And I keep coming up short.

An independent blog for a Fallout OC. Alma Vives is a seventeen year-old former tribal and medicine woman. Travels with her brother, Hope.

[stumblinghost-deactivated201508]

[The strange creature at Amber’s side was very clearly doing her best to suppress an equally as strange sound of delight, but her best simply wasn’t good enough; a low squeal emanated from behind her lips. 

There was something about Amber having her VERY OWN BEST FRIEND that made it nigh impossible for her to contain her excitement.]

[A simple, high-pitched] Hi! [was all she could manage without allowing the babbling brook between her teeth to flow.]

[Charlie inhaled deeply, closed her eyes for a moment, and made a feeble attempt at regaining her calm.]

I’m Charlie. Known Amber since she was just a little thing on the Strip!! I don’t want to waste your cute lil’ time, so I’ll just get right to it: I’ve got a favor to ask of you. 

[mojavesongbird]

[Something resembling an actual smile crossed Amber’s face and brought up a hand to rub the back of her neck.]

She’s nice. I swear. She used to play in the Gourmand. You know, back before…uh, a little bit before I left. Charlie’s one of Nigel’s less shitty friends.

[Amber held up her hands and crinkled her nose.] Anyway! Anyway, none of that’s the point. Uh. Would you happen to be heading anywhere in the direction of the Strip sometime soon? Like, to sell there? I know it’s been a while, but…

[thoughtsandremembrance-blog]

[Alma tilted her head slightly, a cascade of long black hair braided with flowers and beads falling over her shoulders as she tried to get a better look at Charlie.] Oh. It’s very nice to meet you.

[She turns her head to regard Amber instead when she pipes up.] ...I could be convinced to go in that direction next. I presume the favor that you are asking involves a visit to the Strip?

[thoughtsandremembrance-blog]

((Alma is actually another character I’ve thought about WAAAAY too much in gem AU.

I haven’t really decided if she’s from Earth or homeworld because I need to chat with Hope’s mod about that part eventually, but. Her gem is emerald and located over her heart, and her weapon’s a spear.

She’s very talented when it comes to fusing. Her and Hope can fuse into a gem called Beryl, and her and Amber form one called Labradorite. Fusions with her tend to be relatively stable because she’s good at keeping her own emotions in check, which keeps them from getting volatile or falling apart. If she can’t fuse with someone else, she prefers to stay on the sidelines and fight as indirectly as she can.))

[stumblinghost-deactivated201508]

[Immediately following Amber’s comment about the girl always wearing flowers, Charlie’s face lit up. A quiet ‘awwwWwWw’ sound emanated from her, only really audible to the unfortunate child at her side.]

That’s so cute! She’s so cute! Lookit how cute. Do you see how cute she is? Oh she’s just precious! Well what the fuck’re we waitin’ for, c’mon! Let’s go say hi right now!!

[She snatched Amber’s hand and all but drug her over to Alma, seeming to have forgotten why they’d even come to ask for her help in the first place.]

[mojavesongbird]

Woah! Hey, let go! [Amber shook her head and laughed, pulling her hand away once they’re close to the 188. She pressed a finger to her lips to indicate that Charlie should be quiet and snuck up behind Alma, covering her eyes from behind with her hands.]

Hey, Alma! Guess whoooooo!

[thoughtsandremembrance-blog]

[Alma stiffened slightly, but relaxed the moment Amber spoke and let out a quiet “oh” of surprise.] Amber. What a pleasant surprise.

[She reached up and gently moved Amber’s hands away from her glasses, turning in her seat to peer up at her and the strange woman behind her silently before continuing.] I see that you brought a friend.

[thoughtsandremembrance-blog]

((Alma's on the far left of this color ref. Amber's in the middle, and a friend's character (Karbin, who's more recognizable if you follow Amber due to being her shitty android boyfriend) is on the right.

There's not much to add here except that Alma's a bit taller and rounder than Amber is. She usually decorates her hair with flowers and beads, and normally would be carrying a big bag of potions, poisons, and flowers with her to sell.

Alma dresses pretty plainly aside from the flowers, honestly. She wears a pair of sensible boots with this get-up that aren't visible here.))

[thoughtsandremembrance-blog]

RP: Pocket Full of Posies

[thoughtsandremembrance-blog]

Oh.

He was not going to offer to walk her away from the ruins. Alma supposed that it did not matter—she was perfectly capable of seeing herself out, after all. Especially considering that she had seen her way in. While she did not relish the idea, she knew that the spear she had brought with her was most certainly enough protection should anyone see her as an easy target.

She shook her head slowly in response to his question and turned to begin walking away.

[hepaintshisface]

The Fiend wasn’t aware she was looking to leave, not that he could think of a reason why she’d stick around now that the goods had been exchanged. His mind was more preoccupied with thoughts of his new possessions anyway.

He did clue in when she started to walk off, and at first he busied himself by tucking the cans back into his tent, and got up to do the same with the seeds and notebook. It didn’t take long to do, and he looked to see how close Alma was to the doors before asking,

"Are you able to find your way out of South Vegas?"

[thoughtsandremembrance-blog]

Alma stopped, slowly turning her head back to peer at the Fiend over her shoulder. It seemed as though he was willing to offer some measure of help after all; she gave a slow, careful nod before speaking again.

"...yes. I certainly can." Another pause. "But company may be helpful, in the event of unwanted guests seeking to take the payment that I have received for my services."

She tucked a lock of hair behind her ear and waited to see what Paleface's response would be.

[thoughtsandremembrance-blog]

RP: Pocket Full of Posies

[hepaintshisface]

Once the caps were handed over, Paleface tucked the pouch back into his satchel then simply watched her in the silence that befell them. The transaction was done with, and he could think of nothing more to discuss. He might have invited her to stay for a drink, or a snack, but he wasn’t known to be a very gracious host.

"Do you need anything else of me?" he decided to ask.

[thoughtsandremembrance-blog]

Oh.

He was not going to offer to walk her away from the ruins. Alma supposed that it did not matter--she was perfectly capable of seeing herself out, after all. Especially considering that she had seen her way in. While she did not relish the idea, she knew that the spear she had brought with her was most certainly enough protection should anyone see her as an easy target.

She shook her head slowly in response to his question and turned to begin walking away.

[thoughtsandremembrance-blog]

RP: Pocket Full of Posies

[thoughtsandremembrance-blog]

Alma watched the Fiend move the cans away impassively. She surveyed the remaining merchandise silently and calculated its value to her, flickering her gaze to the jerky in her hand again before bringing it back up to meet Paleface’s eyes once more.

Slowly, carefully, she nodded to signify the deal was acceptable. She opened her bag again and placed the jerky and remaining cans inside of it, then looked at the Fiend and waited expectantly for him to hand her the money that she was still owed to complete the transaction.

[hepaintshisface]

Once Alma accepted the new offer, the Fiend nodded in return. He opened the satchel at his hip and withdrew a leather pouch separating his caps from the rest of the stuff he carried.

It didn’t appear very full as he emptied some of it into his hand, silently counting until he had a dozen. Fingers curled around the caps to contain them, and he stretched out his scarred arm, preparing to drop the remaining payment into her hand.

[thoughtsandremembrance-blog]

The caps were accepted readily into Alma's own palm. She gave them a quick glance--just enough to reassure her that they were all there. Once she was satisfied that was the case, she retrieved a small pouch from her bag and emptied them inside of it.

Alma tucked it back safely into the bag and shut it securely. She turned her gaze back at the Fiend almost questioningly, uncertain if he was going to escort her safely out of the building. Should he choose to remain rooted silently to the spot, she supposed that she would just turn to exit alone.

[thoughtsandremembrance-blog]

RP: Pocket Full of Posies

[thoughtsandremembrance-blog]

Alma considered the matter quietly, then shut the bag and slowly moved her gaze upwards to meet the Fiend’s again before answering. “…ten caps. Then the deal will be sufficient.”

The jerky did appear to be sufficiently filling and well-made, but the work of preparing the seeds and instructions felt as though they warranted more to her. It would not do to under-sell herself, particularly if there was potential of Paleface becoming a regular customer.

[hepaintshisface]

Alma with met with silence, and a stare; pale eyes regarded the bag of jerky she held, then the cans of food that were part of the deal. The notebook and seed packets were studied last as he worked out an alternative to sate the displeasure her price left with him. He could counter-offer with a lower price, but sometimes food was more precious than saving a couple of caps.

Paleface stretched out one leg, the length of it easily reaching the stacked cans from where he sat, knocking the small tower over. Two cans were rolled towards the Fiend, and he stood them next to his bed. 

With part of his food supply reclaimed, he settled his attention back on Alma and counter-offered, “Twelve caps.”

[thoughtsandremembrance-blog]

Alma watched the Fiend move the cans away impassively. She surveyed the remaining merchandise silently and calculated its value to her, flickering her gaze to the jerky in her hand again before bringing it back up to meet Paleface's eyes once more.

Slowly, carefully, she nodded to signify the deal was acceptable. She opened her bag again and placed the jerky and remaining cans inside of it, then looked at the Fiend and waited expectantly for him to hand her the money that she was still owed to complete the transaction.

[wastelandtoddlers-blog]

✿ for Tasia

I didn’t even know there were flowers left in the ouside!

[thoughtsandremembrance-blog]

…no. [She shakes her head.] Only if you choose to consume the flowers.

[mojavemarshmallow]

Oh! [He brightens up considerably.] Well, I don’t think anyone’s going to wanna eat flowers, so it’s okay.

[thoughtsandremembrance-blog]

[Alma tilts her head again.] ...there are some flowers that are edible.

[wastelandtoddlers-blog]

✿ for Tasia

I didn’t even know there were flowers left in the ouside!

[thoughtsandremembrance-blog]

[Alma takes the caps and tucks those into her bag as well. She gives a slow nod in response, signalling that yes. She makes both with the flowers.]

[mojavemarshmallow]

…

…

[Stares at the flowers. Sares at her.]

Am I going to get poisoned? 8(

[thoughtsandremembrance-blog]

...no. [She shakes her head.] Only if you choose to consume the flowers.

[wastelandtoddlers-blog]

✿ for Tasia

I didn’t even know there were flowers left in the ouside!

[thoughtsandremembrance-blog]

[Alma nods and counts out five flowers, tucking the back into her bag carefully. She holds them out for Tasia to take.]

…remedies. [A pause.] And poisons.

[mojavemarshmallow]

[Tasia first pulls out ten caps from his pocket, he can’t just take them without PAYING FIRST can he??? He takes the flowers in one hand, and offers the caps with the other.]

Oh. Hmm. Do you make them outta the flowers :?

[thoughtsandremembrance-blog]

[Alma takes the caps and tucks those into her bag as well. She gives a slow nod in response, signalling that yes. She makes both with the flowers.]

[wastelandtoddlers-blog]

✿ for Tasia

I didn’t even know there were flowers left in the ouside!

[thoughtsandremembrance-blog]

[Alma nods again and opens her bag. She carefully lifts out a few flowers and holds them out for Tasia to see.] They are two caps each. I also make charms.

…and other things.

[mojavemarshmallow]

8O

I’ll take five if that’s okay! :)

…

Things like what? :0

[thoughtsandremembrance-blog]

[Alma nods and counts out five flowers, tucking the back into her bag carefully. She holds them out for Tasia to take.]

...remedies. [A pause.] And poisons.

[wastelandtoddlers-blog]

✿ for Tasia

I didn’t even know there were flowers left in the ouside!

[thoughtsandremembrance-blog]

[She shakes her head.] I grow them. For a living.

[mojavemarshmallow]

:O!!!

Wow… That’s so cool!! Do you have any others I could buy?

[thoughtsandremembrance-blog]

[Alma nods again and opens her bag. She carefully lifts out a few flowers and holds them out for Tasia to see.] They are two caps each. I also make charms.

…and other things.

[wastelandtoddlers-blog]

✿ for Tasia

I didn’t even know there were flowers left in the ouside!

[thoughtsandremembrance-blog]

[Alma tilts her head slightly and nods.] …not many. Here, at least.

[mojavemarshmallow]

Oh…. I wouldn’t want to keep your flower if you don’t have a lot of them, though :(

[thoughtsandremembrance-blog]

[She shakes her head.] I grow them. For a living.

[wastelandtoddlers-blog]

✿ for Tasia

I didn’t even know there were flowers left in the ouside!

[thoughtsandremembrance-blog]

[Alma tilts her head slightly and nods.] ...not many. Here, at least.

[thoughtsandremembrance-blog]

RP: Pocket Full of Posies

[thoughtsandremembrance-blog]

If Alma took particular note of the reference to the vault, her face certainly did not reflect any particular emotion in regards to it. She merely nods in silent approval at the fact the plants will receive proper care.

They would hopefully have long, prosperous lives in their new home.

Alma eyed the bag of jerky in Paleface’s hand silently for a moment before it occurred to her that he wanted to exchange good directly from hand-to-hand. She picked up the seeds pouches and handed them to the Fiend and took the offered jerky for herself.

She opened the bag to inspect it for a moment before seeming to deem it acceptable and shut it.

[hepaintshisface]

Paleface also hoped his caps and goods were not going to go waste in an attempt to add some plant life to his corner of the ruins.

The seeds were accepted once he let go of the wrapped up jerky; they were long strips of dried and seasoned meat that looked appetizing, despite where they were coming from. The Fiend watched Alma as she inspected the goods, either making sure everything appeared fine, or silently daring her to disapprove of his delicious jerky.

He then peered into one of the seed pouches. “Will the food suffice? Or do you still require some caps to seal the deal?”

[thoughtsandremembrance-blog]

Alma considered the matter quietly, then shut the bag and slowly moved her gaze upwards to meet the Fiend's again before answering. "...ten caps. Then the deal will be sufficient."

The jerky did appear to be sufficiently filling and well-made, but the work of preparing the seeds and instructions felt as though they warranted more to her. It would not do to under-sell herself, particularly if there was potential of Paleface becoming a regular customer.

[thoughtsandremembrance-blog]

RP: Pocket Full of Posies

[thoughtsandremembrance-blog]

Alma finished writing and looked up. She closed the notebook and nodded slowly, setting it down gently next to the seeds and pots. She tucked her pencil safely into her bag and walked over to look down at the goods that the Fiend had brought out for her before looking back up at him and tilting her head slightly.

"…yes. I have." She adjusted her glasses. "I was uncertain how many plants you had cared for before, so my instructions may be repetative in places."

A pause. “Though all plants need differing levels of light and watering. The most valuable information I have included describes the necessities for the kinds of plants that I have brought.”

[hepaintshisface]

Paleface nodded. “Perhaps it will. I have had success with some vegetables and herbs, though these will likely be my biggest challenge.”

He bobbed his head, again, in understanding. “I can provide both of those things.” The Fiend gestured towards the floors above them. “The upper floors get plenty of sun; this corner does not, and the plants do not mind the water that still flows in the pipes… around here.” He’s certain everyone knows of Vault 3, but chooses not to mention it regardless.

The bag of jerky is then offered to her, to initiate the exchange of goods.

[thoughtsandremembrance-blog]

If Alma took particular note of the reference to the vault, her face certainly did not reflect any particular emotion in regards to it. She merely nods in silent approval at the fact the plants will receive proper care.

They would hopefully have long, prosperous lives in their new home.

Alma eyed the bag of jerky in Paleface's hand silently for a moment before it occurred to her that he wanted to exchange good directly from hand-to-hand. She picked up the seeds pouches and handed them to the Fiend and took the offered jerky for herself.

She opened the bag to inspect it for a moment before seeming to deem it acceptable and shut it.