A Place Where Nothing Happens

Bain:

I look over at Midas' strange selection of books.

Fairytales, computer science and poetry?

He can't be trusted..

(Olaf) "We are currently undergoing a trial run but to be honest, currently, there is no punishment for disobeying that particular rule."

He looks up from reading his book and smiles politely.

"My apologies Miss Forysthe I do not believe we have met. My name is Olaf Sulez and I am the town's new Mayor."


He wanders closer to her.


(Olaf) "Husband or not, you should really consider coming to the town meetings. Should you have no  one to escort you my wife and I would be more than happy to. We could use some fresh ideas and diversity of opinion. It seems all who were in attendance  at the last meeting were quite.. conservative"




He then wanders over to the front desk and asks the young blonde if she needed the spelling of his name for her records.


I step back feeling awkward about this conversation and try to read one of my books instead.

Olaf turns to look at the shopowner thoughtfully.

(Olaf) "I suspect we will be amending this rule quite soon as it does not take into account the regular day to day chores of most of the slaves here and from my own experience, I barely have enough time in my day as it is, to also be escorting my farmhands all over town."

Master saves the shopkeeper the details of the other laws passed with respect to slave punishment as I would imagine he didn't seem too worried about Miss Forysthe's little blonde girl.

Midas:

I side eye my tall friend and hold my books closer.

I did not like the idea Frizzle was going to bring me the book I just could see it going badly somehow.

I was tuning out Olaf's yapping this whole time till I hear him mention his wife like she is still around and I drop my books like a damn fool in relief to hear.

"Im so..clumsy." I nearly whine picking them up paling more so then normal.

...

(Canary): "Oh...you get a bookmark too.." She shove a unicorn one at my 'friend' trying to help my blunder.

Frizzle wasnt sure what to do with the invitation. She felt like it was the equivalent of walking to the lions den.

(Frizzle): "Oh that would be... wonderful thank you mister mayor, that is SO kind. I will attend the next one then.. and I already met your wife.. she came for books too. She's just lovely. Please tell her I said hi will you?"
She giggled nervously and Canary shakes her head at his offer of spelling holding out the paper for him of the book list slip.

He goes on to say the rule may get amended due to how much time it takes from the masters.

(Frizzle): "Oh I bet, how very kind of you to give them an outing yourself instead of another staff member. Very..hands on.."

Olaf:

I tense up at Midas' blunder.

How embaressing.

Miss Forysthe accepts my offer and I smile in relief.


It would have been quire awkward if she said no.


I take the slip and turn to my farmhands hoping they were ready to leave.


"Yes, I suppose it is very kind."

Frizzle:

I think I eyed Mr. Westen to HELP ME and the damn frenchmen was just playing with his accursed seashells on the table. SO I had to say yes to the invitation. Maybe I can think of it like a..spy mission. Yes.

(Midas): "Thank you Master, I appreciate your kindness." He takes one from my book and flatters his nerves at Olaf.

"It was such a pleasure to meet you, and such educated servants as well." I slowly glance over the hunk not wanting to STARE again and give a sort of goodbye gesture to Midas.

Be safe...

Whatever upset him so probably wasnt Olaf then. At least I wasnt worried he was getting beat every night.
Though I wish Canary did not hear there was no punishment for being unsupervised. She'll probably do something now..

"Please do come again...to return the books of course." I laugh again and turn around trying to look busy.

Bain:

I rush out of the library and into the carriage in an attempt to avoid all the AWKWARD.

There was a lot going on that even I did not wish to understand.

(Olaf) "It is getting late, let's return to the house and revisit you marble situation later."

Olaf says looking impatient.

Perhaps he is anxious to go home and see Lady Sulez, with her being sick and all.

The carriage begins to move again, taking us back home.

Midas:

*Passes out hugging books in carriage ride from sheer exhaustion*

Niklaus:

I stumble down the  stairs on my way to the dining room.

It had been a long night but at least I was standing.

(Ester) "Niklaus dear, so good to see you up again."

She stops her reading to pour me a cup of tea.

I sit down still feeling queasy.

(Ester) "You are looking quite pale."

She holds the back of her hand to my forehead and frowns.

(Ester) "You are freezing, here, let me get you a blanket."

She rushes off to go find me one and I wait there feeling a bit out of it.

(Olaf) "Niklaus?"

I jump a little in surprise before turning to see my husband watching me in the corner.

"Yes?"

(Olaf) "What are you doing up? You should be resting."

He says in a scold before taking the underside of my elbow to help me out of my chair.

"Olaf it's ok, I'm fine."

I resist and he stops to look at me.

(Olaf) "You should be in bed."

"I need to walk."

I wander away from him feeling stir crazy.

Mom enters our scene with a blanket and wraps it around my shoulders.

(Olaf) "Take care of her, will you?"

Olaf readies himself to leave before wandering over and kissing me gently on the forehead.

(Ester) "As always... hey, is today the follow up meeting?"

(Olaf) "Yes.."

"The one where you are amending those horrible rules?"

I ask weakly.

(Olaf) "Hopefully."

He straightens out the cuffs of his coat jacket and heads to the door.

I wish I could join him but in my current state it would be frowned upon.

"Remember Frizzle."

I call back to him.

(Olaf) "Oh.. right..."

(Ester) "And these."

She gives him a bagful of books for donation.

(Olaf) "Yes, of course. "

He waves us all farewell one last time before leaving the house.

Mother and I proceed with having breakfast before leaving the house and going for a walk around the property as mother very much enjoyed keeping tabs on all the farmhands while Olaf was out.

 

Olaf:

I enter the library and set the pile of books I had on the counter.

"Miss Forysthe , are you there?"


I call for her.

Olaf:

"It is not high on our list of priorities but should you bring it up at the next town meeting and the majority vote in favor we will discuss."

I try to keep a neutral expression despite my own personal opinions on the subject.

Frizzle enters our scene and I give her a relieved look, grateful to be out of here.

"Miss Forysthe you look lovely!"

I offer her my arm as it was proper manners to do so.

 

Olaf:

"I will, unfortunately she won't be joining us today due to sickness."

Miss Forysthe asks about the meeting as I helped her into my carriage so we can drive over to our next stop.


"There will be a large conference hall with several chairs facing the front. I guarantee you most of the chairs will be empty."


I tease before joining her in the carriage.


"Myself and a few other politicians from the surrounding communities will be up front reviewing the agenda. Every issue for the day is addressed, discussed then a vote is made by a show of hands."


I  explain as the carriage takes off.


"Today we are reviewing a couple of resitrictions which we made during our last meeting. We initially had things set up on a trial basis so now it is time to pass the verdict which laws are to stay, which laws are to go and which laws need to be amended."


I did not go into much detail of the laws specifically as I was sure she was already aware.


Small towns do gossip especially when the topic is of controversial interest.


Topics such as tax dues, upkeep of the town's public services and trade negotiations tend to not stir up the same commotion.


"How long have you lived here Miss Forysthe?"


I ask intrigued.

Olaf:

I smile very interested in Miss Forysthe background.

It was interesting how so many types of people can end up in the same place. Especially with a town of this size.

Before I can question the lady further about her library, the carriage stops.

"Looks like we are here."

I get a bit nervous but pull myself together to exit the carriage and of course help Miss Forysthe out as any respectable gentleman would.

"I will see you inside then."

I bow ever so slightly to her before joining the other politicians in discussion.

Elgatha:

"Miss Forysthe."

I approach her intrigued.

"I would have never guessed you were acquainted with the major?"

Elgatha:

I tilt my head at the young woman while taking in her aura.

It was lovely, but not what I required for my purposes.

"I am making an effort to be more social I suppose."

I respond in the context of today's meeting.

"Shall we?"

I glance over at the open doors.

It seemed the meeting was to begin soon and I would hate to miss a single minute of it.

Elgatha:

We take our seats and Mayor Sulez starts us off with a warm welcome and a summarization of the itinerary for this morning.

(Olaf) "Welcome everyone, it is good to see a couple of new faces with us today."

He motions in our direction.

I could tell my presence here made him uncomfortable. I took our brief moment of exchange to examine his aura.

Hmm, still not as sweet as his wife's I'm afraid.

Olaf clears his throat.

(Olaf) "Our first point we wish to address is the matter of slave supervision. Our trial run had a few obstacles as I am sure many of you are aware."

He laughs a bit nervously, trying to lighten the atmosphere but it only made things all the more uncomfortable.

(Olaf) "There have been suggestions that certain public places such as grocery stores, post offices and other essential operations remain open to the the public, while recreational businesses such as the bar, library and tea/coffee shops remain areas to which supervision is still required."

He loosens his shirt collar and I take his brief pause to glance around the room sensing its occupants.

The building was half full and the majority of those who were seated among us were already of spoiled essence.

Such a shame, I could really use another.

I reconsider the Mayor as my next subject as I suspect his pretty wife won't last long as I enjoy her and I have been enjoying her; especially while she sleeps.

(Olaf) "Are there any other suggestions on this matter? Or shall we proceed with slave supervision as is, amend the rule to exclude essential businesses or abolish the rule completely."

At his last turn of phrase there was a responding murmur of disapproval throughout the room.

How these creatures had time to micromanage such trivial affairs in unison was beyond me.

Young Noomi:

I wander over to the window just finishing up with my work for the day when I see the ghost of a young blonde woman just outside the house.

I promised Elgatha I would not scream but-

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!"

I scream and run away.

Elgatha:

I watch the wild eyed blonde approach the house.

Persistent fellow isn't he?

I swing the door wide open and wait in the shadows to see if he would dare enter.

Olaf:

As the meeting progressed each law was reviewed thoroughly, including the ones involving slave punishment and execution.

A most cringeworthy subject indeed, especially with ladies present, but their attendance was necessary to make certain that the final verdict came from all parties involved, except of course, the slaves themselves.

Elgatha Mikaelson kept staring at me the whole time.

I was optimistic about her at first, but after what happened with Niklaus I had grown quite weary of her presence.

I try to ignore her.

"As the subject matter of this meeting is quite controversial, we have decided to make the vote private, please take a ballot from the table at the end of your seating row and cross off your selections. Once finalized, you may cast your ballot into the wooden box upfront."

I explain while pointing directly in front of me at the voter's box.

Ms. Mikaelson is the first to get up and cast her vote, followed by another and another.

I stand up front waiting for each person present to cast their vote before I conclude the meeting.

Young Noomi:

I wander to the front door after hiding for awhile and see a man ghost standing just outside instead.

*Freezes in place unable to move.*

I could not walk through him, it was too terrifying.

*Closes eyes and whimpers.*

He was throwing things at me! Sticks and frogs and other horrible things.

I kick whatever is around my feet and a couple of marbles go rolling out

 

Olaf:

"Are you ready to go home Miss Forysthe?"


I ask as the town meeting had finally come to a conclusion.


It was an anxious affair but I was certain the ballets would favour a more compassionate approach to slave punishment.


Surely these people were not still caught up in the past?


I thought to myself before offering my arm to Miss Forysthe


Ms. Mikaelson appeared to have already left which I was most grateful for.


I wished very much to return home and see how Niklaus was fairing. She was still so very ill and I could not help but be bothered by it.

Elgatha:

*Teleports behind Midas and Canary while they interacted with the little "ghost"*

"Goodness me, whoever are you talking to?"

*Noomi dissapears and I smile coldly.*

"This is the second intrusion you have made on my property Midas."

I circle around the two of them with cruel intent.

"You should really be more careful. I was at the town meeting today and things do not look good for your people."

I hold my hands behind my back and lean in.

"Why don't you come inside and we can put all this behind us?"

Midas:

We get nowhere with the kid. Wonderful. 

Canary hides behind me, so much for being so tough...

"Ello Miss Mikaelson."

I smile at her politely ignoring her comments about my intrusion of her home.

She gives us a warning about something that happened at the meeting today. 

I was not very concerned with what they decide there. When is it ever good for my people?

Canary wanted to go inside and see for herself why I was so intimated but I block her with a look.

I still haven't seen Niklaus really since that day. I dont know what this 'sickness' Olaf said is all about. 

"No thank you. I would rather talk here, my sister saw a girl today in the window. How many children are in your house?"

Frizzle:

Oh dear I do hope I have not been rude to Elgatha as the horde of old men 'humoring' me with small talk and patronizing tones. I had lost sight of her. She was already gone. 

I was so relived to see Olaf again (shocker) 

I take his arm to leave now. 

"Yes indeed so Mr. Sulez thank you, its been ..educational."

Olaf:

I lead her inside the carriage and pause for a moment in thought.

"Would you have us drop you off at the library or your house?"

Surely those two places aren't the same?

I consider the bizarre thought.

Elgatha:

I draw back irritated by his confidence.

Very well then.

"There can be several different children in the house at any given time."

I respond before looking over at the house again.

"Noomi dear, don't be shy.."

The sky around us darkens on que so that the 14 year old girl's ghostly form could be properly observed floating across the property.

Noomi scowls at me and floats on through us on her way to the forest.

"Oh dear.."

I mock offence.

"Please don't mind her she is a bit rude."

I smile darkly.

"The others are far less? Are you sure you don't want to meet them.. inside?"

Midas:

Canary follows the girl trying to see how far the hologram projects it. 

(Canary): "Hey?"

I look back at the women as she mentions coming inside again. 

What a witch thing to keep saying...

Is it a permission needed thing, cant she just grab us? 

"I'm not coming inside Elgatha." I cut to the chase. 

"What is Mrs. Sulez sick with?"

Elgatha:

Midas as so stubborn like the outdoors provided any safe haven at all!

I hiss as a few weeds slither around us like snakes waiting anxiously for a feeding.

"So many questions..."

I tilt my head in response.

"You want something from me you will have to pay for it."

I smirk coldly.

Midas:

I look at the grass, now that all cant be holograms...

I wonder how far she controls. I think of Canary 

"What do you want?" I ask quickly. 

I put my hand in my pocket hoping to find a matchbook if I need it.

I pull out a cookie to deflect from the matches in the other pocket. 

"I don't have much....I could steal you something?"
I shrug at her.

Elgatha:

I eye his cookie with disinterest.

It was his soul I craved.

"How about a kiss?"

I lean in with a smile.

"Only a short one will do."

Midas:

I was wondering if she was one of those peculiar ladies that enjoyed those smutt writings passed around.  
I get my answer when she asks for a kiss  

Well surely a kiss is harmless... I'm only in real danger INSIDE the house  

(Canary): "NO!"

My sister runs back over and pulls on my shoulders. I look down at her irritated.

She thinks Elgatha is going to tell someone and get me hanged.. lie...say I attacked her or something of the like to get me killed. 

 (Canary): "You KNOW how they are..."

By 'they' she did not mean witch...

"Sorry she  doesn't want to share with a brunette..."  I look back at Elgatha apologetically.   

I turn to go hoping she asks for something else if I leave slow enough.

 What a waste of time its all been....

Elgatha:


I watch the two leave unsatisfied.

If I could lure at least one of them in that would hold me over.

My progress with Niklaus was too slow, I needed another.

"Tell your young master to come see me when he is ready."

I call back to Midas in a taunt.

"It should really be him asking me these questions don't you think?"

Frizzle:

Olaf ask me if we we're going to the library or my house and I realize how late it is. It will be quite improper to go back to the town I assume he will think something strange. 

For I DO spend quite a few nights there.

I do hope Canary will be ok another night there. This seems to keep happening when I get rides..

"Oh yes its late isn't it..I should be home." 

I laugh nervously and give the driver directions to my walled estate.

Canary:

I glare back at the women. She was terrifying. I hated that the towns men might be right, I thought it was just sexism.  I was upset truly, I thought she was really just a powerful women paving her own destiny but there WAS something bad going on. 

I was almost sure the girl was not really there and that scared me. Things like this..just cant be real. 

Miss Mikaelson makes a slide comment to Midas and I look back at him disturbed by his thoughts as he picked up the marbles taking his time.

Great. Just...great..

(Midas): "I'm not your message boy Elgatha, tell him yourself.." 

I tug his hand to run but realize he is not going the right way to town, hes going to the estate.

Olaf:

I lean back in my chair when Miss Forysthe provides the driver with instructions.


It was a long day and I was quite tired.


"Was this your first vote?"


I ask trying to make small talk.


She had an interesting look on her face during the voting break which I wondered had something to do with it.

Esther:

Niklaus and I were sitting in a couple of wooden chairs on the front porch.

One of our slaves seemed to be out late and Bain was sent to look for him.

I hope he wasn't hit by a carriage.

I think to myself as Niklaus stared off blankly into the sunset.

Frizzle:

Olaf asks about the vote. I blush a little embarrassed he saw my awkward pause back there. 

"Yes. It still feels quite ..recent I suppose.." 
I comment holding my hands together. I felt much more comfortable with him now. 

"It is a shame there were not more women there since they could be now."

He was quite open minded and may really benefit the town after all. 

The moment I really TRUST him the carriage nearly buckles and I hold on for my life hearing a thud and a horse's neigh. 

.... Oh my goodness we hit something...
I hear a scream that sounded like Canary.

"Goodness! Its a person!" I try to look out the window but its so hard I nearly fall out and was very unlady like 

I see a human form though in the darkness.

Midas?!

Olaf:

I nod my head at her encouragingly.

"These things do take time."

Suddenly, our carriage makes a loud "thud" noise and the driver stops in alarm.

I rush to the door and jump out of the carriage.

The driver sees me and looks around for the obstruction in the road.

Miss Forysthe looks out the window as well and nearly falls out.

I glance over at her nervously before noticing Midas on the ground.

"Driver! We need to get to the medical centre."

I kneel down to Midas and nudge him to see if he was conscious.

"Are you able to move?"

Midas:

I was feeling pretty cocky escaping the witch this time unphased. I could handle the old Professor the same matter to get that damn book.

I was having a hard time finding the way to Frizzle's estate having only left it once as a young child...during the day too. 

Canary told me to slow down but I try to get back on the main road to see the path better and unfornatenly get hit..

...

I lay perfectly still dazed till I am approached. 

A man being near me triggers the whipping memories as my life flashed before my eyes. I make an awful sound trying to stand up on my crushed leg to get out of such a vulnerable position on the ground before him.

 I cant see out of one eye at all but the other I see Olaf and  drop back down on my good knee relived in some way it was only him. 

My marbles roll away in the action and I remember ....

I twist Olaf's coat with my bloody hand.

"Elgatha wants to see you... when you're ready...."

*blacks out*

(Frizzle): "Is he..dead?"