Participants:
| Scene Title | Of Cacti and Cops, Reprise |
|---|---|
| Synopsis | Trask, Cacti, the Sailing Club, and interesting times are discussed over cocoa and coffee. |
| Date | February 24 2010 |
The Nite Owl is a survivor from ages past - one of those ancient diners with huge plate glass windows, checkerboard linoleum floor, and a neon owl over the entrance that blinks at those entering. Inside, there's an L-shaped main counter, complete with vintage soda fountain and worn steel stools. All of the cooking is done on the ranges ranked against the rear wall. The outer wall is lined with booths upholstered in cracked scarlet vinyl, tables trimmed with polished chrome. Despite its age, it's been lovingly maintained. The air is redolent with the scent of fresh coffee, vanilla, and frying food.
Hurrying in from the chill outside, a figure in anonymous black motorcycle leathers and a dark-visored helmet swiftly dispels most of any intimidation her appearance might have provided. Removing her head-gear, she shivers at the change in temperature then flashes a smile towards Stephanie behind the counter. "My usual hot chocolate, please", she calls out as she strips heavy gloves off her hands, then unzips her jacket.
Sitting at the end of the counter, the blond is not really a regular anymore though she's familiar to both the owner and the wait staff. Elisabeth used to work at the high school just down the road. Nowadays, she's something different. Though her clothing doesn't denote the difference now — she's wearing a pair of dark blue jeans and cranberry-colored thermal shirt. A heavily lined denim jacket sits around the back of her stool while she sips her coffee and picks at a blueberry muffin. Glancing up at the newcomer, there's a long moment where Liz tries to place the face that is vaguely familiar. It might look like staring.
Ygraine's distinctive tones might also ring a bell, should Elisabeth recall a long-distant phone call. For her own part, she starts towards the counter - but falters slightly as she's focused on quite so intently. Head cocking, she offers the blonde a rather puzzled look… then a smile as she extends one hand.
"Hi. I have the feeling that I should know you. Ygraine FitzRoy."
The name is what triggers it for her — Ygraine is not exactly common. "We've met… at least briefly," Elisabeth says, her expression easing into a smile as she takes the hand. "Elisabeth Harrison. I believe the common thread was Norton Trask."
Ygraine blinks, pausing momentarily before breaking into a broad grin. "Thanks in part to you, he acquired a cactus", she says with a laugh in her voice.
"A what?" Elisabeth looks startled. She gestures for Ygraine to join her at the counter. "How did that happen?"
Ygraine moves to accept a perch upon one of the stools, shrugging out of her jacket and removing the scarf beneath it, revealing a heavy woollen sweater that rests off one shoulder. "I called his work cell, looking for him", she says with a wry smile. "And you answered. You told me where he was, and encouraged me to go to visit him in hospital. And… I figured that he probably wasn't the type for flowers, even when flat on his back in a ward. So… I bought him a cactus."
Elisabeth laughs softly. "I see. Well, I'm sure he appreciated the cactus," she replies easily. "How've you been?" Because that call was more than a year ago now.
Ygraine chuckles, pausing to accept her drink, smiling warm gratitude to Steph as she wraps her fingers around the mug. "Mmmm. I… believe mutual friends might have given you something of a run-down on what I was doing last January", she says quietly.
"Since then… I got married." She waggles fingers in the air, a knot-work band glinting in the light. "Spent a good while in the UK sorting out some things there. And came back. Been trying to re-establish contacts with various people, but… some have disappeared, and others seem to be up to their necks in 'interesting' events."
Both eyebrows shoot up. "Congratulations," Elisabeth says in a sincere tone. "Who's the lucky guy?" Not like she expects it to be anyone she knows, seriously. "And well… let's just say that life these days is something like a Chinese curse. We live in interesting times"
Ygraine offers another chuckle, taking a sip of her chocolate before somewhat sheepishly replying. "Ahh, she's called Jennifer. Gorgeous, fiery little actress. Who decided that things over here were rather too 'interesting' for her… but I'm a sucker for punishment."
Elisabeth doens't look much abashed, though she does grin. "My apologies to your spouse." After all, she's a fag hag these days. "I'm happy for you. I'm sure Norton will be too. I'll mention it when I hear from him."
Clearly somewhat relieved, Ygraine ducks her head. "Thank you", she says warmly. "How about you? And how +is+ Norton doing these days?"
There's a bit of a shrug. "He's…. all right, I guess. Left New York. Had a few things to deal with." Elisabeth smiles faintly as she says that. Norton had a lot of things to deal with. Vast amounts of them. "I've been doing all right. Took a left turn in career paths, I guess. Sort of." She pauses and eyes Ygraine. "If you're looking up old friends, I'm sure I can put you in touch with some of them." She's referring to the 'old friends' that Norton and Ygraine had in common, obviously.
Though she remains unaware of a good portion of what Trask actually got up to, Ygraine still knows enough to wince and nod sympathetically. "I can imagine that he would benefit a great deal from a break", she murmurs.
In response to the offer, she quirks a swift, wry smile. "I'm in touch with the Sailing Club group these days - though I'm still finding my feet over here, I admit. As for others… I… well. I'm not sure if many - or any - would want to hear from me."
Elisabeth shrugs slightly and smiles. "I'm pretty sure hands are always needed. But I'm sure you'll find that out if you're already in touch." She sips from her coffee. "It's been a long year," she admits quietly.
Ygraine sighs and nods. "I have the impression there's a huge amount that wholly passed me by. Which was nice at the time, but… I do feel guilty, sometimes. Not that I'm sure what an extra body might have been able to do."
"Back then? Not much. But if you're ready to start pitching back in, I'm sure they'll find ways for you to help," Elisabeth replies mildly. "Be glad so much missed you." There's a faraway look to her eyes. As if she's seen far too much recently that hurts at a soul-deep level. It's a look she quickly shutters. "Are you back in town for a while? I'll leave you my cell number if you'd like and you're welcome to give me a call."
Ygraine looks pleased, and quite genuinely so. "Really? Thanks. At the moment, I'm mostly just acting as a messenger-girl for the Club, running errands around the city - and out of it, at times. But some more personal contact would be most welcome."
Elisabeth pulls out her cell phone and hands it to Ygraine to let the other woman input her phone number, and she writes down her own number. "I'm doing the FRONTLINE gig these days, but don't let that stop you," she winks. "I just don't want you to be shocked if it gets out." It may occur to Ygraine that Liz and Norton were cops together anyway. "If you need me, give a shout. I'll be there."
Accepting the card with a warm smile, Ygraine ducks her head. "Thank you. I'll… I'll definitely bear you in mind."