Prepare for the #LodanRespawn2024 Existing characters may choose to be displace from/have memories of different timelines, thereby allowing returning members the option to retcon their whole character. These changes are the result of the "Unnatural Fog" plot device that is running between now and the Respawn. The plot is simple: no matter where your character is, that place is shrouded in a thick fog that suspends time, but not thoughts or memories, so even if they're repeating the same day over and over again, they continue to remember, so each time feels like a new day. For those retconning OCs; this is where new versions of themselves have the opportunity to replace the old versions. Official lore and tree updates will be announced asap
Post by Caitlin Cockfoster on Dec 26, 2013 21:19:50 GMT
Caitlin found herself half way to one of the gaming tables before she shook off the urge to play. Glancing up at the stage on a hunch, her suspicions were confirmed when she spotted Ikuze behind the guitar. To herself, she began humming to drown out the other womans influences as she slipped off to the employees dressing room and switched out of her cancan garb and back into her pirates clothes. She wouldn't make it past the first door dressed as a baroness, but perhaps as a pirate she'd stand more of a chance. She braided her hair before leaving the room, not wanting her long golden mane to give her away to the bouncer or anyone else that might have taken a fancy to the sight.
By the time she stepped back onto the floor, Ikuze had changed her tune and Will was amiss from his seat.
She sat her glass down next to the decanter and leaned back. This was nice... like falling into a vat of marshmallow fluff. Calm, muffled, the rest of the world blocked out by the closed door to his cabin, and here they were safe inside. Safe from reality, safe from their own complicated lives. Safe from duty. Safe from context. Just. Safe. --Caitlin
Post by Willoughby Tavers on Feb 2, 2014 19:04:05 GMT
Will was half way to the card table when suddenly...something changed. His urge to gamble melted away like snow on a sunny day. The mechanic stood there for a moment, with his hands on his hips, dumbfounded. He couldn't recall why he wanted to spend all his money on those tables. He was a proud practitioner of quitting while your was ahead. He had no motivation to leave his table. Before the notion Willoughby had nothing but that waitress on his mind. This confused him...and being an intelligent man... Willoughby hated being confused.
He shook his head and sighed, letting it go for a moment. The waitress was probably back by now and Will didn't want to keep her waiting. He slid back into his seat, his hand rubbing his temple. Why do I feel like some was hammering away inside my head? he asked himself, his eyes scanning the room, for that beautiful woman who captivated him so. As he found her, a smile crossed his face. The throbbing pain in his head seemed irrelevant now.
Post by Caitlin Cockfoster on Feb 2, 2014 19:22:15 GMT
"There you are," Caitlin beamed at him as she approached his seat. "I was worried for a moment that you had changed your mind and found better things to do." She dusted off the seat next to hir, feeling it with her hand to make sure no one had soaked it with a spilled drink before she sunk into the chair. It felt nice, just hanging out. Something she hadn't allowed herself to do in some time. "Congratulations on the promotion by the way, did the old man retire or..." she didn't finish the sentence, leaving the rest implied. Quietly she waited for his reply.
She sat her glass down next to the decanter and leaned back. This was nice... like falling into a vat of marshmallow fluff. Calm, muffled, the rest of the world blocked out by the closed door to his cabin, and here they were safe inside. Safe from reality, safe from their own complicated lives. Safe from duty. Safe from context. Just. Safe. --Caitlin
Post by Willoughby Tavers on Feb 2, 2014 21:20:43 GMT
"Heh," he said, words eluding him as she took up a chair beside him. He gave her a nervous smile, "Um yea...I thought I had something to do...but I was wrong," Will sighed running a hand through his disheveled hair. He caught a glimpse of her out of the corner of his eye. Her clothing was different from her cancan outfit, but it suited her nicely. He quickly poured himself a drink, his palms sweaty. He kept his eyes low and cleared his throat, "Uh. Thanks, but yea he old man retired...he wanted some rest. Eh...I don't blame him. This life," he continued, speaking slowly as though he was contemplating life's great mysteries, "It's hard...I don't think I deserved the honor...considering I'm fairly new to Mingo's , but...I was chosen and I do everything I can to keep it flourishing."
He guzzled down some of his liquor, before letting out a breathy laugh, shaking his head, "I must admit feel sorta bad. Here you are...sitting by me and.. I haven't asked for your name."
Post by Caitlin Cockfoster on Feb 2, 2014 21:34:19 GMT
So there it was, the kindredship she saw in him, the invisible weight on his shoulders. The responsibility of leading one's guild the best way you knew how. She understood exactly what he meant. She smiled when he let out an airy laugh, liking the sound. It had a hint of a sweeter, more relaxed side of him, and once again, it sounded oddly familiar.
"My name is Cait." Cait was further away from Caitlin of Cockfoster. There could be many Kate's, or Cate's, or Katie's that it made her feel a little more inconspicuous. "And may I have the pleasure of knowing the name of the reputable M.M. Guild's leader?" She leaned forward and traced her fingernails absently in squiggles on the table between their chairs.
She sat her glass down next to the decanter and leaned back. This was nice... like falling into a vat of marshmallow fluff. Calm, muffled, the rest of the world blocked out by the closed door to his cabin, and here they were safe inside. Safe from reality, safe from their own complicated lives. Safe from duty. Safe from context. Just. Safe. --Caitlin
Ikuze sighed in relief as the couple's date was undisturbed. Well, least some good came outta this. she thought to herself as she was about to start a new set, the curtain dropped down and she frowned. Well... guess he noticed. The thief felt the owner's heavy hand land on her shoulder, and she had to resist the urge to punch him in the face. "Decent songs chitlin. Made me some more cash on the rollers. Now, get out to the tables." Ikuze blinked before she nodded, got up and headed to the backstage to put her guitar away into the security case she had brought for it, making sure it was locked away before she collected a tray from one of the girls and went out to the casino floor. When she went to the first table, her eyes widened a little when saw whos date it was that she had saved. "Um, hi... so... need anything?" she asked Caitlin and her date.
Post by Willoughby Tavers on Feb 2, 2014 22:06:42 GMT
His heart sank. That's it! he thought, his eyes gleaming. She was there...at the vineyard, but she had a wig on. That got to be it! He gave her a full on smile as her name echoed throughout his head, Cait, Cait. He shifted his body towards her...amused. Will loved solving a problem, especially with something that had bothered him so much. The mechanic placed his hands on his thighs, sighing in disbelief. I can't believe I found her, he said to himself, so sure of himself. He didn't even dare to think she was someone else. He wouldn't allow it.
"Name's Willoughby...Willoughby Tavers, at your service ma'am," he said, waving his hand as though he was preparing to bow to her. Another waitress with blue hair approached their table, wondering what she could do for them. Will couldn't think of anything he wanted or desired. He had everything right here: a beautiful woman and a pitcher of ale.
He kept the woman waiting for a moment, Cait holding his attention captive. When he realized he was probably being rude, he cleared his throat, "Oh! No...I'm good. How about you?" he said, directing his question at the woman across from him.
Post by Caitlin Cockfoster on Feb 2, 2014 22:21:29 GMT
That was it. The way he introduced himself identical to the last time they met and it sent chills racing up and down her spine. Her eyes froze on his face and her brain coiled itself around the words, committing them to memory. Maybe now she might finally find out how they had escaped the maze and she hoped he would remember because she definitely couldn't.
Just like the first time she went into the vineyard. She woke up back at home in her bed, a bit scratched up but otherwise oblivious to how the night ended.
Before she opened her mouth to ask, Ikuze was standing there with a tray. Caitlins eyes tore away from Will to meet her guildmates. She gave a brilliant smile and nodded. "Yes Ikuze, if you wouldn't mind bringing me a whiskey please, and get yourself one on my tab, I insist before you get back up there and start singing again." She knew of all the musicians that frequented these stages, this one had a special kind of influence and now she was more than a little grateful she'd been spared the effects of it.
Turning back to Will she extended a hand. "Pleasure to meet you, again, Willoughby Tavers. If you don't mind me asking.. What... happened, the last time we were together?"
She sat her glass down next to the decanter and leaned back. This was nice... like falling into a vat of marshmallow fluff. Calm, muffled, the rest of the world blocked out by the closed door to his cabin, and here they were safe inside. Safe from reality, safe from their own complicated lives. Safe from duty. Safe from context. Just. Safe. --Caitlin
"I would, but, don't wanna make the owner mad. Not sure how he'd feel about the help drinking on the job." shrugged Ikuze before she slowly walked to the bar, still trying to get used to the heels, trying very very hard to not punch every guy along the way that patted her backside or brushed against her "accidently". When she reached the bar counter she looked at the girl dressed in green serving drinks and sighed. "How the hell do you girls not punch the lights out of every guy in this place? That and the heels. Oh, and table by the stage wants one whiskey." she asked putting the tray on the counter. The other girl smirked. "You get used to it. Besides, pay's decent enough." she replied as she put the drink on her tray, along with a shot of whiskey. "He allows occasional shots." Ikuze nodded and downed the shot before heading back to the table with the whiskey for Caitlin.
Post by Willoughby Tavers on Feb 4, 2014 1:08:34 GMT
As she mentioned that night in the vineyard, his mind drew a blank. He could not recall what had transpired after they were introduced. He didn't know why his clothes were torn and mangled for than usual. He didn't remember how he got home and he was positive that he would have remember hiking a few miles back home. It was as though all his memories had been wiped...or worse...he had no memories to begin with. He originally blamed it a possible alcohol consumption, even though he hadn't been drinking that night. It was strange though...that she had experienced something similar. He wanted to hold her hand and tell her he had all the answers, but he couldn't. He knew nothing. He remembered nothing.
All he was certain about...was that she remembered him and that had to count for something.
He sighed, "I wish I could...but I don't remember anything other than meeting you," Will smiled, his eyes glossy, "I guess something about you just stuck."
Post by Caitlin Cockfoster on Feb 4, 2014 2:00:16 GMT
She was a little disappointed he didn't have the answers, but she hadn't expected him to. After all, none of the group that went in with her the first time she chanced the vineyard's curse had any memory of how it all ended. She smiled back at him, choosing rather to focus on the second part of what he said. "Well if it's any consolation, meeting you is the last thing I remember too."
Ikuze returned with the Whiskey and Caitlin thanked her for it before raising it in a toast. "To deja vu, and reconnecting." She clinked her glass against his before adding. "and I plan on remembering all of it this time."
She sat her glass down next to the decanter and leaned back. This was nice... like falling into a vat of marshmallow fluff. Calm, muffled, the rest of the world blocked out by the closed door to his cabin, and here they were safe inside. Safe from reality, safe from their own complicated lives. Safe from duty. Safe from context. Just. Safe. --Caitlin
Post by Willoughby Tavers on Feb 4, 2014 20:44:56 GMT
Will blushed as she told him that he was the last thing she remembered too. Her words gave him a much needed confidence boost. For once, he felt like he really had a chance. He wasn't a charmer nor was he used to the attention of a woman, especially one as captivating as her. It was nice. It was as though he was being opened up to a new world. He wasn't the filth from the hovel anymore. He was the leader of Mingo's Merchanics. He had a chance.
He lifted his class to hers, muttering, "Here, here," before downing his glass of liquid courage, "So...Cait, how long have you been working here?"
Post by Caitlin Cockfoster on Feb 5, 2014 4:10:34 GMT
Uh oh. He would expect to see her here again. She hadn't thought of that before. "Um actually tonight was my last night, I just quit." She tried to arrange her face in an expression that would be appropriate for such an announcement. Looking into his lighthearted expression and feeling her own heart lift like a helium balloon, it made her regret having met him - again - under this circumstance but only because she wanted to get to know him more. How would she ever explain herself if he found out she was really the baroness? Pretending to work at a casino simply because they wont let you in as a lady was a shallow cover up for this night.
Maybe she should try to nip the truth in the bud before he found out behind her back. The truth would sound better coming from her, wouldn't it?
"Actually, tonight was my first - and last night. I was only pretending to work here, my friend" she nodded to Ikuze before glancing back at him, "got me in as a waitress so I could see what the inside of the casino looked like. They wouldn't have let me in as myself otherwise..."
She sat her glass down next to the decanter and leaned back. This was nice... like falling into a vat of marshmallow fluff. Calm, muffled, the rest of the world blocked out by the closed door to his cabin, and here they were safe inside. Safe from reality, safe from their own complicated lives. Safe from duty. Safe from context. Just. Safe. --Caitlin
Post by Willoughby Tavers on Feb 5, 2014 18:52:30 GMT
He understood her meaning. He knew what it was like. If he had came to this establishment dressed in his old tattered pants and his grease stained shirt he would've been refused access into this establishment. This actually was his first time being in a place like this. A place so nice and full of people who are so clean. But Will found it hard to believe that she wasn't used to this lifestyle. Maybe he was making unfair generalizations about her just because she was pretty.
If she wasn't well off, who cared? It wasn't like he went out looking for a nobility or successful businesswomen. He went out to have a good time and so far, that's what he was doing, "I know what that's like. I lived in the Peasant Hovel my whole life until I got this job. I remember when I was nineteen, a friend and I wanted to go to bar near Central Square just to look inside. We just wanted a peek of course, but as soon as they smelled us, they wouldn't let us in. We were so young and stupid that we tried again. The ushers beat us a little, but we kept persisting. Finally the EIRALs got there and matters just got worst." He poured himself another drink, taking a sip as soon as the glass was filled, "Sometimes I wonder who they treat worse, the Anders or the poor?"
Willoughby cleared his throat, "So if this waitress-ing thing is only a one time deal, what do you do?"
Post by Caitlin Cockfoster on Feb 7, 2014 1:20:12 GMT
She bit her lip and tried to nod along with what he was saying, guilt twisting her insides. Being poor was something Caitlin knew nothing about. Other than rescuing poor pick pockets from desperate solo work and giving them a large family business in the trade to hold onto. But seeing it was not the same as living it. Her heart went out to him and she reached her hand across the table to cover one of his. Unable to come up with an answer right away to his last question, she took a step back to answer the first, even though she knew it was rhetorical.
"The poor Andersweltlers I would think," she made a face like sucking on sour grapes before softening her expression again. "I spend most of my time dodging my father," she answered as honestly as she could, without pointing out who her father was or what she did in the meanwhile as she avoided him. "Ikuze- the other waitress- she helps me with that."
She sat her glass down next to the decanter and leaned back. This was nice... like falling into a vat of marshmallow fluff. Calm, muffled, the rest of the world blocked out by the closed door to his cabin, and here they were safe inside. Safe from reality, safe from their own complicated lives. Safe from duty. Safe from context. Just. Safe. --Caitlin
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