Luceat Lux Vestra

My name is Lux Larson. I'm 29 years old. For now, I think that's all you need to know. AIM: luxlarson

[coltonbrasdenjr]

You ain’t missing shit.  Used to not be so bad.  Over run with fucking Kurds now. Thieves and murderers the lot of them.  

Yep. Definitely don’t miss that place.  Who’d ya know?  Tried to keep to myself mostly during my little stint, but there is always a chance we have a common connection. 

I was making a special little delivery in these parts.  Not something I’m usually willing to do—but the customer found a way to appeal to my entrepreneurial nature.  

[luxlarson]

Hah, yeah, I'll keep away. I got enough of that shit back when I was still living in Detroit.

Someone by the name of Eddie Dreyfuss. He was in there last year, though. Seeing as you got out five years before, I doubt you'd have known him; though the name might ring a bell since his stupid ass face was all over the news after his escape. 

Hm, well, it got you rolling up to my bar, so their entrepreneurial nature gave me benefits too; that is, if you're planning to take a second drink after this one, of course. I might not be in the cheapest of neighbourhoods, but I try and keep my prices low.

[poisonmisty-blog]

Favorite Olivia Wilde Photos ∞

[coltonbrasdenjr]

Nah.  Not really.  

Born and raised over in Green Lanes.  Spent some time under Her Majesty’s care up at Wakefield—but fuck, been outta that shithole for something like five years.  Don’t make it to this part of town too often though.  

[luxlarson]

Ain't ever been to Green Lanes, I don't think. Wakefield, huh? I used to know someone there. Anything in particular that brought you over to Camden then? Not that I'm complaining, I can always use new customers.

[coltonbrasdenjr]

Whiskey will do me just fine.

Don’t need any shit in it. 

[luxlarson]

Whiskey straight coming right up!

Haven't seen you around before, you new?

[coltonbrasdenjr]

Not going to pretend I paid attention to the majority of that….But also not ever going to turn down a free drink.

[luxlarson]

It was mostly just me musing to myself anyhow. What can I get you then?

[dainasinger]

Atta girl, working it out the way you were intended to. I won’t go and tell them this time, but you’re under very heavy scrutiny now. You have to act the part of the woman so very pleased to have us men in here giving your business the time of day. There are just so many other bars to go to …

This is getting mentally burdensome to pretend, you know. I should clarify that when I act like a complete hound it’s generally with a woman who has shown some form of interest. Rest assured, I’ve nothing but the highest of regard for the fairer sex. The only time I’ll act like a fool is when it appears they’d like to see one. People don’t like to be denied. It’s base nature, I think … that simple two-lettered word is the bane of so many existences.

Then we’ll stop reminding you of it. How are you liking London, considering you’re here and not there? I’ve only been here a little over a month myself. I visited here once before but it was so very brief. Most people seem to be bothered by the bombings … not that they don’t have the right to be. 

I’ve seen them to be little balls of energy when they start scooting around. You think you’re running now, just wait. You’ll be tip-top shape, better than before you carried, before long. The gym now is like your preliminary.

[luxlarson]

Haha, well, you kept up the bullshit charade for quite a while, without faltering. Ever thought about getting a career in acting? I'd endorse you; I don't think I could've kept a straight face for that long.

You don't have to justify your actions to me, you know. Any guy who backs off knowing I'm married instead of trying anyway is okay enough in my eyes. I don't have high standards. Unfortunately, it seems to be the bane of many existences, when it should just be a normal part of anyone's vocabulary and understanding.

London's different, but at the same time not so different, if that makes any sense? I don't step out with the fear it's going to rain bullets like in Detroit, but that doesn't mean bad shit doesn't happen here either, like those bombings you mentioned. Those were harsh and not something I would've ever expected had I still been living in Detroit. On the other hand, I met the love of my life in this very city, so I can't complain much, can I? Each maor city's got its own set of good and bad sides.

That sounds only too true. Baby's are fucking fast when they want to be. Anna isn't too fussy during the night, thank god. 

[david-aslanov]

A bar you say. See, we have something in common. We can work together; tell people where they can eat something good when they drink too much and I will tell them where to drink… when they eat too much. Actually, you look like a woman who runs a bar. It’s a good thing, of course. But really… there is something about how women look and what jobs they have.

It will be Lux then. Much shorter.

Oh, we are like an edible version of London. Something that sounds familiar and trustworthy for the people who live here, and something that sounds traditional… well, is traditional food, when tourists look for a place to eat. Like… whatever comes first to your mind when you think of food and eating habits in London, or in England.

And what about your bar? 

[luxlarson]

Ha, that sounds like a good mutually beneficial agreement we could get going, there. The World's End is what it's called, down in Camden. We also serve food, of course, but I'm sure the kind you have on offer is a bit more high class and easier to digest. I'm not as bad a cook as I used to be, but I ain't no chef.

And how does a woman who runs a bar look like? A bit rough around the edges perhaps; you wouldn't be much wrong.

Unfortunately the first thing that still comes to mind when I think about food in London or England is peas, gravy and mint sauce. And fish and chips, I suppose. So perhaps I should really come check out your restaurant so I can widen my views on the English kitchen yeah?

Oh, it's about the same, I suppose. A typical pub; with all sorts of beer. I try to have a wide selection, but most folk who frequent the bar go for the good old traditional stuff like lagers, so that's what we have most.

[halric-kingston]

Darling, it’s why we could get along so very well. Birds of the same feather flock together… somehow. Don’t believe all he says. He does have a flair for theatrics — I mean you married him, I’m sure you know that. No? How long have you been in London? It takes time to know the streets. 

Awesome. Make it a good one. 

[luxlarson]

Probaby better than you, unless you're hiding in the closet somehow and see him almost every day like I do. If you are, I'd kindly ask you to vacate our closet, or at least start paying the rent. Do the dishes or something. 

Two years, give or take. Longer than some, but not as long as most.

No, I'm gonna spit in it; of course I'll make it a good one. Wouldn't be much of a service otherwise.

[dainasinger]

Well of course. Because as beautiful as you are, they’re just so much more appealing in their self-deserving praise. Never mind anything about you at all. You should be flattered. I don’t hear you being flattered right now, and I’m just going to have to go and march out to the men’s league after this and tell them that you’re being horrid in the face of all men. You’re going to be punished, you know. I hope you’re quite ready for that.

I feel like I need to apologize on behalf of them. Some of us were just raised without tact. Now, I won’t say that I haven’t had my moments of acting like a complete dog because that would be opposing the truth. I just like to think I do it more tactfully and in a manner which ends up being appreciated by multiple parties.

Oh, Detroit? I’ve never been Stateside, though I’ve heard some things. I’ve heard that Detroit isn’t a very easy place, and yet you’re here so that must be a testament to how good you are at handling your own. And now we discover why the men in the bars leave you alone.

Why thank you. I practice in my spare time when the mood suits me.

I should like to think I’m not. It’s neither here nor there, really. A month old? How sweet. Well, it’s no easy task to lose the weight one may gain when they carry a child. If you hadn’t mentioned her earlier I would have never imagined you’d have been with child but a month ago. So you’re doing a rather wonderful job at that. Congratulations on that front as well.

To Anna, then. Good health and a most fortunate life with a very obviously wonderful mother.

[luxlarson]

Well christ, you sure told me. I feel totally guilty now, not caving to their emotional manipulation and guilt tripping ways. What was I thinking? Next time, I'll totally bend over for any guy sending a suggestive grin my way. Please don't rat me out to the men's league, good sir; I'd never survive their ire, I'm sure.

Nah, you can't help that the rest of your gender is a bunch of cunts. Or dicks, as it may be. At least you can admit to not always being on your best behavior; beside, that would be boring after a while. Just ask permission first, is all; that's all that's needed. I don't get why it's so difficult for most men to understand the word no. Just two letters, for crying out loud.

Hah, it sure ain't. I was born on the wrong side of the mile as well, so I know how to protect myself from scum even worse than any drunk man. Not that I like to be reminded of it much.

Thanks. Glad to know all that sweating pays off. Might also be the fact that she keeps me running around a lot as well. Newborns, huh? What can you do.

To Anna!

[dainasinger]

Of course. How dare you tell them no. It’s not enough that you’re serving them, or that they’re objectifying you based on that alone. It’s not enough that they’re imagining you in a number of inappropriate positions because they’re drunk, horny, and otherwise something that people generally are disinterested in. No, you should be asking them to fuck you with your eyes, and you should be fully ready to bend over and accept their surely undersized members in the middle of your shift. Pardon me for being lewd, by the way. Piss on the idea that you may be a married woman, or that you’re perhaps disinterested in members of the opposite gender … no, you have to serve them fully because that’s your job, damnit.

Oh no, I’d like not to lose an eye. Risky business, having them put back in again. I’ll roll them softly now, to balance it.

That’s very sweet of you to say. I’m unsure her station on the matter but, well … she was a very lovely tender and very sweet once the man was booted from the bar. Regardless of her opinion on it, it was nice to know I helped in some fashion.

Ahh well, it’s not my business. I just work there, the older couple that owns it would surely be pleased to know they’d have won over another prospective client. Heh, yes flowers will certainly cover the scent of small ones when they make it less than pleasing. You’re a new mother, I’m assuming? Not that you can guess by the appearance of you —— did you gain any weight while you carried? It’s very much not showing. Congratulations on your new addition, for that record. The drink will be a toast to that, how about?

[luxlarson]

Right? It's like I should be flattered they're even willing to check me out at all, or touch me without my permission. Most of the time, I'm just like, well have you seen me compared to you? I'm sorry but technically speaking they'll have a much harder time picking someone up than I would have. If anything they should be flattered any woman would want to share a bed with them at all; fucking pigs that they are.

I always tell 'em their large mouths must be compensating for something. I know the size of their egos sure is. Nah, it's fine, I don't mind crude. I grew up in Detroit.

Much better. 

Well, as long as you're not like the guy you booted out, which you're not, there's no harm in thinking anyone's good looking. 

Yeah, she's a month old now. Aw, you're sweet; no I just started hitting the gym again, started jogging - I used to do it all the time before I got pregnant and I missed it. Even if I'm so out of shape when it comes to endurance. I was sweating worse than a whore in a church that first time back in the gym. 

I'd like that. Her name's Anna. 

[dainasinger]

You do what you have to in order to get by. Nobody holds that against the general working class. Too often are good people reduced to being objectified by complete twats because they don’t know how to proper hold their liquor. People shouldn’t be allowed to drink if they act a damn fool every time. You may have been used to it, doesn’t mean you wanted to deal with it every day. There’s a certain level of common decency people should have regardless of their mental status at the time. Oh but we are god’s gift, don’t you know? Look at my eyes rolling while I say it. Please know I’m jesting.

It wasn’t the taking him down I got the satisfaction from, trust me. I made a very pretty bar tender very happy for the evening. I think I did my part.

Daina Singer, it’s a pleasure. True, and if you have a hobby that you’re fond of, you should enjoy doing it regardless of monetary gain possibly involved. It’s why I enjoy being a florist as much as I do. I love flower arranging, and it makes me happy to do it … even if some of the clientele can be picky sods.

[luxlarson]

You know what's the worst? I'd handle the looks and the things they say, hell, even the wandering hands if those men would actually back off when you tell 'em to. No, instead they get angry 'cause you aren't giving them their due; apparently all we women are here for is pleasuring men. I've had some throw their drinks at me for being 'rude'. In return, I pickpocketed their wallets or sprained their wrists. Serves them right. Common decency sadly goes out the door a lot of times when there's booze involved. 

Haha, roll them any harder and they'd fall right out of your head. 

Well, win for you, win for her. You aren't too bad to look at either so I'm sure she didn't mind.

A florist? That's lovely! You've popped by here, I think I might just check out your business as well then. I need more flowers at home anyhow, mask the occasional rather .... strong baby smell. Haha, well, you've got your assholes everywhere, right?

[halric-kingston]

It’s Roman. Of course he mentioned me. I’m one of his favourites. It is, yes. Especially if you’re me. Which is why I enjoy being overseas sometimes. Nothing like an beautiful unfamiliar place to get you going. London is huge yes, but after you stay in it for more than a decade, every nook and cranny becomes…. dull. 

I know it very well. 

Someone reminded me that I haven’t had a cocktail in ages. A Mai Tai would nice. 

[luxlarson]

He wasn't kidding about your ego, that's for sure. Of course, it's a bit like the pot calling the kettle black, so I'll give you the benefit of the doubt for now. That's true. I haven't been here for too long yet to know every nook and cranny, though, so I'm still good, I suppose.

Sure thing, Hal. I've always liked making cocktails, so it'll be a nice way to get me back in the game. 

[dainasinger]

I could never do that … bar tending. I don’t have the necessary patience to deal with the general public in such mannerisms. I commend you for having been patient enough to deal with it until you came into ownership. Ultimately the man would have become a nuisance to more than just the bar tender. He would have continued to take up her time, which I understand to be valuable in the face of customers and directly affected her tips for the evening. Besides, women have it hard enough with us dogs. I’m sure she wanted to get through her shift and go home without having to deal with a horribly unattractive man attempting to drunkenly get into her panties. Trust me when I say it was no issue on my behalf.

A lesson I’m sure I will learn through word of mouth, over time. I fear I know so few faces in these parts.

An extended thanks, especially considering you’ve moved on from the drink-pouring.

[luxlarson]

It was a means to an end at first, I admit. I needed the money and I got the job offered, so I took it. I've had to deal with worse shits where I came from, so it wasn't like it was new to me. Still, though, I'm glad I moved on from it too, or got the chance to at least. 'Cause you're right in saying that some people are just... gross. Put a few drinks in 'em and they think they're god's gift to women on earth. 

Still, it's a decent thing to do. Even if you got satisfaction from taking him down a peg or two; it's allowed.

Haha, it's hard to teach an old dog new tricks. Some of the people might've been a bunch of assholes, but I've always liked mixing drinks on the other hand. Even if Scotch straight ain't that hard to pour, it's still a pleasure. Name's Lux, by the way. Lux Harrison, pleased to meet you.

[dainasinger]

Talking to the people, now that could be a problem if the company is poor. Just the other night I met a lovely bar tender who had to deal with a man that was harassing her, essentially. The bouncers didn’t think it was alright to … well, bounce him. So I did it for her. Took a clock to the jaw but … she was very pretty, so it was worth it. Scotch neat, please. And thank you.

[luxlarson]

Oh trust me, I know. I used to tend before I took over as the owner and I had my fair share of assholes not knowing when to quit; but luckily my boss always took care of it whenever she saw it and if not, I took care of it myself. You're nice, though, for helping her out. I know plenty who wouldn't.

Most people 'round here already know better than to try and shit talk me, though, I don't think it'll take long for anyone new to learn the same.

Coming right up!

[dainasinger]

On the house was the alluring word, here. And who said that six-thirty in the afternoon was too early to start drinking? A mighty kindness you’re doing there, something that’s sure to bring in new clientele. Smart thinking, indeed.

[luxlarson]

That's what I was planning on. Not many can resist the allure of free drinks or food and I get to talk to new people and potential new clients to boot. What'd you have, then? 

[halric-kingston]

That makes two of us. It gets boring or monotonous, for the lack of a better word. And I don’t know about you but I’ll get the itch to just go some place where no one knows me. Your husband is a saint then. I know many who’d run and avoid if they were given the opportunity or even without it. 

Pleasure to meet you, Lux. Halric Kingston or just Hal. You may have heard of me from your lovely husband.

[luxlarson]

... Halric Kingston. Yeah, he's mentioned you. Hah, I'd agree with you, but it's annoyingly difficult to find a place around here where no one knows you, for all that London's a big city. 

Roman isn't like other people. I guess you'd know, though.

So what can I get you?

[halric-kingston]

Mothers always have this thing called a double burden hhmm? Taking care of their children and also going out to work. It’s rare to find women who willingly do both with gusto like you do. 

And thank you for this drink, my lady. I assume you’re the owner of The World’s End?

[luxlarson]

I've just never been a fan of being in one place for too long. Besides, my husband loves taking care of our baby as much as I do, so it works out for both of us. 

Yep, that'd be me. Lux Harrison. And you are?