luministi | ◌ 015 ◌ Trusting my intuition

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◌ 015 ◌ Trusting my intuition

[It's been about a week and a half. That should be good - long enough since their last conversation. ...Why did Mister Braxiatel ask her to do this though? She's not confident she will be able to catch Ms Ardes in being deceitful. However, to press every advantage she is sending a video message, despite her self-consciousness at the fact that her glasses are now painted on her face somehow. (She's hoping it's not too obvious, and she's kept the lighting dim in her living room. Still freaks her out every time she looks in a mirror though.)]

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[Private message to Ms Audrey Ardes.]

Ms Ardes, I hope that you are doing well and have avoided the quiz games.

If I may, I have a couple of things I wanted to talk to you about. Certainly more light-hearted than last time, however!
Sheriff Iussus once mentioned that you might be able to bring in a Karaoke machine to your establishment. Do you suppose that might be possible? It would be great fun.

Also, seeing as you were the hostess for the re-opening of the Botanical Gardens, I was wondering if you might tell me more about the gardens.

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[Audrey doesn't look any different than she did the last time they spoke, except for the dark circles under her eyes and a very weary smile] As much as I don't want you to risk those door things, I think it would be easier to talk in person. And I did get the karaoke machine, sugar pie! I just need another hand helping to set things up--or rather another interested hand, if you know what I mean! This bunch hasn't been into singing lately, so maybe you can show them a thing or two!

My shift officially ends in about an hour. I'll meet you then, Fuu darling.

[turns off the transmission]

[How on earth is she not doll-like yet...? It's a good thing, but, still. Maybe she's good with games? Or just hasn't gone out? Come to think of it, has she seen any residents in the in-between stages like the new residents?]

[In any case, Fuu shows up an hour later. Her CAT is ready to go in case she gets a hard question, but she gets another one of those darn games of chance. Happily luck is on her side and she clears the shell game.]

[She feels a bit odd and nervous entering the pub - after all, minors are not usually allowed. Plus she wonders what Ms Ardes will say about her transformations.]

Pardon me, Ms Ardes?

[even though she did see Fuu in the video message, she can't help but gasp a little when she sees her in person] Oh darling... I'm so sorry. [immediately makes her way over to Fuu and almost touches her shoulder--but stops]

[softly] Oh honey, what have they done to you...?

[Fuu is deeply touched by her concern, but looks a bit curiously at her paused hand. She then seriously looks Ms Ardes directly in the eyes.]

I'm being turned into a doll. Slowly, unlike other residents.

[She folds back the long sleeve of her blouse to show her felt arms. And of course, at this distance the fact that her glasses are painted on and her hair is felt is unmistakable.]

Ms Ardes, who are 'they'?

[she sighs] Yes, I can see that just from the looks of you. And that's...that's sort of why I haven't wanted to leave. I get a question wrong, and zing! I'm a doll just like Verita and the rest of them...

[but when she hears Fuu's question, her eyes widen slightly] They being the, uh, questions of course! [she puts on a smile and laughs, and slips an arm around Fuu's shoulder, leading her towards a booth. in a whisper:] I can't say.

[Her mouth open to ask another question, she snaps it shut and presses her lips together in a thin smile at her whisper. A shiver runs up the back of her neck. The observers. And she knows about Miss Verita and the others that Mister Braxiatel spoke of.]
[She lets herself be steered towards the booth, hurriedly putting a wider smile back on her face.]

Of course! It is wise of you to stay in when it's so dangerous. At least I can afford to make some mistakes.

But, I did promise that we'd talk about lighter things this time, right? [So she had, but now her mind is turning for a way to get Ms Ardes to safely communicate who is behind all this. A turn in the conversation, perhaps even writing it out... something.]

[gives her a grateful smile] Have a seat here, darling. Would you like anything to eat or drink while you're here?

Thank you! Perhaps just an orange juice with sprite?

Ah, and while I'm thinking of it, I was wondering something in regards to the balance of my money. I can't seem to get my CAT to display it. I would hate to one day go to pay for a juice and be told that I have insufficient funds!

Coming right up. [heads over to the bar, listening to Fuu speak]

You can't, huh? Well, just hold on a minute and I'll see what I can do. [prepares Fuu's drink and a moment later, she comes back over with it and a drink for herself] There you are! Now, lemme see that CAT.

Thank you.

[She hands it over in exchange for the drink, and recalls what Ms Sara had said about the money. Conversationally she continues,]

I had wondered how a town might support itself while giving the new residents seemingly unlimited funds. However if there is some sort of limit that we can see, it might be a bit reassuring - in a way! I must admit it was a bit heady to be able to buy whatever I wished.

[examines it while she's talking] The town economy is very sound, if that's what you mean. Plus it's always thrived on donations from Dr. Resarci. He's a billionaire, you know.

[Fuu blinks in surprise. A billionaire? Here? ...And something about the idea that she's may have been using doctor Resarci's money this whole time kind of creeps her out...]

No, I don't think I did. Do you know how he came by his fortune? And why would he share it with a small town like this?

[she shrugs her shoulders] No idea, but I suspect he shares it because he's friends with the Mayor. Likes to see things running in town. Footed the bill for lots of places around here.

[she makes a frustrated noise suddenly] Oh, damn this thing. I can't get it to display what you've got in there. [frowns, handing the CAT back to Fuu] Sorry about that, sugar pie.

[All this is sure making her wish that she'd been faster to bind the man with her magic last she'd seen him. Next time--]

Not to worry. Thank you for trying. [She puts the CAT away and gives a smile.] So long as the library is paying me, I'm sure I'll be all right.

Now, you say that doctor Resarci helped to pay for many buildings. I don't suppose that it would be all the newer ones, like the renovations to the library and the changes that led to the re-opening of the botanical gardens?

[somewhat resignedly] Let's just say there wasn't a building where he didn't funnel some money into, and really...the botanical gardens only needed a sprucing up. I thought they were fine before.

[quietly, watching keenly for Ms Ardes' reactions.] So in other words, the whole town in indebted to him.

Really? What kind of changes were made for the re-opening?

[she sighs again, a flicker of anger flitting across her features involuntarily in reaction to Fuu's whispered words]

Pruning, trimming, planting a few new flowers and trees here and there. That sort of thing.

[Ah. It certainly would be nice to get Ms Ardes somewhere where she could openly speak her mind...]

That seems a really simple change to warrant a whole re-opening ceremony. [However it certianly gave doctor Resarci opportunity to exert is influence there as well.]

Did he have other partners in his projects around town?

The Mayor insisted on it. He wanted everything to be perfect.

But don't misunderstand me, Fuu. Every building and project that Dr Resarci has funded in town has been done with the Mayor's permission and approval. He's the one who has to say 'yay' or 'nay' for anything that goes on, or at least... [she smiles nervously, getting up suddenly] Sorry, I just remembered I'd left something on the burner out back.

[starts heading over there]

[Anything? And from the was she was reacting, perhaps that would even include... the murders? But why-?]

[Fuu gives her a quizative look as she gets up and leaves the table. Left something on? But she'd said that she would be done work...]

Is it something I can give you a hand with? You should get to relax when you're off work!

[waves a hand] Oh no, I'm all set, sugar pie. I can't ever really relax, not even with the number of patrons as low as they've been lately. So many duties, you know, running a public house all on one's own... [a melancholic look takes over her face as she disappears into the back room behind the bar.]

[That sad look, and suddenly excusing herself... Fuu just can't let her concern go.]

[As Miss Ardes disappears she glances around the room. There are only a couple others there, and they all seem to be paying her completely no mind (despite her look and age). So she calmly gets up and quietly makes her way to the bar. She then slips behind the bar and moves close to the room that Miss Ardes went to, to see what she can hear. (And ready to dash back to the other side of the bar if she hears her coming back!)]

[Fuu will hear a bit of sighing and banging of things on a stove, but Audrey isn't gone too long before she comes back out and jumps back in surprise at seeing Fuu there.]

Oh my goodness gracious! What are you doing back here?

[She gives Audrey a bright smile!] Oh, just being curious! What are you making? I was thinking perhaps I would have something to eat after all, because it will be a while until I have dinner.

[her look back, however, is filled with worry and anxiety as she carefully ushers her back out from behind the bar.] A few pies, sweet and savory versions, actually. I've got a chicken pot pie coming out soon, or if you'd like a mini shepherd's pie, I can do that for you too. Just promise me you'll stay out here. Please. [if Fuu is looking, she'll notice a hint of fear in Audrey's eyes]

[Fuu does her best to look innocently back into Ms Ardes' face, but she grows even more concerned as she sees the worry, anxiety and... even fear? that she finds there.]

[Pies are not that scary.]

[Is she worried for what Fuu would see back there, or for herself? Either way, she feels obligated to agree to her asked promise.]

I'm very sorry to have troubled you. I promise to stay out of the back. [Nothing against asking someone like Mister Hawk to look for her, though.]

I don't believe I've ever had a 'mini shepherd's pie' before, Ms Ardes. What's it like?

[if Audrey could say, she would tell Fuu that she is afraid for both of them, especially now]

It varies. I've seen it done several ways, but I make mine with beef and lamb, corn and other veggies, with a mashed potato topping. It's mini because I put them in small tins so people can take them on the go. Same with the rest of my pies.

[ooc: and this one is a wrap too ^.^ Darn evasive residents! (It's a shame to do it abruptly, but it's better this way. New plot is calling~~)
For the record, Fuu's insides are stuffing at this time, so although she takes a pie to go, she'll not eat it. (maybe put it in the freezer...)]

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◌ 015 ◌ Trusting my intuition

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