#peejee

[peejeedarkmoon]

@cabalofbastards @asherrean

    The Broken Heart Club was humming with anticipation. The doorman noticed more than a few of their younger regulars from the dance nights drift past him all abuzz.  Word had spread that tonight's performance was going to be a bit different from what the Kaldorie Songstress usually served up. For starters the full jazz band was already playing, and the normal grand piano swapped out for something a bit more compact and having an almost organ-ish sound (obviously of gnomeish design). The small dance floor was made larger by pushing back the tables near the front.  So far no one was dancing though. Everyone seemed to be... waiting.

    The hands of the clock had barely touched the top of the evening hour when the tone of the band changed, the clarinet breaking into an upbeat solo. That was all it took. Several scrambled to the dance floor not even noticing the draped figure step from the shadows just as the sax started in. She took her place on the small stage behind the mic. A snap of her fingers resounded like a gunshot, bringing all eyes to Peejee, her pink skin seeming to glow from around the shadow dark cloth draped around her like a robe.  As the band joined in she swayed side to side, a playful smile on her lips as her blue glowing eyes skimmed the dancers before seeming to pick out a suited male still sitting at a table and pointed, her disapproving voice cutting through the air:

Hey, brother, what you thinking? Leave that old record spinning You feel the rhythm, going

    Another snap of her fingers, and the whole club seemed to pulse slightly with the energy of the music, a couple jumping up to dance, others tapping their toes. The goblin and troll in the band called out:

(They call it lonely digging)

    Purple lips curved into a grin as she continued, eyes now casting around the club:

Let's end your time to lay low Your knees a-bending, so It's time to get up and let go (You're gonna come undone)

     Peejee spied a female shyly dancing in her chair:

Hey, mama, how's it going? Can't see your body moving Don't leave the party dying (They call it lonely digging)

     Another wave of her hand, snap of her fingers; again the yearning to jump up and dance coursed through the club. The Songstress wasn't asking. 

 Your booty shaking, you know Your head has no right to say no Tonight it's ready, set, go

    The music paused for a second. Peejee shifted as the music did, tossing back the dark cloak that vanished into the shadows to reveal her blazing bright blue and purple flapper dress. Rhinestones and sequence catching the light as her voice came out rapid and commanding:

Baby can you move it round the rhythm So we can get with 'em To the ground and get us a rock and roll round Just a downtown body body coming with a super-hottie Let's go, yes, no, hell no Baby can you move it round the rhythm 'Cause you know we're living in the fast lane, speed up It ain't no game, just turn up all the beams when I come up on the scene

    As the trumpet cut in for the bridge Peejee grinned from ear to ear. She stepped back and started to dance, kicking her legs back in the Charlesten cow tail, swinging her arms. More people rose  from their tables, grinning as they joined the dance floor. 

    Once more a hand snapped up to point at a male still stubbornly sitting at a table, music changing as Peejee started to sing. 

Hey, brother, what you thinking? That good ol' sound is ringing They don't know what they're missing (They call it lonely digging) Let's end your time to lay low Your knees a-bending, so It's time to get up and let go Hey, brother, nice and steady Put down your drink, you ready It's hard when things get messy (They call it lonely digging) Your booty shaking, you know Your head has no right to say no Tonight it's ready, set, go

    A few more dance steps then Peejee reached out to grab the mic stand. As she started to rapidly sing again she threw it to the side, making like she would catch it with a hooked leg but the mic seemed to vanish. Her voice still carried through the club like nothing had changed though now she danced as she sung, swinging her arms, kicking her legs:

Baby can you move it round the rhythm So we can get with 'em To the ground and get us a rock and roll round Just a downtown body body coming with a super-hottie Let's go, yes, no, hell no Baby can you move it round the rhythm 'Cause you know we're living in the fast lane, speed up It ain't no game, just turn up all the beams when I come up on the scene

    As the note drifted off she jumped down to the dance floor, letting the band shift tone. They built in a slow crescendo while Peejee took turns with the dancers. Her infectious smile making them all feel the energy of the music. Then, just as the sax cut in and the music picked back up they all turned towards the bar and started to dance in sync. Swinging arms and kicking their legs as one, somehow each knowing exactly what moves to make at just the right time. 

    Then as Peejee's voice cut through they all broke off, turning to each other and riding the energetic high. 

Baby can you move it round the rhythm So we can get with 'em To the ground and get us a rock and roll round Just a downtown body body coming with a super-hottie Let's go, yes, no, hell no Baby can you move it round the rhythm 'Cause you know we're living in the fast lane, speed up It ain't no game, just turn up all the beams when I come up on the scene

     As the music started to fade off Peejee danced her way back to the stage and hopped upon it. Cheers resounded as the dancers finally slowed to a stop. The songstress turned to blow a kiss and wave at the patrons before gesturing to the band. While they took their bows Peejee slipped off the stage and faded back into the shadows. 

     After the last set Peejee found herself sitting on a rickety stool in the small closet-like dressing room backstage. She was in the middle of balancing a mirror with one hand while wiping off her stage makeup with the other when he found her. Ash softly closed the door behind him as he watched her work in silence. She waited for him to mention it. To tell her how imprudent she'd been. After what felt like an eternity of silence she put the mirror down and cast him a glance. It'd been their way for as long as they had known each other. A single look could contain an entire conversation. Trust with concern met willfulness with caution. 

    "You were amazing out there tonight." His voice was so soft she barely heard him.  

    She flashed him a brilliant smile, "Thanks for helping me make it happen. You put up with that 'infernal contraption' quite well. I doubt anyone out there could tell you hated it."

    A simple shrug of his shoulders was his only reply. 

    Finished with removing her makeup, Peejee stood up and reached for the zipper along her back. A grin spread across her lips when she felt her hands gently brushed away. Fingertips grazed her skin as the zipper dragged down.

    "Be careful, Peej. Talent like yours is liable to attract attention." She could see his reflection in the small mirror and knew what he meant. The people they worked for might want more than just her singing voice if they found out. Ash's chess partner seemed to know who he was. Did they know about her?

    Her eyes closed as she shivered, though from the touch or the thought she wasn't sure.

    The soft sound of the door closing was all that told her she was alone to wrestle with the answer.

[peejeedarkmoon]

engulfed by TheDiscofoxy

[peejeedarkmoon]

Wrong Place, Wrong Time (Part 2)

((Read Part 1. Also read Ash's Ledgers and Balance story))

"Hmm, care for some company? I could use a distraction from paperwork." Ash then gave her a sly grin, "And the last place Blythe would send her messengers is out to the front line."

It was enough to make PeeJee chuckle. Soon the pair were climbing onto their winged mounts; Peejee on her phoenix and Asherrean on his new gryphon. The trip to the front lines was short. As soon as they landed she had felt the change in her companion. Very few would notice, but she did. It brought back memories to him, she was sure. If he did not feel like speaking of it then neither did she. Perhaps later tonight as they sat in their chairs by the fire they would discuss it.

It took a bit of time to find the proper encampment where the House Nightstone healers were stationed. Her arrival was met with signs of relief and hope. It made her curiosity about this supposed poison that much greater. After examining the first of the afflicted, the healers were shocked when she refused to see another, instead demanding to see the body of one who had died. PeeJee didn't care. There was only so much she could learn from the living. When the moans and screams of the injured finally grated on her last nerve she bid Ash go around and dose them all with her desensitizing serum. At last, with only the distant sounds of battle now bothering her, she went to work.

((...continued))

[peejeedarkmoon]

Wrong Place, Wrong Time (Part 1)

It had been a long, long day.

It had all started in Pandaria. PeeJee tried collecting more specimens to transplant into her garden. The Sha infusion of the soil was still proving to be quite difficult to replicate and the plants just simply were not thriving. Most died before arriving at Lakeshire. Dried and preserved ingredients were still useful once taken away from the island, but the plants refused to grow. Shortly after lunch she was sitting at the side table in her greenhouse, head down, a discarded sandwich and a dozen or so dead plants scattered around the table.

"PeeJee?" It was one of the ladies who helped around the house. The poor woman was concerned. Whenever her employer didn't eat was never a good sign.

A grunt came from the prone figure, "What?"

"I'm sorry ma'am but this letter just arrived from you, I think it's from Margravine Nightstone's household."

With a sigh PeeJee forced herself up and took the proffered envelope. It wasn't the same as before. Different handwriting, paper, and the seal wasn't exact either. That was curious. Opening it reveled it was indeed NOT from Sirithil but from one of the alchemist she was going to consult about the supplies for the troops. They were asking to meet her near the front lines. There were a few soldiers who were suffering from what looked like poisoned wounds but none of their antidotes were working. Normally PeeJee wouldn't bother but the prospect of studying a new poison intrigued her. Besides there was nothing she could do with dead plants other than throw them in the compost heap.

An hour later and she was dressed in her travel robes, knife tucked in her belt and pack full of carefully wrapped vials slung over her shoulder. She told the ladies goodbye and headed towards Lakeshire. Reaching the side path she stopped and looked over at the Orphanage. Impulse made her head to the building. She wanted to tell the kids she would be gone for awhile. Danica offered to go with her but PeeJee reminded her that the tutors were supposed to arrive later and she needed to focus on her studies first.

It wasn't long before she was back on the path to the town. Her mind was still elsewhere though, going through a dozen different things. How too keep the Pandarian plants alive. A few orders for the Shaded Leaves to fill. The proposal for Sirithil's people. The other arrangement she made with that odd Stormwind soldier. The possibilities of new specimens from beyond the portal. Now already a new poison to examine. She was so deep in thought she nearly ran him over.

"Heading out again Peej?" Asherrean's voice snapped her awareness back to the present and made her smile at the unexpectedness of it. 

"Ash! Where did you come from?" PeeJee glanced around a bit, "I didn't see you..."

"So I noticed," He never could stop himself from teasing her whenever he could. Reaching out a hand he tapped the pack slung over her shoulder, "Going somewhere?"

"They've encountered a new poison at the front lines." Ash's quirked eyebrow told her that was the last thing he had expected. "The transplants died before getting here again. I need a detraction." 

((Part 2))

((Also read Ash's Ledgers and Balance story))

[peejeedarkmoon]

Nov 4, (2014) - Intellectual Conversation Around the Well

Nov 5, (2014) - Just past the Witching Hour.

So the business will be started soon. Ash gave me the idea of calling it "Shaded Leaves". This way if some of the wards like Danica wish to sell their own merchandise they may. As much as I enjoy her company and sharing my knowledge with her, I look forward to seeing her further her education. With hope she will be able to go to a real school.

But I digress.

This evening I was sitting outside the Recluse going over my notes when I spotted Kyltiana. I gave her the elixirs and instructed her on their use. She's quite eager to assist Lowrey (sp) in trying them out. It will be exciting to hear from them how it worked out.

Just after Ash arrived Issana walked up and Taina had to leave. It was actually pleasant to see her again. After a bit of confusion as to where to sit for all three of us we literally had Sirithil drop in on us in her dragon form. I don't know if I'll ever get used to it.

Our group expanded to four we all headed over to the Wishing Well in front of the Slaughtered Lamb. To tell the truth I hadn't been there in forever. It was a wonderful conversation. For quite some time we discussed the threat of this "Iron Horde" and what the changes to the Portal could mean. Sirithil thinks that it's some kind of 'other Draenor' or something. She mentioned something about changes in time and history. The Bronze flight division. Frankly it was all beyond me. Maybe tomorrow Ash can try to explain it to me in ways I can understand. 

I'll leave the puzzling out of this to others. My heart is in my home and it is there I will focus my attention. We held off the last attacks with little worry, other than my garden being completely wrecked. However the numbers they are saying that are coming through the portal make me pause. Even that many, from my seat of power at The House, might over run the place. It's the numbers that bother me. There are just so many. 

It does no good to worry now. Time will tell. Thankfully the Orphanage isn't too far away so if the alarm goes up all the kids know to head straight for the house. Joshua will take some persuading. I'm sure he will want to fight to protect everyone, but I must impress on him that the best thing for him to do is to make sure everyone makes it to the house. 

The best thing about tonight was that we were finally able to consult with Kyltaina about Erin. As I knew, she is very willing to assist the girl. She needs it now more than ever. When I arrived home I went right over and told her. The poor thing seemed almost to scared to hope it was true. Scared and angry. It took some time but I think she's calmed down a bit and is looking forward to finally meeting Taina. Hopefully it will be soon.

While talking with Sirithil around the Well many of her entourage came by. One was an Ephasia who is requesting my services on mass producing things like Healing potions. My personal lab is no where equipped to handle something like that but she says they have their own and can provide their own materials. I'll have to probably cut out the more exotic ingredients I would normally use because I seriously doubt many of the 'harvest witches' she spoke of have fel tainted plants growing in their gardens. The work involved in trying to get that Nightmare Vine to stay alive was a nightmare in and of itself. That being the case, there are still rather potent recipes that use more common ingredients. Using my refining methods we can increase their effectiveness. There are also quite a few things we will be able to make as well. The wound salve, mana refreshers, and more. 

Ash had a wonderful idea tonight for my next project. Figuring out a method of prolonging one's endurance for a long period of time. Something beyond a simple increase of adrenalin. At first the theory sounds simple and has more... playful uses. But it will be one of my most challenging projects ever. Even beyond my "Touchy Feelie" elixir. The more I think about it the more complex I realize it is. It's one thing to enhance physical sensation, but it's quite another to push the body beyond it's normal limits. The body needs the energy to sustain itself, but at the same time not to push itself too far. It either has to avoid damaging the body further or somehow be able to heal the damage as it causes it.

Hrm.. I wonder if this might have to be a two part formula. Ideas, Ideas. Tomorrow to start work in the lab.

[peejeedarkmoon]

Nov 1, (2014) - After the Noble's Meeting

Nov 1, (2014) - Late Evening

It was readily becoming apparent that the ennoblement was already a done deal. This wasn't something that they were waiting on a ceremony or something. It was done. If that was true than there were no oaths to bind them. Still…

There were things that were bound to be brought to light. Things they wanted kept in shadow. And the last thing PeeJee wanted was for HER to find out. Just the thought of seeing her again made PeeJee want to kill things.

Sighing PeeJee eyed the House as she walked the path from Lakeshire. At times she really missed being able to Shadow Walk. But the night wasn't too cold and the stars were bright. The halfmoon White Lady hanging in the sky was little comfort though. She hated that moon and all it represented. The Blue Child was already hidden under the horizon thankfully. At the fork in the patch she stopped. She didn't really feel like going home. It was early enough. She turned and headed to the Orphanage instead.

The older children were awake. Danica, Joshua and Erin. The younger ones were already tucked into their beds upstairs. It was good to see Erin tending the fire. Even with her outbursts her fears were under tenuous control. Their encouragement to practice control was helping in its own way. Hopefully Kyltina would be able to help her further.

Walking over to the fire the trio were happy to make room for the night elf to join them. Danica even playfully went to join Erin in her chair who seemed to reluctantly allow it. They eyed PeeJee with somewhat uneasy eyes.

"How did it go, PeeJee?" Joshua was the one to voice what they all were thinking. They knew about the meeting.

"They saddled a poor priestess with Stormwind thankfully." The relief in the room was palpable. "I do have some good news for the lot of you." As she grinned at each in turn a young boy of about five or six wandered into the room. He silently walked over and climbed into PeeJee's lap as she spoke, "Not only are we getting funds for the Orphanage in general, but they are making a scholarship fund to help provide for your education."

The trio looked between themselves with no little confusion. It was Danica who spoke up this time, "But, does that mean we have to leave?"

PeeJee shook her head, "Not completely, unless you find a family to adopt you that is. What it means is that we'll be able to see that you are able to get the books and tutors you need. Ash and I are not able to teach you everything. Training and education will give you the tools you will need to take care of yourselves." She fixed each of them with a stern glare, "You can NOT stay here forever, you know that. In time you WILL have to leave and be your own person. Your OWN person."

All four of the kids nodded in turn, knowing the truth of what she said. Erin look worried though, "But PeeJee, what about me?"

The older woman sighed, turning to stare into the fire, "Hun, I seriously doubt a one of you will have anything like 'normal' training. We've already talked to one who will help you with your gifts. Her name is Kyltiana and she above all others would be able to help you where we cannot. For other things we can hire tutors who will help the other children as well. It will be hard, but you can do it. These are things worth striving for. Find what you want. Choose your own path and let NOTHING get in your way." Her gaze returned to the children with a hint of motherly pride, "Do you understand? Nothing."

With one voice they answered her, "Yes PeeJee."

[peejeedarkmoon]

Oct 31st, (2014) - Receiving Remia's Letter.

Oct 31st, (2014) Late evening

"PeeJee? Is everything alright?" The teenage girl's voice carried softly through the room. Needless to say she'd never really seen the older woman ever like this before.

"No," the desk muffled her reply, "yes..arg." She leaned up to look at the girl across the desk, "Everything is as fine as it can be for now Danica. Thank you for delivering this for me."

The girl smiled and stood up a bit straighter, "It was a pleasure. The Blyde's were nothing what I was expecting nobles to be like. They were warm and welcoming," she paused for a little bit as the barest amount of red lit her cheeks, "and very nice.. Yes.. Very nice."

Seeing Danica flustered put a smile on PeeJee's face. "And that, my dear, is why I chose you to deliver Remia's letter." The night elf woman stood up and motioned them both to sit by the fire where some of the cookies and cider were set out. "One thing you must learn, or rather unlearn, is what you think people SHOULD be like. Observe and analyze. "

Danica nodded, nibbling on a cookie as she listened to her mentor.

"And never forget that people change. Everyone changes," Her lips curved into a wicked grin, "If you play things right you can be there at the right place and time to shape those changes."

The girl matched the night elf woman's, "Yes, Peejee."

"Now share with me all you observed on your trip."

The pair continued their chat into the wee hours of the morning.

[peejeedarkmoon]

Oct 31, (2014) Remia's Reply Letter

Original Post HERE

Pee Jee, my friend: It is lovely to receive a letter from your hand. Your courier was a most charming young lady. She is currently in the gardens with Calithos and the children enjoying some baked goods and a tour of the gardens and stables. In regards to the bill seeking to address funding to the orphanage, I don't recall that Sirithil mentioned which orphanage was in need of funding and I wrongly assumed that it was for the Stormwind orphanage. This is a clerical error that is easily rectified, I am happy to say. I will amend the bill before we discuss it. Meeting your bright and well mannered courier has inspired several new ideas that simply beg to implemented! I would like to add a provision to the bill for the Lakeshire and also the Stormwind orphanages that would set up a scholarship fund for gifted children like your courier, that could be used to pay for higher education and apprenticeships. The crown would match any donations from the private sector with matching funds for a more robust funding stream. I plan on donating 500,000 crowns as as seed money and I can hold one of my court gatherings to raise more money as well. Perhaps we could have you and Ash bring some of the orphans, like the courier to your gathering. Some noble couples have experienced fertility problems but are still longing for children. Perhaps they might be interested in an adoption. As for the issue of Ash's ennoblement, I will say I do not entirely understand why he does not look forward to such an honor. With all the noble and selfless humanitarian deeds the two of you have accomplished for the people of Lakeshire; I thought you would welcome having more leverage to get even more accomplished for citizens in need of aid. In my mind public service and trying to better the lives and livelihoods of the citizens of the Kingdom is the primary reason that I even stay involved in the politics of the nobility. It certainly isn't because I welcome getting my butt grabbed by toothless, codgers who think bathing more than once a year is bad for their constitution or enduring endless needlework and gossip with the ladies of the court. I will say that I forwarded the paperwork to the Crown already and the King and council were very pleased to offer the ennoblement to Ash. I could get on the Crown's calendar to see if they would reconsider changing the ennoblement and gift of lands to let say a gift basket of fruit, fine wines, cognac, and some coin? I will be frank, I don't think I could get a hearing anytime before Winter's Veil, considering the iron orc invasion and even then I am thinking that the Crown may be more engaged in the war efforts for many months to come. In the mean time perhaps you can pass the time getting to know some of the courtiers and coming out to some of the Court fetes? I am sending Vladimir, my page, with your courier to help bring back several dozens of cookies and barrels of cider for you and the orphans. I will be also sending the bank check for the scholarship fund. Please give Baron Koth my regards! Warm wishes and happy Hallow's End! Remia