(Private)Hops, Bubbles and Words

[Aurora]

Laughing, “I don’t know either to be honest. And each place you visit is different then the last somehow.” Each state had its own personality.

“Very complicated. Which is why when I went away to school it was both confusing, but a blessing as well.” To get to sit in a classroom and actually learn was an amazing thing for her at the time. Laughing and shaking her head, “No, I’m afraid nothing as exciting as either of those. I’ve always been a contortionist, that was my specialty. I later added sword swallowing, fire dancing and eating as well as suspension to my act. But I’m mainly known for my contortion ability, I’ve worked in movies and for the Cirque du Soleil, even hold the world record right now.” It wasn’t anything special to her, it was her life.

Putting her beer down, she accepts the glass, “Thanks.” Settling back, she listens, “I think it can be a hobby, why not? It’s something you enjoy.” An eyebrow raises, “Feeding the crows? Can’t say I’ve heard that one before. But hey, you do you! Are crows a favorite bird?” feeding other birds, yes. But crows? Whatever.

“Do you enjoy clubs or bars? Because Sacramento has a wide variety of both.” And this girl has been to most of them.

Raising the glass she takes a sip, expecting the orange flavor, but not the bubblegum. Gray eyes widen, “Wait, is that…bubblegum I taste?!” a bit surprised, “I was not expecting that! But it works! And tastes good!”

[Thirteen]

"A country this big, I shouldn't be surprised so many places in it are so different. I'm only familiar with California, New York and maybe Texas, and only from movies. The rest are a mystery to me." They didn't teach American geography outside the US, after all. Or American history.

Those red eyebrows rose again, "Contortionist? And sword-swallowin'? AND fire-swallowin'? I'd never have guessed such a thing! You got yourself a wild set of skills, lass." And this woman was a Master Mage, to boot! Color Thirteen impressed.

"Aye. I've always liked crows. Very smart birds, and they get a bad rap, bein' considered bad omens and all. I... suppose I feel a certain kinship with them. I go to the park and feed them regularly. They remember who's nice to them, and who isn't."

"Clubs? I suppose. I haven't been to many." Largely due to a lack of friends to go with. "I should find a good British pub, though. I've heard there's a couple here in Sacramento."

The Acanthus smiled and nodded, hefting her own glass of the soda, "That's what most people taste. I'm glad you like it!"

[Aurora]

“I think the movies pretty much nail both Texas and New York, at least, from my experiences there. But I never went off and explored too much when I’ve been to either place. New York is fucking massive though, like, always something going on.” Shows there were always popular.

“Eh, only skills that are useful if I’m performing, not so useful in everyday life. Unless you need someone to squeeze into a very small space or something. But it’s paid the bills and given me some great experiences, so I can’t complain. I’ve been wanting to retire for a couple years now.” It wasn’t as great as people thought.

“I’ve never given them that much thought, seen them around, but not much beyond that. Wait, really? They remember things like that?” a look of her being impressed, “I never would have guessed a bird could remember those things. I mean, sure, a parrot or some other domesticated bird, but not a crow. But I suppose it’s not far off. That’s really cool to know.” Huh, learn something new every day.

“Hmmm, I don’t know any British ones, but that sounds like it could be fun! I would hope they would have authentic beers and food! There is a bar that has a mermaid theme, meaning they hire people to swim dressed as mermaids above the bar that’s pretty cool, some good drink specials too. But if you ever want to hit the club scene, let me know, I can sometimes get VIP treatment if the club does that sort of thing. Plus, I love going out dancing. But if it’s not your thing, no worries.” She went out by herself all the time.

“I would have never paired orange and bubblegum, it’s different and good. I bet they sell out of this fast!”

[Thirteen]

Thirteen nodded slowly, "And California? Do you think Hollywood gets it's own state right? Have I been lied to all these years?"

"Has squeezin' into small spaces come up much, outside of show business?" It did seem like a niche ability, though slightly less so than sword-swallowing or fire-eating. "Why retire?"

The Acanthus smiled and nodded. Crows were a favorite subject for her. "They're said to have the memory and problem-solvin' skills of a seven-year old child. They remember who their friends and enemies are, and can even pass that knowledge on to their offspring. Whole generations of crows will know if you've been kind to them, even if you've never met the younger ones. It's a survival thing, livin' in cities." She laughed, "The ones I've been befriendin' even give me little gifts."

"I'm sure the food and drink are authentic in those places. I should really go check them out." She took a sip from her soda, listening to the Shaman, "A mermaid bar? That's curious. Do they have to hold their breath for long?" The Libertine reached for the chocolate Scottie Dogs and opened that box. "Oh, I'll go clubbin' with you. Thanks for the invite!"

"I don't think the bubblegum taste was intentional. That's just what most folks compare it to. The orange is on purpose, I think." She nodded, pulling a chocolate cookie out of the box, "It's popular back home. Our national soda. I always preferred it over Coke or Pepsi."