After the snow has fallen

[valmont-vicomte.livejournal.com]

Wednesday, early evening; after the snow has stopped but the power is still out.

It seems that I missed some excitement last night. When I came through from the apartment to the inn proper in the late morning, I found a note from Adam.

Boss -
There was a bit of a ruckus here last night. Some girl took her clothes off and got offended when Billy Hogan got fresh. A fight broke out - just the usual broken glasses. Will tell you more about it when I'm in next. Don't believe everything any of the regulars tell you - I was the only one who wasn't drunk.
A.

I would, perhaps, have got to hear some of those stories, and I must say I'm terribly curious, but then it started snowing. It has been a long time since I saw snow fall like it did this afternoon; since I lived in New London, I think, for Versailles was warmer. The Whitechapel is quiet enough during the early afternoons anyway, so we locked the front door, Cora and Peter soon settled into a high stakes game of gin rummy, and I went to make sure that Hermia and Alice were alright. Luckily we have plenty of food and firewood, and the apartment is well furnished with candles.

The snow has settled down now, but it is very dark outside and the power is still out. So I come back into the bar and Cora - cheerful for once, having managed to take most of Peter's wages for this week - and I get the fire banked as high as possible and line the windows with candles so that passerby can see that we are open, and I unlock the front door. I imagine that many people's homes will be very cold and very dark this evening, and what better cure for that than company and alcohol?

[OPEN]

Comments

[gaueko-erebus.livejournal.com]

The bartender does indeed have guts. I'm starting to remember why I liked him. "How does one go about allowing themselves to be cursed? It's not as if I'd received any warning, otherwise, I assure you, I'd have avoided it." he says, taking a drink, "And while I appreciate your current offer of a solution, I must respectfully decline. I'd prefer to go with something less... messy to my person and the people around me. However, if you'd like to collaborate on a viable solution, I'm more than willing to do so. That's what I think." Most of the whisky disappears down his throat before he continues, "If you believe my father to be the source of the problem, why are you upset with me, the victim in this?"

"First off," I say cheerfully, "to answer both your questions, considering you're married to a demi-god, serving another god, and your best friend...possibly bum-buddy as well, I haven't quite worked that one out yet...is immortal, you should be smart enough to recognize the signs of magic around you. That you didn't is a sign of either idiocy or willful ignorance, and I dislike both." I toss my own shot back and begin pouring myself another, banging the glass back down to the table. "Second of all. Your father is not the one upsetting my daughter. You are, or rather, your stubborn refusal to remember her is. Therefore, you are the object of irritation." Another shot down my throat, burning its way down to my gullet. "In addition," I say as I pour, really warming to the subject now, "If you had any brains or any guts whatsoever, you would have realized that your father is a shit-brained snake-eyed ball-licker who would suck the rotting cock of a goat if he thought it would meet his ends. As such, you should either have never gone near him again, or else slashed his throat months ago. I favour the latter myself, but either would have kept us from this situation here."

The second shot is tipped down my throat. The glass slams against the table hard enough to scar the wood, "Finally, and perhaps most important of all...he's not here." My lips lift and spread, and I grin at him, teeth in the candlelight, "But you are."

[iago-excolo.livejournal.com]

Listening to Gaueko's line of thought is both enlightening and alarming, and vaguely insulting as well, but I find it's easier to set that piece aside as I drink more whiskey. The threat in the glinting teeth helps too. Intending to address his notions, I begin with an honest question, "Are you dismayed that I'm not as especially clever as you'd hoped?"

I take a drag, exhaling before I say, "Considering all those people you mentioned, I'd agree with you completely, except for the flaws. Truly, it's only due to perspective but I believe it's key. Of those three people, I only recall two, and only one, Verdandi, from recently." Another drag and I say, "Verdi's done all she could and more, and frankly, I'd rather not have her experiment any further on me, unless necessary. I've turned purple, among other things, but I still can't remember my wife. Dorian, I recall, but from quite a while ago, not from anytime recent though."

I finish my drink, refilling it as I comment pleasantly, "I'd just like to interject here and offer my congratulations on your near-constant originality regarding the combo of both insults and foul language. And were it not directed at me, I'd be inspired and highly amused but such as it is," and I trail off, giving him a half-shrug before draining my drink.

My smoke's almost out and I light a new one before crushing out the stub. "I'm not a murderer," and I'm even-toned as I continue, "And I don't favor patricide as a solution, not even for my father. However, if it were possible, I would gladly trade locations with him immediately." I'm amused now, flashing a half-grin as I ask, "Why deny him the full pleasure of your irritated company, yes? Truly, I would see it as just desserts and I could likely arrange a meeting later." Anything to not marry Rosalind...

I give him a cheerful grin and continue, "You tell me when's best for you, and I'll make sure he meets you then." I finish the third drink, still grinning as I add, "In fact, I could take care of that right now. Unless you had more to say...?"

[gaueko-erebus.livejournal.com]

"Are you dismayed that I'm not as especially clever as you'd hoped?"

"Partly," I snort, "particularly since her other man isn't much for brains. I was rather hoping you'd balance out the equation."

He smokes, I drink. "Considering all those people you mentioned, I'd agree with you completely, except for the flaws. Truly, it's only due to perspective but I believe it's key. Of those three people, I only recall two, and only one, Verdandi, from recently."

"Yes, now," I shake my head, "you should have gotten out of the situation before it happened. Maybe some of your brains got taken with the memories." That can happen. You mean to just make someone forget last week and then end up with a man who's forgotten how to put pants on or why it's a bad idea to play with yourself in public.

He makes some empty compliment about my talent at swearing and I wave my hand dismissively. Trying to get on my good side. But he continues, "I'm not a murderer," and I'm even-toned as I continue, "And I don't favor patricide as a solution, not even for my father. However, if it were possible, I would gladly trade locations with him immediately. Why deny him the full pleasure of your irritated company, yes? Truly, I would see it as just desserts and I could likely arrange a meeting later."

"First of all, the more fool you." I say, pouring another drink. "And if you need any more reason for me to be pissed at you, then that's it. That man should have been killed years ago, and your excuse for not doing it is 'I don't do that'. Not a reason. When something needs doing, you fucking do it. And at worst, if you faint at the sight of blood or whatever...though there are certainly ways around that, I don't know why the fuck you'd go near enough to him to allow this to happen."

I shake a cigarette out of my own pack and light it, "And for whatever reason, Glass has asked me not to kill your father. She might want to handle it herself, I don't know. And sit down. We're not done." Maybe she doesn't want to take care of it herself, but I see no reason I can't drag him back and seal him in her cellar until he regrows his brain cells.

[iago-excolo.livejournal.com]

"Partly, particularly since her other man isn't much for brains. I was rather hoping you'd balance out the equation."

Her other man? I suppose he means Dorian and I comment, "He's quite pretty but why you expected him to be brilliant is beyond me. As for the rest, well, I suppose you and my father have a common opinion of me." I grin, feeling generous, perhaps from the liquor, as I add, "But I won't hold it against you."

He goes on, laying out his unreasonable expectations as as he muses about my apparent stupidity. Maintaining my sense of humor, I grin and continue to drink while complimenting him. He's tries to wave it away and I listen attentively as he continues to insult me while suggesting murder as a viable course of action. He adds, "...I don't know why the fuck you'd go near enough to him to allow this to happen."

Before I can stop myself, I chime in cheerfully, "Well, it's not as if I could avoid him. He's quite determined, when he chooses to be. I have the foul luck to occupying more of his thoughts than I'd like. Family," and I shrug, draining and refilling the drink quickly. I'm up to four. Or five?

Apparently, my wife's secured some sort of promise and I grin, pleased at her cleverness. If I have to be married, she may as well be bright, yes? He thwarts my escape though and I grin widely at him as he declares, "...We're not done."

I exhale my smoke low and offer in a helpful tone, "If you'd like me to fix this, then keeping me here won't help a bit."

I'm pleasant, warming to the topic as if it were a game and I begin a list, "We've already established that my father's a prick of many variations, and that I'm not as clever as you'd hoped." Pondering, I continue, "Whether that's due to inbreeding or my current affliction is up in the air, but that still leaves me an idiot either way." I brighten as I add, "Oh, and I'm lacking that certain killer instinct. I'm thinking you take that as a flaw as well."

I'm remarkably cheerful considering the frightening company and intrigued by the whole absurd situation, I ask, "Have I missed anything?"

[gaueko-erebus.livejournal.com]

....he was a hell of a lot more respectful before he lost his memory. "He's quite pretty but why you expected him to be brilliant is beyond me. As for the rest, well, I suppose you and my father have a common opinion of me. But I won't hold it against you."

"I'm so glad," I say cheerfully, "for your opinion means ever so much to me." Still smiling, I tip my drink back with one hand, reach out with the other and seize the back of his head, yanking it forward and down. I stop about an inch short of smashing his face to jelly on the table. "Don't compare me to him again." I say as I set my glass down.

To give him credit, though, he does recover quite quickly. And it doesn't turn him off his drinks. "Well, it's not as if I could avoid him. He's quite determined, when he chooses to be. I have the foul luck to occupying more of his thoughts than I'd like. Family,"

"I fail to see why you couldn't avoid him," I snort, "and if he really makes it that impossible, we come back to killing him. Or at least threaten him with something. Maybe that busty sheriff would lend you her gun. You're meant to be resourceful, boy." He keeps refilling my glass, too, which is good. "Or get your little snarly friend to chew on him some." She's shut up too, I notice, which is welcome. "Though I must say, if you're going to fuck something canine, an actual dog is cheaper to feed and doesn't give you all that backtalk." If it wasn't for Glass, I'd say he had poor taste in women. This one's pretty enough, but she has far too much of a mouth on her, and not much of a survival instinct either. Seems obedient enough, though.

He breathes smoke and opines that, "If you'd like me to fix this, then keeping me here won't help a bit."

"Leaving you to wander the town doesn't seem to be doing a hell of a lot of good either," I shrug, "So I'm thinking taking out a few frustrations on you will serve well enough."

"We've already established that my father's a prick of many variations, and that I'm not as clever as you'd hoped. Whether that's due to inbreeding or my current affliction is up in the air, but that still leaves me an idiot either way. Oh, and I'm lacking that certain killer instinct. I'm thinking you take that as a flaw as well. Have I missed anything?"

"It's quite remarkable to me that you can remember everything but the one thing that counts," I smirk, taking another mouthful of whisky. "But no, you haven't missed anything. The question of what the hell to do with you still occurs. I'm still favouring anything that includes violence, mind, but that is a certain predilection I have. But if you have any useful suggestions, I'll listen." I glance at the bottle. Damn. "Provided you buy another bottle."

[melania-lowell.livejournal.com]

I listen as they banter back and fourth. I'm drinking more and trying not to growl or start a fight. Iago brings up good valid points -- which is what Iago does rather than fight-- and the god guy repeatedly shoots them down, not offering anything of real use. Except that Glass is his daughter? HIS? I'll have to offer my apologies when I see her next. Luckily she seems to have better taste in men than her mother did.

It shouldn't surprise me that the only thing he has to offer is bodily harm. If you can't kill it, fuck it or eat it, may as well chase it, catch it with your teeth and shake the shit out of it, right? Why use logic. That would be ... logical. But he goes on anyway and it just gets worse. I straighten and lunge when he grabs Iago's head. I'm fast, but not fast enough. Holy Shit. I don't even touch him before he's leaning back saying "Don't compare me to him again."

"Why not? You both act the same," I smile, baring teeth as I hook my foot under Iago's seat and pull it and him back, hopefully out of arm's reach. Then he starts in about me."Though I must say, if you're going to fuck something canine, an actual dog is cheaper to feed and doesn't give you all that backtalk."

I'm glad I've been drinking this whole time or this shit would have set me off. I've barely said shit until now... maybe getting his attention from Iago is a good thing, though not the best for me, but I can take a hit better than he can. "If its cheaper and you're offering, why don't you just drop your pants and bend over then?" I say in a joking tone, even though I'm not joking at all. Figures, he would think we're fucking. At the rate this dominance game is going, I'm surprised he hasn't started humping someone's leg.

"Leaving you to wander the town doesn't seem to be doing a hell of a lot of good either," Because he's so concerned with doing anyone any fucking good. I roll my eyes. "So I'm thinking taking out a few frustrations on you will serve well enough."

"Wait... did I miss the part where something was done to you?! Far as I've seen its Glass who's lost a husband and Iago a wife. Do you have to be double jointed to get your head stuck that far up your own ass? Or is it a god thing?"

"But no, you haven't missed anything. The question of what the hell to do with you still occurs. I'm still favouring anything that includes violence, mind, but that is a certain predilection I have. But if you have any useful suggestions, I'll listen. Provided you buy another bottle."

Yeah you and me both, Pal. Sucks that you just happened to be the biggest kid on the playground, with better toys. I wave at the bartender and ask for not one bottle but two. Lucien and I can split one. Might keep me from offering my useful suggestion of setting the bottle on fire and jamming it up his ass. I can't believe this useless shit bag is a god.

[docconstantine.livejournal.com]

I think it's going.... well. No one is dead yet, although I did have a moment of panic when Iago's head nearly met the table. Iago is handling to well though, still trying to talk to him, still supplying drinks.

Lannie however, not so much. She can't keep her mouth shut and I swear I have a heart attack every time it opens. And Gaueko implies she canine. What the fuck...?

"Wait... did I miss the part where something was done to you?! Far as I've seen its Glass who's lost a husband and Iago a wife. Do you have to be double jointed to get your head stuck that far up your own ass? Or is it a god thing?"

Okay. I really need to have Kaeli check for this internal brain bleed that keeps happening. Lannie is motion for drinks, Iago is talking, but Gaueko is looking right at her...

I am up out of my chair, I have one arm slipped around her waist, the other hand over her mouth, and I have her up and out of the chair. "Pardon me."
I say placidly, trying to smile at Gaueko and Iago, but I am sure it is not working. "Lannie and I will be right over at the bar of you need us." I say, starting to drag her away before we all get killed.

[melania-lowell.livejournal.com]

Lucien grabs me and puts a hand over my mouth and I let him pull me away. "Lannie and I will be right over at the bar of you need us."

I probably shouldn't drink anymore. That conversation has probably killed enough brain cells as it is. I give Lucien a grateful smile and order us a couple of drinks. Still keeping my eye on them though. "Thanks. Sorry about that, Doc," I say over my glass and try to smile. He probably just saved my ass. Not a good thing that this God guy can push my buttons like that. Especially when I know I can't do a fucking thing if this goes really bad, but I still want to try. I was fine when Iago had it under control.

But its not looking so bad, even if Iago is out of his seat now and the god guy is still pissed and glaring at me. As much as I want to, I don't bare my teeth but I don't look away either. Haven't wanted to hurt someone this much since I ran away. Only this one I probably have NO chance of doing anything to. Except for pissing him off.

"Lannie also belongs to Verdi. What was the term Verdi used? Oh yes, priestess."

..... Huh? I belong to her? Priestess? What the fuck is that about? Either that's what she meant when she made my employment permanent and said keep doing what I already am doing, or Iago's puling it out of his ass. Mr. Badass seems to get it though. Gonna have to ask her about that too. If I'm still breathing when we finally leave. I take another drink and bite down on my tongue when the god continues his bullshit.

[docconstantine.livejournal.com]

I get Lannie over to the bar before I set her down and remove my hand. Before I can reprimand her or ask any questions, she orders us some drinks. Good, I need one, bad.

"Thanks. Sorry about that, Doc," I nod and sip my vodka as we watch the goings on. Iago has the sense to move out of hand shot range, which ultimately means nothing, but its a smart move. She seems shocked by the priestess comment. Does she not know that Verdi is a goddess? Huh, oh well, not my story to share at the moment. I look to her and see she is still ready to rip Gaueko's throat out, and it is taking all her willpower not keep her mouth shut.

"He'll kill you without a second though." I say to her quietly, giving her a dead serious look. "My fianc--" Damn. "Some one I know was having a... 'thing' with him." I can't help it, I still shudder at that. "I saw first hand the damage he inflicted... and he liked her. You piss him off there might not be enough left to bury... and I like you, so please? for me? Don't do anything that will get you killed." I ask her, pleading with my eyes before I take another drink.

[melania-lowell.livejournal.com]

"He'll kill you without a second thought. My fianc-- Some one I know was having a... 'thing' with him." he says and I see him shake. Can't say I blame him, I feel bad that he's stuck in this mess. This god guy must be one hell of a charmer when he wants to be, otherwise why would anyone even want to talk to him let alone have a 'thing'?

"I saw first hand the damage he inflicted... and he liked her. You piss him off there might not be enough left to bury... and I like you, so please? for me? Don't do anything that will get you killed."

That look in his eyes...Now how can I say no when he puts it like that? I'm not even half as aggravated as I was anymore. I'm a little worried about the word he almost said though. "fianc-- Some one I know" "I'll do my best," I say with a smile and nod, "Promise." I look over at Iago and wonder how I can keep that promise and make sure no one gets hurt.

[docconstantine.livejournal.com]

I think I got through to her... she's still looking to Iago, worried, but she nods. "I'll do my best, Promise."

"Thank you, I appreciate it." I smile at her, taking a drink. Apparently, I relax enough, for something occurs to me. Part of the conversation.

"So... ummmm, Lannie? Is there... something I should know about you?" I ask her quietly, but keep a grin on my face. "You were making the neatest growling sounds the other day..." Canine?

[melania-lowell.livejournal.com]

He's smiling now and I smile back. I don't like seeing sadness or worry in his eyes. "So... ummmm, Lannie? Is there... something I should know about you?"

I wince slightly. I was hoping he missed that part. Thanks a lot, Gaueko, you fuckhead. "You were making the neatest growling sounds the other day..."

...Was I? Shit.

I'm afraid to look at him. I don't want to see fear or disgust in his eyes. Not when he's looking at me and knows what I am. But I do look up, and he's grinning and not scared at all.

Its strange, but in a good way. I shake my head, and shrug. "Ummm...not sure, Doc. You think you missed something during the exam?" I ask in a quiet tone, smiling still. He almost looks like its not such a weird a thing to him, and its nice, but I'd rather have this conversation in a more private place.

[docconstantine.livejournal.com]

Obviously, whatever makes her special is a secret, and one Lannie did not want out. I feel a little bad that I brought it up, for she looks... scared? Wary? Oh honey... if you only knew....

"Ummm...not sure, Doc. You think you missed something during the exam?" I shake my head and smile, just for her now. "Nope, told you, you're healthy." Finish my drink in a swallow. "But we can save further questions for another time, when a mauling is not imminent." i comment with a raise of the eyebrow and a look over to Iago. Time go so soon, I think.

"And hey, Lannie? Please believe me when I say, there is precious little you can tell me that will freak me out. Okay?" I say softly, touching her arm.

[melania-lowell.livejournal.com]

"Nope, told you, you're healthy."

Well some would disagree with that, I think, but its sweet to hear. He's smiling but he's still nervous. He obviously knows what Gaueko is, but its no good to show fear. Even when you're scared shitless. I'm more than a little relieved when he lets go of the questions about me and I follow his gaze to Iago. He's got that calm polite smile and tone now but I can tell he's still annoyed.

"And hey, Lannie? Please believe me when I say, there is precious little you can tell me that will freak me out. Okay?"

I look back at Lucien and smile when he touches my arm. "I believe you," I say just as softly and give him a real smile. I do believe him, I do. But I don't think he really knows what he's asking and I don't want him to be afraid of me. Even if maybe he should be.

I down my drink when I hear Iago say "Lannie, time to go. We're expected elsewhere. Bring Lucien if you'd like."

Grabbing Lucien's hand I smile and gently tug him out of his seat, "Time to go (http://community.livejournal.com/estdeus_innobis/326621.html?thread=8531933#t8531933)."