guinevere--bach

[guinevere--bach]

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"Congratulations," Guinevere said with a smile. "Tell me, have you found a job in fashion design yet? I am very interested in Redwood's local fashion scene, and I'd love to get some insider's knowledge." Few shops in town fit her particular style, and she was rather tired of going to the same spots over and over. She had been gone for a while, though, so maybe there was some hidden gem she hadn't learned about yet. "So, are you working at Evangeline's now, or is this just a temporary thing?"

"I'll pass along the message," Deziree lied. Truthfully, she and Anastasia had stopped visiting their mother altogether. There was no one to pass the message to. Deziree could feel the initial panic wearing off. The unavoidable feeling of dread, however, did not dissipate so quickly. "That's great to hear," she said, mirroring Guinevere's own reply. "Oh. Yes. I was studying fashion design. I graduated this past summer."

[guinevere--bach]

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"She is? That's great to hear. If you see her, tell her she's been sorely missed." Maybe that was a bit too much. But Guinevere was finally having fun, and she really couldn't be blamed.

"Sofia is doing well, thanks for asking," Guinevere said, looking aside and grabbing a glass from another tray passing by. "Studying, working... Same old, same old." She had a sip of her wine and gave Deziree a once over. "Could you please remind me, what were you studying?" Probably not catering service.

Deziree really fought to keep that well-practised smile on her face. If her mother could see her now she would be completely mortified. Frankly, thinking of some kind of excuse for working such a job felt impossible in the moment. She wished her ego was smaller. "They needed some extra hands," she said quickly, hesitant to admit that this was not a voluntary occasion.

Guinevere's question caught Deziree off-guard. It shouldn't have, given how insistent her mother had been in staying in the woman's social circle as much as possible. She did not think they were friends in the slightest, but Ms Tremaine had certainly used Guinevere's acquaintance to some advantage. Deziree was quiet too long. "She's… fine." Why was the tray suddenly shaking? Is it warm in here? Who thought playing a high pitched ringing sound was a good idea? "She's been taking a break from… from socials. To, um… to deal with some personal matters." God, that was awful. "How is Sofia?" Deziree did not care in the slightest how she was but the quicker she changed the subject the better.

[guinevere--bach]

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"Hm, what would you recommend?" she asked after quickly scanning through the menu. There was nothing listed there that was too interesting, but Guinevere would humor him and consider his opinion.

"Of course I am interested. I wouldn't have mentioned it otherwise." She opened her little black velvet handbag and reached for a business card to give to Mr Bug. "You can schedule a meeting with my assistant for next week. I believe I will be available on Tuesday and Thursday, but you should just check in with him to make sure." Guinevere was a busy woman, after all.

"This is a very impressive place, your Evangeline's," she said, gesturing at their surroundings. "I must commend you on your taste. When you mentioned it to me, I wasn't quite sure what to picture. I suppose that wasn't a problem you had when seeking investors."

"I have a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options." Ray said already going to reach for a nearby menu. At her suggestion, Ray's eyes lit up. "Wait, would that be something you're actually interested in?" Ray himself wasn't a huge wine drinker, more of a whiskey man himself, but he kept bottles around for Jane and his sisters when they wanted a drink. "I would love to meet up sometime next week if you are available to discuss things. I think that could be a great idea."

[guinevere--bach]

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Guinevere smiled bigger. For once she hadn't had to fish for a compliment, unless one could say that she had been expecting it, since she had complimented him first...

"Oh, it definitely shows." From boat tours to owning and managing a restaurant, it was truly quite impressive. A part of her wanted his business to thrive. Another part of her thought it would be fun to see it crash and burn.

"What do you have, drinks-wise?" she asked. "I hope you're soon considering including the Red Orchard products to your wine selection."

"Thank you, thank you. You don't look to shabby yourself, I like the hat." Ray chuckled, pointing to the item. Letting out a sigh, he took a moment to look around the room. People were mingling and eating. Others had already gone up to the roof to gaze at the stars and enjoy some music. "So far so good, it took a lot of work to get here, and I'm hoping it pays off." Sure, was he afraid that things weren't going to go to plan, absolutely. But, at least he tried. "Can I get you anything? A drink? Perhaps something to eat?"

[guinevere--bach]

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"Thank you, Mr Bug," Guinevere said, and raised her eyebrows when she was handed the ticket for the free drink. Right, that had been part of the appeal of the grand opening. The place was certainly packed, no doubt enticed by the promise of free food and drinks. It had been a smart move. Now, only time could tell if Mr Bug could keep up a constant flow of people in his establishment.

"My, don't we look sharp," Guinevere smiled. "Congratulations, Mr Bug. It seems like your opening night is a success so far."

This was it. This was the moment he had been working toward for months. The place was finally his and it was finally open. Dressed in a fitting outfit, Ray anxiously stood near the door. Greating those that came in and giving out a ticket to take to the bar for one free drink. Looking up as the next patron walked in, Ray smiled gently. "Ah, Ms. Bach, it is a pleasure to see you here tonight. Welcome to Evangeline's."

[guinevere--bach]

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Guinevere looked at the tray, then at the waitress, and briefly frowned. "Miss Tremaine, what a surprise to see you here." It amused her somewhat that someone from her family had stooped so low as to having to do a service job. She remembered how... interested, let's say, the young woman's mother had been in getting her daughters to be well known of the high society of Redwood Hollow. She had not been very subtle at all.

Her attention shifted back to the tray. She selected one of the tasters and had a small bite. It was good, quite good even, just not as good as the ones Sofia made for the Bạch's dinner parties. "May I ask, how's your dear mother?" she asked her waitress. "I don't think I have heard of her in quite a while."

Starter for @guinevere--bach

Deziree was forcing a smile (though she was sure if she wore a scowl she could pretend it was part of her 'costume' for the evening), slipping around the crowds from table to table with a tray of spooky treats in hand. If anyone asked, her uniform was actually a costume and she totally wasn't working. (No one asked.) She approached a woman in costume, offering an eyeball shaped vol au vent before realising just who she was talking to. Guinevere Bach. She stood up a little straighter, really working on that smile. "Can I interest you in some terrifyingly good tasters?"

[guinevere--bach]

@happieststarters

There were other Halloween parties in Redwood Hollow, obviously. There were a ton of them by that time, since the people of the town adored holidays in general. One could have their pick of them, and they varied from scope to style. Some were more heavily themed than others, and some were, let's say, classier than others. This once, however, Guinevere chose a new spot to spend the festivities.

Evangeline's. The place which would host a grand opening, organized by its owner, Raymond Bug. Her curiosity was piqued. It was bold of him to choose a Halloween opening date, which only intrigued her more.

Guinevere arrived slightly, fashionably late, as per her tradition in these types of events. Dressed in a simple black dress (as simple as someone like her would wear, that is) and with a pointy witch hat to signal she had read the instructions to wear a costume, she stepped out of her car and into the restaurant.

[guinevere--bach]

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"Yes, they're indeed a summer thing," Guinevere nodded. Not that that ever stopped her. If she wanted a particular flower, and she wanted it badly enough (usually when there were people over, in the few dinners and get-togethers she organized), nothing as trifling as a season could stop her. Not that she could really stop the passing of time... But she could try. "They're not uncommon by late September, early October, however." Sofia liked talking about the flowers in the garden, and as much as she wanted to tune out her stepdaughter's ramblings at the dinner table, sometimes Guinevere ended up learning something from her.

This was really the sort of thing the employees at the flower shop should take care of. But there was a gap in the conversation, and, already in it, Guinevere took a deep breath and thought for a moment. "Seasonal flowers... Chrysanthemums? Dahlias? Petunias?" She smiled a bit more. "I've known of people who enjoy displaying ornamental cabbages."

Rachel entirely missed any cues that Guinevere was putting out into the universe. In fact, the cues grew legs and walked right out of the building. Rachel positively beamed.

"Not sunflowers but that's not a bad idea! Although I think maybe it's too in the season for them. Aren't they, like, a summer thing? Actually, I'm looking for some more seasonal flowers so that I can make a wreath for our door!"

[guinevere--bach]

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"Please, it's no problem," Guinevere said as she gave her a sweet smile. "I've been a newcomer too, you know. And it's always useful to have someone you can rely on." It was a small town, but that didn't mean that being a new arrival would be easy. Everyone already knew each other, and it was impossible to guess how people would react to you and whatever they made of your reputation. In a city, under the right circumstances, it was rather easy to become anonymous.

Taking a deep breath, Guinevere interlinked her fingers, making sure to delicately show off her carefully manicured nails, and tilted her head. "So, tell me. What brought you to beautiful Redwood Hollow?"

being new in town came with its challenges. she had an unwell father, a new job to deal with all while moving to a new town to start her life over. she wasn't sure if things would turn out as well as it was sold to her when the university was trying to win her over but she figured anything was worth a try.

"thank you for sitting down with me. i don't know people around here and it helps to have someone like you to help ease the transition into the town"

@happieststarters

[guinevere--bach]

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"... Yes, I do have many vases," she said with a quick glance to the young woman waiting behind her. Guinevere wasn't one for small talk. Regardless, she turned back around to look at her, and gifted her a friendly-enough smile.

"What have you come here for? Sunflowers?" she asked. "You seem like a sunflowers sort of person." Guinevere knew the type. Too bright, too attention-seeker, too... Peppy.

Rachel had gotten it in her head that she should really make the most of the change of the season (like she did every season, really) and make a celebratory wreath to stick on her parents' front door for the whole street to see. The trouble was that all the plants nearby that she could have reasonably taken pieces from were already on their way out, and just too far gone to save in a flower press.

So, the next best option was the florist (though the expense was less than ideal). She had been waiting on the clerk serving the woman in front of her in the hopes she could offer to "save" some of the flowers they were ready to throw away. The clerk worked away at fetching only the best poppies for the woman. Rachel simply could not help but chime in.

"Oh, they're so red! Wow! I hope you've got a vase as pretty for them."

[guinevere--bach]

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Guinevere chuckled politely at her joke, and eyed her up and down. She seemed to have won against the other person she was sparring with, so she trusted had to be the one who gave the classes. It was a cowardly thing to think, but Guinevere hoped she would go easy on her.

"A professional," she nodded with a stiff smile. "Lucky me." Guinevere wasn't one to enjoy being bossed around, but if this was all for the sake of self-improvement... "Well... No." If she tried to lie, this woman would find out pretty quickly.

Namaari had just finished a sparring match with one of the fellow employees at the Dojo, brow dripping with sweat, rag draped across her neck. “Better luck next time,” she smirked, grabbing her water bottle and taking a long and well deserved sip. After hydrating, she got to work cleaning up the equipment when she sensed another person enter the room.

Turning her head, she eyed the woman up and down. “Well if it isn’t, shit, I’m not gonna paid.” Walking over, she hummed to herself for a moment. “Really? Well, fortunately you’re looking at a professional. Have any experience?”

[guinevere--bach]

starter for @namaari-sinaga

Getting robbed was an experience Guinevere wasn't exactly unacquainted with. She had been the victim of a couple mugging incidents back when she lived in the city, which taught her to be a little less conspicuous with her luxury goods. She had grown to believe that, travelling everywhere in chauffered cars and living only in the most affluent neighborhoods meant she was safe.

In her last business trip, however, there had been a third incident. Three times too many.

"Is this the... The Great Stone Martial Arts Dojo?" Guinevere asked, reading from her notes app. She looked up at the woman who seemed to have some degree of authority at this place. "I'm here to try out those Muay Thai classes."

[guinevere--bach]

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She had to get out of the house more often. Guinevere knew this, but it was easier said than done. There wasn't much difficulty dealing with employees and business partners... But average people? What was worse, average people from a small town? Small-minded, boring, dull... And yet, and yet she didn't want to become a hermit, a shut-in.

It was a nice day to sunbathe in the Orchard House's garden, but doing so at the park would maybe be a better idea. At the very least, it would force her to leave the house.

But now she was thirsty. She forgot that, usually, people carried water bottles with them for such eventualities. Of course Guinevere wouldn't come close to a drinking fountain, so she approached the closest person. "Good afternoon. May I ask where you got that cup of coffee?" Surely, whatever place it was, they also had mineral water.

babette sat on her preferred park bench, basking in the sunshine before it clouded over. she had been lost in her thoughts as of late. victor and her back to a rough patch and she was unsure where to go to move forward. lifting her coffee cup to her lips, she took a sip and let out a deep breath.

@happieststarters

[guinevere--bach]

@happieststarters

Fall had begun, but there was still a trace of summer in the air, or at least whatever was left of it. There was no stopping the passing of seasons, regardless. It was the time of wilting and decay.

Really, shopping for the house was the sort of thing Sofia always did, following her stepmother's careful instructions. But, as it was becoming a bit of an unpleasant habit, Sofia was spending her mornings occupied with other things, instead of taking care of her chores. Until Guinevere decided to hire a maid or something (an idea she was not fond of), there were some small things she could do herself.

Like buying flowers, for instance. The Orchard House's garden was a marvel, as always, but it used to give less flowers as the weather started to change. The white lilies were still holding out, thankfully, so that was good. She had a sudden craving for the splash of red only poppies could give, though, so she went to the local flower shop to purchase some.

"These ones, yes," Guinevere said to the salesperson, pointing at a handful that seemed particularly fresh and healthy. "Be careful with them."

[guinevere--bach]

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Guinevere smiled, glad to know she was not alone in her conclusion. She did not know Oz very well, but she believed there was some level of understanding between them, a certain similarity in the way they thought. Then again, she might just be projecting.

She reached for the packet. Immediately she frowned when he tried to make it into a game. "Conditions, there's always some condition," she huffed quietly. "Alright, let's see... There is never much of note in this town, but..." Guinevere knew better than to tell Oz too much about what she was up to. "It is confirmed that the old bakery in Main Street will close. I suppose everyone's going to that other one, the, uh... Hell, I can't quite remember its name." She felt this was probably not interesting enough for him, and her sweet tooth was aching already. "The Bạch charity will open a new children's book section at the Redwood Library next week. And our cherry trees at the Red Orchard are giving an unexpectedly high yield, fortunately, if you care to know how business is going."

Hopefully that was enough for Oz. Guinevere looked down at her nails for a moment. "Something actually interesting would be if there were any updates on the case of those missing relics, or about the disappearances, the comas and the illnesses. Apart from that breakthrough on the poison in Mr Hera's blood, that is... No such luck."

She stretched her hand towards him, palm open wide. "What about you? Any interesting news you got wind of?"

It was a familiar voice; Although such an observation was not particularly surprising for a man as social and seemingly all knowing as Oz.

He had been having a quiet morning until he had been interrupted. Which was fine by him, quiet mornings were boring.

"Forgot yours too?" Oz said. "Had to ask for these myself. I give this place a month."

He went to hand her one of the packets casually, before stopping just short of her hand.

"I'll give it to you under one condition, you tell me something interesting."

[guinevere--bach]

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Guinevere looked up from her tablet and chuckled to herself. She quickly moved the chair beside hers to the side so Lady could sit by her table. She hadn't expected to see her there in that little café, but regardless of the circumstances, meeting with her was always nice.

"Your beloved wife is growing more tired by the day," she admitted quietly, bitterly. "Work's been getting hectic now that autumn is coming near, and the Red Orchard is soon going to have its share of seasonal events, and there's all sorts of arrangements to plan, and..."

Her voice quieted until it disappeared altogether. She couldn't share her plans... Or lack of plans, really, with Lady. Guinevere had already shared far, far too much with her, much more than she had originally wanted to tell anyone about herself. Instead, she just pursed her lips and kept fiddling with her ring.

"Never mind," she said, leaning back in her chair, as she took a good look around. Not too many people, but the place was small enough that anyone could listen in on them even if they didn't try. Well, regardless of if the café was crowded or not, she still had to maintain appearances. There was still a role to play.

Guinevere turned to look back at Lady. "So, my dearest, how are you doing?" Her wife sure found it fun to keep up the look of lovestruck newlywed.

Lady was sitting in the quaint castle café, nestled within the fortress's ancient stone walls, an air of mystery surrounding her. A good book lay open in her hands, but her attention was divided, her eyes hidden behind oversized sunglasses that shielded her from the curious glances of the other patrons. A wide-brimmed hat cast a shadow over her face, further adding to her enigmatic presence. She looked completely out of place among the medieval tapestries and rustic wooden furniture, like a character from a different story who had wandered into the wrong scene.

But Lady had a purpose for being there, one that went beyond simply enjoying the peaceful atmosphere or losing herself in the pages of her book. She hadn't seen Guinevere in months, and the thought of reuniting with her filled her with a nervous excitement. This café, made to look like some royalty scene, was the perfect spot for their long-awaited reunion. The element of surprise was crucial, and Lady was determined to make the moment unforgettable.

As she waited, her mind raced with thoughts of what she would say, and how she would reveal herself. The minutes ticked by slowly, each one heightening her anticipation. Finally, she heard a familiar voice—a soft, melodious tone that she could never forget—asking the barista for a package of sweeteners. It was Guinevere, just as Lady had hoped. Her heart skipped a beat as she prepared to make her move, knowing that in just a few moments, the two of them would be face to face once more.

"You my dearest, may have them all," she said as she revealed herself. "And how is my beloved wife?"