I'm already feeling the warmth of the booze creeping up my legs. "Do you have any questions"? I shake my head, "Nope." Then I think of what Nanse-kam said earlier. "Oh wait. What sort of crime has been happening around town at night? Nanse-kam warned me that it it wasn't safe to walk around at night?"Please don't say wild dogsPlease don't say wild dogs....That's why we used to kill non pack like me. They lose it and cause trouble for us all. I give them both a smile, "I kinda like going for walks at night," I shrug, hoping that will explain my concern.
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Surprises me a little with a hug when I agree to show her round the carnival.'M already planning what to show her...
She compliments Melania and hires her as I expected. We clink our glasses together in a toast. Then drink. mmm...cider is good. I notice that as Verdandi punctuates her explanations to Melania with frequent drinks an not just sips either, she;s downing whole shots at a go. Her new employee almost matching her. Me, I stick to my cider, taking it nice n' easy. I got an okay tolerance but I know better than to try to keep up with Someone like Verdandi or Tez. Wonder if Melania can keep up; she's getting kinda flushed so maybe,maybe not.
Verdandi suddenly turns to me an asks,
I pretend to think for a second before smirking again, "Sorta. My older brother is head Roustie. They do lotsa construction type stuff an ain't that busy right now. I c'n ask him to come see you 'bout a job." I hope she means to pay decent for it. Could be real good for the Carnival if more people can bring money in from outside jobs. an I bet Will would do it. He likes keeping busy.
When Melania asks her question bout the crime in town I stiffen but try to hide it behind taking a long drink of cider. My eyes are stuck on Verdandi though. I wanta know what she'll say. Murder n' assault are nasty crimes an this town is lousy about solving them.
Melania is tense as well even though she smiles at us and says she likes walking at night.
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Melania's happy as she says, "Everything sounds great, Verdandi. Better than I hoped for, actually." I smile and nod, "You can start today then. I'll show you around later and then set you up on my couch tonight. The Tavern's pretty easy to maneuver thorough and we also have a cellar I'll need to show you. Oh! and I need to get you a key. Don't let me forget," and I touch her hand briefly and smile.
I ask Verite if she knows any carpenters and she has that cute smirk again before she answers, "Sorta. My older brother is head Roustie. They do lotsa construction type stuff an ain't that busy right now. I c'n ask him to come see you 'bout a job." I beam at her and slide the Candied Apple cider to Melania as I say, "This calls for another toast. Send him over, Verite, and I'll make it worth his time. I'm so excited," and I laugh as I pull the Poisoned Apple mug my way and take a sip.
Melania says she has no questions and pauses before saying, "...What sort of crime has been happening around town at night? Nanse-kam warned me that it it wasn't safe to walk around at night? I kinda like going for walks at night." She's smiling but tense and I notice that Verite is too. I begin gently, trying to not scare her but not wanting to lie either. "Excolo's attracted a lot of unusual people lately and some of them are very dangerous. I'm not telling you that you shouldn't go walking at night but you should understand that you might attract the wrong kind of attention."
I gaze at her, hoping she'll take me seriously as I continue, "That wrong kind of attention could you get killed. Try not to go out alone at night. During the day is fine but we've had some murders that haven't been solved yet and the killer or killers are probably still around."
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Smiling, I nod, "Perfect!,"I grin at her. Can use the cash or a run and my stomach rumbles in agreement.I can already feel the skin behind my knees tingling, but not from the liquor, I'll need to change soon. I can still control it right now but if I wait too long, I'm not gonna have a choice, tried that already, didn't work out so well.My stomach turns, just remembering that.
I smile when Verite says her brother still works for the carnival and she might be able to hook Verdandi up with him.I take a sip of the drink she slides to me and it really does taste like a candy apple and my stomach rumbles again, wishing it really was one. "This calls for another toast. Send him over, Verite, and I'll make it worth his time. I'm so excited," It is exciting. To new things," I say clinking my glass against each of theirs."Has the carnival been here long?" I ask looking at Verite, strange that her brother got a job there and then needs work in town.
The happy mood of the table darkens as Verdandi gives her warning. Verite stiffens but I don't catch the scent of fear from her. "Excolo's attracted a lot of unusual people lately and some of them are very dangerous. Unusual people? Curiosity piqued, my eyebrows raise,"What kinds of.." I trail off, wondering if maybe she wasn't specific on purpose. I shake my head, "So pretty much like most towns then," I smile. "I'll be careful," I say over my glass. No way I'm asking her to come out with me and the last thing I need is to be seen during the day by a farmer with a gun and a good shot.My brows lift again at her mention of the unsolved murders. I bet with my sense of smell, I might be able to help, but then I'd have to explain how, not gonna happen. I'll ask Verdandi for specifics later.
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Melania take the cider and clinks it against ours sayin' Then she goes on to ask how long the carnival's been in town and I'm reminded that she's new to town, doesn't know the story 'bout why we're stuck here.
Take another long drink of cider to get the bitterness out of my mouth, before saying, "A long time, months. Been here all summer." I take another drink, one that practically empties the mug. "An it looks like we'll be here all winter as well.
I try a smile but I ain't sure it works so well. I lift the mug again to hide my expression.
Verdandi's gone serious as well as she explains about the danger.
I nod. "It ain't so bad early in the evening when there's lots of people round, but later on it gets nasty."
Melania, that's such a long name, wonder if she'll mind if I shorten it? She's wondering what's so bad bout Excolo, I can tell she doesn't think it's any worse than other towns by the way she raises her eyebrows and says,
I smile back but The good cheer of earlier seems more distant now. I finish my cider an look thoughtfully at the whisky or maybe I should ask to try the other bottle? what did verdandi call it? Violet Charm?
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I reply to Melania's question and Verite adds, "It ain't so bad early in the evening when there's lots of people round, but later on it gets nasty." I nod, agreeing with her as I drink a whiskey shot and take another sip of cider. Melania's curious as she asks, "What kinds of.." and I smile at her, ready to answer when she shakes her head and continues, "So pretty much like most towns then. I'll be careful."
"Please do and let me know if questions come up. You'd be surprised how much you find out about a town from working in a tavern." I smile, catching Melania's sharp scent again, placing it this time, wolf, and I cheerfully continue, "For example, did you know that I've heard there are wolves in town? Some of them are said to shift from human to wolf." I look at Melania, sweet smile and another shot in hand as I add, "Have you ever heard such a thing?"
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My eyes widen a little, "Wow, They must've been raking in the cash to have stayed so long. Never seen a Carnival running in the winter before," I smile and nod at what Verdandi said, though like her, I have no clue what winter will be like around here, "yeah, hopefully it will turn out for the better," I blink and shake my head, realizing what Verite said, "Wait, you said, 'we'. You from the carnival too? That must've been wicked cool, what did ya do?" I ask, smiling over my glass as I take a sip. Fuck,I'm feeling a little buzzed, I'm probably gonna have to fake drunk soon.
"It ain't so bad early in the evening when there's lots of people round, but later on it gets nasty." Verite adds to Verdandis' warning and in response to my own comment about it being like most towns. I nod. "Yeah, they all seem to crawl out of the woodwork at night."
"Please do and let me know if questions come up. You'd be surprised how much you find out about a town from working in a tavern." Laughing, I nod, and then give her a knowing smile, "Oh I bet I wouldn't." The shit people say when drunk.....My god.Verdandi continues"For example, did you know that I've heard there are wolves in town? Some of them are said to shift from human to wolf." she says with that smile full of sunshine again. shitshitshitshitSHIT She knows, and fuck knows how I manage to swallow my drink and hold my smile."Have you ever heard such a thing?" "Mhm." I snicker, "Usually along with tales of vampires, zombies, and fairies," I grin, "Why, people saying ya got them running round here too? And how much have they drank?" I ask in good humor. If she knows and is hiring me anyway, that's great, but don't need the whole world looking for us.But maybe she's trying to warn me there are others here. Oh yeah, we'll be talking about this later. "I'll watch my ass," I say, giving her a grateful smile. Hopefully telling her, I got it.
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Melania tries to get the last word in on the night time stuff with,
But Verdandi goes on to mention something real weird. She says it with such a sweet smile too. going to have to watch her for that.
Melania gets real nervous at that but tries to cover it by laughing,
huh, maybe I'm only imagined her getting so tense. Melania, I gotta finda nick for her, has gone back to being relaxed again. I lean forward pushing my mug over towards Verdandi.
"Mug's empty c'n I get another drink?" I say giving her a wide eyed cute look.