It's A Circus Out There

"All you touch and all you see is all your life will ever be..." -Pink Floyd (Part of the Goddess-Pond. Side bar art by akasuzana Icon by owenism .)

[votedmostmansome-deactivated201]

Solidarity // Open

[votedmostmansome-deactivated201]

  Doug froze completely still upon hearing another person’s voice. He hadn’t intended to be heard; in fact, he’d completely forgotten that he could be. “Eh— well—” The voice brought him back to reality, and he realized he’d just stormed out of a very large castle and yelled at cold weather. In those couple of seconds, he suddenly realized exactly how cold it was as a gust of wind blew right through his jacket. He tried his best not to let his expression betray how cold he was.

"Y-yeah, totally," he told the voice. Upon looking around for the source of it, he noticed a woman with a clear tourist look about her approaching him. "I mean, I was just — yeah, I chased him off already." He shined his fingernails on his jacket and examined them, acting as though that hand had just carelessly sent a man running scared. "No big deal."

[mollygoodgolly3]

She watched as he stopped, stammering slightly as he was caught unawares of her presence. Rocking on her heels, she listened as he responded, a brow quirking up.

"Oh...right, of course." Molly spoke, glancing around the snowy kingdom, not a soul, other than hers and the local's in sight. Biting her bottom lip, she brought her gaze back to him and spoke. "You must have really scared him off then, it seems he managed to run out of here without me seeing him...unless he ran back into your uh- castle?"

[votedmostmansome-deactivated201]

Solidarity // Open

The warmest place in town was probably the center of the castle. Strangely enough, it seemed as though the giant wind dragon generated a fair amount of heat. Maybe it was the warm air that blew from her nostrils. Whatever it was, it made the dragon room a perfect place to hang around on days off when Doug didn’t want to bother with the monsters all over the southern plain. However, it meant a lot of time spent around Ventuswill, and that…

Well, it was a little awkward, to say the least.

He milled about the side of the room, relatively warm and relatively unnoticed while the great dragon busied herself talking to some of the other townsfolk, and occasionally glanced outside at the winter landscape. Just a few days ago had been the snowman festival, which Doug had skipped for little other reason than that the cold weather disgusted him. There was still a fair amount of snow on the ground, although it was nothing bad enough to get in the way of anyone’s daily life.

Barring his, of course.

Doug frowned, nearing a scowl. The snow had stopped him from running around outside. He was inside cooped up with Ventuswill, of all folks, instead of building a snow fort with the princess, or trying to bean Dylas or whatever-that-farm-girl’s-name-was with a well-packed snowball. Damn, he thought. A little ice and wind’s enough to cramp my style?! Like I’m gonna stand for that! 

Without giving it much thought, he tore off from the side of the castle wall and charged outside. He kicked a small pile of snow, forgetting that his footwear wasn’t exactly fit for cold weather. “Take that, winter!” he shouted into the piercing breeze. “Think you’re gonna beat me this time?! Think again!”

[mollygoodgolly3]

When Molly finally decided she had gotten used to the area of Castanet, which luckily didn't take her too long, she had decided it was time to venture out to other areas. She had no particular destination in mind, hopping aboard the ferry and asking the Captain to take her to wherever he saw fit.

Upon the boat docking and Captain telling her she was in Selphia, Molly took exploring the currently snow covered land to see what it had to offer. Her feet had brought her to what looked like to be a castle, Molly curiously looking around as any tourist would do. As she began to circle around, she stopped in her tracks, brows raising as she heard a particularly heated voice. Turning to look, she spotted a young man, not much taller than herself.

"Uh..." She looked around, unable to see who in particular he was talking to. "Someone is trying to beat you up?" 

[sonata-seamstress-deactivated20]

@Molly

  Oh, if you say so…

[Slowly approaches her, watching her look through the clothes. She laughed softly at the girl’s last statement.] I’ve been told often that I wear too much of the same color… [She looks down at her outfit, completely blue, except for her brown loafers] Um, but I like comfort more than style, though I know that others may disagree… Er, what kind of clothing do you like?

[mollygoodgolly3]

*Glances to the other woman, eyes looking her up and down as she takes in what she said about being told about her similar color choices. Molly's brows raise as her lips purse, shaking her head.* I don't see how I mean...you'd think wearing all the same colors was a thing you are supposed to do...

*Shrugs her shoulders, picking up another pair of black pants and holding them against her legs.* If you're comfortable, what does it matter whether others agree or not. Your decision is your own.

*Thinks for a few moments, folding the pants over her arm.* Hmmm...anything that doesn't get in the way. I want to be comfortable but not tripping on the ends, like- *Gestures to her pink skirt* The only skirts I'll wear would be like this. Otherwise I would want pants that I could tuck into my boots or wouldn't go past my ankles. I plan on doing physical work here, so anything that lets me move.

[mollygoodgolly3]

Snow Person

*Rubs the back of her neck with a gloved hand* *Stares at a pile of sticks, a few carrots, buttons, hats and scarves* *Bends down to pick up a handful if snow, awkwardly rocking on her heels as she tries to figure out the best way to execute her plan to build a snow person* ...

[mollygoodgolly3]

When was the last time you felt scared? Why?

Oh! Just the other day! It was raining and I was walking over the bridge in town when I saw this green figure in the water! The shit was scared out of me because I had no idea what it was, I thought it might have been a fa-fantasma. *grimaces, swallowing hard as she looks around.*

[mollygoodgolly3]

What is one song that always helps you get by?

Helps me get by? *Scratches her neck*

Well, sometimes it's not even just a song I listen to, but a whole album. But one song that really helps me unwind and relax when I'm really feeling anxious is Time by Pink Floyd.

The song itself is just so relaxing to me, I mean I can listen to it over and over and find myself in my own world.

The song's message isn't one of like "oh you can do it" or "keep your head up" or anything like that. Actually, it's sad really. The song's more of a reminder that time can just fly past you in an instant, and that there are people who don't realize that until it's too late. A bit depressing, but definitely a message I can get behind. But the flow of the lyrics along with the music does wonders to just help you open your mind.

[harmonicahermit]

[Watches her examine his home for a few moments as he waits for an answer, turning back to the pot of coffee, raising a single finger as the machine seemingly turns itself on.] Is it? I suppose it does get colder this time of year…

Sugar…? Cream…? 

Hmm… [Nods as if he understands completely.] Change is nice… [Turns to face her from the kitchen area, slumping on the counter.] Perhaps it was fate… if you believe in that sort of thing. [Turns to look up at the ceiling briefly.] Or a coincidence… But that sounds much more boring… [Looks back to her with a slight smirk.]

[mollygoodgolly3]

*Nods her head, before finally dragging her attention away from the things in his house and bringing it back to him* I've never experienced temperatures that low before; I thought my hands were going to break off, it took forever just to get warm again. *Grimaces at the thought*

Oh, sì, please, cream and sugar. *Crosses her arms over her chest as she steps further into his home, occasionally glancing around, noticing the table with his crystal ball. She listens as he speaks, a brow quirking at his mention of fate and coincidence. She smiles.* of course I believe in that sort of thing. As you said, coincidences are boring; leading a fated life sounds much better than living a coincidental one. *Shrugs her shoulders* Plus, it gives the you the thrill of not knowing what exactly it is that fate has brought you here for, no?

[sonatatailor-deactivated2014021]

TMI Tuesday

{{ Just getting the ball rolling for today! ♥ }}

[meltingfondue-deactivated201410]

You may have some wild animals on your blog now.

[sonata-seamstress-deactivated20]

*Nodding her head, she looks around before a slight frown comes to her lips* Ah, well here's the problem; I'm can't um- put clothes together. You know like- I can't match colors and patterns, I only buy my clothes in made outfits. Do you have anything like that or- would you mind helping me match clothes?

… Ah, um, [Tilts her head down with a finger to her chin, thinking for a moment before looking back up at the girl,] I could try to find some clothing sets in the storage… but I’m not sure if I’ll find anything, though. [Her eyebrows lift into a worried expression and she clasped her hands in front of her body,] Also, my sister, Luna, normally arranges and makes the outfits… not me. If you still don’t mind, I can try to help you match clothes…

[mollygoodgolly3]

*Nods her head at the offer, glancing around the store again.* No that's fine! I'm sure you have a much better sense in fashion than I do.

*She picks up a pair of black pants, looking them over.* Though to tell you the truth, it's not even fashion sense I need, I mean i get the whole 'this is in and this is out' thing. I learned that when I lived in Milano for half of a year. I'm- well how am I supposed to know you're not supposed to wear stripped shorts, polka dot spandex and a pink leopard shirt?! *huffs through her nose, placing the pants back*

[mollygoodgolly3]

*rolls*

*rolls*

[mollygoodgolly3]

Gil Smells [Molly/Gil]

[gildedstone]

[Listens quietly to her spiel, slowly rubbing the side of his index finger back and forth across his forehead, as though to alleviate an oncoming headache.]

The answers to that are in the contract you just signed. Suffice to say, we withhold the right to terminate your tenancy if we feel you’re manipulating the system and profiting at our expense. [He picks the contract up, tears the yellow carbon copy from the back, and slides the copy back across his desk to her. The original goes into his own desk drawer.] I’ll let you peruse the details on your own time. 

[He stares at her blankly for a moment - before shrugging listlessly.] Three years is the typical turn around time before my father begins to look into whether a rancher is a good fit for our plan - so I suppose as long as you’ve paid off a substantial portion of the mortgage within the next three years, you’re fine to remain on the ranch.

[He stands up, offering a hand for a handshake.] I’m Gil. As you probably could tell, I’m the mayor’s son. Office administrator and deputy mayor. I can show you to your new ranch, unless you’d rather wait for my father to bring you instead. He’ll be in in— [Checks his watch.] —approximately seven minutes.

[mollygoodgolly3]

*Rubs her chin in thought, giving him a nod of her head.* Mm, yeah I think I have to sit down with a dictionary with this one. *Picks up the thin, yellow paper, folding it in half, then half again, before tucking it into the pocket on her hip.*

Ah, well alright then, I guess. That seems to be a fair enough plan of action. 

*She stands as well, grasping his hand firmly and giving it a shake.* It's very nice to make your acquaintance, Gil...or intruder if that's what you still prefer to call me. *Lets go of his hand, giving him a shrug of her shoulders.*

Well, I don't mind either way; if you'd like to take me and not be stuck with paperwork for the next however long it'll take, then sure. 

[mollygoodgolly3]

Gil Smells [Molly/Gil]

[gildedstone]

  [He listens quietly as the stranger produces the ad, frown slowly deepening as the question of finances comes up. Someone who’s clearly financially independent showing up to take on a run down ranch? For what reason? The hell of it? This woman doesn’t exactly seem like the farming type. Gil spends a few moments in silence, chewing the inside of his cheek and imagining the resources that the land could be effectively used for in the hands of an amateur - the farm slowly struggle into bankruptcy at the hands of an inept city girl.]

…

[In the end, he decides he doesn’t particularly care either way, shrugs, and snaps the binder shut - crumpled up ad and all. He shoves the whole thing unceremoniously back into his desk, before pulling out the paperwork for the Happy Ranch Plan. He slides the contract across his desk toward the prospective rancher, uncapping a pen and placing it down on top of the contact for her to sign with.]

You should probably keep your money and put it into renovations. Since there’s no time limit on the mortgage, you can always come back and pay it off after you’ve invested as much as you’re going to in making the ranch house itself more liveable and in purchasing crops and animals for your ranch.

[His voice slips into monotone as his lecture clearly becomes more robotic and automatic. He’s made this speech a thousand times.] Remember to spend money wisely. The less money you spend paying up front, the more you’ll have month to month - and the more you’ll have in case of emergencies, as well. If someone gives you the opportunity to keep more money in your pocket, you ought to take it. That’s Mortgage 101, you know.

[mollygoodgolly3]

*She watches him in silence, jumping slightly as he closes the binder with the ad and shoves it away. Scratching the side of her cheek, she remains silent as he produces the necessary paperwork and provides her with a pen. Her eyes dart across the paper, simultaneously reading the contract while listening to him as he gives her a lecture on why she shouldn't just outright buy pay for it up front; something she's heard multiple times.*

So let me ask you this...*Glances up from the paperwork momentarily, before continuing to skim through* say I do take your advice and go with the mortgage; how do you know I'll pay you back? Are you going to run any background checks? Ask for my financials? There's no time frame, so I'm assuming you wouldn't be badgering me to pay you back. I mean, what if I put all my money into renovating the house planting crops and come time to start reaping what I've sowed, I've produced nothing but empty fields and a home I can't afford to pay for? Isn't that bad for your guys, especially when someone else comes around who could do a much better job but you couldn't give them the opportunity? 

*Picks up the pen, writing out her full name and dotting her i's with little hearts.* I mean, I'm not here to question how you guys run things, and I'm certainly not going to go into erm- foreclosure? Or whatever the word is. I just don't like being in debt, really.

*Pushes a piece of hair behind her ear, before giving him a small smile.* But I'll take your advice, if you want. But in exchange, I'd rather you give me a date to pay it off by. That, and to let me buy you a cup of coffee some time to replace the one I made you spill...Oh and your name; I never caught your name... 

[mollygoodgolly3]

Why is it so cold?

A shiver ran through her body as she clutched her arms in any attempts to keep any warmth in her body from escaping. She had never experienced anything like it, temperatures in the single digits, threatening to dip into the negatives while the sun still stood at attention in the sky. Any sane person would have decided to stay indoors, yet for Molly, while her sanity was still in question, she couldn't bear the thought of being cooped up inside all day. So rather than be pent up with energy, she chose to release it by wandering about Castanet. She was still a bit unfamiliar with the area, having only explored the town and part of the farmlands. Another shiver took control of her body, her breath visible in the air as she trekked up the pathway in hopes to find something to do.

[mollygoodgolly3]

We do that, yes?

[mollygoodgolly3]

Gil Smells [Molly/Gil]

[gildedstone]

  [Frowns at being corrected. Frowns at the young woman’s attempt to clean up the mess she’s made. Frowns at his white suit, stained with coffee. Frowns as he leafs through the binder, waiting for her to join him at the desk - before pushing the binder toward her so that she can see the page he stopped at.]

You have two options when it comes to buying property in Castanet. You can either buy one of the vacant houses we have for sale throughout the county, or you can sign on to our Happy Ranch Plan. [The phrase clearly tastes bad in his mouth - as he immediately pulls a face at how cheesy it sounds.]

It was my father’s idea. In an effort to revitalize the town and bring in new people, he’s offering farmland to prospective buyers with no money down. There’s a mortgage on the property, of course - but there’s no time frame in which you’ll have to pay it back. It’s a more affordable option if the other houses are outside your price range.

I won’t lie, however. [Here he pauses, pressing his lips into a thin line.] The farmhouse on each property is not in especially good condition. You can live in them safely - I wouldn’t be offering you the deal if they were dangerous to move into. But I’ll be honest when I say they’re not very much to look at. [He frowns hard at the young woman, crankiness set in every line of his young face.]

The term “fixer-upper” doesn’t go far enough to cover how much of an eyesore these things are.

[mollygoodgolly3]

*Purses her lips as her eyes fixate on his frown, before her own lips twitch down momentarily. Looking down at the binder, she scratches the side of her cheek thoughtfully* Oh good, options, you don't get those in most places. *She quickly glanced up, hoping a little humor would lighten his mood. She listens to him carefully, brows quirking as the name rings a bell.* Oh! *Opens her pocket, reaching inside and pulling out a crumpled ad.* That's what brought me here, actually! *Flattens the ad out on top of the binder, pushing it closer for him to see.*

I mean- I can certainly afford one of the houses not apart of the Happy Ranch thing, but I was more keen to the idea of having a ranch, you know? It'd be something really interesting to try out.

*Rubs the back of her neck, chewing on the inside of her cheek before giving him a shrug.* Well- as long as it's safe to live in, that's fine, I mean, I can always get it to look better, right? *Nods her head, adjusting in her seat as she finds herself a bit more excited at the idea of owning a ranch.* Okay, yeah, I want to do the Ranch thing; and I can pay the mortgage up front too if it saves you the hassle of paperwork.

[mollygoodgolly3]

Gil Smells [Molly/Gil]

[gildedstone]

  [Still grumbling with irritation.] Yes, my hand has been burned. But it’s fine. Completely fine, don’t worry on my behalf. I’m far more concerned with how it is you came to be here.

[Glances up as a few of the papers scatter off of his father’s desk - and he rolls his eyes up toward the ceiling, quietly asking the goddess for strength in dealing with this one. It’s not as though he cares if the paperwork is displaced - but it’s especially frustrating knowing he’ll have to be the one to clean it up. He mumbles to himself under his breath:] More work for me. Excellent. I’m so glad, on account of how much I love this job.

[He frowns as he glances back to her, standing up again and stretching his back after wiping up the rest of the spilled coffee. Echoes her:] “Buy a house or something.” Okay. [Frowns deeper still at the confirmation that she picked the lock, pausing with a long-suffering sigh.] Well, I can help you purchase a house in town - but you can’t go around picking locks and letting yourself into buildings that aren’t open. That’s— probably a felony, or something. Not to mention you’ll get me in trouble with father if he finds out.

[Sighs, opening the side door to toss the wash cloth in the sink, before trudging to the tiny, almost child-like desk in the back of the room that Gil has clearly been shunted off to, away from the more professional and impressive counter that his father sits at. He sinks into his chair, his knees knocking against the underside of the desk, before pulling out a binder full of pamphlets and documents.]

Pull up a chair, please. I’ll show you the homes we have available.

[mollygoodgolly3]

*Frowns, glancing to his hand, then back to the pile of mail* Well, um- sorry for burning your hand...I just want to make sure it won't be hurting you later is all...

*Smiles, standing upright, pile of mail in one hand, empty coffee cup in the other.* Actually it'd be a misdemeanor, unless you guys count it as a major crime here. But good, i'm glad you can help me!

*Watches as he crosses the room. When he tells her to pull up a chair, she nods her head, standing there a bit awkwardly in the middle of the room with both her hands filled as she debates whether she should pull the chair up now or empty her hands. Deciding that the latter might be a better idea as it would most likely not cause a flurry of mail scattering across the room from her attempts and further annoying the young man, she locates the garbage bin, dropping the cup inside before setting the mail down. With her now empty hands, she picks up a chair, setting it at the desk and sitting down.* Ok, I'm ready.