Topic: Jibber Jabber

Carley

Date: 2009-06-22 06:00 EST
Econ-Omni Apartments
June 20th, 12:09 AM RST


Carley was quick on her feet after she left the Red Dragon Inn. Tired or no, there was no reason for her to dawdle about in WestEnd at night. She wasn't quite certain if the area lacked the safety of the rest of the city still, or if that too had changed in her absence, but habit was habit, after all. Having been quick, it didn't take terribly much time for the little elf to arrive at her humble home at the Econ-Omni Apartments.

Not as tidy as it had been, with unopened boxes set around here and there, it didn't look as homey as it once did. She had taken the time to unpack clothing, assorted necessities, her violin, and some Crimson Flash figurines to set around to 'spruce things up', but it didn't feel right to her, somehow, to unpack everything. When the Luinista was repaired and her business running again, even if it was stationed in Rhydin, she'd still be staying in her apartment less. So there was little point in unpacking. Still, perhaps it would make things seem less... lonely, if it actually looked as if someone lived there.

After taking the time to lock her door, secure all deadbolts and chains, and change into comfortable sleepwear, Carley dropped into the chair at her desk with a sigh. Though tired there was still a bit much going on in her mind for her to simply go to sleep just yet. Rather than dwell on the negatives however, she smiled slightly to herself as she replayed the events of the night in her mind. Remembering that Franco informed her she would be receiving the issues of the Gossip Gangstar she missed in her absence, she was quick to pull open the top drawer of her desk. She had received mail earlier in the day, but simply tossed it in there without a second glance.

Pulling out the various envelopes, she started sifting through them excitedly in hopes of having something from the Gossip Den sent her way. None of it seemed terribly important, however. A bill. A notice about the warehouses she was looking to lease. Junk mail from E.R.E.O.C urging her to join with the promise of a free t-shirt. Nothing from those associated with the Gangstar. Before disappointment could settle in, Carley pulled out a particularly fancy yet familiar envelope - a letter from her cousin.

Normally such a sight would have her cringing, but it had been quite some time since she heard from Cythia. Other mail stashed away and deemed worthless, she lifted the envelope to her nose for a sniff before making a face. They usually smelled of whatever potpourri her cousin stuffed in the envelope (for flair) and while it used to smell pleasant, this latest batch was an assault on Carley's nose. "Ugh."

Doing her best to ignore the scent and keep potpourri leaves from spilling out over her desk, the envelope was ripped open at one end so she could slide the letter out. Naturally, it was written on very fine stationary that matched the envelope it came from. Unfolding it, Carley set about reading the flawless, elven handwriting on the page.


Dearest cousin,

I hope life finds you well. As a matter of fact, I hope life finds you period. I have not received word from you in quite some time, Carlisle Qui'Ama, and you know how this worries me so. I mean not to fuss, but with you traveling around as you do and me unable to easily contact you, a letter now and then to let me know you haven't crashed your airship into the ocean would be most appreciated. Now, I shall badger you no further on the issue, assuming you write me back in a timely manner.

Life here is as it usually is, which can be somewhat boring at times. However, Kitty Kat has done a wonderful thing in her latest expedition into the desert. She and her crew managed to find some buried ruins in the desert, which means there's quite the treasure trove to be had. I long to get my hands on it, but alas, the area has not been made public yet. There is certain protocol that we all must respect (a lesson you should learn) for our safety. I would rather wait than leap now, only to leap into the open mouth of a sand wyrm. Especially during breeding season. Kitty Kat says they're coming out in troves.

I admit that I worry for her as I do for you. And just as you do, she dismisses it! You're both alike in many ways, you know. I suppose it's one reason I hold you both as dear as I do.

As I am not sure you will receive this letter, nor when if you do, I will keep it brief. Should you be reading, however, I implore you to write me back, yes? Tell me how things are going in your life. The last I heard you and the captain of your ship were doing well? I hope this is still the case.

With love,
Forcythia

P.S: How do you like this new potpourri I picked up? It's made of Sandblooms.


The letter. It wasn't entirely... right. Sure, Cythia had thrown in her usual taunts and jabs as always, but this letter was so short. Even if she said it was going to be short, it was so unlike Cythia. Perhaps she had gone too far this time in worrying her cousin? She hadn't contacted her for months...

Sighing with a heavy amount of guilt now weighing upon her, Carley slid the letter back into a drawer. She would at least try to contemplate a thoughtful response. Later.

Carley

Date: 2009-06-22 07:50 EST
Econ-Omni Apartments
June 22nd, 2:52 AM RST


Glenn. Wen. Franco. Locke's package. Annoyance with Orson. A dance with Cy. A run in with monsters. Her days had been far from boring, to say the least. It was expected, however. It was Rhydin. At least it had all put her negative emotions on the back burner. Except for the fact that Carley still angsted over the fact that Cy had left her in the glen when those things attacked. Sure, it was important he get Wen out, but to leave her so abruptly? She certainly wasn't going to tell him she had fun dancing with him, that's for sure.

It hadn't been long since she had arrived home, but Carley found herself unable to drift away to sleep. So much lingered in her mind. Thoughts she wanted to put into words. Perhaps there was a way...

She found herself sitting at her desk, plain stationary strewn about along with the letter from her cousin. It was time to pen a response. In blue ink and loopy script. And common, rather than elven - it was always good for practice, not to mention it annoyed Cythia so.


Dear Cythia,

First and foremost, I'm obviously still alive. You likely know that, after seeing my name and the address on the envelope. Secondly, ya need to work on your faith in me if you think the Luinista is resting at the bottom of an ocean somewhere. Or at least faith in Gramps since he's a very good pilot, senior moments notwithstanding. You just worry too much. It's annoying.

Right now, I'm stuck back home since the Luinista is undergoing some repairs. But even after it's done I'm gonna station my business outta Rhydin, so I'll be here more often than I was before, so I'll try to keep up with writing ya more often. You should be able to contact me more easily too, since I'll be living here in my apartment. I didn't want to give it up, so I kept sending in rent money for it and had Eddie look out for it.

Eddie's made 4 new flavors in my absence. They're all real good. He said he'd have made more, but with me gone he didn't feel as inspired. It's been really good to see him again. I haven't really seen some of my other friends though, since I can't find some of them. Fire's too busy with her freeloading husband - yeah, she got married. Can you believe it? He's cute and all, but he doesn't have a job or nothing, so I think she has to support him.

I'm making new friends - like CyCy for instance. Me and Gramps needed an engineer for the Luinista (to avoid ocean crashings) a while back, so I hired CyCy. Honestly I only did because he was really cute and tall, but as it turns out he's good at his job too. At first I thought he didn't really think of me as a friend. He was nice and all, but he was kinda distant, so I guess we just had a friendly working relationship. He's gone above and beyond a few times for me though, and we had this talk the other night. I was kinda surprised, but a good kind of surprised. He made me dance with him tonight too, at a celebration - you'd have been real jealous, since he's just yer type.

I know I've mentioned Marc Franco to you before. He's the guy who writes all the gossip around here. It's really good! And he's always saying such nice things about me. I don't think he'd like you. You show too much cleavage, so he'd probably call ya Slutterific or something. You're not exactly subtle about guys you take home either. Anyways, he had this event thing and I went and saw him and he was even nicer in person than I thought he would be. He told me he'd have the issues of the Gossip Gangstar I missed sent to me, and I even read he planned to send some scented markers!! I'll use them when I get them so you can smell them. I have one that smells like strawberry. I can't wait to get his stuff. It should be any day now. Maybe even tomorrow if I'm lucky. I think he's nice to me because I'm the cutest girl here in the city.

Speaking of kids, one of the friends I've made is this kid. Win? When? I'm not sure how to spell her name, honestly. Can't be too old, probably no older than 11 or 12. She's an orphan, but she's resilient. Reminds me of myself when I was a kid. She's even got pretty blue eyes, like we do. CyCy's got a soft spot for her too. I thought she might have a crush on him, until she went all giddy on the really handsome elf I was spending time with at the celebration. It was real cute. Don't think she's got a home right now either, but I borrowed a room from the Red Dragon Inn for her, so she has a warm bed for the time being at least. Course that won't always cut it. The girl will need schooling and someone to watch over her, but I can't go and very well play mommy to her and try to boss her around or drag her off to an orphanage against her will. I should probably talk about it with CyCy some.

I saw Glenn. He seemed well.

Oh, and some blue guy showed me his willywacker (which was also blue) and I hit it with a peanut with my slingshot. He probably cried so I actually feel kinda bad for it, especially since CyCy said it was a bit much, so I'm gonna make him some cookies and send a letter of apology to his workplace tomorrow. You'd be proud.

I'm glad to hear things with you and "Kitty Kat" are going so well. When you can get yer hands on some antiques, you'll likely be able to make some extra money. Remember the techniques I taught you the last time I visited and you'll be good to go. Don't be afraid to overcharge at first either - if the other person is too stupid to haggle prices down, it's their own fault. You should try to make some money with your music sometime too. I did that the other day in the market. I dressed up cute and played my violin and everyone gave me money. I even got a free meal from a vendor.

Oh, and I hate Sandblooms. The old potpourri was much nicer.

Love,
Carley


Re-reading her letter, Carley wrinkled her nose a bit. Given the late hour and her running thoughts, it didn't flow terribly well to her. However, it was far too late for her to do a re-write. Using her new strawberry scented marker, she drew a crude 'willywacker' at the bottom of the letter for scratch n' sniff purposes. Folding it and stuffing it in an envelope, she left it on her desk before toddling off to her bed.

She would worry about sending it off after waking up.

Carley

Date: 2009-07-02 04:54 EST
Dearest cousin,

I am most happy to hear word from you! I hope this continues. Not only that, but you have written me far more than you usually do. For that, I think I will overlook the 'artistic touch' you saw fit to add to my letter. I must say, however, that you didn't draw it properly. Either your skills with art are lacking or that blue man wasn't built correctly down there.

It saddens me a little that you're back in Rhydin City and keep insisting on calling that place your home. Cadentia is a phenomenal trade location as well, and far more safe than the city. I think it would be fantastic if you stationed your business here - there is certainly room for your airship out here in the desert. But I shall not argue the matter. For whatever reason I'll never fathom, that city is where your heart lies.

Perhaps I shall come to visit you soon? I'm curious to see your airship with my own eyes and the business you have created. I may have neglected to say it before, but I am somewhat proud of you and your accomplishments. Though I still wish you had pursued one of your natural gifts. You could have been the star of an orchestra, Carlisle. Even a master chef. The job security and safety is much higher in these professions, you know. Especially for someone with talent of your caliber.

I would consider hiring a new pilot if I were you. One that does not have senior moments. Also, I fail to see how you could say that this 'CyCy' is just my type. It's obvious you are smitten with him yourself, and we both know that our tastes in men clash greatly. Still, I am happy to hear you're getting over Glenn - seeing you heartbroken all those months back pained me greatly. I do not ever wish to see you that way again, cousin, and would harm any man who sought to do that to you again.

How I miss Eddie and his drinks! That is just another reason that I should visit. My personal favorite was always MangoMania. I wonder if he has yet to top that.

I think you are likely judging your friend's new husband too harshly. I remember when she came to stay here during her spell of heartbreak. It was tragic. I for one am delighted to hear she's moved on in such a way! When do you think we can expect children from the pair? Gods, I would love to visit her as well! And meet this so called freeloading husband of hers.

This Marc Franco you mention would not call me 'slutterific', Carlisle, as I most certainly do not show too much cleavage. You are simply jealous that I am built as a woman and you a child. And I do not bring many men here into my home! It is Kitty Kat that is so shameless with men, but I suppose she must get it all out of her system. She's nearing thirty.

I'm sorry to hear about this child friend of yours. Sadly, I don't thing there is much you can do for her at this point in time. Try to keep her safe when you can, yes?

I don't need haggling and selling lessons from you. I'm sure I can manage on my own. When I get my hands on some new antiques, I'll be certain to send a couple your way. Hopefully you will be able to make a little extra money on the side with them to assist in the repairs of your airship?

We have to discuss my visiting you. I'm very serious about this. It's something I have put off for far too long and I apologize for it.

With love,
Forcythia

P.S: Your taste in flowers, perfumes, and various other scents is severely lacking.

Carley

Date: 2009-07-07 17:04 EST
Dear Cythia,

Yer always full of such encouraging words for me. I don't know how I continue on, always being showered in your praise and pride for me. I'm so happy that you're always so supportive of my choices. (I'm being sarcastic there, if you didn't notice) I'm also an adult, if you missed that too. I got every right to make any decision I do, and if you don't like it then that's tough. You don't get say so anymore.

I've never claimed to be good with art or drawing or doodling, Cythia. And for all I know Blueberry isn't made right, but I don't go around pulling pants down to play compare and contrast.

I think it'd be nice if you came to visit. You could see I'm doing just fine and maybe you'd stop nagging so much. That and I think you'd like it here more than you think you would. It's not so bad as long as you don't go to certain places. I'd keep ya safe.

I also can't wait to take you for a ride in the Luinista! You'd love it. The view from the skies is real great and makes everyone look like little specks. Course most of the time I'm so high in the air I can't see people at all. It's hard to describe what things look like from up there - you'd just have to see it yourself.

Gramps is a great pilot, and he's real good to me. We're pretty close - I don't call him Gramps cuz of his age. He did do something to really piss me off recently, but that's kind of a long story. I just started talking to him again, but I'm sure he wasn't happy with the silent treatment. Bet he won't do anything dumb for a while.

I'm not smitten with CyCy, Cythia. The hell? Do ya even read the words I write to you or just make up stories in your head? If that's the case, I'm not sure what I'm doing aside from waste time. If you must know, I recently went on a date with one of my crew - Grayson. He's real sweet and kind and sensitive and all that crap, but he reminded me a little of how Glenn used to be. So that's a pretty big turn off. I like him as a friend and all, but have no interest in pursuing him beyond that. I just wish I could say the same for vice versa. He's real into me. Is there a nice way to make a guy stop liking you in that way?

Eddie misses you too. Says he'd love if you visited him while you were here. He also wrote down the recipe for MangoMania for ya. I'm sending it along with this letter. From the looks of the ingredients, it's not that hard to put together, and you should be able to find them out there no problem.

You'll regret ever wanting to meet Fire's deadbeat husband. Cute at first, but when he opens his mouth... And don't talk about the two of them having kids. That's just gross.

Remember the Outback place I wrote you about a long time ago? I've gone there a couple times recently. I'm doing pretty good too! I'm sure ya remember me telling you about Fancy Pants Koy and her clothing shop and our previous bet? We made a new one, and I got her good this time. I was nice and only dressed her up for a day instead of a week though. She looked good too! Better than I thought, real cute. Her husband seemed pleased. They were talking about getting freaky or something.

I gotta keep this letter short since I got a lot of work to do today. Well, a lot of work to do this week. Got a big shipment to haul up north in a couple days. $$$

Love,
Carley

Carley

Date: 2009-07-23 16:18 EST
Dearest cousin,

You always were terribly dramatic. Of course I am happy for you and your successes. I am proud of what you have done, however, I would be lying if I were to say I don't think you could have done better. If my honesty perturbs you, perhaps you ought write me less?

From what you and others have told me, it seems to me that living in Rhydin is like gambling. Sometimes one can get lucky and remain unscathed, while other times one is destroyed in every way possible. So yes, you offering to keep me safe makes me feel terribly assured, Carlisle. (I am capable of sarcasm too, yes?)

I am not so certain I desire a ride in your airship - it's not as if I don't have faith in your ability to keep it afloat, I'm just wary of my feet being so far off the ground. We weren't granted wings, so we're not exactly creatures of the sky and air.

You went on a date? That's wonderful! That really does mean you're moving on, even if the date wasn't a spectacular success. You'll have to tell me more about this Grayson. I am sure there's more to him than the fact he reminds you of Glenn. Rather than push him away as you want to do, how about granting him another date? One date isn't truly enough for testing out the waters. How often do you find a guy so into you?

I adore Eddie for sending me his recipe, however, when I tried to make the drink myself it did not come out as it should have. Perhaps he left something off the list? Do let him know for me.

Husbands and wives wanting to get 'freaky' with one another has nothing to do with you.

Unfortunately I must cut my own letter short. Me and Kitty Kat have a busy day ahead of us, whether she realizes it or not. Do try to be safe on your expedition, yes?

With love,
Forcythia

Carley

Date: 2010-02-01 13:26 EST
Dear Cythia,

I am writing to let you know that I am still very much alive. I figured by that six page tirade you sent me recently you were just a little worried - you really do worry too much about me.

Sometimes I get real busy and I just can't waste time by sitting around to write a letter informing you that I'm happy, doing well, and not pregnant every day. You're just gonna have to take my word sometime that I'm actually quite capable of taking care of myself.

You've told me before that we didn't belong in the sky on account of no wings. Remember that? Did you know that there are elves with wings?? Avariel I think they're called - was told I had the soul of one, so that totally counts as me belonging in the sky! Not just by airship either. CyCy took me to this place the other night where you can put on a pair of wings and actually fly! It took some adjusting to, and I was real scared at first, but when I got over that and started flying as high as I could? It was the best time of my life. I honestly can't think of any other time I've been happier than when I was just flying around in the sky with CyCy.

Jealous? I'd suggest you try it out sometime, but considering you're such a sissy pants you wouldn't even set foot on the Luinista, I can't really imagine you letting your inhibitions go long enough to enjoy flying around.

I've been getting back into the dueling again. I'm not good at wielding a weapon at all but I feel like I'm a natural with my fists. I'm rising in rank and everything. I think there's money to be had in it, as I've heard talk of opals and diamonds for those who ascend to high enough rank. It sounds like stuff I can sell!

Hate cutting it short, but I've got a busy day planned. I need to pack for a real important trip coming up. I'll try to write back soon.

Love,
Carley