Home Sweet Home

[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

[verite-belrose.livejournal.com]

I'm almost ready to order or maybe just to the girl. She gave me a friendly smile after all. But then a gorgeous blonde about our age comes over and introduces herself to both us as Verdandi. This is is the mysterious Verdandi?! I'd have thought she was older. Maybe not Mama's age but older than us. And she's offering me free drinks to help with an interview. I grin and return her handshake. "M'Verite. An' sure I'll help! Free drinks is a great compensation."

The girl, Melania if I caught her name right smiles at me.Love your tats, was thinking about getting one done myself, where'd you get em?

I laugh but it's not mean. Just, well, that I like her and her enthusiasm.We follow Verdandi to the table she shows us.

"Got the tats from my first teacher, who's many miles away from here. But if you really are serious 'bout getting one, I can do it for you. I run a salon that does tattoos an' piercings an' hair. S'called I dyed for Beauty. On Main street."

[norn-verdandi.livejournal.com]

The purple-haired girl shakes my hand as she says, "M'Verite. An' sure I'll help! Free drinks is a great compensation." I'm pleased that she wants to help and yes, I'm sure the free drink offer didn't hurt but as I look her over with her bright eyes and big smile, I really think that she would've helped me out anyway.

Liking Verite already, I grab a menu (http://pics.livejournal.com/norn_verdandi/pic/0000ad5e) from the bar as Melania compliments her, "Love your tats, was thinking about getting one done myself, where'd you get em?" Verite laughs, big and full and my smile widens. Yes, leave something of the happiness you bring. She answers Melania, explaining about her far-away teacher and then adds, "...if you really are serious 'bout getting one, I can do it for you. I run a salon...I Dyed for Beauty. On Main street."

Melania's following me as she says, Oh, I can make drinks, but if they wanna do it..." and I smile as I reply off-handedly, "Oh, the boys take care of it," altar libations from my priests, "-but maybe later on, I'll give you a try back there. Men love to buy liquor from pretty girls," and I giggle as I continue, "It makes them feel special, just to have her attention for a little while."

Leading them both to a table, I try to sort out the barmaid-to-be's scent as I sit down with Verite and lay the menu in front of us. She's got a sharp scent that reminds me of Johnny and Gaueko, and I wonder about where she was before Excolo. Smiling at Verite, I ask, "What would you like to drink?" as I shift the menu to her. I turn to Melania and cheerfully say, "I'd like you to demonstrate your greeting as if we were new customers. We'll then give you our drink order and you'll take it to Thomas. We'll talk when you return with the orders. Does that sound fair?"

Turning to Verite, I brightly ask, "So you run the salon? That's wonderful! How long have you been there? I've never come in but I've always wanted to."

[melania-lowell.livejournal.com]

The Purple haired girl smiles widely as she replies to Verdandi's offer "M'Verite. An' sure I'll help! Free drinks is a great compensation." Then she laughs happily at my question about her tats as we walk over to the table"...if you really are serious 'bout getting one, I can do it for you. I run a salon...I Dyed for Beauty. On Main street."

Now its my turn to laugh, "I love the names of businesses here, That's a great name for a salon, "I smile, "Once I have the funds, I'll definitely be in. Not even lying, I've been thinking of getting one.Just wondering if I'll wake up one morning and it'll be gone.How much would that suck? Having to explain its disappearance it would suck even more. Hopefully it will stick.

"-but maybe later on, I'll give you a try back there. Men love to buy liquor from pretty girls," she giggles girlishly, and Jesus, she can't be much older than me and she owns this place? And Verite owns a salon?Must be good money to be made here."It makes them feel special, just to have her attention for a little while." I laugh "Yeah,it also gives a girl time to get them nice and soused," I say with a wink and impish smile.

Reaching the table, we all sit and Verdandi lays a menu down,asking Verite what she would like. Shit, I should have looked at one while I was waiting. Then she turns to me "I'd like you to demonstrate your greeting as if we were new customers. We'll then give you our drink order and you'll take it to Thomas. We'll talk when you return with the orders. Does that sound fair?"

Smiling,I nod,"Fair enough,"I say, and then stand up and walk a few steps away before turning around and going back to the table. Putting on a bright smile, I look at each of them in turn, "Evening Ladies, My names Melania, What can I get you tonight?" I ask in a friendly, upbeat sorta tone.

[verite-belrose.livejournal.com]

Verdandi an' Melania discuss how this trial run thing is gonna work. Melania sayin' in response to my speech about the Salon,I love the names of businesses here, That's a great name for a salon, "I smile, "Once I have the funds, I'll definitely be in. I grin back at her. "I can't take credit for the name, that was already there when I took over the place. Come visit anytime during business hours, we can discuss ideas an such."

And Verdandi's saying that she might let Melania try bartending later on account of how much men like buying alcohol from women. That sounds kinda like something Mama'd say. The potential barmaid laughs and answers,Yeah,it also gives a girl time to get them nice and soused, I laugh along with her. "Assuming that's what you want from them!"

Then Melania backs off to start her show and Verdandi's asking me how long I've had my business. I have to think a bit on that. "Opened up in early August, bout the 7th I think." is my answer.

Then Melania is being all friendly an cheerful asking what she can get us. I grin back at her an say, "Hi! C'n I get a cider?"

[norn-verdandi.livejournal.com]

Verite is so pretty with her wild hair and leather clothes, and so is dark, sharp-scented Melania and I giggle as I notice the male patrons watching us closely as both of them talk about business names in town. I have to add my bit, "I sympathize. The Tavern was already named when I took over too. In fact, they said I had to keep it and made it part of my agreement. It's not a bad name but, oh! the looks I get when I tell people I'm the owner are very amusing."

I comment and giggle about men, liquor and pretty girls and Melania winks, laughing as she says, "Yeah, it also gives a girl time to get them nice and soused." Verite is laughing too, as she adds, "Assuming that's what you want from them!" Oh, these two are too funny and I laugh along with them, commenting "Oh, that's terrible," as I laugh harder.

Melania walks away and I ask Verite about her shop. She takes a moment and says, "Opened up in early August, bout the 7th I think." I lean forward, placing a hand on her arm as I say, "If no one else has said it, then I will: Welcome to Excolo, Verite. And since we're both on Silk Road, please feel free to visit anytime." I look at her intently, trying to decide what I should tell her. "Town is strange and sometimes, dangerous. I've learned a few tips and if you need anything, anything, you come and see me."

I leave it at that and recall that she's a tattooist and I wonder if she understands the sacred nature of her work. She has a few markings of her own and I touch one gently, marveling at the skilled design as I smile and ask, "Who did these? They're beautiful."

Melania returns, bright smile and a friendly voice as she asks for our order. I like her face and unless she messes up badly, I'm hiring her. Plus, I think the patrons will like her too. Verite orders first, "Hi! C'n I get a cider?" I smile, informing both girls, "We have three kinds here: Candied Apple, Mabon and Poisoned Apple."

I look at Melania, a sweet smile in place as I give my order, "I'd like three shooters: two Snake Bites and an Aces & Eights, along with a bottle of Firewhiskey and another of Violet Charm." I look at the menu again and add as an afterthought, "Oh! And cider for me, too. I'd like one of each variety please." It's a big order and if she can remember even half of it, she's doing better than most.

[melania-lowell.livejournal.com]

"I can't take credit for the name, that was already there when I took over the place. Come visit anytime during business hours, we can discuss ideas an such."

"'K, Hopefully I'll be by this week," I nod at Verite, smiling back at her as Verdandi adds her own comment about how she had to keep the name of this place when she bought it.but, oh! the looks I get when I tell people I'm the owner are very amusing."I laugh, "I bet, you look about our age and both of you are business owners! You don't see that in many towns."I say eye widening for emphasis.

Both girls laugh at my comment about getting the men at the bar drunk,"Assuming that's what you want from them!" Verite adds, making both Verdandi and I laugh harder "Oh, that's terrible," she says. "If that's not all you want from them, then, yeah, gotta watch that. Other than that,"I shrug, still laughing. People tend to pay less mind to how much they're spending, the more they drink.They also have more fun.

"Hi! C'n I get a cider?" Verite says, playing along with the test.Verdandi explains they the three kinds of cider available, and the with another sunny smile, she launches into her order. "Which kind of cider did you want, miss?" I ask Verite, holding my smile and repeating Verdandis' order over and over in my head. Yeah, I'll be studying that menu later. I've never heard of any of those drinks.

Verite decides which of the three she wants, and I nod, repeating the whole thing back to them ending with a smile and a "Coming right up!" I say with a smile, then take off for the bar, still repeating it all in my head.

[verite-belrose.livejournal.com]

Verdandi sympathizes about the names saying she had to keep that outrageous name when she took the place. and yeah, I bet she got looks for that. She's so cheerful and sunny and this place looks way classier than its name suggests. Much nicer than L'Heure Vert. I feel a stab inside at that disloyal thought, but it's true. L'Heure is just a big tent in different stripes of green an it's starting to look old and faded in daylight.

Melania nods and says, 'K, Hopefully I'll be by this week, She laughs and adds, I bet, you look about our age and both of you are business owners! You don't see that in many towns. Her eyes are wide with wonder at at town that will let people so young own businesses.

I grin back. This is fun! I'm real glad I came out tonight, haven't had this much fun in a long time.

Verdandi giggles at both me an Melania's opinions on men an' alcohol. Melania adds,,q>If that's not all you want from them, then, yeah, gotta watch that. Other than that, she shrugs and we all dissolve into giggles again.

When I ask for Cider, Verdandi explains there's three types and damn, they all sound good. Then she gives her own order and I can feel my eyes widen at the size of it. Is she gonna drink all that by herself? I've seen some big drinkers back at L'Heure, Tez n' Lucien among them; but for someone as young as the tavern owner that's a lot of alcohol.

Then our waitress is smiling at me an asking, Which kind of cider did you want, miss?

"Candied apple, please." I say. I bet they all taste good. Maybe I'll try one of the others next. Melania nods and repeats the whole order before going off to fetch it.

Soon as she's gone, Verdandi leans over to me and places her hand on my arm. If no one else has said it, then I will: Welcome to Excolo, Verite. And since we're both on Silk Road, please feel free to visit anytime. She gives me an intent look and continues, Town is strange and sometimes, dangerous. I've learned a few tips and if you need anything, anything, you come and see me.

I nod at that. Then correct her about where my shop is. "um... yes sure. The shop is actually on Main street. It's between the butcher an the general store. only a little further away."

Then she changes the subject by tracing one of the thick black lines of my tattoo.I can feel the little hairs stand up under 'er finger and I shiver pleasantly with it. Who did these? They're beautiful.

I smile with pride. "Thanks. his name was Andre an he lives in one of the cities down south. I was his student for a few months." He was one a the good memories from that time. Maybe I shoulda shacked up with him 'steada Trevor.

[norn-verdandi.livejournal.com]

Verite corrects me, almost wary as she says, "um... yes sure. The shop is actually on Main street. It's between the butcher an the general store. only a little further away." I cover my face with my hand and laugh at my mistake. "And you just told me." I shrug, still laughing, "My memory's better than it used to be but so I don't even have a good excuse. Can we blame it on my too-busy brain instead?"

Verite orders cider and I give Melania my big order, too. She's off to the bar and I watch her speak to Thomas. He's smiling and that's a good sign. I wonder briefly what Iago will think of her before turning back to Verite and asking about her tattoos.

She smiles, pleased as she says, "Thanks. his name was Andre an he lives in one of the cities down south. I was his student for a few months." I noticed her little shiver and I touch another part of the design, smiling sweetly as I comment, "I think you were both meant to find each other, you and your teacher. It's obvious that he was skilled," I look up, catching her eyes as I continue, "-and he nurtured your ability too. You looked really happy when you said his name."

Melania's returning and I sit back a bit, giving Verite space but since these tables are small, that's only so much. I can't wait to renovate and I giggle over my own impatience. Changing the subject, I ask, "Have you been to the carnival yet? I visited a while ago and I loved it. Everyone there was so vibrant and cheerful. It was like a pleasant dream for me."

[melania-lowell.livejournal.com]

By the time I get to the bar yo order it comes out something like "two candied apple ciders, one each of the other two, two"I pause"...shit I grab a menu, If I see it I'll know it.By this time Thomas is smiling almost laughing as I Point to the snake bite saying,"two of those,"Then on to the rest saying, "one of those and a bottle of this and this."I sigh and smile at him wondering how he's keeping from laughing. Thank fuck for the menu's.

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.

[verite-belrose.livejournal.com]

Verdandi laughs at her mistake and makes fun of her poor memory.

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.I think you were both meant to find each other, you and your teacher. It's obvious that he was skilled, 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. -and he nurtured your ability too. You looked really happy when you said his name. 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. Have you been to the carnival yet? I visited a while ago and I loved it. Everyone there was so vibrant and cheerful. It was like a pleasant dream for me.

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. Wow that almost sucked. Don't worry ladies, the floor show is free. 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.

[norn-verdandi.livejournal.com]

Verite smiling again as she talks about Andre, her teacher, "Yeah. changed my life, it did, finding him. Sometimes I wish I coulda stayed..." She really is a striking girl and suddenly, I'm reminded of another girl, Gunnlöð, who was my friend a long time ago. The fact that I even remember her is wonderful and I smile at Verite in happiness.

"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.

[melania-lowell.livejournal.com]

For a minute, all Verite does is stare at me, mouth agape, while Verdandi claps and laughs. Keep pulling shit like that and my secret isn't gonna be a secret for long. Shouldda just let it fall, but that would have been a waste and possibly loss of a job.

"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."

[verite-belrose.livejournal.com]

Verdandi smiles happily at me an I feel a bit warm all over. I like her. A lot. I'm sure he misses you, too. How could he not? But if you had stayed, we'd have never met.This might not be better but it's definitely not boring. She says brightly. I nod.
"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, That's exciting! You've must have seen so many different places and people.Maybe you wouldn't mind showing me around the next time I go? 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.

[norn-verdandi.livejournal.com]

Verite grins at me and says, "Fate can be kinda mysterious like that." I laugh, "Oh, Verite, you took the words right out of my mouth," and I laugh again before continuing, "Sometimes, Fate's not so mysterious though. People seem to ignore the obvious a lot of times."

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"?

[melania-lowell.livejournal.com]

"Oh, I don't know. I think you could, with enough incentive." Verdandi says, and my head tilts a little to the side as I look at her. How could she know? Must be from working with people so much, makes it easier to call bullshit, I guess. Unless my nose was right, and I'm not the first of my kind she's seen. I push these thoughts aside,smiling and nodding at her question about the man from the Abbey,"Mhm. He was great. Seemed like a real good guy, even offered me a place in the Abbey to crash if I needed one. Was real nice of him." Might have taken him up on it too, but curfews and locked gates and I don't get along.

"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.

[verite-belrose.livejournal.com]

Verdandi laughs an saysOh, Verite, you took the words right out of my mouth,Sometimes, Fate's not so mysterious though. People seem to ignore the obvious a lot of times. I shrug as I ain't really got anything to say to that.

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, Do you know anyone from the carnival like that, carpenters or builders? If you do, could you send them my way?

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.

[norn-verdandi.livejournal.com]

Melania mentions about how nice Nanse-kam was and I decide that delivering a thermometer to the Abbey will be the first errand she runs for the Tavern. She drinks the Firewhiskey and I try not to chuckle as I watch her reaction. It's strong and now she knows it. She won't make the mistake of drinking it lightly again and I lay out details of the job for her.

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."

[melania-lowell.livejournal.com]

"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,"

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.

[verite-belrose.livejournal.com]

Verdandi smiles at me when i say I'll send Will over to talk to her about the job. This calls for another toast. Send him over, Verite, and I'll make it worth his time. I'm so excited, Then she's sliding one of the ciders to Melania for a toast while she takes another for herself.

Melania take the cider and clinks it against ours sayin' To new things, 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. 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.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.

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, So pretty much like most towns then," I smile. "I'll be careful,

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?

[norn-verdandi.livejournal.com]

Melania and Verite toast with me to new things and I smile as Melania asks, "Has the carnival been here long?" Verite replies, "A long time, months. Been here all summer. An it looks like we'll be here all winter as well." She doesn't sound happy about it and I wonder why. I sympathize as I say, "Hopefully, it'll turn out for the better. This'll be my first winter in Excolo so I don't even know what to tell anyone to expect. Having new friends though, that makes it easier to face."

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?"

[melania-lowell.livejournal.com]

We all toast to new things and then Verite answers my question about the carnival "A long time, months. Been here all summer. An it looks like we'll be here all winter as well.

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.

[verite-belrose.livejournal.com]

Hopefully, it'll turn out for the better. This'll be my first winter in Excolo so I don't even know what to tell anyone to expect. Having new friends though, that makes it easier to face. Verdandi says optimistically and I nod. Than Melania goeso n about how much the money the carnival musta made and I can feel my mood slide even farther down.Wait, you said, 'we'. You from the carnival too? That must've been wicked cool, what did ya do? She's smiling innocently an tipsily at me. I force myself to smile back. "Yup. I grew up with the carnival. My family runs the bar tent. L'Heure Vert it's called. I been helping Mama run it for years. I also did hairdressing an stuff for the performers." I find enough good memories in that for my smile to be real enough.

Melania tries to get the last word in on the night time stuff with, Yeah, they all seem to crawl out of the woodwork at night.

But Verdandi goes on to mention something real weird. 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.Have you ever heard such a thing? 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, Usually along with tales of vampires, zombies, and fairies,Why, people saying ya got them running round here too? And how much have they drank?I'll watch my ass,

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.