lucetilogs | Luceti Valley

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Luceti Valley - The First Log

Who: Everyone
What: The start of a new experiment... or is it?
When: August 2nd - August 6th
Where: Luceti itself
Summary: Luceti has become an idyllic and peaceful 50s-esque village. The first few days are just business as usual, right?
Rating: Varies with thread. Please move explicit stuff to appointments post with appropriate warnings.

August 1st had seemed like an ordinary day in Luceti. But late in the evening, for those night owls who had not turned in yet, they were witness to strange fluctuations in the barrier. Beautiful, really, almost like Luceti had received its own 'Northern Lights', even though it seemed to come from the far east, across the ocean. This ominous light show lasted for all of fifteen minutes before it ceased all together. Skimming the ocean waters, a horde of cultists entered Luceti, cloaked by darkness. Upon reaching the entrance to the tunnels, their leader stepped inside and was followed one by one by his fellow cultists. When the last had entered, the tunnel entrance closed. Across the mountains, the entrance to the tunnels in the village did the same.

Midnight passed without incident, but by three in the morning, the change suddenly came. Minds were altered, forms were changed, and buildings sprang from nowhere.

Much later, on August 2nd, morning settled on a changed village, the new mayor made his way to his mansion with his pair of adorable dobermans at either side of him. The sun shined bright. It was a good day to be a Lucetian.

Note: There will be a stand alone log for the homecoming dance. There will be another log for the second stage of the event.

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In here, dear.

[Vastra had listened to Eugene move about the house, clearly looking for someone, for a good amount of time. She never wanted to assume, but given Eugene hadn't gone out to the village her guess was that Eugene had something he wanted to discuss with her.]

[She was in what she affectionately called 'The Armory', setting her and Jenny's swords back in their display cases after their weekly cleaning. Did they need to be cleaned that often? ...no, not particularly. But with Eugene and Max home from university, Vastra had been feeling nostalgic.]

[Growing up around these displays, Eugene didn't consider it odd at all that his mother would be tending to them and making sure the metal was well-taken care of. After all, she had as much right as anyone else to look after them. Still, since Jenny had... gone, on occasion he could see a little into the void that left in his mom.

Peeking his head in, he was careful not to overstep his intuition-- that, and he rather liked the swords and weaponry in here. But he'd always been told not to touch.]

Was hoping I'd find you here. I, ah... well, is this a bad time?

[There was the matter of his engagement, or possible engagement to Adele. And in his absence, it seemed many people were expectant that he might seal an arrangement, or at least a display of it. But how to do that with... the complications he wouldn't give up? He needed expert advice]

It's regarding Adele.

Of course it's not a bad time, dearheart. [Vastra locks the case and breezes over to Eugene. While she was very happy her son was pursuing higher education and spreading his little wings, it was lovely having her chick home. She puts a kiss on Eugene's cheek and a reassuring hand on his back.]

Mm... let's go to the kitchen. We'll get a cup of tea.

[She had expected this somewhat. Vastra wasn't the sort of parent who ignored their children's little gazes. Or the way they would ask 'Is Jack coming over today?' almost every other day.]

[Vastra had realized, years ago, that the engagement was not long for this world. She was just waiting for Eugene to approach her about it.]

Tea sounds great. [Not that he was terribly nervous, but his mouth was dry, and he needed something to wet it. Tension drained out of him a little with the affectionate touch, reminding him that Vastra, while she wouldn't go easy on him, would not tear him apart.

So he made his way with her into the kitchen, setting the kettle to boil with an easy gesture, reaching to get some biscuits for a snack should the need arise.]

So... about Adele. Recently, ah... well, it's. There's this thing about be being a really eligible bachelor type and she's a lovely lady, don't get me wrong. Things between us look perfect...

[And he wasn't ungrateful, but there was nothing there. She had to know what it's like, even if she wanted her sons to be happy and conventionally normal.]

I don't love her.

[Vastra's eyebrows raised at Eugene's waffling about being a 'really eligible bachelor type'. But really, she had expected a more direct confession than this. Poor dear probably was afraid of hurting her feelings or something ridiculous.]

[But at the same time, it did warm her heart to know that her son was concerned for her feelings. Some parents never had these sorts of conversations with their children, and Vastra couldn't imagine how tragic that would be.]

[When Eugene finally does get it out, Vastra is spooning loose tea into a brewing basket. She turns away from the counter and nods.]

I am glad you said something, Eugene. I was afraid I would have to embarrass you and bring it up at what would no doubt be a very awkward time.

[A grin spilled onto his face when she spoke her last bit, nodding in agreement] It would be very difficult to peel me off the floor if you asked this in front of her. It's not exactly my strongest suit. And I know people are concerned about inheritances and issues like that but... you've adopted me and Max. Why should they expect anything different out of us?

[But he realized belatedly that people could view such a thing as a broken lineage, and near everyone was a fan of preserving a direct family line. Eugene personally considered that selfish, but he had been brought up with the benefit of more than blood as the determinant factor of his being loved unconditionally. Most people didn't have that benefit. Most people didn't have Vastra raising them, either. Part of him coveted and cherished that.

The kettle is quick to boil and Eugene takes it, pouring the water into the teapot, focused more on it than peering up at Vastra.]

I've thought about it a lot and I just keep thinking of--... someone else. When it comes to spending the rest of my life with.

I am quite unconcerned about inheritances, Eugene. And you should be too, I intend to support you and Max as long as you both need me to. No matter who you marry or don't marry. [Vastra knew her lineage was gone the moment she fell in love with another woman. It's a non-issue for her, and her expression says as much as she arranges a few biscuits on a plate.]

Mm. [Vastra watches Eugene pour the water, saying nothing. Then she watches him put the kettle down, still saying nothing.]

You have been thinking about Jack. [Clearly she waited because she didn't want her darling to burn himself when he had to be 'peeled off the floor'. Vastra's understanding was that most children would rather die than discuss their love life with their mother. Too bad Eugene had a mother who didn't think twice about nosing around in her son's personal life.]

[There was something very... inspiring about her when she spoke, reiterating her intentions to look after him and Max come Hell or high water. On occasion these things could go unsaid, but right now, it--

Well, it was nice to know, relieving.

But then she had to hit the nail on the head and he cleared his throat after the briefest of nervous laughs]

Jack, yeah. He's... really smart. I want to take him to uni, let them admit him and see what he can do...

[And there was more to that, but she had only mentioned he'd been thinking about Jack. The exact kind of thinking could be... well, somewhat covered up. In this respect, Vastra was completely right. Talking about his love life with Jack would be... difficult to pry out of him.]

How should I approach calling off this... thing with Adele, then? I haven't formally proposed but everyone's just waiting for it...

He would certainly be closer for those long stretches of time you spend at school. [Vastra isn't certain how feasible it would be to get Jack into Eugene's university. It used to be that so much of it was easily bought, but not only had times changed but Vastra isn't sure just how much Jack would enjoy that sort of thing. Regimented learning, surrounded by children who had been raised without much compassion. He would have Eugene and Max, but they could only do so much to protect him.]

I will pay Loki a visit. He and I are not on bad terms, and Adele doesn't seem heartless either. They will understand.

[Or she would make them understand. But she predicts that won't be necessary. They were all adults, after all.]

[It was an idea he had entertained, but making it work, or even asking Jack in the first place, was something he still needed to work on. He tensed up, however, hearing her last few words and looked at her straight in the eyes]

No--... no. You shouldn't have to. It's a mess I'll get myself out of.

[It wasn't a matter of not appreciating her gesture, but he didn't want to impose or make it seem he was hiding behind her]

I wanted to know if you would support me if I decided not to go for it with her, though. It-- well, it seems silly now, but before I asked I was pretty uptight...

You will have to say something to Adele. However this... is something that I began before Mr. Odinson... Well. You are hardly the only participant in this little set up, Eugene.

[She understands Eugene's desire to stand on his own two feet and deal with his own adult life. ...but Vastra will always be his mother, and mothers take whatever pains necessary to ensure their children don't fall prey to anything unwarranted or nasty.]

But darling. [She puts her hand on Eugene's and smiles warmly at him.] No matter what it is, if it makes you happy, I will always support you in whatever you choose.

...within reason, but you know what I'm talking about.

Even saying that, I worry that it'll come back and haunt Jack. I mean, being passed over for a marriage proposal because of some lowtowner-- I don't think of it in terms like this but that doesn't mean others won't. I wanna know he's... safe.

[Alright so he had just inadvertently confessed as to the why he wasn't wanting to marry Adele. But he wasn't about to back down, now. Plus, she was smiling warmly at him and it made the little boy he was feel warm in return. To know he had her blessing to call this off was an immense relief. It wouldn't make it easy, but definitely surmountable.]

Or at least as safe as I can make him. I know he's not exactly helpless, but... some things are bigger than the two of us.

Don't use that word, Eugene. ['Lowtowner' that is. Even if Eugene is clearly a young adult, it's a reflex Vastra can't contain.] His name is just fine.

[She pours the tea, thinking very carefully about the situation. Yes, nothing could guarantee that some plump, airheaded, smooth-handed, lilywhite brat wouldn't get ideas. Not everyone knew who Vastra was and the influence she extended in the community. Not everyone knew that her story was more or less exactly the same as Eugene and Jack's.]

I know. That some things can be bigger than two people. [Vastra watches the cups steam, still trying to think.] If you are both serious about one another Eugene, and you both love each other enough to endure that possibility, you have to be prepared for violence. Mummy and I were, and that is how, most likely, we lived to adulthood.

[And beyond, in Vastra's case.]

I-- yes, mom. [It wasn't meant to be derogatory toward Jack but it wasn't a word that she would allow under any circumstances. But the other high-class elite wouldn't give it a second thought. Jack was considered as such, even if he blended in well. He wasn't old-money, hadn't been raised from birth with a silver spoon in his mouth.]

...I miss mum. I bet she'd be thrilled with this turn of events?

[His own tea steeped, he discarded the bag and stirred in some sweetner]

I'm prepared for that. The minute I think about leaving Jack it's like something unbearable.

[Perhaps as unbearable as it had been for Vastra having lost Jenny. Eugene gave Vastra a concerned look, knowing that her loss had changed her. And not always for the better. If at all.]

I'll do what I can to protect him-- and us.

I know you will darling. [She rests a comforting hand on Eugene's shoulder. It isn't easy being told by your mother that you might have to defend yourself and your loved one from bigotry. And perhaps Jenny would have objected to Vastra's frankness surrounding the possibility of violence, but she would have reacted the same way if someone had laid a hand on Jenny.]

Mum would be very proud of you. Absolutely over the moon, and so excited. [Vastra smiles, trying to rein in her imagination so she wouldn't cry.] I am as well, but I think it may be time to unlock my cases and teach you and Jack a few things. A mother is supposed to equip her children for every situation.

[Hopefully the memory of mum wouldn't upset her, and he was glad that at least it could be a source of inspiration. He was certainly taking it that way, and he rose both his brows at mention of unlocking some of the cases. It was both easier, and exciting, to shift gears toward action, and now that he had this out of the way... maybe things would be getting somewhere.]

Unlock the cases? Do you think it would come to... to that kind of fighting?

[Diplomacy had been the preferred method, he'd always been taught. Taking to arms had always... well, it had been enticing at times but he'd never had opportunity to try it out. Still, Vastra... she was a fighter. If she'd seen potential in Eugene, she would have taught him earlier, surely? Regardless, if she was offering now, that was... it was something, and it quickened his heart beat in a way that was exciting. And a little shocked.]

...Always have to begin somewhere.

Not in all situations, no. But people get ideas about what should and should not be allowed. And when certain people don't adhere to those ideas, people get violent. [She speaks that from a place of intense knowing. Because she'd seen it. Lived it. Fought it.]

If you love him, dear, you have to protect yourself and him if it comes to that.

[Vastra squeezes his shoulder, pulls him into a hug. God she's scared for him. When she had been young, she was reckless and idiotic and in love. She'd thought nothing would ever strike her or Jenny down, no word or bigotry or hatred. But, as she'd grown older, Vastra had accepted that young people were divinely idiotic.]

[She pulls back and puts a kiss on his forehead, smoothing his bangs back and smiling through her fear for her beautiful son.] It is a dark road, but with the right person it is the best adventure one could ask for.

[He knew his mom spoke from experience, even if he hadn't been exposed to a lot of it. Vastra had been careful and peculiar in what she'd exposed her boys to. Being drawn into that hug had him tensed for a moment but-- but it was his mom. And she'd been nothing but lovingly stern and wonderful and never overly strict without a deserved apology after. Still, she was quite tall, matched in height with him and he tightened the embrace he held round her]

I think I've got a great guide.

[Some may have had misgivings about his adoption with Vastra, but they were all dead wrong. And possibly also dead. The lips on his forehead may be cool, but he knew that she was warm where it counted, and he would always be willing to warm her should need be.]

I will protect him, though. But first we really should speak with Mr Odinson and Adele. I don't think I'm dressed for any sort of training.

No. The first thing we should do is have our tea. [Vastra pats Eugene's cheek fondly and picks up her tea cup and the biscuits. Then she's gliding over to the kitchen table and setting it all down.]

I will set up an appointment with Loki and Adele tomorrow, we can all talk together. Then you will wear exactly what you plan to wear out about town, and I will teach you both a thing or two.

[Catching himself a moment later than he'd intended, still feeling overwhelmed with a relief that this was... not going to end horribly, he hurried after Vastra, grinning ridiculously.]

Thank you.

[It was hard to even encompass everything he wanted to say, giddy might be a close term for how he felt, and he sat across from Vastra at the table. Tea ready, biscuits within reach, his mom willing to assist him in this-- everything in the world was right.]

So... comfortable clothes, tomorrow. And Jack. I think I can manage that.

Or uncomfortable. Do you think I learned my self-defense in my battle-dress? 'Oh, excuse me, I really can't manage to defend myself in this skirt. Pause for a moment?'

[She smirks and sips at her tea.] But perhaps there isn't a call for me to be quite as strict as my first teacher. Bring Jack, yes, I'll no doubt have to stamp out that tendency to put others before yourself out of the both of you.

Make that... disposable clothes tomorrow. And Jack. But he's not disposable. You-- I think you'll have your hands full tomorrow trying to beat that out of us.

[He knew for a fact it was instinct-- maybe she'd be better off teaching them how to work with that instead of against it. But she was the teacher and the thought of her learning once upon a time made him smile]

I seriously doubt I'll be wearing a battle-dress, mom.

[Said with a smirk as he sipped some tea]

Not even if I made you one? You were entirely adorable in your little infant dresses, who's to say I'm not trying to put you back into them? [She grins, reaches to pinch Eugene's cheek briefly. Teasing, teasing.]

I will beat it out of you both, though. Perhaps not tomorrow, but eventually. [She sips her tea as well.] You have the biggest of hearts, Eugene. But the moment you rush to protect Jack you will forget about your own safety, and that could be the moment he loses you. [It could be the moment Vastra loses him, too. And she won't bury her children.]

Especially not now that I'm old enough to dress myself! I suspect you look much better in it than I could ever hope to. [He did angle his head back and away from those teasing hands, but not out of a true aversion, too happy in a moment like this to be dismayed.]

He won't lose me. I plan on staying around for a very long time, no matter what comes at me. Y'know, for me and Jack's kids, if we have any.

[Having all this money to himself and Jack seemed wasteful, and he wasn't going to let his mother's good name be tarnished if he was selfish with it.]

I know it won't be easy... and even you've lost things dear to you. But I won't let that get in the way.

[She nods, smiling and settling on stroking Eugene's hair briefly. How had he grown up so quickly? How had she managed without Jenny helping her raise their children? Of course Vastra had had moments where she imagined she was the worst mother in the world and was destroying her children, but moments like this one make her realize that she didn't do such a terribly job. Her son was in love, he was eager to start his life, he was compassionate and intelligent, there wasn't much else she could ask for.]

Good, because he and I both expect you to be around for a long time.

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Luceti Valley - The First Log

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