Tales From a Misfit
Updates every Sunday.
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Found on wallhere. made by "wallup"
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“Have you been Greg?” Nick asked.
“Must you do the formally, Nick?” Greg replied. “You know I hate them.” “Yet you insist on coming back to a bar that already passed every check under the Sun.” Nick replied as the bell rang. “You expecting clients at this hour?” Greg asked “Not usually no, but I live here.” Renee said. “You want a drink? This is gonna be a while. It’s on the house tonight.” Renee and Nick prepared some drinks. A White Owl for Cel, a Floating Leaf for Susie, Cody got his Citrus Earth. And Joshua got a drink planted in front him. “I didn’t order anything.” Joshua replied. “No but but staring at that one forever, so just try it.” Renee said. “I promise it’s a s close to the book as we're gonna get.” Joshua took a small, and then a large chug. “It really is just like the book.” “Daddy made it, but made sure it was.” Renee replied. “Why are you here Gregory Allstein.?” Cel asked. “I was told you left to my mom” “Who I’m told left it to you.” Greg replied. “You know that is a strict violation of the rules!” “Interesting how much that does to you and Annabelle." Cel said. “You wouldn't.” Greg replied. “You’re right I wouldn't." Cel said, taking a swig of her White owl. “You turned me away in a heartbeat, and I could do the same. So I'm asking again, why are you here?” Greg signed. “I don’t want to be, okay? We got an anonymous trip, and we have checked it out.” And Travis?” Renee asked.“Still has that framed.” Greg said. “We don’t question it.” “An anonymous Tip huh?” Renee said. “What's gonna make that go away?” “We do take brides miss Shem.” Greg replied. “But you can make a new drink without Nick watching. I can turn away.” “What are you in the mood for?” Renee asked. “You can’t asked the a bar for a cutom drink you know?” “Something that proves you made your mark here, with force.” Greg said. “A taste what you add to this bar.” Greg said. “What Shocking Apple don’t do that” Cel asked. “It’s on the menu cause she made it!” “A Gobble Bobble. A white owl, the Floating leaf?” Cody added. “That record you get in a second of the day she came crying?” Nick said "Just how much more are you gonna put that girl through?” “I don’t have a choice!” Greg said, slamming his fist down. I need to see it.” “You always had a choice.” Cel replied. “At least I understand why Renee picked hers.” “Here.” Renee said, and planted a mug down.”One more new drink that gonna leave leave a mark.” “You have a name for it then?” Nick asked. “Maker’s Mark.” Renee replied. “It's a bit more cinnamon to a Shocking Apple. A mix to the Lantern's Oath, and I'm not not making it again.” “If that's not your answer, Greg.” Nick said. “Then you need to leave.”
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Renee sighed deeply. “I”m really sorry, and I don't know where this misunderstanding keeps coming from. But as the sign Daddy just finished putting up says, we’re a tavern not an actual carnival… It does say that on our website, Madam… Madam, you’re the one calling us because you were ‘Wondering why our site is misleading about carnival reservations.’” So, I think I can say with a great deal of confidence that I do know that.” Renee headed upstairs, so Nick could start serving actual patrons.
“I’ll wait a bit then, but you two feel free.” Aubrey said. “You sure, sis?” Will asked. “Hardly feels right on our younger sister’s birthday.” Clay said. “We’ve given a free drink, or two for less.” Nick replied. “An Autumn’s Anchor seemed like it might be to your taste. Considering Renee’s tone your brothers are more than welcome to a second choice as well.” Aubrey took a look at the menu. “Autumn’s Anchor does look good. But you two are for sure drinking with me, understand?” “Whatever shall we do, brother?!” Clay held his brother in fake shock. “Can we truly live thyselves committing to a free drink?” “We shall have to my brother!” Will continued the act. “For can thy truly live with thyself if thy were defile… the birthday?" “That does remind me.” Aubrey said after she giggled. “And since she called you daddy, I think it’s okay to ask you.” “Reasonable conclusion.” Nick replied. “I can always refuse to answer, and your brothers will need a minute anyways.” “Hardly, but nonetheless Renee isn’t gonna be hurt or anything by the scene, right?” Aubrey asked. “Hard not to know at least some of the details these days. “Yes, she’s gotten that question a lot.” Nick said. “And remains rather insistent that she likes seeing healthy families, I’ve never seen any reason to think otherwise.” “A Lantern's Oath for me,” Will said. “and Fruit Roulette for Clay.” “And I don’t know how healthy you could call this mess, but I suppose when you feel like a bar is the best place to go in the middle of the night.” Clay said. Nick simply walked behind the bar. Bring out the Autumn’s Anchor first, and the brother’s drink shortly after. “Looks far healthier than anything Renee went through before she ran away.” “Addressing the birthday girl’s concern?” Renee asked as she walked back down. Hopping from the second to last step. “However healthy your full family is or isn’t the only person related to me that I’d go anywhere with took me in as a co-owner.” “That really doesn’t bug you?” Aubrey asked before taking a big gulp. Knowing full well her brothers weren’t going to start until she did. “I had two farther-figure in my life.” Renee replied. “One, my actual father who is unfortunately recovering, and has no doubt gone back to ensuring the world around him is miserable as he is. And this one here, who didn’t need to know why I was crying at 2am at his door.” Renee hugged Nick. “Didn’t ask why I wanted to stay, or wanted to know how to mix a drink.” “Doesn’t care that their brother is calling him in the dead middle of his delivery routes.” Will said. “Becuase it his brother, and he knows better than call with anything less then ‘Sis has got her favorite birthday spot picked out, but it can sometimes get book solid.’” “Or doesn’t care that he’s gonna be the one keeping said sister distracted from our parents fighting by himself, because his brother’s ‘overtime’ is more important.” “You told me you got this just in time!” Aubrey said, setting a half full mug down. Clay simply chugged the rest of his Fruit Roulette. “That’s not a lie though.” Renee said as she collected cash from Will. “He almost hit me in the face swinging that door open. Poor guy seemed like he had just gotten done with some last minute order, but really needed to come here. Barely had the heart to tell him we hadn’t booked that many reservations lately. Aubrey chugged down the last half of the Autumn’s Anchor. “I want my Shocking Apple. And it’s my birthday, so I’ll—” Both brothers just hugged their little sister, as Renee brought out the Shocking Apple first. Nick followed with a Citrus Earth for Will, and a double mixed Festival for Clay. “It’s okay not to be the support of the group every so often.” Renee said. “What?” Aubrey asked. “I only do that in the video games we play together.” “Mhm.” Renee said. “And I suppose Will, whose free drink was still something he trusted, and fronted his way either only tanks in the video games too. Or maybe you rather that Clay two risk it drinks aren’t reflective of the kind of dps that freely goes full rpg.” Aubrey kind of giggled as wipe her tears, and took the first new swig. “Okay fine, would be a shame to waste a gift after all this.” “There’s one thing I never figured out.” Clay said. “Why Shocking Apple?” “Bro, seriously.” Will asked. “First drink a daughter without a proper home or family ever made. Fits Aubrey to a T.” The bus drives down as the 3 of us sit there. My minimum trust in our client clear as we sit across from each other.
“You came highly recommended.” The client said. “Please try to… at least…” “It's always the hardest part of the job, but someone has to try to do it.” I replied, as the car stopped. “I guess we’ll get started.” I shape shift as I step out of the car. In truth I had given up. Whether I shifted out of sight or in sight. They hated me. But the elders were never why I came, a fact the children refuse to let me forget. “That’s Miss Amber.” Matthew said, and right after I shifted. “She got a home for us.” Even as he spoke rain plotted along on the ground. “Guess your dad found you some Ashley?” “Mhm” Ashley said. “I found some stickers too!” “Do you really have a home for us?” Some unnamed girl Matthew introduced spoke. For once I let the bus do my job for me, and thankfully he understood. An announcement blared loudly over those speakers. Attention all people. This is the last day you get on the bus over or get left behind. “Just like you blowhearts! Leaving us all to rot!” “They’ve been here for an entire 3 months! You jacker!” An elder replied walking with 3 grandkids. “Please take them. Do mind that I couldn’t find em boots.” “You could come with?” I replied. “We can just call a second bus, really. Last DAY not last bus stop.” “Mighty kind of you, but I….” I catch just before he falls, and lt’s a few medics hull in a space. “They’re trained for that. He’ll be just fine.” I see a lot more teens and young children get up, and some elders get some help as well. And last but certainly least the angry mob. Complaining that I'm taking them, as if they don’t have eyes. “Look around you!” I shout. “Your planet is broken down highways and rain! I haven’t mention a single word in 2 weeks. I’m just collecting the rumble…. And hoping it manages, which is more than y'all ever wanted to do by the looks of it!I barely noticed this doesn’t to stop before one the the girls tug on my tugs me. Breaking down the disguise, and showing me off. Hooves fur, and all. “She is as safe as they come, mates.” The bus driver says. “Pick her up near 100 years. Never prouder ever since.” Those words inspire me a bit, and apparently inspire the client as he makes a call. “Amber, dear. seems we have our new pick ups. At least most of them.” “Adam? I just put the other down for a nap…. Oh they seem lovely. You… this is all of them? “We’re rounding the rest of what can get up” I replied. “I see about 5 more that will need a place to bunk, while we sort the homes out I’m collecting forums on the bus, because it's raining again.” “Oh, Sofia darling, what is your secret?” Amber asked over the comms. “You were already a 10 out of 10, and somehow you exceed even that.” “Quite so, If you don’t mind me saying so of a foreigner as well.” “For information, that is my secret.” I replied. “That’s just what being a rescued foreign does for the solar system you call salvation..” I walked into a courtroom with as much pride as those rainboots, and asserted just the sentiment. And with barely another word. I was the first foreigner crossroader. A hard job, but one I believed in, and if you find yourself there? Well, That just the kind of price you pay.. Letter from Crossroader Sofia A. Roffguard Renee knocked before opening the door to her own room. “I see you and Inky are getting along, at least.” She quickly closed the door, as the yelling downstairs carried on.
“Oh, so that’s your name?” Mylee said to the octopus plushie she was holding. Before looking at Renee. “I hope it’s alright? I just saw him and grabbed him.” “He does tend to have that effect.” Renee giggled. “I’d almost think that’s why Nick chose him when I got it as a gift.” “Nick is the one downstairs then? Other than Theo, I mean.” Mylee asked. “Yeah.” Renee signed, and sat next to Mylee. “He’ll be fine. He manages my father well enough too, so it’s not like this is new to him.” “Wait, he's not your dad?” Mylee asked. “You called him, daddy thought?” “With all due respect, you call Theo your boyfriend when you came dashing in here.” Renee replied. "That's different!" Mylee said. “I… I’m supposed to be his wife. It’s tradition, or something. ” Mylee hugged Inky tight as Nick and Theo shouting echoed. “You wanna flip a coin for who goes first on telling unhinged family stories?” Renee asked. Mylee bursts out laughing. “We came from India, and our families are close. His grandfather helped mine get across the ocean. It was just assumed the daughters marry the sons. And well the rest of them are happy as far as I know.” “Okay, but are the rest of these siblings married to assholes?” Renee asked. “Did you ask them if you—” The sound of glass shattering made both girls flinch. They went quiet for 30 or so minutes before there was a knock at the door. “It’s a bucaneer!” Nick said, and waited. The door unlocked , and Renee waited straight into his arms. “I knew you could handle it, but please try to make it not as terrifying next time?” Renee said. “And Also Mylee might be staying with us for a bit.” “The first part duly noted. The latter, I figured as much.” Nick replied. “But I like Mylee to speak with the siblings, and in-laws first. At least the one that aren’t dealing with Theo in my stead.” “Wait, what?” Mylee replied. “Well, they're rather worried about you, and one wants a Shocking Apple. She said something about ‘knowing my sister she huckered down somewhere safe, and I like the drink made by whoever made her that feel way.’” “We’re coming down, Lincoln!” Mylee said, as she got. All three went down and Mylee nearly got tackled to the ground as 3 sisters hugged her. Renee giggled as she let the chaos unfolded. “ You must be Lincoln then? I’m guessing the others are getting Theo out of our bar?” “And into a mental home, hopefully.” Lincoln said. “And still to Mylee to say as much about not marrying that idiot, but I think my sisters are on that one.” “I certainly hope so, that lug nut is insane, and I rather we only have one girl locked to abusive nonsense in here. Daddy got enough to deal with me.” “So I’ve heard. At least the small details. Hopefully you’re feeling more at home, here?” Lincoln asked. “Very.” Renee replied. “It was my understanding you need a Shocking Apple? Will the rest of you be ordering anything?!” Renee served the new suspected regulars in order along with Nick. Ensuring that Mylee was listened to, and comforted. “Okay, okay.” Mylee said. “Thank all of you, and I’ll talk to my dad tomorrow. But right now? I’d like to enjoy the night with people that clearly care about me. And aren’t as unhinged as my not boyfriend.” “I’m home…” Renee reply meekly as Cel walked her in.
“We… probably pushed a bit too far.” Cel said. “She did make friends though.” Renee got dragged up to her bedroom. Flopped in and held Inky without question. Mmm.. nap...” Was Renee’s only reply. Nick set up everything as Renee came downstairs. “I did like the retreat. Whatever I said afterwards." ‘‘A retreat! That must be what he needs” A elderly lady said. “Dear, can at least give a full try?” “But it must be that?” “Doesn’t seem like that stopped you two, your drink orders please?” Renee said. Hmm. She’ll probably have some old random thing. Like the bird she flies as much. “No doubt he spent on some magic beans.” She said. “You know, if Nick could spend on anything. I have my doubts it would be my new clothes or PJs” Renee replied. “Well that's natural, dear.” The old man said. “Morris., and would love a Planted Beanstock. ” “A white owl does sound good when getting old. Eleanor, young lady.” “He's not my dad you know..” Renee replied before walking behind the counter “He’s not?” Eleanor asked. “Never knew Mike had a daughter up until now, Always said it comes back around to get him, if it comes for me as well? So be it.” Morris said. “You.. You knew?” Renee asked, and she shivered a bit. “All that time, and you knew?” “You don't have to serve me, if you want you don’t to, dear. It’s more than I deserve.” Morris. Eleanor placed the money on the table. “Just keep the change. Why did he want to come here?” “Knowing Morris he’ll have to use himself.” Renee replied. “He was a bit poor at saying how long he felt.” “What is that word? What goes around, comes around?” Morris asked. “Karma, dear.” Eleanor replied. “But whatever does that have to do with anything?" “He couldn't say anything when my actual father was abusing me. I couldn’t say anything about his old wife abusing him. Now here we are. With the chance to say anything we want too. And I don’t know about him, but I’ve got is I should’ve done something.” “You were a child, and you ran. You were braver than I ever was.” Morris said. “Karma brought me around to face myself.” “Morris.” Renee said, and placed his drink. “If karma brought you it’s to remind you that you were one the reason I ran away.” “What?” Eleanor asked. “Turn away. Don't make my mistake” Renee replied. Those were all the words he ever mangled to mutter. When I was around. I never knew what happened to him after.” “Took my own advice.” Morris said. “Once you ran I dumped everything, and found someone who I’d rather spend arguing with, then stay with a person who would sink into the bottom this ocean.” “There’s a drink in that advice.” Renee said. “But I just got back on vacation, so maybe in a few nights.” “We look forward to tasting it.” Morris said. Renee waited as Jen jolted awake. Seems it was her turn to have a nightmare this time. “Well I guess they put us together for a reason.” Renee said.
“Wish they had told me that” Rose replied, and yawned. “But I suppose I did say to put me with the weird lot.” “Here, Jen.” Renee replied. “They let me have a mixing set to calm me down, but you need this more I think.” Renee handed a Clockwork. “Yes, it does have alcohol in it, so do be careful if you're a lightweight.” “Yeah you mentioned running a bar with your uncle.” Jen took a swig, and then a deep breath. “You made this?” “Nick made the recipe, if that's what you’re asking.” Renee said. “Tuaght me everything I know, but otherwise, yes I made it.” “You got anymore in the kit of yours?” Rose asked. “I’ll take my usual, if you can?” Cel said. “Knowing daddy, he probably packed a bit more in here… Yep. here it is.” Renee brewed a White Owl, for Cel, a Black’s Sheep Gift for Rose, and Shocking Apple for herself. “We probably weren’t supposed to use it all on night 2.” “Well I’ll see if I can get some more, but it's for a good cause either way” Cel replied. “How did you?... I didn’t even ask.” Rose said. “Oh she just does that.” Cel said. “Knows what drink you need before even you do.” “You umm… Well you kind of like your family, or what parts of them you have.” Renee said. “And Black Sheep’s Gift is something me and Daddy made together, so I’d figure it was up your alley.” “What made him make this one?” Jen asked. “That is our newest one actually, and he made it after I snapped at a regular over what family means. Black Sheep’s Gift we made together.” White Owl I made specially for Cel.” “And Shocking Apple?” Cel asked. “ How did you makes your anyways.?" “Well I made it cause… I wanted to, I guess. I remember like apple juice, and Daddy was always important to me. For whatever reason I brew in that tavern of his. And it has just been mine ever since.” Renee said. “Which is probably why he refuses to learn how to make it.” “What?” Jen asked. “Surely he just tasted it and figured it out?” “And I could taste Five Hunters again too, and make it a heartbeat. But I'm not going too.” Renee replied. “Why not?” Jen asked. “Shouldn’t you both care enough to make each other drinks?” “I used to wonder that myself.” Cel said. “And then my mom said something to me.” “Which was?” Rose said, and took a swing herself. “Don’t you think Renee has enough take for her? That has been through more than any of us will ever really know.” cel replied. “Nick see what Mike can’t, so if he says leave it alone. Leave it alone” “Maybe one day I’ll tell him” Renee said. “But right now? I like having something that’s mine.” “Wish my mom understood that sort of thing,” Jen replied mumbling. ‘Well seem to me.” Cell said, taking a swig herself. “That even if she doesn’t, you got 3 girls that will.” Renee jolted awake in cold sweat panting as she steady her breath. Where was she again? Why did things seem… She slowly calmed as she started to remember.
“Well… Certainly glad you were excited to come.” Cel said, earning a small laugh from the room. “We were supposed to do this tomorrow morning, but seeing as we’re up. Hi, my name is Cel. Yes ‘that’ Cel from what my mom tells me. I’ve wanted to come for ages. And finally far enough along in my studies to do so, so I hope I live up to my reputation. Renee, I know, and I think we’ll give her a break on the introduction, for now.” “Jennifer, or Jen.” Jen replied. “And I don’t know how well I’ll be able to judge that as it's my first year at this… retreat camp thing, as well. I’m just glad to know I won't be the only one scaring people at night.” “Oh, that’s what they meant. I’ll have to tell them it’s no problem then.” Another girl offered Renee some tea. “Rose, it’s my 4th time here. I always find it a lot easier to make friends here. You’re our junior counselor for the next two weeks then?” “If you’d prefer someone with more experience. I’ll understand.” Cel replied. “Actually, I like meeting different counselors each time. Still trying to find some more habits that work.” Rose said. “Yeah, I feel you there.” Renee replied, sipping some of the tea. “He’s supposedly bedridden, and here I am having nightmares about Mike for the first time in years.” “Family issue then?” Rose asked. “Fath—” Renee got a pillow thrown at her by Cel. “I’ve read everyone’s files. Except for Renee, as she already told me pretty much everything.” Cel said. “And while you obviously need to use words to explain, in this cabin you’re not given those people official titles like that.” “He’s was supposed to be my father.” Renee replied before taking a sip of her tea. “Long story short my Uncle Nick deserves the title of ‘daddy’ far more than he ever did. Like that?” “Exactly like that.” Cel said. “You our the first counselor to set an immediate first rule that I’m fully on board with.” Rose said. “And ex-boyfriends?” Jen asked. “Do they have a rule?” “Imma borrow an idea from a different friend of mine for that.” Cel replied. “Pick whatever disgusting animal, and that’s their name.” “So next order of business, was there some reason that no one woke me up?” Renee asked. “Can’t help but notice these are drenched.” “We wanted to, but you were flailing everywhere. Barely even caught Inky. Feel free to go through the sheets though” Cel said, and pointed to the pile of fresh ones she had laid out. “It is a trauma recovery camp. We’ve got plenty of extra, and a small laundry room in here.” “What were you dreaming about anyways?” Jen asked. “If you don't mind sharing.” “Yeah, it really starts to seem like a warzone or something.” Rose said. “Minus well have been.” Renee took a deep breath as everyone helped change her sheets. “Adam had pulled some kind of legal strings or something, and basically his and Mike’s slave. Forced to sleep in a cage, if sleep was even allowed.” Renee teared up a bit. “I... woke after being told ‘just to remind you that there’s nowhere to run this time, and then had a shock collar put on me.” “Damn, what all happened in that house?” Rose asked. Cel hugged Renee very tight,and gave her Inky back. “A lot of things. You gonna be okay to sleep tonight?” “A nightlight wouldn’t hurt, and maybe another set of sheets ought to be put out.” Renee replied. One set of sheets out by her bed, and a plugged in night light later, and Renee had managed to get back to sleep… even if it did take an hour or two to feel safe again around her new friends. “Sir?’ Renee said, as she walked outside. “We can stay open for a bit”
“I don’t need to bother you… I’ll roam a bit.” The old man said. Renee stared for a bit. “We got a mango drinks too!” The old man paused, and turned around. “How did you?” “You picked up a few things.” Renee replied. “Trying for a dream.” “You are open, you said?”the old man asked. “We can be.” Renee said, leading him inside, and lets him sit. “Hi Daddy!” “We’re staying open a bit late then.” Nick asked. “If that’s okay?” Renee replied. “I’m sorry I—” “No one said that was a problem,” Nick said. “Just locked up when you're done.” “Okay. well what you then. I’m guessing a Fruit Roulette, but just mango?” Renee said. “Greg. and yes” Greg as he sat down. “And a way to win my daughter a back.” “Have you apologized?” Renee asked as she walked behind the bar. And the served him the drink. “Or have you really tried?” “I… the world keeps changing and I…I tried too. I told her I should have listened.” Greg replied. “Okay did you change?” Renee said. “ Okay did you just repeat yourself? I mean Mike apologizes every day of the week. Usually on Saturday" “And? What happen” Greg asked. “You’re here so.” “Yeah well Mike never changed or improved” Rene said “ So I stumbled into this bar here with my uncle Nick and such.” “Why him?” Greg asked. “Or I guess..” “ no go on.” Renee said. “To answer your question, he was the one I felt safe going to. Always could tell him anything” “Well what do I do then? To be the safe one?” Greg asked “Well it's gonna be a bit based on what little info I have. I mean broke her trust it sounds like?” Renee replied. “Unless I’m wrong there of course.” “No, that sounds right.” Greg said. “I did some things that I really never should have done, and it makes sense to me that she hates me.” “Have you told her that?” Renee asked. “Would that matter?” Greg asked. “Right away? No.” Renee said. “But it is an indication that you’re trying, provided you actually keep to it anyways.” “What does that mean?!” Greg asked. “Haven’t I—” “Haven’t you what?” Renee asked. “Done enough? Because what? you provided her shelter. Was that not the plan when you helped give birth to her?! No one asked to be born you know? No one asked to be brought into here. You’re supposed to provide shelter. You made the choice to care enough to help birth a child.” “So did your father!” Greg said. “He cares about you!” “Cares to ignore my every emotional need?! Care enough to make me cry enough to just up and leave?!” Renee said. “At least here there’s a man who—” Renee jumped as a hand gripped her shoulder. “Everything alright down here?” Nick asked. “I’m sorry to wake you, Daddy.” Renee said. “And what makes him so special?” Greg replied. “Nothing.” Nick replied. “Nothing, but I actually tried to listen. Did a lot more than provide shelter for her. And I think it’s about time you either tried or leave. Renee watched Greg leave “Thanks, and I’ m sorry I woke you up.” “You didn’t wake me up” Nick replied. “Trying to worry about you did.” “Just asked her, sweetheart.” Renee said. “At least then you tried.” She planted down a Shocking Apple right after.
“I guess, but… I'm just weird.” Amber said. “And what if she doesn’t like me anymore” “What if who doesn’t like you anymore?” Samantha replied after she walked in. “Oh, some random girl. You did and book at roughly time, so you mind me servering you both right?” Renee asked. “Not at all, on my end.” Samantha said. “I hope Amber doesn’t mind?” “No, of course not.” Amber said. “You come here often?” “No, actually I remember you mentioning the place.” Samantha replied. “And sounds like a place I’d like, so I figured I’d stop by.” Samantha looked over the menu before Amber coughed. “You um… probably like a Homesick.” Amber stared at her as she looked over the menu. “Kind of seems like your kind of drink.” “You could have come to me if it was making you this nervous.” Samantha replied. “Whoever this boy is, they'd be lucky to have you, you know!? “Girl.” Renee replied. “And I'll be right back with that Homesick then?” “Yes, one Homesick and one more what she’s having.” Samantha said. “And any girl would be lucky to have you then.” “You… You think?” Amber asked. “No, I know!” Samanthaantha asked. “What are you so nervous about? Any girl who can’t like you after you confess a few feelings. Isn’t worth it anyways,” “So Samantha,” Renee put the drink down. “If some random dude, that you felt very close confessed his feelings to you?” “I’d have to tell him I'm lesbian but I’d appreciate the effort.” Samantha replied. “At least he tried, ya know? And hey, at least I made someone feel that way. Kind of like…” “You can say it.” Renee said. “Kind of like how my uncle made me feel. Quite frankly the website was long overdue for an update.” Samantha took a swig, and her eyes brightened a bit. She down the whole thing and planted an empty mug. “I can be here to have another of those, right?” Renee giggled, and took the mug to the back. Coming with a new one. “Yeah, of course. You pay for the spot. Do what you want with it.” “Sam?” Amber asked. “You’re a…? “Yeah I never mention it these days.” Samantha replied. “It's not hide it thing. I just got tired of repeating it over and over. And are you gonna take a swig of that?” Amber finished the whole mug in one go, and took a deep breathe. “I… I was here because I wanted to ask you out, and the worried thing was because I was worried you’d hate me.” Renee grabbed the empty mug, and walked back behind the counter. Right after Sam slapped Amber. Glaring at her. “Why would I hate you for that?! Think it through, Amber!” Samantha signed. “You make me laugh, you’re cute, you apparently just know what kind of drink I’d like. I couldn’t think of a more perfect girl to spend my life with.” “I just… I didn’t wanna ruin something, ya know? And you never said you were… into that.” Amber replied. “You could have asked too, ya know?” Samantha said. “But I'm glad you tried, and I guess we have our new date night spot~” Both girls laughed, and Renee brought back a refill. Along with a few others. “Oh!... before I forget again.” Renee said. “We do have a package deal going.” The piece of Fungi fired out of her slightslot. The collection of leaves, mushrooms, and Lapwhileken bees’ honey masking any trace of her far too much for the 3 boys that had been trying to rob her swamp.
“Dude put that down!” One teenager replied. “No, man come on it’s just-- Emma put a nut in her mouth, truly sounding like a monster while she spoke. “You put it down? you leave. You don’t? death all.” “Okay, no one buys that fake story anymore, swamp queen!” the teenager, holding his loot, replied. “What are you gonna do other than fire some stupid slingshot?” A slingshot’s ammo burst into powder again. Right on a tree next to the teenagers escape route. The growl of a tiger followed after. “Len, drop the thing! Right now!” the 3rd teenager finally spoke. “Do you want us all to die?!” “Do you have any idea how people would pay to—” Lem started to argue before he got shot right in the face. Falling fast asleep seconds after. +Emma split out the nut, and stepped out of her hiding place. “You take him with you, and you leave. That?” She pointed to the strange loot Len dropped "stays." “Could I ask one thing? Jezebel asked. “My name is Jezebel, but most call me Jez.” “What’s your question, Jez?” Emma asked. “My name’s Emma, since your kind usually considers that a sign of trust.” “Is… is it going to be okay?” Jez asked. “Len took out of that weird lake and… it just has been struggling ever since.” “Look we… were just curious, and if Len was on his own he was going to do something stupid.” Liam said. “We should have talked him out of it. But sometimes, that’s just not possible.” Emma stared, and walked to the creature. “Come… Len will be out for a bit. And if you speak the truth, I’ll know shortly.” Emma led them to the lake that they took the creature from and threw him back into the water. The sighs of relief followed quickly when he emerged looking a bit healthier. “He might be a bit sick, but his mother can take care of that.” “Mom?” Jez asked. A massive version of what they had taken emerged after she asked. “We… took a child?” “A toddler would be more accurate. He hatched less than a year ago.” Emma replied. “The childhood years are their best out of water. After 10 they tend to keep to whatever waters they were born in unless needed. “And the tiger we heard doesn’t eat them?” Liam asked “Frostbite?!” Emma replied, completely calm as a cyan tiger came to her side. “He was poached. Not sure where he came from, but to him this is his pack now. Not that, I mind him eating the plants around here. He’s immune to poisons anyways. He’s probably a gate keep, in all honesty.” Emma fed him some kind of berry. “Okay… then why did the story start?” Jez asked. “When did you get here? Why are you still here?” “Same as Frostbite.” Emma replied. “I have no memory of being abandoned. Maybe that was the custom then. Maybe that's just how my species did things. For all I know maybe I’m that curse from left to rot in here from… what is it 250 years ago now? I know they looked after me for a very long time. And now I know how to take care of them. I just felt like it was worthwhile returning the favor.” The small creature came over close with his mother. Hold a very dried fin out. His mother looked depressed as she put the fin back in. “Oh I’ve got just the thing.” Emma said, walking into her hunt after. “What did we do?” Liam asked. “we Let Len rope us into something stupid.” Jez replied. “Really started to feel like he should get put somewhere.” “Give us an update as soon as you can Jez?” Liam said. “I think it time I do just that, and don’t worry about Len. I’ll pull him out.” “Okay.” Jez answered. “I can do that.” Emma came back after about 10 minutes. “Where Liam go?” “He wanted updates from me.” Jez said. “Knowing him? He's gonna do his best to make sure no disturbs this place again.” “Arc?” Lets see that fin again?” Emma replied. “If that's okay, Nessy?” The mother nodded, and let arch show his wounded fin again. Letting Emma pour something on it. Both girls watched as it healed slowly. “You keep in the water, and check back in 3 days, okay?” Emma asked. “Arched nod, and swam away. Looking much better then before. --- 5 days later there was a paper at Emma's door. She picked it up and read it. Noting a front page article. “nearly die," Laim said. “over some stupid rumor” “We let him get us wrapped in something stupid, and almost ate a mushroom just to make a point. I don’t how this nonsense started, but the only thing out in that swamp? Are things that stubborn will get you killed for. I’m so grateful one of us at least had the sense to get us to walk back home.” “And we will not be allowing people back into that place.” Jez has also announced. “That swamp is now protected, and no one is getting in or out.” --- A few days after Emma showed up. Just far inside the gate to not be seen. “Well, seems someone’s daughter has learned. “No, I learn from her. As well” Jez’s father said. “She told me everything. I simply wanted to see it myself. Miss Emma. Consider yourself the Guardian of this place.” “I’ll let your daughter know if anything weird comes back up.” Emma replied. |
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