Sime/Gen Roleplaying: Bender Cove Township Scenario
Episode #161: Odd Couples (2/15/98)
Eliza waits nervously in the cafeteria for Mostan.
Eliza is too anxious to sit and paces up and down.
Eliza wrings her hands.
Eliza doesn't notice that people are looking at her funny.
Mostan comes nervously into the cafeteria.
Eliza wonders if it is 7 yet - if Mos got her message - if he can't meet her and left her a message and she didn't get it - if....
Eliza: Mostan!!!
Eliza runs towards him and throws herself at him.
Eliza: I missed you so much!
Eliza: Did you miss me? Did anything happen while I was gone? Did you eat? Did you sleep? Are you OK?
Mostan is ~~ relieved ~~ to see Eliza.
Mostan: Yes, no, yes, yes, and now I am.
Eliza wraps Mostan in a nageric bubble and overflows all over the place.
Eliza laughs out loud as she tries to put the answers with the questions.
Eliza broadcasts ~ joy, happiness and plenty ~ all over the cafeteria
Mostan smiles and holds Eliza tight.
Eliza gives Mostan a hug but is too excited to stand still and wiggles back so she can look at him.
Eliza: Did you see about getting us some time off? Shall we get some breakfast?
Mostan: Yeah, I made the arrangements. Yes to breakfast.
Eliza radiates such high emotional joy that several people stand up.
Mostan kisses Eliza quickly. "Calm down baby, you'll make everyone jealous..." [smiles]
Eliza opens her eyes wide as Mostan kisses her and then realises what he said.
Eliza: Oh! I'm sorry. [attempts to calm down]
Eliza: Let's eat. [smile]
Eliza grabs some toast and fruit juice and cereal and pulls Mostan to a table.
Bertha climbs the stairs to the Sime Center, huffing under the weight of her large briefcase.
Eliza wants to tell Mostan all about the trip with Turrie
Mostan goes along and sits down, glad that bouncy nager is back.
Eliza: The riding was fun - and the train too but I couldn't sleep on the train. Turrie works so HARD, I mean it's full on - we got so much done. She wanted to take down my field but I didn't want her to cause [blushes] well it's for you and I didn't want anyone else fooling with it.
Bertha looks around the lobby, noting the ragged condition of a sofa.
Bertha goes over to inspect more closely.
Mostan looks briefly alarmed at the mention of taking down Eliza's field.
Eliza: So she said to be calm and I was! You would have been proud of me I think and I couldn't stop thinking about you all the time.
Bertha nods approvingly at the claw marks and cat hair.
Bertha goes over to the reception desk and hands Clerk a card.
Eliza: We went to 3 different towns - I don't remember the names but I wrote them down. And I've been practising Simelan and I even had a few minutes where I think that I was thinking in it - but I'm not sure.
Mostan: I'm glad to hear that.
Clerk takes the card and reads it.
Bertha: I'm Bertha, of Bertha's Kitty Boutique in Eastcove? I was wondering if I might leave a message for the chief servant of the cat of the house?
Clerk: Chief servant of the CAT?
Bertha smiles a bit condescendingly.
Bertha: Yes, you know. The person the cat owns.
Mostan: Was Turrie collecting selyn from out-Territory, or taking it further in-Territory?
Eliza finishes her toast and pushes the cereal over in front of Mostan.
Clerk looks confused.
Eliza: Taking it.
Clerk: What you mean that the cat owns?
Bertha points to the couch.
Bertha: There is a cat here, am I right?
Clerk: Alea Farris our chief Donor is the owner of the sh... errr cat.
Mostan starts eating the cereal.
Clerk: Yeah.
Clerk: There's a cat.
Bertha: Ah. Then perhaps you would leave Miz Farris a message?
Eliza smiles fondly at Mostan eating and drinks her tea.
Clerk is on firmer ground here.
Clerk: Yes, of course you can leave a message.
Eliza: Well, we went to the first place and it was just all meetings and I just had to sit and control myself and that was pretty boring.
Bertha: Thank you.
Mostan: Yeah, I've sat through a few of those....
Bertha pulls out a flier advertising her Kitty Boutique, scribbles an invitation on it, and hands it to Clerk.
Eliza: And then we went to this other place and did transfers for HOURS.
Eliza: And that was boring too.
Clerk takes it and tries not to see what it is - fails and tries not to laugh.
Clerk: Hee errr thank you - I'll make sure that she gets it.
Eliza: So what are we doing and when are we going on the picnic Mos?
Mostan: I'm sure Turrie and all those renSimes are grateful for your help.
Mostan: Well, Did you want to do more riding after your trip?
Bertha: Thank you. I do hope she decides to accept my offer.
Bertha looks at the clawed couch again, and tsks unhappily.
Eliza: Sure!
Eliza stops herself from bouncing.
Mostan: I heard about a interesting place to go see....
Clerk puts the note in Alea's in basket.
Eliza: Oh? Where?
Mostan: I'm going to surprise you.
Eliza: OK [smiles happily] but when?
Bertha turns to go, then pauses.
Bertha: By the way, could you possibly direct me to the Ferry Building?
Wise Snake shivers as if a cat just walked over her grave.
Clerk heads to the door so he can point.
Mostan: After Breakfast.
Clerk: Well you can get there by heading down that way for about three miles - but it's probably best if you just catch a cab. Most cabs know where it is by name.
Eliza: TODAY????!!!!!!!!!!!
Eliza jumps up.
Bertha: Thank you very much. I'll do that, then.
Mostan looks puzzled. "Wasn't that understood?"
Eliza knocks her chair over as she jumps up knocking into the chair of the person behind her.
Eliza: ~~excitement~~
Eliza: Oh I didn't know we would go today! Oh that's great!
Bertha leaves the Sime Center and hails a cab.
Eliza: ~ exhilaration ~
Eliza: Shall I go arrange a picnic lunch then?
Mostan: Yes, if you could.
Eliza dances from one foot to another.
Bertha rattles along in the cab, gripping the door and hoping that the cab doesn't slip and skate right down into the harbor.
Eliza dashes of into the kitchen.
Bertha is very relieved when the cab stops.
Mostan smiles.
Wise Snake is throwing incriminating documents into the fireplace.
Mostan 's smile disappears as he realizes he is alone with Gens in the room.
Eliza harasses the cooks in the kitchen until they promise to have a picnic packed and then races back to Mostan.
Bertha pays the cab driver, adding a generous tip to make sure that the cab driver will go away, rather than waiting to offer her an equally precarious ride back.
Eliza: OK- they will have something ready for us in about 1/2 hour - is that too soon?
Bertha turns to survey the Ferry Building, and is immediately lost in awe.
Bertha: Oh, my!
Bertha 's initial delight in the period gargoyles fades as she sees the condition of the building.
Mostan: No, That's good.
Bertha: Dear, dear, no wonder.
Eliza: OK - do I need to take anything?
Bertha checks the building for signs of life, notices a plume of smoke, and proceeds down the walk to the door.
Rapol hears a cracking sound and feels radiant heat.
Bertha: Yoo, hoo!
Bertha knocks firmly on the door, out-Territory fashion.
Mostan: Dress up warm, and wear tough books.
Mostan: Boots, I mean.
Wise Snake zlins Gen bruised knuckles.
Wise Snake: What the....
Eliza notices that Mostan is already dressed appropriately while she has on her uniform.
Bertha shakes her bruised knuckles briefly, then knocks again.
Bertha: Yoo, hoo! Is anybody home?
Wise Snake pushes open the window and sticks her head out.
Wise Snake: Hello? Can I help you? [calls down]
Bertha looks up, finally managing to locate Snake hanging out the window.
Bertha: Are you, er, "Snake"?
Wise Snake: Yeah.... ?
Wise Snake: Just a minute.
Wise Snake closes the window and hurries down the stairs.
Wise Snake: [shrugging at Rapol]
Rapol hears voices and wakes up from a dream about a hot beach by the Sea.
Eliza: You want to come with me Mos? Or wait for me here?
Bertha still can't believe that the weird name is real.
Eliza wracks her brain to think what she can wear other then a uniform.
Eliza thinks of the clothes that she turned up in and frowns.
Bertha wonders what Snake's real name is, if she uses such a peculiar nickname instead.
Alea comes downstairs and gathers her cloak, gloves and scarf.
Wise Snake opens the front door.
Mostan: I'll come with you, if you'll trust me in your boudoir....
Wise Snake: Can I help you?
Wise Snake zlins the Gen curiously.
Eliza laughs.
Alea pulls on her gloves, wraps her scarf securely around her head, then pulls on the cloak.
Bertha is a middle-aged out-Territory Gen, dressed in comfortable, baggy clothes adorned with cat hair.
Eliza: OK - come on then.
Wise Snake sneezes.
Alea buttons her cloak, smiling softly as her hand brushes the slight roundness of her tummy.
Bertha: Actually, I was led to believe that I might be of assistance to you.
Mostan gets up, gulping the rest of his tea.
Wise Snake: Really?
Wise Snake sneezes again.
Wise Snake: In what regards? ... [SNEEZE]
Wise Snake: Excuse me, I have allergies.
Alea pulls her long hair out of her cloak and tosses it over the back of her cloak
Bertha looks concerned.
Wise Snake edges back away from Bertha, trying not to be too obvious about it.
Alea leaves the Center.
Clerk can't wait to see Sosu Alea's face when he hands her this note.
Rapol gets up and follows Snake with his hair all mussed up.
Bertha: Oh, dear, I know how that can be.
Clerk sees Alea heading out.
Clerk: Oh Alea!
Alea pauses trying to decide if she should pretend she didn't hear him or not.
Bertha: My nephew has a miserable time every time the goldenrod blooms.
Bertha looks at Rapol.
Bertha: I didn't wake you, did I?
Bertha: ~~embarrassed~~
Eliza takes Mostan by the hand back to her room.
Alea sighs and goes back, swearing if it's someone trying to run her back into the infirmary she isn't going.
Alea: Yes?
Wise Snake looks around at the snow drifts, pack ice and perilously dangling icicles, and has a feeling the woman's nephew is feeling pretty good right now.
Clerk rushes over to the door with the note in his hand.
Alea: [to clerk]
Wise Snake still isn't sure what Bertha is here for.
Wise Snake: Um, do you want to come in?
Clerk: Some woman asked me to give this to you.
Alea accepts the note.
Alea: Did she leave her name?
Rapol hands Snake a handkerchief.
Alea instantly alert.
Eliza opens her cupboard draws looking for the jeans and top she had on arriving at the Center.
Rapol tries to figure out what is triggering Snake's allergies....
Rapol: S'all'ri.
Clerk: She left this brochure... something about cats....
Bertha: Thank you, my dear.
Alea runs her finger along the edge, noting the quality of the paper.
Bertha sails into the Ferry Building, and looks around in delight.
Eliza finds them and pulls them out. They are clean [except for a few permanent marks] but very worn.
Mostan pauses from zlinning Eliza to notice how sparse Eliza's wardrobe is.
Alea opens it and looks at it.
Wise Snake closes the door, and sneezes three times in a row.
Alea smiles.
Eliza smiles at Mostan and heads to the bathroom to get changed. "Be back in a minute."
Alea looks up at Clerk.
Alea: Thank you.
Bertha: Oh, my. This is even more elegant than the outside--or it was, at one time.
Alea slips it in her purse and turns to leave.
Wise Snake sees three or four pale cat hairs on her chest and flicks them off nervously.
Wise Snake: And will be again, I hope.
Rapol is embarrassed the the couch is still standing on one end the way the movers left it.
Alea sees Kadi outside and scoops her up.
Alea: How'd you get outside, sweetie.
Alea heads off down the street with Kadi in her arms.
Bertha realizes that she hasn't been terribly coherent.
Alea feels extra sensitive to the cold today and holds Kadi closely.
Eliza slips on the jeans noticing gladly that they are much better filled out now then when she got to the Center and then puts on the top wishing that she had more to fill it out.
Wise Snake: Please, come upstairs. It's much warmer up there.
Alea heads down through town, absently rubbing her cheek against Kadi as she goes.
Bertha: Why, thank you, dear.
Bertha follows Snake and Rapol up the stairs.
Wise Snake offers Bertha a seat in her office.
Bertha: I'm sorry, dear. I'm not usually in such a flutter, but I haven't been to Bender Cove before, and I didn't know there was such a perfect example of period architecture here.
Alea finds the shortcut through town to the Ferry Building.
Wise Snake tosses a log on the fire in such a way that it hides the shriveled remnants of the papers.
Wise Snake: There's the public library too. Same architect.
Alea goes up and down the streets....
Bertha removes several books from the chair's seat, pushes the dirty dishes aside with one foot, and sits.
Wise Snake sits at her desk.
Alea remembers she forgot a channel and thinks to go back to the Center to get one.
Bertha: I know, but then they built the addition ten years ago, and spoiled the whole line of the building.
Bertha blushes suddenly.
Alea tucks Kadi closer and turns back down the dank little street she is walking on.
Wise Snake: And they STILL don't seem to have enough books. [ironically]
Bertha: Oh dear, I suppose I should introduce myself.
Bertha: I'm Bertha Fleur, vice president of the Eastcove Historical Society.
Nexus has been haunting the outside of the Sime Center in the past week hoping to catch sight of that Donor he meet at Ferry Building.
Alea decides she is 3/4 of the way to the Ferry Building so maybe she should just go on.
Alea turns back and locates the tower in the distance.
Bertha: One of our members, Linn Haskins, told me that you were planning to buy and restore this building, and were looking for information on contractors and restorationists.
Wise Snake: Ah. Pleased to meet you.
Wise Snake sneezes, and reaches for the medical kit to find her cat allergy medication.
Bertha reaches out to shake hands, looks at Snake's tentacles, and thinks better of it.
Mostan watches Eliza dressing and considers her figure from a objective viewpoint (Being unable to do so subjectively in need).
Wise Snake: Would you like to adopt a cat?
Wise Snake thinking anybody that covered in hair would love cats; perhaps a new home for the stray?
Bertha: A cat?
Wise Snake: Nevermind.
Mostan: Are you ready, or did you need to do makeup or any of that stuff?
Wise Snake: So... you know of my project?
Eliza: I'm ready - I'll just grab my coat.
Bertha shrugs.
Rapol hands Snake her medication.
Nexus follows Alea a few lengths away.
Eliza: Let's go!
Wise Snake: Ah... thanks.
Bertha: I've been told that you want to restore this building. After seeing it, I think it will be worth the effort.
Alea: Well, Kadi, sweetheart, we're almost there.
Alea kisses Kadi softly.
Rapol dampens a cloth with some water.
Nexus concentrates on Alea's field.
Alea slips on the snow and quickly recovers, ignoring Kadi's hiss.
Nexus is close to need now.
Alea: Sorry, sweetie.
Wise Snake: I have been having no luck at all getting any cooperation from the Bender Cove Historical Society.
Wise Snake decides the less details that are provided on that subject, the better.
Bertha: I'm not surprised.
Wise Snake: You aren't? [surprised]
Nexus wonders why she is carrying a cat.
Bertha: They actually do have some very good people, but they spend all their time fighting with each other. And everyone else who tries to do business with them.
Alea gets to an intersection and sees the place where to cut toward the Ferry building.
Alea remembers the witch's house was down there somewhere and hesitates.
Alea decides to go down to the next alley and cut through.
Wise Snake: Ah... [relieved] then it's not just me.
Mostan: OK. [opens the door]
Eliza bounces back into the kitchen and picks up the lunches with thanks to the renSime cook.
Mostan waves his thanks also.
renSime goes hyper zlinning the bouncing Gen.
Bertha: No, dear, it's not.
Alea turns down the alley.
Alea: Shush, Kadi. It's fine.
Alea: We'll be there soon.
Alea strokes Kadi's fur, scratching her behind the ears to try and calm her.
Bertha: Still, you should have somebody knowledgeable helping you on a project like this.
Wise Snake: It's not as if I haven't tried.
renSime sees a rich selyn field and forces himself hypo, shaking.
Wise Snake tells Bertha the saga of her efforts to contact various experts, even going so far as to write to Agnis Forrest.
renSime wonders why Gens can't learn to control their fields.
Mostan: We have to walk a ways to where I'm renting the horses.
Eliza thinks that sound wonderful.
Eliza takes Mostan's hand.
renSime staggers over to a table and sits down abruptly.
Bertha: Knowing Agnis's feelings about Simes, I'm not surprised that you didn't get far with her.
Mostan takes the basket and leads out the back way.
Wise Snake: Actually I only wrote to her last week. Haven't received the reply yet.
Wise Snake wasn't exactly expecting one, though.
Alea goes down the alley, noting with disgust that there is trash laying all over the place.
Alea thinks it's been too long since she's been in a place like this.
Eliza follows Mos happily.
Nexus notices with interest that the Donor from the center is heading down an alley.
Nexus turns down it and quickens his pace.
Alea steps over a drunk who is passed out, glancing at him worriedly.
Alea moves around a large trash container.
Nexus decides it's time to announce himself. He races up and grabs her on the shoulder.
Nexus: Hello again.
Wise Snake: So... do you come to me with something specific in mind?
Alea gasps, jumping.
Nexus: Fancy meeting you in a place like this.
Bertha: Well, as the vice-president of the Eastcove Historical Society, I have considerable contacts among the more reputable contractors and supply houses which specialize in restoration work.
Alea recognizing him immediately.
Alea 's field goes flat.
Mostan leads up a street away from the harbor.
Nexus enjoys her shock and smiles greasily at her.
Alea cuddles the cat closer.
Wise Snake: I see.
Alea: If you'll excuse me.
Wise Snake: Can you recommend an architect?
Alea looks pointedly at the hand on her person.
Eliza: I've not been this way before Mos - only into the harbour section.
Nexus: Oww baby stay and chat for awhile.
Nexus: You shouldn't be out alone.
Alea thinks she is really tired of hearing that.
Bertha: I know several, although not all of them may be willing to work in Sime Territory.
Nexus: Soft little woman like you with a nager like that.
Alea scowls.
Nexus: How about I walk with you a bit.
Alea: It's that nager that allows me out alone. [coolly]
Nexus: Keep you safe from undesirables as it were.
Mostan: Things are a bit more prosperous looking here, though the money was made down town.
Alea: I think not.
Alea turns toward the end of the alley.
Eliza looks at the bigger, cleaner houses and nods.
Mostan: And some things that come in by ship are sent out on the eyeway in this direction.
Eliza: So is this heading towards the other Sime Center?
Nexus follows closely.
Nexus: I'll be heading back to the Center later today - got an appointment there for transfer....
Alea steps up her pace, thinking she'll be to the Ferry Building in only a moment.
Nexus: Maybe I can walk you back and then after - maybe you would do me the honour of having dinner with me?
Alea: Isn't that nice for you.
Alea worries though she keeps it from her nager.
Nexus: So how about it?
Alea: At the bottom of the bay, maybe. [mutters]
Mostan: Yes it is.
Alea: I'm busy.
Nexus keeps up easily without having to augment.
Mostan: Or I think so. I've never actually been there.
Alea exits the alley and turns toward where the Ferry Building is.
Nexus: Aw that's a pity. Well I might wait and escort you back. Not safe for a lady like you out here in a town like this.
Bertha: Supplies should be easier to procure, since they won't have to actually work on this side of the border.
Alea: Sorry, I'm leaving town. Guess you'll just have to find someone else.
Alea: Now, please excuse me.
Eliza settles down concentrating on matching Mostan's walk and offering him ~support~
Alea knows it's an obvious lie and hopes he'll take the hint.
Nexus: Sure sure honey - but we both seem to be walking in the same direction. Can't help that now can I?
Alea turns onto the street of the Ferry Building.
Mostan: Our Center was opened comparatively recently because the other one wasn't serving the people down there well.
Nexus follows.
Wise Snake listens thoughtfully.
Alea goes up the sidewalk to the Ferry Building.
Mostan: Here we are. [gestures to a livery stable]
Alea hugs Kadi closely.
Bertha: Once the building is structurally sound, you'll want to restore the decorations, as well.
Eliza walks into the warmth of the stable thankfully.
Wise Snake: Well, I require an architect who will not only do a good job on planning the restoration, but who will be acceptable to the Bender Cove Historical Society so they'll get off my back.
Eliza breaths in the wonderful aroma of warm horses and walks over to pat a nose sticking out of a stall.
Wise Snake: I WOULD like to be able to go to the public library in peace.
Alea reaches up and jerks on the bell--three times--hard.
Bertha: Ah, I see.
Wise Snake: Excuse me, that's the door.
Rapol is glad Snake has stopped sneezing, and looks to see if her eyes are reddened.
Nexus leaves as Alea heads into the fairy building and finds a vantage point that is out of the weather but still in sight.
Bertha starts at the sound of the bell.
Mostan wrinkles his nose.
Wise Snake gets up and looks out the window, sees Alea and... [zlins, trying to figure out what Alea's holding, but the Donor's field is obscuring it]
Wise Snake 's eyes are a bit bloodshot and runny.
Wise Snake: Could you wait here for a moment? [to Bertha]
Wise Snake: I'm terribly sorry, it's just there isn't anybody here right now but us.
Alea glances around to see if the little weasel is still following her.
Alea is relieved to see him nowhere in sight.
Eliza takes an objective look at the available horses and is impressed by their condition.
Bertha: Certainly, dear.
Wise Snake goes down the stairs to open the door.
Wise Snake: Hello Alea, what can I... wha!! [sees cat]
Eliza: They certainly take care of their horses here Most.
Mostan asks the hostler for the horses he arranged for.
Alea hears a noise inside the Ferry building ... sees the door open and smiles.
Alea: Thank goodness.
Alea hurries inside.
Mostan: Only the best for you....
Alea: It certainly is chilly out there.
Wise Snake steps back hastily as Alea almost runs her over.
Wise Snake: Don't you have an escort?
Eliza: ~ embarrassed ~
Alea: Escort!
Mostan is glad to hear it, as he just looked for an expensive place and hoped that meant it was a good one.
Alea: Well... no. Why does everyone keep asking me that?
Wise Snake looks and zlins around outside; notes Nexus is there and wonders why the guy is staking out her door.
Wise Snake closes the door.
Wise Snake locks it.
Alea grumbles.
Alea: I had to see you.
Wise Snake eyes the cat.
Wise Snake: Oh?
Alea: Snake, I didn't have anyone else to turn to.
Alea: And knowing you're a Farris too, I thought of you.
Wise Snake grimaces.
Rapol sees the cat. [oh no.]
Alea: You can help me, can't you?
Alea: I mean, you told me you would, once before.
Alea: But if you've changed your mind, I'll understand....
Wise Snake feels a horrible sinking sensation.
Alea: Though I don't know what I'll do then.
Wise Snake: Oh... I did say that, didn't I?
Wise Snake: No, no... I'll do it. [weakly]
Alea is obviously nervous since she is rambling.
Alea smiles, greatly relieved.
Alea shoves the cat into Snake's arms.
Alea: Thank you so much.
Alea hugs Snake and kisses her on the cheek.
Wise Snake redirects Alea slightly so she shoves the cat at Rapol.
Alea: You're a life saver... er, uh, cat saver.
Wise Snake: How long?
Mostan waits while the horses are saddled up and that stuff, that he really doesn't know too much about.
Rapol takes the cat.
Rapol strains to keep his shock out of his nager.
Alea leans down and kisses the cat, her eyes tearing up.
Alea strokes her.
Alea: You be good kadi, sweetheart.
Eliza checks the saddles and notices that they are clean and oiled and the horses look to be well behaved and healthy.
Wise Snake: How long are you leaving the cat here for?
Rapol holds the cat in a not too comfortable manner for either of them.
Eliza smiles at the stable hand and can't work out why he is sweating.
Eliza walks over to Mostan "you want to check that man - if he is sweating in this temp he must be sick!"
Alea kisses Kadi again, avoiding Snake's eyes, and question
Alea: You remember now, listen.
Alea finally looks reluctantly back at Snake.
Alea: Thank you.
Mostan: hmmm?
Wise Snake starts to feel a Responsibility Headache coming on, as she contemplates the possibility of this being a permanent arrangement.
Alea notes Kadi squirming.
Wise Snake: Unnnh....
Alea: She doesn't like men very much. [to Rapol]
Mostan goes over Are you feeling all right? I'm a channel, if you want help.
Alea ignores that Kadi's claws slips out and sinking into Rapol's arm.
Wise Snake goes over to Rapol and carefully picks up the cat by its armpits.
Alea unable to resist, grabs Snake and hugs her tightly.
Alea avoids the cat between them.
Alea: Thank you so much Snake.
Wise Snake: You be careful on the way home, Alea. There's a renSime in need lurking out there.
Kadi yowls disconsolately.
Alea turns toward the door.
Alea: I know.
Alea sniffles.
Wise Snake is surprised by the hug.
Hostler hands Mostan the horses reins. "I'll be all right as soon as you get her out of here."
Kadi squirms loose, and hits the floor.
Alea looks once more at Kadi and sobbing, rushes out of the Ferry Building.
Wise Snake: Oh!... uh... it's no problem.
Mostan takes the reins? "I'm sorry?"
Kadi starts sniffing around, intrigued by the rodent-laden aroma.
Wise Snake is surprised at her own sudden incompetence in holding things.
Hostler: Or teach her some control.
Rapol is glad to be rid of the pointy furball.
Kadi hears a scuffling in the shadows and crouches.
Eliza blushes and goes to wait outside.
Alea pulls out a handkerchief and wipes at her eyes.
Wise Snake firmly picks up Kadi again.
Alea turns back toward the street and home, glad not to see that little worm hanging around anywhere.
Wise Snake: I'll show her where I put the food for the other cat.
Wise Snake walks to the far end of the building with the cat.
Wise Snake sets Kadi near the cat food bowl.
Kadi sniffs the cat food bowl, growling softly at the scent of the stray, then heads off to hunt rats.
Alea feels like she's lost her only friend in the world.
Alea sighs morosely.
Rapol follows Snake.
Wise Snake goes back to the stairs.
Alea: At least she'll be safe now.
Wise Snake hurries back up to rejoin her guest.
Rapol: Wait, we need to wash the hair off first.
Wise Snake: I'm sorry it took so long. I had to receive a delivery.
Mostan leads the horses out stiffly.
Wise Snake sees orange and white hairs all over her front and starts brushing at her front in distaste.
Rapol shrugs. What's a Companion to do?
Rapol gets a damp cloth and tries to help Snake.
Eliza: [small voice] I'm sorry Mostan, I guess I was too excited.
Nexus hurries to catch up to the Donor.
Nexus: Ah there you are.
Bertha smiles and reaches into her briefcase, pulling out a felt brush.
Nexus: What a coincidence.
Bertha: Here, dear. Try this.
Mostan: You do have to watch that around renSimes. But you will learn it quickly.
Bertha: It gets the hairs off nicely.
Nexus: Now we can walk back to the Center together?
Wise Snake reaches for the brush.
Alea turns and glares at Nexus.
Bertha starts as Snake's tentacles emerge from their sheathes to reach in her direction, and drops the brush.
Alea: I have no desire to walk with you.
Eliza: Ah Mos, it's only you - you make me excited [big grin] Hajene Turrie never had that affect on me!
Wise Snake augments slightly to catch the brush before it hits the floor.
Bertha blushes at her clumsiness.
Wise Snake sits back in her chair and studiously begins to dehair her front.
Nexus takes Alea by the arm - the better to escort her.
Bertha: I'm sorry.
Wise Snake: Hey... this does work pretty well.
Wise Snake hands the now orange and fuzzy brush back to Bertha.
Alea shoots him a freezing look.
Alea: Let go of me you little....
Alea bites off the last.
Wise Snake points it out to Rapol. "We may have to get some of those."
Rapol interposes his field between Snake and this Simephobe....
Eliza looks at the horses and waits for Mostan to indicate his preference.
Wise Snake thinks, one for each person moving in.
Bertha smiles.
Rapol: Certainly.
Bertha: I carry them in my store.
Bertha fishes a flier out of her briefcase.
Wise Snake: Do they have some use in restoration work? [curious]
Bertha: Bertha's Kitty Boutique.
Mostan: OK. Which horse do you want?
Wise Snake blanches.
Wise Snake: Oh... I see.
Eliza doesn't mind so take the chestnut with the socks.
Bertha: I've got all sorts of toys, carriers, scratching posts, kitty food, and so on.
Wise Snake: My cat needs have actually been fairly minimal to date.
Bertha holds the flier out to Snake.
Wise Snake: Uh... thanks.
Wise Snake takes it, paging through it appalled at what all people will buy for their pets.
Alea jerks her arm from Nexus.
Nexus: Ah OK then.
Nexus: Sorry - didn't mean to offend.
Mostan mounts up on the other, not quite getting solidly in the stirrup and coming down a bit hard in the saddle.
Wise Snake: I seem to have two.
Wise Snake a bit disgruntled by the thought.
Alea decides a public place is the best place and turns into the next door she comes to. "Excuse me, but I'm going in here to shop."
Rapol is intrigued with all the interesting items....
Alea rushes in and slams the door behind her.
Eliza tries to keep sedate and not bounce - she doesn't want to upset anyone else.
Nexus follows her inside.
Wise Snake senses Rapol's interest and passes the leaflet to him.
Alea looks around trying to figure out where she is.
Eliza: Do you ride much Mos?
Alea: What are you doing here?
Alea looks at Nexus, fear beginning to creep in.
Rapol looks though the leaflet.
Alea turns back toward the door, moving past Nexus.
Nexus: I'm escorting you....
Alea jerks the door open and bursts back out into the alley.
Alea: No, you are not.
Alea goes down the alley quickly.
Nexus is interested by the touch of fear in her nager and decides he had better stick close if there is something she is frightened of.
Mostan: Not that much actually. I'm a city boy.
Bertha: I'm hoping to expand my business out of its current home in an old carriage house, soon.
Eliza: Ah. We use to break all the neighbour's horses to saddle and harness at home.
Eliza: John and me that is.
Alea arrives at the end of the alley and pauses, trying to remember which way she came.
Eliza leans forward and pats the horses neck. "These are nice horses - thank you Mostan."
Alea turns left.
Bertha: But that will have to wait until I can save enough to rent a real storefront.
Bertha: ~~wistful hope~~
Mostan: I'm riding with a professional here? So much for my plan to chase you down and ravish you later....
Blackwell senses his rider is inexperienced and anticipates an interesting outing.
Eliza giggles
Wise Snake: I see.
Eliza: so you going to tell me where we are going yet?
Nexus turns left too.
Mostan relents. "An Ancient ruin."
Eliza: Oohhh that sounds amazing!
Eliza looks at Mostan's seat. "Can we trot a little maybe?"
Mostan: Yeah. This one was dug out a few years ago by Householding Frihill. Of course, they took the really interesting stuff....
Bertha: I'm looking for outside work, so when Linn said you were looking for someone to coordinate restoring this building, I thought I'd see if you were interested in my services.
Mostan: Uh... sure ~~ nervous ~~
Mostan tries to cluck at Blackwell to speed up.
Blackwell twitches his ears, pretending laziness.
Blackwell lets his head sag lower and lower as he drags his feet.
Eliza sits and touches her horse with her legs.
Eliza looks back and sees Mostan's horse has its nose on the ground.
Mostan clucks again, louder.
Eliza turns back. "What's wrong?"
Blackwell 's breath labors as if he's exhausted.
Eliza: He is just fooling you Mos - there is nothing wrong with him.
Blackwell turns his head to look hopefully back at the livery stable once or twice.
Mostan: Ah. I'm sorry, how do I....?
Eliza: well - we could swap if you like.
Wise Snake: Hmmm... what can you offer in the way of coordination?
Eliza: Or - just try sitting down a little harder, holding the reins a little firmer, and showing it who is boss.
Eliza thinks that the horse may very well KNOW who is boss.
Mostan isn't at all sure who is.
Mostan sits up straight, pulls up the reins a bit and says "giddyap!"
Eliza: OK, now just press your legs together a bit.
Blackwell snorts and lurches into a "funny trot".
Eliza taps her horse to stay along side.
Mostan: ~~ proud ~~
Eliza: That's fine Mos!
Blackwell: [one-two-one-TWO-one-ONE-two-one-TWO-TWO-ONE-two]
Eliza: Now just try not to bounce so much.
Bertha: I'd take on job of persuading one of the better contractors to take the job, deal with the supply houses, and fend off the Bender Cove Historical Society as necessary.
Eliza: No - not more Mos - don't bounce so much.
Mostan tries to be more in synch with the horse's own bouncing.
Blackwell: [--ONE [pause] two-one-and a two-ONE-two-ONE-TWO-ONETWO-one]
Eliza checks to see how many legs his horse has.
Bertha: I will also ensure that the job is completed properly and in a reasonable amount of time.
Mostan seems to lag a couple of steps behind in the bouncing consistently....
Rapol wonders if Bertha knows any of the people he bought antiques from....
Wise Snake: I see. How about the architect?
Eliza: How about we just walk.
Mostan: Yeah, ok. ~~ relief ~~
Eliza drops back to a walk.
Blackwell sees his stablemate back off and realizes he is Winning.
Mostan tugs back on the reins gently.
Bertha: The contractor I have in mind has a brother-in-law who is not only an architect, but specializes in recreations and restorations of period buildings.
Rapol is sure this place would look good with the kind of decor his stuff represents.
Bertha: Behn and Jeri are a bit unconventional at times, but they've done a very respectable job building their business.
Blackwell takes off in a mighty leap.
Mostan: Ahhh!
Mostan: Stop!
Mostan: I mean, whoa!
Eliza takes off in pursuit.
Blackwell leaps a fallen tree.
Eliza hopes that Mostan stays on.
Blackwell feels a burst of exhilaration as he realizes his rider has no idea what to do.
Mostan: Whaaah!
Mostan: WHoa!
Eliza: Sit DOWN Mos!!!
Mostan: WHOA!
Eliza: Pull on the reins!
Blackwell skids through the woods, ducking under low hanging branches.
Mostan yanks on the reins.
Blackwell thinks this is a bit dangerous, but worth it for a few moments' excitement.
Blackwell skids and goes back on his haunches as his head is yanked back.
Eliza leaps the trees after him.
Mostan slides off Blackwell backwards.
Mostan: Ooffff!!
Eliza pulls up and jumps off.
Blackwell jumps forward, then spins in a circle as Mostan's grip on the reins prevents him from going far.
Blackwell snorts steam, black eyes rolling.
Wise Snake: And your charge for these services?
Wise Snake thinks this would about pay for a carriage house and about a year of operating expenses.
Eliza jumps over Mostan and grabs the horses reins.
Blackwell sees somebody competent is holding the reins, and subsides into a bored standstill.
Eliza jerks the reins and shouts at the horse "what did you think you were doing?"
Blackwell 's eyes fly open, and his head jerks up, in surprise.
Eliza is angry that such an apparently well trained horse could be so disobedient.
Blackwell tries to shy away from the screaming thing by its head.
Mostan: Uh, I was.... [stops when he realizes she means the horse]
Eliza drags the horse out from under the tree.
Eliza: You OK Mostan?
Bertha names a figure.
Mostan: Yeah.
Blackwell sees Eliza's attention is on Mostan, and noses into Eliza's mounts saddlebags to see if he can get his lips on the picnic lunch.
Mostan: Just bruised dignity.
Blackwell: [crunch, crunch]
Eliza pulls Blackwell's head around.
Eliza: You better take my horse.
Eliza: I'll take this one.
Blackwell stands there blinking innocently.
Eliza looks around at where they are.
Eliza: Where are we anyway?
Mostan: All right.
Mostan is glad he is in need right and now and so the embarrassment at losing control of Blackwell doesn't hurt as much.
Mostan goes over to the chestnut.
Eliza takes the black's stirrups up to her length.
Eliza: You have long legs, Mostan. [smiles]
Blackwell lets his tongue hang out, smacking his lips.
Eliza takes them out from under the trees and swings up.
Eliza: This would be pretty in summer, wouldn't it.
Mostan takes the hint and lengthens the chestnut's stirrups.
Mostan: Yeah, I expect so.
Rapol is sure Snake couldn't possibly afford that kind of money....
Wise Snake surprised. "That's quite reasonable."
Wise Snake wonders what the catch is.
Rapol surprised.
Eliza is looking for a reasonably flat bit with no trees.
Mostan leads the Chestnut out and carefully mounts.
Bertha smiles.
Bertha: Well... You're a friend of Linn's.
Mostan: Thank you Eliza. This is not one of my better skills... as you may have realized....
Eliza looks in surprise "Well if you haven't ridden much you can't expect to be good at it straight away. Like me with being a Donor or speaking Simelan. Everyone has been so patient."
Wise Snake: I see.
Wise Snake thinks Bertha may not be 100% up to date on her situation with Linn.
Mostan: Exactly! I just hope I can learn as fast as you do.
Eliza: Turrie said that Gens in first year have the same sort of sped up learning as Simes do - only not as noticeable.
Mostan: Yeah, I've heard that too. You certainly support that theory....
Eliza: So which way Mos? Lead on [smiles] at a walk maybe.
Eliza: Last time you led you went a little fast....
Mostan: Just along here, I think.
Mostan: To the left of that clump of trees. [points]
Eliza turns the now quiet Blackwell to follow.
Eliza is starting to feel a little cold after all that excitement.
Mostan: We stop by that falsestone outcropping.
Bertha waits patiently for Snake to make up her mind.
Rapol keeps hearing references to this Linn person but hasn't met her. Or figured out why she is so pivotal in everything.
Eliza trots up to it and stops, bends out of the saddle to touch the falsestone.
Eliza: [a bit crumbles off in her hand and she sits up to examine it.]
Eliza: So we stop here?
Eliza slides down.
Mostan: Yes. [carefully dismounts.]
Eliza looks in the saddle bag for hobbles and not finding any ties Blackwell securely to a sturdy branch.
Blackwell looks down his nose at Eliza... he wouldn't dream of wandering off of course.
Mostan watches Eliza for cues and ties the chestnut to a different branch.
Blackwell sniffs the branch.
Eliza takes Mostan's hand and looks around.
Mostan: It's over here.
Mostan leads the way around to a dark hole in the outcropping.
Mostan: The hole is almost filled by a tree growing out through it, but there is ample room for a person to get through.
Eliza looks at the hole then at Mostan.
Eliza: You don't mean you want me to go in there?
Wise Snake: Well, I'm going to have to do some checking into this. Can I reach you at this location? [indicates the leaflet]
Rapol hands it back to Snake.
Bertha: Yes. I'm there most afternoons.
Mostan stops. "Not if you don't want to. I've got a lantern, of course."
Wise Snake: There is one other thing....
Bertha: Yes?
Eliza: OK- but you go first.
Mostan: All right.
Mostan crawls down into the hole.
Mostan: [noises of metal and glass]
Eliza gets down on her knees behind him. ~~nervous~~
Eliza looks back to make sure the horses are behaving then follows him into the dark.
Eliza: You there Mos?
Eliza is shaking.
Eliza hates small dark places.
Mostan: Yeah. Just a sec.
Wise Snake: You will require an office, of course....
Mostan: [scraping sound, flare of light]
Wise Snake: I am wondering if you could be troubled to get one of the employees you will presumably hire, to take care of the two cats?
Rapol: ~~ Brilliant! ~~
Mostan: [ wavering light ]
Alea heads down another street.
Eliza sees the light and feels better.
Mostan: All right. Take a look.
Nexus follows a few steps back.
Alea looks around getting confused.
Nexus: Look I'm sorry if I upset you.
Alea: Shenned streets.
Eliza stands up and looks around.
Alea tries another road to the right.
Eliza stops shaking.
Mostan: [A Room with a dirt floor with scattered trash Tiled walls with flecks of paint long since eroded away.]
Bertha is a bit surprised at this request.
Bertha: Well, I'm sure I could see that the cats are fed.
Eliza looks at Mostan.
Mostan zlins Eliza. "Eliza? We don't have to do this if it bothers you."
Eliza: No, I'm OK....
Mostan: [A fire is already laid out on the floor]
Nexus: Oh look lady - I just wanted to be close to you.
Nexus: You can take it as a compliment or you can take it as a threat.
Nexus: You don't have to be so shenned hostile all the time.
Eliza: How did you find this place?
Nexus: Maybe if you lightened up a bit you would find I'm not such an awful person.
Alea comes to an abrupt stop and turns on Nexus, fear gone.
Alea: Hostile?
Alea: HOSTILE!
Alea advances on Nexus.
Nexus takes a couple of quick steps back.
Alea takes two more steps forward.
Nexus: Hey hey settle down.
Alea: I'll show you hostile!
Nexus cringes.
Nexus: OK OK I get the message.
Alea gets right up in his face.
Nexus: You don't want to be escorted safely home.
Nexus: Fine.
Alea: It's YOU that was following me.
Mostan: I had a friend who came into town the other week. A trans-artist, who was also into Ancient Art.
Alea: It was YOU who kept making wisecracks trying to scare me to death.
Alea: And you said I'm hostile!
Nexus: What wisecracks!
Nexus: I never tried to frighten you!
Alea: Oh, what a typical Sime.
Mostan: He'd heard about it and wanted to see if there was anything to see.
Alea growls low in her throat.
Alea ~~ simmering ~~
Eliza looks around at the tiles on the wall.
Eliza looks up at the ceiling.
Eliza: Is it safe?
Nexus takes a few more steps back.
Alea hurries forward, not letting Nexus escape.
Mostan: [ceiling is a layer of mold and ick, obscuring its nature]
Alea: You tell me you're due transfer and then follow me around and I shouldn't be worried?
Alea: Oh, true, you can't hurt me.
Alea laughs.
Nexus cringes under her scorn.
Mostan moves over to the fire and gets a twig to stick in the lantern.
Alea: But you can certainly scare me by following me.
Wise Snake: Yes... I have been leaving food at the other end of the building to keep them away from this part of the building.
Nexus: OK OK I'm sorry!!!
Wise Snake: You see, I am violently allergic to the scratches.
Alea: You should be. In YOUR condition.
Alea: You have NO business chasing a Gen like that!
Alea reaches out and grabs Nexus by the arm.
Nexus shudders.
Mostan zlins to make sure the hole above it is still open, despite the way a maze of vines obscure it.
Bertha: Ah.
Nexus is terrified.
Alea: Do you know what it could do to you?
Alea: OR that Gen?
Alea: Well?!
Alea scowls, waiting for him to answer.
Bertha pities Snake for having to forgo the pleasures of feline companionship.
Alea: You better be glad I'm one of those shenned Farrises.
Nexus: doa dsse sso
Alea looks arrogantly down her nose at him.
Wise Snake: I was scratched last month and nearly died.
Nexus: bberrb nner
Bertha takes this as adolescent exaggeration.
Wise Snake zlins Bertha's skepticism.
Nexus: letttt goooooo
Wise Snake: You don't believe me? [quite surprised]
Mostan uses the burning twig to light the fire in three places before muttering something and blowing it out.
Nexus is shaking so much his teeth are chattering.
Alea: Answer me.
Bertha: I've never heard of a cat allergy that strong.
Blackwell grips the branch in his teeth.
Eliza moves closer to Mostan. "What's wrong?"
Wise Snake: Look... I still have scars. [shows Bertha the mark on her arm]
Nexus: Letttt gooo lady - I don't want to hurt no one.
Wise Snake: The only reason I have the second cat at all is because my... cousin... asked me to take care of it for her. It was urgent.
Alea: Well, you're gonna hurt yourself chasing Gens like this!
Mostan: Hmm? Nothing. Just a habit.
Nexus is soo scared of Alea he feels no need at all.
Blackwell enjoys biting wood and grits his teeth on the branch, sighing with pleasure.
Eliza: Why did you blow it out?
Alea sees him chattering and projects ~~ soothing ~~~
Alea: now, you're going to the Center, and you are going to have transfer.
Nexus screams thinking he is being seduced to evil practises.
Nexus: Lettt goo of me!!!!
Mostan: The twig? It's bad luck to light more than three times....
Bertha looks at the scar, so amazed that she momentarily forgets the tentacles underneath.
Alea works Nexus' field offering ~~ calm ~~
Eliza: Oh I didn't know that.
Bertha: My goodness!
Mostan: [fire is creeping up through the tinder]
Wise Snake: Uh... yeah.
Nexus augments to break free of her grip and runs off screaming.
Alea looks at the bit of shirt left in her hand.
Alea starts to sprint off after Nexus.
Blackwell [maw maw ummm....]
Mostan shrugs. "It was something that my mother did. A tradition. Not something I really believe in...."
Alea realizes she can't run and stops.
Nexus doesn't stop running but bounds up the steps of the Sime Center and through the front door still screaming.
Katryn is in the lobby again and sees the renSime come running in.
Katryn thinks she really is lucky to have two emergencies in two days.
Eliza moves closer to Mostan and looks around the creepy room.
Katryn rushes forward.
Eliza: It looks like it is night down here.
Nexus: It's after me!!!
Alea stomps toward the Sime Center, ignoring the pain in the semi-healed foot... intent only to get back to the Center.
Katryn: It? It what?
Nexus sees a female rushing towards him and cringes back.
Blackwell reaches his head over to sniff noses with the chestnut and is offended when he can't reach that far.
Katryn tries to hide her excitement and look professional.
Mostan puts an arm around Eliza. "I knew you'd be cold, so I planned ahead. Came out here the other day."
Alea stomps up the street to the Center.
Nexus falls to a ball on the floor.
Katryn drops down by him.
Katryn: It's quite all right. Just let me help you.
Katryn wonders if this is a Farris too then decides no way as she zlins.
Katryn zlins him closely.
Nexus goes hyper sensing the selyn available in the channel.
Alea comes up the walk and toward the stairs of the Center.
Katryn ~~ Gen offering ~~
Nexus grabs clumsily at Katryn.
Bertha: Well, I can see why you're willing to leave the cats to someone else.
Katryn meets Nexus' lunge.
Nexus pulls at the "Gen".
Katryn wraps tentacles, intertwining laterals.
Katryn ~~ desire to give ~~
Alea goes up the stairs to the Center.
Nexus gives Katryn whisker burn in making 5th contact.
Katryn thinks this is wonderful to be getting to serve another renSime in an emergency.
Nexus draws hungrily.
Katryn ~~ excitement to give ~~
Nexus has very little draw and is finished almost as soon as he starts.
Katryn ~~ goes with Nexus, carrying him up to joy and completion ~~
Alea opens the front door of the Center.
Nexus jumps forward, bumping Katryn on the head.
Katryn retracts her tentacles sitting still for Nexus.
Alea stops and stares, dumbfounded at the people on the lobby floor.
Eliza: Oh no.
Wise Snake: If you are not interested, I could probably hire a sitter somewhere....
Eliza: I left the lunches up in the saddle bags.
Katryn glances over Nexus' shoulder and sees Alea.
Nexus head is spinning. He holds it still with both hands and looks up to see....
Katryn: You should still be in bed.
Katryn knows she's only a Second but this is HER patient.
Alea: Well... you DID it... though not exactly Right.
Alea: See!
Alea: I TOLD you.
Nexus screams when he sees Alea and scrambles to get onto his feet.
Alea: You are DANGEROUS.
Mostan: Oh, I'll go get them, [moves toward the door]
Eliza: Nooo.
Eliza: Don't leave me here alone!!!
Katryn gasps and jumps up scuttling back trying to figure out what the shenned set him off.
Alea: Stop that yelling.
Alea: You're gonna scare everyone in the Center!
Nexus bolts out the door, hitting his head on it because it is shut.
Bertha: I'm sure something can be worked out, if you decide that I'm the right person for the job.
Nexus tries to run through the closed door again finally knocking himself out.
Bertha: But just now, I'd best be getting home. The afternoon light won't last forever.
Wise Snake: I'll be sure to get back to you next time I'm... as soon as possible.
Bertha stands.
Bertha: Very well, then. I look forward to hearing from you.
Eliza runs across the room to Mostan.
Wise Snake: Oh, and... could you do me a favor and send me a formal bid in writing?
Bertha: Certainly.
Wise Snake nods.
Wise Snake: Do you want a tour of the building before you write the bid?
Bertha: That would be very helpful.
Wise Snake thinks that might alter the numbers somewhat.
Mostan stops.
Mostan: Sorry, I wasn't thinking.
Eliza is shivery.
Wise Snake: I would be glad to call you a cab if it gets too dark.
Mostan holds Eliza some more.
Bertha: That's very kind of you. I don't know Bender Cove well enough to know which streets should be avoided after dark.
Alea grabs at the renSime, gaping.
Wise Snake: In this area, probably all of them.
Mostan: You're shaking like a tiny little bird....
Alea: What an idiot.
Eliza: I'm sorry.
Bertha nods sadly.
Eliza: Just don't leave me alone down here and I'll be fine.
Wise Snake lights a taper in the fireplace, then applies it to two hooded reflector lanterns.
Katryn hurries over, zlinning.
Wise Snake: It gets kind of dark in places.
Mostan: Ok. You go up first then. I'll boost you.
Wise Snake: [explains] Especially since the windows are still boarded.
Bertha: I'd noticed.
Katryn: You know him, Naztehr?
Eliza climbs back up out through the hole towards the sunlight and stands waiting as Mostan follows
Wise Snake hands one lantern to Bertha, the other to Rapol.
Bertha: Would you want a replica of the original stained glass, or just plain, clear windows?
Katryn zlins the bruise on his head and projects to stimulate healing.
Bertha takes the lantern.
Nexus moans and starts to come to.
Alea moves over to offer support to the channel.
Alea: We've met.
Mostan rises up out of the hole with typical Sime grace.
Alea ~~ distaste ~~
Rapol holds up the lantern.
Wise Snake: I don't think the Historical Society here would stand for anything but recovering the originals.
Wise Snake: Failing that, reproductions will have to do.
Nexus sits up holding his head.
Nexus: Ouch.
Nexus: Who hit me?
Katryn: Just lie still....
Katryn reaches out and touches his shoulder.
Bertha: I know a place in Nate's Rest which does very good stained glass, using the old methods.
Katryn: You ran into a wall.
Mostan goes back to the horses with Eliza.
Alea scowls at Nexus.
Alea: You ran into the door while projecting your terror all through the Center.
Bertha: Their work should satisfy even the most skeptical among your local Historical Society.
Katryn is surprised the Donor is so abrupt with the patient.
Katryn decides that since she is a Farris, she must know what she's doing.
Eliza notices that the black has chewed through the wood. She unties him and leads him over to where some strange twisted metal sticks out of the falsestone and ties him to that instead. 1
Alea motions to Katryn.
Alea: Take him to a treatment room.
Wise Snake: Don't be so sure. There's one woman who thinks I shouldn't even be allowed to set foot in the public library, much less this place.
Katryn stands and leads Nexus to a room.
Katryn: You come with me. I'll make sure that's taken care of.
Katryn is proud that the Farris put so much faith in her abilities.
Wise Snake: Up here is all offices.... As you can see this is stone underneath. I wasn't sure if we should preserve these later wood floors or not.
Bertha inspects the floors.
Bertha: They're still in reasonably good condition, considering, and wood isn't out of place for the period.
Wise Snake: Um.
Bertha: And wood is certainly more comfortable than stone for living quarters.
Rapol: Would the wood have to be old salvaged wood?
SnapnAnni is feeling a bit skittish since she has been standing around under saddle.
SnapnAnni tugs her head against the reins to see if they're tied well.
Mostan goes over to get the lunch out of SnapnAnni's saddlebags.
Bertha: Most of the wood that's still here is usable. For the rest, one or two rooms could be stripped to provide building materials for the rest.
SnapnAnni feels something tickle her side and turns and snaps at the annoyance.
SnapnAnni is surprised, afterward, when she realizes it was a person.
Wise Snake shows Bertha through the various offices on the 3rd floor.
Wise Snake: This and the 2nd floor are small because the terminal part has a three story ceiling.
Wise Snake means "small" in the relative sense of course.
Mostan recoils back.
SnapnAnni sidles nervously, not keeping in mind that she weighs about a half ton and has large feet.
Bertha: I saw when I came in. It will be beautiful when it's clean and full of light, instead of a dark, moldy cavern.
Wise Snake lowers her voice, so Rapol won't hear.
Wise Snake: Listen... when we get downstairs, if you see anything wrong with the furniture down there, don't say anything okay?
Wise Snake: Especially the horse.
Alea goes into the Center and removes her coat.
Alea pulls off her gloves.
Alea finally slips the scarf from her head and neck and drapes it with her cloak over the cloak stand.
Bertha nods, confused.
Wise Snake: Anything else you want to see up here?
Alea shakes her hair out and then shoves it over her shoulder.
Wise Snake gestures vaguely at the third floor, pausing when she notices there is new water damage on that particular ceiling.
Wise Snake: Shen. [under her breath]
Alea pulls the clip from her hair and then gathers her hair.
Bertha looks up at the ceiling.
Bertha: Are there other leaks in the roof, or is it just this section?
Alea lifts it, twisting and putting the clip back in to hold it out of her face.
Wise Snake: Is there a source for slate reasonably near here or am I going to be paying to have it hauled cross country?
Wise Snake: Just over here. You can see there are slates missing from the street.
Wise Snake: Actually I think the bell tower is not exactly completely roofed at this point.
Wise Snake has been too much of a coward to go up and inspect personally, since she is allergic to pigeons and noticed there were doves roosting up there.
Alea straightens her skirt and then starts across the room.
Veraik sees Alea replacing the clip.
Veraik: Hello Alea.
Alea pauses when she sees Veraik.
Veraik removes the clip when she isn't looking.
Alea looks around wondering where Tarsh is... remembers the date....
Alea: Hey!
Veraik: Now isn't that better?
Alea grabs at her hair.
Bertha: Well, I can think of several possibilities for slate, depending on the size and color which is required.
Veraik: Your hair is too beautiful to be bound up.
Alea twists her hair and ties it in a knot at the nape of her neck.
Alea turns to walk off.
Veraik sighs.
Veraik: I zlin that you are better today.
Alea freezes.
Veraik: Veraik zlins Alea.
Alea feels a blush starting at her breasts and working it's way up to her hairline.
Alea: I am much better, Hajene, thank you. [stiffly]
Veraik can't help himself but to leer at the beautiful woman.
Wise Snake leads Bertha back to the stairs.
Alea turns back to Veraik.
Alea: Might I have my clip back?
Bertha goes down the stairs in Snake's wake, and almost steps on a neat row of six dead rats, artistically arranged at the bottom of the stairs.
Rapol follows, trying to run through Snake's allergies list again....
Alea avoids his eyes, staring at his chest.
Veraik sighs and gives it back.
Bertha smiles at Kadi, who is parading back and forth, showing off her trophies.
Bertha: Well, aren't you the little mouser!
Wise Snake grimaces and edges around to keep Bertha and Rapol between herself and Kadi.
Veraik walks away.
Alea goes up the stairs to her room, digs through her drawers until she finds another clip.
Alea brushes her hair, replaces it and goes back downstairs.
Alea: Shendoni flayed Controllers aren't worth anything.
Bertha bends over to pet the purring cat.
Rapol tries to remember is Snake is allergic to rats....
Alea goes back into the lobby.
Bertha straightens and smiles at Snake.
Bertha: Well, I can see that rodent control won't be a problem.
Seezi walks into the Lobby.
Seezi is looking downcast.
Wise Snake: There are probably more rats available than a cat could really be interested in.
Alea: Why, hello Seezi.
Wise Snake: Or even two cats.
Alea: How are you doing?
Alea goes over to Seezi, smiling.
Bertha shrugs.
Alea ~~ concerned ~~
Seezi is muttering and kicking at things.
Bertha: It looks like your ginger tabby there is more than willing to hunt for sport.
Wise Snake: One the second floor here are more offices, and some kind of small meeting rooms... various odd little rooms that might be store rooms, and so forth.
Alea: Are you okay, sweetie?
Wise Snake: Yeah, but it's her first day here. It's still new and interesting.
Kadi purrs, going over and rubbing up against Snake.
Seezi looks up. "No, I'm not ok. But I can't cry... why not?"
Wise Snake endures it nervously, ready to dodge if claws come into play.
Alea: Oh... well, sweetie. remember how we talked to you about the two weeks after transfer?
Alea: You would be fine.
Wise Snake: I don't know what happened... my cousin just showed up and dumped the cat. I asked her how long and she wouldn't look at me.
Seezi: yeah....
Alea: But the two weeks before transfer, you don't have the ability to release all those emotions.
Bertha: Poor moggie.
Kadi purring gets louder, its back arches as it rubs some more.
Seezi: But... he broke my heart and... and....
Alea: Oh honey....
Alea ~~ comfort ~~
Seezi: I'm sorry, I have to go.
Seezi turns and runs out.
Bertha inspects the second floor rooms, noting their condition.
Alea sighs.
Kadi stretches extending its claws.
Kadi finds Snake's shoe and kneads it with her claws.
LibbyWhor walks into the lobby and zlins Alea.
Wise Snake jerks her foot free of the cat and hurries after Bertha.
Alea sees Libby and turns toward the hall.
LibbyWhor: [Goes to her] Well, hello honey.
Kadi hisses, back arching.
Alea stops and sighs.
Wise Snake: I am a little worried about this door. [points to a door in an outer wall which appears to lead nowhere.]
Alea: Hello Libby.
Kadi goes over to Bertha and rubs up against her.
Alea: What are you doing here? You had transfer yesterday, didn't you?
Alea knows she did.
LibbyWhor places a tentacle on Alea's arm.
LibbyWhor: I'm glad you are all right.
Alea has heard the story from fifteen different people.
Alea wonders where a channel is when she needs one.
Bertha opens the door, and whistles at the view--straight down.
Alea: I'm just fine.
Eliza notices that the chestnut snapped at Mostan. "Don't let her do that Mos - just hit her."
Bertha closes the door very carefully.
LibbyWhor: Oh honey. I just had to zlin for myself that you were all right.
Bertha: Hmm, looks like the architect got a bit overenthusiastic in designing for ease of expansion.
Kadi rubs back and forth, going in and out of Bertha's feet.
Mostan gathers the picnic together. "Have I got everything?"
Alea: Well you've zlinned.
Alea ~~ neutral field ~~
Eliza walks over to the chestnut and thumps its neck. "You behave now."
LibbyWhor: Can I be with you for a while?
Bertha absently reaches down and picks up the cat, rubbing her ears in just the right way.
Alea: Now....
Eliza: Yes - lets go back - it's warmer there than here.
Wise Snake stands clear.
LibbyWhor: ~ hurt ~
Alea ~~ uneasy ~~
Wise Snake: Well... it just seems like the sort of thing absolutely guaranteed to lead to trouble later, one way or another.
Alea: Actually, you know, Paulatino is around somewhere.
Mostan: All right.
Alea heard THAT part of the story too.
Eliza thinks she will be brave and go down first - but when she gets to the entrance and sees how dark it is....
Mostan heads around the outcropping again.
Kadi lunges up stretching against Bertha's leg and kneads her claws into her leg.
Eliza stands back for Mostan to go first.
LibbyWhor looks around and smiles. "But honey, you are so much more sexy than him. After all, he is just a man."
Bertha: There are ways of securing it that would not be particularly visible to casual inspection.
Wise Snake: I hope so.
Mostan puts the picnic down and goes down and waits for Eliza to hand it to him.
Wise Snake: Over here is the balcony.
Eliza hands the food down then crawls down after him.
Wise Snake leads Bertha to a row of boarded up doors and unlocks one of them.
Eliza slips and slides the last bit.
Bertha checks out the balcony, very cautious of the ice and largely rotted railing.
Kadi twists and purrs into Bertha's ear.
Alea winces.
Wise Snake: According to the paperwork I found, this was evidently an indoor/outdoor restaurant and the ferries could be boarded at the upper level from here.
LibbyWhor steps back.
Bertha: Ah, that explains the gate there.
Alea flattens her skirt against her slightly protruding tummy.
Alea: But I LIKE men!
Wise Snake: What about this wood? [pointing a tentacle at....]
LibbyWhor: A tear drips from her cheek.
Wise Snake pauses.
Wise Snake: You mean there used to be more balcony?
Alea makes sure she can see she is pregnant since she obviously hasn't zlinned it yet.
LibbyWhor: But women are softer.
Wise Snake: Oh, THAT gate.
Wise Snake 's mind was stuck on the scary door.
Wise Snake: Yes.
Wise Snake: So what do you think about this wood, is this something that is going to be difficult to get replaced?
Mostan holds the lantern and goes over to the fire, nicely burning now....
LibbyWhor places a tentacle on Alea's stomach. "See. Softer. Better."
Wise Snake waves a tentacle at the carvings, which imitate the rusty curlicues in the rail.
Eliza stays close behind.
Kadi reaches up and bats at Bertha's hair, thinking this is much more fun than other toys.
Bertha: Not particularly. All it requires is a carpenter with a good lathe.
Bertha contains the paw, and goes back to ear scritching.
Wise Snake: A lathe?
Alea gasps, decides no channel is going to come along to help her when she needs it--as usual--and hurries down the hall, sliding into Tarsh's office and locking the door behind her.
Wise Snake is dubious, but figures wood isn't her area of expertise.
Kadi begins licking Bertha's hand, cleaning her.
Mostan pulls out a groundcloth he left here before and spreads it near the fire.
LibbyWhor begins to bawl as she slides down the wall to collapse on the floor.
Eliza looks around at the patterns on the wall again.
Alea breathes in relief.
Wise Snake advances cautiously to the railing and looks down into the black water.
Eliza scrubs at the wall with her sleeve.
Eliza: Hey Mos - have a look at these - these are pretty.
Bertha is sensible enough to stay a prudent distance from the drop.
Wise Snake: One of the ferries is sunken right here.
Wise Snake: See its shape underneath?
Bertha: Really?
Wise Snake: I guess that would have to be broken up and gotten rid of before other boats could dock here.
Mostan: What?
Bertha takes a cautious step closer to the rail to inspect, and slips.
Eliza: Come look.
Mostan goes over to look. Holds up the lantern.
Wise Snake augments to snatch Bertha before she goes over.
Bertha yelps in surprise, at the slip and its abrupt ending.
Kadi slips from Bertha's grip and goes flying.
Kadi: mmmmrrrrrroooowwwwwwhiiiisssssss
Kadi scrabbles wildly seeing her little kitty life flash before her eyes.
Wise Snake unhands Bertha and augments to make a wild leap for Kadi.
Rapol advances and projects ~~Calm ~~
Rapol grabs at Bertha.
Kadi scrabbles at the Sime flesh.
Bertha is glad of the steadying hand.
Wise Snake augments to avoid the cat's slower movements, and snatches it up by the scruff of the neck.
Kadi: Hisssss mrrrow!
Kadi little paws work grabbing, twisting wildly.
Bertha tsks and reaches for Kadi, holding her properly.
Kadi sinks her claws into Bertha.
Wise Snake sullenly thinks maybe Kadi and Bertha would have preferred it if both went over the rail.
Kadi eyes are wild, wide, the whites showing.
Wise Snake: Well, I think we've seen enough of the balcony. [panting with
quelled augmentation]
Bertha soothes the cat, then sets her down inside.
Kadi scampers up Snake's leg.
Rapol gets right next to Snake ~~ support ~~
Mostan: Yeah they are.
Mostan: Geometric art, or something...
Wise Snake: Shen it!
Eliza runs her fingers softly over the painting on the wall. "You know, I've seen this before but I can't remember where."
Wise Snake snatches the cat and hurls it inside.
Kadi: Mrrrrooooooooeeeeeeeewwwwwww
Mostan: I don't think I have.
Wise Snake: Shenned cat... no wonder Alea was in such a shenned hurry to leave again!
Wise Snake inspects herself carefully for broken skin, feeling through the cloth.
Bertha leads the way back inside.
Wise Snake interrupts her inspection long enough to follow them inside and lock the door carefully behind them.
Alea thinks it's probably safe so she quietly unlocks the door.
Eliza starts to feel the need to be near the fire and away from the dark walls.
Eliza moves back and sit on the blanket.
Rapol looks over Snake, checking for any signs of blood or other injury.
Alea pokes her head out, sees no one and slips out of the office.
Eliza: Mos, how are you feeling - you know about gens and transfer and stuff.
Mostan comes over and puts an arm around Eliza.
Wise Snake: I'm fine, I'm fine. [upset]
Rapol: Are you hurt? [to Bertha]
Bertha: No, just a little shaken. That was too close for comfort.
Wise Snake: If you had fallen in, I would have gone in after you.
Mostan: What do you mean? About running away?
Bertha ignores the stinging cat scratches on her arm, figuring that it could have been so much worse.
Eliza: Running away? I mean about your injuries.
Mostan: Oh.
Eliza runs her hand over his arm and down along his dorsal tentacles.
Mostan picks up a piece of kindling from the pile and starts idly drawing in the dirt.
Bertha: Fortunately, that wasn't necessary.
Wise Snake: The ground floor is much safer.
Mostan quivers and smiles.
Wise Snake leads them to the stairs and descends.
Bertha follows down the stairs to the bottom, carefully forbearing to comment on the more unusual furnishings on that floor.
Mostan: I ... I've healed physically....
Eliza: Would it be a good idea to practice maybe? Get you used to me touching you in the transfer position?
Bertha is curious, however, as to what an old carousel horse is doing on the ticket turnstile.
Rapol is bewildered that his fine additions are being ignored.
Eliza thinks it's like training a horse - something that scares them becomes "old hat" when it has been done a couple of times.
Mostan: Yeah, It might be.
Mostan: I'm still uptight taking donations....
Eliza holds out her arms and waits. ~ calm confidence ~
Bertha decides that it's really none of her business, and concentrates on inspecting the main terminal room.
Bertha: Hmm, there's some nice tile work here.
Eliza: ~ encouragement ~
Mostan reaches out slowly and takes Eliza's arms.
Wise Snake: Yeah... out on the sidewalk, too.
Eliza gently touches his arms in return.
Mostan carefully grasps her wrists and extends his tentacles.
Bertha finishes her inspection of the room--or as much of it as the limited lantern light will allow.
Eliza: ~ support ~
Eliza: is that OK Mos?
Bertha: Is there a mural on the ceiling?
Eliza: ~ welcome ~
Wise Snake: I think so. Either that or it's incredibly filthy.
Mostan: So far....
Wise Snake: I can't help but notice there is no lighting in here at all. Do you think there used to be chandeliers hanging from each of those low points? That's what they have at the library.
Bertha: Quite likely.
Eliza: ~ encouragement (desire) support ~
Mostan settles his laterals into contact and tries not to think about her fingers.
Rapol: Chandeliers would have smoked up a ceiling mural.
Eliza: ~ comfort ~
Wise Snake: Huh.
Wise Snake: Well it can't remain dark if we want to use it at night. So I hope something suitably historic can be obtained.
Bertha: There are coatings which could be applied to the mural, to allow it to be cleaned more easily in the future.
Mostan zlins Eliza as deeply as he can, probing the sincerity of her emotions.
Eliza: ~ confidence (desire to help) ~
Wise Snake: So down here are the public facilities, a kitchen, the employee break room, and various public contact offices and booths.
Bertha: How much of the plumbing and so forth is functional?
Mostan pulls Eliza towards him.
Wise Snake: Um... well with the heat off, it hasn't been safe to put any water into the plumbing.
Wise Snake: I know that some of the exposed stuff is damaged.
Eliza leans forward eagerly
Wise Snake: Would it be possible to replace the plumbing and electrical with more modern equivalents?
Bertha: I see. Well, I can give you a range of estimates for that part of the project, depending on how much must be done.
Wise Snake hopefully
Wise Snake: Okay.
Eliza: ~ longing ~
Mostan makes lip contact.
Bertha: Yes, it should be possible, without too much loss of authenticity.
Bertha: After all, no one will be able to see the wiring.
Eliza closes her eyes and hold very still.
Mostan tries to control his urge to breathe in gasps.
Wise Snake: Well, and, it's just common sense.
Wise Snake: I mean, not that that would appeal to everybody, but....
Bertha: I understand.
Bertha checks her watch.
Mostan zlins throughout Eliza's system, searching for danger and finding none.
Bertha: My goodness, look at the time! My daughter will be frantic.
Wise Snake: Let me walk you up to a suitable street and call you a cab.
Eliza wonders if Mostan is OK.
Bertha: Thank you. I'll have a bid to you in a few days.
Wise Snake: Let me just run up and get my cloak and Rapol's.
Rapol moves over to get their cloaks.
Wise Snake disappears up the stairs.
Wise Snake pauses as she realizes Rapol already had them.
Wise Snake: Huh.
Wise Snake shakes her head, denying that any sense of disorientation occurred.
Wise Snake: I mean, look, here's our cloaks. Good thinking, Rapol.
Bertha: Are you all right, dear?
Wise Snake: Yes! [too quickly] No problem at all.
Wise Snake puts on her cloak.
Alea wanders back into the lobby, checking carefully.
Bertha buttons her own coat.
Rapol dons his.
Mostan breaks lip contact and lays his head on Eliza's shoulder.
Eliza stays very still.
Bertha leads the way out the door.
Mostan: Where do you come from, little bird? You zlin so clean and pure and beautiful....
Alea goes over to the clerk to ask if a certain... oddly dressed... uh... woman has left.
Mostan: All the way to the innermost part of you.
Eliza: I think that I have come a long way - just for this.
Alea is relieved when Clerk says yes.
Eliza: Oh Mostan can't we stay together like this forever?
Mostan breathes more slowly, unconsciously synchronizing with Eliza's.
Mostan: I want to....
Eliza wants to also.
Eliza rests her head on top of Mostan's.
Alea smiles in relief.
Mostan: I've been looking for you for years....
Eliza smiles but feels a tear running down her face at the same time and thinks "how strange".
Mostan carefully lifts his head.
Eliza looks at Mostan seriously.
Mostan: Why are you crying?
Eliza: I'm not crying
Mostan wonders what that tear is doing there then....
Mostan leans forward into lip contact again.
Eliza: I don't think I'm crying.
Eliza lifts her chin to allow it.
Mostan resists the urge to draw from Eliza, and just shunts between his systems instead.
Mostan breaks lip contact again.
Alea goes down the hall to work.
Eliza: What did you do Mos?
Mostan: I ... I did another shunt. Moved selyn around inside me without touching yours.
Eliza: Why?
Mostan: I could say it was to get me used to moving selyn and you, but the truth is....
Eliza waits.
Mostan: I wanted to take transfer here and now, but I know I shouldn't.
Eliza: ~ frustration ~
Eliza: please tell me that you didn't put it off.
Eliza: I don't think I can wait.
Eliza: MOSTAN
Eliza: ~ panic ~
Mostan is breathing hard....
Mostan: ~~ Intil ~~
Eliza: Tell me it hasn't delayed it!
Mostan: What? Oh, no!
Eliza: ~relief ~
Mostan: I moved in out and then back....
Eliza leans against Mostan.
Mostan: Actually... If I shunted some out of my primary, They'd have to move my, err our transfer up....
Eliza: they would?
Eliza looks hopeful
Mostan: I think so...
Eliza: are you going to?
Mostan leans forward a third time.
Eliza leans forward too
Mostan makes lip contact.
Mostan shunts about 3 days selyn from his primary to his secondary.
Eliza tries to feel what Mostan is doing.
Mostan wrestles with the urge to just draw from her now and have done with it.
Eliza tries to stay calm with little success.
Mostan breaks the fifth contact reluctantly.
Mostan: [ huskily ] I'm down to three days selyn....
Eliza leans forward onto his shoulder.
Eliza: That's OK - I have plenty.
Mostan rubs his head against hers.
Eliza looks up - "I do have plenty don't I?"
Eliza: What does it feel like - need?
Mostan: Oh yes... I can assure you of that.
Mostan: Need ... is like all the light and warmth and happiness being sucked out of the world.
Mostan: Not just no longer there, but never been there, never could be there, never will be there.
Eliza gets upset just listening about it and longs to fix it so he doesn't feel that way.
Eliza: You will have to talk to whoever you have to talk to about changing our schedule - wont' they want to know why?
Mostan: Yes. I'll tell them half the truth. There was a runaway horse, and we were out in the cold.
Eliza puts her arms around Mostan's neck
Eliza kisses his cheek.
Mostan: It will be written off as augmentation and I'll get a slap in the dorsals.
Eliza jumps back.
Eliza: they will HIT you???
Mostan: No, no!
Mostan: That's just an expression.
Mostan: They'll look at me sternly and tell me not to do it again.
Eliza looks at him uncertain.
Eliza: Why are they so bound to schedules?
Mostan: They say it is because channels are scarce, and tr- Good Donors even more so.
Eliza: But your personal schedule doesn't have anything to do with your work does it?
Eliza: I'm sorry - I just don't understand.
Mostan: Well, if a Donor gives transfer too often, they won't have fully replaced their selyn by the next transfer, and will have even less the next time, etc.
Mostan: That won't be a problem for us because you overmatch me a bit.
Eliza: I thought that the Donor provided in step with the Channel.
Mostan: Everyone is different, and no two people match each other precisely, unless you buy into those legends about Lortuen the householders have....
Eliza thinks that she has a lot of reading to do.
Mostan shifts around to cuddle up against Eliza and watch the fire.
Eliza sighs contentedly.
Eliza reaches over and snags the packed lunch.
Eliza: Here Mos, have a sandwich.
Mostan: Thank you.
Eliza munches on a sandwich.
Eliza thinks that is pretty good going getting him to eat twice in a day when he is in need.
Notes:
1) In the Sime/Gen universe as established in the novels, exposed Ancient metal would not have lasted two days without being pillaged by Simes and Gens desperate to get their hands on the substance. [return]