Log - Restoring Bonnie's Flophouse: Part 2 - Open

[graveyounglady]

Who: Mercy Graves & OTA
When: Throughout September, October, and November when things aren't going horribly wrong
Where: Bonnie's Flophouse
Summary: The completion log for working on repairs to Bonnie's Flophouse that is part of a Player Plot. At the conclusion, the Flophouse will be a nicer residence to stay in than it currently is! For September and October, the focus is on fixing the wiring/improving the electrics, and interior repairs/improvements.
Warnings: Please just put them in subject lines if they come up!

🦊WIRED🪦

The Flophouse's electricity situation is a tenuous one. While the building repairs thus far have sorted out the damage being done every time it rains, this is still an old New England building with esoteric wiring that seems primed to start fires, rather than prevent them. A full rework would really be for the best, especially with the hope that they can tie in a refurbished generator or two to make sure the lights stay on here, even if there's some sort of city-wide blackout. At least of the mundane variety.

There's plenty of new-ish copper wiring and energy-efficient outlets to install. A lot of these seem to have been gathered from somewhere, but maybe it's best not to ask about the specifics. The materials are available! Hurrah! Amateurs may find themselves being zapped as they work or more significantly injured if they're not careful enough. Current residents of the Flophouse may find their power going out at odd hours and without warning, as well, as people make mistakes or breaker switches are flipped to try to figure out what the unlabeled ones are actually connected to. Maybe it's a good time to complain to the... non-existent manager around here.

🦊WHAT FABULOUS WINDOW TREATMENTS🪦

The final touches on the Flophouse are attended to once plumbing and wiring are fixed and walls are back in place. There are doors and cabinets that don't close properly because they were set incorrectly. There are rotted floorboards that really need to be replaced. There are walls to paint and appliances to tool around with to make them just that little bit better. And there are all manner of decorative things to attend to for those who like to make a home, well... homey! Bonnie has her bohemian style, but she's willing to allow some changes in the name of upgrades.

Just be careful your work isn't 'fixed' by someone else who doesn't like your tastes. Or work it out in a sensible manner: duel to first blood in the side alley?

🦊IN MEMORIUM🪦

Perhaps it's a morbid thing to have a room dedicated to the missing and the lost, but with Garner's death and so many other disappearances, it seems important to Mercy that there should be something there. The Flophouse is restored as much as a large group effort can manage. There are smaller things that will always need tending to in a building this old, even with the refurbishment, but there are more rooms than there are people living here at the moment, so she doesn't think it will be wasted space, at least.

In Room 1 on the first floor of Bonnie's Flophouse, a memorial has been created. The room is painted a simple, soft blue and the name of each missing or dead person from another world is painted in blocky brown letters from the ceiling down to the base board. The current list takes up nearly one wall, but there's plenty of room for other names. In the center of the wall, there are a few lines:

Those spoken of and to are never dead
Simply past us on the road ahead

On either wall next to the one with the names, there are narrow tables kept stocked with cheap tealights. There are more within one of the table drawers. There's also vases that can be filled with a small bunch of flowers. There aren't any chairs, but there are some mismatched floor pillows in a basket near the door. This is a place for contemplation and sharing stories of those found in this place and passed on to elsewhere.

🦊WILDCARD🪦

Is your character pursuing a more solo-project or something that's not electric repairs/improvements or interior work? Maybe they're on the hunt for materials... or a way to make extra cash for the job. Maybe they're bringing in ill-got goods to work with. Whatever it might be, have at it!

Comments

[ruevealing]

Without even meaning to, Raine manages to endear themselves to Rue with that single flustered, sheepish ramble. It's just that it reminds them so much of their betrothed, so cutely stumbling over his own words - stammering out a most thoughtful offer and then immediately cutting himself off to apologize for the presumption of said offer, as if making a mere suggestion would somehow ruffle their delicate sensibilities.

It's beyond unnecessary, and something Rue finds equally adoring and irritating about the man, but it's so distinctly Hob, they can't find it within themself to complain. And now Raine follows the same, adorable pattern, and beyond anything else, finally some of the warmth of Rue's true self settles in their glamour's expression.

"There's no need to apologize. Truly. I take no offense at your kind suggestion, dear Raine. I promise, however I look, I'm not so delicate to shatter beneath the generous advice of others." Rue gives the ground a pointed look and grows quiet, a few beats of silence as Rue wrestles internally with whether or not they can bring themself to sit upon what looks dirty. But eventually they make the move to daintily join Raine by sitting down a foot or so away, curling their legs beneath them.

"Please, I'll hear what you have to say. It just so happens that I finally have the time to learn new hobbies and skills."

[rainewhispers]

"I didn't think you were! I mean-! I don't think you're delicate it's just-" They sputtered out before groaning quietly and planting their face in their hand, while shaking it. "I'm trying to get better at.. that. Assuming things and trying to help when it might not be.. totally appreciated. It's better to ask, right?"

They let out an edged laugh before clearing their throat and nodding. "Right. Okay.."

You've got this. Raine watched them sit down nearby and looked to their instrument, starting to idly strum and play again, a bit quicker paced this time, more upbeat and fun. They wanted to keep their hands busy, it helped them think clearer.

"Tambourines. I know they can seem pretty silly or simple but they can be used effectively, especially with vocals or- or dance. The simple act of playing it can become a flourish to add to a performance, and you don't need to use fine dexterity with your fingers, just enough to be able to hold it, and drum on it if you'd like. Even if holding it for a long time is hard you could probably make a strap for around the width of your hand to fit snugly and be able to keep it in place easier so it isn't relying on grip the whole time."

They seemed to open back up as they spoke, more confidently and assuredly. This is what they're good at.

"I could keep an eye out for them if you'd like, I got this at a little antiques place, they had a few instruments but I'm sure it'd be easier to find something like a tambourine around town."

[ruevealing]

They don't exactly mean to laugh, but it's hard not to giggle a little in the face of such an overreaction. Besides, Raine's just cute alright.

"I shall give it some thought." As perfect as it may suit a slender, small fey, Rue has the feeling a tiny tambourine being engulfed in their giant paw might not come off quite as elegant as they'd like to appear. But the careful thought Raine has put into it is sweet, touching in a way that Rue isn't used to.

Their expression softens considerably as Raine so visibly opens up.

"But if you do manage to find one, perhaps let me know and we can investigate if one might be a suitable instrument for me. Together, if that's alright. And if you're knowledgeable on tambourines, I might need a quick lesson or two."

[rainewhispers]

They were trying not to be overbearing on this stranger- or come off too strong with their interests. They were also trying not to be a complete shut-in or brush them off and- oh it was all too much really, especially if this was a friend of Eda's Raine wanted to make a good impression to match whatever she must had said about them-

The way they insisted they investigate the possibility together made Raine's smile soften more in turn as well. It was nice to talk to someone who didn't make a big deal over their stammering or faltering over themselves, nor just brush them off entirely.

"I wouldn't mind that. I used to teach, when I first started to really take this sort of thing seriously. It would be nice to help you look into options, even if this one doesn't work out, for old times sake."

They looked over to Rue once more and nodded. "You mentioned talking to Eda, when did you two meet?"

[ruevealing]

And just like that, Rue's made a new connection in this place. It feels good.

"It's settled, then." They meet Raine's soft smile with their own, though finally some of the warmth of it reaches their eyes. "If we can find an appropriate instrument, then I'll gladly take your training with it. Thank you."

The idea is a little worrisome, but mostly it's that millennia-old fear of not quite hitting the mark of perfection expected of them. For all of their life, they've been made to be this untouchable jewel of their court, never a single misstep allowed in anything they did. They were told that if the presentation wasn't perfect, it didn't deserve to be. So it's only natural the idea of picking up anything brings a little fear to the surface, even now, this far away from judgement.

But their hands clasp together in their lap, the feeling of talons and wings and everything they truly are beneath the glamour grounding them, as their head gives a little shake, ruffling out unseen feathers.

Besides, Raine doesn't seem the judging type.

"Oh, Eda came to my rescue right after I arrived. She was generous and welcoming and stood up for me when security finally made their appearance. I was lost and she was a beacon. I owe her dearly."

[rainewhispers]

They were happy this was going so well. It wasn't nearly as daunting as it felt at the start, especially reaching common ground over interests and mutual connections. A lot of people back home would say Eda had poor judgment with many things but if Eda liked someone, trusted someone? Raine was fairly confident they could trust them too.

Raine let out a soft, well meaning laugh and a nod. "She looks out for people more than she'd care to admit, I think. Especially when it comes to underdogs or the sort of people authority like that might give trouble to. She's inspired me a lot to do the same." A fond look crossed Raine's face as they let out a gentle sigh of contemplation. "She's a lot more natural at getting to know people here as well. I'm hoping I can take a few notes and get to know others like she does."

They rubbed their neck a bit sheepishly as they nodded. "Like you. This is nice."

[ruevealing]

"I have no doubt that with Eda's guidance, you'll do just fine." Clearly they were already on the right path.

"Oh!"

Rue can't quite help the way their exclamation sounds like a soft, happy hoot, chin dipping down towards their chest, a gentle pink coloring at their cheeks. Not many have spoken such kind words to the owlbear since their arrival to Gloucester.

"I fully agree. It is, isn't it? If it would please you, perhaps we should become friends. I'm still learning my way around this place, but I've found that exploring with others is much more interesting than doing it on my own."