welcome to wonderland;

tallulah kia. 30. human. part time librarian at growden public library & marketeer at portside flea market. “the things that make me different are the things that make me, me.”

[tallulahkia]

Name: Tallulah Kia Occupation: Part-time librarian at Growden Public Library & part-time marketeer at Portside Flea Market Age: 28 Sexuality: Lesbian Species: Human Hometown: Cape Town, South Africa Relationship Status: Single Personality Traits: Insecure, selfless, loving, loyal, spontaneous, cheerful, positive, radiant does golden retriever puppy count as a personality trait?

Born in England, her biological mother of 16 years old was forced to give the baby away without granted a single glance at the newborn. A newly wed couple adopted the girl and took her with them to South Africa, where she was raised as their own. Never knowing she was adopted, adoring her parents and obedient to their rules. Her foster mother being a redhead herself, she never once thought or questioned if she'd been adopted or not.

Tallulah danced through life, with lots of laughter, lots of love to give and always putting others first. Even when she wasn't allowed to have friends over at home, she trusted her parents had their fair reasons for them. They owned a farm, away from the city, with a big stable owning quite a few horses. Tallulah got her own foal at a young age, grew up with the majestic animal as her best friend. She didn't have many human friends, mostly because her parents were really restricted and kept to themselves.

In her teenage years, she spent most of her time studying, getting good grades and worked the hardest on improving her English. This granted her the opportunity to study abroad, to participate in a student exchange program and move to Port Leiry for a year. It was a big step, but with the help of a friend of the family, Adrian, her parents let her go knowing there'd be someone keeping an eye out on her. Adrian acted as her guide and second dad in the city, so much so that when she moved back home; she always longed to go back. She graduated college and after a few years of job hopping back home, she made the big decision to move to Port Leiry.

Entirely lost in what 'dreams' she's supposed to follow, she has taken up a part-time job at the Growden Public Library and part-time at the Portside Flea Market. There she helps out, one of many, local florists that sells flowers at a stand - either place she'll be spending most of her time. She's only been in Port Leiry for a month, aside from the year she spent in Port Leiry at the age of 25, and ready to finally live her life to the fullest.

____________________

YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND IN ME; to make up for the lack of friends Tallulah had back home, she needs someone - of any species really - to be there for her and teach her about letting go of the restrictions her parents put her up with

A BOOK NERD; Tallulah works part time at the library, absolutely loves to talk all things fiction, mostly feel-good fantasy and happy endings

LET YOURSELF GO; someone who could be a good or bad influence on Tallulah, depends on how you see it, who drags her through the city to truly let go of herself and experience the joys of life

[tallulahkia]

Who: @sntsnairns

Tonight was supposed to be perfect - flawless - absolutely splendid. She had danced with strangers, talked about things that only existed in fiction, ate and drink such good food, it had been a night to remember, so beautifully memorable for the rest of her life - but then it turned into a nightmare. A dozen times worse than the clock striking twelve and Cinderella hurrying home before the spell runs out.

There'd been a man - oh god, the blood, the limbs, the chaos kept flashing over and over in her head - she had just been watching. Her big smile faded to complete shock as people around her started screaming and Tallulah stiffened. Her fight or flight didn't kick in at the terror that broke out around her, she had started gasping for air, her lungs suddenly ached for air she didn't get enough of. A strong arm knocked her almost backwards, the redhead's back collided with the wall she'd been standing close to. The glass she held fell to the floor and shattered into multiple shards - which was the least of her worries.

Her hands found the wall which she desperately held herself against, to stay upright and find an exit somehow in her episode of hyperventilation. Blood was shed everywhere around her, people were screaming, she saw people getting stabbed, people biting other people - god, what the fuck was this hell? Whining in fear, blood splat on her face from someone's throat getting cut next to her, she found the restroom as her somewhat safe space for now. She locked herself in one of the cubicles, barely able to lock it as there was blood smeared all over her hands. Putting her hands over her ears, she rocked herself back and forth sitting on the toilet lid.

The screams, she couldn't stop hearing them - she was going to die here - god she was going to die tonight.

[sntsvictors]

She spent years learning how to listen to reason ⸻ allow her rational voice sound louder than her instincts, her desires. She deprives herself of so much, she knows. And for too long she made herself believe it's best this way, better like this. Yet, now, it crumbles as if her castle walls were made of sand and this girl is the ocean waves ⸻ destroying every wall she had built. Anger seems to fill the holes this destruction leaves behind; why has she held herself back? Why has she denied herself all she wanted, all that can be hers? Looking at this girl, holding her hand, she finds she has no desire to deny herself anymore.

Her mouth waters, fangs tingling where they hide. "Yes," she whispers, voice raspy with all she is holding back still. "I would love a dance."

Leading the girl to the dance floor, fitting her in her arms, is the most natural thing she has done in a century. She wishes to bury her face in the girl's neck, bite, suck, take her fill and keep this woman with her for as long as she wants. Her grip is a little tight, she knows, but she doesn't want to let go. Not tonight. "Are you enjoying the party, darling thing?"

[tallulahkia]

The whispered yes was so soft, and yet so loud for the redhead to hear. Hard to distinguish yet so clear in between the many noises around her. Like music to her ears, she could feel her heart skip a beat at the stranger's acceptance to her bold invitation. She never would've done this in any other situation, never could've done this even. It was the mask, hiding her true identity and making her feel more free, making her act like a bolder version of herself in between all the people she might or might not know.

''Amazing!'' Tallulah smiled in relief, she let herself be led to the dancefloor by a slender hand that was holding hers so perfectly. She unnoticeably swallowed at how much closer she had thought they'd be dancing together, but she couldn't complain. Her cheeks felt warm underneath the mask, part of the redness showed on her face. She utterly adored and loved women, and intimacy scared Tallulah more than anything, but right now she had to swallow past that feeling.

This was just a dance, nothing intimate going on here, just a dance - she told herself.

''Oh - I um,'' she cleared her throat, being thrown off her feet for a second by the pet name, ''I've never been to a masquerade before, so this is all new to me, but so much fun! It's so exciting, so thrilling to be here. So many gorgeous strangers,'' she beamed as she followed the woman's lead, ''including you -'' Tallulah then halted in her honesty, maybe she spoke too much. ''So um... how is your night?''

[elysiumkerr]

closed event starter: masquerade for: @tallulahkia

Cam did counsel her on the types of people, the types of things, she might see here tonight. And Elyse was starting to guess simply based on the way individuals carried themselves. Some creatures were entirely too confident, full of confidence that was perhaps earned over eternities of believing themselves superior. There were others, uncomfortably fitted in suits when it seemed they'd rather be in furs. And there were others still, who moved about ignorantly, as if they didn't really know what to expect here. It was all a delirious, heady affair that made talking to every stranger an exciting gamble for the artist.

Case in point, another masked reveler -- she looked young from what Elyse could see. But that told her precious little about the girl in question. So the crow-masked guest sipped her wine, gazing out at the sea of strangers dancing slowly. "Are you enjoying the festivities?" Elyse wondered idly. Everyone here had different ambitions, different appetites for amusement. "This is my first time attending something like this, but I hope it's not the last."

[tallulahkia]

What was the danger in tonight's masquerade? Adrian just liked to scare her, she was sure, he had that whole act of being a dad figured out, but she could perfectly take care of herself. People were nice here, the food was amazing and she actually liked the music, too. The dresses, suits and everything in between people wore were such a feast for her eyes, just as much as the perfect crafted masks that graced their faces. She truly felt like she was attending such a magical party, like Cinderella's ball, she felt like she really had no business being here - but at the same time it felt so right to be here. Tallulah's joy couldn't come to a stop. Not tonight.

As she moved somewhat to the music and watched how gracefully people moved on the marble floor, she was so entranced by the sight in front of her, she didn't catch the other that stood next to her until the voice broke her focus. ''Goodness, yes! Everything is so gorgeous.'' she might've said too enthusiastic, but her happiness showed with bright eyes and a big smile. ''Yes, samesies! I've never been to a ball or prom or masquerade or anything, this feels so exclusive, almost as if I'm not meant to be here, but I feel so honored to be here!'' The redhead now actually took in the sight of the other and parted her lips once more, ''your mask is so beautiful, did you make it yourself?'' She felt so giddy, talking to a crow wearing a red panda mask herself.

[flashfanged]

Open || Capping at 4:

She had arrived with Hester, hanging on her arm proudly. How could she not be after all? But the arrival of another had sent them off to peruse the venue, it was decadent, grandeur that pleased her eyes, blues shaded by charcoal to blend into their mask. They knew they looked good, everything picked out with determination, down to boots. She was rising already impressive height.  Coming over to the bar they lean against it, ordering a drink and tipping generously. It was nice, wealth hadn’t been new to them even before Hester took her in, but now being under the Lomidze clan fold money was as common as paper. Eyes scan over the mingling as they sip their drink, hardly paying attention as they people watch. At the sound of someone settling in next to them they glance over, mask is obviously obscuring their face but she smiles all the same. "Enjoying yourself?"

[tallulahkia]

Goodness - she was starving, after buzzing with excitement, nerves and anxiety all day, she hadn't eaten a single thing. Perhaps it was a bit rude, but she noticed so many people leaving the buffet for what it was without taking any of the food, so who was she to fill a plate full of many one biters? Honestly - she just wanted to appreciate the chefs who put so much effort into cooking and preparing all the untouched goods.

Finding an empty seat at the bar, it's the food that gets her attention first and whoever's around her second. Maybe it comes off as rude, but the mask really enhanced her self confidence by a whole lot, so she felt no shame stuffing herself. ''This is so good, I just might go for round two, I've waited all day to finally eat. Would you want some?'' The redhead then met the other's eyes, immediately noticing the shade of red hair and her heart skipping a beat. ''Another redhead! Oh goodness, you're so gorgeous!''

[sntsvictors]

TALLULAH KIA, @tallulahkia

the masquerade

There was no need for her presence in this infernal display of wealth ⸻ she makes sure not to get involved with the clans and their politics, the witches and their plights, the werewolves and their fleas. Anastasia wasn't one who enjoyed masquerade ⸻ she remembers too vividly the ones her family would throw, the lavish ballrooms and gowns, the exquisite champagne. Now, any drop of alcohol tastes like ashe on her tongue, and she dares not think about drinking from any of those in attendance. She lurks in the corners, on the edge of the venue, quietly watching from the shadows.

No matter how many centuries have passed, people don't change. She is neaely halfway through her second century, but she knows enough that people will not stop looking for a distraction when facing dangerous situations. She wonders what the witches that were taken, if they are still alive, would think of this masquerade ⸻ she doubts they would be happy knowing they are wasting time dancing instead of looking for them. She speaks nothing of her displeasures, know whose toes she can't step on ⸻ suggestions are for those who care, who are involved, and she is neither.

A familiar scent fills her nostrils when she is about to step out for a bit of fresh air. It has her stopping, blue eyes searching among the crowd for a familiar flash of red. It has been decades since she last saw it, but when it passes by her now, it feels like only minutes have passed since she lost her. She follows the woman, uncaring, a dog on a leash, a starving man in the desert. She touches her hand, a fleeting touch, begging for her to turn and see her ⸻ recognize her.

[tallulahkia]

She shouldn't be here, according to Adrian's warnings, this place really would be too much for her. It was an act of kindness, her uncle looking out for her, knowing she'd get too overstimulated in crowded places. But it was a masquerade! Truly an event of the century she couldn't miss! She'd never been to anything related to a masquerade where she could dress up and remain anonymous the entire time! It was just too good of an opportunity to pass up.

Her nerves had made way for a thrilling feeling of a new adventure. She passed so many gorgeous people with even more gorgeous outfits and masks that made Tallulah's heart skip a beat. The redhead was truly trying to keep herself together at the sight of the people on the dancefloor.

When a hand brushed past hers, Tallulah gasped softly. Like a moment slowed in time, the redhead turned around after a few seconds of standing completely still. Her hair twirls around with her when she turns, landing gracefully on one shoulder. Tallulah took in the beauty in front of her, taking perhaps a bit long before she opened her mouth to finally say something with the biggest smile plastered on her face when hazel eyes meet blue ones behind the dark mask, ''would you like to dance? With me?'' It's like an instinctive feeling; an impulse she couldn't control. Everything felt so exciting, everything around her truly was so exciting tonight!

[tallulahkia]

Tallulah Kia; masquerade, august '24.

Going by herself - Tallulah has never been to any form of masquerade, prom or ball before. With red pandas as her favorite animal, this carefully self crafted mask is her favorite thing of all time. Going against all of @sntslunas without revealing the existence of the underground warnings, the redhead can't wait to see all the gorgeous dresses, masks and people!

[sntslunas]

“Yes, yes, you did say so,” there's fondness hidden beneath his mock grumbling, a fond smile tugging at the corner of his lips as he watches his niece work the flowers with the hands of a professional. He is terribly glad she is here with him now, instead of out there with her parents who Adrian isn't the most fond of. Not anymore. He lets her do all of the work despite his affection, for he is old and sipping stale lukewarm coffee from a plastic cup. The morning is beautiful, but Adrian knows it might not be like this all day. He just hopes they get to have a good sales morning. “Most of the night, eh?” He is leaning on one of the backtables, half seated, watching her carefully with kind eyes. “Maybe it's owned by a vampire,” the deep and scary voice he uses is for her entertainment, hoping she doesn't catch the true worry in his tone. He giggles after, for good measure. “Why would a bookstore need to stay open late in the night? Do they sell pornography?”

[tallulahkia]

Tallulah hummed a melody that wouldn't be familiar to most people here, her love for South Africa would always be rooted in her, be it in the country, the language or the music; she'd always carry it with her, no matter where she went. This reminded her - she'd totally forgot to grab the old radio that still sat collecting dust in one of the crates. The thing had gone through so many years of existence, of being beat around, of smelling and looking green, the radio was so old it even contained an antenna.

Fixing up the bouquet of flowers she'd been working on as she put it in a pretty vase for show, she pulled a face clearly for Adrian to see. ''You won't scare me! Vampires don't exist, Adrian! Just like witches, no matter how much I'd like for them and for magic to be real, there's no such thing in the real world.'' It was why she read so many books, why she sought those happy fantasies in television and in her imagination.

Sarcasm coated her voice as she hit him with the; ''ha-ha, jy is so snaaks!'' at his pornography comment, which translated into 'ha-ha, you're so funny!' Taking the radio out now, the redhead liked to inform further on the matter, ''for the record, there's a...rather explicit store not far from the library where they sell such things! So I wouldn't need to go to a bookstore for that!'' Though explaining herself with a quick follow-up, ''....not that I would go to that store, not unless someone dumps very graphic stuff at our counter and thinks we would give that stuff out at the library.''

[tallulahkia]

Where: Nook's Winter Who: @sntsnairns

What if Adrian was right and a creep owned this store? Looking at it from the curb, she gulped at the idea. Surely he was just messing with her - but his words still were there, plaguing the back of her mind. ''Stupid,'' she mumbled at herself, ''it's just a bookstore, don't be silly,'' she breathed out and pushed the door open with a gentle shove. Her feet crossed the barrier between the outside world and the mysterious location that opened up to her. A whole new world packed in between the few walls, she was sure of that. Of people's thoughts, ideas, memories, idealisms and fantasies if not many more things that went around in people's brains.

At the first glance, she didn't notice anyone. She could take a quick peek, right? And see if this had been just another store that maybe wasn't her vibe at all. Her fingers curiously caressed the backs of books on the first shelf she focused on, ears still sharp to hear any creak or sound of movement anywhere in the store. Maybe the owner was rummaging somewhere in the back? The thought still didn't calm her down, her heartbeat even picked up a little. Constant checking her sides from the corner of her eyes.

That was - until her gaze landed on what looked like a diary. Was that... Amelia Earhart's diary?

[zanexxpatel]

"Ah yes, well, you'd be surprised." Zane said with a soft smile. His eyes shifted towards the magazines that she held in her arms and when he realized what they were, he couldn't help but laugh. "Someone thought these were appropriate for the library?" He asked as he held his hands out towards her to relieve her of them. "I that you came to the right place. I could definitely use some of these in my inventory."

[tallulahkia]

If it weren't for the fact she got flustered by the existence of women, she was sure, if she'd be even a trace of bisexual, this guy could make her fall for him so easily. The way his messy hair complimented his looks so well, that face that was so perfectly sculpted and those arms well - goddamn. ''I know right! You'd be surprised how this hasn't even been the first time. We've received dvds too, though I don't know where those have gone off too,'' she got lost in thought for a second, before the voice inside her pretty little skull reminded her she was supposed to hand over the magazines, which she was here for. ''Oh yeah - here you go,'' she gladly handed them over, not even wanting to know what has been done to the inside of the magazines. The redhead took a look around, eyeing the many aisles she was sure were filled with any kind of products to do with pleasure. ''You know - I've never even been to a store like this before I got to Port Leiry.''

[tallulahkia]

Where: Portside Flea Market Who: @sntslunas

''Looks like the weather's clearing up already, didn't I say so?'' she teased Adrian with a swift tap against his elbow, the twig of willow catkins she hit him with softened the blow. A 'told you so' kind of chuckle left her mouth before she shifted her gaze back to the flower bouquet she'd been in the process of putting together. The morning was still young, most of the stands weren't even occupied yet. She delicately cut the thorns off the roses, dusted some leaves in glitter and added some gorgeous dahlia's with gradient petals that went from rose to white to create some diversity. Wrapping the bouquet in store stamped paper, she added some golden colored curling ribbon for decoration. ''So - I heard there's a bookstore in town I haven't checked out before, it's not even that far from here, and it's open for most of the evening, I might just check it out tonight!''

[royalpumpkinplanet]

[tallulahkia]

Where: Retrocity Arcade Who: @kevma

It had been two years since she visited the place everybody at campus had been talking about - and so Tallulah had been dragged along to explore the arcade that came to hold a special place in her heart. Many nights of fun had been held here. Many nights that had Tallulah forget about the restrictions from home. Many nights that contained dancing around on arrows until she couldn't feel her feet anymore, that had her more often than not totally accidentally shoot the puck out of the air hockey table. It was all so nostalgic - the sweet memories she'd made in Retrocity.

Not to forget the sweet connections she'd made along the way, too.

Back in South Africa she'd kinda gotten lost in life there, slowly letting go of the connections she had kept in her phone. That's what long distance did to people, life went on, time zone differences were rough on friendships and eventually words died on people's tongues.

There's a few kids scattered around the place, having fun, fingers moving rapidly on buttons on the machines that Tallulah walked past, she wanted to capture this moment that seemed so similar to the memory she had of this place. Her eyes took in everything she possibly could, even moving around her own axis before her feet wandered towards the air hockey table. Her hand caressing the side of the table, fingertips smoothing over some new scratches before her eyes captured a figure familiar to her.

''Oh my goodness -'' her breath gets stuck in the back of her throat for a moment, causing her voice to break, ''Kevin, is that you?''

[zanexxpatel]

where: eden's apple

who: open to all!

"Before you ask, yes. I've tried every product we offer. And then some." He smirked as he glanced towards the other. "Being thorough is one of my specialities." In may aspects of my life. "With that being said... is there anything you need help with? Or have questions about?"

[tallulahkia]

''I....... -'' halted by the information she didn't ask for and yet was freely gifted, the redhead was too stunned to speak for a moment, processing the guy's words as wide eyes watched some of the products laying on shelves. ''-I didn't know any of that could be put uhh... inside a human body, but uh...'' Tallulah swallowed, clinging to the pile of magazines she held against her chest, ''we had these donated by a very, uh, dedicated customer at the library and I thought uh... maybe you could think of a better way to use them?'' Gesturing towards the very erotic front page of the zine on top, something the library didn't exactly give out to the public.