if i get home before daylight

[salamanca]

who: lalo salamanca + you!
what: lalo's log for the month of august, including closed + open threads! ft. lalo's bulletin board post and the re-opening of his restaurant at doe's retreat in lakeside
when: throughout august
where: lalo's restaurant in lakeside (first 2 weeks of august) + all around milton (second two weeks of august)


[ open + closed starters below. ]

Comments

OPEN @ Doe's Retreat in Lakeside!

[salamanca]

[ There's an undeniably smokey, woody smell coming from Doe's Retreat in Lakeside, at least during the first two weeks of the month. Go to check it out, though, and you're quickly greeted by the home's owner, who grins cheerfully at you. The house shakes slightly before you get much in the way of introductions, though, sending you toppling forward. Depending on who you are, Lalo might catch you, or he might let you fall over.

Either way, once you're back on your feet, he'll off you a piece of jerky to try. ]

What do you think? It's nice, eh? It's jerky, so it'll last a while!

[solitarysoul]

[Levi had been headed to the scrap yard to make a mental inventory what might be useful but the smells from Lalo's cabin have distracted him. And reminded him of how hungry he is...he was going to wait until later to eat, but he hasn't smelled anything this good in awhile.
Lalo may or may not help him, but Levi barely remains on his feet then stands up like nothing happened. The tremors were annoying but he tried not to let them shake him. And that food smells really good.]

Jerky? It smells really good!

OPEN @ around Milton - the wolfman cometh!

[salamanca]

[ You might be anywhere in Milton, during the second two weeks of the month, when a large, lanky black wolf steps up beside you. The wolf sniffs at something in your pockets impatiently, and whines at you. Or maybe it playfully jumps on you, knocking you to the ground. Either way, you know have a very rambunctious wolf on your hands, prancing around and trying to get something from you. ]

[sputnik]

[ There are a lot of wolves around this place these days. Konstantin could almost get used to it, except it's always going to be a bit of a jolt to suddenly see a large animal make an appearance.

He startles, tensing, but keeps his cool well enough when the big black wolf starts sniffing at his coat pocket. It's important he keep as calm as possible — he already knows that the creature inside of him doesn't react well to perceived threats. See bud, everything's fine! It's just a really friendly wolf! ]

Oh — hello there. This what you're after? [ He smiles, carefully reaching a hand down to said pocket to extract what he thinks the wolf might be after. Some dog treats for Mukhtar — fortunately, these have been in circulation throughout Milton, not hard to find. After the original residents of this place vanished, dog treats weren't exactly the hottest item for Interlopers to raid, after all.

He quickly lets one drop to the ground; probably not a great idea to try feeding a wolf from hand. My, what big teeth you have... ]

[readytosee]

[Well. He was walking back from the Community Hall with the remains of a sandwich in his satchel. He'd eaten half of it while reading over some notes, planning on saving the rest for dinner later.

But now he's on his back in the snow with a large black dog (wolf???) sniffing at him, and he laughs nervously]

Oh! Hello. Uh, very good, yes. Good -- good boy? My what a big fellow you are, hello there.

OPEN @ anywhere

[salamanca]

[ It might be Milton, it might be Lakeside, but you're hunting in the wilderness when you see a man, sitting in a scavenged beach chair, rifle by his side. He brightens up when he sees you. ]

Hey! Look's like the game's comin' back.

in milton bc he won't go to lakeside...

[satanicpanics]

[ Game is not what Eddie is scavenging for out here. For as long as he’s been here, he still hasn’t turned out to be the greatest hunter. He’s too fidgety, too nervous, too loud, and just like in a game of kickball, he’s no one’s first choice to take along.

He can keep himself alive (miraculously—you would barely know by how gaunt and hollow he’s grown) and he can provide in the ways, but he’s never going to be the one dragging a deer home. But it’s fine, because he’s not out here for that. Eddie has obtained a habit (an obsession, really) for searching for people who have long since disappeared. People who have been taken by the Aurora, though to Eddie, those people have just disappeared without a trace. It’s something that keeps him awake at night, turns his stomach into knots of worry, and that level of anxiety doesn’t leave him in the greatest health. ]

Okay?

[ His eyebrows knit together as he glances at his fellow Ed, looking comfortable in his beach chair. But there is no beach… ]

Good for it. You, uh…you seen anyone come through here? Young kid with red hair? Guy about my height and age?

[ Both disappeared months ago, and their missing posters, drafted by Eddie himself, have been hanging in the Community Hall for just as long. His search his absolutely fruitless. They aren’t coming back, but that doesn’t stop Eddie’s obsession with finding them. ]

Re: OPEN @ anywhere

[goingtobeunwell]

[There’s been so many dark and strange happenings that something genuinely comical and absurd happens Crozier can’t quite believe it. He spies Lalo from a short distance and stares, oddly endeared by the utter absurdity of seeing him sitting out just basking in the sun like a great big lizard.

It’s been over a month and a half since he’s been out and about - not since the town hall - and aside from now being fully healed he’s completely barefaced and wearing something close to modern clothing. He raises his hand to Lalo, smiling.]

[extramuralise]

[ Irving hasn't come out here today to hunt, exactly, although certainly what he has been doing could easily be defined as hunting-adjacent: namely, assisting his former captain in bringing back basket-loads of fish collected from Crozier's fishing weir into town.

Not that the specifics really matter, though.

He turns toward the man who's just addressed him, expecting to most likely be mistaken that it'd even been him being spoken to in the first place. The voice is familiar, though, and even more so the man himself; Irving can't help briefly smiling with pleasant surprise and recognition. ]

And truly, not a moment too soon, either. [ Briefly, his eyes drop down to Lalo's rifle. ] Have you had much luck?

CLOSED FOR LEVI SR. | DOE'S RETREAT

[salamanca]

[ One morning, while he's making breakfast in Lakeside, Lalo has a special visitor. Lalo's lights up at the sight of one of the shortest people in Milton making their way into his home. It's Levi, and this time, it looks like he's in his right mind. ]

We-e-ell! Hello there! To what do I owe the pleasure? [ Lalo is cleaning the kitchen and getting it ready. He winks at Levi as he wipes down the counter. ] Not gonna try to kill me this time, are you?

[wingbound]

[ He might actually be the shortest... of humans, at least. ]

[ Levi had seen the message on the notice board, and while he's not sure what it is about he figures he may as well contribute. Lalo has been reliable so far, a few questionable bullying moments aside. ]

[ He's not particularly glad to remember the circumstances they met in last, but he sees the humor in it. His eyes move around, taking in the "restaurant". ]

That depends on your customer service skills. [ A joke. Probably. It's hard to say, because his face just looks the same. ] I read your message.

LALO'S HOME IN MILTON | CLOSED FOR SVETA

[salamanca]

[ Lalo is deep in thought, sitting by his fire, when a knock on his door catches his attention. He doesn't waste any time opening the door, only for him to break into a big grin. This is definitely the person he was hoping to see! ]

Sveta! Come in! How are you doing?

[ He's cheery as always, happy to usher her in. ]

[balancedlight]

[She smiles, holding up her bag as she walks inside.]

Hello, Lalo. [And dammit, she sounds just as cheerful to see him. Especially since he seems to be in much better spirits.] I saw your note and came by. I also wanted to check on your lungs.

LAKESIDE | FOR RANDVI

[salamanca]

[ Lalo and Randvi are training the puppy while they talk. Lalo slides the puppy a piece of jerky for not leaving Randvi's side after he throws a stick for her to chase. He responds with a cooing: ] Good girl.

[ He turns to Randvi as they walk. ] You got through the mine! I knew you could do it. Look at you! Good as new.

[meadqueen]

[Randvi all but glows with pride.]

It is still a challenge, particularly the bridge, but I manage. I am getting stronger all the time.

LALO'S HOME IN LAKESIDE | FOR CHLOE

[salamanca]

[ Lalo is wiped out after what happened. Blissfully floating on air -- but still, completely wiped out. He's laying in bed, undressed, under covers, too physically and emotionally exhausted to do much more than kick back. He sees Chloe may her way back upstairs with as much food as she can carry. Lalo grins, and laughs out loud at the sight of her. He might be tired, but his spirits are high.

They didn't get the chance to talk about what happened last time, and Lalo had been left disoriented when he realized she was gone, and he'd been left in the haze of a shame hangover. But right now, that feels lightyears away. Lalo is relaxed, happy. With her here, he's too in the moment to think about any future regrets. When he sees her come back with good, he grins at her. And rubs his wrists. He'd let her tie him, briefly, the first time he's ever allowed any such thing before. ]

I should kick you out for eating in my bed. You know that? [ But they both know he isn't going to. ]

[desperate_times_right]

[Chloe's the more fully-dressed of them, but only barely: one of Lalo's loud button-downs open over the undoubtedly pricey (and scavenged, though she's pointedly not thinking about that) lingerie that she'd worn in anticipation of sleeping over.

She climbs back into bed next to him, laughing.]

After I took such good care of you? You wouldn't.

RANDVI AND SANSA'S HOME IN MILTON | CLOSED TO SANSA

[salamanca]

[ Randvi and Sansa's home seemed like a good enough place for this. Better than Lalo's, at any rate. He doesn't have to walk her through a bunch of traps to get inside, for one thing.

Lady is here, and so is the puppy Lalo shares with Randvi. It's nice to let the puppy relax and get to play with other dogs, Lalo thinks. He gives the little creature a few enthusiastic pets before it runs off to play with Lady.

It occurs to Lalo that Sansa is probably from before modern medicine. Did they know about washing their hands when she's from? How strange, to think about someone being from a "when" instead of a "where". Awkward. Now he's not sure what questions he can ask without coming off as condescending. ]

You, uh. [ He clears his throat. ] I don't know what you don't know yet. [ He feels uncomfortable, uncertain. ] Do people-- from your time-- is it normal to--- [ Noooo not the ears goddamn it not the ears. He can feel them turn red. He wishes he could swat at them like annoying insects that won't stop buzzing. He refrains. ]

Forgive me, my lady. Let me start over. Do people from your time, do you wash your hands?

sorry for the delay 😭

[clothed]

We wash. [ she's not entirely sure she understands the question as it is asked. yes, she keeps clean; are her hands dirty? are they not an acceptable state? ] I like to think I'm fastidious with my grooming, ser.

Is the handwashing important for the cooking?

[ ser lalo means to teach her. this is why they've set out for the lady randvi's kitchen with tools and a decent spread of ingredients. nothing too extravagant, by sansa's estimation, but enough for a decent meal for three — four if ser lalo's own pup is considered part of the dining guests. lady hunts her own food; sansa finds herself grateful for it suddenly. ]

Please, ask me plain what you mean to ask. I will do my best to understand. You have already gone out of your way for my benefit.

@ the greenhouse project | closed to fraser | cw: possibly some sex talk? no actual nsfw tho

[salamanca]

[ The greenhouse is Chloe's project, although they've talked about giving him vegetables before. Maybe using the potatoes to make medicinal alcohol. But it's not business that sends Lalo in this direction today. No, it's something way more embarrassing.

Lalo had been such a happy pile of goo when Chloe had been done with him last. Just melting in sheer bliss. But now that he's had a few days to think about it, he's mortified. What the hell had he been doing? What had he been thinking?

Except it's not Chloe he runs into, but Fraser. ] Fraser! Hey! Is Chloe around?

[ At first, Lalo is surprised and embarrassed to run into someone other than the person he'd been looking for. Not like Fraser would understand anyway, right? He and Sveta are darling, paragons of an equal and respectful relationship -- not what Lalo would want for himself tbh, but he's happy for them.

But something stops him. Maybe Fraser is the person to talk to about this. After all, who is certain not to blab if not Benton Fraser? ]

Actually. Y'know what? Never mind. You got a minute? [ Lalo cuts a rather pathetic figure, for once. Anxious and not sure what to expect. The shame radiates off of him. ]

[maintiensledroit]

No, I haven't seen her.

[ Which hasn't stopped Fraser from coming by the greenhouse to help out as might be needed. He'd carefully checked each of the tiny, tender plants, scrutinized the seals on the windows and fixed up a small crack in one casing, and now is finishing up by sweeping the floor to leave the place neat and welcoming.

He pauses, leaning on the broom, and gives Lalo his full attention. There's something different about the other man: his boisterous nature seems muted. ]

Of course, Lalo. Is there something I can help you with?

[ Perhaps the puppy is proving more difficult to train than expected. He runs through a few options quickly in his mind, but keeps them politely to himself for the moment. He'd only be guessing, anyway. ]

FOR BILLY @ around Milton

[salamanca]

[ Lalo is on his way to the community hall to drop off a few things when he's suddenly stopped by someone. He lights up when he sees who it is. ]

Billy! What can I do you for? [ Chloe's friend!!! He sounds pleased to see the other man, at least. He drops his voice as they walk. ] Hey, thanks for uh... for not telling anyone. What I told you. I owe you one. I mean it. I'll do you a solid.

[notarat]

[ There's some slight surprise at the other's cheer upon seeing him - it's just something Billy isn't quite used to receiving from someone after approaching them - but then relaxes a little bit when he realizes it's probably just the way Lalo is. He was weirdly expressive even back when they talked about the thing he's thanking him over now, right? ]

As I said, you can trust my discretion, Mr. Eduardo. [ Though he totally told Chloe about it. But it seems that she's wisely realized that the way to keep information flowing is by not passing that fact on to Lalo himself.

Not to mention that Billy feels like it's a good thing to have Lalo on your side. He saw what the man was capable of, back there during that time in the darkness. It can't hurt to have someone like that oweing him when everything here is so dangerous.

It's part of why he is approaching the other here in the first place. Partially because he doesn't want Heartman's research to go to waste, like an honour to the man's memory, and partially since providing information will likely make Lalo see him as reliable. ]

But I am here since I saw your note on the message board. I have one of the objects you wrote of. [ He puts a hand into the pocket of his coat, taking out one of the talismans. ] I always have it with me.

BIGBY'S HOUSE | closed to Bigby

[salamanca]

[ It had taken several days, nearly weeks, but Lalo has finally had enough information. Now he just needs to make sure it gets to the right people. Bigby seems like a good start. He's well-connected in town, and Lalo trusts him.

So here, Bigby! Have Lalo cheerfully pounding on your door one morning! ]

BIGBY! Open up! Yo! I got something to tell you!

[bigbaddy]

[ Lalo having something to tell him isn't necessarily good news, is it. There are some people Bigby would immediately assume it's good news from, but when it comes from Lalo.. Well, there's a chance that it's going to be something useful, but there's also a chance it's going to be some utter nonsense that the other guy happened to think of.

It's why Bigby has to suck in a deep breath before he opens the door a moment later. ]

Is it long?

[ Maybe not the nicest way to greet someone who has something to share with you, but-- Bigby doesn't even mean it in a bad way. He's just not an incredibly social creature..

It's likely he's more so asking it to determine whether he should invite Lalo inside or if they can discuss it on the spot here. ]