A Place Where Nothing Happens

Niklaus:

"Excuse me?!"

I stare back at her flabbergasted.

Poor Midas was speechless.

Who knows what that horrible ghost woman did to him while he was down there ;( 

"We came here to pick up my husband's belongings he left behind and you shut us in!"

I exclaim.

"We would have left 1,000 times over if we could!"

Elgatha glares at me then at Midas.

(Elgatha) "You think I did this to you?"

She laughs.

(Elgatha) "No.. you are confused!"

She waves her hand in the air like we were both insane.

(Elgatha) "You set off the house's security. How you got inside to begin with is beyond me."

She creates her own narrative.

(Elgatha) "Your husband's briefcase was returned to your house this morning. I was out running errands when I was alerted to your break in."

I cross my arms angrily.

"Come on Midas."

I take his hand and lead the way outside.

Midas:

.....

I finely accept this was real and watch between Lady Sulez and the witch.

....

Theres no way that was just security...

"Bu-"
I was about to go off on the witch but Niklaus wanted to go and takes my hand so I follow her still fuming.

What the HELL

Sweet relief of freedom washed over me as we crossed the threshold out of that place.

"Sorry... I was no help there.." I muttered bleakly looking at the sky.

Niklaus:

"It would not have helped."

That witch is clearly in denial!

I glance back to watch her throw the horse head out into the front yard causing the weeds to swarm the carcass like snakes during a feeding.

..........

I was more mad than I was scared at this point.

Frankly, because her story would be easier to believe should we report her.

Never again!

I huff before sensing that I was still holding Midas' hand and quickly let go.

Midas:

She tells me I couldn't have helped and it was defenily a blow to my pride.

"S..s..sorry.." I couldnt come up with anything better to say.

*rubs back of head with hand she was just holding*

Niklaus:

I speed walk to the house trying to process what just happened when Olaf joins us both taking me by surprise.

"W-what? I thought you were still at your meeting?"

(Olaf) "Well good afternoon to you too?"

He teases before glancing curiously over at Midas.

(Olaf) "I didn't see you at the town hall. I really could have used your insight."

"My apologies, I was a bit preoccupied."

I respond sourly.

Olaf tilts his head.

(Olaf) "Were you able to get my briefcase? I see you brought one of the farmhands with you?"

I feel myself tense up but needed more time to work over my emotions.

"Yes, turns out Elgatha already dropped your things off."

(Olaf) "Oh how kind of her."

I shoot him a look and he holds up his hands in defense.

"Midas would you mind giving us a moment?"

Now it was Olaf's turn to be put on edge.

(Olaf) "Midas? I hardly think that's appropriate."

He responds when Midas is barely out of earshot.

*We proceed to bicker.*

Midas:

The new master shows up and I stare at him paranoid wondering if he was still hexed. He's not going to listen to her if he is...

I would very much spy on them if I was less shaken.

I nod at her excusing me and smirk a little bit at the name comment on the way out.

*pretends to go back to barn then turns corner to sneak into town*

Olaf:

The next morning I summon all the farmhands to the front of the barn for a few announcements.

The majority of them did not know very good spanish so this should go quickly.

Ester decided to join me as she too was curious about the results of the town meeting, and of course our new slave.

I try not to think back on the other night.

Niklaus was so upset and I didn't blame her. I was a fool for letting her go to the witch house alone, especially with a slave.

I search the hands to make sure HE was in attendance aswell.

Midas:

I SNEAK into the library (break a window) and go crazy throwing books around trying to find that ONE. Something anything that would explain all this. I felt better letting off some steam but did not find that book...

(Canary): "What are you looking for?"

I don't turn around, I had thought about seeing my sister again so many different ways of how the reunion would go.
we were so separated by distance and I accepted I wouldn't ever see her again.
Being owned by Baudelaire was ok, but then Sulez brought me here, to this town.

(Canary): "Its not here, at the personal library....the Professor keeps all the good ones the town cant handle are there."

(among the GOOD botany books now allowed in public library)
She replies reading my mind and I nod slowly.

"...Its..nice seeing you."

Was this even real?


.....

I yawn very tired since sneaking back in so late. I barely got an hour in. I doubt I could sleep much at all after yesterday's imagery.

Stares blankly ahead among the others, hoping fishface signal me out. He probably cant even tell us apart...

I notice Lady Sulez isn't here and try not to worry about what happened to her...after that experience.

Olaf:

I take inventory of the slaves and see to it that each one was in attendance before begining my spiel.

"Good morning everyone! I have a few announcements before we start our day. As you are aware the grapes are ready and must be picked for the season. Please store half the supply in crates to go to the market and the other half in the old barn tub so that we may begin the winemaking process."

I skim read my clipboard and move onto the next subject.

"This here."

I wave my right hand towards the new slave.

My god he was massive. What was he like 7 feet tall?!?

I look down at the clipboard and could not find a name.

"This here is-"

I lean in closer to Ester trying to figure out his name.

"What did you name him?"

(Ester) "We didn't."

I let out a sigh of exasperation.

"This here is our new security guard. He was previously guarding Lady Ester's estate from thieves until it sold. It has sold now and so he will be guarding our property along with yourselves."

Ester tilts her head at the new slave. 

It was rather bold of her. The slave's eyes were dark and he did not look friendly at all.

"Which brings me to my next and most important subject of my announcements. The town meeting did not go well. Growing concerns between masters and free range slaves are higher than ever. Yesterday, it was made law that no slave could leave their owner's property unless accompanied by a master. Should they do so, they would be subject to punishment and return to said master's property."

I pause finding this terribly awkward but continue.

"I, myself will be taking regular trips to town and you are of course welcome to accompany me after the farm work is done. I can take up to 2 farmhands at a time. Ester is also able to accompany you outside the property. She can take up to 2 farmhands as well."

I do not mention Niklaus.

"Any questions?"

Midas:

I half heartedly listen about grapes...
too much on my mind. Some of the others were happy about that. Good for them.
They didn't SEE what I saw.
I cant help but wonder what happened, did he believe Niklaus? Was he going to do something....

I keep waiting for any clue and just have to listen to fishface drone on about Lady Baudelaire's security guard now watching us it sounded like.

Unfornatenly the meeting led to a new law limiting our freedom further and I broke it last night. But I got away with it..didn't I?

He however says we can leave with him or Lady Baudelarie supervised, no mention of his wife...
Ok now I'm worried he got rid of her.

*raises hand*

"Does Lady Sulez take farmhands outside too? Like yesterday?" I try to say it in a simple matter then as cocky as it really was to say that.

Olaf:

I immediately recognize the slave from yesterday.

I could not tell if he was simple or being a smart aleck with his question.

Let’s hope for his sake he was the former.

“Not at this time. Lady Niklaus has taken ill.”

I brush off his question.

“Are there any more questions?”

(Blonde) “What is she sick with?”

I set my clipboard down exasperated.

“Look, how about you discuss amongs yourselves who will be going to town today and then come up with an alternating schedule from there?”

Ester gave me a look like I had given them too much.

I stare back at her in exhaustion and the new slave just stands there being… creepy.

Midas:

I keep a neutral expression as fishface refuses to answer more when others want to know what was wrong with her. Its not usual to be so vague about sickness, with the fear of the plague and all.

I kick around a pebble frustrated I knew nothing more.

Our whole encounter was just too disturbing to let go. I could look in a window at the house if it wasnt for creepy. He wasnt going with master on any outings anytime soon.

"Theres cookies hidden in the stable if you let me go first. Any complaints?"

.....

I let the others squabble over the 2nd spot and rush up to master.

"Are we going to stop at Lady Mikaelson's? Your friend?" *tilts head innocently*

Olaf:

I look crossly at the servant from yesterday once again trying his luck me.

Was this a natural consequence for not using the whip?

I pause for a moment then look back at him unblinkingly.

“What is your name?”

I question him calmly.

Midas:

He was not going to budge on this was he?

If so this day was going to feel very long....

"I'm Midas, its a honor to accompany you today sir." I say in very good Spanish trying another approach with him. Maybe he thinks I'm too simple to have a conversation with normally.

Olaf:

Hmm

I ponder his hint about Elgatha. It seemed almost accusational.

I wonder why?

I will keep a close eye on this Midas and wait before I make any rash decisions.

“The pleasure is all mine. Will see you both this afternoon.”

I nod at the freakisly tall one.

These two better get well acquainted as they will probably be seeing alot of each other real soon.

I smirk a bit at the troublemaker and leave.

Midas:

I smile widely to cover my disappointment at being watched by this man when in town too.

Damn.......

I look at my companion for a long moment when Oalf is gone I dont have to pretend to like him now.

"I dont like you."
Then huff off to deal with..grapes..

Bain:

I watch the short farmhand with the wild eyes wander off.

I follow him.

Midas:

*tries to do work and spots HIM again*

I think hes following me...

I stop what I finish my last boxing of grapes for market and head towards the barn where no one else was right now just to check if he comes that way too.

THEN I will know.

Midas:

I find my stash in the hay and shove a cookie in my mouth.

I eat it for a few minutes stressed.

I could handle things better... something happened yesterday.

It feels like I'm having a nervous breakdown.

I ponder if they put Niklaus in the asylum for the story....

... I need to see her. See shes ok.

I get up and walk over to my follower.

"Want one?"

*offers him cookie trying to see if hes even human and not some witches familiar*

Bain:

I do not accept the cookie.

This one was smart. He was clearly up to something.

"You should really be careful. The consequence for misconduct is 5 lashes with the whip."

I tilt my head.

"Have you ever been whipped before?"

Midas:

The cookie breaks the ice... In a way I guess...

I put it away listening to him. I wonder if his lecture was a threat since he was clearly a tattle tale.

"Yes I have. If it happens again I'll live."

I shrug it off.

"Any reason you following me?"

Bain:

I raise my eyebrow at his recklessness.

Clearly he did not understand the position he was putting me in, nor cared to.

"I am security. It is my job to assess.. potential hazards."

My dark eyes look him over and I grew uneasy.

"You should get back to work."

Midas:

I frown at his explanation. He sure left many places of the farm exposed to follow me for a.... dangerous..cookie break.

"To be honest buddy, I only left to see if you would follow me...so you wasted both our time for nothing."

I smirk up at him wildly before sprinting back to the others for work.

Bain:

I watch the wild one once again run off.

*FOLLOWS*

Midas:

I do ALL my work like a good boy (under a watchful eye) till THE AFTERNOON. TIME TO GO.
I go over to my 'travel buddy' pushing my luck with him again. Since he wont GO AWAY. He will regret this arrangement.

"Well I'm just going to wash up before going, no need to follow me..."

I walk off tempting him to follow and take a few minutes to further fix my hair back with water like it was a proper fancy outing. I put away the grape smock and check for any stains like it mattered.

I would have shaved but he might not like anything sharp in my hand so..

Bain:

"I'll wait outside."

I respond tiredly at the wild one's tone.

What was his name again? Ah yes, Midas.

What an irritating little smart ass he is.

Midas:

I come out and eye ball him with my WILD EYES.

"You are going out looking like that? Have you read the littature? the ladies of the town appreciate a tall blonde......"

Bain:

"The penalty for pursing a town lady of any sort is death."

I respond matter of factly.

"Ladies may look at us but not the latter. Should a lady look at you though and be tempted the punishment is 5 lashings."

I give him a smug look.

"Oh good, the Master has arrived."

I announce Olaf's return as a carriage hand opens the carriage door for us to get inside.

"Good luck."

I smile darkly at him before getting inside first.

Midas:

"Hey YOUR the tall one they all want brother, you watch your back."

I try to make light of such seriousness to show him I was brave and not afraid.

"I'm short. I have nothing to fear.." I think back to yesterday and drop the smirk as soon as I see Olaf.

...

*sits quietly hoping I learn something now*

Olaf:

“Where is it that you need to go?”

I question the two of them.

This was strange but it was what the people wanted.

Midas:

....

We get to pick?

The dark haired overlords confused me some times..they really really did.
Even fishface didnt get it...

Now I could say the library and see Canary again. OR. OR I could try to get answers.

"Can we stop by Lady Mikaelson's woods I..I dropped something running.. for my life away.."

..holding your wifes hand..

Bain:

I have to keep my jaw from dropping wide open at Midas' bold suggestion.

(Olaf) "What did you leave? Is it not something that can be replaced?"

Master's mood darkens as it was clear he did not want to visit the woman.

"I would like to go to the libray."

I chip in but no one acknowledges me after Midas' outburst.

Figures..

Midas:
I sink a little in my seat at his dark mood.

What does that mean....?

Bain was shocked at what I did and tries to smooth it over with the..library of all places...


"It was marbles.. but If its too...dangerous I can go where he wants to go... I just didn't have.. any ideas where to go but the one place I went before..you know? I dont know.. the town" I try to shrug it off.

Olaf:

I put my hand on my head in frustration.

"Let's just go to the library and we will take it from there."

I tap the window for the carriage driver to take off.

(Bain) "Marbles?"

He laughs a bit at his blonde companion.

Once we arrive at the library, I am the first out of the carriage.

Speak of the devil..

"Elgatha, how lovely to see you in town."

She turns our direction at the sound of her name.

(Elgatha) "Well hello there."

She respond cooly, before wandering over.

Midas:

I look down at my dusty boots feeling defeated again.

"What? Too tall to play marbles?" I mutter to him as we drive along. I did not expect this to go well. I was really hoping to not see Frizz again and my follower will just watch me the whole time with Canary.

The witch was there!?

I stop brooding in my head to look up. I am hit with the same feeling yesterday and just stare with crazy WILD blue eyes.

Elgatha:

I was on edge after Niklaus' break-in to my home yesterday.

Luckily I did not hear any gossip regarding the incident so perhaps she wised up and shut her mouth about it.

Olaf greets me on the sidewalk while I was exiting the store and I take this moment to approach him and inquire as to his understanding of things.

I catch sight of the farmhand with the wild eyes and stop partway over.

(Bain) "This one lost his marbles at your house Miss."

............

Midas:

I try to suck up the panic in my chest, I ALWAYS had something to say. Why cant I even speak?!

*shaking a little*

My 'friend' makes a funny and it pulls me back out of the terror.

"Y..es. It might have been when we were trying to get out, none of the doors or windows would open. Or on the stairs to the basement...."

Bain:

I smile widely at the wild one's discomfort.

I do like this witch, she should have my job.

(Olaf) "Yes, that is some security you have there. How was it installed?"

Our Master inquires.

Elgatha tenses up but proceeds with answering the question.

(Elgatha) "My step-father owned the house long before me. I am not completely sure how it functions but I do believe motion detectors are involved."

(Olaf) "Well, I am sure our town locksmith would love to take a look one of these days. Quite a few people expressed during the town meeting the need for additional security."

Elgatha smiles but there was something strange about her look.

(Elgatha) "They are more than welcome to check out the house, all I require is notice."

"Please Miss, can you help find my friend's marbles for him?"

I say more for the play on words than out of genuine meaning.

Elgatha smirks a little.

(Elgatha) "Feel free to stop by the house if you would like?"

She says directly to him.

Midas:

I listen to Master and the witch talk. I try to keep up with it, there was alot of words that were hard to understand. I had to really think back to lessens with the Professor and in general I do try to block most of my short time with him out.

Then she talks directly to me, I felt cold but carry on feeling angry about all this. It was like Frizzle's father trying to play god with his ..devices..

So this is just..mad science?

"ok its.. a computer then could I see...the boy I saw in the basement again? If its a ..halo-gram (hologram) then there is a ..copy??"

......and the women...

Olaf:

I laugh nervously at the direction this conversation was taking.

"Oh I am sure she will show you everything, but in the meantime we best be off to the library now. It was good to see you Ms. Mikaelson."

(Elgatha) "Yes, you too. I will be seeing you both real soon then."

She smiles darkly at Midas before turning away and going elsewhere.

I frown at Midas for such a strange comment.

Niklaus said a similar thing to me but I had hoped that it was just the excitement of the moment that got to her.

Perhaps I should visit again to reassess the situation?

I had hoped to perhaps ignore Ms. Mikaelson until the incident had blown over then approach her again at a later date for my own personal curiousity.

She was clearly.. something else, but I had to be careful as to not give folk around here the wrong impression.

(Bain) "Come on Midas, I know a few ghost stories in the library that I am sure you'll enjoy."

He teases before leading the way inside the libray.

Canary:

Midas did not stay long last night, he was so upset. He kept muttering about me not being real. And blocking his mind to me did not help. I still was not quite sure what to make of it.
I just cleaned up the broken glass and put up some cardboard over the gaping hole.

Frizzle never returned for me so I was left in silence to think about it.
She did come around 3 AM apologizing to me with a breakfast basket about how she had to drop off the girls from the bookclub after their chaperon ran out suddenly. The Rockwalls thought it too late at night for a single women to go home alone and kept her there.

"Thats Stupid."

(Frizzle): "Well thats how it is..at least here..they meant well..."

I would get on her case about LEAVING this backwards place like I usually do but Midas visiting was more important. She screamed about the hole though. The head of the library is not going to like that and probably take it out of her pay.

(Frizzle): "Midas! What did he look like? Is he freakishly tall? Viking beard?"

I make a face at her fetish talk it was insulting to my people.

"No.."

Honestly h just looked like every other bluee eyed, blonde male. He was not the tallest of our people either

"He was really upset, like something hurt him.."

I pause to let her get the hint.

(Frizzle): "So the mayor really is a psychopath? I knew it!"

I shrug, maybe. What else could hurt him? Slaves don't have much lives... unless he was upset about a girl or something...it seemed to be something like that in a way but deeper. More trauma then heartbreak. Certainly longing.

"He wanted a book from your father's library. I was thinking of going over there to sneak it to him.."

(Frizzle): "Ah you cant! I learned from Mister Rockwall they passed a new law...you cant go anywhere without me."

"What?!"
How was I to get groceries or pick up laundry, surely every old Earl cant acompley slaves on everyday tasks!?

(Frizzle): "Mrs. Sulez was quite nice remember?, and she talked about donating books so I can VIST under that guise and take you..then we both can see him ok?"

I sigh, that took so long. I think he needed it now.

"As you wish....but what is the punishment for being unsupervised now?"

(Frizzle): "I do not know? He said it wasnt for a lady's ears to know.."

I make another sound of annoyance.

(Frizzle): "We could go this morning but.. I promised Mr. Westen..hes out there right now.... we are going to go over the paperwork today. It is going to take..all day.."

I eyeball the Frenchman behind the glass. She waved him over now that we talked and I ready myself to deal with him.

(Mr. Westen): "Hello little bird, I have a present for you.." He gives me a seashell necklace and I hold it confused.

"why?"

(Mr. Westen): "I dont know.. I thought you'd like it?"

.....because its childish??? I glare at him

As he left with Frizzle mentioning how his wife to be just kept sending him the shells with every letter. He has dozens now without any use.

That is... strange..?
I look at it closer and spend the next few hours trying to decode it. There was dots on shells but was there a pattern.

....

By the afternoon I have one spelled out 'H E L P '

But Midas's mind catches me by surprise, he was freaking out again.
I look out the window. There he IS with the mayor too and the poor independent women the town has deemed a witch.
I cant read their lips to know what was going on.

I go down the stairs to get closer as they come in. He was with a taller slave.

(Midas): "You like ghost stories?" He looked at his friend dryly.

Frizzle LEAVES the study room seeing them, poor Mr. Westen who will NEVER get this paperwork properly done gets all his work blown off the table as she rushes over...to the tall man.

She must think its Midas...

(Frizzle): "Look at YOU!?" *gaps at him*

Bain:

"Yeah."

I shamelessly admit to my short friend as we walk inside the library and are greeted by a couple of  beautiful ladies.

One brunette, one blonde.

I make sure Master is present before I speak to either one of them.

"I'm sorry, do I know you?"

Frizzle:

I was going to HUG the giant grown up Midas in spontaneous glee XD but I see the mayor I've been bad mouthing all this time and almost faint.

Bloody hell!!!! *steps back with a squeak*

I see the other blonde man's wild eyes staring in shock and realize that's Midas.

"No of course not!" I snap at the tall one acting offended he talked to me. I look at the Mayor pretending I dont know who he is.

"What a unit of a slave, what breed is he?? We could use something like that on the top shelves."
I laugh nervously.

Midas seemed embarrassed and starts picking at books on the shelves pretending not to know me.

Bain:

I look down awkward and confused.

(Olaf) "Yes, er.. he was inherited from my father in law so I am not quite sure of his background."

I took over at the horror books across the store then look over at Master wanting to be excused from this terribly awkward conversation.

Master looked like he wanted to be excused too.

"I will be over there if you need me."

I point in the general direction of the books and hurry away fast.

Midas:

That was hard to watch she almost HUGED him. I was so glad she did not recognize me!

Though after all his big talk to see HIM get the lashes would be ironic. I tried to picture Olaf hitting such a bigger man....

I touch binders of books and pretend to read titles as I watch.

(Frizzle): "Ohhh.." *very happy to change the subject* "Anyway my apologizes for being rude. welcome to the library, I'm Miss Forysthe, can I help you at all ..uh mister?"

Frizz... isnt so Frizzy..?
I would never guess that was her, she had straighten her hair. She was all hair as a little girl.

Still as crazy as ever though.

I think back to Ms. Mikaelson's last words and how I will see her soon...
I could make myself believe the boy was a halogram and nothing bad happened there but the horses head... was outside the house it was not a halogram, so something is still wrong..

*shivers not noticing Canary coming the other way round the book shelf so there are books between us.

(Canary): "Hey don't forget to take a bookmark, they are free.." She looks at me blankly and I take it bushing her hand softy.

"Thank you."

Im sorry sis...

I think. I know she is mad at me. If I didn't run away everything would be so different. It was foolish for a child to do, I was lucky I did not end up dead in a ditch sneaking all the way to another town. I certainly got into some bad situations on my own and paid for it but it worked out I had better masters now.
I truly liked my old home ...before the move. I was content with it.

I do not think I could have been content with her life, but she thinks she is free and I am not..

"Nothings really free is it?... dont I need a card or does it get put on Mr. Sulezs?"

(Canary): "Oh I honestly ..don't know, slaves dont check out usually.." She pulls out the handbook of the library and tries to find the clause.

Olaf:

"Oh no, just browsing."

I politely smile before strolling over to a nearby bookshelf and picking up a political science textbook.

Ooo very interesting

*Bain brings over a handfull of horror novels to the front to check out.*

Frizzle:

He did not interduce himself, he must be incognito... and up to no good...
Once he was busy with a book I walk around the shelves pretending to move things around a few times before meeting up with Midas.

"...sorry..about all that"

(Midas): "Oh no it was hystracrical really..." he whispered.

I look back at his friend who was ready to check out. Canary announces from the book that all the check outs of slaves responsibility is on the master.

(Canary): "Please dont misshandle them." She said condescending to that beautiful tall hunk.

"Im glad you have a friend who can read too, you must not be so alone then."

I always felt bad and worried how he got along with his own kind

(Midas): "Hes....great..we spend so much time together.."

He muttered looking in a hologram book.

How nice.

I smile he seemed happy.. right err...

what about yesterday??

Bain:

The blonde woman scolds me for something I did not do yet.

How did she know?

Canary:

"What?"

I frown at the tall man's look. What I didn't say anything weird.

Look at this ox he'll rip that book in two just turning a page!

I quietly start to write down on a slip the titles of the books he was taking out.
We are still playing 'not to know who Olaf is' game so I leave the top blank and wait for him to come and finish checking out himself.

Frizzle still was trying to learn more from him now that he was here before her.

(Frizzle): "Excuse me sir? Since you brought your slaves I DO have a question about the new law. I don't have a husband so I am not privy what is the punishment for them to go about unsupervised now?"

I listen carefully since it effects me and I still wasnt sure if Oalf was a psycho or not. He seemed rather..mellow...nonthreatening.

But Frizzle's sense was so distorted she could be feeling something 30 years from now..

Midas joins his friend with his own computer studies textbook and a random poetry book on top of it to 'cover' the strange topic I suppose.

(Midas): "I could not find the blue banded Russian fairytales you don't have it in the back do you?"

I look at him thinking....

I was sorry I haven't gotten home since seeing you earlier..Frizzle says she'll get it to you soon.

Then I write his books down on the slip.