boobtube | {open party post | who is the tall, dark stranger there?}

The sun rises on another day in Devil's Creek, painting the night sky a burnt orange and the edges of clouds a pale yellow. Although not a large town by any stretch of the imagination, the early morning hours are the most quiet it will ever see. The night's chill still holds close to the dirt, keeping people inside, tucked away in their beds.

A perfect time for a return.

Three horses, three riders with one less rider than they left with come into town at quiet trots. Anyone awake this hour and foolish enough to look outside their window may recognize the silhouettes, but most are smart enough to leave it be. The riders don't linger long, going their separate ways in town. A long, low howl of wind whipping through the distant gorge signals the night's work is done.

In a few hours, the sleepy town awakens. It's a busy day today. Although the general goods store is always there and always open for business, shipments and other businesses from the city have arrived today for some trade and everyone could use a few supplies they won't get for another couple of months. By the time everyone has set up their carriages and stalls, the sun has climbed into the sky, warming the city's dusty town square as well as its streets and alleys.

There also seems to be the arrival of some more new faces this morning and to these outsiders, there seems to be something that's going without saying among the natives. It's the same thing they've thought of the other newcomers to their little town over the past couple of days.

Old Nibbles might just have a feast in its near future.

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outside the church

Mayor Tazim seems to have genuinely enjoyed the Sister's sermon, though he doesn't stay to confess once he's congratulated her on her continued service to the Creek. And if he says that with a trace of delighted irony... well. There have been a number of late nights recently, and the overworked take their amusements where they can. In any case, he's soon to be found strolling around the square, greeting each townsperson as they emerge from the church. As expected of one of the pillars of the community, he has a question or quip for each, and lingers between groups in case anyone has a concern for the mayor's office. Incidentally, he'll be asking after those who missed the sermon, with the same lopsided, harmless grin.

Later he'll move on, to take a stroll around the rest of the town. Maybe, incidentally, run into some of the newcomers who arrived with the shipments and mail. God willing, et cetera.

at the ~~mayor's office~~ saloon

He doesn't return to the saloon until well into the afternoon, and after a look at the side-door into his office, elects to duck into the saloon proper instead. Better company and fewer-- well, better not to think about what there's fewer of so soon after last night. No sense tempting fate, eh?

So! His usual stool by the bar, and a winning smile and a nod towards the top shelf later, he has himself a drink in hand and a fine view of the entire saloon. He'll remove to the office if something comes up, but why sit around by himself when the town will soon pour through those doors?

Cassandra had watched the riders returning from the window of the Black Rock, feeling that inevitable surge of relief when it had become clear all was well. Trust your leaders to put things to right, she'd told herself, and had opened up for business.

By the time the Mayor's come in and taken his place, the saloon has reached its typical afternoon state, which is... well, dead. There's not many people who come until the sun sets, after all. Still, Cass pours Yusuf his drink - the good stuff, none of the watered down whiskey she serves her other patrons - and arches an eyebrow at him.

"It all went smoothly, then?"

Reliable and discreet, Cass is one of those he'd might actually regret sacrificing for the good of the town if it came to it. Good thing there are enough strays and sinners that it won't. He takes an appreciative drink, and grins at her thinly over the glass.

"As smoothly as water, thanks to the good Sister."

Which can't be said for the reactions to her sermon this morning, but since that's likely to be a topic come evening, he won't wear it out just yet. "The girls will be relieved, eh?"

With a smile, Cass ducks her head and starts to swipe a rag along the surface of the bar. The way things work is carefully lined out and she knows what the stakes here are, she won't risk stepping on any toes.

"They'll be pleased. One of the men ran off in the night, left all his things." She says it like it's some big mystery, but the grin at the corner of her mouth says she knows exactly where the man is now. "I'll see to it anything they haven't claimed has been donated to the proper establishments."

She'll let her girls have first pickings at clothes and money before giving over what's left to the big three, is what she means.

Which is, as far as he's concerned, their right. Seeing as they provide an effective honey trap and distraction for the town's work.

"I'm sure they have earned what they take twice over. Ah, speaking of which, a little bird tells me you already have a new guest..."

Of course she knows that if they're in need, they'll look to her saloon. It's too easy, the unsavory will find their way there and drink and gamble and think that they're safe. Lulled by alcohol and the promises of flesh, who they truly are is shouted to the rafters and a target is painted on their backs.

It only makes sense that is where the Mayor would have his office. The whole town is one well oiled machine, but few dare to look close enough to see the way the gears turn.

"I think you'll be happy to know you'll likely get a good look at him tonight. If it's who I think you mean, he's made himself known." She makes a face, unimpressed. "It won't be hard to spot him."

Though there has been much to discuss within the church, there now seems all-the-more to discuss outside of it. Or at least, outside of the sermon. Anne will wait for all to leave, sending the children on to the orphanage ahead of her, only letting Karolina stay to wait so that she can properly escort Sister Anne.

But she can stay outside. The Mayor is who Anne beckons inside once he seems through with his perusal of all who attended.

Having kept one eye on the church during his rounds for just this possibility, Yusuf is already wrapping up his last conversation by the time the Sister actually beckons him. With a smile and an easy promise to meet later at the Black Rock, he detaches and heads on over.

"Sister Anne! An excellent lesson today, truly. I don't know where you find the time."

It's true, she seems to be operating at all hours. Up before dawn for the sake of preparing herself, the children, and her sermons, and there's no telling how late she actually gets to sleep. Should any murmur in terror about her being a witch, such lack of sleep is going to do little to temper rumors.

Little do they know she's prone to nap around noon after having a glass of wine in her room. Sister Anne's 'Do Not Disturb' time is not so that she can have private mass.

"I can take no credit, as they are the words of the Good Book and God Almighty. I'm merely a vessel through which He can speak."

She says this with a somewhat bored tone, turning to walk down the middle aisle while looking around the chapel. One must always check for eavesdroppers, especially with how easily the children can hide under pews and think they're quite brilliant for it.

"Not all seemed to appreciate it."

The benefit of the rounds he just finished, aside from keeping up with news and the general pleasure of company, is that he's now personally seen off a good number of the town from the church. He doesn't bother checking the interior, more interested in the Sister herself.

He just grins and shrugs at her self-depreciation - personally, he considers her superior to the Good Book. A book can't charm or intimidate half as well. Besides, it would be rude to pursue when she's deflecting so obviously.

"Ah, yes. You mean the ruffian who approached you?"

{open party post | who is the tall, dark stranger there?}

Mayor Tazim | Church, Town and Saloon | OTA

saloon

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church

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