(1942-11-29) A New Arrival
A New Arrival
Summary: Inclement weather pushes townsfolk indoors, and Lillie meets the newest arrival into Higsi: Kaydin.
Date: 1942-11-29
Related: None.
Players:
lucietta..kaydin..

Sister's Diner, Higsi
Wed Nov 29, 1942


Being the most popular diner in town this place is usually pretty busy during the morning and lunch hours. It closes up at 2:00 pm though, so if it is after that time, don't expect any service…or for anyone to be here at all.

The diner isn't a large one, for seating there is a row of booths that line the windows looking out over the town square and there is the counter with its red upholsered backless stools. The other side of the counter is the usual diner stuff, coffee , drink dispensers, the wide window which the plated prepared food is set for the wait staff to take to customers.

On the wall near the entrance is a chalkboard which lists the days specials.

Weather:
It is fall. The weather is warm and drizzling.

===

<FS3> Lillie rolls Empath: Good Success.

The late autumn weather proves to be temperamental today, the sun dawning behind thick, morose clouds and despite a concerted efforts, the rays of light cannot quite find purchase. The morning passes into early afternoon: dark broody clouds, casting lashes of drizzly rain onto the streets below and chasing most folks into shelter, be it their homes or storefronts. One such local — and she can finally call herself this — has taken cover into the popular Sister's Diner, and she has been there for about a half-hour by now. The sense is strong today for Lillie O'Clery, but wholly manageable. To look at the Irish woman's gentle features is to see no signs, whatsoever, to betray her ability to tap into emotions.

She stands at the counter, having a quiet chat with one of the waitresses on shift with whom she used to work with. Hair left long and loose, form outfitted smartly and snugly in a slender ladies' coat, Lillie looks presentable as always… and a tiny bit perplexed. The diner just got through it's early lunch rush, and is at a lull. "I'll leave you to it, Becky," Lillie says to the woman in her lilting way, pushing back from the counter to return to her booth. "Thanks for indulging my questions."

The man has made his way across the united states, hunting when he can and today the diner brings him out for some food and drink. He is a Native American man, with long straight black hair tied into a pony tail down to his mid back. He wears a business suit, the suit not exactly new but not out of date. He carries a large duffel with him and he looks to the various people in the diner, green eyes watching the various people. He makes his way over to a nearby booth and nods to the woman. "May I join you, please?" He asks, a faint bit of Irish lilt in his voice but it is mostly a Native American dialect.

The new arrival has, of course, pulled a variety of gazes in the stranger's direction. Higsi is a small town considering; anyone new is scrutinized, either outright and without mercy or with kindness bearing that underlying current of wariness. It's a mixed bag here, the waitress with whom Lillie had spoken moving to greet the man in the suit, though he moves to speak to the Irish girl instead. Becky waits for now to see to it that he is seated, watching Lillie's both raptly.

The Empath, meanwhile, looks up from her plate of half-eaten toast and a lukewarm mug of tea, green eyes noting the man's approach and his overall countenance. When he speaks to her, bearing notes of Ireland, this only serves to perplex and intrigue Lillie more. "Oh," She is surprised, though she does have a friendly look about her. She remembers well what it was like to be 'new'. She nods toward the other half of the booth, "Of course. Did you just come into town?"

"Yes. I just arrived into town." Kaydin says honestly as he moves a hand to shake the woman's hand. "I am Kaydin LeGraize." He says as he would shake her hand and moves to place his order. "Do you happen to have any hamburgers?" He says to the waitress and he offers her a friendly smile before turning to Lillie. "I am trying to track down the Walker clan. My mother knew them when she past through here and told me they would be able to help me find work and a place to live." He says as he watches her. "You are Irish are you?" He asks curiously.

Her warm hand lifts to grasp Kaydin's easily and offer it a hearty shake. "A pleasure. Welcome to Higsi then, Kaydin," Lillie offers, her voice heavily accented. "My name is Lillie O'Clery. I've been living in this town for a year now. I remember a day much like this one not long ago, only I was the new arrival. Whereabouts did you travel from?" She starts, not wanting to ask outright of this Native American man the nature of his slight Irish lilt.. but she'll work toward it!

But then Kaydin goes and says a surname that Lillie knows too well. Kaydin may or may not notice a wince on the waitress's behalf at the mention of the shine runners' surname; a patron in another booth, too, scowls briefly. Lillie's expression, however, is open and curious. "You are in the right place." She offers gently, "They live up on Iron Mountain, coming into town only to do business and work. You shall have to follow a trail to get there… they are protective of their land and surely they will know of your presence there. I know naught of the lay of the mountain and cannot direct you much further than where to find this trail." She explains, a touch worriedly. Interestingly, she shows no distaste for the clan as she talks about them. A nod, "I am indeed Irish. I hear something in your tone, too.. have you Irish in your family?"

"My mother. She was Irish. My father was Navajo." Kaydin says with a smile. "Because my mother was white, the white men who educated me made me take on my mother's surname. Naturally this makes my father all the more proud." Kaydin says with a sarcastic tone before smiling. "I am training to be a doctor. My father taught me enough to be a medicine man of the tribe. When a Native American child is born, they are taken from their homes to be re-educated to the white man's ways. I still however know enough of my father's ways to be a medicine man." He says as he waits for his food and he nods to the woman. "I came from the Navajo reservations out west near New Mexico and Utah. It is mostly desert there." He says as he watches the woman.

The Empath watches Kaydin with that enigmatic gaze of hers', head tilting some as she takes in the details so kindly given to her. It's important to her, too, to know more about this man.. though he indeed seems legit, and kind enough. A medicine man? A healer? Very good indeed. The woman's lips curl at their corners somewhat as she breathes an inner sigh of relief. "What a fascinating mix, you are most lucky. T'is an intriguing thing to have diverse family roots." She offers in her lilting way, lifting her cup to sip her cooling drink. Becky, meanwhile, has stalked off to the kitchen to get the hamburger order underway. As it's slow, and the diner is not very large, one can already hear the sound of the beef patty on the grill.

"T'is an honor to your father to carry his traditions and talents across the country and to uphold them. Though you've come a long way. However did your mother know of the Walkers? They sure are in a bad way in need of help, t'is kind of you to come and offer it." Lillie observes.

"The walkers helped my mother learn more of the country. I simply hope to repay the kindness they showed her." Kaydin says as he keeps a friendly face. Something about the man seems primal but overall he seems to be a kind and caring man. He then looks to the woman before him and smiles. "What about you, Miss O'Clery? What brings you here?" He asks curiously as he watches the woman. "It is indeed far from Ireland, I hope your journey has been a good one." He says as he watches the woman.

A repayed kindness? Hm, makes sense. Some of Lillie's worry dissipates.. to look at her is to see kindness and patience. Inwardly she is very protective of this clan, though she does not betray the fact. Kaydin's friendly face is earnest, and the Empath leans back some.. relaxes a bit. "Makes sense.. I understand. T'is kind of you." She repeats, pushing the point home. Briefly and wistfully she thinks of Clyde, wondering if he's alright and if the arrival of a willing man might help to alleviate the Alpha's burden some. All thoughts flit through her mind in the blink of an eye as she considers. "I came here with a group of peers, ladies my age. Freshly graduated and on the heels of adventure and work. They continued on. I stayed here, for this town has.. grown on me." Lillie explains openly, drumming a finger against the side of her mug.

Understatement.

"I spent only the first years of my life in Ireland.. my parents moved us to Boston when I was a little one. But I've family still, across the water, whom I speak with often." She watches Kaydin outright for a time, her sense naggling at her. Something feels… familiar. Meanwhile the waitress returns, setting down a platter of fries and a formidable-looking hamburger in front of Kaydin.

"My mother speaks of Ireland fondly. To be honest I grew up in a desert environment so hearing of so much green is both strange and delightful." Kaydin says as he begins to eat some of the french fries and looks to her. "My father is less friendly. Most of my people are bitter because of the white man's constant interference, but my mother taught me to be more…open minded." He says as he watches the woman and chuckles when he hears her staying. "So what do you do here in town?" He asks curiously as he begins to eat his hamburger and smiles happily. "My family, is relatively wealthy thanks to a vein of gold that was discovered on our land. I prefer to earn my own money, so I am relatively comfortable when it comes to finances." He says calmly.

"My memory holds fold visions of green lands," Lillie says easily, her lips curling into an easy smile. "I remember little of the years before we moved stateside, but.. pieces arise, in dreams and in deep thought. I remember small gardens, short overgrown fences, moors with spiky outcrops of rock. T'is through my parents that I hear tale of memories and traditions. I pray when this war ends and the world finds it's senses, I shall go visit someday. It shall not be anytime soon." She tilts her head some, picking up one last wedge of toast and nibbling it.

"Meanwhile I've never before witnessed a desert. Surely there is a beauty to be found in such desolation?" Lillie asks optimistically, quieting to allow the man to chew and eat. "A open mind shall carry you far, in this world. Lord knows you've had to travel far, already."

She addresses Kaydin's following question, "I am an artist, I do commission work. I am also the gofer to a pair of elderly women, a companion. I see to their needs daily… few days are ever idle. What else are you capable of, Mister LeGraize? Are you a carpenter? A machinist?"

"Painter. I also know how to survive in the wilderness. That was from my father's training. We are even able to track people in rough terrain." Kaydin says as he watches the woman and nods and he smiles. "The desert is a rough place. But like most places once you know how to survive in it you can thrive there." He says as he eats his hamburger and smiles happily at the taste. "Definitely going to come here more often, especially if it means running into you again, Miss O'Clery."

The Empath smiles slightly, though she is inwardly noting that 'current'… yes, this man seems to have 'it' too. Not quite the same familial notes as found throughout the Walkers that she has come to know, but it's a…. low burning, constant, controlled sort of menace. No matter how amicable or kind the manner of the bearer, it's to be noted. Lillie's sense roots it out like a truffle-sniffing hog and somehow she knows Kaydin will hold his own making his way up into Iron Mountain.

"You shall be fine here, then. There are panthers in the forests, bears, coyotes… you needn't the likes of me to tell you this, but take care. T'is the Clinton Trail that will take you to where you must go." She explains, but not too much. It's not her place to speak of Clyde's absence, of that which she knows of other members of the clan.

"However long you stay here, may you come to know others who live here.. there are a great many good people, but they are…" She leans in a bit, conspiratorially. ".. protective of their town. Reputation is everything. I had to learn that the hard way, but Higsi is a good town. I hope you settle well."

Kaydin nods as he listens to the woman. "Once you understand how the animals act it is easy to avoid them." Kaydin says as he smiles at the woman before taking another bite of hamburger. "This is delicious." He says more to himself then anyone else and he begins to munch on his fries, offer her one. "How do you know the Walkers? Is it true they make moonshine?" He asks curiously.

The lithe woman shakes her head gently, "Ah, no, thanks anyway. I've eaten already.. enjoy them. You've come far." She remarks on the offering of a fry, instead enjoying her mug of tea. "This diner was my very first job here in Higsi, so I remember well the food and how lovely it is. The cook back there takes pride in his work… though most are afraid to say otherwise to him as he is about the size and shape of a General Electric fridge." A wink of good humor in very green eyes.

Lillie looks affected, briefly, and leans closer again. "They do. As a result, t'is.. there are some in town who frown upon the family for such a past-time. I shall warn you of this, too." She lowers her voice to barely a whisper, eyes flitting to make sure nobody is trying to eavesdrop. "Take care in the mention of this. Higsi proper may not wish to admit it, but such sales are lucrative here. T'is.. partly.. what they are known for." Her sly disclosure offered, Lillie leans back again and resumes a more relaxed air of conversation. Folks remain none-the-wiser. "I befriended a few members. I'll have you know one of them rescued me from a snare, in my first month here, when I was not aware of the dangers of the mountain." The memory amuses her.

"You shall meet him. His name is Clifton."

Kaydin nods as he listens to the woman and chuckles. "Snare caught a woman? Definitely a unique way to trap." Kaydin says with a sarcastic tone and he smiles to the woman. He eats more of his hamburger and fries as he watches and listens to her. "Do you know who the local doctors are? I will need to study under them to become a doctor." Kaydin says as he watches the woman and he finishes his hamburger.

Disclosing the name of the Walker Beta — though she does not know him as such — feels right. As far as Lillie knows, Clifton is trusted by Clyde. She is hard-pressed to bring up mention of the others, wanting to protect them despite Kaydin's well-meaning intent. Dot, Ethel, Jesse; how are they faring up there? How will they receive this traveler?

Her laughter is pleasant; a few staccato sounds of mirth. "T'was entirely my own folley. I made for terrible prey, but I earned a good friendship despite it all." She says, dabbing her lips with a napkin. As talk steers from the Walkers, Lillie's tone becomes a bit more…. well, not quite as 'careful'. Becky walks past, asking if either of them need anything. Lillie looks up at her briefly, "How about a coffee, miss?" She asks, and turns back to Kaydin. "Mark the name 'Styne'.. they are the foremost family of doctors and nurses here in town." She skirts mention of Dot, wanting to protect the Walker nurse's privacy. Kaydin shall learn soon enough, if he finds his way there. "They have a clinic here in town, and I believe they are often keen on skilled help." She discloses the directions to the clinic, since the player can't remember the street on the grid. c_c

"Styne. Alright." Kaydin says as he watches the woman and when the waitress comes back. "Some water if you do not mind?" He asks curiously before turning back to Lillie and smiles. "Would it be too forward of me to ask if you are seeing anyone? Last thing I desire is to offend some boyfriend because I having lunch with his girl." He says as he munches on the fries and looks her over once more, studying her.

Is Lillie seeing someone.. oh, man. Better get the popcorn for that one, though she's not inclined to tell. She made A Promise.

But how the holy hell does she answer this one? She is seeing someone, but not in a conventional sense. "Aye, I'm… seeing someone. In a way. He comes into town on occasion." Partly true. "So you needn't worry about anyone giving you the green eye. It's quite alright." She offers reassuringly, feeling a great lurch of something in her guts.. the missing of someone? Indeed. None of it shows, though. To study her is to see a well-put-together, content young woman with intense eyes.

"I thank you for your company, Mister LaGraize, but I shall have to be off on my way home before the day draws late. The Clinton Trail is off to the edge of town, you shall see the local watering hole.. the Gallows.. for a landmark. I hope you find your way safely and easily." And that the Walkers don't react aggressively. "Welcome to Higsi." She offers again.

Kaydin nods as he sets down enough money to pay for the woman's tea and coffee as well as his meal with a big tip to the waitress. He drinks his water down and looks to Lillie. "I hope to see you again. You remind me of my mother and she was the closest I had to a friend." He says as he begins to head out, adjusting his duffel to his shoulder before heading out.

That in itself is a kindness. Lillie likes being attributed to good memories; to good people. To be likened to a mother who is surely loved, the Empath can appreciate that. "T'is an honor, then. You mother sounds like a fine woman, I hope you are able to keep in touch with her easily while you are away. Safe journey, and may you find a wealth of friends here." She says kindly, meaningfully, as she goes to root in her purse for—-well, look at that. Her features soften again, "Many thanks to you for that. Safe journey up the mountain, Kaydin." She bids him, pulling on her coat politely.

Checking the skies for rain, through the window, Lillie offers a fond wave to Becky and follows suit through the door.

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