EXCOLO

[Saturday, November 28th (Day 181)]
[Evening - Follow Me Boy]

This past week or so has been almost unbearable, as though everything has decided to conspire against me since that dreadful Wednesday evening with Glass in shambles and Iago near to yelling.  Everything worked out, as it always does, but I think there's still a part of me left on edge, especially when we're apart.  Excolo can be quite the dangerous place at times.  It bothers me to think along those lines, bothers me that it should even bother me, actually, and I worry after them both.

It certainly doesn't help that the shop has been so busy as of late.  Any other time and I believe I would have welcomed the distraction, the chance to lose myself in a bit of tedium.  But, no.  Most in town are simply after cold weather clothes and, as the racks are full and I have no custom orders slated, there's nothing for me to do beyond watch Damien and Winnie bustle about the shop, idly wondering what to make for dinner when the day is finally done.

Today I made beef stew with potatoes.  It was nice enough, though I'll have to say something to Simon next I visit as the shoulder roast was a little tough and I'd planned on cooking steak.  Nothing a slow stewing and a bit of beer marinade couldn't fix, of course.  

After dinner, I find it strangely difficult to summon the proper motivation to get up.  I'd decided, days ago really, that I should drop by Follow Me Boy on Saturday.  Yet, here it is, Saturday evening and I can't bring myself to do anything other than lounge on the couch with Glass at the other end, a good book in one hand, a glass of wine in the other, and Iago's usual prattle playing as background music.

Time trickles past until the clock chimes begin to gather in far larger numbers than I'd intended.  I glance up, make myself take note of the time, and do everything in my power to make excuses before the resolve leaves me.  From there I have to shower, dress, grab a bit of money from the lock box.  It's all very taxing when my heart isn't in it.  Funny that.

Once I make it outside, of course, it's a fair bit easier and by the time I make it to the front steps of Follow Me Boy I can't imagine being anywhere else.  It really has been too long, my mind really is far too cluttered as of late, and I need the break.  Hell, I'm even willing to admit I need the company, a friendly and familiar face that doesn't set my stomach to churning every few moments the way Glass and Iago can.  A return to routine - blessed, blessed routine - if nothing else.

I wait to be buzzed in, immediately heading to the front desk as soon as I hear the mechanism click, smile on my face.  I can't imagine that it's a secret as to who I'm here to see anymore, so there's no reason to bring up that fact.  Instead, I lean against the desk with a grin that's all for the woman behind it, feeling more comfortable by the moment.  "That recipe was divine, Mrs Danvers, I must say."

[Open to all at Follow Me Boy]

[Caution: Possibly disturbing discussion of rape/violence]

Saturday, October 31st
Evening
The Home of Alessandra Ferdis


The last few days have been, at best, a blur of activity and I can't say that it's left me in the best of spirits.  Party planning is always a chore, even a gathering as small as this, and I suppose it's the price to be paid - blood, sweat, and countless hours spent hunched over fabric - for an evening of excitement.  Alessandra has been more than accommodating, as I've measured, decorated, and almost completely reordered most of her house.  It will take some time, tomorrow once the festivities are well over, to put things back to sorts, but I've already hired hands to assist in that.

That is one benefit of living in Excolo, there is never a shortage of strong backs willing to do a bit of labor for good pay, and in a matter of days the entire place has been transformed into something resembling a fitting locale.  The walls have been covered with lush fabrics, the garden littered with a multitude of hanging lights, and the main room leading to the back cleared for the guests.  After that, it's only been a matter of setting up the refreshments, finding a suitable place for the music, and dimming the lights.

I could kill myself over the details of course, it's in my nature, and so as soon as things are well in hand, I retire to the upstairs guest suite to dress.  It's a simple design, more a personal amusement than anything else, and I doubt anyone will get the joke.  Those always are the best sorts of fun, though, the personal chuckles that are mine alone.  I finish strapping my sword to my side, mask still sitting on a nearby table, and cross to the balcony doors to peek outside.  The sun has faded into the horizon and guests have started to arrive.  That leaves me with a bit of time - I have no intention on making anything less than a memorable entrance - and so I lean against the door frame, careful to keep out of sight of those out front, and light a cigarette.

There's movement from the adjacent dressing room.  Glass.  I'd nearly forgotten, in the insanity of preparations, that she was dressing here as well.  It certainly wouldn't do to have Iago see her before the game has begun, after all.  I smile at that and call out, "You can't hide in there all evening, pet.  Might as well come out and let me have a look."

[Open]

[It's midnight!  Wrapping up!]