[Cynthia Rawson - 17:13, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Cajun Town, Seattle] #845

"For now the big house." After a pause, she shrugged "And in general that'll be it. How should we handle that? I mean we could get a drone to do that but surely you have some solution, right?"

Thursday June 13th, 2075 1713, Cajun Town, Seattle


The deputy smiles and nods his head, pointing to a building just a short way beyond the arch. "Of course, Miss Cynthia. Do you see that building with the mule on the sign? That is Jasper Tiegs. He operates several mule carts that bring take goods from one place to another and I am sure that he would be glad to help you move some things. Or you could as try Sue, down at the dock just over that way through the trees there? She has a barge that she uses on the river and can get your things to the dock at the big house."

[Cynthia Rawson - 17:13, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Cajun Town, Seattle] #846

"Hmm..." Cynthia turned her head to look towards the indicated building "Jasper Tiegs? Alright..." She looked at Sandy "Guess we better go now to take care of that. Not that there's much to move right now but it'll be done." She turned back to the Deputy and nodded her thanks "Thanks."

After that, she proceeded to walk to see what that mule business was about.

Thursday June 13th, 2075 1714, Cajun Town, Seattle


As you approach the indicated building, a middle-aged woman comes out the door, sweeping dust from inside the building. She stops to look at you and nods. "Here to see my man about a mule? He's round with his precious animals so go on back. Can't miss 'em." As you walk off, she chortles. "Oh, he will be the one without the long ears."

She laughs again as you head off around the side of the house. Rounding the corner, you see a small barn about a hundred feet from the house and can hear the soft braying of at least one mule from inside the barn.

[Cynthia Rawson - 17:14, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Cajun Town, Seattle] #847

Cynthia blinked in surprise, muttering a "Thanks." as she continued towards the back. The closer she got though, the slower she advanced. She was not scared, not yet anyway, but...Well...live animals... Outside of the odd cats and dogs, she had never seen any. Not in the flesh anyway. And... Well... Mules were probably big if they were able to carry stuff around...

Given that she couldn't exactly go the other way, she reached her destination, grabbing Sandy's hand tensely as she called "Mr. Tiegs?"

Thursday June 13th, 2075 1715, Cajun Town, Seattle


Sandy lets you take her hand and squeeze it. "It will be OK, Cynthia."

There is some noise from the barn after you call out and a man pokes his head through the door, blinking a bit in surprise to see you. "Mister Tiegs? No, no, just Jasper, please. How may I......oh, you are the ones buying the house, aren't you? So what can I do for you? Some things to be moved, I suppose, eh?"

[Cynthia Rawson - 17:15, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Cajun Town, Seattle] #848

When the man appeared at the door, Cynthia was quickly really relieved: it looked like she wouldn't have to go in after all. She nodded "Yes. Or the ones who will rent it anyway. As for buying... It's probably not legal yet. At least I don't think minors can buy houses. But I may be wrong..." She seemed pensive for a second, then shook her head "Anyway. We indeed have stuff to move to the house. Not much today, but probably more in the coming days, so we wanted to know how to proceed and were told to see that with you."

Thursday June 13th, 2075 1715, Cajun Town, Seattle


Jasper nods. "I be the man to see about that. Smaller things, anyway. Now fer big things, ye be wanting to see Sue, down to the dock. But I can handle all your small things. Ye be needing one cart or two?"

[Cynthia Rawson - 17:15, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Cajun Town, Seattle] #849

"Alright." She thought about the question for a second, then shrugged "One is more than enough for now, we only have a couple of bags. In general though, is there someplace we can leave what we have for you to bring later on? I mean in cases where we can't meet or we come back late or whatever?"

Thursday June 13th, 2075 1716, Cajun Town, Seattle


Jasper nods. "I'll be getting the rig ready then. You want me to drop it off anywhere particular or are you going to come with me? If I remember rightly, there is a servant's entrance round the back. Might be a bit overgrown just now, but I could get a key from you and take the stuff into the kitchen for you. And I got a loading spot just west of the arch. Usually a kid or three hanging about there that can come fetch me if you need things moved. Just leave the stuff there and I will get it out to the house. They can get Sue, too, if'n you have large things on occasion. And since you are moving in and all, I can send you a bill on the month for payment, although it would be expected that you give any of the nippers you use a nice tip. Wouldn't think more than a penny be needed for that, or some screw candy from down at Walt's shop."

[Cynthia Rawson - 17:16, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Cajun Town, Seattle] #850

"We'll come with you for the loading since the van is locked, but after that we'll have to go speak with Mr. LeBoeuf so maybe we'll meet you there. For the back entrance...Seems a good idea except that right now I don't think we have that key ourselves. And we'll be sure to keep a stock of candies at hand when we need the kids I suppose."

Thursday June 13th, 2075 1720, Cajun Town, Seattle


Jasper had nodded and it had taken just a couple of minutes to get a mule named Bessie rigged to a small two-wheeled cart. He walks with you back to the arch and shows you the spot that a small sign designates as "Cargo Area Only". He goes to the van with you and loads it up with the things you want to have delivered to the house. A few minutes later and you are approaching LeBeouf's small house and office. There is a line of about twenty people sitting on the ground in front of the building, many waving small fans to stir the air, which does seem to be a bit more oppressive this afternoon. The people range in age from late teens/early twenties all the way up to one woman who must be in her fifties. As you get closer, Jasper looks over at you and grins. "Didn't think this was going to be a secret for long, did you? Theys already lining up for ye."

The men in the line stand up and doff their hats, murmuring a good day to both of you. Jasper nudges you. "They ain't here to see LeBeouf, theys here to see you. Now you go on ahead to talk to your man inside and I be taking these things on up to the house. I go a mite slower anyway, so you should catch me up afore I get there." He tips his hat to you and moves off down the train, laughing a bit and shaking his head.

LeBeouf looks up from his small desk as you enter the shop. "Thank goodness. In case you are wondering, the people outside are here to interview for various job openings up at the house. Word spreads fast in a small town and reopening Serenity is a major deal around these parts. Don't know what you want to do with all of them, but there does happen to be an opening for each and every one of those in the line. See here." He slides a piece of parchment across the desk, followed by a second, even older looking piece of parchment. "The first document is a listing of the position openings at the house. You can fill them or leave them vacant as you wish. The second document is the deed of sale. I know that you are only in there for a trial, but I think that you will just fall in love with the place and decide to buy. There is a codicil at the end for the lease. Please sign the codicil and we can talk about the deed when you make a decision."

[Cynthia Rawson - 17:20, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Cajun Town, Seattle] #851

When Jasper came back with his mule, Cynthia kept as far away as she could, always keeping an eye on the animal with a mix of curiosity and anxiousness. She didn't really look afraid but more fascinated. From a distance anyway, and when Bessie's tail lashed at a fly, she jumped slightly.

Her thoughts regarding the animal were quite abruptly replaced by something else when she saw the crowd in front, answering the greetings with wide eyes. To say that she was flabbergasted when they were told it was for them would have been an understatement. She took the papers absent-mindedly, only noticing after a few seconds that it was...well...paper... Another first in the day... Not knowing what to say, she read the documents, which took her a fraction of the time it would have taken anyone else and handed it to Sandy to read.

Finally, she coughed a little and looked at LeBoeuf "Uh... It's..." She blinked, inspired deeply to focus, and continued "All that is well and good but..." She waved in the direction of the door "I'm not exactly rolling in money." She rubbed her chin "Well, I recently got some, but I'll use most of it tomorrow..."

She looked at the list, and asked "How expensive would all that be, monthly? Approximately?"

Thursday June 13th, 2075 1724, Cajun Town, Seattle


Sandy gasps. "Cynthia, did you read this all the way through? Mister LeBeouf, does this mean what I.................?"

her voice falls off as she hands you the older parchment and points to one of the paragraphs. You look at it again but all you see is some legalese about funds and maintenance allotments and some things you do not understand. LeBeouf smiles. "I guess that Miss Sandy has seen it and Miss Cynthia has missed it. When you boil down all the legal sounding words, it means that the house has the money, Miss Cynthia, quite a lot of it actually. It is an odd sort of relationship, I will admit, but there is a sizable trust fund established that is to be used for the sole purpose of maintaining the house and grounds. But this is only available when it is occupied. The two of you will have some discretion over the use of the funds, but you can certainly use the money to cover costs such as staff wages. Now, speaking of wages, the advertisement is pretty clear on what each position will be paid. Now, I dare say that you can hire for a couple of positions and then let those people tend to filling out the list. I am thinking that you will want some opinion on the butler, housekeeper, and groundsman, to name a few, but that will be up to you. I know that you are a bit pressed for time today, so it is possible to let these folk know that they should return tomorrow."

[Cynthia Rawson - 17:24, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Cajun Town, Seattle] #852

"Uh yeah, I read it but..." She frowned "Sorry, I didn't pay that much attention to it..." She read the paragraph again, then cocked an eyebrow "I'm no expert at this legal stuff. It certainly makes things easier as far as staff is concerned but there would still be the problem of the buying." She paused, then shrugged "I guess we'll have to see how it goes as far as that's concerned I suppose. What I'm most curious about at the moment is...why us? Why has the house been uninhabited for so long given all that?"

Thursday June 13th, 2075 1724, Cajun Town, Seattle


LeBeouf shrugs and holds out his hands to his sides as he shakes his head. "There are lots of rumors about that house round these parts, Miss Cynthia. Some say as the place is haunted, which puts the hair up on some buyers, but I put no real truck in that. I am of the opinion that the place is so remote that mostly no one really knows about it and those that do don't want to live all the way out here. You could as ask those geezers down to Sophie's and they could bend your ear on lots of local gossip, including Serenity, I would not doubt. Just remember that what you hear should be taken with a grain or two of salt."

[Cynthia Rawson - 17:24, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Cajun Town, Seattle] #853

"Considering that the house was fixing itself by the time we left, haunting would almost appear too...mild...to worry about it..." She snorted, then shrugged "Doesn't really matter I suppose, but I'm sure we'll get plenty of time to hear about all the stories."

She looked back at the door, and asked almost plaintively "How are we suppose to select anyone though? I... Well... We I bet... Never did this kind of things..." She sighed "And yeah, today will be far too short. Tomorrow... I don't know, in the morning I have a clinic appointment. I might be available in the afternoon but I don't really know, depends how they handle the surgery and all that I suppose."

Thursday June 13th, 2075 1724, Cajun Town, Seattle


LeBeouf shakes his head and smiles at you when you mention the house fixing itself. "I am sure there is a reasonable explanation for what you thought you saw, Miss Cynthia. Perhaps you were just a bit overwhelmed initially by the way things looked to see that things might not be quite as bad as you had thought."

Sandy nods her head in agreement when you mention not having experience hiring people. "Me neither. Not sure how we do it."

LeBeouf nods. "Ask a couple of the locals who they might recommend and then make a choice, hoping for the best. The timing could be a bit iffy, though. Would it be appropriate to say three PM? Maybe four?"

[Cynthia Rawson - 17:24, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Cajun Town, Seattle] #854

"I'm sure there is." Cynthia shrugged, apparently not really bothered one way or another. At this point, she was pretty much ready to accept anything so... She thought about the recruitment thing for a moment, then grunted "Given the amount of people out there, I'm sure that no matter who I ask, it'll be the cousin, nephew, or whatever..."

She squinted "Maybe we should have them fight, arena style, and pick the winners." She sighed "Alright, talking it is. We could say three, knowing that I may not be available. Though I suppose I could follow on my 'link."

Thursday June 13th, 2075 1724, Cajun Town, Seattle


LeBeouf nods. "Good idea. So let them know and then you need to decide if you are going to interview at the house or somewhere else. I would prefer that you do not do it here, though. I plan to be fishing on Saturday."

Sandy nods and looks at you. "The house, then?" She turns back tot he man. "You called the place Serenity and I saw that on the deed. Is there a special meaning behind that name?"

LeBeouf shakes his head. "Not that I know. One of the early owners named it that and it is what is on the deed is all I know."

He hands the two of you an old fashioned fountain pen and points to where you are signing the lease agreement. "Sign here and here, please. Both of you. I have prepared a copy for you to take with you. You have the keys. Any questions?"

[Cynthia Rawson - 17:24, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Cajun Town, Seattle] #855

"Let them know?" She grumbled "I hoped you'd do it yourself..." She sighed "Alright, I'll do it. I don't mind if we do it at the house if I'm here. Oh by the way, it's Friday tomorrow, not Saturday. So unless you need one day to prepare before... Anyway."

She took the pen a bit gingerly "Uh... I can't say I ever used one like that..." She frowned "And... Hum... I actually never signed anything like that, I always did it on the Matrix..." She seemed pensive for a moment before she signed. It wasn't a particularly elaborate signature, in fact, it had all the signs of a really new one, and the second one only barely looked like the first. She grimaced as she looked "Uh... I guess I'll have to work on that too..."

Thursday June 13th, 2075 1725, Cajun Town, Seattle


The man looks a bit embarrassed. "Sorry, I meant tomorrow, Friday. And, yes, I think you will find that there are lots of things done in a more old-fashioned way. You see, this document is not on the matrix so it would be hard to sign it there. I can understand your reticence, but these signatures will do."

He puts one copy of the lease and the deed parchment in an old safe and twirls the combination lock on it after shutting the door. He stands up as he hands you your copy of the lease and the list of positions for hire. Motioning to the door, he says, "Shall we? I think that we both have someplace to be and you need to talk to the people outside."

[Cynthia Rawson - 17:24, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Cajun Town, Seattle] #856

Cynthia hesitated for a second, but since she couldn't exactly stay hidden in here forever, she nodded "We shall. We indeed have places to be, and we'll get in trouble if we don't get there in time." She breathed in, gathering her courage, then exited.

Once outside, she looked a bit lost, but after a small cough, she said, hopefully loud enough to be heard by everyone "Sandy and myself just learned about why you're here so I'm sorry if we don't do this quite as you expected but...well...it's quite a surprise. Sadly, we're a bit in a hurry at the moment so I'm afraid we won't be able to do much right now. What we can do though, is give you a commcode, and ask each of you to send us a message with your file. Things like who you are, what position, or positions I suppose, you're applying for and why, stuff like that." She grimaced slightly "As you can probably guess, considering that you're probably all older than us, neither of us ever did anything like that so you'll have to excuse us if we don't do things like you expected." She paused, thinking about what she should say next "We should be able to talk to some of you starting tomorrow, around three in the afternoon. I hope anyway, but if we can't, we'll let you know. Sorry I can't give anything definitive but like I said, it's come out of the blue and I have plans in the morning and I don't know when I'll be free."

She looked at the small crowd, and after a small pause to let them all digest that, asked "Are there any - quick - questions?"

Thursday June 13th, 2075 1725, Cajun Town, Seattle


Most of the people seem a bit confused after your words and turn back and forth to each other, speaking in their odd Creole patois. Only two of the people present seem to be aware of what you have said and one of them, a middle-aged man in some clothes that he had obviously taken some care to clean up, steps forward. "Miss Cynthia, Miss Sandy, I may be able to help. I think only a handful of us here even know what a com code is and only two of us own a comlink. I am afraid that several do not even understand what you have said. If you like, we can help the others with sending you the information you are asking for." He turns and talks rapidly to the group behind him then looks back to you as others nod.

Sandy mutters under her breath. "I guess we will be learning a new language."

[Cynthia Rawson - 17:25, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Cajun Town, Seattle] #857

Cynthia frowned "And it's true for all of us."

Louder, in order to be heard by at least the two who were able to follow "Please, do so. Now, Sandy and myself will try to learn the basics of your language as soon as possible. Something we would have done anyway, but looks like we'll need to make a priority out of it. It will be important too for everyone working in the house to learn English though, if only because if we have guests, they will only speak English."

She paused, to let the two handle translation up to that point "As for comlinks, I suppose it's less important, but it would really help. At least for the most important jobs. A simple 'link is not really expensive, so maybe we could consider handing one as a welcoming gift or whatever." She seemed to think about that for a moment, then shrugged "We'll see. In any case, it'll be important to agree to learn how to use one, at least well enough to be able to receive and send vidmails." After a small pause, she concluded "So I suppose that would be at least two requirements to work for the house: be willing to learn English and how to use 'links."

Thursday June 13th, 2075 1727, Cajun Town, Seattle


There is a general hubbub of conversation as the two translate for the others, but they get everyone calmed down and the man turns back to you. "It is understood, Miss Cynthia. The people here will do what you need, and if not, they have cousins or other relatives that will. We will return at three in the afternoon. Do you want us to meet here?"

[Cynthia Rawson - 17:27, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Cajun Town, Seattle] #858

Cynthia nodded, then took a second to think before she answered "I don't know yet. Give me your commcode, I'll let you know as soon as I do myself." Once she has the code in question, she asked a bit embarrassed "And tell me, which language exactly should we learn? It's not exactly French, right?"

Thursday June 13th, 2075 1727, Cajun Town, Seattle


The man and a woman step forward to give you their com codes. "My name is Pierre and this is Madeline." They both chuckle and shake their heads as he replies. "That is correct, Miss Cynthia, it is not French, although that is the parent language. It is a creole, a dialect specific to a certain place. I am sure that we can find teach you to speak it. Thank you for wanting to learn instead of forcing us to only speak your English. It is much appreciated that you would trouble yourself so."

[Cynthia Rawson - 17:27, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Cajun Town, Seattle] #859

"Pierre and Madeline? Alright." she shrugged a bit embarrassed "It's your town, seems only normal that we learn your language first. And it's not exactly that much of a sacrifice after all." She frowned then "Sylvie told me about that place. It should be enough to find some resources on the Matrix to get us started. Not that we won't need some help later on, but at least for me it'll be easier and faster that way."

She paused, then added "I think we took care of the most important points, so if there's nothing else, we have to go. We'll be late otherwise and...well... Pissing off the woman who's supposed to dress you and do your hair seems like a bad idea."

Thursday June 13th, 2075 1728, Cajun Town, Seattle


The people nod and begin translating for the rest when Sandy touches your arm. "Hey, I would think there is a good chance we will hire those two, right? Can we give him a key and let him take Jasper up to the house with the stuff?"

[Cynthia Rawson - 17:28, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Cajun Town, Seattle] #859

Cynthia seemed to hesitate "Probably but... It doesn't seem fair to the others to proceed like that, no? I mean speaking English is a real plus at the moment, but... Since I said we'd talk to everyone tomorrow... I don't think we should commit to anything just now."

Thursday June 13th, 2075 1728, Cajun Town, Seattle


Sandy nods. "Fair enough. You seem to know a lot about this sort of thing. I am just going on air right now, with no real idea what I am doing. Thank you for being you. OK, I can take Jasper up to the house while Renee does you first. I will be back soon enough to get me done. That work?"

[Cynthia Rawson - 17:28, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Cajun Town, Seattle] #860

Cynthia snorted "At best I look like I know a lot about that. But... Well... Fake it till you make it, right?" She shrugged, then nodded "Alright. Most of that is your stuff and you're more able to set up the drones right than I would anyway, so it's probably a good idea."

She looked back towards the center of the town with a sigh "Well... When you have too..." She looked at the assembled people "I'll see you tomorrow. In the meantime if you have questions, don't hesitate to send them. Good evening." After a quick kiss on Sandy's cheek, Cynthia walked to Renee's shop, a bit gingerly.

Thursday June 13th, 2075 1731, Renee's Shop, Cajun Town, Seattle


Renee gives you a smile when you enter the shop. "Well, there you are, now. Are you ready? And is Miss Sandy coming along?"

[Cynthia Rawson - 17:31, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Rene's shop, Cajun Town, Seattle] #861

"There I am." Cynthia nodded, but she didn't appear really enthusiastic "Sandy dropped some stuff at the house..." she paused, frowning. After a moment, she amended "Maybe I should say home?" She thought about that for a few seconds, but shook her head "Anyway, she'll be there soon, but for now it's just me." She looked around, and as she just thought of something, asked "Oh right, Mama Lini said she'd drop something for my hair?"

Thursday June 13th, 2075 1731, Renee's Shop, Cajun Town, Seattle


Renee nods as she walks to the door and closes it, flipping a sign about to indicate the shop is closed. "We have all of that. Now come along to the back. I will have one of the girls watch for Miss Sandy and bring her back."

She motions for you to follow her and leads you into a sewing room in the back of the building where she has you remove your clothes stand on a small round taped X on the floor. There are three young women in the back room and Renee sends one out front to watch for Sandy while the others fetch clothing. She starts with silk underwear and a silk camisole then has you sit on a stool and slip on some silk stockings. The feel of silk against your skin is very nice. Motioning for you to stand she hands you a belt-like contraption with some straps hanging from it. "This is a garter belt. It is to hold the stocking up and tight to your skin. I do not know if you know how to use one so I can put it on for you, if you like?"

[Cynthia Rawson - 17:31, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Renee's Shop, Cajun Town, Seattle] #862

Asked for the third time today to get naked, Cynthia grumbled but complied. Doing anything else would have made things a bit difficult after all. Contrary to the first time though, she seemed more embarrassed, not less, as she stood, her hands "conveniently" resting in front of her crotch, her cheeks a bit red. She seemed relieved to put her new panties on, now hiding her breasts behind her arms with her hands joined under her chin. Not that at 34A there was much to hide, especially considering that there were only women in the room but...

Once she had the camisole on, she felt much better, now not troubled at all, and instead feeling the fabric with her hands, quite happy in fact that it wasn't a bra. She looked a bit dubiously at the stockings on her legs as they were put on, clearly not used to wearing anything of the sort "Feels... Nice... I guess I'll have to be careful to not brush against anything..."

Looking at the garter belt, she blinked a few times "I can't say I ever owned, wore, or even touched, one of those..." she looked on the matrix what this thing was, blushing a bit at some of the results she got. She seemed puzzled though "Hum... Shouldn't it go under the panties? What if...or when... I, uh, have to pee?" And of course, as soon as she said that, she realised she hadn't gone since the morning...and would have to pretty soon...

Thursday June 13th, 2075 1736, Renee's Shop, Cajun Town, Seattle

Renee smiles and nods at you. "See, you are adjusting already. Of course they go over the garter belt and I would have corrected this if you had not realized the something is wrong. Very good of you."

The change is made quickly and then Renee motions for the gown to be brought out. To your eyes, the dress is from another time and age and is completely out of the current style, but there is no doubting the craftsmanship that went into making it. Renee and one of the other women hold it over your head and let it slide down your figure. The women stand back and give the dress some critical looks and comments, speaking among themselves in their Creole patois. Some pins are brought out as well as needles and treads of various colors. You are required to remain standing as they make minor alterations to the gown.

Once Renee pronounces the dress complete, it is removed from you and you are taken to sit at a basin where your hair is washed and someone gives you a manicure and puts a bit of color to your nails. By this time Sandy shows up and has to go through the same things. Shoes and the jewelry are the last touches and Renee leads you both to stand in front of a large mirror. It is still you, but there is a big difference in how you look now as compared to a short while ago. Renee claps her hands together and smiles. "Magnifique, ladies, just perfect."

[Cynthia Rawson - 17:36, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Renee's Shop, Cajun Town, Seattle] #863

Cynthia went through the alterations in silence, a bit bewildered by everything going on. After the first minute she spent looking a bit anxiously at all the needles getting too close for comfort to her skin, she looked a few things on the Matrix, mainly to expand her lists of stuff they'd need for the house but also to find some resources about the language spoken here, sometimes asking confirmation to the woman closest to her at the moment that she did indeed get the right one.

When they started washing her hair, she grumbled "First time I ever got my hair washed in my panties..." From the corner of her eyes, she tried to follow what was happening to her hands, a bit baffled. That was also a first... Not that she had never tried to paint her nail, but never that way. And certainly never by someone else.

Standing in front of the mirror, she seemed lost. The girl in the mirror seemed to come straight out of a fashion magazine, one of those models others can only fantasize about, or reassure themselves believing it was only the result of image manipulations. That feeling was made even more important that the girl looking at her in the mirror was an elf, and a beautiful one at that, something she wasn't used to...and probably wouldn't be for a long time. But obviously, said girl followed each of her movements, and could only be herself. But still... She had to check that the stunning reflection was indeed her, still not really believing that words like pretty or beautiful could be applied to her.

After maybe a minute, spent lost in her own contemplation, she shook her head, deciding she should think about something else. Still looking at herself, moving a bit to see different angles, she said to no one in particular "We'll have to call for a nice car. There's no way we should go to that gala in the van or even a random taxi..." It's only then that she looked at Sandy. Or really looked at Sandy anyway "Wow... It's... Uh..." She raised her hand, slightly brushing Sandy's cheek with the back of her fingers, forgetting what she was planning to say.

Thursday June 13th, 2075 1750, Renee's Shop, Cajun Town, Seattle


When you look over at Sandy, you see her already staring at you. "Frag, Cynthia, you are gorgeous." She moves her hands down her body and shakes her head. "It is not just the dress that does it, but that gown really brings you out and makes me wonder what you see in me anyway. I........I.......fuck, Cynthia, I just don't really know what to say."

She takes your hand when you caress her cheek and puts your fingers to her lips to kiss them then looks up at you without letting your fingers go. "Ride? Oh yes, I get it. I can see if I can arrange for a limo or something like that."

[Cynthia Rawson - 17:50, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Renee's Shop, Cajun Town, Seattle] #864

When she was qualified as "gorgeous", Cynthia appeared embarrassed. Pretty sure, beautiful maybe, but gorgeous seemed really too much. Her gaze following the fingers Sandy was playing with, she seemed at a loss for words for a moment. After a moment, she laughed lightly "What I see? Well, it might be Stockholm's Syndrome..." More seriously, she added "I'm not sure I could put it in words, maybe some day I will find how... In the meantime..." she lightly kissed Sandy's lips.

She shook her head then, dropping that subject for something much more practical, something she was perfectly comfortable talking about "Getting a limo for the evening is easy enough. The thing is, limo means fancy, so a driver. Since we'll be at the gala under other names, I don't want anyone to be able to ask the driver where he picked us. Maybe we should get a taxi to an hotel Downtown and from there ask for a limo? It would be pretty easy to...convince...the hotel that we're guests there." At that point, she stopped talking, distracted by something Sandy did to her hand, a shiver running down her spine.

Thursday June 13th, 2075 1750, Renee's Shop, Cajun Town, Seattle


Sandy's hand is trembling a bit as she holds yours. "That is a good idea. Or maybe we could call and ask Tanya. She must know a discreet limo service?"

[Cynthia Rawson - 17:50, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Renee's Shop, Cajun Town, Seattle] #865

"Hum. Probably. But..." she seemed to hesitate, then shrugged "I don't want to depend on her for every little thing. For stuff I can't find or do by myself, or not easily anyway, then sure. But for more "normal" stuff, I don't want to take that habit. If nothing else because it'll be easier to say no if I have to at some point. If we ask her, I bet you she'd just send a limo over." She thought about that for a second then added "But mostly, I think I want to find solutions to any problem I come across by myself. It's more... I don't know...stimulating?"

She stopped, considering the problem, frowning "Additionally, I don't think I would trust a limo driver to keep his mouth shut in any circumstances, discreet or not. We're after people who left a lot of bodies behind, I wouldn't be surprised to learn torture isn't below them. Not that I think we'll draw that kind of attention at the gala, but you never know." half joking, an amused smiles on her lips, she added "And I wouldn't want some rich guy who took a fancy on you to try and find you to take you away."

She seemed lost in thoughts for a few seconds after that. Finally, she asked "By the way... Do you think someone could recognise you in there? My parents, or friends of them...or my brothers for that matter... sometimes go to stuff like that but considering that you only recognised me this morning because you were expecting me, and that I wore the same clothes as yesterday, I think I'm pretty safe even if I talked to them for an hour or two. Especially now that... Well..." with her free hand, she waved at her reflection in the mirror "But what about you?"

Thursday June 13th, 2075 1812, Renee's Shop, Cajun Town, Seattle


Sandy nods and gives you a big smile. "Good, I am glad we are thinking alike. I was hoping that you would say we should do it ourselves. So your plan then. Cab to a nice hotel then a ride from there to the gala." She blushes a deep red and opens and closes her mouth a couple of time without saying anything, then she smiles. "You are wicked, Cynthia. Just wicked. I don't think there IS a man with enough money to make me want to leave you. You are stuck with me until you give me the boot."

She does frown at your last question then nod. "Never really thought of that. Yes, I suppose it is possible that my parents could be at the gala. Not sure if they would recognize me like this. After all, all I ever wore before was casual stuff. They stopped making me go to things like this a long time ago. Still, if they are there they might see me. Should I stay here or can we work something out?"

[Cynthia Rawson - 18:12, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Renee's Shop, Cajun Town, Seattle] #866

Cynthia snorted "Ha, you only say that because I probably have more cash than a lot of them at the moment. But well, if I do find one insanely rich guy... Who knows?" she smiled then. Her joke was ruined quickly by a grimace of distaste and a slight shiver though "Erk, yeah, maybe not." not that she found the idea of dating a man repulsive, she wasn't thinking about herself as a strict...well...lesbian probably...considering her girlfriend... It seemed weird. Lesbian... That wasn't something she ever thought she would be. But anyway, dating a man wasn't the problem - in general at least - she just couldn't figure how someone would be interested in a much older partner.

She paused, her expression darkening "Stay here? Of course not." she paused to consider the problem, then shrugged "Knowing if they're there would be simple enough since I could just hack the Host. We wouldn't be able to do much at this point though. So I suppose we'll just have to wait and see. If they are indeed there, we'll only be able to hope they'll convince themselves that you're just someone looking remarkably like their daughter and can't possibly be her. You might even learn a few things about them if they talked to you like that... Could be interesting."

After a longer pause, she asked, frowning slightly "We're going there to work first, but... Is this our first date?" she rubbed her lips, pensive "Or maybe it was the ice cream earlier?" for some reason, the question appeared important to her. Maybe because it would be her first date ever.

Thursday June 13th, 2075 1813, Renee's Shop, Cajun Town, Seattle


Sandy moves a bit closer and talks in a low, throaty voice. "That, dearest Cynthia, was just the teaser. The gala is the first real date, even if it is a working date." She shakes her head. "Frag, I never thought I would be talking like this to another girl. Does it seem weird to you, too? Anyway, we have Renee and her assistants looking everywhere in the room except at us. Maybe we should go?"

[Cynthia Rawson - 18:13, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Renee's Shop, Cajun Town, Seattle] #867

Cynthia nodded. She was finding this strange indeed, and had just thought so moments ago after all. To be fair, she would probably find it strange with a boy too. Maybe a bit less, since while she hadn't really ever thought about romance, not seriously anyway, when she did it had always been with a boy, by default if nothing else.

She didn't get to say anything though as Sandy reminded her they were not alone. Her cheeks burning, crimson, she lowered her head, spitting image of a huge embarrassment. How could she even forget they were not alone? Sure her reflection had thrown her out of loop but still. She glanced at the other women in the room, and with a small cough said "Sorry, I, uh..." she couldn't exactly say she had forgotten they were here now, could she? Even if it was obvious. Instead, she lamely repeated herself "Sorry."

She glanced pitifully at Sandy, begging her to get them out of this awkward situation.

Thursday June 13th, 2075 1813, Renee's Shop, Cajun Town, Seattle


Renee comes forward and takes a hand of each of you. "No need to be sorry. We all know and it is as it is supposed to be. Just looking at you both looking at each other is enough to let all but the blind know that you are in love. What is the wrong in that, I ask you? I will tell you that there is nothing wrong with that. So what if it is not with a boy. There is no guarantee of happiness just because you are in love with a boy and not another woman. Life is dangerous and mysterious and you take from it what you can. If you are in love, you should not be hiding it. Think of all the wasted time you will build up by hiding. Embrace your love, if that is what it is. Embrace it and each other. Those that are too narrow minded to see, well, they are not in love themselves. Anyone in love will know that you should not care what others think. Miss Cynthia should care what Miss Sandy thinks, and the other way around. Who else is more important? We are not embarrassed to watch you, but we only wanted to give you some time alone, even in a room with four others. The town knows and is your friend and we are all your friends. Be happy together."

Sandy looks a bit stunned.

[Cynthia Rawson - 18:13, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Renee's Shop, Cajun Town, Seattle] #868

It took a few tries for Cynthia to manage to say anything after that, as she opened and closed her mouth a few times. Finally, with a slight shrug, she grumbled "I know the whole town knows. It seems at times that everyone knows what we're doing as soon as we do it." She looked at Sandy, then back at Renee "I don't really mind I suppose. Well, certainly not about that." she raised her hand holding Sandy's to illustrate what she meant by that. After a slight pause, she continued "But it's still no reason to forget everything around. If for no other reason that it's not..well...polite...I suppose."

She shook her head, putting her free hand on her stomach. Love. That was... It felt... Impulsively, she kissed Sandy's lips, shyly saying "Lets go?"

Thursday June 13th, 2075 1813, Renee's Shop, Cajun Town, Seattle


Sandy returns your kiss then nods. She turns to thank Renee and the other women then goes with you, only to be stopped before you go ten feet. Renee calls out for you to wait. "Just one moment. Please. I have a gift for you. It will help tonight." She snaps her fingers and one of her assistants comes forward with some cloth in her hands, giving it to Renee. "These are shawls. They will go perfectly with the gowns. You will see." As she hands each of you what is an exquisitely hand embroidered piece of material, she adds, "Now remember. Yu would not be able to dress yourselves in your gowns tonight and you will not be able to undress yourselves without ruining the gowns. I think you get the picture."

Sandy laughs and looks into your eyes. "I do get the picture. Thank you for your help, all of you."

As you leave the shop for the street, Sandy keeps hold of your hand and shakes her head. "What a place this town is. If I was not here, I would almost think it is all some sort of dream. But it is real and you are real, and I am in love. Is it OK to tell the world?"