Part 14 - The carnival

The boy02/01/2020

------

The boy02/01/2020

Thomas had finally gotten a lot of his place clean and set up. Unusually, he hadn't set out teas or cakes like he usually would during this day of the week. He had other, more interesting plans. He had dressed up, an unusual occurrence for him, as he rarely went out. He was currently gathering some things, and making some last minute adjustments. He was mostly waiting for his guest, however.

they02/01/2020

Outside, a rubbery woman is tidying themselves off (though they're doing a rather poor job of it); they're loosely fastening a strap attached to their bonnet (an incredible feat with tentacled hands), and brushing out the creases on their lumpy frock (though the clear slime left behind more than dirties the odd fold). She pauses, inflating upwards a bit. Then, she looks down at herself, and deflates, her complexion turning pale orange for a moment before returning to a seaweed green. She blubbers, righting herself up again before stepping down the stairs, her feet making wet "slaps" along the ground as she descends to the front door of Thomas's abode. She stands by the door, reaching a hand out slowly for the doorknob and slowly trying to turn it. Her false-hand slips off of the knob, and her head deflates a little as she tries again. This time, her suckers adhere, and the doorknob awkwardly, slowly fidgets in its socket as she burbles quietly.

The boy02/01/2020

Thomas moves to the door, helping in opening it, welcoming his friend inside warmly.

Thomas: Ah! You're right on time, dear.

He steps to the side, allowing her inside.

they02/01/2020

The rubbery woman does an attempt at a curtsy (compressing a little lower instead of bending at the false-knees) and steps her way inside, holding her head with her false-hands so that she doesn't fold forward in her haste.

Pearl: Ooth, thrathoo!

The rubbery woman curtsies again inside towards Thomas (this time a little too low; her head flopped forward, and she grabs it and holds it back up with a slight orange flush and a burble).

Pearl: . . .thoortt?

The rubbery woman looks around, trying to find some of the familiar things that were brought around during her previous visits.

February 2, 2020

The boy02/02/2020

Thomas reaches into his coat pocket, and pulls out a decent looking stack of yellow tickets, and hands them to pearl.

Thomas: I figured we could take our normal day of tea, outside?

He points to the tickets, smiling.

they02/02/2020

The rubbery woman's fins on the top of her head flits upwards; she extends a sticky finger, grabbing at a single ticket and holding it uncomfortably close to their eyes.

Pearl: . . .phss. . .threeth. . .

The rubbery woman pushes the ticket against their eye.

Pearl: . . .bbbrrnnoothal. . .

The rubbery woman suddenly perks up, their ear fins flapping widely as they fold and unfold the ticket repeatedly.

Pearl: Brnnootha! Brnnootha! Thrathooooooo!

The boy02/02/2020

Thomas smiles widely.

Thomas: Ah, good. The carnival should be open all day.

Thomas holds out his hands.

Thomas: Are you ready?

they02/02/2020

The rubbery woman reaches out for Thomas's hands, squishing the ticket they were holding up against Thomas's fingers as they hold it in a ball. . .

Pearl: Throoothh! . .bblBBL!

. . .before loosening their grip, their false-hand flashing a brief orange as they hold onto Thomas's (now mucus covered) fingers lightly with as little contact as possible.

Pearl: -Mournfully.- Tharatthhhrrr, thrathoooo. . ..

The boy02/02/2020

Thomas squeezes her tentacle gently, a little worried.

Thomas: Oh never you mind that, you are doing just fine.

Thomas pulls Pearl along, and towards the door.

Thomas: Come, we have a whole day of fun to have.

they02/02/2020

The rubbery woman tilts her head, their false-hand wrapping a bit more tightly around Thomas's fist as they follow behind, their other tendrils holding onto their head so they're not constantly walking with their head bobbing all over the place.

Pearl: Throoth. . .throoothabooth!

they02/02/2020

----------

The carnival is fairly close to Thomas's abode, but it took longer than expected; Spite itself is rather close to the Carnival, but it was the trip over the rooftops that took a bit of time. That, in combination with Thomas's conveniently raised voice, directing of attention, and simple shuffling around when folks started threatening Pearl, made the trip seem longer than it was. The entire time, the rubbery woman was walking along with a strange gait in her step; it would be almost like skipping, if her torso didn't fold up occasionally from bobbing. Regardless, she seems to be in a good move, a tinge of yellow spread over her head and swinging Thomas's wrapped fist as they walked. . . Eventually, they made it to Ms. Plenty's Carnival, with Thomas's hand thoroughly soaked through with mucus. The Carnival itself is surrounded by an iron fence, with some wooden boards haphazardly pasted across the bars; the only entrance into the pavilion is an arch with the word "CARNIVAL" hanging overhead and slightly kilter (no one is present to check who comes in; tickets are for participating, not for entry). All around, there are cloth tents of red, blue, and green set up all over the grounds, and the sounds of drums can be heard as a Ferris wheel slowly turns. Overall, the Carnival is packed, but with most people mulling around the attractions (thereby making it easy to move about, but difficult to actually try an attraction). Business as usual, then. The rubbery woman chitters as Thomas and her nears the front, her body fidgeting as she starts pulling Thomas along.

Pearl: -Cheery.- Blllbll! Brnootha, brnootha!.

The boy02/02/2020

Thomas follows along, seemingly very enthused that Pearl was in such high spirits. He did have to keep an eye out even still, though, Londoners were fairly blunt about rubbery folk and how they felt about them. Of course Thomas had a plan for those events, just in case it got out of hand. He was curious about several of the attractions, but would go along wherever Pearl wanted to go first. They had plenty of time, after all.

Thomas: Ah, where do you want to go first?

He smiles, trying to keep pace with his companion.

they02/02/2020

The rubbery woman's head fins flap wildly, as she starts pulling Thomas into the Carnival. . .

Pearl: Threeel! Thrr. . .bbbrrrrooo, thhreeddthhh! . ..bbrooo, rratthhbb. . .

. . .and starts pulling haphazardly in different directions, trying to figure out which attraction to go to first with an orange glow. Eventually, however, she stops, her head bobbing and folding forward a bit as she reaches a hand out towards a carnival tent with a small mirror placed in front, turning to look at Thomas with her fins flapping.

Pearl: -Loudly.- Bbbb! Bthhhreee!

. . .the rubbery woman chittered very loudly. Around, some of the guests who were previously musing with their acquaintances turn to look at Pearl. Behind Thomas, a young couple is holding a half-bitten piece of spore-toffee, snickering in-between bites.

A Young Woman: -Quietly.- Mmph. Darling, are the exhibits allowed to walk around like that? A Young Man: -Whispering.- Dear, I don't think so. . .wait, I think it's. . . A Young Woman: -Tittering.- What, do you think it's a guest? A Young Man: -Hushed.- It looks like it. Distasteful; unless, do you suppose they're going to do a hunting show? A Young Woman: Oh, that'd be fun! Maybe they can do a vivisection!

[

1:12 AM

]

The rubbery woman freezes, her face flushing orange for a moment before it adopts a strange, striped patterning of blue and white; in the next moment, Thomas feels himself being pulled along as the rubbery woman takes stilted steps away, her torso flapping awkwardly as she quickly hurries towards the House of Mirrors, and scurries inside. . . . . .inside the tent, there are a multitude of mirrors arranged on stands and in rows; each mirror is of a different design, with some framed in lapis, in bronze, in gold, in iron, in mahogany. . .some of them have a menacing, if contemplative, aura, and there's an air that caution ought ot be exercised. In the far back, there are many more amusing mirrors; here, a curved mirror that flips a reflection upside down; there, a wavy mirror that makes one look extraordinarily slim; and over there, a cylindrical mirror that reverses left and right. Perhaps less serious, but much more novel. The rubbery woman takes no heed of it; she's slumped over right beside the entrance, pushing her striped face against the matching tent fabric, gurgling quietly.

Pearl: -Burbling wetly; with much vibrato.- Thrrraaaaaaaaaaaa. . .thraaaathooooooooooo. . .

[

1:13 AM

]

Pearl: -Burbling a little quieter.- . . .thrreeee blarrrthooooooo. . ..

The boy02/02/2020

Thomas looked like he was about to give those folks a right talking to before he was dragged away. Probably for the best, he thought. Causing more of a scene would only bring Pearl more unwanted attention. Thomas kneels in front of Pearl, grabbing both of her faux hands.

Thomas: Dear you shouldn't listen to folks who can't even keep their teeth clean. Honestly, did you see that man? Frightful I tell you. Looked like a cave of bats!

they02/02/2020

The rubbery woman gurgles quietly, peeling their still striped head away from the tent wall.

Pearl: -Wheezy.- Thhhrooooo. . .threebbbbbrrrrr. . .

The rubbery woman peels themselves off of the fabric wall (which is stained with a slick outline of their head) and pushes their head into Thomas, burbling quietly.

Pearl: Throoo. . .thratthhoooo. . .

The boy02/02/2020

Thomas pulls her into a gentle hug before pointing her to the mirrors.

Thomas: Goodness, Pearl, have you gotten slimmer?

He grins, pointing to her distorted reflection.

they02/02/2020

The rubbery woman lifts their head, looking towards the mirror. They perk up, the camouflage on their face fading as they move towards the mirror.

Pearl: . . .bbrbbl? . .

They stare at themselves, before suddenly stretching themselves upward, raising their false-hands upwards to the sky; in the reflection, their body is extremely thin, almost like a stick.

Pearl: . . .brrrrfftthh!

The boy02/02/2020

Thomas nods approvingly.

Thomas: Hm, hm, you are the envy of women all over!

He chuckles a bit, moving towards the other mirrors, a bit amused by all the shapes they seem to make him.

Thomas: Interesting what a different perspective will do, hm?

they02/02/2020

The rubbery woman gurgles cheerfully, flopping her head around as she walks between the mirrors; the distress she had before seemed to have vanished as she now walks from mirror to mirror, bemusedly morphing herself in front of them.

Pearl: Bllroooo! Bllroooo!

She moves from mirror to mirror; in front of the curved mirror, she stretches herself wide, so that her body looks normal in the reflection; in front of the cylindrical mirror, she bobs herself left and right, gurgling at the reversed direction; in front of a wavy mirror, she undulates wildly, her body shivering madly in the reflection.

Pearl: Brroooothrooo!

The rubbery woman starts moving to the more ordinary looking but menacing feeling mirrors lined up in rows. She checks each of them in series, eager to look at herself.

Pearl: Throoth? Thrrtth? Throoth?

The boy02/02/2020

Thomas looks over at Pearl.

Thomas: Oh? What have you found?

He walks over to her wanting to see her discovery.

Thomas: These seem rather odd to be placed here.. Hmm.

they02/02/2020

The rubbery woman peers at a mirror rimmed with copper. In fact, the mirror itself has a strong copper-y smell to it, along with the scent of age and dust. Pearl peers into the mirror, leaning closer.

Pearl: . . .brooth?

As Thomas watches her, he can see small lacerations starting to form on her face, though she doesn't seem to notice. She's reaching a hand to the reflection, leaving a trail of mucus along the mirror as she does so.

Pearl: Throootharooooothh. . ?

The boy02/02/2020

Thomas jumps, grabbing Pearl by the shoulders and(rather roughly) starts to lead her outside the tent.

Thomas: Oh! We shouldn't dawdle! Yes. We must go check out the exhibition tent!

Thomas is putting on his very best faux smile, trying not to alarm her. It would likely heal easily, he figured, nothing to worry about. He was trying to calm himself.

they02/02/2020

The rubbery woman chitters confusedly, but follows behind Thomas, leaving the tent. . . Outside, the crowd that was staring before returned to their games and food; people are lost in conversation, and the attention seems to be diverted elsewhere. Meanwhile, Pearl looks round, holding her head up as her head fins lead her gaze.

Pearl: Throoth. . .ooothh, thrathoo!

She points towards a small, personable purple tent. On top of the curved roof, there is an eye with a crystal ball for an iris embroidered onto the fabric, with the words "MADAME SHOSHANA" imprinted underneath. Pearl is pulling Thomas along, walking with a loose gait as she does so.

Pearl: Thhhrrrrr, ththhuuuthhrrr!

The boy02/02/2020

Thomas blinks.

Thomas: Oh? Well I suppose we could, it seems fairly practical.

Thomas lets himself be dragged along fairly easily. At least she doesn't stay too upset for long, he mused. He was worried now, however. The crowds seemed to be getting more packed, though perhaps this was a good thing?

Thomas: I haven't gotten my fortune read in some time...

He thinks aloud.

they02/02/2020

The rubbery woman stops, chittering.

Pearl: Blroo!

The rubber woman steps behind Thomas, and starts pushing him forward instead, forcing him to lead instead as they walk forward towards the tent.

Pearl: Thrathoo, thhuuthrr!

The boy02/02/2020

Thomas looks at Pearl from behind him, laughing a bit.

Thomas: Alright, alright. I suppose I might as well, hm? Maybe she'll tell me about a tall man in my future~

Thomas half-jokes, sighing dramatically, letting himself be pushed along.

they02/02/2020

The rubbery woman pushes Thomas along, burbling as she lightly swats Thomas's shoulder. . .

Pearl: Thrathoo, tharatheee. . .

. . .before drooping her head, brushing the spot where she hit Thomas.

Pearl: -Mournfully.- . . .threeeee, thrathoo. . .

The rubbery woman and Pearl enter the purple tent, the fabric parting as move inside. . . The inside of the tent is dark lit only by a single lantern filled with scuttering, glowing beetles hanging from the ceiling. In the center of the room, there is a small table covered in a black veil, a glowing crystal ball (almost ludicrously sized; you could kill a man with a good throw) set on a small wooden stand. Two chairs are set on opposite sides of the table. All around, there are a variety of small cabinets and shelves: tarot cards scattered on the floor; an open box containing bitter-smelling tea leaves in the corner; a poster affixed to the fabric wall by clips describing lines on the palm, with the overarching title "LEARN YOUR FUTURE" encircling the hand. . .a scattered mess, and yet somehow befitting of the mysticism of the tent. A woman is rummaging in a chest filled with knickknacks of various kinds.

???: Ah. . .hm?

The woman turns around, standing up; she's covered in a dark, Glim-purple all over. Her silver hair has large bundles of hair stained from the roots to the ends in swaths of purple; her eyelids are colored with a purple dust that sparkles by the ball's light; even her clothing is dark purple, with a dark purple robe covering her chest and many, many silk scarves surrounding her neck and head.

???: Ah, I see! Come for a session with the illuminous Madame Shoshana?

The woman pulls a chair behind the crystal ball, adjusting the scarves on their head and tightening it around their head, adopting a gypsy appearance.

Shoshana: Ah, I've seen this. . .in my previous session, I saw a man. . .an outcast lover. . .yes, sit.

The rubbery woman burbles, vexed and flushed orange.

***

The boy02/02/2020

Thomas blinks, and looks at Pearl, then at Shoshana. He snorts. He sits at the table, gesturing for Pearl to also sit.

Thomas: Well goodness, I didn't see another man follow me in, but do go on about this outcast lover~

Thomas is greatly amused, leaning in just a tad.

they02/02/2020

The woman coughs, clearing her throat.

Shoshana: Er, yes, an outcast lover! Yes. . .come. . .

The woman tilts over and rummages under the table, her silver hair flying as she digs among various objects on the floor. Meanwhile, Pearl burbles nervously; there aren't any other seats available. She settles on leaning against Thomas's back, holding onto the back of his chair.

Shoshana: . . .ah, here we are. . .

Shoshana sits up, placing several objects on the t Able: a chipped teacup, a well-used deck of cards held together with a loose card band, and a series of dice with strange symbols on them. She gestures between the objects, before resting her hands on the crystal ball in the center.

Shoshana: . . .how do you wish to see your future? Dare you gaze at your life with what the tea-leaves say? Or, perhaps, trust the false-stars above, and allow the cards to tell your future? See what the Correspondence will say about your future? Better yet. . .a scrying session?

The boy02/02/2020

Thomas hums, thinking a bit, holding a hand to his chin.

Thomas: Hmm, today seems like a day for cards, hm? A simple method, but practical.

they02/02/2020

The woman smiles, and puts aside the other objects.

Shoshana: Ah, trust in the cards, then? Excellent. . .

The woman pulls the band off of the (rather large) cards, shuffling them with familiarity. The cards ruffle in the tent, and the rubbery woman peers over Thomas's shoulder, gurgling with fascination. Shoshana stops, and starts laying the cards down; the back of the cards are a rather complex image, with depictions of cloaked Masters, bats, and cats inked in a symmetric form. By the time she finishes laying the cards down, she's arranged a cross made of five cards (four at the legs, one in the center), and a rotated card placed on the centermost card. She then places four more cards around,

Shoshana: Ah, the Cracked Wheel arrangement will tell us what you face in love. . .

[

9:25 PM

]

The woman lowers herself, her tone darkening as she overturns the bottom card to the left; a depiction of a Bat, caught in midflight among the false stars. . .

Shoshana: . . .The Bat tells that you face a past made of foolish decisions. . .perhaps you have caused problems with the object of your desire, and thus he is still cross with you. . .

. . .the top most card is flipped over. A depiction of a magician from Mahogany Hall, waving a wand. . .

Shoshana: . . .the Glass claims your immediate future with him will be uncertain, but you will be able to make it behave to your own will. . .

. . .the centermost card on the bottom; a wood-cut diagram of. . .something? It looks like a large candlelight, hanging in an earthen-colored void without a wick.

Shoshana: Have no fear! The Sun says you have a passion unlike no other, persisting despite the failures that are present. . .and that you'll survive.

. . .the card in the center on top, flipped over: a veiled queen, wrinkled with age and with her eyes overcast. Shoshana furrows her brow, and tosses it aside.

Shoshana: Hm. I'm not supposed to use that card, lest the Traitor be insulted and send constables against me. Er, yes, and. . .

. . .the card to the right, flipped over: an upside-down picture of a mushroom with teeth, foul spittle spraying from its sides.

Shoshana: Ah, the Blemmigan, inverted! . .oh dear, the powers that be will not be helping you out this time. . .but they can be appeased. . .

. . .the card set to the side: an upside down devil, dressed with a fedora and a dark blue suit.

Shoshana: . . .oh dear, your circumstances will not be ideal; the inverted Devil says that there will be a weakness in your future endeavors. . .perhaps, even a disgrace. . .

[

9:25 PM

]

. . .the second card set to the side: a. . .well? The woman screeches, and swats that aside.

Shoshana: Oh! No, absolutely not, Ms. Plenty will be right cross with me if she sees that. . .yes, er. . .

The third card set aside: a picture of a cloaked Master, wearing a variety of colored fabrics.

Shoshana: Ah, the Veiled Master! This is good; you have friends that will be able to help you with attaining your loved one!

The fourth card: a river, winding through london.

Shoshana: Ah, the River Lethe. . .oh dear. . .perhaps the object of your desire isn't worth your time. . .

[

9:27 PM

]

The woman muses over all of this, watching carefully. She lifts her head, pointing a finger draped with silk at Thomas.

Shoshana: -Gravely.- . . .your future with your lover will be difficult. . .

The boy02/02/2020

Thomas huffs, sitting back in his chair.

Thomas: That is not ideal, but not unheard of. Hmm, well perhaps I can drag him down either way. Ahem.

Thomas stands and grabs Pearl by the shoulders, and switches his spot for hers, having her sit in the seat. Thomas is now standing behind the chair.

Thomas: I do believe it is your turn, dear.

they02/02/2020

The rubbery woman chitters, flushing as her her legs wrap around the chairs legs. Shoshana doesn't seem caught off guard, and snaps her fingers, before reaching a hand out.

Shoshana: Ah, ah! Tickets, please; and another for your, er. . .friend, if it wants a session as well.

The boy02/02/2020

Thomas places down a small handful of tickets on the table, and huffs.

Thomas: She would be delighted. Thank you..

they02/02/2020

Shoshana smiles, and grabs the tickets. She reaches over the desk, and lifts the various objects up onto the table again.

Shoshana: Ah, yes. . .now, tentacled friend. . .what would you like? Dare you trust the tea leaves? Shall you try a go with the cards, and see if your future is better than your friends? Dare t-. . .er. . .

The rubbery woman is toying with the teacup, burbling and nodding her head as she holds up the cup.

Shoshana: . . .er, what is i- er, she saying?

The boy02/02/2020

Thomas looks at Pearl, then at the woman.

Thomas: Ah, she wants a tea leaf reading.

they02/02/2020

Shoshana: Ah. . .er, yes. . .

The woman tentatively grabs the teacup from Pearl (who burbles disappointedly) and stands up; she moves to the open box of tea leaves set to the side and reach underneath the cabinet it rests on, pulling out a pewter flask. She sets it onto a wooden stand carved with Correspondence sigils, and the fluid inside starts boiling quietly.

Shoshana: Er, does your friend know how to. . .drink tea. . ?

Pearl deflates just a bit, gurgling quietly with a slight vermillion tinge.

The boy02/02/2020

Thomas clicks his tongue, annoyed.

Thomas: Of course she does, she is a civilized woman.

they02/02/2020

Shoshana: Ah, good; otherwise, you'd have to drink it, and it's very bitter. . .

The woman grabs the flask, wincing and withdrawing her hands quickly; she grabs it again, this time higher up along the bottle, and pulls it up to set it on the cabinet. She reaches over into the box of tea leaves, sprinkling them into the teacup with her hands before pouring a murky water into the cup; she moves back to the center, setting the cup down in front of Pearl.

Shoshana: Come. Drink, and we shall see what your future holds for you.

Pearl stares at the cup, her eyes fluttering to a narrowed position as her head fins flick upwards; she reaches a slithering false-hand to the center, curling around the handle; she then lifts the cup up, but, instead of pushing it to her mouth (at least, where a mouth would be), she pours the liquid slowly (it is hot) over her head, letting the tea drip down her head as she chitters. Shoshana watches, smiling while her eyes glow with concern.

The boy02/02/2020

Thomas looks at Pearl, seemingly not surprised.

Thomas: Do be careful not to burn yourself.

they02/02/2020

Pearl chitters as she pours the tea over herself.

Shoshana: Er, right! I think that's enough, come, give it here.

The rubbery woman's ear fins lower, and she sets the cup down onto the table. As soon as she does, Shoshanna grabs the cup, and starts moving it around in a circular image, peering into the cup at a distance so close its amazing her eye isn't getting burned.

Shoshana: . . .I see. . .a candle perched on a windowsill. Er, do you know what that is?

The rubbery woman gurgles, a trace of red flitting across her head fins.

Shoshana: . . .er, right. Well, you ought to avoid Seekers for a while, and. . .perhaps avoid going near rivers.

The rubbery woman tilts her head forwards in a nod, her head folding up a bit as she does so.

Shoshana: Right. . .well, both of you have had your fortunes read.

Madame Shoshana stands up, and starts putting away the various objects; she's putting the teacup, dice, and flasks away, seemingly disinterested in Thomas and Pearl after everything's done.

The boy02/02/2020

Thomas sighs, offering his hand to Pearl.

Thomas: Aye, well, let us go check out more of the carnival, mh?

they02/02/2020

The rubbery woman turns to Thomas and grabs his hand, walking out of the tent. As they do, Shoshana speaks up, in a dramatic, grave tone.

Shoshana: Come back tomorrow, for your future can change at a moment's notice!

The boy02/02/2020

Thomas seems a bit miffed, but pulls along Pearl.

Thomas: Oh yes, I did want to check out the exhibition tent. They've often got a wonderful group of people working there.

Thomas talks at length about how he once saw a client working there, and how that opened up a new venture for him. Turns out the woman was looking for a set of specific clothing that she could wear and remove quickly as to make her shifts more bearable. Thomas muses like this until the head into the tent.

Thomas: It was a lovely set too. I had it tailor made to suit her very well with hidden release strings, very interesting. I had plenty of more orders for such a thing for weeks.

Thomas is gesturing the whole time he talks, even while in the tent, seemingly distracted.

they02/02/2020

The rubbery woman nods, her head squelching as she chitters affirmatively to Thomas. . . . . .as soon as they enter the tent, however, Pearl gurgles loudly, and covers her eyes with her false-hands; such is her flusterment, that her facial tentacles curl up and over her head.

???: Now, study moss carefully as Miss Forward performs the ungodly rhythms of the Third City ancient art!

No one notices the gurgling that Pearl made; everyone "oohed" and whistled at the female exhibit. . .showing off a bit more than is chaste. One would suppose that the Third City must've been very hot if the costume Miss Forward is wearing is indicative of anything.

The boy02/02/2020

Thomas nods, impressed, and then looks over at Pearl.

Thomas: Hm? Oh dear, you don't have to worry about adverting your gaze here. It is very informative if you know how to ask questions.

they02/02/2020

The rubbery woman chitters, slowly peeling away a tentacle away from her face; a hollow eye stares at Thomas as she chitters quietly.

Pearl: Thrrrtthh. . .

She slowly peels away the tentacles away from her face, like a particularly bizarre flower blooming; slowly, cautiously, we grabs Thomas's hand, and walks forward, moving between the exhibits. . . . . .she watches the male exhibit, and tilts her head as he focuses on the flexing of muscles. She looks at her own arm, and lifts it up.

Pearl: Thrrthoo. . ?

. . .she grabs at the part of her arm where the man's bicep bulged, and squeezes; the tissue squishes underneath without resistance. The rubbery woman chitters, distress in their tone.

Pearl: Bbll! Bbblll!

The boy02/02/2020

Thomas seems to linger a bit on the male exhibit, sighing a bit. He looks at Pearl, chuckling a bit.

Thomas: Oh? Are you going to try and be strong too?

Thomas seems to move his attention back at the man, a little distracted it looks like.

Thomas: Very interesting, hm?

they02/02/2020

The rubbery woman lifts her arm higher with her head fins lifting upwards; as soon as she notices Thomas staring a bit longer, however, she lightly swats Thomas's shoulder, burbling with a mockingly scandalous gurgle.

Pearl: Thrathhoo! Oootharth. . .

. . .before she rubs his shoulder again, burbling mournfully.

Pearl: . . .ooothr, thrathoo. . .

She grabs Thomas's hand, pulling them along to the woman's exhibit. . . . . .the rubbery woman stares at the woman, dressed in. . .very revealing clothing (which the ringleader claims to be of Third City origin). She stares at her hips, before lightly patting her own sides.

Pearl: . . .

Pearl deflates slightly, her head looking up at the female exhibit and downwards at herself as she squeezes her lumpy dress tight to her wide frame.

Pearl: Throooo. . .

The boy02/02/2020

Thomas laughs, following Pearl along.

Thomas: Aw, but it was very interesting.

Thomas follows along, looking at the woman closely. The origin was skeptical, Thomas knew that much, and fairly uncomfortable. He wondered why women would wear such things. For gaining attention? He could appreciate that. He looks at Pearl, noticing her distress.

Thomas: I think a waist ribbon would help with that if that's the look you want. Though I would hope you would know by now that you are already lovely.

Thomas smiles, gently patting her on the back.

they02/02/2020

The rubbery woman relaxes, wrapping their tendrils around and holding onto Thomas for a moment.

Pearl: Throothaaa. . .

The rubbery woman pulls Thomas along, moving to the tomb-colonist exhibit. . . . . .or at least, what would've been the tomb-colonist exhibit; there's a sign on the seat claiming it's not ready, and to wait until the male exhibit closes. Pearl has a small tinge of red on her head fins.

Pearl: -Slightly haughty.- Pfftthhh. . .

She pulls Thomas along further, moving to the last exhibit. . . . . .a rubbery man. There's a rubbery man on exhibit, surrounded by bars; most would think its for the audience's protection, but Thomas knows otherwise. The rubbery woman perks up, waving a tentacle and pointing at the exhibit while pulling Thomas along more sharply. . .

Pearl: Thrr!! Thrr, thrathoo!! A Ringleader: View the form of the terrible beast!

. . .before the crowd surrounding it surrounds the cage, "oohing" as the rubbery man unfurls a tentacle.

A Ringleader: See the vicious form of the tendrils! The hunger present in the creatures eyes! What unfathomable things has this creature done? Pearl: Throo?

The boy02/02/2020

Thomas winces. Of course they would do this. Thomas grabs Pearls tentacled hand tightly, gently trying to pull her back out.

Thomas: Oh, I am in dire need of some air, how about you?

they02/02/2020

The rubbery woman titters with a concerned voice, letting themselves be pulled along by Thomas as they rub his shoulder.

Pearl: Thorrthh, thrathoo? . .

Thomas and Pearl make their way to the entrance of the tent, but not before the crowd surrounding the rubbery man exhibit explodes into laughter as the rubbery man recoils a bit.

A Child: Hah! Look at 'im, the toffee stuck to his face! A Mother: Ooh, fun! Quick, see if you can land another piece on his eye! A Ringleader: We ask that you not feed the exhibits! W. . .hey, put that away!

The audience breaks out into laughter as Thomas and Pearl leave the tent, the rubbery woman's gait being much hastier as the crowd's voice builds. . . . . .Thomas and Pearl are standing outside in the general pavilion. The rubbery woman is clinging rather tightly to Thomas's hands, the top of her head adopting a flush orange with a red undertone.

Pearl: . . .thoooth. . ..

The boy02/02/2020

Thomas wraps a whole arm around her shoulder, rubbing her gently. He was just glad the crowd didn't turn on her, he was unsure if he could get her out safely if that were to happen.

Thomas: It is alright, we are out now.

He looked very worried, walking with her like this.

Thomas: Perhaps we should get something to eat, mh? Or do you want to do something else?

February 3, 2020

they02/03/2020

The rubbery woman nods solemnly, and moves their head around, looking for a tent. She perks up; in the distance, there are a series of open tents (really, they're more like sticks with cloth hanging overhead like a poor shade), underneath which are a series of booths shilling several kinds of foodstuffs. The rubbery woman pulls Thomas along, leading him towards the gazebo. . .

A Vendor: Come and get your hot wine! Spiced with the cinnamon of the skies above! Another Vendor: Spore-toffee! Come and try a bite, unless you're scared of bein' labelled a coward! Yet Another Vendor: Rubbery lumps, get yer lumps here! Find one with a piece of Glim, get a free prize! Pearl: Ooooo00oooo. . .

The rubbery woman pulls Thomas along, peering at the food. She reaches into her pocket, before pausing.

Pearl: -Mournfully.- . . .ooo. . .

The boy02/03/2020

Thomas follows along, humming, he pulls out a small bag of moon pearls, seemingly unaware of Pearl's lack of ability to pay.

Thomas: Get whatever you want dear, today is my treat.

He smiles. He felt a bit bad that she had so many bad experiences on this trip, at least she could get some food to settle her stomach.

they02/03/2020

The rubbery woman chitters, grabbing Thomas's hand and pulling him along to the spore-toffee booth. She peers at the pieces, and grabs at the top-most piece; before she pulls away, however, the vendor mutters.

A Vendor: Ah! You touch it, you buy it! Pearl: T-thrrr? A Vendor: -Sneering.- Ah, what. . .young man, your thing is getting slime on the toffee; I hope you have enough to pay for all of it?

The rubbery woman withdraws her hand with a blubber; she's left a trail of mucus on a rather large part of the displayed toffee. She bows repeatedly, shaking her head and gurgling.

Pearl: -Apologetic.- Thhh! Thhh!.

The boy02/03/2020

Thomas sighs quickly offering the vendor a large portion of his moon pearls.

Thomas: Yes, yes, we will just take them. Though it would be nice of you to be a bit more civilized about it.

Thomas sighs, smiling at Pearl.

Thomas: You will have a lot to snack on for later, hm?

they02/03/2020

The vendor mutters under their breath as they snatch the pearls, bagging up a whole tray of toffee (even the bits that Pearl didn't touch. . .) and sliding it into a bag.

A Vendor: -Muttering.- 'S just an animal, iunno what you're so tossed up about. . .

The vendor slides a bag stuffed full of toffee across their counter to Thomas, muttering.

A Vendor: Here's yer toffee; now git, I got other customers to deal with.

The vendor turns their attention to the crowd beside Thomas, continuing their shilling spiel. Meanwhile, Pearl slithers over to Thomas, leaning on their shoulder as they look at the bag.

Pearl: Ooo00oo?

The boy02/03/2020

Thomas hands over the bag to Pearl. Thomas seemed disinterested in the vendor's sass, and moves over to another area, not particularly hungry himself.

Thomas: Hopefully you like them, there is a great deal in there. Mmm, if not we could always give them to Able, he likes these sorts of things.

they02/03/2020

The rubbery woman reaches into the bag, and pulls out a piece, inspecting it.

Pearl: Thhh. . .

She places the piece under her tendrils; the piece of toffee hangs there, before slowly sliding up into. . .something, until it disappears The rubbery woman pauses. . .before suddenly pushing the bag up to their face, pulling it close over their face as Thomas hears quiet crunching and sticky chewing.

Pearl: -Softly cooing.- Thrthrrrthrrthhoooo. . .

The boy02/03/2020

Thomas smiles.

Thomas: Ohh? Is it good then?

Thomas looks much happier now, seeing her just enjoying herself. This was what he wanted, for her to just have a fun day, and get out and about. He would be lying if he said he wasn't a bit cooped up for a while as well, being indoors all day can feel a bit cramped.

Thomas: Shall we head back? I have to plan for next week's shipments and inventory, I could walk you back to your home.

they02/03/2020

The rubbery woman is preoccupied, holding the bag tighter to their face as the bag wriggles underneath.

Pearl: -Muffled.- Thrthh.

She continues holding the bag to their face, reaching a hand out blinding until they grab Thomas's hand, the tendrils coiling around his fist. The rubbery woman is pulling the bag over their head, the toffee underneath splintering and crunching loudly.

A Vendor: -Sneering; grimacing.- Ah, no wonder you're so intimate with that thing.

The boy02/03/2020

Thomas looks back at the vendor, raising his eyebrows.

Thomas: An interesting thought from, ah, what were you again, a carnival peddler?

Thomas laughs, walking away and out of the carnival.

they02/03/2020

The vendor sputters, cursing and sending spittle flying everywhere; they redirect their attention with a cough, however, apologizing to and pleading with their now disgusted patrons who leave after seeing the vendor's spittle land on the toffee. Pearl follows along behind Thomas (though she walks blindly, her face burrowed into the bag) and they leave the carnival. . .

--------

The walk home to Thomas's house was fairly uneventful. Well, no more uneventful than it is with people taunting and calling Pearl names, but she seemed to not mind; she has had her face buried into the big bag of toffee that Thomas bought her, and she seemed to enjoy it quite a bit (though it made the climb upwards into the Flit and descending much more difficult). . . Eventually, Thomas and Pearl are nearing Thomas's house. The rubbery woman is munching quietly. . .

Pearl: Krthh. . .tthrr. . ?

. . .before the noises stop. She peels the bag off of her (now crumb-covered) face, staring at the small, wet crumbs at the bottom of the satchel.

Pearl: -Sadly; deflating quietly.- . . .thhhhhhhh. . ..

The boy02/03/2020

Thomas is unlocking his door and opens it.

Thomas: Ah, you liked them that much? Hmm.. Ah, Able can cook, I can con him into making you some, probably at a more reasonable price. Thomas: Let's get you cleaned up before I send you off, hm? I have some glim leftover too if you'd want some.

they02/03/2020

The rubbery woman pulls at the bag, bunching it up in their hands as she cheerily follows behind Thomas.

Pearl: Throoth! Thratthoo!

The boy02/03/2020

Thomas kneels down in the kitchen, pulling out a bag from the lower cabinet. He then heads back over to Pearl, handing it to her.

Thomas: It is not a lot but it should be a decent amount of glim for the time being.

they02/03/2020

The rubbery woman eagerly grabs the sack, pulling out some glim with a slick hand and pulling it to her face.

Pearl: Kthh. . .kthhh. . .

The glim quickly disappears among her tendrils, her face undulating as it crunches to pieces. Her head fins flap against her skin, the flesh underneath her eyes and at the tips of her face tendrils glowing a pale yellow.

Pearl: -Contentedly.- Threeeeeee. . .

She holds her head, the flushing of color spreading over a small region. Then, she moves forward, wrapping her tendrils around Thomas. . .

Pearl: -Gurgling.- Threeeee, thrathhhoooooooo. . .

. . .and gently squeezing, her weight falling onto Thomas a bit as she hugs him; such is her gratitude, that her tendrils are slithering around once. . .almost twice!

The boy02/03/2020

Thomas smiles widely, returning the hug tightly.

Thomas: Stay safe alright? I would very much like to have more good days with you.

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1:45 AM

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