(Private)Hops, Bubbles and Words

[Aurora]

Chuckling, “Now, there could be worse things then flashing your underwear to the city. You could not be wearing any for example. Then it takes flashing to a whole new level.” Just an example of course. “I’ll keep my fingers crossed that Lady Luck stays on your side." she was going to have see if she could get Thirteen out partying.

“Well, the coffee table was something I saw on the side of the road being thrown out and I thought I could give it a second use. Thankfully, I knew someone with a truck, and was able to save it. But yeah, there is always something with my studies I need to do or Order business. Kinda makes me miss the quieter times, but at the same time, not. If that makes sense.” She had a purpose now, and she liked it.

“I mean, I can pop them in the fridge too. The frosted mugs work great with getting beer cold and keeping it cold. Never really tried it with soda, but I would imagine it’s the same principle.” Liquid, carbonated, needs to be cold. “That’s really neat, I don’t think I’ve seen the store before. Anything else from there you enjoy getting? I think I’d be interested in checking it out and trying a whole bunch of things I’ve never had before. I’ve been overseas, but never to Scotland.” So seemed like a great chance to try some of the treats.

“Really? That’s awesome. Did he teach you to ride and fix them?” clearly curious in learning about Thirteen. “My dad just taught me the family business and how to brew.” Nodding, “It actually is. A kit usually runs fifty to sixty dollars, depending on where you buy it from and what flavor you are going with. Now each kit will make you five gallons, you can get larger kits or smaller, it all depends on what you are looking for. But then figure how much a six pack or a twelve pack can run you, it adds up. I can have roughly forty-eight to fifty-four bottles in one batch of beer. I have two or three going at once, I’m set for a while. I stagger my brews, so I always have one fermenting, one aging in the bottles and one in the fridge. So yeah, a lot cheaper.” Oh yeah.

An eyebrow raised, “Now, if I didn’t know you were an Enchantress, then I wouldn’t have believed you. But knowing you are, I actually do. So you just let a dart decide where you would go?”

[Thirteen]

"That's a level of flashin' I may not be prepared for!" she laughed, and blushed a bit. As for Lady Luck? Thirteen was firm in her answer. "Well, she's never been on my side my whole life. Don't know why she'd start now. I make my own luck, anyway."

"Mmhmm," she nodded as she removed a cookie from the package, then offered the box towards Aurora, "It's strange what we find nostalgic, sometimes. Especially once the rose-colored glasses are off."

"Frosted mugs should work fine. As for the shop, it's a wee place called Touch of Britain." She smiled, "Not just a shop, but also a restaurant. You can sit down and have tea, fish n' chips, bangers n' mash, shepard pie, the whole British menu. But the eatery part's only open for the afternoons. I usually just go in for brands I can't get elsewhere here. Candies and crisps, that sort of thing." She waved the Scottie Dog in her hand, "And these fellows." The Acanthus chuckled, "I know Americans think 'British cuisine' is... not a real thing. Understandable. But you haven't lived til you've had a full Scottish breakfast! That's some hearty grub!"

"You should visit Scotland. It's a grand place. I'm from Inverness, myself. Up in the highlands, by Loch Ness." There was perhaps a touch of homesickness in her voice, but she didn't dwell on it.

"Aye," the Libertine nodded, looking wistful, "He did. My bike was originally his. When I was a kid, I'd help him do maintenance, and when I was old enough, he taught me to drive it." Her brown eyes boggled a little, "Five bloody gallons? No wonder it's cheaper."

She smirked, then, "I did. I felt a... pull. Fate wantin' me to be somewhere else. So, I tossed a dart at a map of the world and..." she gestured around, "... here I am."

[Aurora]

Chuckling, “Yeah, that’s a whole new level of not giving a fuck and being drunk, and a great way to get arrested.” Flashing the girls would usually get you a pass, depending on a few things. “Lady Luck is like Fate, fickle and plays a nasty game, picking when she wants play nice. But I like your way, make your own, then you owe no one.”

A cookie was taken from the package as well, and she studies it before taking a bite. Her head nods solemnly, “It’s that the truth.”

Eyes widen, “Oh, a restaurant too? Have you tried the cooking? Now, I know shepard pie, but maybe it’s different. But I’m going to have to stop by there and try it, I always enjoy trying new food I’ve never had. Or ones I’ve only heard about, like fish n’ chips.” A free hand waves off the not a real thing, “See, I hate that. How can you say another countries cuisine isn’t a real thing unless you’ve tried it? Like, give it a chance first, then make a decision. Now see, breakfast is one of the best meals of the day if you ask me, so count me in on trying that one when I can.” Breakfast foods just hit right.

“I’d love too someday. Closet I’ve been is Paris, so if I get the chance to fly over there again, I’ll make sure to visit Scotland.”

“That’s really cool, can’t say my dad would have ever encouraged me to get a bike. But the fact that you guys could share that together, those are some great memories.” And sometimes, you needed those to get through. “Oh yeah! The beer I make ferments in five gallon glass carboys. A real bitch to clean, but makes a nice amount of beer.” And now, she had others to help her drink it!

The Shaman understood that, having been there at one point in her life. “I think that’s such a great and fun way to do it. The world is so vast and there is so much to see. I’ve always been pro just let life take you where it may.”

[Thirteen]

"Aye, I'd have to be completely blootered to try that!" the redhead laughed.

She nodded, munching on a cookie, "I had the shepard's pie there once. It was quite good. My mum made it better, though. We should go sometime and have some tea. I can be your guide to the menu."

Thirteen thought back to her travels, "I've been to a few places around Europe. France once, Germany and Spain. Lots to see, that's for sure. Been to Jamaica a few times, and of course, this one-way trip to the States."

"They are grand memories, aye," she smiled fondly, "In the end, that's all you got left. How about yourself? Are you a native of California, or did you come from elsewhere?" She sipped some more of the IPA in question, "I imagine you've got plenty to spare. You ever try sellin' any?"

The Libertine smirked, "As I said, I'd never heard of Sacramento before that dart landed on it. Now you're all stuck with me." She looked at Aurora curiously, "You sound a bit like an Acanthus, trustin' in fate like that."

[Aurora]

Laughing with her, “Same.” Even her costumes for performing were designed in a way to prevent such mishaps. Well, when she wore costumes, not so much anymore.

“You know, I’ve noticed that. It’s always better when made by someone we love. Now I can’t cook to save my life, but I do have some of my mothers recipes. I’d bet anything they would not taste as good if anyone else made them. It’s funny like that. Maybe our parents had some magic we never knew about.” A nod, “That would be great, count me in.” tea was never her thing, but she’d give it a go.

“A world traveler! Do you have a favorite place you’ve visited so far?” she asks, curious. “For me it’s just been France, Paris specifically. And Quebec where I spent a few years for school. So not nearly as exciting as your travels.” Was she a bit jealous? Yes. But traveling overseas had never really been her in cards before.

“I’m from all over the states, I’m not really sure what state I was born in, but it wasn’t California. I did a show here a while ago and fell in love with the weather and decided to stay. But I’ve always been a nomad at heart, I’ve left Sacramento a few times over the years, but I keep coming back.” It was the only home she knew. “And actually, yes. I’ve toyed with the idea of opening a brewery of sorts. But figured I would have to actually try my hand at my own creations and not kits someone else has made.” Chuckling, “So one of those dreams you have, but not sure you’ll ever really do anything about.” Though she had been working with some local brewers learning things, so, you never know.

“Eh, it could be worse, you seem likeable enough thus far.” Holding up her own beer in a silent cheer. “I’ve know many Acanthus over the years, and seen what fate can do and how trusting it can save your ass. It can also screw you over, but there is a good chance it’s worth trusting.” then a shrug, "And life is too short to not just let what happens, happen. Live life in the moment and live it the best you can."

[Thirteen]

"My mum was a great cook. Worked as a chef, even. Not sure I inherited any of her skills, though. I took after my dad in that way. I'm more handy in the garage than the kitchen. I do have some of her old recipes. I should maybe give them a try sometime." She looked thoughtful as she drank some more of the beer.

Thirteen laughed at the idea that she was some sort of globetrotter. "It's was just school trips and family vacations, mostly. Favorite place, though? Probably Jamaica. It's where my mum was from. We went there to visit family. My Nani and Nana. It's been a long time since I been, though. Not since before Mum died."

She was rather surprised by Aurora's revelation of an unknown birthplace. "You don't know where you were born? Do you not have a birth certificate? Does that make things difficult?"

A smirk pulled at the Enchantress' lips, "Oh, believe me, I been fooked over plenty by fate, but it's easier to trust when you got some control over it. Kind of like a wild horse, I suppose. Less likely to throw you off if you got a grip on the reins and guide it with respect."

[Aurora]

“That’s awesome. Neither of my parents were great cooks, we were always on the road, so there was never really any home cooked meals. But when we did have more than a couple days in a place, my mom was a decent cook. I always found it fascinating how kids always seem to take after one parent more than the other.” She often wondered if she took after one of hers more than the other. But it always seemed pretty evenly split. “Can’t hurt to give it a try, unless you burn your kitchen down, then, well, that sucks.” Chuckling.

“School trips? Damn. I was sort of home schooled until I got into a school in Canada.” So technically, she had a high school diploma of sorts. “I’ve seen pictures and shows about Jamaica, looks like a stunning place to visit. And sorry to hear about your mum.” Death was a difficult subject for some. She wasn’t sure how difficult for Thirteen, so she treads carefully.

Shaking her head as she drinks her beer, “No and I’m sure I do, somewhere. I mean, I have a passport. I guess I’ve never really thought about it or really paid it much attention. I was born on the road to circus performers, moving from city to city.” Her upbringing was anything but traditional.

“I’m sure it’s easier with some control over it, but maybe somethings aren’t meant to be controlled. I’ve always learned best through trial and error. I make a mistake, I learn. If I’m not meant to succeed at something, I’ll fail, then I’ll learn, get better, and maybe try again. But I won’t let fear of fate kicking my ass stop me.” Not this Shaman.

[Thirteen]

"Yeah, I imagine burnin' your kitchen down would toss a wet blanket on your desire to cook," the Acanthus smiled.

She shrugged on the topic of school trips. "It's not uncommon. Europe is, you know, right there, and travelin' around the E.U. is easier than it used to be." She gave a nod of appreciation, "And thanks. She's been gone for a good time now. Seven years? Lost when I was still a teenager. My dad when I was even younger. Freak accidents. I wasn't jokin' when I said Lady Luck has not been on my side most of my life."

Red eyebrows raised in surprise, "You grew up in an actual circus? I thought that sort of thing was always just an urban legend! What was that like?"

"Ach, I agree. You can only push things so far, especially with Fate. Like a rubber band, it'll snap back at you if you stretch it too far. Moderation is key." Thirteen nodded, "I'm long past fearin' luck. I mostly just get angry at it." She picked up a bottle of the Irn-Bru, "So, about those frosted glasses?"

[Aurora]

“Plus, your landlord gets all bent out of shape about it. Huge hassle.” Generally frowned upon.

“Huh, that’s really neat, great way to get out and see other places. And I suppose, in a way, I got to travel the US on school trips!” laughing. “It’s still hard, losing your parents. I lost mine a quite a few years ago, we had lost touch over a disagreement over me going my separate way. But, they were still my parents.” A more solemn nod, she wasn’t sure what to say without coming across heartless. And she liked Thirteen. “I hope Lady Luck figures her shit out and tosses you some luck soon.”

Laughing, “I did, and it’s not an urban legend. It was, different, not as exciting as everyone thinks it is. You really don’t have a home or anywhere that is stable. But you make some great friends who become like family. And I split from the main part of the circus and joined the side show portion of it in my teens.” So she was a more specialized performer.

A nod of agreement, “I can see that, and agree. And getting angry at it sounds good to me.” Laughing as she was reminded about the glasses, “Oh, yah! Thanks for reminding me.” Hopping off the couch and heading to the fridge again and opening the freezer. Walking back, she places them on the coffee table, “So found anything exciting to do in Sacramento? Or anything that fits your interests?”

[Thirteen]

"That's somethin' that still boggles my mind. This country is so huge! You could literally fit five Scotlands in California, and have room left over! I don't know how you manage it all." She shook her head in disbelief. As for Lady Luck, Thirteen shrugged, "I don't expect anythin' positive. So I'm never disappointed. Like I said, I make my own luck now."

"Schoolin' must have been complicated, with a life like that. Oh, you performed, too? What did you do? Obviously not bearded lady. Were you a trapeze artist? Lion tamer?" She clearly found this circus thing rather fascinating. How often do you meet someone who grew up in such a weird environment?

When the glasses were brought to the table, the Arcadian Mage opened a bottle of Irn-Bru and poured some into each glass, then handed one to Aurora. "It's mostly been a lot of settlin' in. Learnin' the city, adjustin' to life in the States. I work on my bike at home, if you can call that a hobby." She thought for a moment. "Oh, and I like feedin' crows."

The Irn-Bru has often been described as tasting like a mix of orange and bubblegum. Citrus-y and sweet.