STATUS:
Sometimes you want to tell a event from diffrent, time, view points and so. Younc9uld be both in the present, and for another looking back.
9 mos ago
Talie was tipsy for sure. Not drunk but she was buzzed after the vodka and strong cocktails she had been drinking. Honestly she had not let loose in a while and wanted to live a little. Reya offered to buy food which made her evening better already as she did have that alcohol driven hunger beginning to form. "Noo. Just way too much sugar and caffeine for me." Talie laughed at the weed comment. Honestly she had not had the best experience with weed so she was not a fan.
"I'll see how the date goes before I plan anything!!" Talie cheerfully as Reya batted back her flirtatious playing. Her spicy Latino side wanted to have fun and female friends were something she hoped to have again. "I just have to rely on Teddy bears and Victoria Secret for company, much as cuddles and cuddles with benefits are much more satisfying. " Talie did not miss a beat and let her spicy side out. They seemed to not be offended and Talie would not pretend to be someone she was not. "Is it always the quiet ones though? A little rope play perhaps?" Talie mock seriously asked, OK maybe she let too much spicy out but she had been drinking and put an arm round Reya so they did not get separated in the crowd.
"thankyou!" Talie replied, soon joining them, waffles with cream, chocolate, maple syrup and for some odd reason and somehow managed to get marshmallows added as a topping. Though like Stella she did have water and was not getting flat-out drunk.
She did not want to end up having to use Reya so she could walk straight like Stella seemed to be doing. Somehow despite heels she was managing just fine. She was drinking better than walking here.
Even holding something, drinking in high heels and so she managed to not get any waffle on Reya as she gave her a short hug in thanks. Talie was feeling somewhat expressive tonight.
She had looked out to spot the Sheriff, Reya was wrong in wanting to use as a teddy bear but a dance would be lovely. Talie liked to dance and was pretty good at it. It was a part of her upbringing she was truly happy about. If she missed him they could arrange later and she could still enjoy the impromptu girls night with Stella and Reya.
Letting Reya lead the way. "Yes, find a spot, get comfey and Enjoy. Catch, I got some Motrin if you need it plus some other bits." Talie tossed her a bottle of water . Reya had stood back and probably needed one. Spicey was good but it was important to know when to look after people. She had dropped her flirty tone but kept the spicy glint to her eyes and made it clear she was feeling playful.
Talie intended to find a nice place to sit down and find a place to eat her delicious looking waffle treat. She had a bounce back and a cheerful energy tonight, it was very much Talie letting loose and was genuinely happy.
NAME Callina venenum publicly. Matriarch / Void mistresses her cultists.
AGE 28
RING 3rd / 4th
ROLE Matriarch to the cult of shadows.
The Cult of shadows is a death cult, assasins ply their trade and its members can be found to bring death in all forms. She is its leader. And its influence is rising higher and extending their tendrils…slowly.
On surface she is a mistress of a web of establishments who deal in the vices of men and women. They do not have Judge as long as you have the coin to pay for it.
DESCRIPTION White haired, slender, and lithe. Her skin is pale yet also full of life and a strong hint of danger. In her public persona she is seen as a mistress of a wide number of less morally reputable establishments that serve the desires of those with the coin to pay for them. Dressed in garments that would scandalise an upper ring she presents a rather hedonistic front.
Her cult attire is no less provocative, though her face is always masked. One near albino is quite like another in the lower tiers. The leather mask artfully merges the bones of its predecessor as a warning to those who may think to repeat it. Make no mistake, however she dresses to distract and detract… She is deadly.
The rumour of her drinking blood and vampirism is potentially not always a rumour. Men and women have not returned from her bed or bath chambers.
Her choice of attire can be interesting….but is pragmatic. Whatever works. Works.
PERSONALITY Ruthless, you do not rise to lead a death cult by being nice. A lady who can charm one minute and flirt but also kill you 30 seconds later without mercy.
Her front is not a lie, she has no shame, no qualms and her hedonistic rumours are often somewhat true if later exaggerated. Very few things phase her.
Her loyalty to gold. Herself and own interests thus her cult. They may have ties to rebels. But that's far from their only customers.
SKILLS Assassin Knife fighting Poisoning and trickery Charm…when needed Matriarch at centre of a spider's Web. Can heal but needs to regularly drink blood to live. Blood must be "Live" to heal straight from the source. Charismatic cult leader.
BACKGROUND Her true parentage is unknown, maybe 5th ring refugees, maybe an upper rings bastad or an unwanted child of nobility. No one knows.
An orphan was left on the cults doorstep and found, taking her in, she was raised slowly by them becoming her twisted but also loyal family as much as they could be.
Callina was trained by the cult along with other found children who wandered their way into its clutches. Toys were wooden daggers, play was combat training, the cult was no such easy childhood. Most had killed before they reached their teens and already taken their first contracts before their 15th name day. The cult was brutal, darwinian, many died or failed but those few who survived were some of the best killers in the group.
Trained from a young age, they could Infiltrate, evade, and specialise in all manner of weapons. Some from a distance, some up close, others in their own beds, kitchens and more. There was many ways and the cult brought death to every flavour.
Callina was ambitious, dangerously so but also dangerously smart. Gathering allies and slowly cultivating her position by expanding their surface interests to hide and fund their activities even into the 3rd ring. Having footholds in 4th and 3rd rings of the nameless city.
One day. It all boiled down to one day. A poisoned dagger to the heart. Years of secret planning…was over in seconds. Callina became the matriarch.
MISC Mostly concentrated near the 3rd and 4th ring gate and making inroads into the 3rd. The cult's influence has bled over the borders.
CURSE Vampirism. The curse is not entirely obvious physically unlike some though one who pays particularly close may find something amiss. It has affected her mind more than body. Her fangs cannot be hidden though.
Drinks blood, her restraint and such are reduced. Fixed fangs and blood lust if deprived.
Has limited or no ability to balance her own blood thus must consume it to live. They can however consume normal food.
Prefers the night but can function in the sunlight. It's just uncomfortable and harsher. Bright light is uncomfortable.
Wardina / MAGIC Taught in the underground by the cult in basic magic. The education was haphazard but functional.
Mostly practical skills and those to hide, survive, evade and such skills. They were heavy on practical and not academic. The Cult The cult has existed for a long time, it has waned, risen, fallen and happened to exist for a long time in various forms. Its exact history is unknown having been lost in the Chaos and storms.
It has grown since the storms and Rebellion era more into a stricter and more organised form. They have taken their obsession with death into a business, more mercantile, mercenary to survive what has plagued the 4th district. Callina and her sect who eventually rose to power in recent times have seen the pragmatism the zealots do not possess. To survive they had to evolve, to spread, to gain strength and become more than fanatics. They have sought ways to make money, to build influence and use that to spread the direction of the 3rd ring knowing eventually 4th will be swallowed too. They must find ways to survive and move inwards.
The regular, storm touch, outcast and damaged are found, offering a place to belong, loyalty, and protection. Those that survive the training, challenges and battles are hardened and skilled in the arts of death and survival. Death is everywhere waiting for everyone. The Cults ethos has shifted at current to more of an Assassin ethos, worshipping death by being its deliverer.
Many who join through reason of whatever whim life have are often the orphan, abandoned or those who have nothing else. Those who fail die. Those who succeed are brothers and sisters of the Void. It's a place where judgement is based on.what you bring and nothing else.
A favourite of the cult is a now semi slum area near the gates, only once it was not they have found their way into old ruins below. Over time, scavenging, repairing the chambers, even making the now underground bathhouse fill from what seems to be an intact spring that so far defies the effects of the storm. There is space enough to shelter, store and use the ruined sewers and such to ply their trade. Though it has its downsides, it is best they manage for now.
Others are probing into other ruins. The earth and stone provides some protection from the harsh reality of conditions in the 4th zone. Earth keeps the cold out and the stone means Beasts cannot just smash through weak rot ridden walls without warning.
Notable NPC Janus
Janus is someone who she trained with, worked, plotted and slipped the very knife she used to slay the previous matriarch.
As close to a … lover, friend, lieutenant and almost family at same time. In both forms. Callina is not fussy or hung up on such issues or labels. One watches the light, the other the shadow.
Janus is a fairly normal looking person, until you take into the corruption they possess, the one that saw them orphaned and abandoned to the Shadow cult. Janus is many people.
Possessing the ability to shift from male to female, to change their very face and voice. They were very much hunted as anyone who has no true form. They are constantly changing, in flux and unable to control it. Only they can direct it with effort. This has had ruinous effects on their sense of self and mentality. They have no self. Because they are never the same..
And Callina is only too happy to have such a person at her back. Broken people seem to attract.
NAME Callina venenum publicly. Matriarch / Void mistresses her cultists.
AGE 28
RING 3rd / 4th
ROLE Matriarch to the cult of shadows.
The Cult of shadows is a death cult, assasins ply their trade and its members can be found to bring death in all forms. She is its leader. And its influence is rising higher and extending their tendrils…slowly.
On surface she is a mistress of a web of establishments who deal in the vices of men and women. They do not have Judge as long as you have the coin to pay for it.
DESCRIPTION White haired, slender, and lithe. Her skin is pale yet also full of life and a strong hint of danger. In her public persona she is seen as a mistress of a wide number of less morally reputable establishments that serve the desires of those with the coin to pay for them. Dressed in garments that would scandalise an upper ring she presents a rather hedonistic front.
Her cult attire is no less provocative, though her face is always masked. One near albino is quite like another in the lower tiers. The leather mask artfully merges the bones of its predecessor as a warning to those who may think to repeat it. Make no mistake, however she dresses to distract and detract… She is deadly.
The rumour of her drinking blood and vampirism is potentially not always a rumour. Men and women have not returned from her bed or bath chambers.
Her choice of attire can be interesting….but is pragmatic. Whatever works. Works.
PERSONALITY Ruthless, you do not rise to lead a death cult by being nice. A lady who can charm one minute and flirt but also kill you 30 seconds later without mercy.
Her front is not a lie, she has no shame, no qualms and her hedonistic rumours are often somewhat true if later exaggerated. Very few things phase her.
Her loyalty to gold. Herself and own interests thus her cult. They may have ties to rebels. But that's far from their only customers.
SKILLS Assassin Knife fighting Poisoning and trickery Charm…when needed Matriarch at centre of a spider's Web. Can heal herself / feed by drinking blood. Charismatic cult leader.
BACKGROUND Her true parentage is unknown, maybe 5th ring refugees, maybe an upper rings bastad or an unwanted child of nobility. No one knows.
An orphan was left on the cults doorstep and found, taking her in, she was raised slowly by them becoming her twisted but also loyal family as much as they could be.
Callina was trained by the cult along with other found children who wandered their way into its clutches. Toys were wooden daggers, play was combat training, the cult was no such easy childhood. Most had killed before they reached their teens and already taken their first contracts before their 15th name day. The cult was brutal, darwinian, many died or failed but those few who survived were some of the best killers in the group.
Trained from a young age, they could Infiltrate, evade, and specialise in all manner of weapons. Some from a distance, some up close, others in their own beds, kitchens and more. There was many ways and the cult brought death to every flavour.
Callina was ambitious, dangerously so but also dangerously smart. Gathering allies and slowly cultivating her position by expanding their surface interests to hide and fund their activities even into the 3rd ring. Having footholds in 4th and 3rd rings of the nameless city.
One day. It all boiled down to one day. A poisoned dagger to the heart. Years of secret planning…was over in seconds. Callina became the matriarch.
MISC Mostly concentrated near the 3rd and 4th ring gate and making inroads into the 3rd. The cult's influence has bled over the borders.
CURSE Vampirism. The curse is not entirely obvious physically unlike some though one who pays particularly close may find something amiss. It has affected her mind more than body.
Drinks blood, her restraint and such are reduced. Retractable fangs and blood lust if deprived.
Prefers the night but can function in the sunlight. It's just uncomfortable and harsher.
Wardina / MAGIC Taught in the underground by the cult in basic magic. The education was haphazard but functional.
Mostly practical skills and those to hide, survive, evade and such skills. They were heavy on practical and not academic
Notable NPC
Janus
Janus is someone who she trained with, worked, plotted and slipped the very knife she used to slay the previous matriarch.
As close to a … lover, friend, lieutenant and almost family at same time. In both forms. Callina is not fussy or hung up on such issues or labels. One watches the light, the other the shadow.
Janus is a fairly normal looking person, until you take into the corruption they possess, the one that saw them orphaned and abandoned to the Shadow cult. Janus is many people.
Possessing the ability to shift from male to female on demand, to change their very face and voice. They were very much hunted as anyone who would master that would be dangerous indeed. Their identity is… curiously unknown as it's genuinely unsure if they ever have had a default form. Just a form they prefer. Janus is flux…a constant changing chaos of a person.
And Callina is only too happy to have such a person at her back.
Talie had an easy going smile, in fact she seemed to have made two friends, Reya and Stella who both seemed fun women, perhaps things were turning round for Talie?
Reyas answer was pretty down to earth and easy, comfortable pants, that was hard to get wrong. Leggings would do, she had some nice ones that went with a cute t-shirt and could jazz it up abit with some nice shoes and accessories. Her response was a nod and a smile, Talie had no Cowboy boots, hat, or that kinda thing and probably did not have time to buy them before her date she won.
"Girls night" Talie agreed with a smile, questions could wait and the fact there was a rock concert potentially gave her good vibes. Being 7 to 8 inches taller in heels than the other two women she did have to adjust slightly to talk comfortably. Her height did make finding things like dresses fun, especially when she did not want them to be shorter!
Stella had gained some water from apparently nowhere, but that probably was a good thing as she on further talking was a tad drunk and being a little tipsy, but still responsible enough to want to make sure Stella was safe.
Her vodka arrived handing over a tip, the bartender had kept them well supplied tonight. "Za piękne panie!" Giving a cheesy toast as she Downed the double vodka in one. To Beautiful ladies, They should be lucky we chose to date them." Talie translated her toast and tried to build a confident mood, they might as well make the most of it and if something happened that was good, all to the better.
Talie stood up carefully as she had already made one mistake wearing heels tonight, she had already checked the straps and tested her balance before walking after the two other women in direction of the stage.
Leaving the two friends to have their moment handing over a bracelet, the two seemed to have been friends a long time and it probably meant something. The pair seemed nice though and did not pick up any warnings from her back of mind.
"Rock on then!" Talie laughed as she joined them, waffles… maybe it was the alcohol but waffles did sound rather nice and she definitely did not eat enough today. "Waffles sound great too, with maple syrup and chocolate." Talies' mind gave a big yes to the idea and spoke rather enthusiastically.
"it's clearer this way, i see Waffles and fried chicken and the stage." Talie saw a better route through crowd, it was a little awkward at first but she soon got used to the fact both women made it to just above Talies shoulder right now. She was long used to being the tall one though. Rock music and waffles sounded excellent.
"So Lovely Ladies, Let's find music, food and Reya, someone to cuddle and keep her warm more than a teddy bear." Teasing Reya abit with a smile and mirth in her voice. Her new friend seemed to be having fun and hoped she had not over stepped it. A little light teasing, there were lots of handsome and pretty people depending on your preference, plenty of choice if she wanted they could help her get a date. "Or other toys" Talie added softly with a wink and let them choose where to go.
Location Auction Mood Surprised, Nervous, Happy. What do you wear to a horse riding date?
…
Talie did not seriously and truly expect to win if she was honest, when she had bid she expected to be soon out bid and quickly beaten to the date. The Horse ride and everything sounded rather lovely and fun. What did you even wear? She did not even own cowboy boots etc?
No. Fate was not going to let her go so easily and her bid had won. Glancing over to Reya and Stella Nervously but with a smile. She had done the bid impulsively, the Sheriff was polite, seemed kind and did not look bad at all. Talie had not really dated in a while and it seemed a chance to start again, Talie had to admit she was a little lonely, working on her own alot, home was lonely and her family bar her brother hated her for leaving the family business.
"Ummm. What do you wear? Horse riding? Or even how?" Talie admitted to Stella and Reya sipping her cocktail. They seemed nice, Stella was a pretty shorter darker haired woman and Reya was well Reya. They had bonded over failed rescues, funnel cake, pretty rocks and such. It was as random as it could possibly be. "I never expected, oh well, I might as well have fun. He is handsome though." Talie admitted with a giggle and would deny mentioning Trace Adkins, country boys and that song if anyone ever asked… That song was too catchy. Yes, that was her excuse and she would be sticking to it. Thankfully the light and her tanned skin meant the blush was minimal and Latina mother gave Talie a warmer skin tone.
"Maybe we can find you a date the old fashioned way. You are attractive and well dressed." Talie spoke cheerfully thanks to the cocktails. They were attractive ladies and nicely dressed. She was sure Reya and Stella could find a date if they so chose to. Spotting Tommy he did look less comfortable to be on the stage, he had never really looked comfortable. If they preferred men or women was not really a problem, as long as they were consensual Talie really did not care.
"want another ladies? What happens next?" Talie asked, glancing over at the bar man who had called her rock boss. It was definitely a new version and had made her laugh. She had come alone and ended up sitting with the two drinking cocktails and bidding. It had been a rather fun evening. Talie was unsure about the whole event, it had all been a roller coaster from the Teddy bear, to the stall to the auction and so on. It had been a rather busy day.
She was rather new to town to let the locals take the lead on how things were meant to work. Time to just go with the flow.
Talie spotted dark hair and saw a familiar face in the crowd, one of a rare few seeing Jewel take to stage and declare the event's opening and Manny vanished away. Though she had a strange thought that something was up, no idea why just something…
But what could she do, Reya… what would she like and what would she enjoy? She loved funnel cake and sweet things, ice cream and such. Fruity. Yes, fruity. Talie ordered a fruity cocktail and topped up her own drink before she walked over. "Anything fruity, sweet and colourful, plus a tip up on my long island" Talie spoke confidently, handing them a decent tip. Keeping people who gossiped happy was a good thing.
"Thanks, keep the change" she spoke to a somewhat flirting bartender, she really did not mind, it was all part of the territory. Tips, flirting, all that jazz and so. "Il make sure you get good drinks rock boss" the Bartender spoke, he recognised her from the local paper, her name was… he did not want to mangle it but remembered she was heading up the local rock docs team. He was not sure what they did but must be important enough to send a doctor.
"That's a new one," Talie laughed as she walked over to Reya, balancing the two drinks with heels clicking on the ground before the stage. However Chaos would intervene, Chaos always found a way to have fun with her life.
The stage was set and people were milling about and gathering for the auction as a whole. The tables were set up, little lights and such were all twinkling in the growing darkness. It was all very cute and had a certain small town style about it. The growing cooler air was nice after the long hot day and the long island would give her a happy buzz.
Walking over carefully Talie noticed movement on the stage but did not pay too much attention to it. That would pay her trouble later bouncing along to a song in her head. "Hey watch" Talie felt herself tripping slightly before someone else stopped her fall before anything severe could happen to her or the drinks. "Kurva" swearing as she managed to work out her situation. Taking a slow breath Talie looked around to see a taller man, was there something in the water making the men all big, tall and rather handsome? "Tomasz…" Talie thought aloud as he jumped down off the stage.. He seemed more interesting than just Thomas or Tommy deserved. Plus the Polish rolled off her tongue in a nice way. Something was odd, people tend to not jump off stages. She probably should pay attention.
"Sorry, Thank You for saving me. I'm Talie, and I am more coordinated normally." She introduced herself apologising, he was taller, dark haired. She was in heels and felt short next to him. Seeing Reya who was now talking to another woman. They seemed to know each other, would she be interrupting but she already had two cocktails. Her ankle was also voicing its displeasure if Talie did not sit down for a few minutes. Just her luck!
Reyas friend looks rather well put together, like Reya did. She had no trouble imagining they both had interesting times when the boys stopped being idiots. Well…less of idiots.
There was no choice really, she could always go back and talk to someone else if it was awkward. "Reya, umm sorry, I brought you a drink to make up for … well the disaster". Talie spoke slightly embarrassed remembering, spotting her with a shorter woman with rather nice waves of dark hair dressed again more casually than Talie… She really misread the evening. "I really overdid it didn't, i" she spoke as she clicked a few metres in heels, a royal blue date dress and her good cream coat.
"Mind if I sit somewhere, my ankle does not appreciate me right now unless I'm interrupting something. I can find somewhere else." Talie spoke hopefully. Talie was flustered, she planned to be nice, give a drink. Well it was a failure.
The auctions would be interesting though. Talie was about as smooth as sandpaper right now, she really should have got used to wearing the shoes before leaving the house. That was her habit…and oh.she thought she was better than her habit.
Manny Downed the last of his beer as heard the call to the stage. Talie was over dressed he noted passing his co worker, she did look rather nice in royal blue though. Not that he would date a coworker, he would be blind to not notice she was attractive and the unmentioned but subtle Latina influences to her appearances. That tan was not just outdoors for sure. "Right, my date with destiny, dancing with nobody huh" Manny teased Talie. He saw her outfit and he saw she was not exactly dressed down.
"Just because I can clean up nicely. Worry about your date." Talie bat back to Manny, his cuban inspired casual was probably more fitting in coloured trousers, crisp white shirt suited the man. "Stay still." Talie adjusted his hat and collar before stepping back and giving her handiwork a confirming check. "Go, don,t move it." Talie gave him a nudge to the stage and sent him on his way.
"Yes Boss" Manny joked, technically she was his boss by seniority but with Two people in a small town it did not exactly matter. There was work to be done regardless and it only really meant Talie had to sign off paperwork. It was great he had a way to avoid the worst of the job and he could enjoy the fieldwork which was his favourite part of the job hitting the back woods on his trail bike. He had spent a while customising it, rebuilding it to his specifications. His dad was a welder and had taught him auto mechanics as a way of bonding. He could strip, rebuild and get most things with a combustion engine least running in a pinch.
Making his way past the crowds he soon found his way to the stage, he resisted the urge to move his hat, deciding to trust Talie and her adjustment.
"I'm here for my close up," Manny joked to a person behind the stage guiding people with the confident air of a man with no fear. He had no reason to be scared of an auction. Spotting two other men behind the stage, the Sheriff and he did not recognise the other, a taller man with dark hair.
"It seems I am not alone gentlemen" Manny spoke to them, he was honestly surprised to see the Sheriff here, maybe he could set something up with his own drama abilities. "Nice to see you outside of lunch, you know that's like her 5th coffee usually." He spoke to Tommy, maybe he could reduce her habit as honestly he was surprised someone could drink that much coffee and not be bouncing off the walls like a Toddler. He thought to swap her coffee for decaf but he liked to live and that was a fast way to end up buried in an abandoned mine. They had so many maps of old mines, mine shafts and old infrastructure.
"Manuel, Manuel de Santos, I work at the Geology station, thankfully mine is not that pink Ford." He shook his head, that truck was so Pink he swore she called Mattel to make a full size pickup truck. She even had pink fluffy dice and such accessories. "Man who makes the least, pays for a beer for rest?" Manny offered a little good natured competition that never hurt.
Location Festival grounds Mood Thoughtful, over dressed and curious.
...
The rather large bear sat on Talies armchair happily and prominently, she was rather flustered getting it however the bear was rather cute, very soft and could imagine it would be very welcome when winter came to Sanctuary as it would get cold. She grew up in the northern US and was used to winters being long, dark were blankets and good clothing was rather important.
Singing along to the sound of rock music sounded from her stereo as she was busying about her home. Thankfully the detached placement meant she could bother no one. Talie laid out a shorter royal blue dress deciding that she would dress well for the evening Market and make a good impression. Maybe it was overkill but she had no idea what the night market was like and decided to dress well.
A quick shower to freshen up after working the afternoon as it had been rather hot once everyone gathered closely especially around the funnel cake stand. The funnel cake was definitely worth it, so very worth it. Whatever Martha had done was magical and she had left a rather good tip even if it was free. Hopefully she remembered the next time funnel cake was on offer.
The night did get cooler so Talie had planned for it, deciding to take the short walk into town so she could have a drink and also walk off some of the too much cake she had eaten. That cake was plain a drug. The town was blessed by that funnel cake. Talie had only driven as her Truck had air con and the fact she needed to haul stuff to the booth and back. Manny's car was ridiculous and refused to haul more than a soft pillow while his truck was booked in for repairs from deferred maintenance.
Her thoughts turned to Tommy as she saw the bear, she really had to name it, it really had been impulsive to kiss his cheek but it seemed right at the time. Now she had an unsure thought about the implications and what people would think. However there was no way to turn back time and it was not like anything bad happened or wrong. No one was hurt and no one had done anything illegal.
"Manny, if you send me any more rom com memes il have to get you back!" Talie messaged spotting the ping from her phone, her Partner was teasing her about the teddy bear again. He was a good guy but he loved drama more than a bored housewife! "You need a date... be less interested in my life." Talie replied, it was a regular reply of hers to deflect him. The overly confident man needed someone to sate his drama needs.
Outfit chosen slipping on her silver heels and coat, it might get cooler later on having got ready. She hoped she got a few dances or so tonight having put the effort into dressing up, make-up and even found her iron pyrite earrings, a gift for graduation from college. The Small but touching gift from a friend was a sentimental one. Though unlike younger Talie who did not learn her handbag had a pair of flats folded up if needed. Younger Talie would have been spared rather a lot of pain if she did that.
Walking over Talie followed the noise and sound of people with the bright lights of the Ferris Wheel and the rides in the distance. Hoping to bump into some people she knew. Reya was interesting, going from knocking over, to being dragged over to share funnel cake in a matter of minutes. If she met Reya she would definitely buy her a drink or so to make makeup, even if she took it well Tallie felt responsible. They had talked and got to know each other abit and collected her Geodes from the office as it was easier than carrying them about. The woman was rather easy to get on with.
The siblings would probably be playing and that was never gonna be dull, if they put energy to perform as they did fight it would be a very good show. Em she was not sure if the pint sized woman had taken an instant dislike to Talie, petite maybe was the word! Given she had Heels on making her nearly 5'10, she could probably see her coming a mile away!
Getting closer the noise grew and the crowds began to get thicker and pavements busier. It seemed the night market was as, or perhaps more popular than in the day. Whatever a night market was! Markets with alcohol?
Definitely alcohol seeing that people were definitely looser and the atmosphere was rather jovial. Looking around Talie definitely had over done it a tad, but she felt confident and comfortable. Thinking of alcohol… Talie looked around to find a booth. "Long Island iced Tea please, with a little extra lemon" Talie ordered with a smile. Tipping the bartender and taking her drink leaning against a sign Talie wondered sometimes if she did the right thing. She could have taken a steady job back home, there had been a few potential partners back home and taken the easy way out. She did not regret her choice but being a virtual stranger In such an established town was not easy. She just hoped she had started to make some friends here.
Seeing the sign she was leaning against. Well it seemed the universe had a sense of humour to say the least. Date auction, dancing. Talie was not sure what she thought of the first but the second did appeal to her. It had been too long since she had a chance to, maybe see if there was a group or so in town. Have some fun and maybe make a friend.
To say Talies plan went wrong was like saying the town had a passing thing for Ferris Wheels and funnel cake. No Sanctuary loved those two things. And her plan went as wrong as these towns people loved those things. Her stomach turned helping Reya up. It was least she could do bowling her over. Who knew she would fall over? Would she hate Talie? Or blame her?
Talie felt too embarrassed to whisper back, she had meant to help and hurt her, that was really a Talie kinda day for sure. Only for Talie the moment was gonna get worse, better, worse and oh so cute at the same time... Reya could tease her all she wanted, either buy drinks or offer Reya use of the first aid kit she had thrown into the mess that was her F350. Her USGS job required she least know basic first aid to patch up minor injuries etc.
The Sheriff timed his arrival to a tee. She saw the rather large bear blushing slightly but thankfully her tanned skin hid it better than Reyas had. She expected like a small bear, she did not expect him to win one of the biggest bears they had. No. No thinking of Hallmark movies.... cliche as it all was.
Talie failed to reboot her own distracted mind a few seconds later. Eyes slightly wide at the bear but thankful, and happy. "Bardzo dziękuję Tomasz" Talies first reply came out softly in fluent Polish before quickly correcting herself and clarifying in English like she should be speaking right now. The past 30 seconds had her brain still catching up. "Thankyou, i did not... " losing her own words, taking the large cuddly bear and making it poke him for judging her with a large soft paw good natured.
Talie was confused about what to do. While this happened Zack and Em faded into her background and that was an achievement in itself, between the bright red hair and no shortage of confident clothes. Turning back to her main current situation and what to do. "Save me a dance, Smurfy, a dog or an octopus would have been enough." Talie teased back quietly for being called Rock Missy. Talie was feeling impulsive leaning on her toes for more height and gently, barely kissed his cheek in thanks. She was 5'8, but he was still tall enough that she had to gain a little height.
Talie could see Manny speaking to a police officer looking in their direction looking entirely too smug to be any good at all. Maybe her luck was changing and maybe just maybe the universe would cut her some slack right now. Of course not. Manny would never let her hear the end of it. Ever. Hopefully he was too distracted by whatever was coming. Of course he would not be.
Any having to deal with Em and zack was caught short fast by them falling into a inter sibling argument over songs, the somewhat aggressive response to her badge was lost and her ire redirected at her brother. Fine by Talie, she did not want to have to handle that, knocking over Reya and Tommy all at the same time in under minutes. Whilst they argued, Talie felt a hand grab her and a moment had to work out who it was before realising it was Reya. Funnel cake! The deafening horn in the distance signalled funnel cake. She even recognised the truck or least the badge on its large side. The logging company had to radio a few times to check and fix the monitoring stations near one of the log roads and make sure she was clear to go. The roads were sometimes one track and the biggest truck won. Hers was smaller so she had to check on CB for if anyone was heading down.
"Got to go, i'll see you tonight. Get dry, you'll catch a cold and really be blue!" Talie spoke before Reya called her away, the first part brought a promise and the last part, well it usually was a woman who had more sense than the men... and he probably had not even changed his boots from being dunked. Letting Reya pull her, the bear was still under her arm but that was a minor problem.
"Tommy was one to show me around town when I got here and helped me find my feet. I have a first aid kit in my truck if you need it" Talie offered, Reya probably would wonder why the outsider was on good terms with the local Sheriff, though that meant she was bound for a bunch of questions. He was too wet to hug, that sounded the worst excuse ever. The second offer was to make up, not everyone liked doctors and some liked to treat their own hurts.
Noticing Jewel and the female driver, now she recognised the truck as one that had been on radio and passed her hauling Timber down hill. The truck had held the run near perfectly and her mining background meant she had seen A Lot of trucks. She gave them both a wave and while not really met, did appreciate the skill it took to put this event together and also to drive what the woman did with such precision and confidence. "Least that's one good thing" Talie returned the smile at the idea of not only Funnel cake but free funnel cake at that.
Just enjoy it Talie thought as she offered an arm to help Reya on the steps as she had fallen over recently. They could find a spot to eat Funnel cake, talk and perhaps help Reya at least clean up the cuts properly with an antiseptic wipe etc. Helping people was not strictly her job, but would make a rather bad impression to not offer at all.
Location Festival grounds. USGS Stall Mood Playful
...
Manny was walking the edge finding a place to eat, Talie could watch the stall and while she was less confident than he was managing the public it was not too bad. Like the Parks and so people were too interested in candy, carnival and cakes. Parks, he would have to smooth over at some stage. He could be rather diplomatic, it was how he had survived growing up, able to talk way out of trouble for most part and avoid getting caught between the bikers and bangers wars .He grew up on streets where beefs soon turned to bullets and teenagers with chips on shoulders and no prospects where fast to shoot first and aim later. He was lucky to have got out there, you got out. You were dead. Or you were in a gang. That was life. His best friend at time ended up disabled for life thanks to his brother getting into the life.
He had so much to do it was tiring but genuinely worth it, he had the quad and dirt bikes running smooth as but the trucks needed more advanced work than they had tools for. Working with his hands was satisfying. He would also have to get someone to check a leak, enough work and old memories!
It was a festival.
Enjoying a fine meal of some genuine Mexican food, an ice cold beer and a relaxing bit of sunshine in the summer warmth. A low rumble in the distance saw a large truck approaching from his vantage point. Could it be the famous funnel cake? Is it missing the talk of the town?
… Zack had Talie working hard to hold her laughter and self from breaking out into giggles at the fact he took her every joke as a direct comment and correct. Oh the fun she could have had if she was feeling mischievous. Being in a band was interesting, music was one of her things she enjoyed and even if it was a bit punk and probably less polished with just a singer, main guitar and Drummer split between two people.
It would be fun to see a local band, dancing later seemed interesting though it was if she had a decent partner. Manny was rather good on his feet, but the fact he was her work partner would have made some awkward gossip and these towns were small towns. Small towns and gossip spread faster than light. "I'll keep an ear out for you." Talie smiled genuinely at the music, Em , this Em being a good singer could be interesting even if she was not the genre's biggest fan. "Sounds fun, New music is good music i say."
Talie was now unsure about things seeing everything going on though glancing after Reya. She was not so able to judge everything but she got a unsure feeling about things. Unsure was not a great feeling for Talie especially as it centred around Reya who seemed like a potential friend, and that was valuable to her. Plus while Zack seemed harmless, better safe than sorry.
An idea struck as they left for ice cream. She had an old lipstick and foundation palette she mentioned to throw out but had not got round to it. A plan formed in her mind, thanks to all the dance lessons she was forced to attend as a child and teenager made her balance near perfect as long as she had not drunk too much and it was not half bad tipsy. Music was not her family thing but her parents were dance obsessed. So many hours spent in lessons and such.
She could perfectly fake a trip…
…
Leaving a neat "Sorry we will back I'm 15 minutes" Written into a looping hand writing with a flourish that curved away.
Following was not difficult as they were close and Zack was Zack. Reya also looked rather pretty. Her simple yet ever so well put together outfit made her very hard to lose. Talie was a little nervous and perhaps she made a fool of herself but it was worth the risk.
The mayor and Jewel stepped on stage recognising the rather elegant woman from the cafe at breakfast and an older man who looked like an old teacher, Doctor or perhaps a Liberian. He was the mayor, he just had those vibes… sweaters with leather elbow patches, an old book and soft yet firm demeanour just seemed to fit the man for some reason. Did someone mention funnel cake… no funnel cake? That would make a unhappy Talie, she had heard so much about this famed cake it would be disappointing to not find out.
"Reya, oops, sorry" Talie faked her footing which only someone who was really paying attention could notice and pretty sure everyone was too distracted by cake to have noticed. "You alright, grab my right arm if you're not" Talie spoke very softly and quickly as she righted herself with ease, and noticed that a rather short woman with bright red hair and Reya matched the two siblings together. They really did look related though he was not exaggerating that Em was like 5 foot and made Talie look rather tall at 5 '8 and she had a slim figure with all the exercise she got on her job. Seriously rocks where work… so much work. Thankfully she chose her comfortable shoes today.
"Oh, you dropped this Reya" handing her the makeup and glancing at the ice cream sign as a way out. "Shame not too, sneak 15 minutes perhaps" Talie added with a smile. Ice cream was happy food and happy food was always good.
"I seriously hope I do not miss Funnel cake," Talie grumbled slightly. The cake seemed famous and Talie loved sweet things. Rocks were nice. But cake was cake.
The festival was getting much busier, Talie noted. Maybe the real fun was at night? She saw more people circulating including an high amount of attractive people. Was country air this good? Half the town looked like they could make a romance novel cover it seemed. Dancing would be fun though!
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