#sigmundre

[o-hteco]

Sig in the city @sig-roys

(West O'hteco) "Roys." Via linkpearl. (Sigmund Roys) "HELLO?" (West O'hteco) "I've been to the train station and they instructed me the prim gent and his boyfriend departed for the city already. Pray you two are not lost by now." (Sigmund Roys) "WESTLYON?" (West O'hteco) A pregnant pause (West O'hteco) "Hello. Shouting will not increase your success." (West O'hteco) The long eyeroll can be heard in her tone (Sigmund Roys) He grumbled as he seemed to fiddle with the linkpearl, something about unnecessary and irritating before. "OH CAN YOU HEAR ME? I'M SORRY DARLING THIS CITY IS SO LOUD." People around him were in awe of the volume. (West O'hteco) She considered explaining and the length it would take..so for a very short moment, and some walking outside of earshot, she too yelled "/where/ ARE you." (Sigmund Roys) HE looked around for a moment. "I'm in the Adventurer's Hall. Or brothel, whatever it is considered /these/ days." (West O'hteco) "You'd know." said off the cuff as she navigated her way through the holiday crowd the quicksand. (Sigmund Roys) "Westlyon. This woman has no pants on." He said a /bit/ too loud more than likely. (West O'hteco) "The customary thing to do in these parts is to offer them your own pair." (Sigmund Roys) "I imagine you don't often partake... Seeing you embrace the local dress?" (West O'hteco) "I often wear skirts. I bypass this rule. But you saw her first."

[21:14]Sigmund Roys smiles at you. [21:14]Sigmund Roys: "Westlyon!" [21:14]Sigmund Roys gives you a big hug. [21:14]Teeny Rini cheers Grundy Byrde on! [21:14]Kurenai Azami: like [21:14]Kurenai Azami: the yung gravy song? [21:14](West O'hteco) roll [21:14]Random! You roll a 147. [21:15]Random! Sigmund Roys rolls a 148. [21:15]Teeny Rini claps for Grundy Byrde. [21:15]West O'hteco brought her hand up to defend herself against the hug - going for a--oh ok nope. she was hugged with her hand up, squished between them "Hello."

[21:17]Sigmund Roys smiled as he awkwardly hugged her, even with one arm up. "Sorry, I was a bit turned around once we arrived at the station." [21:17]Sigmund Roys points at Slaeswys Saelzantwyn. [21:17]Sigmund Roys nods to you. [21:17]Vale Amari: I thought that The jackson 5 released that song [21:17]Nazeru Auronas gazes upon Aliciena Leach in deep reflection. [21:18]West O'hteco side glanced "Yes, and where is your diligent guide?" she bid a smile and stepped aside "Have you been in here long?" a hand offered out for his pearl [21:18]Nazeru Auronas: "...nah. Just deja vu." [21:18]Misago Kaifu: The jackson 5 released my butt [21:18]Seska Tayuun waves to U'zhan Mistblade. [21:19]Sigmund Roys offered over his pearl to her. "I'm certain it is broken. As it is with those types of devices." [21:19]Hikari Yuri gently pats Alexandria Metalwolf. [21:19]Sigmund Roys: "Oh? Petyr is collecting the rest of our luggage for now, I'll have him make his way to your establishment later once he's done." [21:20]West O'hteco held his pearl in one hand and brought her ring up to lips, speaking softly. "Hello. This is how we use these." his then offered out upon her palm. "Shouting in confusion attracts predators to easy prey." her voice easily transmitting to him [21:20]You smile at Sigmund Roys. [21:21]Sigmund Roys makes a straight face at you. [21:21]West O'hteco: "No." [21:21]Sigmund Roys: "It was broken earlier." [21:21]West O'hteco: "I've found you a place nearby."

[21:21]Sigmund Roys: "I've been on my feet for more than a /bell/ now Westlyon, perhaps we could continue this conversation with some tea?" [21:21]Sigmund Roys: "Certainly this... Establishment sells tea?" [21:22]Of the 78 parties currently recruiting, all match your search conditions. [21:22]West O'hteco slipped her hand into his pocket, depositing the pearl. "How did you find the family train?" she led on [21:23]Sigmund Roys: "The woman serving on the train is rather surly." [21:23]West O'hteco touched a hand to the bar, leaning in to order for her uncle - the way he liked..but she paused "Are you wanting your normal fare or something different?" [21:23]Sigmund Roys: "You know, you should do a bit better job looking into who you hire for these positions." [21:23]West O'hteco: "Isn't she wonderful?" [21:23]West O'hteco smirked "She's more there for entertainment." [21:23]Grundy Byrde: It's one thing to realize your waifu might never be real, but let's take a moment of silence for all the FGO trash. [21:24]Sigmund Roys: "If you think they'll be able to serve it in a clean glass..." [21:24]West O'hteco: "Not with that attitude." [21:24]West O'hteco said low. [21:24]Sigmund Roys inspected over the bar and huffed in preemptive irritation. [21:24]West O'hteco instead ordered an Ul'dahn coffee. Darkroast, frothy, bitter, and hella strong.

[21:25]Sigmund Roys looked over the cup for a moment, taking a tentative sip and... [21:25]Random! Sigmund Roys rolls a 495. [21:25]Sigmund Roys figured it was /fine I guess/. [21:26]Sigmund Roys: "I know you're quite skilled at hiring people for events and so on but you really should consider a more polite and accomodating person for the family train."

[21:31]West O'hteco ordered a coffee as well - giving motion to add a little something extra to it. Ease the mood, thanks. "It was purely intentional. I traded a pleasant blonde hyur gent for her specifically. There is no good to be had in my family ever having things simple and clean cut. - If they can navigate themselves properly around an unruly ishgardian disaster like Sabine."[21:34]Sigmund Roys sighed slowly, taking another sip. "Well perhaps asking the family if they want to have such trials and tribulations is in order." [21:34]Sigmund Roys: "At my age a woman of her temperment is simply too much." [21:34]West O'hteco gave a clear look over of 'I pay for the fuckin train' but said nothing, taking a sip.

[21:36]Sigmund Roys: "Well, other than seeing how the rest of the family lives I did have a few things in mind." [21:36]Sigmund Roys: "I was hoping you could help me gather the family some time soon to discuss..." [21:37]Sigmund Roys mumbled the last few words as he took another sip. [21:37]West O'hteco held her cup at her lap. "Your retirement from the university?" [21:38]Sigmund Roys: "Ha! Hardly." [21:38]Sigmund Roys said that with a surprising vitality and cockiness before reeling it back in. [21:39]Sigmund Roys: "I was saying to... Get some more assistance with the coming expedition. [21:40]West O'hteco glanced down to her cup, tilting it lightly, knowing that response was coming. "You'd have to speak to them for more than five minutes. Sure you can manage a whole three months on foot?"

[21:41]Sigmund Roys: "I could likely ask you the same thing, I doubt you've kept in expeditionary shape sitting in... Establishments like this.” [21:43]West O'hteco turned in her seat "I'm in here because you wanted tea." she began "and its best not to judge the locals first thing off the train. Your experience will only degrade if so." - furthermore. "I'm not suggesting they are unfit. Only you've not properly met East yet and you barely speak to Mir as is. A little early to ask for time consuming favors, don't you think." [21:49]Sigmund Roys: "Besides, the expedition isn't a favor, it's a bonding experience. Not to diminish your works but what can you do that is better for the common good than travel and research." [21:49]Sigmund Roys: "I'm sure the alcoholics will still be here when you all return." [21:51]West O'hteco tilt her head "Lifting up is hard? Better bust out a cane." she joked slightly, finishing off her coffee and feeling all the better for it. -- until he kept talking. "If I had the time I might consider going this time, but just as I said months ago - I've other ventures. You are certainly welcome to prod my siblings but don't expect much from it." said fairly confidently. They all had their different ventures. "I certainly wouldn't begin the family reunion that way either...."

[21:51]West O'hteco mimiced him briefly "/Hello kids. How are you. Do me a favor./" ..."try to atleast spend time with them before busting those out." [21:53]Sigmund Roys: "The expedition is the perfect way to spend time together Westlyon! Think of it as a bonding experience!" [21:54]West O'hteco smiled over "Yes, getting bit by a constant swarm of mosquitos, rationing food, and slimly evading death and disease in the name of rich people research is a novelty bonding experience." she didn't hate the whole venture really, it had just become daunting over the years. [21:55]Sigmund Roys: "What better way to truly get to know one another, besides it's rather unfair they've never really had the chance to experience it." [21:55]West O'hteco motioned his way, paying tip and taking to stand. Walking time, cmon old man. "Again, you can try." [21:56]Sigmund Roys paused for a moment and then... Simply shrugged, finishing off his coffee as well. "Interesting you would say that." [21:56]West O'hteco: "Come on. I'll show you where I keep all the fresh drunks." [21:56]Sigmund Roys: "I'm not staying at whatever lodging you've gotten for me Westlyon." [21:57]West O'hteco: "Sleeping au natural, then?" [21:57]West O'hteco: "En plein air?" [21:57]Sigmund Roys: "I've somewhere in La Noscea I'll be staying." [21:57]Sigmund Roys: "Easier for when the expedition leaves." [21:58]West O'hteco outright squint, taken aback she glanced over her shoulder "That's a long trip back and forth if you're trying to bribe the family into this." [21:59]Sigmund Roys: "Well thankfully for you it's of little concern yes?" [22:00]Sigmund Roys: "If anything, it will only ensure none of you will need to be in attendance. Yes?" [22:00]Sigmund Roys smiles at you. [22:00]West O'hteco had found him a five star little bed and breakfast and arranged his favorite brunch and imported daily newspaper subscription from marion and ishgard -- but yes fine. "Let me show you where to find them."

[22:03]Sigmund Roys inspected the facility for a moment, finally giving a somewhat impressed. "Hm." [22:03]West O'hteco had of course paused precariously near some /very/ run down places. stopping to check the time near an actual brothel at one point-- just to make him think they were her establishments. [22:04]West O'hteco finally arrived here at Crescent - well kept and polished. Classy even. [22:04]Sigmund Roys: "You've done quite well in the last few cycles." [22:04]West O'hteco: "Abendgarten's utility  and upkeep  bills are a small thing in comparison." [22:04]West O'hteco said sadly. [22:04]West O'hteco: "Thank gods for those drunks, m?" [22:05]Sigmund Roys smirks confidently at you. [22:05]West O'hteco held the door open. [22:05]You have left the sanctuary. [22:05]You have entered a sanctuary. [22:05]Sabrina Starbuck has logged in. [22:05]Sigmund Roys: "Well, business was not often a Roys strong suit." [22:06]Sigmund Roys: "It seems all of those traits were saved for you." [22:06]West O'hteco  || Mannet began to greet the elder gent. Finally someone his ag--but he saw west and cleared his throat, moving messages over the counter toward her. [22:06]Sigmund Roys began to inspect the flora almost immediately. [22:06]Sigmund Roys: "You know a bit more sunlight would do a world of good for these?" [22:06]Sigmund Roys: "... Simply a thought." [22:07]West O'hteco: "I've specifically purchased the low light variety." [22:07]West O'hteco expected this commentary. [22:07]West O'hteco gave him a sly glance to the right "They are watered once a week." knowing he'd suspect overwatering soon

[22:07]Sigmund Roys inspected for several moments longer, there was a lot to say about the varieties and just what 'low light' truly meant. This of course, earned a well thought out. "Hmph." [22:08]Sigmund Roys: "I'd still like to speak with the keeper." [22:08]Sigmund Roys looks around. [22:08]West O'hteco: "You know how difficult it is to kill a Sansevieria, anyway." [22:08]Sigmund Roys: "How do you not get lost in this place?" [22:09]West O'hteco: "I made the map." [22:09]Sigmund Roys: "Can we not turn up the lights some?" [22:09]West O'hteco offered her hand "Need a guide?" [22:09]Sigmund Roys: "Perhaps turn down the music just a bit?" [22:09]West O'hteco: "I must warn you, there are steps ahead." [22:09]West O'hteco offered him her arm in kind, amused at the least. [22:10]Sigmund Roys took her arm with a roll of eyes. She'd just keep at it if he didn't.

[22:11]West O'hteco wrapped her forearm under his, propped up all neatly with her hand atop his. "It has become more of a venue these days. Clientele rent her out - so I suppose we are a brothel if you really must complain." [22:11]West O'hteco: "A very high class one, though." [22:12]Sigmund Roys groaned a bit at that. "Of course you'd find a way to ruin such a wonderfully tender moment." [22:12]Of the 80 parties currently recruiting, all match your search conditions. [22:12]West O'hteco leaned her head to his shoulder briefly. Yes. [22:12]West O'hteco: "We're doing a club night in a few weeks. You should come." [22:12]West O'hteco would regret that invitation. [22:12]West O'hteco: "Bring petyr." [22:13]Sigmund Roys surveyed the entirety of the dancefloor. This wasn't very much his style, scene, or really anything he knew about. Still, the impressive sight and obvious work put into it, especially when coupled with his knowledge of where she'd come from made him all the more proud. [22:13]West O'hteco: "He could use some nightlife. Social life. General life." [22:13]Sigmund Roys smirks confidently at you. [22:13]Sigmund Roys: "I always knew you'd grow fond of him." [22:13]West O'hteco: "Pity him." [22:13]Sigmund Roys: "I'm sure he would appreciate the invitation, though I doubt he'd enjoy the more... Rowdy nights." [22:13]West O'hteco: "You should treat your best friend better." [22:14]Sigmund Roys: "Oh he is treated just fine." [22:14]West O'hteco glanced up thoughtfully. [22:14]Sigmund Roys: "He just loves to whine." [22:14]Sigmund Roys was a pot, ready to meet a kettle. [22:15]Sigmund Roys: "Besides, if you don't hurry I am certain one of those Marion girls will try and wed him in no time." [22:15]West O'hteco: "A thirty something grown man, idling day and night aside you. No romantic interests, no hobbies - his purpose is to live aside your life and shape his around it. " [22:15]Sigmund Roys: "For all his posturing he benefits from being quite a large fish in a small pond." [22:15]West O'hteco lifts her chin. "Sure, hopefully you give him leave enough to actually have a date. [22:16]Sigmund Roys: "While this may come as a surprise to you Westlyon, I do not need to be /constantly/ tended to hand and foot." [22:16]Sigmund Roys: "He has his share of social callings in the town." [22:17]West O'hteco: "All speculation of course. Its just interesting that a handsome man such as he make such trivial things his business when people come to stay at the house." [22:17]West O'hteco: "Its like he has nothing better to do." [22:17]West O'hteco eyed her nails. [22:17]Sigmund Roys: "You're friend certainly had quite the time in Marion." [22:17]West O'hteco: "Ah, perfect example. Thank you." [22:17]West O'hteco pat his hand [22:17]Sigmund Roys: "Eastford's associate, the odd one with the accent." [22:18]West O'hteco: "I'm sure petie hat plenty to say about it?" [22:18]West O'hteco had [22:18]Sigmund Roys: "/Petyr/ explained little, but I'm no fool Westlyon." [22:19]Sigmund Roys: "Still, between you sneaking off with Petyr and that young man causing a stir." [22:19]Sigmund Roys: "You were not helping our reputation in the town at all." [22:19]Sigmund Roys looks around. [22:19]West O'hteco tilt her head and walked down after him a little too quickly. "Me sneaking off with petyr?" she laughed /causally/ "That's a new one." [22:20]You dye the white partition.

[22:20]Sigmund Roys: "Oh you can drop the charade Westlyon, he denied it as well." [22:20]Sigmund Roys: "But while I may seem old I've still got my connections within Marion." [22:21]The command “/em laughed at that. "What are the crows and squirrels telling you, then?"” is unavailable at this time. [22:21]West O'hteco laughed at that. "What are the crows and squirrels telling you, then?" [22:21]Sigmund Roys: "But such... Open affections. Westlyon, it certainly does not help our family." [22:21]Sigmund Roys: "Hm." [22:21]West O'hteco: "With Petyr? [22:21]West O'hteco: "Here now, I thought that might make you quite happy." [22:22]Sigmund Roys: "It would if you'd both stop denying it, and if he'd respect me enough to ask my permission before being so... Brash." [22:22]Sigmund Roys: "It's simply not proper." [22:22]Of the 77 parties currently recruiting, all match your search conditions. [22:22]Sigmund Roys examined the casino area with a critical eye and a scoff. "What is this gaudy section?" [22:22]West O'hteco stoppered a quick snerk, held the back of her hand to her lips, debating. [22:22]Random! You roll a 549. [22:23]West O'hteco tilt her head to the left...ehh..then to the right.. "Ah, well. Petyr and I simply don't want to overwhelm you with possibility." she bold face lied. [22:23]West O'hteco: "And anyway, things like that are very delicate. Long distances." [22:24]Sigmund Roys: "Well it's simply ridiculous. If you'd both drop the charade I could give you my blessing." [22:24]West O'hteco: "A little too early for such things." [22:24]West O'hteco: "He's barely even held my hand." [22:24]West O'hteco: "I thinhk he's nervous." [22:24]West O'hteco rolled a shoulder. [22:25]Sigmund Roys sighed. "From the stories I was told, it may already be far too late." [22:25]West O'hteco: "I suspect no one has ever given him a proper talk about courting." [22:25]Sigmund Roys makes a straight face at you. [22:25]West O'hteco laughed at that [22:25]You burst out laughing at Sigmund Roys. [22:25]West O'hteco: "You're failing him, trust me." [22:25]West O'hteco eased back "I'm not interested in kept men." [22:27]Sigmund Roys sighed, but moved on. "Yes, yes, you're not one to be limited." [22:27]West O'hteco: "Would you really want me to date a lapdog?" [22:27]West O'hteco: "Marry one?" [22:27]You smile at Sigmund Roys. [22:27]West O'hteco: "Would he be the stay at home father?" [22:28]Sigmund Roys: "Petyr is a good man, and far from anyone's lap dog Westlyon, and I would appreciate if you treated him with the respect he deserves." [22:28]West O'hteco: "Follow your own words." [22:28]Sigmund Roys waved a dismissive hand. "He and I joke." [22:28]Sigmund Roys: "I don't think less of him, as you seem to do." [22:28]Sigmund Roys: "Not everyone has something to prove to the world you know." [22:28]West O'hteco: "If you hired a few more helpers around the place - worked on finances and exports -- he could have more time to seek out such things." [22:29]West O'hteco: "Ah no, I was speaking of you the entire time." [22:29]Sigmund Roys makes a straight face at you.

[22:29]West O'hteco: "Petyr is a fine man, certainly. But a little more light would do him well." [22:29]West O'hteco echoed the plant discussion [22:29]Sigmund Roys: "You are far too taxing on this old man." [22:30]West O'hteco: "Which? Your old ego or old pride?" [22:30]Sigmund Roys groaned as he slowly rose. "I will stay at your lodgings tonight, I need some rest before the trip tomorrow." [22:30]West O'hteco offered up the keyroom and address. [22:30]West O'hteco: "Need an escort?" [22:31]Sigmund Roys: "I'm certain there is more than a few of them here, but I believe I'll be fine on my own this evening." [22:31]West O'hteco: "M. Pray you'll alert me on the tiny yell pearl if you get lost." [22:31]Sigmund Roys: "Wouldn't wish to deplete Abendgarten's funds any deeper knowing what you'd likely charge." [22:31]West O'hteco: "By the minute for elderly. At your age its a good deal." [22:31]West O'hteco motioned him toward the steps. [22:32]Of the 71 parties currently recruiting, all match your search conditions. [22:32]Sigmund Roys moved to make his way to the stairs, but paused. [22:32]Sigmund Roys: "...You've done very well here Westlyon. Impressive indeed." [22:33]Sigmund Roys: "You should remove the gambling though." [22:33]Sigmund Roys: "Terrible habit." [22:33]West O'hteco smiled lightly. A fond farewell. "Mind the Dhamel head on the way up." [22:33]Sigmund Roys nods to you.

[tres-tchotchke-chic]

Joha had found herself more frustrated at West’s cryptic and cynical answer to a vague attempt at request for gift help than she’d wanted to admit at first. Which meant, eventually, turning to the closest other parental figure she had and that was Uncle Sig. Asking Uncle for gift ideas, however, skirted the edge of uncomfortable conversation about who the gift’s recipient was.

The extremely vague and faintly defensive “just a friend who I wanted to make sure got a Valentione’s gift, that’s all” Sigmundre probably hadn’t actually bought, but when Joha mentioned her initial idea, the elderly man had forgotten all about the who’s and why’s.

He’d lead her to the proper book stacks, Dolly following under both their feet, Joha taking tome after tome he pulled free and trying so very hard to take in all the suggestions he was making. He extracted the promise of her showing what she’d found before shooing her off, his bones aching from the excitement.

Later, much later, Joha had been cursing the dirt under her pearly peach nails and mourning the small beads that had been sacrificed to the flower hunt in the woods. Thorns had scratched the leather of a new pair of boots, even! But better the boots than her shins, especially now that she was far too old to ask Madeline to dab them with antiseptic.

The hike had been fruitful, though, enough flowers collected to make several pressed petal groupings. And it had taken her hooooours to press them all, so many of which refused to behave, petals bending in utterly undesired directions. There had been a small tempter tantrum but we won’t speak of that.

When all was said and done, there’d had only been enough left for two collages. Perfect was an O’hteco curse but in this, Joha felt, it had been a useful trait if she did say so herself. Attention to detail and her eye for complementary colors gave the collages a whimsical softness.

One was left propped in Sigumndre’s favorite reading chair. A substitute for words.

The second was wrapped carefully then packed in a sturdy box, to be shipped off to Ishguard, note tucked under the twine that kept the paper around the wooden frame:

It seemed only right to celebrate first Valentione’s Day somehow. And since flowers aren’t likely to do so well with all that snow and ice, I thought these might liven up your dorm room while lasting longer than chocolates. ~ Joha

@sig-roys // @diskwrite-ffxiv

[o-hteco]

“No, no. It was never about the money” Sigmundre agreed with another grip of the railing and step up. West shadowed behind him patiently, walking up from the basement for the third time as he scoured five decades of archives. “Principle and practice. If Miry could not make amends with blood then how would she ever expect to do so with strangers? I do not need the money as well you know. It is all going into a fund and will be returned to you all when I am buried in my garden.” He had stopped by a stack of previously ignored leather-bounds . “Good heavens and Twelvesend, my eyes are going first I am sure of it.” an agitated rattling sigh escaped as he waved a hand toward the book on top. “ That is the one...and, the handwriting should look familiar.”

The sweet, stagnant scent of pine and old flit through the air upon a wave of a thousand dust flecks. Fifty sheets thick, the specimen book barely held the brittle bodies, and with each turn of page their leaves and flowers fell upon the oaken steps. The acidity of the glue had eaten through the parchment, rendering the curly cursive botanical names nearly indiscernible. “I was half your age when my father and I finished that book.” he ran a slender finger across the top of the title parchment as if it would fix the damaged edges.

“When do you leave and who is accompanying you? Please do not say alone or I will have to suit up my boots and pray for good weather.” “ I am taking off next week and I have a guard for the trip.”

“A guard? Are you going for business?”

“Not entirely. For vacation.”

“Vacation! Up there? With a guard? On your own volition?” he hardly got the words out as laughter struck him. The flat face she offered only added to his mirth. “Oh do not look at me like that - who is this old man to know the whims and wants of lady. One who I’ve had to bribe heavily just to step foot in fifty degree weather.” She closed the book gingerly and awaited his point. “Right.” He cleared his throat and made it quick, knowing she was growing tired of his antics. “ I want you to redo this book. New samples, new title pages for those that are in disrepair. Do this for me?” her neutral face made him anxious and sped his words with a sympathetic plea. “I have wanted to see it done for many years now..it has always been on the list, you see. I am so much older now, perhaps I will never see it repaired.”

“I will endeavor.” was her reply, non-committal but positive enough to seal his happiness. He was, after all, prepared to beg and go on a ten minute anecdotal lecture to win her agreement. Her quick answer took him by light surprise and with a smart smile he progressed up the steps. “I look forward to its completion. Now! Who is this guard?”

[o-hteco]

“What about that one? Is it designer?“ the Sunstone choker was brought up against Joha’s long neck and made to latch. A few turns in the mirror before she looked through to gauge West’s response. Her sister knew the one she referred to and gave a simple nod, eyes looking over a little stack of photographs Jo wanted feedback on. “I love the color. Fits me well. You have so many. I’ll take this one.” she decided, wrapping her cherry-blonde hair into a loose bun and trying out a dozen poses. “Mh. Sure.”

“Sure??” Jo seemed surprised not to get any rise or protest. West somehow always acquired the newest and best and where Jo might not always be able to buy, she could always steal from her older sister. If ‘no’ had been the answer, the little choker might have gone missing within a day. With a growing smile, Jo pushed up from the vanity, displaying the little necklace Myvado had gifted West a week ago. “You do have an eye for it.” West interjected, more interested in speaking about the photographs. ”The framing and proportion could have been better, but I’ve never known you to take your time so the awkward angles are fitting.” a finger held just over an obviously wasted teenage boy’s image. “Who was this again?”

“That’s Emeris Te--” 

“Teoil. Right. I thought as much.” West touched a fingertip to the boy’s face. “He has his father’s nose.”

“Woooow you big creepo. How do you know his father?” as if Jo had to ask.

“I don’t. Not fully. Do they still own both refineries or just the one?”  With a sweep of her hand, the small photo-prints were gathered and offered back to the youngest O’hteco who accepted them with more care than she’d like to admit. Joha had worried, if only for a few fleeting moments, that her friends might not have looked cool enough for West’s approval. “Three. Another out in Northern La Noscea now. They have a vineyard too. He said he wanted to take me~~ I told him I’d think about it. That was a month ago.” Jo said with a proud, smug grin.

“I’m sure he’s found another girl to take by now.” West said cooly, crossing the room toward the door. Someone was getting too chummy for her tastes. “How would -you- even know.” Jo followed after after her mild shock faded away. Her voice took a moment to fire up but the lack of applause and praise from the very person she was trying to impress hurt in the worst ways. “You sit alone in an crummy office all day and go home with a new pair of legs every night. Bet you can barely remember who you’ve been with. It is painfully obvious how you get all this stuff.” suddenly the jewelry at Jo’s neck felt worthless and after fussing with the latch she sank down onto the bed and threw it over her shoulder.  “Bet it is a knock off anyhow.”

“Last season, actually.”   Later, once Joha had something else to fixate on, West would make sure to tuck the dear gift away just to assure it wouldn’t be touched again. She paid no mind to the expected tantrum as she departed immediately, not wishing to see the sad baby face left behind. It would assure a raw nerve exposed. With no one for Jo to clique with she’d be on the prowl for confrontation.

A perfect time to test Mirax’s resolve. mentions - @myvado-chambers @thegoddamnhawkman @tres-tchotchke-chic

[o-hteco]

“Long the skies were overcast, but now the clouds have passed. You’re here at last.”

Long ago and far away is where his mind lingered as music spun from a music box. True were the words that fell from his buttercup tongue and blackberry jam stained lips. Half past nine on a mid winter’s morning, Sigmundre Roys let his charming tenor voice rise amongst rows of seedlings and lattice. Spring was long to come and yet there was much to do.

“..the dream I dreamed was not denied me. Just one look and then I knew that all I longed for, long ago was you…”

[Scene’s music]

They sneaked in through a midlevel window as in days of old, bypassing Madeline at the main entrance who would run through a terribly outdated list of rules and regulations and who might outright disallow Mirax entrance. Grudges were no passing phase for the loyal hired help who still keenly recalled all the explosive arguments from the past. Undetected outside the conservatory doors, suitcase at their side and cheeks numb from the chill, West stepped out first and made herself known.

"Singing about me once again, Roys?" her clever voice cutting smoothly through the song's end.

He stood upright at once, soil-dusted glove coming to his throat in surprise. Oh, but he was quick even in his age to snap back. "Old songs for an old soul." he held his breath and looked her over. She had brought a suitcase. She was going to stay this time. Oh no, he hadn’t prepared. "..I wish you would have told me you were -----Nevermind, here let me take that!" sweeping across the tile floor he greeted her with an outstretched hand and transparent excitement. Westlyon O’hteco never failed to surprise him.

As he finally took West into a proper embrace another surprise presented itself. There behind her a face he need not struggle to remember. Huddled behind West, clutching her own bag, was a very awkward looking Mirax. She tried to play it cool, bless her heart, straightening abruptly and making a desperate attempt to not look as out-of-place and potentially about to get kicked out as she felt like she was. Fly casual, Miry. Fly casual. "Hi."

The dreaded middle child. Mirax seemed to carry a different disposition than he remembered - not enraged and lashing out - not with that  near-feral wild in her eyes. His defenses took over and he stepped back, looking to West for explanation and true to her nature, the eldest pushed past to eye the new saplings, leaving them to figure it out alone.

Coming here hadn't been Mir’s idea, but it was part of an ongoing project to get reconciled with the less-awful portions of the family and start clean. She hadn't finished paying Sigmundre back. She was unwanted here- it was too early. Not that West gave a damn about things like that, anyway. Honestly, Mirax wasn't surewhy she herself had even started giving a shit. Perhaps it was just an effort not to burn any more bridges. No pissing off the nice old man this time.

Mirax glared at West as she bailed out of the conversation and left them to their fate - one worse than death, having to have a conversation. Ugh. After a moment, she sighed and composed herself. Well, there was an improvement from the last time Sig had spent any time around her. So much calmer. She ran scenarios through her head, all of them ending up at one ideal way of handling things - be honest-her least favorite way to be.

She took a deep breath. "I know I'm not supposed to be here until I finish paying off - I know what I did.. but West wanted me to come this one time." She made a face past Sig at the plant-obsessed West. "If you want me to leave, I'll go."

Sigmundre seemed to hold the same disdain for West’s typical departure. He turned partially as if to simply walk away from this petulant child and show West his newest hybrid. With a strong lift of his chin he put up a serious face, not giving Mirax one grain of sympathy. In the past she had exploited it. No. No, no. He'd not back down. He was a smart man after all~. A strong willed and thorough one at that! If he didn't have integrity in this stage of his life he never possessed any to begin with!  "N-no. Now listen.." he glanced back at West and saw she was instructing Mirax to smile, giving her sister tips to ease the situation- it meant something to the eldest, he could tell. She was trying to fix things that might never be reconciled. Anything she wanted he'd give to her after some amount of arguing back and forth..but. Gods damn it. "Yes, alright. Fine."  What a  foolish, foolish old man, he thought himself to be.

Mirax blinked, a look of relief ghosting across her face very briefly as she realized she wasn't going to be sent packing. She stuffed it back down as quickly as it had appeared, trying to keep her 'fly casual' rule in place. " I'll be  my best, I promise."

Sig's return look was dubious at best, but he'd agreed for now. Stupid caring about West. All that was left now was to hope it didn't bite him in the ass and end with more of his house disappearing, although she'd been keeping up with her 'payments', hadn't she? Even if they involved breaking into his house. "Mmm."

That 'I'll believe it when I see it' noise actually seemed to relax Mirax more than anything. She shrugged idly, hiking her bag up on her shoulder and flicking her eyes to West again briefly.

West had taken to resetting the needle on his record player - the sweet, promising hum of strings was her exit music as she put words into action. "Come come, Mir. Let's head upstairs. Jo said she would be here by dinner." another surprise, though not one Sigmundre was terribly shocked by. Joha came around when she needed money or to show off the house to a new undesirable boy, telling them how she'd someday inherit it all.

Mirax's lip twisted slightly at the mention of Jo, though her temper would remain thoroughly in check. A tentative smile was offered to Sigmundre before she trailed along behind her sister. Yes, we do what West says. Up to a point, anyway.

[simpatico-go]

For Phrates, Roys, Tawny, and Westlynn: Leather or Lace? Interpret as you will!

Tawny - LaceRoys - LaceWestly - BothPhrates - Both