lostcarnival | Put a smile on...

Entry tags:

Put a smile on...

Who: Pearl and whoever is around...
What: Another gem finds her way to the carnival...she is not impressed.
When: Day 95
Where: The Backyard, The Big Top, The Cookhouse, and just around
Warnings: None...yet.

After running in to Steven in the mirror maze and figuring out that she had in fact done something to incur the need for a contract, Pearl had taken it fairly well. She didn't like it, but what was she going to do? Even if she hadn't, she couldn't exactly leave Steven here and now she needed to get an idea about exactly where here was.

Pearl had decided to start with the essential places: her new trailer, where she would perform, and where to find others. After looking at a map of the grounds she'd decided that the best place to start (aside from the trailers) was the Cookhouse. She wasn't a fan of food herself, but she could use the familiar layout of a kitchen to find some comfort in this place. Besides, if most lifeforms here required food it would be a good place to get some insight. A year wasn't TERRIBLY long for a gem, but it was enough time that she'd need to know a little more about this place, especially if she was going to be able to help Steven at all. He had three months on her and she needed to learn all that she could to "catch up" as it were.

If you meet her around the Backyard she is mostly looking at trailer numbers and trying to locate her own. This is similar to how she just wanders the carnival grounds just to see what she's gotten herself into and to familiarize herself with the layout.

Otherwise, she will make her way towards The Cookhouse and do a little people watching. She may get ahead of herself and clean up any tables that are left dirty or reorganize certain areas if there are more pepper shakers on one table and no napkins on another. She's an organized gem and sees it as her duty to make sure these things are sorted out if she's going to be staying here. You might notice she doesn't actually eat anything herself.

After that, her tour will take her to the Big Top, as even though shows have not begun yet this is where she has been assigned to work: as a performer. She wants to get a feel for what kind of act she can put on or what is already being done. You may see her try a few moves of dance or attacks with a spear to get a feel for the space. Just be careful not to get into a fight with her hologram Pearl, who may or may not be summoned to spar with her.

[ooc: I did prose, but I can switch to action if necessary]

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"Hmmmnnnn...." Gongenzaka's full default is formal-they're probably going to get along once things get moving. For a moment, he grows silent, plotting a 'plan of attack' through his mind. Eventually, he nods.

"Aah, I, the man Gongenzaka, believe I do! If you wish to see the tent last, then we can begin first with familiarizing you with the main attractions up front, followed by locations such as the cookhouse, as well as the medical tent..."

He coughs, nodding. "By the end of things, you should hopefully have at least a vague knowledge of not only where both the 'patron' areas are, but also where many of the employees themselves must be found."

She thought about pointing out that she wouldn't need the medical tent or cookhouse. On the other hand, knowing those locations might be helpful if she ever needed to find Steven (medical or cookhouse) or Amethyst (cookhouse). It would be best to assess all of the locations before making judgments about which she would actively need or not.

"That sounds very helpful. I really appreciate this." She looks around, wondering where they will head first, "Shall we?"

There is always some sort of second reason that can be fallen back upon-and even without Steven or Amethyst to consider, who knows who else she'll meet that might need to be located in such a place. Or perhaps one day she'll end up asked to fetch a nurse, or a doctor, or...

He nods, and leads the way. "You told me that you have already seen the mirror maze, so I, the man Gongenzaka, will do my best to keep the route near that attraction brief. The Carnival has a few 'main' attractions...all of them have some sort of magical component to them, however." Another thing you probably caught with the mirrors.

"The Roller Coaster and Ferris Wheel are examples, but even the midway games we are passing now offer charmed objects-lanterns that stay lit, or similar things!"

"Oh? So similar to the reflections in the mirrors seeming to have a sentience of their own. What can you tell me about the other attraction's magical attributes?" She was curious and wanted to know if they should be avoided. She hadn't exactly been the biggest fan of her mirror counterparts, that was for certain. But, perhaps there was something to learn from the attractions as well.

She hadn't considered the fact that the other attractions and games might hold more magic.

"Hmmm... ...the roller coaster, I believe, brings a floating sensation...the wheel, a sense of being able to manipulate the appearance of the stars in the sky... ...however I, the man Gongenzaka, cannot speak for the other rides; those ones are changed more frequently, depending on our present location."

So the rides and attractions changed on a regular basis. She supposed that made sense in a way, especially if they wound up in a place where certain attractions wouldn't be as appealing to the inhabitants. She nods, she isn't really interested in the attractions beyond that, just the mention of magic had intrigued her.

"That's all right. What else is there I should see?"

"Hmm! Mostly, what would be important is the layout of these areas. While the rides alter themselves, the paths do not-becoming familiar with them makes it easier to reach the other locations in a timely manner."

As they walk however, he continues on. "Many of the rides are organized either to the left, or to the right-the left leads toward the Ferris Wheel. The right, however, leads to the Roller Coaster. Where we are now however," he continues with a gesture, "Is the 'Gamer's Circle'. Tests of skill and chance, where patrons receive prizes. It surrounds both the Cookhouse, and the 'Center Stage'-the latter is where musicians tend to perform...however, I, the man Gongenzaka, have occasionally viewed plays there as well." In other words, it's a spot that Pearl may find herself doing her job.

Pearl nods with understanding. It's reassuring to know that while the attractions themselves might change the overall layout will not. That will certainly make it easier to navigate and it appeals to her sense of order and organization. She much prefers a sense of structure and while this place seemed like total chaos at first she is starting to recognize an overall pattern that can be followed. Good, at least she won't go completely crazy here.

"And the Cookhouse is where meals are served, correct? I'm not sure if I'm to perform on the Stage or in the Big Top yet...I suppose it will depend on what I decide to be my act," Pearl muses, "Right?"

Organization is an important matter after all; frankly, Gongenzaka feels the place could use at least a few more rules about things, but...well, one Manages.

"Correct; it is where the kitchens, as well as the cafeteria area itself are located. Mmmn, given what performances are made in both locations however..."

He nods, confirming her suspicions. "I, the man Gongenzaka, should say you are correct; depending on, in fact, you could find yourself performing in both locations!"

Pray that neither of them figure out that they both have interests in a more efficient organization system. Although it is likely that they would be prevented from changing too much and it hasn't occurred to Pearl at all.

"I suppose I'll need to ask where I'm needed most then...I was planning to stop by the tent later anyway," she said, not sure where her act would be most needed.

She looks towards the kitchens, nodding, "I won't need that much myself...but I suppose that would be where many of you would go...and it's likely I could find Amethyst and Steven there as well." Assuming Amethyst wasn't just eating from garbage cans behind the restaurant--she had been known to do that as well.

Maybe they can start small. Organize the trailers...yes. For the most part Gongenzaka is nodding along, at least somewhat understanding the fact that not everyone really...eats. Most do! But he's learned not to assume. "Hmm, while I, the man Gongenzaka cannot speak for Amethyst, I have certainly seen Steven there on more than one occasion in passing...

"...The games surround this area, but just ahead of them, we should be coming to the 'tents'-the Big Top is generally reserved for larger acts, with multiple people, and the smaller ones for more individual acts, such as music, so even which tent you conduct performances will be likely to vary." They'll be coming up to them once they pass a few rows and stalls of games again, but it should be smooth sailing pretty soon.

That made sense. Amethyst was more likely to go dumpster diving than partake in normal food choices -- and she didn't necessarily frequent dining establishments so much as linger outside of them or behind them. Pearl could think of a few times, sure, but honestly it was rare even for the gem that liked food. Eugh. But, Steven was half human and while he could fix a few staples, was far more reliant on dining establishments than his own innate cooking abilities.

Pearl looks at the various games, not tempted so much as curious as to what sorts there are. She only ever really plays games with Steven when he asks--though typically they aren't games like the ones lining their path. After passing a few, Pearl focuses her attention on the tents ahead, "So it's likely that I'll be spending most of my time here, as a performer."

She turns her attention back to her escort, "I don't believe I heard what your assignment was?"

"Aah, quite likely," Gongenzaka replies. That and the tailoring tent, but given that it's not in sight at this point, he neglects to mention that for now.

Gongenzaka gives a slight bow however, his own attentions firmly on the task at hand rather than anything around them. "Patrol! I, the man Gongenzaka, am a member of the security here; our task is to watch for potential threats within the Carnival, and stop any crime before it begins."

Pearl blinked. She hadn't realized they needed a special security force--perhaps she should have emphasized her duties as a guardian of Earth more. Oh well, she really didn't feel like going back to the Ringmaster--it seemed like too much trouble. If there ever was trouble, it wasn't like she'd be barred from helping where she could.

"Are there a lot of potential threats?" She'd like to have an idea what to expect...so far everything has seemed so unexpected.

They do indeed-though Gongenzaka does his best to remain honest with his answer. "...For the most part, no," he explains, before continuing on. "....However, there has very rarely been...the unexpected. ...When an attack targets the Carnival specifically," he explains.

"....Normally, the Nightriders prevent such matters. ....However, there has been one incident in which we were struck by an army all the same. ....She dealt with it swiftly," he murmurs quietly, quite obviously referring to the Ringmaster.

It was clear to her as well and Pearl didn't even bother asking who she was. The Ringmaster, whatever kind of being she was, had to be powerful to enforce contracts and grant requests as she did. Although apparently the well-being of the people working under her was very important--enough to have a standing guard ready to deal with most matters at any rate. This place was interesting, Pearl would give it that.

"I see. Well, I'm glad everyone is safe now and I appreciate you telling me all of this," she said.

"Mn-" ....Oh, well that's a level of optimism that caught him off guard. Most people jump into what do you mean dangers and so on, so on, but...

...Well, it's a nice change. The tour can continue, and he gives a slight bow of a nod whilst they move on. "Aah, it is quite fortunate. With any luck, by the time you have been shown around, there won't be too much else to ask..!"

It's the hope at least. The carnival has its ways though.

"I hope so. You've been a most excellent tour guide though," Pearl admits, thinking that if she had been with someone else they might not have been as precise or through. True, there was probably more to see and discuss, but as a basic introductory tore is sufficed. He hadn't lingered on things she wasn't interested in and had promptly answered any question she threw at him.

Still, he was right, she didn't have much more to ask...

"Ah- Please, it is only doing my duty..!" he insists. But as it is-

The tour continues! ...For however long it must truly last, at this point.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Put a smile on...

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-pulls out carnival map- YEE

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-gently moves this toward closing for both our sakes lmfao-

yes...we can even fade off here if you like...?

That works perfectly! Annnnd fading now-