Ariel
Lost RPG
Cashy-money: $88,900
Posts: 6,771
Harry Potter RPG:
- Cami Laroux
- Draco Malfoy
- Morgana Parkinson
- Odin Markell/Ashworth Jones
- Scorpius Malfoy
- Shane Hudson
_________________________
Marvel RPG:
- Nebula
_________________________
Ready Player One RPG:
- Emmett Rodgers
_________________________
X-Men RPG:
- Peter Maximoff/Quicksilver
- Vye Davidson/Ripple
_________________________
Lost RPG:
- Bennett "Rom" Friendly
- Harley-Rae Stone
- Jack Shephard
- Linda Pace
_________________________
Once Upon a Time RPG:
- Dracula/Vladimir Lee
_________________________
The Walking Dead RPG:
- Enid Snow
- Hazel Valentino
- Ingrid Snow
_________________________
|
Post by Ariel on Dec 1, 2020 10:36:27 GMT -8
"Wait, hold up," "You guys found a golf course on the island?"
"Not found, my friend, but made!" Linda exclaimed as she apologetically winced with an awkward smile, "Well, can't take all the credit. It was Hurley's idea. I simply helped execute it," Linda beamed as she was rather proud of this grand scheme that Hurley and herself had put in place to give everyone a bit of a break from their dreary, harsh reality. Hurley had always found a way to make the best of a situation, and never in a million years did Linda think that she would be learning life lessons from a stranger on a deserted island. Well, whom once was a stranger was now someone she could call a friend, "Jack and Gwen are up there already probably getting a head start on us all. Shall we show them what we're made of?" Linda smiled down at Heidi and Sarah as she held a hand out to each of them to help them up, not paying attention to Bennett who voluntarily brought himself to his feet already.
|
|
|
Post by Hollywood Heidi on Dec 6, 2020 0:50:59 GMT -8
"Not found, my friend, but made!"
"Oh," I said, a bit surprised. The thought of it having been created hadn't occurred to me but when I thought of how simple it would be to make one, I felt a little silly that I hadn't assumed it as a possibility and more so for having sounded even a little surprised by the revelation. Luckily, Linda plowed on with her enthusiasm allowing me to not dwell and spiral into feeling embarrassed.
"Well, can't take all the credit. It was Hurley's idea. I simply helped execute it," "Jack and Gwen are up there already probably getting a head start on us all. Shall we show them what we're made of?"
Linda's enthusiasm was infectious. I couldn't help smiling in turn as I took the hand she offered but as she helped me to my feet, the 'up there' part of it suddenly struck me midway up. My smile faltered and my eyes widened. I felt myself flush with fear at the thought of trekking through that jungle, but quickly hid the obvious signs of fear by the time I got my footing.
"Oh, um, actually," while I spoke, I leaned down to pick up the journal from the ground, making use of the handful of seconds to have my face averted so the color could return to it, continuing to keep my gaze downcast as I concentrated on brushing the sand from the journal while I continued. "Thanks for the invite, but Sarah and I already made plans," I said, finally mustering the courage to look at her and Charlie with my smile firmly back in place. Thankfully Sarah didn't make any objections because there was no way in hell I was letting her go into that jungle. "Besides, grand openings are always the most crowded," I teased with a dismissive wave, faking a snooty tone with the better excuse. I gestured to them and Bennett as well with the assumption he was going along with everyone else who so easily seemed to forget the terrifying thing lurking in the jungle. "You guys have fun though!" I said while my head added, 'and please be careful, you crazy, crazy people.'
|
|
wesleybucks
Slightly Addicted
Cashy-money: $2,000
Posts: 181
|
Post by wesleybucks on Dec 20, 2020 11:27:54 GMT -8
"You guys have fun though!"
"No worries mate. Feel free to join us later but take your time, more chance for me to take first place."
Charlie winked at Heidi as he made his way through the camp, grabbed a bottle of water for the hike and plodded forwards into the jungle. He then stopped mid-march and turned back to his sister.
"I...have no idea where we're going..."
He gestured to the pathway behind him leading into the dense treeline.
"Care to lead the way to the site of my upcoming golfing triumph?"
|
|
Ariel
Lost RPG
Cashy-money: $88,900
Posts: 6,771
Harry Potter RPG:
- Cami Laroux
- Draco Malfoy
- Morgana Parkinson
- Odin Markell/Ashworth Jones
- Scorpius Malfoy
- Shane Hudson
_________________________
Marvel RPG:
- Nebula
_________________________
Ready Player One RPG:
- Emmett Rodgers
_________________________
X-Men RPG:
- Peter Maximoff/Quicksilver
- Vye Davidson/Ripple
_________________________
Lost RPG:
- Bennett "Rom" Friendly
- Harley-Rae Stone
- Jack Shephard
- Linda Pace
_________________________
Once Upon a Time RPG:
- Dracula/Vladimir Lee
_________________________
The Walking Dead RPG:
- Enid Snow
- Hazel Valentino
- Ingrid Snow
_________________________
|
Post by Ariel on Dec 20, 2020 22:26:34 GMT -8
"Care to lead the way to the site of my upcoming golfing triumph?"
"You mean my golfing triumph? I do not take the winnings of crunchy, peanut buttery goodness lightly, you know," Linda beamed playfully as she slid past Charlie through the sand. She hopped in front to lead the way, thinking about the path ahead. After they've recruited everyone they can find, they would bypass the caves and then after that point she trusted herself to recall her steps back towards the valley where the makeshift golf course resided. It was nothing short of a jaunt from her usual sleeping quarters, after all.
Peering over her shoulder, she spotted Bennett trailing far behind them to follow them up to their destination. Linda huffed a rather annoyed exhale before moving her cautioned gaze to Charlie, "Guess we better watch our backs," An silent chuckle escaped through her nostrils as she poked fun at his stalker vibe. Although slightly amused, Linda couldn't help but to check over her shoulder ever now and then. Bennett made her feel uneasy, but as long as she was with Charlie she knew that she was safe.
*** Linda, Charlie and Bennett exit to the Main Camp Area ***
|
|
|
Post by Hollywood Heidi on Feb 5, 2021 18:18:49 GMT -8
|
|
|
Post by Kristi Lynne on Feb 13, 2021 14:22:12 GMT -8
Gabe was continuing his self-imposed assignment of replenishing the signal fires along the beach. He figured he'd go as far down the shore as their camp extended, then work his way back. He paused to check in on Rose and Jasmine as they were working on the makeshift island laundry, and promised to bring a couple loads of his own later that afternoon. Then he came upon his curly-haired friend and her petite blonde sidekick enjoying the midday shade.
"You decided to give the golf course a miss, too, huh?" Gabe inquired.
|
|
|
Post by Hollywood Heidi on Feb 20, 2021 20:03:36 GMT -8
After about 45 minutes in the sun, I had to beg off again and return to the shade, promising to watch Sarah continue building from my spot in the shade. It wasn't long after that Sarah took a break to take some time in the shade, finding a new way to be creative with dry sand, sticks, and shells in a closer vicinity to me.
I got the sense that she didn't like being too far from me. Despite never feeling like the maternal type, it still gave me a warm feeling inside to know she found comfort in my company.
Head resting against the tree trunk and my outstretched legs crossed at the ankles, I watched her work, the ancient journal resting on my lap momentarily forgotten.
"You decided to give the golf course a miss, too, huh?"
"Never been big on golf," I said, looking up momentarily to give a grin, though it was probably obvious there was more reason than that that I didn't go. Being a person who didn't like to lie, I never really honed my poker face so I looked back at Sarah, pretending it was only because I was keeping an eye on her as a means to avert my face. Just thinking about how all those people went wandering through the jungle again had my fingertips nervously pulling at the side of the closed journal, the pages quickly flipping back into place in a soft rustling sound over and over. "Mini-golf's more my thing," I added with a shrug, then looked up at him. "Why'd you give it a miss?" I asked, using his phrasing.
|
|
|
Post by Kristi Lynne on Feb 21, 2021 13:25:09 GMT -8
"Never been big on golf. Mini-golf's more my thing. Why'd you give it a miss?"
"Ah, somebody's gotta' keep these signal fires burnin'," Gabe informed her. "At least until Sayid gets back." He preferred to continue thinking about it as a question of when, not if. He didn't doubt that Sayid could handle himself, but there was so much they still didn't know about this place, and he'd walked headlong into the unknown. One could be forgiven for thinking that just maybe the Iraqi had a bit of a death wish. Or maybe an overdeveloped sense of guilt that made him feel like he deserved some sort of cosmic punishment.
"Because you do know," Gabe continued, "this little extended vacation is not all tee times and tequila shots. I'm lookin' at you, missy." He pointed at Sarah with a condemning finger and a scolding look, before dropping his bundle of branches and settling into a seat beside Heidi. "How are you? Sleepin' any better?" he asked.
|
|
|
Post by Hollywood Heidi on Mar 6, 2021 15:10:07 GMT -8
"Because you do know," "this little extended vacation is not all tee times and tequila shots. I'm lookin' at you, missy."
I chuckled at the image that conjured whilst looking at Sarah and the likewise amused smile Gabe had managed to conjure out of her. That was definitely a big step up to Sarah's reaction to him the first time the three of them officially met three days ago. Sarah tended to keep people at arm's length and wasn't quick to warm to someone except for a few people she'd made exemptions for, like myself, Jasmine, and Gwen. Hm, maybe she had trust issues against males. Usually something that develops later in a woman's life, I jokingly thought to myself as Gabe settled next to me.
"How are you?
"Hangin' in there." I glanced at him with a reassuring smile before glancing back at Sarah. "Just taking it one day at a time," I said with the casualness that said that was my usual M.O.
Sleepin' any better?"
"Yah," I said, my tone and back and forth tilting of my head giving it more of a so-so vibe. "For the most part. It tends to hit me right when I first start slipping into a deep sleep. Momentarily jolts me awake, but I'm able to shake it off and fall right back asleep with no problem.
"Everything good with you?" I asked, momentarily lifting the book to shift my legs into a new position, stacking my right leg fully on top of my left in my unique take on Indian style. "I mean, is this all kind of a nice break from reality?" I half joked, trying to add a little levity to our serious and, considering we were talking about how we were feeling, somewhat personal conversation. "Possibly even getting kinda bored or going a bit stir crazy?" The little bit of history he'd given me of what seemed to be a very active and excitement filled life made me assume any of those things could be possible.
|
|
|
Post by Kristi Lynne on Mar 14, 2021 7:37:45 GMT -8
"Everything good with you? I mean, is this all kind of a nice break from reality? Possibly even getting kinda bored or going a bit stir crazy?"
"Uh, yeah, this might be the longest vacation I've ever had," Gabe answered, blowing out a lungful of air after careful consideration. "I'm not real impressed with the accommodations or the travel itinerary, to be honest. But I'm glad to hear you're doing better. I told you that was a magic rock," he boasted, referring to the small rounded pebble that his son had given him for safety and that he had passed on to her a few nights earlier.
"I wouldn't say 'bored' exactly, but maybe a little antsy. This...detour is helping me put off a conversation I really didn't want to have," Gabe admitted. "Maybe the big guy upstairs thinks I need to work a little more on what I'm gonna' say." And frankly, it was a toss-up between which upcoming meeting he was dreading more -- the higher-ups at the CIA or his ex-wfe.
|
|
|
Post by Hollywood Heidi on Apr 3, 2021 0:29:51 GMT -8
"Uh, yeah, this might be the longest vacation I've ever had," "I'm not real impressed with the accommodations or the travel itinerary, to be honest."
"Yah, no. Zero stars. Would not recommend," I quickly interjected with my own dry review, moving my hand from left to right in the air before me as if the words were appearing on an online review.
"But I'm glad to hear you're doing better. I told you that was a magic rock,"
"It really is," I agreed with a grin, patting my jeans pocket where the rock rested, ready for another moment when I'd need to draw strength and collect myself with it. Amazing the power an object could have when a person gave it history. Especially one so personal and with emotional depth.
"I wouldn't say 'bored' exactly, but maybe a little antsy. This...detour is helping me put off a conversation I really didn't want to have,"
That must have been one hell of a serious conversation to be looking around in our current situation and finding relief over being able to avoid or postpone it. Definitely enough to raise one's curiosity, but I only mentally raised a brow. Something that had such a personal aura about it, it was best to let that person freely offer that information whenever they wanted to, if they ever wanted to at all. Prodding only made things awkward and uncomfortable for both parties if the person wasn't willing to talk about it. So I kept my mouth shut and did what people in his situation usually needed; I listened.
"Maybe the big guy upstairs thinks I need to work a little more on what I'm gonna' say."
Now I did raise both brows. Seeing someone so serious about something like this, it was obvious it really bothered them deep down and I couldn't help but add a little levity. Try to make things lighter and comfortable, pull them out of the dark they were slipping into, but still maintaining an air that hopefully gave the impression I was taking it seriously. A sign that I was open to listening to whatever they wanted to say, but also give them the opportunity to take a little detour on the joking route or to comfortably escape on it completely.
"If that's the case, then what'd you'd had in mind must have been epically awful. I'm talking like..." I paused, pointedly taking in our surroundings and all the people around, thinking up a plane-crash-deserted-on-an-island level of epically awful. I looked back at him, cringing. "You weren't planning on... expressing it through interpretive dance, were you?"
|
|
|
Post by Kristi Lynne on Apr 3, 2021 19:08:54 GMT -8
"If that's the case, then what'd you'd had in mind must have been epically awful. I'm talking like... You weren't planning on... expressing it through interpretive dance, were you?"
"No," Gabe sputtered, laughing in response at her suggestion. "No, no, no. I do not dance. Ever. For the sake of everyone else's safety, and sanity. I mean, even at my wedding, our first dance was just that junior high, slowly swaying side-to-side move. You know the one."
Gabe clenched his jaw at the memory, and that seemed to answer which dreaded conversation he was willing to discuss with his fellow survivor. "My wife, Amanda, and I have been separated for the last couple years," he began tentatively. "Well, I guess, technically 'divorced' since there was official paperwork and all. And honestly, I don't blame her. Me being enlisted, and then going to work for the government -- it takes a toll. I was away a lot."
He spared Heidi a sideways glance to register her reaction, the lectures from his mother and the women in the family he'd married into somehow still fresh in his mind. "It was not a good time, for either of us, and she got full custody of our son. Which made sense at the time. Dylan needed his mom. But as he gets older, I feel like there's a lot I'm missin' out on, y'know?" he attempted to explain.
"It seems hokey to ask her for a second chance," Gabe said, unsure of his ability to be contrite. Especially when he made no apologies for loving his job, and still wasn't convinced that the separation was entirely his fault. "And under normal circumstances, she'd be super reluctant to give me one, but -- considering this near-death experience and all...."
|
|
|
Post by Hollywood Heidi on Apr 24, 2021 18:52:21 GMT -8
"No," "No, no, no. I do not dance. Ever. For the sake of everyone else's safety, and sanity. I mean, even at my wedding, our first dance was just that junior high, slowly swaying side-to-side move. You know the one."
I grinned and nodded, glad that I was able to ease his tension a bit and see the spark of the upbeat, jokey guy he usually was. I kept patiently silent and my expression open in invitation for him to go on if he wished, glad when he did decide to do so and talk some of that weight off his mind.
"My wife, Amanda, and I have been separated for the last couple years," "Well, I guess, technically 'divorced' since there was official paperwork and all. And honestly, I don't blame her. Me being enlisted, and then going to work for the government -- it takes a toll. I was away a lot."
It was always sad to learn that someone who seemed like a genuinely good person had gone through--or was still dealing with--an emotional struggle. I could only imagine what he and his wife had gone through. It was a very sad and very real situation couples in their circumstance came up against. I had no idea what kind of person this Amanda was but even the most genuinely well meaning and loving of a person who took the time to consider what life would be like married to and raising a family with someone dedicated to serving their country could end up in this situation. Imagining what life will be like was nothing compared to actually living it.
"It was not a good time, for either of us, and she got full custody of our son. Which made sense at the time. Dylan needed his mom. But as he gets older, I feel like there's a lot I'm missin' out on, y'know?"
I nodded in understanding of both remarks. It was yet another sign of the good person he was that he viewed this maturely and in understanding rather than in selfish bitterness that others might have.
"It seems hokey to ask her for a second chance," "And under normal circumstances, she'd be super reluctant to give me one, but -- considering this near-death experience and all...."
I finally found myself in disagreement. "It's not hokey. Not at all," I stressed with a shake of my head. "This whole situation," I gestured around us, "I'm sure will forever alter how we view things and the decisions we make. I'm sure when we get back, it'll really hit us how things that were once important just won't seem that important anymore, and how much we took for granted that whatever big thing we wanted to do or say, well, we'll just do that tomorrow or next week... Even the little things that were always just there or easily obtainable. Like chocolate. God I miss chocolate..." I added in a quiet, dreamy tone. I momentarily got distracted, thinking about how I could always just hop on over across the street to the store to buy chocolate whenever I had a craving. But 'across the street' for me now were a jungle and the ocean I suddenly realized I was staring out at.
Shaking my head and giving a little embarrassed smile over derailing my own train of thought, I got back on track. "Anyway, all the people back at home, anyone who cared about us, even people like our neighbors or coworkers; people who just casually knew us, I'm pretty sure have been reassessing, same as all of us here.
"Maybe there's a chance she's also thought about the same thing as you over the years, even before this?" I questioned with a shrug, wanting to suggest that thought to consider but not get his hopes up. I really had no way of knowing what kind of person she was or how her mind and emotions worked. "Maybe she's had time to reflect. Maybe she's grown to understand and can accept the circumstances. But on the other hand, if she can't accept it, I hope you don't sacrifice your job to get that second chance. I know everyone makes sacrifices in a relationship, but those should only be things we can get over and live without. But things we're passionate about, they're a part of us and it's not right for anyone to sacrifice a piece of themselves for another person. It just plants this tiny seed of resentment that keeps growing as the years go by until one day, decades later, you're just unhappy and full of regret and all you seem to have left is anger and bitterness toward the other person."
My speech had turned impassioned toward the end with the thought of my own personal observation of seeing someone I really cared about go through this. With a heavy sigh toward the lapping waves, I calmed those thoughts away. "Even if a second chance isn't in the cards," I said, glancing over at him again, "I'm sure she has Dylan's best interests at heart. He needs his dad, too, y'know, and he's also missing out on a lot."
|
|
|
Post by Kristi Lynne on May 8, 2021 5:52:07 GMT -8
"Maybe there's a chance she's also thought about the same thing as you over the years, even before this? Maybe she's had time to reflect. Maybe she's grown to understand and can accept the circumstances. ... Even if a second chance isn't in the cards, I'm sure she has Dylan's best interests at heart. He needs his dad, too, y'know, and he's also missing out on a lot."
Gabe had been listening intently to the young woman, as clearly she was speaking from experience. He nodded as she was able to effectively summarize the situation, even from an outside perspective. He wasn't one who liked to lay his burdens on strangers; he didn't like to lay them on friends, if he was being perfectly honest. After all, everyone had their own set of problems. But Heidi had proven to be a sympathetic and encouraging presence.
"Well, dang, Doc, do you charge by the hour, or....?" he finally remarked, with a slight chuckle. "Ah, I don't begrudge Amanda her opinion. She had to do a lot of this parenting stuff on her own. I just showed up for the fun stuff, the bike-riding and the playing catch. I coulda' been better with that whole work-life balance thing. An experience like this...can't help but shift your perspective on what's important. And like you said, even if there's no second chance, maybe there's at least a friendly negotiation. I mean, we started this marriage thing out as partners, and we need to keep it that way. For our son's sake."
Gabe concluded by looking at her with an appreciative smile. "Tell you what, if I happen across any chocolate out there, you got first dibs," he assured her. Then his eyes caught sight of the very old and worn-looking book resting on her lap. "Did you check that out from the island library? 'Cause it looks pretty overdue."
|
|
|
Post by Hollywood Heidi on May 9, 2021 12:18:39 GMT -8
"Well, dang, Doc, do you charge by the hour, or....?"
I laughed, more at myself than his comment. "Sorry, I have a thing for problem solving and analyzing... and a hard time stopping once I start." I kept silent, allowing him to guide the direction of the conversation.
"Ah, I don't begrudge Amanda her opinion. She had to do a lot of this parenting stuff on her own. I just showed up for the fun stuff, the bike-riding and the playing catch. I coulda' been better with that whole work-life balance thing. An experience like this...can't help but shift your perspective on what's important. And like you said, even if there's no second chance, maybe there's at least a friendly negotiation. I mean, we started this marriage thing out as partners, and we need to keep it that way. For our son's sake."
I nodded my agreement, though I still felt like he was being too hard on himself. He seemed responsible and seeing all he'd done and continued to do around here, took other people's needs and wellbeing into consideration. "I'm sure it means so much more than just 'fun stuff' to your son," I reassured. "And I can't imagine your career choice offers much in the way of work-life balancing..." I left off there, giving him something to consider in case he was ever wrongfully feeling that he was completely at fault.
"Tell you what, if I happen across any chocolate out there, you got first dibs,"
"Well what a coincidence! Chocolate is the only currency I accept for my services," I said, grinning back.
"Did you check that out from the island library? 'Cause it looks pretty overdue."
I looked down, having forgotten about the ever present journal that seemed to be with me every time I sat in the shade and looked after Sarah, which was often. "Oh, sorry. Were you on the waitlist for it?" I joked. "Actually, I found it in a sack with several other old things, at the bottom of that smuggler's hold." I carefully opened to to a page at random. "It's a really old journal. There's some neat sketches and, I'm not exactly a linguist, but it looks like there are several different languages throughout, even Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs." Anything Ancient Egyptian always fascinated me so that's what I usually found myself staring at. Because of that, I was able to easily flip to one of those pages. "So either this thing is as insanely old as it looks, or it was left behind by some archeologist exploring the area and just weathered by the elements."
|
|
|
Post by Kristi Lynne on May 23, 2021 9:58:22 GMT -8
"...I'm not exactly a linguist, but it looks like there are several different languages throughout, even Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. So either this thing is as insanely old as it looks, or it was left behind by some archeologist exploring the area and just weathered by the elements."
"Huh, interesting," Gabe remarked, taking in Heidi's explanation about the book. "So if it is as old as it looks, then the question isn't so much 'What' as 'How'? I mean, we are a long way from the Mediterranean." He observed the writings and images that certainly looked like the same sort of thing you'd see in the Egyptian pyramids. He'd gone through his own Indiana Jones phase after seeing "Raiders of the Lost Ark," so he also recognized the shapes of the gods like Osiris and Horus. But there might be a more practical application of his previous schooling.
"I can read some Arabic," Gabe offered. "Not saying it'll help, but do you mind if I take a look?"
|
|
|
Post by Hollywood Heidi on Jun 12, 2021 21:00:23 GMT -8
My excitement over the journal had started to wane with having no way to read it but now, it was being renewed with the realization that there was a chance someone might be able to translate some of it.
"Oh, that's be awesome!" I said excitedly, carefully handing the book over to him. "I've been dying to know what it says but no matter how long I stare at the pages, they just won't magically translate to English," I joked at my own expense hinting at the amount of time I'd done just that. Not as if there was much else to do around here. "I noticed a lot of different looking languages, but I'm not sure what most of them are. Arabic could be one of them," I said shrugging as he perused. "And I haven't come across any Hungarian yet, but there probably won't be. You know, you can find a wall of information and brochures," I gestured at an imaginary wall before me, "in various languages and Hungarian is rarely ever offered," I added with a jokingly disappointed sigh.
|
|
|
Post by Kristi Lynne on Jun 19, 2021 12:45:21 GMT -8
"Oh, that's be awesome! I've been dying to know what it says but no matter how long I stare at the pages, they just won't magically translate to English. I noticed a lot of different looking languages, but I'm not sure what most of them are. Arabic could be one of them. And I haven't come across any Hungarian yet, but there probably won't be. You know, you can find a wall of information and brochures, in various languages and Hungarian is rarely ever offered."
"Yeah, I imagine Hungarian is a pretty niche market," Gabe agreed with a chuckle. Taking his cue from Heidi, he also handled the old book with great care, slowly and deliberately turning its pages. None of the words or images seemed recognizable yet. Not Arabic, not Greek or Latin. At least being tucked away in that smuggler's hold had protected the pages from the elements for however long it had been here.
"Come to think of it, you may be the first Hungarian I've ever met," Gabe commented, looking back up at the young woman, "so congratulations! Well, actually there was that medic -- what was his name? Kreizler? Oh, no, wait, he was Austrian," he corrected himself. "I don't detect an accent, though. Are you first- or second-generation?"
|
|
|
Post by Hollywood Heidi on Jul 3, 2021 20:07:16 GMT -8
"Yeah, I imagine Hungarian is a pretty niche market,"
"It totally is," I said with a nod of agreement as he took the book, giving it the same amount of care and respect that I'd been.
"Come to think of it, you may be the first Hungarian I've ever met," "so congratulations! Well, actually there was that medic -- what was his name? Kreizler? Oh, no, wait, he was Austrian," "I don't detect an accent, though. Are you first- or second-generation?"
A slight look of surprise over his voicing that I might be the first Hungarian he'd ever met, especially since I'd imagined he'd traveled a lot, flitted across my face. Pondering while he pondered, it might not be that surprising. People didn't exactly go around announcing their genealogy. The rare times we'd come across other Hungarians was only realized if we overheard them speaking Hungarian.
"First-generation. Eh, there's only two random words people have pointed out I say with an accent--which I was totally thrilled to realize," I said, chuckling at myself, "but other than that, sadly, no accent," I said on a sigh. "My parents were fairly young when they immigrated. You know what's weird?" I said with sudden realization. "My grandparents on both sides have thick accents but my parents, no fun accents--well, come to think of it, my dad does sometimes switch his v's and w's," I said thoughtfully. "They all learned English in America at the same time." I shrugged.
I looked down at the book he was pursuing, hoping one of the many different looking languages would end up being Arabic. "I'm guessing you learned Arabic later in life?"
|
|
|
Post by Kristi Lynne on Jul 12, 2021 15:54:55 GMT -8
"First-generation. … My grandparents on both sides have thick accents but my parents, no fun accents--well, come to think of it, my dad does sometimes switch his v's and w's. They all learned English in America at the same time."
Gabe listened and nodded as Heidi detailed her Hungarian heritage, still fairly sure she was the first and only one he'd met so far even in his well-traveled life. "Well, we Janssens come from that stoic Scandinavian stock," he explained. "The only people in the world who chose to move to a part of the US that is as cold and bleak as their homeland. I don't know what they were thinkin' when they could have had somethin' like this." His gaze detached from the book long enough to take in the crashing waves on the sandy shore.
"I'm guessing you learned Arabic later in life?"
“Yeah, when we got deployed in Iraq, I wanted to be able to communicate with the people around us, y'know?" Gabe answered. "I mean, they already see you as an outsider, walking around in a uniform with a big gun on your shoulder. I just figured I should make an effort to put them at ease. Especially the kids. But fair warning, I read it better than I speak it.”
He continued to carefully flip pages in the hopes that something would look familiar. Some of the pages looked like inventory, maybe an account of what was on the ship or what they'd found on the island. Some of it looked like the rough beginnings of a story with light and shadows. His scanning finger paused over one symbol he thought he recognized. “Actually, this one looks Hebrew. 'Chai', it's the symbol for 'life'," Gabe said hesitantly. "I'm pretty sure I've seen it in the Torah. Do you know if we had any Jewish passengers?”
|
|
|
Post by Hollywood Heidi on Aug 1, 2021 13:57:06 GMT -8
“Yeah, when we got deployed in Iraq, I wanted to be able to communicate with the people around us, y'know?" "I mean, they already see you as an outsider, walking around in a uniform with a big gun on your shoulder. I just figured I should make an effort to put them at ease. Especially the kids.
I nodded my understanding. Not only was it a thing to put people at ease if you spoke their language, but it was also a show of respect. A very admirable one, seeing as how learning another language was difficult and took a lot of work.
But fair warning, I read it better than I speak it.”
I grinned, amused over the warning that would hold no bearing over me. "Well, lucky for you, I won't be able to tell."
I watched patiently as he flipped pages, dividing my attention between the book and discreet glances at his face for any signs that he recognized any of the writing or pictures. There were a few small pauses where it seemed he was contemplating an idea of the context, but it took several flips before it seemed something had struck a truer understanding.
“Actually, this one looks Hebrew. 'Chai', it's the symbol for 'life',"
I leaned closer, angling my head so that it aligned with the book and studied the symbol he pointed to. There might be a word or two that sounded familiar to me in the Hebrew language, but looking at the text, it occurred to me that I knew absolutely nothing about Hebrew writing, not even one symbol or character that I could recall ever having been told or stumbled across the meaning of.
"I'm pretty sure I've seen it in the Torah. Do you know if we had any Jewish passengers?”
Sitting up straight again, I thought of things I might have glanced people doing or not doing along with others; things that might relate to their religious beliefs, but couldn't recall seeing anything that grabbed my attention. And even if I had, I probably wouldn't have known what the action or non-action was related to. "I have no idea," I said with a shrug. "I don't recall anybody mentioning they were," and seeing as how sensitive people could be to that kind of question, I'd never ask, "and I haven't heard anyone speaking anything but English to each other. Except for that couple who only speaks Korean," I corrected.
"Once we figure out more of the languages, maybe we can ask around to see who might have an understanding of some of them?" I suggested. A couple pages were fanning upward and I caught a glance of a drawing that I'd stared at on several occasions due to my fascination with Egypt. I placed a finger between the pages and carefully pushed the ones ahead of it aside. "And this guy? I know it's an Egyptian god," I said with a finger hovering over the Ankh it held in each hand, "but I can't remember one with the head of...well, I haven't been able to figure out what animal. I was thinking it was a cow, maybe?"
|
|
|
Post by Kristi Lynne on Aug 7, 2021 6:29:21 GMT -8
"Once we figure out more of the languages, maybe we can ask around to see who might have an understanding of some of them? ... And this guy? I know it's an Egyptian god, but I can't remember one with the head of...well, I haven't been able to figure out what animal. I was thinking it was a cow, maybe?"
Gabe nodded in agreement as he studied the drawing Heidi had pointed out. "Holding an ankh, the Ancient Egyptian symbol for 'life'," he noted. "Hmm, a cow could be Hathor, goddess who caused the Nile to flood and fertilize the land. Or it could be a donkey for Set, the bad dude who killed his brother Osiris. They liked to blame him for eclipses and storms. Or maybe a hippo for Taweret, goddess of childbirth. Egyptian mothers would wear necklaces of her to ward off evil spirits."
He gave a sheepish grin in light of his nerdy ramblings. "Sorry, like I said, Indiana Jones phase," Gabe shrugged before continuing to turn pages. "Looks like most of the rest of this is sketches -- shelters they were building, tools they were using. Seems like they were digging for something. Fresh water, maybe?" he offered, observing a drawing of what looked like a primitive method of making a well.
|
|
|
Post by Hollywood Heidi on Aug 8, 2021 10:05:45 GMT -8
"Huh," I said as I studied the picture anew while I considered each of the gods he mentioned. I knew all about Set and Osiris. And even Isis, who played a big part in their story, but the face of the statue was more round than that of a donkey, so I was leaning more toward this Hathor or Taweret. Their names sounded familiar, so it must have been brought up in my History of Ancient Egypt class back in the day, but I hadn't been able to recall them when looking at the picture on my own.
"Sorry, like I said, Indiana Jones phase,"
I pulled my eyes from the book to give him a grin over his feeling the need to apologize. I wasn't sure if it was because I'd probably taken longer than the average person to study the picture with the newfound information, which might have caused him to assume I'd zoned out over his lesson, or if he actually thought he had any need to be embarrassed about having an inner-geek side to him. As a massive geek myself, it always took me awhile to be comfortable around other adults. I always felt like an immature child next to them, like I couldn't really be myself, but I didn't really know how to be any other way but myself, so I tended to be fairly quiet and withdrawn. So whichever way it was that had him feeling the need to apologize, it helped to ease me into being even more comfortable around him. "Are you kidding? I'm jealous," I assured.
"Looks like most of the rest of this is sketches -- shelters they were building, tools they were using. Seems like they were digging for something. Fresh water, maybe?"
I feigned disappointment. "Well, that's boring. No more Indy stuff? Jack Sparrow style treasure hunting and swashbuckling? Pirate ships and--oh wait, no, there was a pirate ship sketch. Well, a ship at least, but it looked pirate-y." I took the book for a moment and flipped back. It was probably within the pages I'd skipped ahead to in order to get to the statue sketch. "There," I said, handing the book open to the sketch of a large ship back to him. "I do recognize this language," I said, gesturing to the page beside it with writing, "but I don't remember all that much from Spanish class in high school." I pointed to the heading. "'Roca Negra'," I repeated, my ability to properly read and pronounce Spanish just about the only thing I really mastered in the class. "I do remember a lot of the colors, thanks to a little song we'd sing in class that still weirdly gets stuck in my head. So I know 'Negra' means 'Black'. 'Roca'... Sometimes Spanish words sound similar to English so I was guessing maybe Rock, but then, 'Rock Black' doesn't make much sense, does it."
|
|
|
Post by Kristi Lynne on Aug 19, 2021 14:49:33 GMT -8
"Well, that's boring. No more Indy stuff? Jack Sparrow style treasure hunting and swashbuckling? Pirate ships and--oh wait, no, there was a pirate ship sketch. Well, a ship at least, but it looked pirate-y. ... So I know 'Negra' means 'Black'. 'Roca'... Sometimes Spanish words sound similar to English so I was guessing maybe Rock, but then, 'Rock Black' doesn't make much sense, does it?"
"Eh, wouldn't be the first thing that didn't make sense around here," Gabe commented. He studied the drawing of the ship and the Spanish writing that Heidi had pointed out. Unfortunately, his Spanish knowledge was also limited to colors, ordering two beers, and maybe the days of the week if he tried hard. "Rock Black, or maybe Black Rock. Could be where the ship sailed from, or where it was headed to. Maybe even the name of the ship that brought our unknown author here to the island. Place like this might get dozens of shipwrecks during a storm. Which makes it weird that we haven't seen any wreckage on the coastline...."
His voice trailed off as he tried to follow that train of thought. Why was it so hard to get a fix on where this island was? Somewhere in the South Pacific, hours out from Australia, en route to Fiji. There'd been no planes and no ships for more than a week. Yet here was someone's diary with connections to ancient Egyptian deities and a medieval European navy? None of it made sense.
"So, sadly, no swashbuckling," Gabe sighed. "You guys didn't find any barrels of rum while you were out there, did you? 'Cause if you're holdin' out on me, I might start to question our friendship."
|
|
|
Post by Hollywood Heidi on Sept 12, 2021 10:44:12 GMT -8
"Look," I began, feigning to be on the defensive, "there was only one barrel of rum down there and Linda and I had no other way to pass the time than to drink and sing sea shanties... Which was basically just 'Pirates Life for Me' over and over again 'cause we don't actually know any sea shanties..." I added, painting more of a picture of what I imagined it would have been like if that had actually happened.
I suddenly recalled that there had been something I'd assumed to be some form of booze down there. "Actually," I said, holding up a finger, "there was something." I scrambled to my feet with a "Back in a sec," as I jogged the short distance to my shelter, returning quickly with the whole ancient burlap sack I'd found.
I sat back down, carefully placing the sack in front of me. Peaking in, I grabbed the item I was looking for and held it out to him. The bottle, rounded at the bottom with a long neck, and the cork, both looked as if it they were very old and probably made by some old form of hand. "I think it's wine. Or used to be." I eyed the liquid inside, such a dark red that it was almost black, and was pretty sure it was not its natural color. "I'm no connoisseur, but I'm pretty sure that stuff's aged way beyond a fine wine. Maybe even be poisonous by now." I shrugged, signifying that I was making a complete guess and acknowledging that I might be totally wrong about that.
|
|
|
Post by Kristi Lynne on Oct 2, 2021 5:46:54 GMT -8
"Actually, there was something. ... I think it's wine. Or used to be. I'm no connoisseur, but I'm pretty sure that stuff's aged way beyond a fine wine. Maybe even be poisonous by now."
Gabe joined her in eyeing the dark liquid as it swirled around the bottom of what looked like a very old glass bottle. "Yeah, I'm not a wine guy, either. But pretty sure that is past its sell-by date," he concluded. "Probably shouldn't serve it with dinner tonight. I mean, an aged dry red does not go with bananas and mango -- what are we, savages?"
He chuckled, feeling safe in assuming that neither of them were the kind of people that actually cared about wine pairings. "We should probably try to catch some more fish soon," he then said, more in thinking out loud. People would be getting sick of fruit and even if Locke managed to bag a boar, there were only so many people it could feed. "Try to learn what I can from the Korean guy. My style of fly fishing doesn't exactly work here.
"You should visit Wyoming," Gabe offered, reminded of one of his hometown hobbies. "It's beautiful country. Scenic, secluded, but not like this. I would totally understand you not wanting to leave SoCal, or even get on a plane ever again after this, but sometimes you gotta' go around the world to find out what you really wanted and needed was back home."
It had certainly been true in his case, whether work or wanderlust had fueled his travels. But then his contemplative look slowly shifted into a self-deprecating grimace. "Ugh, sorry, was that a little too 'Wizard of Oz'?" he groaned. "Has anyone tried clicking their heels together....?"
|
|
|
Post by Hollywood Heidi on Oct 2, 2021 20:15:36 GMT -8
"Probably shouldn't serve it with dinner tonight. I mean, an aged dry red does not go with bananas and mango -- what are we, savages?"
I got a good laugh out of that. That 'savages' line was always a great one and in truth, I'd be a complete savage in the eyes of any actual wine connoisseur because I legit didn't know if Gabe was even joking about that pairing or not.
"We should probably try to catch some more fish soon," "Try to learn what I can from the Korean guy. My style of fly fishing doesn't exactly work here.
I nodded my agreement. "Well, my style of fishing involves getting soaked..." I shrugged, able to easily laugh at myself over the fact that I'd lost my footing a couple times, walking out looking as drenched as a fish.
"You should visit Wyoming," "It's beautiful country. Scenic, secluded, but not like this. I would totally understand you not wanting to leave SoCal, or even get on a plane ever again after this, but sometimes you gotta' go around the world to find out what you really wanted and needed was back home."
"Well, you've visited a lot more of the world than I have, so that's gotta be true," I said, contemplating his words. Also true that I wasn't sure if planes were in my future. "And if I don't ever get up the courage to get on a plane again, there's always cars, trains, boats..."
"Ugh, sorry, was that a little too 'Wizard of Oz'?" "Has anyone tried clicking their heels together....?"
"Nah," I said on a chuckle to the first part. "You know, I don't think anyone has! Here we are wasting time trying to fix broken radios and setting signal fires--oh wait," the red glow of the fires that popped into my brain brought a realization to mind. "That won't work unless you're wearing the ruby slippers. Thank goodness I remembered that part before we made fools of ourselves trying it." I gave a dramatic sigh. "Back to the drawing board."
I tapped my chin in thought and turned to him again with another fictional idea. "What about transporters!" I looked up. "Beam me up, Scottie!" After a couple seconds, I feigned disappointment, then smacked my forehead in an unspoken 'duh'. "I totally forgot that we're a few hundred years behind the Enterprise."
|
|
|
Post by Kristi Lynne on Oct 10, 2021 16:22:33 GMT -8
"You know, I don't think anyone has! Here we are wasting time trying to fix broken radios and setting signal fires--oh wait, that won't work unless you're wearing the ruby slippers. Thank goodness I remembered that part before we made fools of ourselves trying it. Back to the drawing board."
"Hmm, that's true. I'm pretty sure my ruby slippers were in my checked bag that I never found and -- oh, wait, I've said too much." He feigned a look of horror at being caught, that soon slipped into a wry smile. "At least this place doesn't have flying monkeys. Those things scared the crap outta' me."
"What about transporters! Beam me up, Scottie! I totally forgot that we're a few hundred years behind the Enterprise."
"And luckily not wearing red shirts," Gabe observed. "Or we'd be even more screwed. We probably should have paid more attention to 'Gilligan's Island,' or that 'Survivor' show."
|
|
|
Post by Hollywood Heidi on Oct 23, 2021 10:12:02 GMT -8
There was nothing better to me than joking via geek references. I was easily more amused and had laughed more in this one conversation than I had since getting stuck in this place that sadly did not give me access to watch these geeky things I so loved.
"Hm, I never did watch 'Survivor' but I've seen every episode of 'Gilligan's Island'. They made it look so easy. Why don't we all have fancy huts with four walls and a door? And too bad we didn't have someone as smart as the Professor on our plane. He could make a radio out of coconuts," I pointed out in a serious tone, as if smarts was all one needed to pull off such an impossible feat. "Seriously though, there must have been a Home Depot and a Radio Shack on the other side of their island."
|
|
|
Post by Kristi Lynne on Oct 31, 2021 14:46:30 GMT -8
"...And too bad we didn't have someone as smart as the Professor on our plane. He could make a radio out of coconuts. Seriously though, there must have been a Home Depot and a Radio Shack on the other side of their island."
"Oh, for sure. No way the Professor made all that stuff himself," Gabe agreed. "Besides, I think he only did all that to impress Mary Ann." And while there was a group away enjoying the rumored new golf course, most of the survivors seemed if not idle then searching for a purpose. He'd been doing the same gathering firewood. "Although it's not a bad idea to try and build some more stable shelters for people. Far from the Four Seasons, but enough to keep out the wind and rain if need be. Scott and Steve, maybe that Bennett kid. I guess you'd have an excuse to not participate," he chided, pointing toward a still napping Sarah.
|
|