PrinceAlexus

The Nameless City

Callina Draft

Callina

NAME
Callina venenum publicly.
Matriarch / Void mistresses her cultists.

AGE
28

RING
3rd / 4th

ROLE
Matriarch to the cult of shadows.

The Cult of shadows is a death cult, assasins ply their trade and its members can be found to bring death in all forms. She is its leader. And its influence is rising higher and extending their tendrils…slowly.

On surface she is a mistress of a web of establishments who deal in the vices of men and women. They do not have
Judge as long as you have the coin to pay for it.

DESCRIPTION
White haired, slender, and lithe. Her skin is pale yet also full of life and a strong hint of danger. In her public persona she is seen as a mistress of a wide number of less morally reputable establishments that serve the desires of those with the coin to pay for them. Dressed in garments that would scandalise an upper ring she presents a rather hedonistic front.

Her cult attire is no less provocative, though her face is always masked. One near albino is quite like another in the lower tiers. The leather mask artfully merges the bones of its predecessor as a warning to those who may think to repeat it. Make no mistake, however she dresses to distract and detract… She is deadly.

The rumour of her drinking blood and vampirism is potentially not always a rumour. Men and women have not returned from her bed or bath chambers.

Her choice of attire can be interesting….but is pragmatic. Whatever works. Works.

My Hider

PERSONALITY
Ruthless, you do not rise to lead a death cult by being nice. A lady who can charm one minute and flirt but also kill you 30 seconds later without mercy.

Her front is not a lie, she has no shame, no qualms and her hedonistic rumours are often somewhat true if later exaggerated. Very few things phase her.

Her loyalty to gold. Herself and own interests thus her cult. They may have ties to rebels. But that's far from their only customers.

SKILLS
Assassin
Knife fighting
Poisoning and trickery
Charm…when needed
Matriarch at centre of a spider's Web.
Can heal herself / feed by drinking blood.
Charismatic cult leader.

BACKGROUND
Her true parentage is unknown, maybe 5th ring refugees, maybe an upper rings bastad or an unwanted child of nobility. No one knows.

An orphan was left on the cults doorstep and found, taking her in, she was raised slowly by them becoming her twisted but also loyal family as much as they could be.

Callina was trained by the cult along with other found children who wandered their way into its clutches. Toys were wooden daggers, play was combat training, the cult was no such easy childhood. Most had killed before they reached their teens and already taken their first contracts before their 15th name day. The cult was brutal, darwinian, many died or failed but those few who survived were some of the best killers in the group.

Trained from a young age, they could Infiltrate, evade, and specialise in all manner of weapons. Some from a distance, some up close, others in their own beds, kitchens and more. There was many ways and the cult brought death to every flavour.

Callina was ambitious, dangerously so but also dangerously smart. Gathering allies and slowly cultivating her position by expanding their surface interests to hide and fund their activities even into the 3rd ring. Having footholds in 4th and 3rd rings of the nameless city.

One day. It all boiled down to one day. A poisoned dagger to the heart. Years of secret planning…was over in seconds. Callina became the matriarch.

MISC
Mostly concentrated near the 3rd and 4th ring gate and making inroads into the 3rd. The cult's influence has bled over the borders.

CURSE
Vampirism. The curse is not entirely obvious physically unlike some though one who pays particularly close may find something amiss. It has affected her mind more than body.

Drinks blood, her restraint and such are reduced. Retractable fangs and blood lust if deprived.

Prefers the night but can function in the sunlight. It's just uncomfortable and harsher.

Wardina / MAGIC
Taught in the underground by the cult in basic magic. The education was haphazard but functional.

Mostly practical skills and those to hide, survive, evade and such skills. They were heavy on practical and not academic

Notable NPC

Janus

Janus

Janus is someone who she trained with, worked, plotted and slipped the very knife she used to slay the previous matriarch.

As close to a … lover, friend, lieutenant and almost family at same time. In both forms. Callina is not fussy or hung up on such issues or labels. One watches the light, the other the shadow.

Janus is a fairly normal looking person, until you take into the corruption they possess, the one that saw them orphaned and abandoned to the Shadow cult. Janus is many people.

Possessing the ability to shift from male to female on demand, to change their very face and voice. They were very much hunted as anyone who would master that would be dangerous indeed. Their identity is… curiously unknown as it's genuinely unsure if they ever have had a default form. Just a form they prefer. Janus is flux…a constant changing chaos of a person.

And Callina is only too happy to have such a person at her back.

~ Welcome to Sanctuary ~

Talie "Friendly local rock nerd"

Location
Concert
Mood
Happy, aprehensive

Talie had an easy going smile, in fact she seemed to have made two friends, Reya and Stella who both seemed fun women, perhaps things were turning round for Talie?

Reyas answer was pretty down to earth and easy, comfortable pants, that was hard to get wrong. Leggings would do, she had some nice ones that went with a cute t-shirt and could jazz it up abit with some nice shoes and accessories. Her response was a nod and a smile, Talie had no Cowboy boots, hat, or that kinda thing and probably did not have time to buy them before her date she won.

"Girls night" Talie agreed with a smile, questions could wait and the fact there was a rock concert potentially gave her good vibes. Being 7 to 8 inches taller in heels than the other two women she did have to adjust slightly to talk comfortably. Her height did make finding things like dresses fun, especially when she did not want them to be shorter!

Stella had gained some water from apparently nowhere, but that probably was a good thing as she on further talking was a tad drunk and being a little tipsy, but still responsible enough to want to make sure Stella was safe.

Her vodka arrived handing over a tip, the bartender had kept them well supplied tonight. "Za piękne panie!" Giving a cheesy toast as she Downed the double vodka in one. To Beautiful ladies, They should be lucky we chose to date them." Talie translated her toast and tried to build a confident mood, they might as well make the most of it and if something happened that was good, all to the better.

Talie stood up carefully as she had already made one mistake wearing heels tonight, she had already checked the straps and tested her balance before walking after the two other women in direction of the stage.

Leaving the two friends to have their moment handing over a bracelet, the two seemed to have been friends a long time and it probably meant something. The pair seemed nice though and did not pick up any warnings from her back of mind.

"Rock on then!" Talie laughed as she joined them, waffles… maybe it was the alcohol but waffles did sound rather nice and she definitely did not eat enough today. "Waffles sound great too, with maple syrup and chocolate." Talies' mind gave a big yes to the idea and spoke rather enthusiastically.

"it's clearer this way, i see Waffles and fried chicken and the stage." Talie saw a better route through crowd, it was a little awkward at first but she soon got used to the fact both women made it to just above Talies shoulder right now. She was long used to being the tall one though. Rock music and waffles sounded excellent.

"So Lovely Ladies, Let's find music, food and Reya, someone to cuddle and keep her warm more than a teddy bear." Teasing Reya abit with a smile and mirth in her voice. Her new friend seemed to be having fun and hoped she had not over stepped it. A little light teasing, there were lots of handsome and pretty people depending on your preference, plenty of choice if she wanted they could help her get a date. "Or other toys" Talie added softly with a wink and let them choose where to go.

Mentions

Reya and Stella. The lovely ladies.

@LovelyComplex@The Muse

~ Welcome to Sanctuary ~

Talie "Friendly local rock nerd"

Location
Auction
Mood
Surprised, Nervous, Happy. What do you wear to a horse riding date?

…

Talie did not seriously and truly expect to win if she was honest, when she had bid she expected to be soon out bid and quickly beaten to the date. The Horse ride and everything sounded rather lovely and fun. What did you even wear? She did not even own cowboy boots etc?

No. Fate was not going to let her go so easily and her bid had won. Glancing over to Reya and Stella Nervously but with a smile. She had done the bid impulsively, the Sheriff was polite, seemed kind and did not look bad at all. Talie had not really dated in a while and it seemed a chance to start again, Talie had to admit she was a little lonely, working on her own alot, home was lonely and her family bar her brother hated her for leaving the family business.

"Ummm. What do you wear? Horse riding? Or even how?" Talie admitted to Stella and Reya sipping her cocktail. They seemed nice, Stella was a pretty shorter darker haired woman and Reya was well Reya. They had bonded over failed rescues, funnel cake, pretty rocks and such. It was as random as it could possibly be. "I never expected, oh well, I might as well have fun. He is handsome though." Talie admitted with a giggle and would deny mentioning Trace Adkins, country boys and that song if anyone ever asked… That song was too catchy. Yes, that was her excuse and she would be sticking to it. Thankfully the light and her tanned skin meant the blush was minimal and Latina mother gave Talie a warmer skin tone.

"Maybe we can find you a date the old fashioned way. You are attractive and well dressed." Talie spoke cheerfully thanks to the cocktails. They were attractive ladies and nicely dressed. She was sure Reya and Stella could find a date if they so chose to. Spotting Tommy he did look less comfortable to be on the stage, he had never really looked comfortable. If they preferred men or women was not really a problem, as long as they were consensual Talie really did not care.

"want another ladies? What happens next?" Talie asked, glancing over at the bar man who had called her rock boss. It was definitely a new version and had made her laugh. She had come alone and ended up sitting with the two drinking cocktails and bidding. It had been a rather fun evening. Talie was unsure about the whole event, it had all been a roller coaster from the Teddy bear, to the stall to the auction and so on. It had been a rather busy day.

She was rather new to town to let the locals take the lead on how things were meant to work. Time to just go with the flow.

Mentions

@The Muse
@LovelyComplex
@Zora

~ Welcome to Sanctuary ~

Talie "Friendly local rock nerd"

Location
Funnel cake
Mood
Too many to count

…

Talie spotted dark hair and saw a familiar face in the crowd, one of a rare few seeing Jewel take to stage and declare the event's opening and Manny vanished away. Though she had a strange thought that something was up, no idea why just something…

But what could she do, Reya… what would she like and what would she enjoy? She loved funnel cake and sweet things, ice cream and such. Fruity. Yes, fruity. Talie ordered a fruity cocktail and topped up her own drink before she walked over. "Anything fruity, sweet and colourful, plus a tip up on my long island" Talie spoke confidently, handing them a decent tip. Keeping people who gossiped happy was a good thing.

"Thanks, keep the change" she spoke to a somewhat flirting bartender, she really did not mind, it was all part of the territory. Tips, flirting, all that jazz and so. "Il make sure you get good drinks rock boss" the Bartender spoke, he recognised her from the local paper, her name was… he did not want to mangle it but remembered she was heading up the local rock docs team. He was not sure what they did but must be important enough to send a doctor.

"That's a new one," Talie laughed as she walked over to Reya, balancing the two drinks with heels clicking on the ground before the stage. However Chaos would intervene, Chaos always found a way to have fun with her life.

The stage was set and people were milling about and gathering for the auction as a whole. The tables were set up, little lights and such were all twinkling in the growing darkness. It was all very cute and had a certain small town style about it. The growing cooler air was nice after the long hot day and the long island would give her a happy buzz.

Walking over carefully Talie noticed movement on the stage but did not pay too much attention to it. That would pay her trouble later bouncing along to a song in her head. "Hey watch" Talie felt herself tripping slightly before someone else stopped her fall before anything severe could happen to her or the drinks. "Kurva" swearing as she managed to work out her situation. Taking a slow breath Talie looked around to see a taller man, was there something in the water making the men all big, tall and rather handsome? "Tomasz…" Talie thought aloud as he jumped down off the stage.. He seemed more interesting than just Thomas or Tommy deserved. Plus the Polish rolled off her tongue in a nice way. Something was odd, people tend to not jump off stages. She probably should pay attention.

"Sorry, Thank You for saving me. I'm Talie, and I am more coordinated normally." She introduced herself apologising, he was taller, dark haired. She was in heels and felt short next to him. Seeing Reya who was now talking to another woman. They seemed to know each other, would she be interrupting but she already had two cocktails. Her ankle was also voicing its displeasure if Talie did not sit down for a few minutes. Just her luck!

Reyas friend looks rather well put together, like Reya did. She had no trouble imagining they both had interesting times when the boys stopped being idiots. Well…less of idiots.

There was no choice really, she could always go back and talk to someone else if it was awkward. "Reya, umm sorry, I brought you a drink to make up for … well the disaster". Talie spoke slightly embarrassed remembering, spotting her with a shorter woman with rather nice waves of dark hair dressed again more casually than Talie… She really misread the evening. "I really overdid it didn't, i" she spoke as she clicked a few metres in heels, a royal blue date dress and her good cream coat.

"Mind if I sit somewhere, my ankle does not appreciate me right now unless I'm interrupting something. I can find somewhere else." Talie spoke hopefully. Talie was flustered, she planned to be nice, give a drink. Well it was a failure.

The auctions would be interesting though. Talie was about as smooth as sandpaper right now, she really should have got used to wearing the shoes before leaving the house. That was her habit…and oh.she thought she was better than her habit.

Mention
@Zora@LovelyComplex@The Muse

~ Welcome to Sanctuary ~

Manny Auction Post

Location
Auction
Mood
Confident

…

Manny Downed the last of his beer as heard the call to the stage. Talie was over dressed he noted passing his co worker, she did look rather nice in royal blue though. Not that he would date a coworker, he would be blind to not notice she was attractive and the unmentioned but subtle Latina influences to her appearances. That tan was not just outdoors for sure. "Right, my date with destiny, dancing with nobody huh" Manny teased Talie. He saw her outfit and he saw she was not exactly dressed down.

"Just because I can clean up nicely. Worry about your date." Talie bat back to Manny, his cuban inspired casual was probably more fitting in coloured trousers, crisp white shirt suited the man. "Stay still." Talie adjusted his hat and collar before stepping back and giving her handiwork a confirming check. "Go, don,t move it." Talie gave him a nudge to the stage and sent him on his way.

"Yes Boss" Manny joked, technically she was his boss by seniority but with Two people in a small town it did not exactly matter. There was work to be done regardless and it only really meant Talie had to sign off paperwork. It was great he had a way to avoid the worst of the job and he could enjoy the fieldwork which was his favourite part of the job hitting the back woods on his trail bike. He had spent a while customising it, rebuilding it to his specifications. His dad was a welder and had taught him auto mechanics as a way of bonding. He could strip, rebuild and get most things with a combustion engine least running in a pinch.

Making his way past the crowds he soon found his way to the stage, he resisted the urge to move his hat, deciding to trust Talie and her adjustment.

"I'm here for my close up," Manny joked to a person behind the stage guiding people with the confident air of a man with no fear. He had no reason to be scared of an auction. Spotting two other men behind the stage, the Sheriff and he did not recognise the other, a taller man with dark hair.

"It seems I am not alone gentlemen" Manny spoke to them, he was honestly surprised to see the Sheriff here, maybe he could set something up with his own drama abilities. "Nice to see you outside of lunch, you know that's like her 5th coffee usually." He spoke to Tommy, maybe he could reduce her habit as honestly he was surprised someone could drink that much coffee and not be bouncing off the walls like a Toddler. He thought to swap her coffee for decaf but he liked to live and that was a fast way to end up buried in an abandoned mine. They had so many maps of old mines, mine shafts and old infrastructure.

"Manuel, Manuel de Santos, I work at the Geology station, thankfully mine is not that pink Ford." He shook his head, that truck was so Pink he swore she called Mattel to make a full size pickup truck. She even had pink fluffy dice and such accessories. "Man who makes the least, pays for a beer for rest?" Manny offered a little good natured competition that never hurt.

Images

~ Welcome to Sanctuary ~

Talie "Friendly local rock nerd"

Location
Festival grounds
Mood
Thoughtful, over dressed and curious.

...

The rather large bear sat on Talies armchair happily and prominently, she was rather flustered getting it however the bear was rather cute, very soft and could imagine it would be very welcome when winter came to Sanctuary as it would get cold. She grew up in the northern US and was used to winters being long, dark were blankets and good clothing was rather important.

Singing along to the sound of rock music sounded from her stereo as she was busying about her home. Thankfully the detached placement meant she could bother no one. Talie laid out a shorter royal blue dress deciding that she would dress well for the evening Market and make a good impression. Maybe it was overkill but she had no idea what the night market was like and decided to dress well.

A quick shower to freshen up after working the afternoon as it had been rather hot once everyone gathered closely especially around the funnel cake stand. The funnel cake was definitely worth it, so very worth it. Whatever Martha had done was magical and she had left a rather good tip even if it was free. Hopefully she remembered the next time funnel cake was on offer.

The night did get cooler so Talie had planned for it, deciding to take the short walk into town so she could have a drink and also walk off some of the too much cake she had eaten. That cake was plain a drug. The town was blessed by that funnel cake. Talie had only driven as her Truck had air con and the fact she needed to haul stuff to the booth and back. Manny's car was ridiculous and refused to haul more than a soft pillow while his truck was booked in for repairs from deferred maintenance.

Her thoughts turned to Tommy as she saw the bear, she really had to name it, it really had been impulsive to kiss his cheek but it seemed right at the time. Now she had an unsure thought about the implications and what people would think. However there was no way to turn back time and it was not like anything bad happened or wrong. No one was hurt and no one had done anything illegal.

"Manny, if you send me any more rom com memes il have to get you back!" Talie messaged spotting the ping from her phone, her Partner was teasing her about the teddy bear again. He was a good guy but he loved drama more than a bored housewife! "You need a date... be less interested in my life." Talie replied, it was a regular reply of hers to deflect him. The overly confident man needed someone to sate his drama needs.

Images

Outfit chosen slipping on her silver heels and coat, it might get cooler later on having got ready. She hoped she got a few dances or so tonight having put the effort into dressing up, make-up and even found her iron pyrite earrings, a gift for graduation from college. The Small but touching gift from a friend was a sentimental one. Though unlike younger Talie who did not learn her handbag had a pair of flats folded up if needed. Younger Talie would have been spared rather a lot of pain if she did that.

Walking over Talie followed the noise and sound of people with the bright lights of the Ferris Wheel and the rides in the distance. Hoping to bump into some people she knew. Reya was interesting, going from knocking over, to being dragged over to share funnel cake in a matter of minutes. If she met Reya she would definitely buy her a drink or so to make makeup, even if she took it well Tallie felt responsible. They had talked and got to know each other abit and collected her Geodes from the office as it was easier than carrying them about. The woman was rather easy to get on with.

The siblings would probably be playing and that was never gonna be dull, if they put energy to perform as they did fight it would be a very good show. Em she was not sure if the pint sized woman had taken an instant dislike to Talie, petite maybe was the word! Given she had Heels on making her nearly 5'10, she could probably see her coming a mile away!

Getting closer the noise grew and the crowds began to get thicker and pavements busier. It seemed the night market was as, or perhaps more popular than in the day. Whatever a night market was! Markets with alcohol?

Definitely alcohol seeing that people were definitely looser and the atmosphere was rather jovial. Looking around Talie definitely had over done it a tad, but she felt confident and comfortable. Thinking of alcohol… Talie looked around to find a booth. "Long Island iced Tea please, with a little extra lemon" Talie ordered with a smile. Tipping the bartender and taking her drink leaning against a sign Talie wondered sometimes if she did the right thing. She could have taken a steady job back home, there had been a few potential partners back home and taken the easy way out. She did not regret her choice but being a virtual stranger In such an established town was not easy. She just hoped she had started to make some friends here.

Seeing the sign she was leaning against. Well it seemed the universe had a sense of humour to say the least. Date auction, dancing. Talie was not sure what she thought of the first but the second did appeal to her. It had been too long since she had a chance to, maybe see if there was a group or so in town. Have some fun and maybe make a friend.

Mentions
Mostly just in passing.

~ Welcome to Sanctuary ~

Talie "Friendly local rock nerd"

Location
Funnel cake
Mood
Too many to count

...

To say Talies plan went wrong was like saying the town had a passing thing for Ferris Wheels and funnel cake. No Sanctuary loved those two things. And her plan went as wrong as these towns people loved those things. Her stomach turned helping Reya up. It was least she could do bowling her over. Who knew she would fall over? Would she hate Talie? Or blame her?

Talie felt too embarrassed to whisper back, she had meant to help and hurt her, that was really a Talie kinda day for sure. Only for Talie the moment was gonna get worse, better, worse and oh so cute at the same time... Reya could tease her all she wanted, either buy drinks or offer Reya use of the first aid kit she had thrown into the mess that was her F350. Her USGS job required she least know basic first aid to patch up minor injuries etc.

The Sheriff timed his arrival to a tee. She saw the rather large bear blushing slightly but thankfully her tanned skin hid it better than Reyas had. She expected like a small bear, she did not expect him to win one of the biggest bears they had. No. No thinking of Hallmark movies.... cliche as it all was.

Talie failed to reboot her own distracted mind a few seconds later. Eyes slightly wide at the bear but thankful, and happy. "Bardzo dziękuję Tomasz" Talies first reply came out softly in fluent Polish before quickly correcting herself and clarifying in English like she should be speaking right now. The past 30 seconds had her brain still catching up. "Thankyou, i did not... " losing her own words, taking the large cuddly bear and making it poke him for judging her with a large soft paw good natured.

Talie was confused about what to do. While this happened Zack and Em faded into her background and that was an achievement in itself, between the bright red hair and no shortage of confident clothes. Turning back to her main current situation and what to do. "Save me a dance, Smurfy, a dog or an octopus would have been enough." Talie teased back quietly for being called Rock Missy. Talie was feeling impulsive leaning on her toes for more height and gently, barely kissed his cheek in thanks. She was 5'8, but he was still tall enough that she had to gain a little height.

Talie could see Manny speaking to a police officer looking in their direction looking entirely too smug to be any good at all. Maybe her luck was changing and maybe just maybe the universe would cut her some slack right now. Of course not. Manny would never let her hear the end of it. Ever. Hopefully he was too distracted by whatever was coming. Of course he would not be.

Any having to deal with Em and zack was caught short fast by them falling into a inter sibling argument over songs, the somewhat aggressive response to her badge was lost and her ire redirected at her brother. Fine by Talie, she did not want to have to handle that, knocking over Reya and Tommy all at the same time in under minutes. Whilst they argued, Talie felt a hand grab her and a moment had to work out who it was before realising it was Reya. Funnel cake! The deafening horn in the distance signalled funnel cake. She even recognised the truck or least the badge on its large side. The logging company had to radio a few times to check and fix the monitoring stations near one of the log roads and make sure she was clear to go. The roads were sometimes one track and the biggest truck won. Hers was smaller so she had to check on CB for if anyone was heading down.

"Got to go, i'll see you tonight. Get dry, you'll catch a cold and really be blue!" Talie spoke before Reya called her away, the first part brought a promise and the last part, well it usually was a woman who had more sense than the men... and he probably had not even changed his boots from being dunked. Letting Reya pull her, the bear was still under her arm but that was a minor problem.

"Tommy was one to show me around town when I got here and helped me find my feet. I have a first aid kit in my truck if you need it" Talie offered, Reya probably would wonder why the outsider was on good terms with the local Sheriff, though that meant she was bound for a bunch of questions. He was too wet to hug, that sounded the worst excuse ever. The second offer was to make up, not everyone liked doctors and some liked to treat their own hurts.

Noticing Jewel and the female driver, now she recognised the truck as one that had been on radio and passed her hauling Timber down hill. The truck had held the run near perfectly and her mining background meant she had seen A Lot of trucks. She gave them both a wave and while not really met, did appreciate the skill it took to put this event together and also to drive what the woman did with such precision and confidence. "Least that's one good thing" Talie returned the smile at the idea of not only Funnel cake but free funnel cake at that.

Just enjoy it Talie thought as she offered an arm to help Reya on the steps as she had fallen over recently. They could find a spot to eat Funnel cake, talk and perhaps help Reya at least clean up the cuts properly with an antiseptic wipe etc. Helping people was not strictly her job, but would make a rather bad impression to not offer at all.

Mentions
@The Muse@Zora@Viciousmarrow

Passing
@Pilatus@QueenBea

~ Welcome to Sanctuary ~

Talie "Friendly local rock nerd"

Location
Festival grounds. USGS Stall
Mood
Playful

...

Manny was walking the edge finding a place to eat, Talie could watch the stall and while she was less confident than he was managing the public it was not too bad. Like the Parks and so people were too interested in candy, carnival and cakes. Parks, he would have to smooth over at some stage. He could be rather diplomatic, it was how he had survived growing up, able to talk way out of trouble for most part and avoid getting caught between the bikers and bangers wars .He grew up on streets where beefs soon turned to bullets and teenagers with chips on shoulders and no prospects where fast to shoot first and aim later. He was lucky to have got out there, you got out. You were dead. Or you were in a gang. That was life. His best friend at time ended up disabled for life thanks to his brother getting into the life.

He had so much to do it was tiring but genuinely worth it, he had the quad and dirt bikes running smooth as but the trucks needed more advanced work than they had tools for. Working with his hands was satisfying. He would also have to get someone to check a leak, enough work and old memories!

It was a festival.

Enjoying a fine meal of some genuine Mexican food, an ice cold beer and a relaxing bit of sunshine in the summer warmth. A low rumble in the distance saw a large truck approaching from his vantage point. Could it be the famous funnel cake? Is it missing the talk of the town?

…
Zack had Talie working hard to hold her laughter and self from breaking out into giggles at the fact he took her every joke as a direct comment and correct. Oh the fun she could have had if she was feeling mischievous. Being in a band was interesting, music was one of her things she enjoyed and even if it was a bit punk and probably less polished with just a singer, main guitar and Drummer split between two people.

It would be fun to see a local band, dancing later seemed interesting though it was if she had a decent partner. Manny was rather good on his feet, but the fact he was her work partner would have made some awkward gossip and these towns were small towns. Small towns and gossip spread faster than light. "I'll keep an ear out for you." Talie smiled genuinely at the music, Em , this Em being a good singer could be interesting even if she was not the genre's biggest fan. "Sounds fun, New music is good music i say."

Talie was now unsure about things seeing everything going on though glancing after Reya. She was not so able to judge everything but she got a unsure feeling about things. Unsure was not a great feeling for Talie especially as it centred around Reya who seemed like a potential friend, and that was valuable to her. Plus while Zack seemed harmless, better safe than sorry.

An idea struck as they left for ice cream. She had an old lipstick and foundation palette she mentioned to throw out but had not got round to it. A plan formed in her mind, thanks to all the dance lessons she was forced to attend as a child and teenager made her balance near perfect as long as she had not drunk too much and it was not half bad tipsy. Music was not her family thing but her parents were dance obsessed. So many hours spent in lessons and such.

She could perfectly fake a trip…

…

Leaving a neat "Sorry we will back I'm 15 minutes" Written into a looping hand writing with a flourish that curved away.

Following was not difficult as they were close and Zack was Zack. Reya also looked rather pretty. Her simple yet ever so well put together outfit made her very hard to lose. Talie was a little nervous and perhaps she made a fool of herself but it was worth the risk.

The mayor and Jewel stepped on stage recognising the rather elegant woman from the cafe at breakfast and an older man who looked like an old teacher, Doctor or perhaps a Liberian. He was the mayor, he just had those vibes… sweaters with leather elbow patches, an old book and soft yet firm demeanour just seemed to fit the man for some reason. Did someone mention funnel cake… no funnel cake? That would make a unhappy Talie, she had heard so much about this famed cake it would be disappointing to not find out.

"Reya, oops, sorry" Talie faked her footing which only someone who was really paying attention could notice and pretty sure everyone was too distracted by cake to have noticed. "You alright, grab my right arm if you're not" Talie spoke very softly and quickly as she righted herself with ease, and noticed that a rather short woman with bright red hair and Reya matched the two siblings together. They really did look related though he was not exaggerating that Em was like 5 foot and made Talie look rather tall at 5 '8 and she had a slim figure with all the exercise she got on her job. Seriously rocks where work… so much work. Thankfully she chose her comfortable shoes today.

"Oh, you dropped this Reya" handing her the makeup and glancing at the ice cream sign as a way out. "Shame not too, sneak 15 minutes perhaps" Talie added with a smile. Ice cream was happy food and happy food was always good.

"I seriously hope I do not miss Funnel cake," Talie grumbled slightly. The cake seemed famous and Talie loved sweet things. Rocks were nice. But cake was cake.

The festival was getting much busier, Talie noted. Maybe the real fun was at night? She saw more people circulating including an high amount of attractive people. Was country air this good? Half the town looked like they could make a romance novel cover it seemed. Dancing would be fun though!

Interactions
@Viciousmarrow@The Muse

Anyone else. Feel free!

~ Welcome to Sanctuary ~

Talie "Friendly local rock nerd"

Location
Festival grounds. USGS Stall
Mood
Playful

...

Talie was in a good mood at the booth despite the sudden call over. People tended not to bother them with anything top serious and what was serious matters could always be booked in a meeting by the office. Did they even have an official meeting arrangement? Most people in this town seemed to drop by when it was convenient. "Call me, I have a few ones that we can give away if you like them. Pop by sometime if you like." Talie offered kindly, Reya seemed decent and it never hurt to do a little diplomatic work when you were new in town. Her being part rock nerd just sealed the deal, offering Reya a card she pulled out her handbag with her work mobile on."Thanks Reya, i do like a good cocktail." Talie gave her a genuine smile and was was happy to take up on the offer.

Talie did not give away anything about the rocks. It was not a trick game, one was really a gold ore, and the others were different kinds of fools gold locally found. The thin vein of gold in real one where reason the town's mines had closed. Not enough gold was left to make a profit. "No trick, one is really gold. Mined a few miles away."

A man dressed in a well put together rockstar look leaned against the booth and laid the charm on thick as someone laying concrete. Blushing slightly at the compliments, Talie was pretty sure it was mostly aimed at Reya but it did make her vindicate her choice to dress nicely this afternoon. Zack was his name and he definitely had a confident air about him that he had no fear of social situations. "Yep, me and my partner took over a few weeks ago from the old man, Im Talie, Manny is taking a break, he my partner here." Talie felt safe Admitting that much plus it seemed the man's eyes where on the local girl in the pretty top and shorts.

"Well, I can say you're a punk rock, bit metal. That makes you Zackite. I prefer heavier ores like Ramstein though. Great shows. Maybe Zauminium" Talie made the awful yet fitting joke. The tattoos gave away she might not be into Taylor Swift but Talie could dress nicely when she chose to. Her music taste had caught her A LOT of jokes when she was training and at College. "Performing? You look the part?" She asked, musicians loved to talk about their craft.

She was unsure of his motives in looking for his sister to be honest, especially if she was not picking up her phone almost everyone carried. Leave that to Reya to judge as she was local and seemed to know him. The flirting going on between them was obviously not new by any means. She did not need a history to tell that.

Reya was doing well in the game. She was close for sure. Also real gold tended to be less angular and more organic than its fake cousin that had so fooled many a prospector for centuries and beyond.

Her agreement to help made Talie more comfortable. If someone local seemed to think it was alright then it might be alright to help out. "I saw a flash of red from the fish game, though it was too tall. I only just took over. Had to stop by to deliver emergency doughnuts to the dunk tank" Talie had a decent idea that was not his sister, she was a similar height to Talie who was 5 '8 and not 5 foot or so. Looking about she could not see anyone who matched it but apart from siblings looking similar, she had no idea if she dressed like her brother, was a full blown goth, wore only pink etc. Who knew siblings? Her own brother was taller, bulkier than the Sheriff. Yet he was shy and barely even raised his voice except around a few unless pushed.

Talie looked at the sample she chose and noticed the woman was looking her directly in the eye, blinking her dark brown eyes of the smoke drifting from somewhere. "I'm sorry to say…." Talie made the dramatic pause and suddenly smiled letting the amusement sparkle in her eyes. "You'll have to carry both about with you. I can take them back to the office and collect them from me or Manny when it's more convenient if you like." Talie gave her an easy smile. "Fools gold, it does not have the same shine, it's harder and also forms more geometrically" Gesturing as the edges of the fake crystals were harder and sharper. However, it did not shine quite the same.

"I got to man the booth, grab me some ice cream and I'll even shine them all up for ya." Talie did not expect her to agree, she was just playing a little with Reya. If she was one of few customers they got she would have a little fun and hopefully show not all geologists were boring. She was pretty clear it would come across as a joke, Talie could grab an ice cream later or make Manny fetch her one. She did help him deliver a crate of samples that he would not put on the back seat of his ridiculously red Cadillac. Her F350 did not have that issue. He has a boot..but oh the paint work... His work truck like hers needed work.

She caught movement off to one side, there was a sudden movement to onside, but in the busy festival it could be anything. The faint smell of smoke did pass her nose but vanished just as quickly. Nothing else but that seemed out of place.

She was pretty sure smoking was banned at festival grounds. Unless she misread the fliers.

…

Direct Mentions
@The Muse@Viciousmarrow

Passing mentions
@Almalthia@Zora

~ Welcome to Sanctuary ~

Talie "Friendly local rock nerd"

Location
Festival grounds. USGS Stall
Mood
Playful

...

Talie had taken a little time to get used to the Sheriff's accent though now she could translate without delay. Some had thicker local accents that she was not sure if they counted as English but the bulk she could understand. "All dry, i'm good" Talie gave a soft smile to the man who moved her out of the way if there was any splash. She threw him an extra doughnut in payment.

"A gentleman ensured I did not" Talie spoke softly and with a slight bit of mock accent from a period drama. Getting wet would not of made her day happy. Even less happy than running out of Coffee. Finally someone else saw it about the Smurfs, the person next to her had disagreed. "Smurfy, defeat Gargamel for me and win me a prize i deserved" Talie Joked as she was in a good mood and content. She felt safe and happy in the town for now. Her heart was lighter than when she was at her home town.

"Thank you, the game might be rigged but I still wanted to win. My Grandpa got banned for winning too much. I'd give you a kiss for luck but my makeups not waterproof!" Talie added a little more seriously. Her Grandfather taught her to shoot and he was good. She would never be that good probably. He just knew somehow. Teasing him a bit was kinda fun.

A simple outfit but a nicely dressed woman in casual style came up to her, she did not recognise the newcomer. The woman was sent over by Manny, her phone was in her bag, she could check if she missed any calls. "Kurva" She swore softly at the messages and missed calls she had listed all from Manny. Several missed calls, voicemail and texts.

Leaving the other officers the doughnut duty called though Manny had said he could handle the booth for a while. No one was as interested in rocks as cake. Much as she liked rocks, they had a point. Cake was cake. Funnel cake especially was a thing she would take over rocks. "Tak, i mean yes. I'm Natasza, Manuels Partner out here. I better save him." Talie gave an apologetic look towards Tommy checking her dress to make sure it was presentable. "Sorry, I have to go save Manny. Il talk to you later, win me a teady bear, i might be a little busy depending what's wrong" Talie the booth was a last minute job but they were only open till the afternoon and thought it would be pretry dead with the carnival on. They sold some excess items not needed and talked to people, answered questions more than serious business.

"We barely expected to wanted here. We only arrived a few weeks ago, plus I mean." Talie spoke to Reya who seemed to have joined her honestly. In all the bright carnival, games and so they were hardly stars of the show near Parks and so lacking a fun gimmick. "Finally Talie, ernough flirting, help me out abit. You wore your good dress." Acting more like his normal self though thankfully she had convinced to wear something less painted on but the man still had trousers on tighter than she wore and a shirt that really did not hide he regularly rode a trail bike. "I was just.. Doughnuts. I can dress up for no reason" Talie blushed slightly at teasing and gave a apologetic look to Reya once she got filled in. "I'll be back, I'll bring you a Coffee. As if i have to ask. No flirting n working." He added with a grin and got his revenge on her leaving before she could retaliate.

"What's your name? He is a character." Talie asked to be polite so could address her as more than someone while she looked at the price and box behind the stall, lowering herself carefully to find something and pulling out the second half with a grin. Her comment about her partner had no heat to it and was good natured.

"little game? I'll give you the whole geode for half on one if you can tell the real gold ore from the fool's gold?" Gesturing to a section of rocks they had a little box. Might as well make it fun for people plus she might know her rocks. Technically Talie was senior to Manuel though that was mostly on paper work more than anything as she had qualified before him. They mostly just worked together and that was that. The fact she was in charge was academic…unless Manny used it to his advantage.

...
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@Zora@The Muse