part 11 of the China Pearl Inn

[TarnishedPrincess]

Her face brightens slightly at the thought of having an actual room of her own, and a position less dependent on Ming’s moods. But then a wariness flits over her features as one auburn brow tilts up. “If you do that, what would you want in return?” She remembered that things did not come freely in this world, as she used to believe.

 

[cgraven]

Elle’s features brightened at the prospect of a room and escaping Poo Ming’s wandering hands. Then a frown marred the young auburn haired beauty’s angelic face. “If you do that, what would you want in return?”

The question seemed to indicate that she had received other offers of help that had strings attached to them. I could see how this gorgeous young naïve beauty could have been taken advantage of.

“Elle no strings attached if that is what you are wondering.” There was a note of shock in my voice that I might have questionable motives for the offer. “This is an Inn on the merchants road, and it can be hectic at times. A place to rest safely is all that is being offered.” I pause and refresh her cup of tea.

“you could get a room down in the village, but your safety would not be guaranteed. But its your choice Elle.” The room I had in mind was one under the eaves next to mine.

 

[TarnishedPrincess]

After another moment of consideration, looking from the kitchen back to C.G., and she nodded with a small but genuine smile. “Then please do. It couldn’t hurt to ask, and I’d be grateful if you had some sway with the owner. Honestly, I’m just relieved to learn that Ming is not in charge.”

Her hand flew to her mouth at her unconscious and somewhat rude admission, and she glanced again at the kitchen, hoping the man in question had not heard her. The noise of the dining room should have covered it—she hoped.

 

[cgraven]

I watch as Elle’s soft hazel eyes shift from myself to the kitchen as she consider her choices. I noticed that Elle’s eyes were not only hazel but had a hint of blue green as well. They seemed to change color, a reflection of her emotions and her naïve innocent soul. Her mind made up a calmness seemed to come over her.

“Then please do. It couldn’t hurt to ask, and I’d be grateful if you had some sway with the owner. Honestly, I’m just relieved to learn that Ming is not in charge.”

At her innocent admission, her hand flew to her mouth and once more her eyes darted to the kitchen, a shadow of fear, or was it just embracement brought a blush to her cheeks. “No Poo Ming is not in charge unless it is in the kitchen where he is master of his domain Elle.” I paused looking for a way to change the conversation. Would you like to see the room Elle?”

 

[DarkWarrioress]

I'm looking at the new maid and wondering what she is doing. I've quietly set up a table with pencils, paper, a typewriter, and many empty coffee cups.

I leave a note for Cait on the bulletin board noting the need to increase the order of ice cream. As to the real world, it is hot and intense for other reasons, but he'll survive as he enjoys his time in this one.

I continue to eat cheeseburgers, fries, cold beverages, coffee, and ice cream as part of the writer's diet. I don't use drugs or cigarettes, so that is something, but I thank Cait for helping me feel like a writer again. I finished a 3,700-word fictional online letter response after so many months of not working.

Awww JH. Thank you. I appreciate it but it all started with you. I'm glad to have some input. You've always been a writer, JH. I just kind of.... poked you a little.

The RL is nasty here. We've made national news with our dam failing. The next couple of days is dealing with the humidity then back to rain again. This rain better stop. Hubby and I have concert tickets for next month but at the moment the venue is under water.

 

[JackHemingway]

Awww JH. Thank you. I appreciate it but it all started with you. I'm glad to have some input. You've always been a writer, JH. I just kind of.... poked you a little.

The RL is nasty here. We've made national news with our dam failing. The next couple of days is dealing with the humidity then back to rain again. This rain better stop. Hubby and I have concert tickets for next month but at the moment the venue is under water.

Thank you for your kind words, and as always, I anxiously await your reply. Today was a pleasant day after several sweltering days. So I'm happy to be home fore a few relaxing.

 

[cgraven]

I watch as Elle’s soft hazel eyes shift from myself to the kitchen as she consider her choices. I noticed that Elle’s eyes were not only hazel but had a hint of blue green as well. They seemed to change color, a reflection of her emotions and her naïve innocent soul. Her mind made up a calmness seemed to come over her.

“Then please do. It couldn’t hurt to ask, and I’d be grateful if you had some sway with the owner. Honestly, I’m just relieved to learn that Ming is not in charge.”

At her innocent admission, her hand flew to her mouth and once more her eyes darted to the kitchen, a shadow of fear, or was it just embracement brought a blush to her cheeks. “No Poo Ming is not in charge unless it is in the kitchen where he is master of his domain Elle.” I paused looking for a way to change the conversation. Would you like to see the room Elle?”

Elle rises and go to see her room.
I return to tending the bar.

Jack you and Cait seem to be writing up a storm.

 

[TarnishedPrincess]

Elle does indeed check out the room as offered. Upon seeing it, she looks at C.G. askance, starting to realize that he’s more than just a regular at the Inn. What bartender also has keys to the private rooms?

Still, she’s not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, so she thanks him and returns to the kitchen to grab her few belongings, careful to avoid Ming as C.G. explains the change in staffing.

Then she returns to the dining hall and continues serving the guests, keeping to the bar and grabbing the orders through the window to the kitchen.

 

[DarkWarrioress]

Elle rises and go to see her room.
I return to tending the bar.

Jack you and Cait seem to be writing up a storm.

Yes, we are!

 

[DarkWarrioress]

Thank you for your kind words, and as always, I anxiously await your reply. Today was a pleasant day after several sweltering days. So I'm happy to be home fore a few relaxing.

I don't simply dole out kind words, JH. They are simply the truth.

 

[DarkWarrioress]

So, no rain, thank goodness. However, there a chance of some tonight. We will await the evening to find out. In the meantime, no rain means that hopefully, the water is lowering some and the crews can figure out what to do next... like clearing debris? Anyway, dogs have been walked and I can sit down to see what I can creatively write today.

 

[JackHemingway]

I am surviving in the heat now before my workout as I clean and put things in order in my place. I can't wait for lunch but enjoy looking in here. Then, back to my detective story. I'm happy to say that online play-by-email games are happening. Once the creator is back in the saddle after personal struggles and wants to be creative again, I applaud it. Another game is starting fresh and offers all kinds of creative writing and roleplaying.

 

[cgraven]

Elle's room is at the head of the stairs it is neat and clean with a small wood stove to chase away the chills of winter. There is a small writing desk, a dresser for her clothes and a peg bord for dresses and the like. It is a neat tidy room.

I watch Elle as she returns and tends to her new duties.

Cait it is good to here that the rain has stopped for now. I here there is flooding in your neck of the woods.

 

[DarkWarrioress]

Elle's room is at the head of the stairs it is neat and clean with a small wood stove to chase away the chills of winter. There is a small writing desk, a dresser for her clothes and a peg bord for dresses and the like. It is a neat tidy room.

I watch Elle as she returns and tends to her new duties.

Cait it is good to here that the rain has stopped for now. I here there is flooding in your neck of the woods.

I was telling one of my other co-writers last night, I think everyone has heard about us by now.

 

[DarkWarrioress]

She flopped into a chair by the ever lit fire with a soft sigh.

"Got caught up on my writing and now, I'm off to play World of Warcraft, I'm beta testing the new X-Pac."

 

[cgraven]

Well, a coffee for me Cait then off to Dragon Age Inquisition.

 

[DarkWarrioress]

Well, a coffee for me Cait then off to Dragon Age Inquisition.

She chuckled. "I've had one hot coffee and two cups of cold coffee. I don't think I should drink anymore and damn. They're doing maintenance on my game. Today's Tuesday."

 

[DarkWarrioress]

The portal swirled in bright colors up on her rafter and just a few seconds later, she stepped through. Her hair was damp from a shower, dressed in a sleeveless top and shorts, she dismissed the portal and winked down to the main floor and behind the bar, fixing herself a cup of coffee just the way she liked it. Taking her coffee and slipping back around the bar, she took a seat there. For now, she was all caught up in her writings. Although she suspected she'd be due soon to post for someone. He kept her on her toes, that's for sure.

It was Wednesday. Mid-week already. She pulled pen and paper out of the ether and started scribbling while sipping her coffee.

 

[cgraven]

I see Cait wink in by her rafters before popping down for morning coffee. I watch as she calls forth pen and paper.

"Morning Cait" I call as I pour another cup of coffee. "It's been a busy morning for me catching up on posts. A towel you look like you have been out in the rain?"

 

[DarkWarrioress]

I see Cait wink in by her rafters before popping down for morning coffee. I watch as she calls forth pen and paper.

"Morning Cait" I call as I pour another cup of coffee. "It's been a busy morning for me catching up on posts. A towel you look like you have been out in the rain?"

I pause to look up and wave at CG.

"Nope. No rain. Yet. Just a very warm shower."

 

[cgraven]

Splitting hairs is it Cait. Oh, no not raining just a few showers.

 

[JackHemingway]

It was not a good day at all. An evening for a bourbon, perhaps.

 

[cgraven]

I prefer a bit of the Irish myself. Weather here has been unseasonable with wild fluctuations in temperature and rain.

 

[JackHemingway]

I took a nice long walk before coming to the Inn tonight, before I retreat to my typewriter again. I visited Miami; now I'll head to the frontier, and if I feel bold, I might post something else.

Would it be possible to order rice, dumplings, and a substantial ginger ale?

 

[JackHemingway]

After placing another completed manuscript into the message tube, the writer sits at the bar, pours himself a bourbon, and sits back and relaxes.

I wish the real world was a bit better, but what can you do?