Closed [Point Island Lighthouse]Pestering a Sourpuss (Inari,Garush)

[Fiora Radacke]

Fiora 19, Fall, 513 AV Fiora's skirts clung to her legs as she strode over the bridge to Dry Island. She balanced Marco in his baby sling with one arm while her other hand reached down to hike her skirts up a little so she would be able to walk more freely. The air was thick and sticky and Fiora wondered how Pina and Lenthia, skipping ahead of them, could be so unaffected by the heat. Quirking her head at Inari, she winked. "Oh, to be a carefree child once again," she mused. She couldn't help craning her neck to see what new fashion was in the window of Lady Eya's Outfitters as they turned away from it and headed in the opposite direction. A rich smell invaded her senses and Fiora closed her eyes briefly to place it. Chocolate! Draer's Chocolates was right on their left, enticing them to come inside. Her stomach rumbling, Fiora tried to pick up her pace, but if she walked any faster she'd be sopping with sweat by the time they got there. She couldn't wait to bite into the cakes she'd gotten from the tea shop, though. "I've never been out to the lighthouse before, have you?" she asked Inari in an attempt to take her mind off of food for the moment. "I've always wanted to see it, though. I hope there's a place for us all to sit down and spread our picnic." She also hoped that there was a spot to dip her feet into the water to cool off some. Later she and the children would have a long journey back to Whiplash, a journey she was dreading almost as much as the destination. There was a haunting melody seeping out of the shop next to Draer Chocolates and Fiora's feet itched to start dancing, even though she was hot and tired and carrying a baby as well as a small sack of cakes and scones. Besides, she had never been brave enough to dance in public and she wasn't about to start now. The music was beautiful though, and Fiora squinted at the sign above the door. Rhaus' Harp. How whimsical. She turned to the Lorak to see if her friend had spotted the shop as well and wondered if Inari knew the owner. "Have you ever been there?" she asked, gesturing with her head. "It's quite quaint and lovely, is it not?"

[Inari Lorak]

Fall, Day 19, 513 AV Inari swung the picnic basket up and down as they walked, completely unmindful of its contents. She had insisted she carry the main bulk of their meal, as it was only right, what with Fi having to hold baby Marco and all. The Lorak didn't mind though, her spirits lifted higher than the birds winging overhead against the bright, blue sky. It was always infectious, being around the children. Put her in a fine mood on this fine, sunny day. Although, she reminded herself cautiously, it would be best not to pull any more foolish stunts, like having a wood carving throwing contest, or attempting to make a human ladder down from the roof of the shop... She grinned at Fi's words, feeling very determined to prove being a carefree adult was much better than a carefree child, because they had longer legs and more money and therefore could do infinitely more mischief. Past the gaily decorated shops they went, admiring their wares and, in some cases, sniffing them in the air as well. Mmm, Draer chocolates. The two friends weren't even past the shop yet and their noses were already filled with a tingling sensation that reached all the way to their stomachs. What the devil did they even put in those things to make you want to bolt straight into their shop and empty your pockets? And then, just like that, Inari felt her mood deflate. They were walking past a rather normal looking shop now, one with no displays in its windows and just a single, simple picture of a hammer and a star on an anvil. Blegh, the Lorak mentally spat, don't even want to know what may or may not be going on in there. But, she'd probably find out about it anyway. A question from Fi jerked her out of her brooding thoughts, and she blinked, trying to recall if she ever had visited the lighthouse. "Hmm, I don't believe I have...but I've heard plenty of tales about that grouchy old coot working in it." Next up came Rhaus' Harp, and Inari paused for a moment to listen outside its doors. She'd always wanted to step inside and perhaps attempt to learn an instrument, but never seemed to find the time. "Nope, never have, though I've always wanted to. We should visit sometime, maybe even take a lesson or two. If I learn to play something, then we could join forces and become...the amazing busking duo, Fiari! I will be the incredibly incompetent flute player, you the exotic dancer, and together we shall confuse and embarrass the snot out of all our relatives, living or dead." By the time they reached Point Island, Inari's feet were starting to complain and her dress sticking uncomfortably to certain places she'd rather not mention. The pointed lighthouse stood like a stout-worthy solider all by his lonesome self, ever vigilant and watchful at his isolated post. Normally, the fog would have shrouded most of it, leaving only its brilliant tip visible, but today was clear and bright and allowed all of the structure's solid, weather-beaten surfaces to be seen. The girls ran up ahead, laughing all the way. Inari was about to call out to them to be careful on the craggy rocks, then decided to focus on not dropping the increasingly heavy basket instead. They had wanted to bring enough for themselves, the children, and even the light house keeper, who may or may not require a bit of placation. Besides, Pina and Thia were nimble as cats, dancing their way up to the lighthouse like the pair of wild things that they were. As the adults in charge they would, however, have to remind the girls not to touch anything once they were inside. Inari assumed the keeper dealt enough of his fair share with young hooligans and would kick them out faster than you could say "it wasn't me" if the children were to break anything. When they finally reached the entrance to the lighthouse, Inari set down the basket for a quick break, looked up with a low whistle, and planted her hands on her hips. "Welp, guess this is it! Now how do we get in?"

[Garush Saltspray]

"Ya don't," called out the gruff voice of Garush Saltspray as he clambered his way up from his fishing hole. Garush was in a foul mood that day. Then again Garush was in a foul mood every day, so that was not altogether a surprise.

The rains of the last few days had soaked Garush's usual fishing spots, driving away the fish to deeper waters. Without his casinor, the old Svefra was forced to fish in less favorable waters. And now he had to deal with stupid kids as well?! What was Mizahar coming to?

"Why're these darned kids all over mah lighthouse?!" Garush demanded to know, as he peered at Inari and Fiora, before spitting into the dirt off to his left. As he eyed them both suspiciously, he shook his cane at them slightly. "Ya dynasty brats are all the same," he growled as he walked up to them, still glaring.

"Yer that Lorak girl? Keeps gettin' in trouble?" he demanded of Inari, giving her a hard look. "Ye better not be thinkin' of causin' trouble 'round here! I got enough problems, ain't be needin' any from ya. And you'se..."

Garush looked Fiora up and down once or twice. "Ye be Bice's woman, yah?" Garush took several long puffs of his pipe, eyes squinting against the sun. "That man still ain't got back to me about them fires on Whiplash on the third. I ain't got time to keep goin' back there! You'se tells him next time there be a fire on that there plantation o' his I ain't be comin' around to put it out!"

Garush punctuated this statement by spitting into the dirt again, this time to the left. His leathery face took on even more of a scowl when he noticed one of the children starting to climb the steps to the lighthouse entrance, and another was balancing precariously near one of the railings overlooking the sea.

"Laviku's scraggly beard, woman!" Garush growled as he dashed over, his aging body still surprisingly fast. He picked up Pina from the railing and deposited her back on dry land, giving her a disapproving stare that made the little girl scrunch up her face and begin to cry. Garush just harrumphed and guided the girl surprisingly gently back to her mother.

"Ye needs to be watchin' yer kids better than that!" he grumbled, as he pushed Pina toward Fiora. "And you!" he glowered at Inari. "You'se be a Lorack! Ye oughta know better than to be pullin' them stunts o' yers! Why, back in mah day...!"

Whatever happened back in Garush's day, Inari and Fiora would not find out, as a tiny stray bit of tobacco somehow went down Garush's throat the wrong way, and he devolved into a coughing fit, hacking away as he continued to glare at the two women.

[Fiora Radacke]

Fiora Despite her best efforts to distract her friend, Inari still noticed a certain Morealis' store, Quintessence, and Fiora felt her clench her fists as they walked by the shop. Men, she thought, are not really good for much. "Fiari!" the Benshira laughed at her friend's next comment. "That would be hilarious, wouldn't it? Especially me dancing..." which they both knew was not going to happen in front of a crowd any time soon, if ever. When they reached the lighthouse, Fiora halted her steps and gazed up at its strong, straight facade. If only she had a spine so stiff and an outer shell so tough. The girls rushed ahead and Fiora tried to keep her eye on them, especially little Thia since she still ran awkwardly on her short, pudgy legs. Inari wondered how to get inside, but before Fiora could answer, a stout man with whitish hair on his face and head came hobbling up to them from near the water. He glared at the women, growling about the children, before spitting to their side. Fiora cringed in disgust and took a step backward, offended and attempting to shield the baby from any stray spittle. She looked at Ari as if to say, can you believe him? but before the Lorak could react, the man went off on a tirade. Fiora was somewhat dismayed that he identified them both so readily, but she supposed it was his duty to know the people around the city. Upon closer inspection, and especially after he brought his pipe to his lips and puffed at it, she realized that she had seen before, on quite a few occasions. She had just never paid much attention to him. He railed on about the fires on the Radacke plantation earlier that season and Fiora nodded at his frustration. "Yes sir," she said, "I will relay the message." The keeper spit again and this time Fiora almost started to laugh. Though his greeting was harsh and a bit unexpected, she realized that the middle-aged man was harmless. His eyes may have been a bit strange, especially one that looked fake and probably was, but there was none of Bice's general malice in them, only exasperation. Grouchy indeed...but not hostile. Suddenly, the lighthouse keeper sprang away from them and grabbed Lenthia from her perch on the railing and started guiding her over to them. Fiora shared a bemused smirk with Inari, but when her daughter burst into tears, she moved forward and pressed the toddler into her skirts with her free hand. Marco watched the scene from his comfy position against her torso, his eyes bright, while Pina stopped her upward ascent and gazed back at them from the steps. "I'm sorry Mr. Saltspray," Fiora said. "Thia, do not climb the railings," she scolded at the sniffling girl who was rarely afraid of anything. As the man turned to lecture her friend, Fiora bent to let Lenthia wipe her tears on the edge of the baby sling. She straightened quickly as the keeper began to cough, alarmed at the violent croupy sounds. "We brought some tea," the Benshira said, trying to be helpful. "And some other goodies. Would you care to join us for a picnic, sir?"

[Inari Lorak]

Inari watched as the old fart puttered around, shouting himself hoarse. Gods, what a spectacle he was making, choking on his own tobacco. She heaved a great sigh, walked over to stand by his good eye, and patted him heartily on the back. "There, there now, you crazy old ox. Do yourself a favor and don't be trying to give yourself a heart attack. Don't give me that look; you know I have only the best of intentions." The Lorak grinned, remembering all to well how many times she and Rowan had, despite their "best intentions," given Old Gooey plenty of reason to have a heart attack. Ah, to be young and carefree again. At Fi's invitation, Inari merrily shook Garush's shoulders, which were about as moveable as a solid stretch of brick wall. "Now see here, how much we'd thought of you? We brought you gifts of delicious food, lovely company, and this..." Inari slowly pulled out a glistening, perfectly aged bottle of whiskey from the depths of the basket. The amber liquid inside had a beautiful, dark tint to it, like the color of polished mahogany. Uncapping it as seductively as possible, Inari waved the opening beneath Garush's large, weathered nose, then snatched it away, recapping it briskly. "Aged forty years to the date. All yours, if you let us in for the day. Whudya say, Old Gooey?" she cooed, dangling the shining bottle before him whilst smoothing out the collar of his battered vest with genuine fondness.

[Garush Saltspray]

Garush just harrumphed when Fiora had offered to let him join their picnic. Picnic indeed! Bah humbug! He didn't have time to waste with such frivolities, especially with those damnable children running about. He could just see the wicked gleam in those beady little eyes, looking to bend or break everything in his precious lighthouse, putting their tiny hands on everything they could get to. Darned kids!

"Heart attack?! Why, I was sailin' all over Mizahar when ye was still jes a bump in yer mommas belly, Inari! I be strong as an ox, I don't be needin...'"

Inari had taken out a bottle of whiskey. A good bottle of whiskey. Garush harrumphed again, but there wasn't much fire in it. Good alcohol was surprisingly difficult to come by, even in Kenash, at least at an affordable price. Garush had to drink the swill they served down at Draer's Bottled Dreams. It wasn't that the Draer's didn't have the good stuff in the back. Of that Garush was certain; they definately had the good stuff, they just never brought it out.

"Old Gooey?!" he said at a normal tone of voice. Well, normal for Garush, which sounded like a small explosion to anyone else. "Is that any way ta speak to yer elders? That's the problem with kids these days! No respect!" Garush glared at Inari for a moment, then sniffed a bit and marched forward stiffly.

Taking his cane, he lightly rapped it on her head, before taking the bottle, opening it, and taking a nice, long swig. Oh, yes. This was definitely better than swill. His lips popped off the bottle with a satisfied sigh, and Garush sort-of glared at both women. "Well come on then!" he growled, as he turned and marched back toward the Lighthouse. Despite having taken a nice long swig of very good whiskey, he was still able to walk in a straight line, quite a feat if it weren't for the fact the old man had drunk quite a bit in his youth.

Turning around, he harrumphed at them, shaking his fist a bit. "Are ye comin'?! Or do I has to be meetin' Dira before ye gets here?"

[Fiora Radacke]

Fiora Hugging both of her children to her, Fiora stifled her laughter at Inari's good natured scolding and Garush's grunts and groans. Thia pulled away from her once her cheeks were dry and ran back over to Pina, eyeing the old lighthouse keeper to make sure she didn't annoy him again. As Garush took a swig of whiskey, Fiora bounced Marco in her arms a little. He was fussing and she knew he was hungry. The Benshira swayed on her feet, trying to calm the baby. One drink and the keeper was urging them to follow him. That must have been some strong stuff. Fiora hesitated in order to glance at Inari, silently trying to thank her friend for the suggestion of coming here. It had been such a lovely day, absent of worry and consternation, and Fiora did not want it to end. She smiled and walked after the man, bending her face down to her little one's and kissing him on the nose. Pina and Thia jumped up and down, eager to get inside the lighthouse and explore. Fiora chuckled to herself as she strode across the rocky ground. She hoped that they wouldn't annoy cranky Mr. Saltspray too much. He made her miss her father. Even though their personalities were completely different, they were around the same age. For about the thousandth time in the last four years, Fiora wondered where her family was, what they were doing, and how they were surviving. She wished there was some way to learn about them: her father, her brothers, and sister. When she thought how her children didn't even know anyone on her side of the family, it made her feel dejected and wistful. But now was not the time to let her woes consume her. Fiora twisted her arm around to try and take one of Marco's bottles out of the small sack over her shoulder. Fumbling inside the sack, she felt the right shape and wrapped her fingers around it. The bottle was cool as she pulled it out. Perhaps she could warm it in the sun for a few minutes, if Marco would just be patient.

[Inari Lorak]

Inari rolled her eyes as they marched after Old Gooey, the girls straying every now and then but mostly staying close by as instructed. Picking up the heavy picnic basket once more and hiking up her skirts a bit, she followed the others at the very back, allowing herself yet another moment to drift far away into the land of memories. The last time she'd been here was...gods, had it really been that long ago? Six years since she and Rowan had been on good terms. Six years since they had a single kind thing to say to one another. Six years since he'd left her, broken and dispirited, in his unexplained forgetfulness. It was warm and balmy, she remembered, as all Kenashern summers were. They had run off to the lighthouse together, hand in hand, reckless in their desire to escape--Rowan, from duties and familial constraints, and Inari, from being trapped in loneliness and obscurity. She smiled sadly as she tried to feel the sun beating on her bare shoulders, the smell of the salty Suvan seas floating amongst errant breezes, the smooth stones and pebbles rolling beneath her bare feet. It made her weary heart ache a little with an old, familiar pain, thinking of his carefree laughter, his wild mop of windswept hair, his warm, calloused hand wrapped around hers. They had shot past the keeper, setting off explosions of curses, and climbed the lighthouse like a pair of nimble monkeys, giggling all the way to the top. She never lost her footing, never slowed down, so long as their hands stayed linked. If she could see him, feel him there, then nothing could worry her. Nothing would hurt her. Things would always be this way--or so they seemed, at the time. Knowing it would take the old keeper ages to huff and puff his way up to them, the two rascals dangled leisurely over the rails, daring each other to see who could lean over the farthest. And then, when she'd least expected it, he... "Look what we found! A crab!" Inari blinked, her reverie dissipating like a cloud of smoke at the sound of shrill, girlish voices. Looking down, she saw that Pina and Thia had a certain, familiar crustacean held captive in their hands. "Oh, why hello there Krabby! Long time no see old buddy. How'd you sneak out here, hm? Getting too moldy inside with that human of yours?"

[Vice]

Inari Lorak :

Skills

• Observation +3
• Socialization +2
• Rhetoric +1

Lores

• N/A

Comments: Too short to really earn too much, but you're racking up those Observation points. They'll be of use someday, I'm sure

Fiora Radacke :

If you decide to return, please send me a PM and I'll post a grade up for you ^.^

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