InsaneJournal

Who: Esmeralda and York
When: Early/Mid July
Where: Court of Miracles
What: Random meetings
Rating/Warnings:
Status: Partner Thread | Complete

Despite the peculiarities from the beginning of the month, as well as what she could only assume to be a start to the dreams people discussed on the network, Esmeralda just went about her days. There wasn’t much she could do about it. All she could do was live her life. Besides, things were working out well all things considered and even if there were concerns of strange happenings potentially interfering with clients every so often, they would find a way to get by. They always did.

For now though, Esmeralda was finishing up her last dance on the night, a flash of smoke and her seeming to ‘disappear’ from the stage to where she went to change before returning to the seating area within the Court so as to mingle, serve drinks and the like. It really was helpful that she was, as a general rule, social in nature and able to strike up conversation with practically anyone.

So, Orange County was insane. James had talked with Carolina briefly about it, and she’d tried to convince him to flee. At the time he didn’t believe her, but now? After the “movie props” went crazy? He was beginning to think that maybe he should have heeded her advice. But he didn’t want to leave his brother’s house--not yet--and wasn’t sure how he could do it all on his own. Not after his accident and injury. A quarter of his face was covered in faint, pale scars from the chemical burns, and his left eye had gone white. He was trying his best not to dwell on his… injury… but it haunted him. The thought that that’s what people saw when they looked at him.

He was trying to forget tonight, having a drink and watching the dance. He’d just ordered a second when the beautiful woman who’d been dancing came out into the seating area. He let his eye follow her for a moment, then turned back to his beer.

False narratives spun by the media were not unknown to Esmeralda. Which was why the story that was going around about a movie didn’t seem quite true to her. It seemed to be widely believed though and so she let it go. Because really, what were they going to say that wouldn’t dub the entire county as mad? That would be even more messy. She was all about truth, helping those in need, but the truth (whatever it was, Esmeralda wasn’t really sure what it was herself) was more likely to create a panic.

Flitting between tables, making conversation or picking up new orders, she eventually was at York’s table as she had the second beer he had ordered.

“Here’s your beer. Is there anything else I can do for you?”

She made no sign of noticing the scarring on his face. He might be aware of it, but to her, it was just part of who he was. Everyone had their stories and life experiences, but there was no need to comment on them. The physical scars didn’t make the person.

The man looked up at the beautiful woman he’d seen dancing only a few minutes ago. A smile crossed his features--something easy and genuine, speaking to his good-hearted and easy-going nature. “Thank you,” he said, accepting the next pint and setting it down in front of him on the table. “No, I think I’m good. I just… you’re amazingly talented, you know that?” It wasn’t exactly a come-on, but it was friendly and flirtatious.

A nod was given, though her smile brightened at the compliment. What young woman didn’t like being complimented on something they enjoyed? Yes, it made her money, but she wouldn’t continue to dance if she didn’t like it.

“Well thank you. It’s always nice to hear that.”

“It’s true.” York gave her a warm smile, one that lit up his face despite his deformity. He had a twinkle in his good eye. “How long have you been dancing here, if you don’t mind me asking?” He lifted the beer to take a sip, but never took his eye off of her.

“Since we opened about a month ago. All of us who work here travelled together from Paris. And there I danced as well.” Though more at festivals and street corners, sidewalks, anyway to make some money. They’d had plenty of tricks to earn money. Even when the police would try to prove the scam, people still paid to try and win. It was the way of life.

“Oh.” York had no idea that the place had only been open for a month. He was newer to Orange County than even that. “Parisian dancers. No wonder this place is so amazing. No wonder you’re so talented.” There was a jovial nature to his words, a happiness in his tone. He lifted his glass again as if in a toast, and sipped it, then set it back down. “What’s your name?”

If people felt that the Court of Miracles was more established, then all the better. While they continued the air of being a travelling group, they also relied on the premise of familiarity and word of mouth. So if it didn’t seem new, then they were doing their job. Or at least presenting as they wanted. Then again, that was the way of their lives, survival.

“We’re not so… trained.” And she was the only dancer to really speak of. There were cards and palms to be read, ‘magic’ shows and anything else one would consider from a minstrel show, tricks and performances made ‘legitimate’ that had been used for centuries to earn money and keep going. “But we are what we do, it’s in our blood.”

Smiling all the same, she tilted her head to the side. “My name is Esmeralda.”

The freedom was probably what made the dance seem so wonderful. Sometimes the formal training was more of a hindrance, and a body just had to move as it was meant to. As it knew how to instinctively. James knew one or two things about a body moving instinctively.

“Esmeralda.” He repeated after her, breaking into an easy-going, highly flirtatious smile. “That’s gorgeous.” He lifted his drink once more in a toast. “To Esmeralda, the girl who’s won my heart.”

As much as Esmeralda had wanted to get more formal dance training, to work at the Moulin Rouge, that hadn't been in her cards. Still, she had made it work and she got to do what she loved.

“Well thank you.” It was just a name but compliments were always nice. Her smile brightened into a laugh at the second part of the comment. It was merely flirtatious but she never let that keep her from being amused. Though she did catch Clopin's eye.

“Alas it seems like I'm needed elsewhere now. But I do hope you will enjoy your stay and come back again.”

“Ah, don’t let me keep you from your duties,” James said, tilting his head down in a gentle bow. “And now that I know you’re here, I’ll absolutely be back.” Again, it was said with that playful smile, the flirtatious glint in his eye.

“Wonderful.” And with a smile, Esmeralda turned and went to see what Clopin needed her to do. After all, they all had their part to play and while each had their specialty, they also filled in where needed on the more mundane aspects of running The Court of Miracles.