Since her parents help out so much with Casimir (Caz for short), Jyoti is able to go out and see the new city in what little spare time she has between work and workouts. She has been promoted to Squad Leader these days. This small watering hole is called Chateau de l'eau.
The food selection here is not all that great. Who has ever heard of nachos for dinner? (Your dad has, he eats them all the time while working)
There are only four seats upstairs if someone doesn't want to sit at the bar, but there is an intimate and somewhat quiet feel that she finds relaxing.
She meets Virginia Supine, who was also curious to check out the new local bar.
The slightly older woman does not understand Jyoti's references to modern celebrity. She hopes this isn't some kind of gang sign she's seeing.
“My parents didn't start out wealthy and successful, you know. There was a time that all they had to sleep on was a bench.”
The other woman nods politely. Was there some kind of way she was supposed to respond to that?
Iris Shift has no opinion on the matter, but her new gig as a bartender has been great for hearing people's stories.
She comes home to take over for her dad. “What has this kid been eating?” He complains.
He complains, but he's always there for us, his daughter thinks.
“Thanks dad.” She tells the most reliable man in her life.
He doesn't hear her, there's a lot to do.
Gabby
Leila
Meghan
Dustin gets time to himself (time that he'd normally be performing, so it's a bit of an odd pace for him) and heads to the Luminous Bar on the coastline.
It's very nice inside, and very open.
He's glad to meet his cousin's son here. “How has work been?” He asks both the bartender and Everet at the same time.
“Dunno, I've only been here a few months.” The bartender admits. “I like it though.” As it would turn out, this place cannot keep bartenders on staff for very long.
“Same as always.” Ev replies without looking up from a thick book on local laws. He's trying to get plugged in and continue his investigations here until things with the family can be resolved. If they can be. “Some new leads, a lot of them dead ends, some scammers now that the case is becoming so well known.”
“I see.” Dustin is used to the disappointment by now, so he tries to focus on how everyone else is doing. Leon is getting along well, he's heard from Jet although that child of his does nothing much other than hide at home and write articles and novels. It's impressive how quickly he turns it all out, even with an infant in the house. Christian must be a saint.
They talk a little bit more quietly by themselves. Everet appreciates that Dustin doesn't put any additional pressure on, so he's willing to share what they know about this new city. There are not so many contractors at the local hospital, and the administration works much more efficiently at City Hall. There is also a good amount of nepotism – the Marks brothers are well known around here and they have their hands in several local businesses. There is a small crime syndicate run by a local celebrity (known for his quick hit and run operations and daredevil like escapes from the local law), simply called Clyde, who has a warehouse on the outskirts of the downtown area. None of these seem to share any connections to the Piper and the missing children, nor has the local adoption agency seemed in any way suspicious.
A local PI, Eliot Ness, is a great resource if one has enough money for information. He was none too happy to hear what Everet knows about the potential range of the Piper's local operations, and is helping to look out for unusual activities among people that have arrived in recent months, and unusual places that are seeing more traffic than usual. So far, things are fairly uneventful. Everet is sure she is here, and yet there's been no sign of the operation itself, despite the credibility of several witness accounts. There are a few places that were cleaned out in a hurry, back in Starlight, and clear evidence of the direction of the move to here. The real question now is, was Roaring Heights a mere stopover for the operation, instead of becoming the new headquarters? Everet knows he is missing something big.
They part ways here. Everet watches Dustin meander slowly to head upstairs and grips his frosty glass, focusing on the gentle tinkling of the ice inside of it. He tries not to feel like time is slipping away from them.
But it is, and as fun as it is being social, there is work to be done. He downs rest of the glass and heads out.
The bartender, for her part, just cares about the generous tips they left.
Dustin also tips the pianist upstairs even though the place is thoroughly empty. He was playing his heart out. I'm going to like this new town, he thinks.
For old time's sake, he fires up the DJ booth.
Performing a little bit for his own amusement... is very refreshing.
He and the musician jam a little bit, letting the songs melt together.
Their lone attendee is the bartender from downstairs. And that's fine.
He's not home until the sun is rising, sugary rays of cotton candy pink spreading gently over the horizon.
He falls asleep dreaming that his place in the world... really isn't so bad, after all.
Meghan woke up early to fish before 6am. It doesn't matter that no fish will ever bite here...
It's peaceful today.
'Drea' is making progress of some of her new research, but it's not fast enough for some people's tastes. Dustin tries to encourage her. She studied human simbiology, after all, not Vampirism or elixirs that are supposed to find people or change them in any way. It's not like she's going to be able to change the family's circumstances overnight. But, maybe she can find a way to defend them better.
Dustin's idea are helpful, but they've made a major move and there are bills to pay, before trying anything new.
Ka-ching.
Meghan's begun to buy the occasional elixir at the hidden-in-plain-sight local consignment shop, but she' hasn't learned much from them yet. It's not the kind of thing she can sample or clone scientifically, so she's not sure how to study them.
Jyoti's routine hasn't changed that much from when she was living in Starlight, it's just that there's a bit more room around the house to work out here. A new season already... she feels ready for it, for some reason. Ready to leave the past and all of it's mistakes behind her.
Meghan still likes it best when the sun isn't directly overhead. Fall and Spring are her favorites.
Roaring Heights is a place that moves at a slower pace than she is used to. Not as slow as Aurora Skies, with its impregnable and impossibly long winters, but not the breakneck pace of Starlight and it's impression of desperation to get ahead. Roaring Heights feels more... secure. The people here are kind and welcoming, but reserved in their own private lives.
Caz has to endure several long strolls with his mom, who loves the weather no matter what it's like.
The ocean here is different, she thinks. I could live her my whole life and never feel pushed away. She wonders vacantly if Casimir will grow up one day to love it or hate it, but that will be for him to decide.
For her, she is finally feeling the beginnings of contentment with what she has. In moments of weakness, where what and whom she has lost become overpowering, she can come here and watch the sunrise, or walk along the extensive community gardens, the fishing parks or even the graveyard, and never feel afraid. She is alive, and she has Casimir, and she's learning to be thankful. It hurts, but not always.
It's a bit cold (The water is warmer than the wind), but she thinks he enjoys himself.
Him shouting “mor Mor!” Helps her believe this.
They head home for warm baths after.
Jyoti feels less alone, and more excited these days. Her work is dangerous, but if anything ever happened to her, Caz would have her parents, right? So, she takes on the dangerous work boldly, just like her father would, and tries not to think too deeply about the rest.
There's nothing wrong with having a routine.
Dustin calibrates the machine for Meghan, hoping to move the research along in any way possible.
There's another get together at the Sparrow's place that evening. Loki is mobbed by pretty women wanting to say hello. Jyoti is wasting no time in letting him know that Casimir now believes his father has 'gone on a long trip somewhere very far away'.
Ann Donnelly, a local maid who's befriended the family, is just wondering why nobody fixed that dishwasher yet. Can Loki do it...? Or, what? It's going to make a mess.
They make a bit of time for some private, casual conversation. She is still telling him about how he can be here but not, you know, not as himself. This is somehow entertaining for him, and more than a bit ironic, as he spent so much time covering up who he was with Jyoti when they were younger.
He's just a glutton for the author's punishment, really. Maybe it's just that the family-oriented trait keeps him coming over whenever he can.
“Could we not make me out to be some kind of absentee father, though?”
“Why, are you not one?” Jyo asks innocently.
“Look, you can come over and spend one on one time with him more when I'm tethered to a rocket in space. You can tell him then how you wanted to be in his life but forgot to come over for the first couple of years, okay?” She didn't mean for that to come out as passive aggressive as it sounded, but she really can't trust that her son's father has their best interest at heart. Loki wanting to meet Casimir now makes her somewhat nervous.
Leon comes in while Loki is talking. He looks better dressed today.
Jyo is distracted as Loki is pleading his case to see his son and get to play with him so she doesn't give any greeting.
I can't remember the last conversation this one has actually had with anybody. And are those adult lines on your forehead, mister?!
He tells her that she's likely to get to space sooner than the thinks. She's in a very good place right now, and Ocean's Edge Base is going to fast-track her career and she'll get ahead much more quickly than she would have at home.
She grins. “You think I need you to tell me that?” He looks perplexed for a second before realizing what timeline this is. She's already received her first promotion. “You'll get more.” he promises, unashamed of the mistake. He can't always remember every time that he looks into, and he's been diving into the time machine on his own more and more these days, so he's missed some time going by in reality. “I'm sorry that I wasn't here more when I should have been.”
“I'm really getting tired of hearing that from you.” Jyoti rolls her eyes. “But I already knew you were this eccentric, I guess.”
“Listen, there's something I should have told you about before, but I'm not sure if you want to know this.” He begins, when his head clears and he recalls what is important, right now. “There's someone that I'd like to caution you about.”
She sighs, in bemusement. “Loki, I don't think I want any more of your predictions. I'm going to enjoy what I have now and probably make some good and bad decisions. Whatever happens along the way, it's going to happen with or without your intervention, so I don't want to hear about it.” She hesitates before adding, “and Casimir will know you better when I say it's time.”
“Alright. I'll respect your wishes and I won't try to force it. But please remember that I love him too, and I want to see him, okay?”
Jyoti frowns. “Why did you say that?”
“Say what?”
“That you love him. You've never even met him. And seeing as how you don't even love me, and wouldn't care if I fell out of a helicopter or died in a war-”
“You're not going to die in a war, you'll probably never have to even participate in one.” He raises his voice with urgency. “And who exactly gets to decide that I don't like you? I like you very much.”
“Like.” She repeats, grouchy.
“Well, do you love me?” He asks softly.
“No.” She admits.
“Then there it is. We don't have to all love each other to the ends of the Earth in order to still be a family to that little boy.”
“I'm his family, Loki. I had him, and I am raising him.”
“...and this is a party. So stop looking at me like that. You're just my strange, foreign friend from work, in case our adorable and clever son asks, which-I-doubt-he-will.”
“So just play out your role here and go off to wherever. Capice?”
“You're the boss.” he says. “Also Jyoti.”
“Arg. What?”
“I never said I wasn't going to intervene. You and your family, and our son, will remain safe.”
“Right. Because I know Sim-fu.”
“Sure.” He acquiesces, frowning now.
Another party, another chance for Kevin to do something clumsy and embarrassing. I wish I knew what it was he keeps on doing. Darla snaps a shot of the disgraced former Mayor of Starlight.
Circe has aged up to become an old woman. She looks pretty good, even though she's so bad. Nobody's sure why she keeps coming to these parties, when she doesn't have a positive relationship with anyone here.
She's hilarious with her puppy dog umbrella. Behold, the villain! Or, one of them...
Darla “...” What are we all doing here again?
Kevin shows up for every party, he's a loyal friend. He's put off Fae business for so long it seems he really will just be making his home among the humans.
Christian left Jarvis with his dad for the night, but she doesn't get to stay long.
Lyra is here to supervise. Whom she is supervising, you may ask? I have no idea. Probably everyone. She still wants to recruit more vampires, but is taking her sweet time in doing it.
“No one here may be worthy.”
“You know I'm standing right here, right?”
“I know.”
“I do have a question for you, Moira is your sister, is that right?”
Lyra nods, still smirking. “You want to ask about Loki's motivations now.”
“No... but thank her for her warning to me, so long ago. I've only made it this far because she made a nuisance of herself when I was young and stupid.”
Lyra nods. “I see... I will tell her.”
“Now please go and enjoy yourself. I'm going to have to ask somebody to change this annoying weather.”
Apparently the Fae and the vampires in town are getting along more these days. Perhaps the relaxed atmosphere of a new paradise to grow into at their own pace is all that was needed. The people of Roaring Heights have been sympathetic to the refugees from Starlight Shores, and the occasional occult sim is not being rejected or forced to hide, here. They follow the local laws and ordinances like anyone else, after all. This sleepy town is grateful for some new blood, as long as there is no trouble.
It seems like these two are getting along surprisingly well. Both are pragmatic and overly serious, is that why? Kevin doesn't hate every Vampire, just Loki. And it's not really hatred, he just knows more than Jyo wants him to about Loki's influence on her life. Still he is a loyal friend and keeps her secrets.
Loki is unhappy being dismissed, and for the first time in a while she can sense his annoyance. “Wow. Are you scowling at me?” She chides him. “I always thought you were a bit more on the mature side.”
It's a bit empowering, being able to stand up to his naturally overwhelming presence. She stares at him, waiting for him to go.
He sighs impatiently. “I'm sorry if it looks that way. I was just hoping your answers would be a bit more serious.”
“I am serious.” She replies, again far too easily.
Ann Donnelly is more than a bit weirded out right now after getting a good look at the man's eyes.
(I always save Ann from the Homeless population and the maid job whenever I play RH. She's too pretty to not be allowed in the main population.)
How is she able to let someone like that in the house? Starlight Shores living must have been crazy.
Loki leaves, finding that he is now somehow satisfied with this situation. He said he wouldn't press the issue after all.
Jyoti has a moment of self reflection, thinking about what all was said. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad to let them meet each other, once or twice. He seemed sincere.
“...shoot.”
I stop to redecorate. Jyoti gets her jogging track...
The living room gets more color...
And nobody is around to be blamed for this.
Jyo spends some time with other guests for a little while and eventually decides to talk to him again. “Loki... about earlier... maybe we could all just go to the park together. As friends.”
He smiles at her wistfully. “I would love that.”
Ex-Mayor Huanna seems keen to help the residents of this new place join him in his debauchery. Miss Supine does not mind learning new things.
Dannigan smirks when Dustin asks him if he could try to keep the hail at bay next time they have an outdoor gathering. “I'll think about it.” He replies cryptically, not willing to share his secrets even with a long time friend. Dustin is pretty sure the Fae don't have that many worthwhile secrets, actually, but he still prods from time to time.
Noise ordinances here are more serious, so when the police show up to remind the new residents that it's time to settle down, the guests begin to file out without complaint.
Another great party, another chance for somebody to complain about Kevin's clumsiness. Then again, it's Robbie Platt who is evil and inappropriate who's complaining this time, so maybe we can overlook it.
He always looks like he's up to something. Mark Davis-Welles barely saw the man with the purple hair, and suddenly he's right there!
Everet's still on edge as the operation hasn't been going smoother. The Piper has been managing to hide herself well, although his informants were sure she was hiding out here, somewhere, and that she wasn't working alone. His unease is causing him to become suspicious of even small things. “He always looks like he's up to something.” He mutters.
“Dannigan and his family are harmless. You were in school with his kids, remember?” Dustin reminds him.
“I do...” Not that he's going to let any suspicion out of his mind for awhile. They didn't all pick up and move here for nothing.
Meghan danced by herself for most of the party and socialized a bit with Christian. It was a good time. She just makes a cute older lady. :3
Malcolm's older brother Stanley Meir stays longer than most, he had no idea the Shift family had wings, or something. He's always been sort of self-involved, so it's not really a surprise that he's surprised. Meghan tries not to pass judgment, having been a weird kid herself in younger days.
This is the group that stayed and agreed to turn the stereo down a bit, but didn't leave when the larger party broke up.
It's becoming more and more public knowledge that things have gotten pretty serious between Kevin and Noemi. They've recently gotten engaged. The romantic drinks that Dustin mixed are helping them be more open in their affections, however, so now nearly everyone at the party knows. It's rare to see the young winged man smile so much. Let's also try not to pass judgment right away on the fact that Noemi and Jyoti share several of the same traits. Brave and athletic are apparently his type. Darla knows this, and being a bit tipsy, finds nothing wrong with making inappropriate gardening references to the 'new' couple over her shoulder.
Not trying to be nosier than absolutely required to do his job, Everet still finds himself asking Kevin's father his thoughts on the upcoming nuptials. “I thought humans were off-limits for your kids, when did you choose to relax that rule?”
Dannigan shrugs, himself having some experience with human women. “A young man, fae or not, is allowed to have a dalliance or two, don't you think?”
Everet, who is afraid of commitment, is actually able to understand. No matter how serious he is about her, the fact remains that Kevin will outlive his new wife. “I had no idea that the fae thought so far ahead.”
Dannigan isn't willing, as usual, to comment on his 'kind'. “I can't speak for all of us, but for now my son is happy. Maybe he can have something that I did not.”
Dustin helps the young man in question celebrate.
The party drinks are working a little too well... it's hard for Jyo to stay mad a Loki, they have fond memories together. They share a son. They are at times close, but not intimate. I am no longer trying to control any part of their situation.
There's always one party guest that helps themselves to things nobody invited them to use.
Go home, Circe.
Meghan had a wish to swim, again.
She always regrets these.
Jyoti puts Casimir to bed and her best friend is there, asking if she needs any help. “I'm okay, thanks... Hey Kevin, What do you think of it here?”
He shrugs, “It's alright.”
“I'm happy with my life here.” She says in that same, absent tone she's been using of late.
“You're always smiling, even when you seem upset.” He observes.
“You're always frowning, even when you're supposed to be happy.” She counters.
The corner of his mouth twitches up. He has a lot of reasons to be happy at the moment, but he still has time to scold her. “You can just say you don't want to talk about it.”
“Okay, I don't want to talk about it.”
Talking about it won't bring back the people she has lost.
She congratulates Kevin, she had no idea he was hiding a secret like this, and now he's suddenly getting married soon. “I hope you and Noemi have a great life together.” She tells him.
“Thank you! I tried to tell you first, but you wanted to make booze at the corner store and didn't hear me out.”
“I'm sorry Kevin, I've been so distracted lately. Life is busy.”
“I get that, it's alright.”
“Are you having a private wedding?”
“There will be some ceremony, but not public.”
“So I'll miss it, I hope you're happy together.”
“Thank you.”
She gets the feeling that there is more to be said, but nothing comes to mind at the moment.
Her mom comes in helpfully complaining about being tired and breaks up their conversation.
Caz is oblivious happily to all.
Dustin finally tries to figure out who this woman is, and why she keeps inviting herself. All he manages to realize is that she thinks he's joking when he's not. “Yes I am seriously asking, do we know you from somewhere?”
“That isn't amusing!” She growls. They have incompatible traits.
Go home, Circe.
Dannigan remains his inappropriate self, however. I thought he'd left. You staying the night, or...?
...just gonna stare daggers into the back of your son's head like that?
“What's wrong with you?” Kevin yells at his father for being rude. They weren't invited to stay the night. “If you're tired, sleep at home!”
“What? The chairs are comfortable!” Loki is just glad he wasn't bit by a Fae, and became a vampire instead. They are so embarrassing with their flighty behavior.
Darla...
Oblivious to most drama, Jyoti stays up longer to try and master her feelings.
One board at a time.
Kevin is getting married, Loki does not stay, Malcolm and Emir are gone. My parents are old and I'm going to lose them. If anything happens to me, Loki will take care of Caz.
The many things she cannot voice can be set up like a board and struck down until it breaks, or until she breaks from the exhaustion.
I love my life. She tells herself. I will. Love it.
The newly engaged couple camp out at the Sparrow residence, for some reason... they must have partied a bit too hard and Meghan said it was fine, they shouldn't have to drive home when they aren't feeling well. Again, more irony.
After a nice nap they head out. Annnd of course Caz is up, so Jyo is not going to sleep any time soon.
Robot mode Darla Shift, who hates the outdoors, does not hate swimming outdoors, apparently. She doesn't drown with all of that on, because magic. Either that, or Faeries have hollow bones like birds.
Taking advantage of the great weather, Dustin just happens to be able to see Loki and Jyo leave with their son in the middle of the night. His daughter waves when she feels his eyes on the back of her head, even from all the way up there. “Back in a bit!” She yells to him. Is he supposed to be concerned?
This is getting ridiculous, he thinks, gripping the controller for Drea's machine tightly in his hand. How far, as a father, is he supposed to let things go? He tries to remember that he doesn't want to push his daughter away and takes several long, deep breaths.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Fae Business is slang for occult worldbuilding that I don't feel like doing.
Jyo is going to need more time to sort through her feelings, it seems. Hopefully it won't take her too long, things are not going to remain simple!
Kevin's grape jelly wings get me every time. I love looking at them. He also seemed amused at the security system we have installed. If his herbs didn't keep Loki and the vampires away several years ago, how was this junk supposed to do anything?
Chateau de l'eau is one of only two items in my Modthesims studio, if anyone wants it. I still use it after all this time, so here it is in the story.
https://modthesims.info/d/436794/ch%C3%A2teau-de-l-eau-castle-of-water-local-watering-hole.html
Roaring heights is so so~o pretty to look at. I could just sit there and watch the weather or the sunrise, and find I am not disappointed from nearly any angle. It's hard to try to put a story together when all I want to see is the coastline, the city skyline, or the architecture of the venues (several of which are hangouts so people usually show up without much regard for their traits although I guess loners won't). Even the Mausoleum is gorgeous, although I have enough pictures it's going to show up in the game eventually.
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