Grayson had grown anxious while he had waited for some sort of relief about the unknown girl's condition that night, having paced back and forth in front of his cart until he noticed the doctor finally arrive at the scene. While slightly relieved at the time, ultimately he knew that tonight was a disaster. Not only had his plan backfired and several innocent townsfolk would probably suffer some rather horrid hours in the bathroom, but now the mayor was nowhere in sight and more than likely helping the young lady. And, as much as he wanted to continue his prank on the Mayor, he felt it was time to admit defeat for the girl's sake. He didn't want her caretaker taking care of himself more than the girl who definitely needed constant attention at the moment. He never liked to admit defeat, but that night he ultimately had to, grabbing several more of Waconia's drinks, along with other alcoholic beverages, and beginning the rigorous process of drinking himself into a stupor.

Grayson's eyes suddenly jolted open as he recalled that night, the light from the room rushing into his eyes just as fast as the small headache that suddenly made itself known in his head. He raised one hand to his head, wincing at the pain and attempting to cover his eyes to block the light. The last thing he remembered was the incident with the girl, but the rest of the night? That was all a blur in his mind, just like how the rest of the past couple days had been a blur. They came and left, though that wasn’t that big of an issue the more he thought about it. In fact, it let Grayson get back to the swing of things. He’d just need to prepare for several shipments to be delivered for tomorrow, but otherwise it should just be a regular day too.

Flopping out of bed in style, which is to say he essentially rolled off the bed and fell flat on his face, he started the daily grind of getting ready for the day. Maybe, if that one girl was feeling better, he could offer to cook her favorite meal... he’d just have to ask, along with find out where she was now.

---

It had been a few days since the drifter had blew into town to work on the farm. In the days that followed he had taken to acclimating himself more to the area and its people, and had begun to take nightly walks in the forest. He had always felt in-tune with nature for reasons he couldn't quite explain, especially given his origin within the city.

Living and working on the farm was nice. Jude enjoyed the company of Olivia and her animal companions, as well as the work on the farm. In fact, that was what he was doing now; he was using an old hammer kept in a chest within the farmhouse to crush large boulders, rain beating down upon his blond head. The cabbages were already watered by the sprinkling, so he wouldn't have to worry about those today, just clearing out the field. He could already hear the protests from some of the townsfolk: "don't work in the rain, you'll catch a cold" and all that. Bah, he knew the risks and didn't need to be reminded of them.

As he worked, his mind went back to the party on New Years, and the young girl that had stumbled in and collapsed on the spot. Last he heard she was recovering well in the mayor's home. He tried to push the rather depressing thoughts from his mind, but he continued to dwell on it, concern tugging at him as he wanted to see if the girl really was doing alright. Though he had no idea what had happened to her and where she came from, he knew it mustn't have been pleasant; how else do you explain a girl barely a decade old wandering into a strange town looking like hell? It made him angry, really, to think that the girl's guardians would just abandon her.

After a moment he realized he was just hitting pebbles into the soil, he had gotten so pissed. Jude took a deep, calming breath. No matter, he would be sure to swing by the mayor's house later today to check in on the kid. In the meantime, he had work to do.

Dates, Drizzle and Dogs

---

Astrid had a busy few days, after the party was over it was back to work and several deliveries later, running the mine was fairly expensive and paperwork meant the week had been a long one. Waving off one of the larger trucks that was hauling away excess rock towards one of the bigger towns and watching Fluffy lazing half asleep on porch away from the rain. Yep one of those days, if only she could nap like that and not have to worry about work!

Heading in, Astrid remembered the young girl who had wandered in and probbly should ask how she was doing. She looked a right mess and needing some care and a loving home. Someone in thr village would help her, it was that kind of place. Remembering the last trip into town the paint for the windows, and other bits for the cottage would take a few days to arrive. When she first restored the cottage it was barely habitable, floors back to dirt, windows barely more than rot and broken glass and more leaks in the roof than a sieve. Now it was very much diffrent, new windows, pink door made from old mine timbers, heavy and warm, everything had been repaired and rebuilt, the fire now with a regular hot bed of embers keeping the outlying cottage warm and welcoming.

Easy life for some Fluffy, your a spoiled lady sometimes!


Heading inside to change out of her work overalls and boots to try and look somewhat decent for her date. Wow.. Date, was this the same Astrid. A few weeks ago she never of thought it would be going this well. The rain, what did you wear, what was practical, pretty and warm? What he wear, what did a fashion designer wear social, so many questions. Not ernough answers.

Deciding she had to make some effort, and having cleaned her pale coat from earlier, she headed into the bedroom tucked back into the back of the cottage, it's a joining ensuite had been a flight of fancy as she lived alone but it was a nice luxury. Dressing in jeans, and finding a umbrella she stole from her sister. The same white coat from the party looked cute, and abit of a effort with boots, a rare non work pair. Putting on light make up, not expertly or much, but ernough to shoe a effort even if hardly Cindarella.

Heading out and throwing some more coal on the simmering fire, it would stay warm and burn slowly over a few hours and keep thr cottage warm while she was gone. Nudging Fluffy awake, and laughing at her response of giving a double take in dog.

Hey! Don, t give me that miss! I know I Don, t dessert up that often, I'm still Astrid. Come on girl. It's only light rain and your a newfoundland!

Smiling and heading out followed by her oversized freind, Astrid rarely ever bothered with a lead, she was way too powerful for a start and calm ernough anyway that it was not needed majority of time. If she wanted to go off in one direction, Astrid would not have strengh to stop her. Even with a umbrella and coat the drizzle was fairly heavy though nothing like the storm coming that night. Boots low heals crunching on the gravel path into the village and Fluffy splashing through puddles, it certainly was a refreshing walk, if only a little wet.

Walking into the village centre she saw Waconia and waved over on her meandering way to the fashion boutique, seeing it just across the way and hoping Alexander would be there. She probbly should have called ahead... Calling over to Waconia and smiling seeing her dressed in a practical raincoat with a slight look of frustration? Or just annoyed at rain?

Hey, nice day, if your a duck... Maybe a newfoundland.

Goddess be... You know how that kid was doing?... Oh, and bar keeps Gossip... I have a date, thanks for telling me about party. It kinda went.. Rather well. Il always have a pot waiting if your ever up by the mine.

Fluffy bounded about and was splashing in a large puddle in front of boutique, still very much a puppy at heart, she could not ignore a good splash about. She had been so good at the party, letting her off abit to have fun was well deserved.

In a far field was the farm worker from thr party was toiling in the rain and working in the fields. Did they not most people took Sunday off and working in this weather. It was a sure fire way to be liebig in bed for a few days with a cold. It would get worse and the weather was not going to let up for hours, the storm coming. Hopefully they had sense to quit before the worst of the weather broke. For the most part Astrid was glad of her thick stone walls. Slow to heat and annoying thr winter, they felt so much more secure and homely in the harsh weather.

Coming out abit fast. Astrid was nervous and excited about a date, the village life was going well and maybe a freind in Waconia. For the first time since leaving thr city she felt like this place could be home.

---

@MissCapnCrunch@Howilng Zinogre@Simple Unicycle@LightningMaiden

---

the rest of the night was a blur of good convo and a few laughs. But here we are a few days later and the time that lead up to this day was filled with panic attacks and nrevous conversations held with Diva in fact one was being held right now...

"WHAT, WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU ARENT GOING!?!? Diva now is not the time to joke about this im freaking seven types of the FUCK OUT. I NEED you there your like a safety net for me what if she doesnt like what im wearing what if im to much what if... before Alex had a minute to continue diva cut him off.

TRANSLATION-SHUT THE FUCK UP

"DONT YELL AT ME, im already nervous thats the last thing i need right now"Alex said holding his ears. im sorry i cant help it i dont even remember the last time i was on a date and i dont even know where the idea to ask astrid out came from but i did and we are here and i dont even know what to wear...did i...did i just say that who the hell am I? Alex questioned internally as he stared at in Divas direction seemingly albeit slowly finding himself thanks to that question. It seemed to bring him back close enough to focus. By this time diva had made her way to the stereo system and played the track that always called him back from the darker recesses of his mind. or at least ONE of the songs FOCUS. Hearing this got Alex Fired up, and after a few moments he went rifling through his closet finding the appropriate outfit and kissing divas forehead as he bre a renewed vigor.

Diva waved or rather flapped Alex away as she just looked at him a moment then gave a softer near motherly "Kweh, kweh kwe kweh kweeeh" TRANSLATION-its gonna be ok ill be here when you get back but today you need to do this by yourself. Getting the gist of it alex smiled and readied himself for the day Today's outfit after finally readying Alex grabbed his larger Navy blue umbrella and his longer trench and headed out for the day even though he was still a bit nervous he was ready to do this.

To Alexs Surprise Astrid didnt stand far away from his place of work and neither did Ms.Wheatly or the young bouncing pup that he would have greeted 1st had he not caught Astrid and smiled rather big Goolaflernoon he said completely bumbling over his greeting before smiling again and slowly facepalming. let me try again...Good Day ladies how are we all feeling today?

@PrinceAlexus @misscapncrunch

---

Waconia's frown turned into a gentle smile when she saw Astrid's wave and heard her cheerful voice. "Hello Astrid and Fluffy!" Waconia sang, watching the dog jump around in the puddles below. Waconia giggled slightly, nodding to Astrid's comment. "I don't mind the rain much, but it definitely puts a damper on things." Waconia made a small smirk, pleased with her word play. She still had charm! She still had class!

Gasping, Waconia's eyes widened, "Who cares about the kid? You've got a date!?" Waconia threw her arms around Astrid in a hug. She pulled back, a devious look in her eye before whispering, "I will definitely take you up on that offer, after I find out who the lucky guy is and ESPECIALLY after your big night making lo-"

Goolaflernoon

The jumbled word turned Waconia's attention as she positioned herself next to Astrid, she looked to Alex and then to Astrid, and then back to Alex. A sly look forming as Alex corrected himself, "We're great. Just fantastic, how about you?" the girl said mischievously. Hoping that this was the answer to her own question. The general store could wait, this would be enough entertainment to last for days.

Dates, Drizzle and Dogs

---

Astrid gave Alex a slightly nervous smile and waved over as he headed out his shop, laughing slightly at the managed up greeting. She was not the only one nervous today, though Fluffy was definitely the opposite of the present humans and loving the weather, free from human worries of dates and dramas. Waving to Alex and noticing his feathered companion had probbly decided against the weather sensibly, abit nervous herself she did not notice Waconias response straight away.

Helwo, Hello Alex, happily nervous waiting for a Gentleman. Would not know of one? And trying not to undermine the town into a hole of course...

Laughing and turning to see Waconia replying with a bad pun based on the weather, it was bad but she probbly had come up with worse. The second part caught her slightly off guard as the hug came, returning the hug and going somewhat pinker at the whispered answer. She had barely been on a date in months, maybe one step at a time not all 20 and thr bonus round all in one afternoon!

Returning the whisper with quiet accent, she was worse than her sister in her Gossip hound nature. She was a great vet, but say you met someone cute in a cereal Isle and it would turn into a 45 minute breakdown of a 30 second glance and "can you pass the coco pops please"

And no squirrels in stone walls! Your worse than Torvi! I better make that a large pot and a afternoon off.

First date! Depends if this storm leaves me stuck in town tonight!

Laughing and turning back to Alex and Fluffy, who had turned to look at the 3 people gathered about and licking Alex's hand friendily realising somthong between the two of them rather perceptively. Deciding the two humans need a help, she started nudging Astrid over to Alex and giving her a "come on its obvious " look..

Fluffy! Stop it... Hey... OK OK I'm going!

Ummm... Seems she invested... And to your question Waconia.

Kissing Alex on the cheek and nervously smiling, with a little shrug to Fluffy saying "there you go" and wondering how on earth her dog knew things better and before she did. Rather forceful at times. She did seem to know.

Stood about in the rain dressed up, at least Fluffy had not got mud all over her pale coat yet, the walk by the beech might be a tad cold but find some peace and quiet and ideal date... Well it was on a sunny day.

It looked like it would definitely at least be a more intresting Sunday afternoon than sat at home by the fire hiding from the rain with Fluffy.

---

@MissCapnCrunch@Howilng Zinogre

---

Grimm's rather loud footsteps could be heard creaking down the hallway well before he was seen. It sounded like a much larger man approaching just due to how much unnecessary force he put behind each step: he walked like the proverbial man on a mission. Judging by the bored far off stare he wore like a mask it was safe to assume whatever he was rushing to with such urgency wasn't actually here in the mayors house.

He'd been gone a bit longer in returning than intended but it was for no lack of effort, and this time he carried with him his formerly recommended medical treatments for Amelia: fragile supplies he'd tucked safely away inside the medium sized brown medical satchel he now wore over his shoulder. As always he held in his left hand the leather notebook he seemed to always be scribbling into-with his free hand he raised his index finger up to his lips in an effort to nonverbally say "shhhh" to the small child he was now staring down. If Grimm remembered correctly his name was Ray or
Reese or something, the name he definitely remembered though was the voice he then heard as if to confirm his fears.

"Let's get you back to bed... There we go..Now...Can you tell me about yourself?"

Looks like the finally called the real doctor he thought to himself.

Popping his notebook open with an impressively practiced single hand motion he got his pen out and readied to take notes. Having not yet entered into the line of sight the open doorway provided he was very keen on hearing the young girls response without her being effected by a male authority figure in the room.

Amelia was surprised when she heard a voice but in her current state, she was in no condition to really look at the person. Nor was she in the condition to fight back when she was picked up and placed back in bed. Once she was finally able to see straight, she looked at the woman next to her. She seemed nice enough, with pretty black hair and a kind face. Amelia didn't make any attempt to reply for a bit, debating whether to do so or not, before pointing to her throat and shaking her head slowly

Ryu heard the footsteps looking over his shoulder at the massive male figure that moved over towards where he stood at the door way. Ryu simply nodded not wishing to bother his sister as he was sure she already heard the not so stealthy footsteps.

Rose took note of the massive footsteps and had one idea of who or what those footsteps belonged to, nor did she really care for them as long as they didn't disrupt her and her patient's quiet space. She gave the girl time to collect her thoughts to even look at her. Rose watched the girl touch her throat and shake her head in response which rose guessed either the girl's throat was dry or she was a mute.

"Alright then...I am going to assume you can understand me enough to just nod once for yes or shake for no for these questions... I am Dr. Roseletta Yashika, but I prefer to be called Rose, just incase at some point you can speak that is...I am sorry I wasn't the first to see you when you passed out into the small gathering this town had. Now Do you mind If I check some of your reflexes to make sure you didn't sprain or break anything...and If by chance you need something just let me know in whatever way you can." Rose said before holding up one finger "Now can you follow my finger with both eyes please?" She asked moving it towards the left

Sighing inwardly as he listened Grimm quickly decided he would learn little if the young girl Rose was questioning couldn't actually verbally respond-for whatever reason that may be. The final thing that made him stride past Ryu (as if he wasn't there) and into the room was when he heard Rose begin starting the first steps into an eye test. No doubt she was looking for one of the countless things Grimm had already checked on in his prior examination of the child.

"Her eyesight is fine, if your wondering. Pupil dilation is also normal, no signs of any-" He paused noticeably shocked, as if barely catching himself mid mistake. "-of, uhm, anything worth note." He made an effort to shift notice with a forcefully obvious and rather awkward cough. He didn't want to scare the poor girl with any scary words like "brain hemorrhage" or "internal bleeding."

Taking a seat in a free worn looking rocking chair that resided in the corner of the room Grimm went ahead and cracked his notebook open again, his pen now at the ready with a precise "click" sounding throughout the room. His gaze looked like he was more interested in taking notes on Rose than the girl that was, by his opinion, still technically his patient.

Amelia listened to the woman, who introduced herself as Roseletta Yashika, or just Rose for short. The woman apologized for something Amelia didn't even recall due to passing out. But she understood enough of what Rose said to understand that the woman was concerned for her and when she gave instructions for a simple eye exam, she didn't hesitate to follow the finger as asked. However, her cooperation was short lived as a man then entered the room, his tone a bit... reminiscent of the one her brother used to always use with her. Harsh and a bit angry. She immediately tried to back away from him, but given she was a far back as she could go, she didn't make much progress. So she instead opted to lie down on the bed and cover herself with the sheet.

Ryu reached forward trying to stop Grimm from moving into the room, just barely missing his coat as Ryu sighed just waiting for a explosion to happen as Ryu knew one thing His sister took seriously was someone thinking to teaching her in front of her own patient.

Rose watched the girl follow her finger only to see Amelia retreat into a hiding position under her sheet as a male voice spoke to them, simply scaring the girl. Rose sighed slowly standing up "I wasn't checking for that and all that would be normal for someone unconscious...I was checking to make sure She could follow simple instruction as She had fallen when trying to get out of bed. Also the reason for no required verbal response is because she physically can't, She told me so by touching her throat...I do not need you interrupting my examination of the patient. Also...Not to step on anyone's feet but I need to ask you to leave my patient's Room...Clearly the sight and voice you hold has scared her...by you being here, I will not get anywhere with any of the examination and understanding of who she is with you here." said Rose trying her best to not start a complication in front of the girl as she could see Amelia was already scared. She pushed some of her bangs out of her face turning to face the man "If you wish to speak of her then Kindly join me outside the room and we will decisions and compare our notes about her and the choice of treatment that is best to assist the young girl" She added putting her left hand on her left hip while leaning on the right.

In response to Rose's words Grimm's eyebrows seemed to somehow furrow even more than they already had been. He actually understood what she was saying and where she was coming from but that fact just made him more upset on the inside, as if he had to find something to make her wrong. He wouldn't admit it to himself but the way the child had looked at him, well, it wasn't doing much to improve his mood.

"Oh, Pardon me." He quipped back, sneering the word pardon, while still sitting in his seat. Clearly he didn't feel the need to leave the room and spare Amelia his growing agitation. Surprisingly he still, probably absent mindedly, jotted down a note or two in his journal without breaking eye contact. "Maybe if your here next time the village actually needs you to do your job we can just cut me out of the process entirely. It's not like I don't have more important things to do." He felt a twang of guilt on the inside but pushed through it, his stubborn anger fueling the fire he needed to ignore the thought.

Rose closed her eyes focusing hard on adding numbers in her head, trying her best not to completely blow up at the older man. The way he spoke and acted reminded her a lot of her and Ryu's Father. She built up her fist but quickly she release the pent up anger to reply calmly to his worlds "You do realize you are not a ACTUAL DOCTOR right? You are a scientist, you study things that are not of human nature...And you do know you can kindly say that you are too busy to tend to the situation at hand... If you actually literally cared you would have first allowed the girl to rest...she has no physical showings of broken bones or internal bleeding. She was and still in physically exhausted from whatever she was running from... And a ACTUAL DOCTOR doesn't just leave their unconscious patient, they sit and wait till that patient wakes up to greet them so they can learn more of the patient...Something you clearly didn't think to do."She added

Ryu sighed "Guys....stop this...it is not helping anyone by both of you arguing and raging...the girl is scared enough you both don't need to add to it."He said trying to defuse the situation.

Rose closed her eyes taking a minute to listen to Ryu's voice of reason as she calmed herself down completely before she opened her eyes straightening her shirt before turning her back towards Grimm "Well now you can return to your precious research hermit...I can take care of a human from here..."She added.

Before Grimm had a chance to retort, fully ready to inform her he had been off gathering the proper IV bags to deal with the girls dehydration, he was cut off by the boy whom he couldn't quite remember the name of. Honestly Grimm had forgotten he was there.

For a moment his anger almost snapped away as he thought of the hilarity in the situation he was in. Here two of arguably the smartest, if not most educated, members of the village were in the same room and yet someone much, much younger named Ryu was making the most sense.

Almost as quickly as it had passed his foul mood returned when Rose went on to say.

"Well now you can return to your precious research hermit...I can take care of a human from here..."

He had to bite his tongue as he finally drug himself out of the chair, unwilling to look at Rose. Every bit of him wanted to argue that he was not only a real doctor but was even more than that-he was a man whose scientific pursuits could not be contained to just the human body.

Instead he made his way towards exiting the room, dropping what was a rather heavy satchel against the side of the door. "There should be everything you need to treat her in that bag, that is at least enough to get her healthy enough to move to your place. If that is what you want to do, either way..." He was halfway out the door when he chanced a glance over his shoulder. His eyes looked tired. "...she's your responsibility now."

Rose didn't bother looking towards him waiting for a retaliation or a huge argument to start but she was surprised how he actually backed down and left. She listened to him speak of the Iv bags as she sighed "As if she needed those..."She said to herself before she snapped back to the situation at hand. She sat on the edge of the bed lightly touching the cover where the girl was curled up "Hey...Its okay to come out...its just me and you....and my little brother but it can just be me and you if you wish." Rose said gently

Amelia didn't reply or even move for that matter. She laid perfectly still and if Rose went to investigate, she would find that Amelia had passed out again while the two adults had been arguing over some silly matter of professional pride. However, she was breathing rather heavily and her face was rather flushed and covered in sweat. Her fever was taking a turn for the worse again and she was reaching almost fatal temperatures.

"great...this is wonderful Ryu...I need you to get some towels and those IVs and stuff from the bags...seems we might need them after all." Said rose straightening Amelia out as Ryu went around the room giving rose the wet cloth that she folded placing on top of Amelia's head before she cleared the table making room for the iv items and bags getting things prepared to get this IV in while Amelia was out.



Amelia would be out until the next day. When she finally began waking up, she once again let out a loud groan before sitting up and opening her eyes. She was once again in a different room, this one looking a bit more like some sort of office. She still felt incredibly weak and when she went to raise her hand, she felt something unusual. Looking down, she spotted some sort of device attached to her wrist and, more out of panic then anything else, she went to remove it.

George woke up from his deep sleep with a start. He looked around for a while before finally rising from his bed. After he had done so he got himself his breakfast and sat at his table eating it tiredly. After a few moments he sat up with a start, all tiredness leaving his system.

"I forgot about the new years party!" he thought to himself, "man the mayor's gonna kill me!"

After he shoved the rest of his breakfast down he rushed to the mayor's house without even attending to any of his chores around the farm. When he got there he gave a loud rap on the door.

---

Olivia leaned on the front terrace of the farmhouse. It began to rain that time and she shivered in her blanket as she felt the cold breeze. She sipped at her hot chocolate while watching Jude the newcomer work at the field to crush large boulders. She doesn't know why Jude insisted on working with the rain pouring heavily from the sky. Living with Jude is quite a very refreshing experience as she never had a human live with her in the same house for a long time, much less a guy. She was nevertheless thankful of having someone to talk to instead of having one-way conversations with her animal roommates. She's also glad that Jude is okay with having animals in the house and it seemed they took a liking to him which made Olivia like Jude more despite having a bit of an intimidating aura surrounding him.

Speaking of animal roommates, she glanced back at the house where Humphrey, Winda, and Claud are chasing each other at the living room. Looking at Humphrey, she can't help but remember that night when a child suddenly showed up at the feast and collapsed. It was quite an entrance as it made all the townsfolk in panic and worry about the poor girl. Humphrey did a good job delivering the medical kit to the Mayor after she followed several moments later to bring grapes and extra clothes for the little girl to eat and wear when she wakes up. Sensing that she'll be useless in that situation, Olivia decided to excuse herself and Humphrey because people were already coming inside the Mayor's house to see the child. Of course, she rewarded Humphrey with a dinner of grape pancakes.

However, she also can't help but wonder about the child's sudden appearance during the feast. Was it just purely coincidental or is it the work of other outside forces that her simple human mind wouldn't comprehend? She doesn't know if the child will be a harbinger of something bigger in the future, whether it be good or not, but she also chided herself. After all, a child is still a child and it is their responsibility as citizens of this quaint town to help those in need.

Olivia snapped back to reality as she heard the sound of Jude hitting pebbles at the soil. Perhaps he was also thinking about that night with the girl? Looking at the pouring rain, she was glad she finished checking on her plants and doing inventory on her wine cellar earlier. She sighed and made a mental note to cook some soup and prepare a hot bath for Jude after he's done.

Alex enjoyed the moments in which he got to pet the newfoundland she was a sweetheart but he couldnt make her the main attraction of the date. In all truthfullness while this was a new experience for Ale it was a welcome one in deed. Aside from the weather the day had seemed to be going quite well.

As Alex stood from the position he once took he smiled as Fluffy got a bit assertive and pushed Astrid closer to him. Alex couldnt help but chuckle as he for the first time got to see how diva treated him through fluffy and astrid. Well well looks like diva rubbed off on your pup... before Ale could finish his sentence he felt a pair of warm lips pressed to his cheek for barely a moment. your lips are warm realizing how bad that sounded Alex smiled before quickly fixing what he said. or at least trying. Im sorry i didnt mean for that to come off that way dammit, i mean that was a welcome reaction i dont remember the last time i...its... instead of rambling on he simply gave Astrid a hug returning a kiss to her supple cheek.

[i][color=lightsalmon]Damn Alex has it really been that long? Yeah the last time you did the dating thing was MaKenna that was 5yrs ago. shit well i guess its time to make this date worthwhile./color][/i]he thought to himself as he turned and held astrids hand in his own Whats say we get out of this rain. Maybe we could get some coffee for starters and take it from there.

Dates, Drizzle and Dogs

---

Astrid smiled and felt the slightly wet but well meaning Fluffy against her side and made exiting a a little harder. Luckily Alex replied the gesture and a freind hug showed that it seemed he meant it too. The gesture had maybe been a risk but it had paid off, she had not been on a date for a good few months atleast and she had never taken Fluffy on one, she was either too young a puppy or busy to consider a relationship.

Fluffy looked up at her and gave them both a "Well you'd be dancing about it all day otherwise look" and trustingly rested against Astrid, she always was a good judge of charceter so if she liked him, well better give him a chance.

I think our animal freinds know us better than we do... I needed a nudge.

And I thought I was rusty, let's just have fun and see what happens.

Smiling slightly nervously and feeling a warm hand slide into hers, it was somthing she had not felt in a while and comforted her nerves slightly that where playing a a full symphony in the back of her mind, what if, what happens if he did not like her, what if's doing there best to break though but blocked off and kept in check for now.

Returning a gentle pressure and banishing her negative thoughts for now, what to do, the beach was nice but the weather seamed to be planned to turn bad a few hours later, though a cliff top walk or others could be a idea.

Looking to Waconia, and seeing the obvious look of mischief but also a look that told her the gossip and after date report would be a afternoon and a good sized pot of coffee on the porch or by the fire. She seemed to of had a intrest before, was she thr Village matchmaker or somthing? Or just a barkeep intrested in gossip. Feeling somehow m, somthing had placed and guided everything. Astrid had a open mind on the goddess, but maybe her influence was stronger here than the cities and larger towns.

I'm the pink door nearby Reds, I'm sure you'll be popping over sooner than later!

Just maybe Don t invite your long tailed freinds!

Laughing, she had hered her house seemed to have a few or acording to some, several dozen squirrels sharing it with her. It had to be annoying though, and make Astrid glad for her thick stone walls. Turning back to Alex she thought a second, keeping warm would definitely be nice.

A hot drink would be lovely, maybe we can take a walk down costal path if this rain breaks.

My cottage is near the end if things get too wet, and the fires warm!

Oh... That sounds like... Umm... Freindly! It's meant to be freindly!

Relishing suddenly how she nearly propositioned him before they had even started a first date, jeez Astrid, your not that desperate.. Don, t scare the guy away this early!

Remembering she never put her phone on quiet mode, if the Dr wanted to call about the strange rock formations she saw below the village it could wait. She had emailed a few pictures over but had been too hard to get samples by hand. She had hered of the rota on land, but things going on in the rock made her think that somthing strange was going on below the ground too. It was small, but it could be signs of worse or bigger things.

But that could be dealt with during working days, she could always ring back on Monday. Right now it was her day.

---

@Howilng Zinogre@MissCapnCrunch@T Risket

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Carrying a large bowl of batter with both arms, Grayson shuffled a little over towards the refrigerator, struggling to grasp for the handle with his left hand before barely managing to get a grip on it. Flinging it open, he placed the bowl on the top section before closing the fridge, a heavy sigh of relief emitting from him. With that, all of the prep work for opening up shop would be done! The floors glistened, not because they were wet, but because they were clean, the tables lacked dust, the only noticeable problems with them would be the slight wear over the years, but nothing too unsightly. It wasn't like he had the money to suddenly renovate, even with... well...

Grayson shook his head, he didn't need that doubt right now. There were more pressing issues that he could come up with, like asking Waconia how to deal with a hangover. She owned a bar after all, maybe she knew of some miracle brew that would help with one. Not to say he was hungover now, but after that party... it wasn't fun. He chuckled for a bit though, even if the event was a disaster, at least he wasn't the only one who suffered? Not on purpose, of course, the people affected by his cream puffs were like family to him, but the more he dwelled on it, it was kinda funny that his plan backfired so horrendously.

Shrugging at his own train of thought, he did a little shuffle over to the door, flipping the sign to indicate he was now open before walking back to the kitchen area. While he waited, he supposed he'd cook himself a meal. And, if nobody would come in, he'd close the store for a bit to go out and find someone to talk to. Nodding at his own plan with a smirk, he began to think of all the things he could cook. He settled upon fluffy french toast drenched in melted butter and powdered sugar... The very thought made his stomach growl. He could accompany it with some fresh coffee, maybe just a french vanilla latte... The possibilities were, well not endless, but as vast as his inventory would allow. As he turned on the stove and reached for the premade batter for french toast, a tingle of excitement sprang upon him as he awaited the aroma of fresh cook food.

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Watching the two interact was enough gossip for Waconia to last the rest of the season. "Awww." she cooed audibly. She nodded to Astrid's offer, the two would get together later that night to hear all about the date. "I'll see you then! You better treat her right Alex!" Waconia threatened as she adjusted her raincoat's hood over her curls of pink hair. She waved goodbye, letting the two go on their way as she went towards her own destination; the general store.

Strolling through the aisles she made her way to the area with brooms, mops, and other tools for cleaning. Waconia didn't have the need to clean, but had the needs to get her three brooms that she had lost to her roof's upper structures. She browsed over the brooms, looking at their prices, stick length, and ability to return to the store with or without a receipt.

Taking out her phone, she decided to bother Red while he was on her mind. Astrid had mentioned his place after all.

You missed quite the show the other night, I'm sure Hope told you?

She pressed send before sending another text quickly.

I wish we we're close again..

She deleted the text, before adding an extra thing to not sound so serious:

I wish we we're close again..lol!

Frowning down at her phone she pressed send and forgot about it, if he replied she would pretend she didn't care one way or the other. Placing the phone back into her pocket she grabbed the longest push broom she could find, and pulled down the hood of her jacket, letting the rain drops fall to the floor, leaving a small puddle underneath her in line. "Morning!" she called to the person at the register, as they rung up her broom.

Dates, Drizzle and Dogs

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Astrid waved over to Waconia with a nervous but happy smile as she held hands with Alex and Fluffy leant a a little against her side. The rather large young dog was certainly invested but seemed to be picking up on what happened to be natural. The aftermath and post date debrief would likely not be a short one, if her sister was anything like Waconia. Replying easily, Waconia was good natured.

See you later Waconia... I won,t brush you off.

The effects of the rot was a serious concern and rock below town was defenitely strange but that could wait another day. However much professor Grimm was a renounded less that get along with others type.

Smiling and turning to Alex.

Shall we?

I hope there dog freindly.

@Howilng Zinogre@MissCapnCrunch

After the mayor didn't answer, George turned to head back to his farm. Once he had reached it he started going about his daily chores. Feeding the animals, watering the crops, sweeping the kitchen, everything that had to be done every single morning. Once he was finished he sat on his big comfy sofa and began reading a book.

Roseletta "Rose" Yashika

"I wouldn't try messing with that....It is the only reason you are awake for me."Said a voice as Rose moved into the room with some fresh towels and a tray of food and some drinks "You are safe here its just me and you...that big man isn't here...you are in my home/Office." Said Rose sitting the tray down on the bed side table "I am Rose...or 'Doctor Rose' As some of the residents in this village calls me." She added Putting the fresh towels away before she pulled a chair beside Amelia holding out her hand "Is it alright if I check some of your vitals now that you are awake?" she added before pulling her hair back into a messy bun, pushing aside some of her bangs as her Pitch black eyes watched The girl waiting for some sign of what she is allowed to do.

Rose would just go about and do vitals, if this girl was able to talk but this girl, from what Rose could tell the last time the girl was awake, she couldn't talk. Rose wasn't sure if it was because the girl was a actual mute or if something happened with her vocal cords. If this girl was any other normal girl she wouldn't have to be so patient but this one...She was a very special one and rose was going to make sure the girl remained as calm and happy as Rose possibly could keep her till the town and her decides what would be best for the girl.

Amelia froze in place the moment Rose spoke, her expression one of fear as she turned to face the older woman. Upon seeing who it was and recognizing her, the young girl visibly relaxed and she heeded the woman's advice and stopped messing with the IV. The woman began to explain where Amelia was before introducing herself as a 'Doctor Rose'. Amelia knew what doctors where and this helped her trust the woman a bit more. When Rose asked if she could check Amelia's vitals, the young girl looked a bit confused but nodded and would do whatever Rose required her to do in order for the check-up to go smoothly.

Once they were done, Amelia looked around, taking in everything that she could about the space. She had yet to utter a word and seemed to be in no rush to do so. Compared to the night before, she seemed rather relaxed and calm though also a bit nervous due to the new surroundings.

Grayson felt rejuvinated as he finished cleaning the dishes from his breakfast, the aroma of french toast and coffe still lingered in the cafe. Nothing like a good breakfast to start the day off right, and even though the Cafe was open, nobody had taken it upon themselves to visit. While slow days did happen, he recalled considering to wander around town for a little while and find some activity if nobody decided to come to him, and he figured there wouldn't be any real interest for a meal from him until around midday at this point. That was plenty of time to find somebody to talk to... It was then that a lightbulb seemed to click inside his head on where to check first: the Mayor's house. If he recalled correctly, the poor girl was staying there, and he doubted the Mayor could even whip up a proper meal for the lass. Heck, if she was feeling well enough, maybe he could whip up her favorite meal... If she could speak... He considered making a random meal now, but a part of him really wanted to get it right and not leave it up to chance that she may not like it.

With his mind made up, Grayson flipped the open sign at the door, locked it behind him and bolted for the Mayor's house. Upon arriving, he wasn't entirely sure if anyone was home at the moment, so he did what anyone who was set out to do something would do, he began to knock on the door and shout "Hey Mayor, it's Grayson! I wanted to check up on the little lass and see if she was doing alright! She needs a good meal to keep her energy up, don't she?"

Roseletta "Rose" Yashika

Rose Nodded understanding the girl would allow her to check her vitals as rose also just did a quick reflex test. "Alright...seeing as I think you are much better I don't feel you need to remain attached to the iv in your arm..."Said rose leaving the room to soon come back with a cotton ball and bandage. "This might hurt a bit but just stay calm and try not the tense alright."instructed rose slowly taking off the IV bandage before taking out the iv slowly covering it with a cotton ball before placing a bandage over the cottonball "Alright, don't remove this for at least a few minutes alright...you are free to walk around...I don't have many clothes that would fit but my brother has gave some shirts and pants of his that seem your size....if you wish to possibly take a bath and get changed into something cleaner." She Replied moving away picking up her equipment moving them out of the room.