(PRP) Fairy Floss

[Forn Clakes]

What is it that makes a good day out? The brilliant sunshine? Being with the family? The consummation of sugary treats? The whirring of mechanical rides? Good value? The screams and cries of exhaustion, of a long day?

Maybe all of it, as today was one of those days in Funderland, the home of Sacramento's freehold. The park was in full swing with the train doing its rounds along the park's boundary, Happy the Squirrel taking every opportunity to get a photo with some kid, and as it was coming up to the lunchtime rush, many families visiting the park begin to hurry towards the food concession hall before everyone else gets a similar idea. There was a minor breeze blowing through the park, swirling the aromas of hot dogs and burgers, of candy floss and popcorn, of laughter and joy as well as the odd tantrum and fed-up parent.

Is that what constitutes a good day out?

Today was that day for many, but its funny how one thing can upset a good day....

Please narrate your character's entrance into the scene near to the food concession hall and feel free to interact for a post or two before I push the scene forward.

[Seraphina]

It was a beautiful day! The sun was shining, the park was busy, and the Nix had a little pep to her step. A walk through the park called for more casual clothes, which today was a white tank top and jeans. She added heeled booties to her feet and braided her hair off to the side. Long hair was a bitch when the weather warmed up, making the back of her neck all sweaty and gross. And that just wasn’t ok.

Sera enjoyed seeing the park come to life during the day. Parents running after or being pulled by kids every which way. And the laughter from kids, and the screams from those on rides made her smile as she walked around.

But it was the smells coming from the food area that gave her an ultimate destination. The scent that brought with it promises of delicious foods and sugary treats making the mouth water. So she found herself a sugary treat, cotton candy to be exact.

Stepping off to the side, she continues to watch the people, her slender fingers picking pieces of candy fluff and sticking them in her mouth.

[Mhairi Ankaa]

Since the Freehold had moved to Funderland, Mhairi found that she walked more. A fell-flame eye on all the moving parts. Edna's was working, the staff saw to the guests, kids and adults alike, and Mhairi felt a little listless. She knew she needed to fins a proper manager for Edna's the Haunted House, maybe going so far as to ensorcell someone, but to find someone she trusted and who's mind could handle the horrible and wonderful and terrifying truth...

Mhairi shakes her head. Star filled locked bound in a loose knot on top of her head. It was hot, and despite being made of fire, Mhairi Ankaa hated the heat. Wearing an off the shoulder shirt dress, and some dark jean shorts, and tights with her awesomely spiked boots, Mhairi figured she should be okayish about the heat as she headed to fetch some water and maybe a beef skewer. And if not, she might cheat, using her choker as a catch just so she could exist this Summer. Or maybe she could use her fans like fans and not the weapons they were. Which would get anyone who knew anything about weaponry to frown at her, but gods it was hot.

(If you couldn't tell, Mhairi didn't care for the heat)

"Sera?" Mhairi asks cautiously as she spots a gorgeous brunette eating cotton candy. She'd spied the women's shadow and nodded to herself. "Hey! What brings you out? Just the sweets?"

[Thomas Land]

"Hm-hmmmm. Well. Enjoyment is a relative term, Mr. Brown." The voice comes from behind Alex. It is typically uncertain, but tinged with a certain bitterness. A note of disapproval--not of his companions, but rather the goings-on around them. It's all just too much, this frivolity. And while Thomas understands the benefits of Funderland as seat of the Freehold, its emphasis on fun would never quite be his cup of tea.

The little Mole-Man has emerged from the crowds just behind the Groundskeeper. He wasn't trying to sneak up, he's just so easily overlooked is all. And this despite his incongruous attire: professorial as always, even in a place like this, on a day like this. Accordingly, he looks downright miserable in the full and shining sunlight, with merrymaking all about him.

He steps around Alex to join the three where they've gathered. "Oh--I'm sorry--I don't mean to be, yes, well--I don't want to complain," he says in a distinctly plaintive way. "It's just, all of this..." he gestures to the park-goers with a shrug. "It is nice to see you in any case," he adds with a weak smile, beady eyes darting between his fellow Lost.

[Seraphina]

Eye brows raise as she hears her name and looks to see Mhairi.

“Mhairi!” greets the Nix with a devilish grin, “Well, the cotton candy was certainly an incentive. And I kinda have a wicked sweet tooth.” She says, holding the puffy pink cloud of yummy out to the Wisp, “But I couldn’t pass up the beautiful weather. How about you? Was it the chance to show off some amazing shoes?! Cause those are killer.” She compliments looking at the Autumns spiked boots.

Hearing her name again, and the Elementals, she looks to see Alex, smiling, "I am certainly enjoying it! And it is nice to see such a crowd and hear the enjoyment in their voices.” She preferred to surround herself with pleasant things. “And cotton candy, cannot forget that, it always makes things more enjoyable.” She says with a musical laugh. “How about you?” she hadn’t had a chance to really talk with the Darkling, maybe it would today.

The bitter tone draws a curious look from the Nix. She didn’t see the Beast approach, and even though she kinda felt bad about that, it was easy to overlook the guy.

Yes, please don’t complain, she pleads internally. Today was too nice and she was in way too good of a mood.

But she smiles anyways, offering a wave, “Hi Thomas, good to see you. How is the city treating you?” she would of asked how his day was, but he kind of cleared that up already.

[Mhairi Ankaa]

Mhairi eyes the candy fluff and waves a hand, "I'm good. I was hankering for something savory, not sweet."

Both the mirrorskin and the mole-man are hard to notice in a crowd. One by design, and the other by circumstance.

"Alexander," Mhairi offers a smile and dippy fingered wave, "Mister Land," then offers the same. "I needed some water...and maybe a snack. Putting money into our business seemed more appropriate then spending money elsewhere." obviously Mhairi, despite the Freehold owning the Park now, she didn't believe in comping her own 'buys' and taking from the total profits.

Mhairi nods, "Very true Mister Land." Mhairi certainly wasn't enjoying the weather. "It's okay." Mhairi says, believing she understood what caused the beast-kin to whine. The crowd. A horrible thing for the shy and overlooked. "It's nice to see you too." Mhairi smiles again.

[Thomas Land]

"Oh--well--it is treating me fairly, I suppose. As fairly as a city might," he answers Sera. How was a place treating him? As a place would: indifferently. He's not going to make the point directly, though. Instead he changes tack to a subject where his treatment is actually at issue: "My job is, hm, going well. Yes, very well. Especially now that summer has arrived." And the collegiate tides have largely receded.

For a moment after he's done speaking, he simply stares at the Fairest with a naked animal hunger. She is, after all, one of the most enchanting creatures imaginable. Suddenly aware that he's been looking at Sera for altogether too long, he turns his attentions to the Autumn Queen, who's few words seem to transmit an understanding of his position. Maybe it is their shared seasonal affiliation that permits such an emphatic reaction? In any case, he gives Mhairi a thankful smile. "That's--yes--very nice of you to say, Mhairi." Even if it's hard to believe that anyone might find it nice to see him.

Finally, Alex speaks. At first, the Mole-Man has to resist the urge to roll his eyes at the Groundkeeper's words. But by the end of it, Thomas is forced to admit the Darkling may have a point. The little Beast craves silent reflection, but even he knows that too much can prove dangerous. He's experienced it first hand.

This one may be smarter than he looks, he thinks before responding: "Yes--yes you're quite correct, Mr Brown," he sighs, almost grudgingly. "I should try to be more--hmmmm--charitable, I suppose." After all, the crowds are what had drawn him out here in the first place, on his day off. He'd been keen to observe the patterns, the flows, pools, and eddies of glamour produced by the Freehold's customers, despite his distaste for the environment.

[Seraphina]

Another fluffy piece was plucked, “Well, there is no shortage of savory here.” She didn’t mind savory, but would take sweet over it any day.

There was a nod as the piece disappeared into her mouth, “Completely agree with you Mhairi, I’d rather spend my money here then somewhere else.” Granted most park food wasn’t very healthy, but damn did it taste good.

“Oh, spicy food is the best! Especially Thai! I haven’t had a chance to find a good Thai restaurant yet, so if you find a place with amazing spicy food, please let me know!” this girl liked her spice.

Overwhelming? Well, she guessed it could be for someone who didn’t like people or crowds. She sometimes enjoyed simply people watching. But the Nix flourished in such settings, so it was hard for her to really emphasize.

Smiling gently to Thomas, “Glad to hear your job is going well. Does business pick up in the summer?” she asks with curiosity. Seems like a library might be busy in the summer for those who enjoyed the silence and treasures it offered. Or not, she didn’t know, but was trying to make conversation and be friendly.

But there was something a little unsettling about the stare. Sure, she was used to be stared at, but from him it just felt different. But she doesn’t say anything, simply follows the conversation as it moves and flows.

“I think while crowds can be overwhelming, they can also be educational and fun. Simply watching and observing how people move and interact with each other tells a lot about them. You can kinda go into your own little world as you watch. Though sometimes it’s easier with an iPod in and music flowing.”