An Evening on the Streets of Leeds

[Sophronius]

Name: Moira Westenra
Age: 18
Bio: Moira was born in 1839 in Leeds. At the age of five, she began her work in a textile mill in her home town, fixing the jams in large pieces of machinery with her tiny little hands. But in her spare time, she would make adjustments to the machines, tinkering with them and making them more efficient, better. After a few years of this, the mill she was working in was out producing all of the others in the city, due to her secret manipulations of the machinery. One of the shift managers caught a nine year old Moira performing the necessary maintenance of her adjustments. After being taken to the owner of the factory, Moira, who expected to be fired or at least get a thrashing, was adopted by the factory owner, the nine year old was happy to leave her tenement, and given the means to advance her mechanical skills. She is currently sixteen years old and spends the majority of her time tinkering with the machines in the factory her adoptive father owns.



Moira walked out of the textile mill, checked her watch, it was half past five in the evening, or close enough. The majority of people were still working, for a few more hours at least. She closed the golden watch and placed it back into a pocket on the outside of her bag, which held her various mechanics tools, and continued down the streets of Leeds. Even at this hour, these streets, which she had once lived on, were choked with the poor. It disgusted her. Years had past since she had lived like this, and in this time, she had come to despise her childhood home, her parents, and everything about this disgusting city. It was almost too much that she had to walk through even a section of this city on her way home. Her father had often told her to just stay out of the factories, but she had to be around machines. He also suggested that she could take the carriage, but she refused that too, since she was afraid of the horses.

The sun was about to set, and even though all of the colors were kept dull by the smoke choking out any sort of natural light, the smoke was tinged a light red. It made everything a bit more eerie and the sixteen year old mechanic began to jump at the slightest sound while walking down the streets. With every consumptive cough and panhandler’s beg, Moira began to make her way to the opposite side of the street, changing sides every few seconds. She held her tool bag close to her chest, and considered every vagabond, tramp, and orphan she saw to be a thief out to get her. It was not exactly wrong, most of those that saw the young girl probably had the thought pass through their mind, but none acted. Moira wanted to check her pocket watch again, but was afraid to show the people around her any excessive sign of wealth. “Only a few more streets before I get home,” she thought, “Only a little bit longer and I’ll be out of this hell-hole,” the same as the dreams she had had as a child.

[FireHeart]

Name: Kimmy Rustill
Age: 15
Bio: Once Kimmy was born, she was sent over to a store owner. The store owner could never have a child so, Kimmy's real parents handed her to him. He loves her as if she was his real child. So, Kimmy has grown up to help around the general store at which her "father" owns. She works as the casher. Kimmy's personality is very calm. She isn't shy but, it appears she is at times due to her being quiet. Most of the time, she likes to think in general. Kimmy is very good at her job but, she would just like something more out of life.


Since the sun was about to set, that ment the store would only be open for 2 hours more. Kimmy sighed as she rested her head on the desk. "KIMMY!!!" Her father roared as she perked her head up again. "What is it!?" Kimmy yelled back, "Don't scare me like that!" Her father started to laugh as he pushed his glasses to his pale face. "I am sorry." He said, "I just do not want you sleeping on the job." Kimmy rolled her eyes and sat up straight. "I won't." She muttered.

'No one comes in after sunset anyways.' Kimmy muttered, 'Why even work?' So, the brown haired girl grabbed a broom and started to sweep some dust, just to give herself something to do. Tomorrow the store would be closed. She could finally walk around and not have to be stuck in this general store. Kimmy swept and swept, not knowing what she was doing here. She knew her father needed her at the store to help run things but, Kimmy wanted to get out of here and see the world. How was she going to do that by living in a place like this?

[Sophronius]

While fleeing from an imagined robber, Moira backed into a small general store. She looked around, seeing that the store was empty, with the exception of a girl, around her age if she had to guess, peddling the shop’s wares. Breathing a heavy sigh of relief, Moira began to look around at what the store had to offer. None of it interested her, all of the things here were somewhat common; nothing that she either needed or wanted.

Well, there was one thing that caught her eye. The girl working there tickled Moira’s fancy; she was cute, simple, not like the aristocratic girls she spent most of her time with. There was something that drew Moira to her. It might have been nothing more than her appearance, but it might also have been that this girl reminded Moira of what she could have been, had she not been fortunate enough to be taken in by an industrialist. Thinking about it all made a slight blush come across Moira’s cheeks, which she tried to hide by bowing her head and tipping her top hat down to shield her face a bit.

But after she thought the worst of her blush to be gone, Moira made her way over to the petty-bourgeois girl behind the shop counter. She did not really know what to say to introduce herself to this shopkeeper; it had been a while since she had introduced herself to anyone, since things were done more formally in aristocratic circles. But as she got to the counter, Moira did a slight curtsey, bowed her small top-hat, and introduced herself to the girl, “I’m Moira Westenra. It’s a pleasure t-,” she stammered a bit, but went on, “t-to meet you. Charmed, I’m sure.”

[FireHeart]

As Kimmy swept, she noticed a girl with a very pretty dress walked in. Kimmy didn't know what this girl needed or wanted but, she could tell that this girl came from the rich side of town. So, Kimmy moved the broom away and stood looking at the floor, not knowing what to say. She was still stuck in her little world of thoughts. 'I guess some people sometimes do come in after sunset.' Kimmy thought, 'But I must admit, she is pretty. I bet she has a perfect life with a nice house. Probably has a maid who cleans up after everything...A person who has no real purpose like...Me?'

Kimmy was taken aback as she snapped out of her dream land to see the beautiful young lady curtsey. Her eyes locked on Moira. "Oh." Kimmy answered sheepishly, "The pleasure is all mine. I am Kimmy Rustill. How may I help you?" She then looked at Moira's outfit again. It suited this girl very well. 'It would be nice to wear something like that some day.' She thought, 'It'd be nice instead of these old loose button dresses and aporons.'

Kimmy then raised her hand and made a motion around the store. "I am not sure of what you are looking for but, I'll try my best Ms. Westenra...By the way, not to sound odd or anything but, I couldn't help but see your full outfit. You wear it very well." She told her in a friendly tone, "Did you make it yourself?"

[Lady Death Blossom]

((If y'all would rather I didn't join you that's fine. I'll willingly delete this little post. Just let me know.))


Name: Alexandra "Alex" Smithson
Age: 18
Sex: Transgender
Personality: Quiet, expressionless, and somewhat intimidating. She seems to have as many emotions as a rock and will constantly appear quite stoic. She has a soft spot for animals, children, and magic tricks.
Bio: She was born to a large family filled completely with girls. Her father was desperate for a son and so raised his daughter like a boy. She grew up knowing her true gender but never once revealed it. She binds what little chest she has in order to keep her identity safe. She works as her father's apprentice for training and taking care of numerous horses, usually for lords who have not the time or talent themselves.




Alex gently ran her fingers over the beast's large nose. It lifted it's head so that it could press against those strong fingers. She leaned forward and rested her forehead against the horse's. She placed a soft kiss on a sort of white diamond shape on the animal's brow. She brushed thick, wiry hair from the horse's eyes then stepped back. "Behave yourself for my father. He is much older now, his back is hurting. He needs you to be gentle with him. I will be back soon, I'll get you some sugar if you behave." The horse whinnied softly. Alex ran her finger's over the great animal's nose then turned on her heel and left the stable. She carefully closed and locked the door, then exited onto the street.

It was not very busy. In fact many stores would be closing now. Down the road would be a general store she often went to. Kimmy was the girl who worked there's name, right? Yes. Alex brushed long, dark hair from her pale face. She looked like a feminine boy. Her clothes were well tailored and no one seemed to be able to guess her great secret. She hardly needed to change her voice, she was blessed with such a low one, it was also slightly raspy from disuse. She never really spoke.

Alex listened to the noises on the streets. They were a comfort. These were the things she had grown up listening to. Each sound was precious. A soft mewling noise met Alex's sensitive ears. She turned down the alley way and found a box. With in the box were three kittens. Alex carefully lifted each one. She was bit and scratched on her hands and even got swiped on the cheek. She cradled the kittens into her over coat and went back down the road toward the general store.

When she entered the store she saw Kimmy first, then the new comer. It was a rich, obviously beautiful young woman. Alex studied the girl for a moment, then moved to the left to check out some bridals against the wall. There was one with metallic piece along the cheek bone area of the bridal. It was a shooting star. It was a magnificent piece of work. "Good evening Miss Kimmy." Alex greeted the pretty shop keeper in her usual low, monotone voice. Green eyes smiled while her face did not. "I can wait until you have finished with your first customer." She gave a slight bow, causing the kittens to mewl in annoyance. Alex promptly apologized to the tiny creatures. She seemed to have forgotten the ugly red gash against his pale cheek that had been brought into existence from said kittens.

[Sophronius]

((I don't mind at all))

Pulling up her tool bag to hide her smile and blush, Moira responded to the shopkeeper’s compliment and question, though her voice was a bit muffled, “Well thank you very much Kimmy. But no, I did not make it, I just told our tailor what to make.” She wanted to return a compliment to the girl, but there was nothing for Moira to say honestly. Except for complimenting Kimmy’s physical appearance, which was something she could not just say. So she just said something to the girl, “And I must say, you keep a lovely little shop here.”

After lowering her bag back down to her side, her blush was fading even if the smile was still on her lips, Moira began to look over the store’s wares more intently than before, glancing back at the girl every couple of seconds, but still only found that there was only one thing in the store that she wanted, even if she was not exactly sure what that meant. Moira had found other girls that she thought were beautiful or cute, some she had even had unspeakable thoughts about, but it was usually a passing notice or an afterthought. It was never anything that she would or had a chance to act on. But this was different, she found herself infatuated with this shopkeeper. She thought of asking Kimmy, perhaps, to walk home with her; Moira would feel safer on the street if she had someone with her and if it was this girl, it would actually be pleasant.

But then, Moira’s thoughts were interrupted by the entrance of a young boy. He almost looked like a girl, but from the way he was dressed and the way he held himself, that was not possible. Moira found him handsome, but there was something about men that, much to her father’s chagrin, always repulsed her. But she must keep up her manners, “Oh, don’t worry sir, I’m not quite sure what I’ll be purchasing yet. You can just go ahead with whatever you need to do.” And with that Moira went back to scouring the store for something to purchase. She came across a few cheap watches, and thought of buying a few. She had always wondered how they worked, and if she had a bunch of them, she could figure out how to take them apart and put them back together. But for now she just looked over the watches and waited for the boy to do whatever he needed to.

[FireHeart]

((Either do I))

Kimmy managed to crack a fake smile towards Moira as she commented on the store. Sure people look and point at the store but, no one really said it was "lovely" or anything close to it. So, she just smiled and picked up her broom again even though she had just swept the floor seconds before. Kimmy didn't want this girl to think she was lazy.

As soon as Alex walked in, Kimmy noticed some little marks on her cheeks. She didn't know wether to grab a cloth and clean the cuts or just act like she saw nothing. Kimmy had seen Alex come into their store before but she never did get the chance to talk to her. Plus, Kimmy thought that Alex was a guy instead. But, he seemed very quiet but not rude. "Oh, hello Alex." She said quickly and put her broom away once more, "Since Ms. Westenra needs no help at the moment, I shall help you then." She then stated as soon as Alex greeted them.

As soon as Kimmy was about to ask how could she help, she heard a meow sound coming from Alex. 'Was that just me or did I hear Alex meow?' She asked herself as she stepped over towards Alex. Kimmy then put to and to together. The scratch marks and meowing. Maybe Alex has some cats? Kimmy dashed behind the desk to grab a little peice of cloth and some milk. "Hold on just a moment!" She called out. Kimmy came forward once again with a bowl of milk in her left hand and a damp cloth in her other. She placed the milk on the floor with a little clank.

"It is alright to have pets in the building." Kimmy sighed, "Well, I don't mind atleast." She then stood back up again and dusted herself off. The brown haired girl then handed Alex the damp washcloth. "You might wanna clean that gash. Someone with your complection shouldn't let it go to waste with a scab like that." She nodded her head to Alex to show it was fine to clean her face. "So, how may I help you Alex sir?"

[Lady Death Blossom]

Alex allowed a small smile. "Ah... Thank you Miss Kimmy." She looked apologetically at Moira as if she were taking the other girl's spot or something. When Kimmy disappeared she was somewhat surprised. She figured it out when the bowl of milk was brought out. Her smile grew. She actually looked charming rather than cold or emotionless. "You are a very kind person Miss Kimmy." He leaned down to set the three dirty cats on the floor. They mewled softly. Then they found the milk. The poor things were so hungry.

Alex face had softened as she watched the little animals eat to their heart's content. She gently stroked each little kitten. It was almost as if she had forgotten there was anyone else.

"Clean... the gash?" She asked softly, receiving the towel. It was obvious she did not realize her face had a cut and her hands were a little bloody. She looked down. "Ah..." She gently scrubbed the blood from her hands. "I hope I did not get any on your floor Miss Kimmy, thank you." She handed the towel back, still not realizing there was, in fact, blood on her face.

"I just need some things. Some flour, some oats, I need a thin metal rod... oh, and some sugar cubes. I promised Marco I would bring some." She placed a finger against her cheek, looking thoughtful. She glanced at the small amount of bridle's on the wall. "And this." She moved toward the object, the one with the falling star. She ran her fingers over it, gently.

[Sophronius]

Eavesdropping on their conversation, Moira found nothing of any particular interest; only that the boy had brought in a few alley cats with him. To be perfectly honest, she felt a certain amount of jealousy when the boy entered the store. For a brief moment, she pictured the two strangers as lovers; quite a revolting development as far as Moira was concerned. She knew it was foolish, to act this way about someone, about whom she knew no more than her name and occupation. A small smile appeared on her face as she silently laughed at herself for letting her imagination run wild and her basest instincts overtake her.

All the while, she had stared blankly through the counter that was in front of her, focused on what her mind’s eye saw, and had aimless picked up a few of her pocket watches. Those would be the ones she would purchase, they were the ones that pure instinct had told her were the best, or perhaps just the ones that happened to correspond to certain things she had seen in her mind’s eyes, but it was not all that important which ones she chose. Any ones would do.

And so, she walked over to near where she was to pay her dear Kimmy, making sure to avoid the little alley cats, they were dirty little creatures that were the products of the wretched things she hated, and stood behind the boy, waiting for him to pay for his wares and leave her alone with her little shopkeeper. Though as she listened to what the boy was purchasing, she noticed that he must work with horses, animals she found much nobler than the filthy cats he had brought in with him, even if they were frightening to her. But she stood there, silent, behind the boy waiting her turn.

[FireHeart]

"I see." Kimmy said as soon as she moved towards the counter. "I'll see what we have." She moved behind the desk once more and took out a list of everything in the store. She walked around and picked up somethings Alex asked for like the flour and oats. As Kimmy picked things up, she looked at Moira. "Do you need help finding anything still?" She asked as she balanced the list and the two other items in her hands. 'After all, my job is to help.' She thought.

Kimmy then placed the oats and flour on the desk. She checked them off the list of things and moved to the door which lead to the office. Her father was inside. "Dad," She started, "Could you look in the back to see if there are any thin metal rods?" Her dad got up and made his way to the back. He came back moments later with it in his hands. "Will this do?" He asked. Kimmy took the rod from his hands and moved to the door. "I'll ask." She told him.

Kimmy came back in and placed the rod on the desk along with the other items. She checked that off the list too. "...And sugar cubes?" She turned around to see they were on the top shelf. 'Damn.' Kimmy muttered in her head as she jumped ontop of the desk. She stood on her tip-toes and reached for the sugar cubes. 'Why the hell are these up here!?' She questioned as she reached once more. She then thought she must look awfully funny reaching. Maybe they could see up her dress?! Kimmy's face turned a color of purple and red mixed due to the fact of trying to get the sugar cubes and that she was embarrassing herself.

"I almost got it! Oh!--Ms. Westenra, do you still need HeLp!?" Kimmy managed to say as she grabbed the sugar cubes but, at the same time, fell to the floor. She picked herself up and put the bag of cubes on the counter. Kimmy's hair was now out of her pony tail and some of it was in face face. She blew it out of her face and checked the cubes off her list, along with the bridle Alex held. "That'll come to $7 and 82 cents." She puffed as Kimmy tired to fix her hair. 'Crap. I can hardly make my hair with a mirror.' She then turned to Moira and her face turned red.

"Umm, Ms.Westenra?" Kimmy asked, "Could you--Do you know how to tie hair?"

[Lady Death Blossom]

She was falling. She tried to move to catch her but she was already on the ground. She entered to help the other girl up but she stood by herself. "Are you all right Miss Kimmy?" she inquired in that soft spoken, low voice of her's. Her hair was disheveled, a real mess, but delightfully beautiful at the same time. There was something about the disheveled way her hair fell about her face that Alex found... attractive.

Her fingers reached out before she even knew what she was doing. She had Kimmy's hair out of it's restraints and loose. "You look much better with your hair down Miss Kimmy," she stated softly, but proceeded to put up the girl's hair with the expertise of some one who had done it thousands of times. Her face did not flush as most people's might have. "I have seven older sisters." Alex said before digging out her wallet and paying for the objects.

"I am sorry for having touched you with out your permission. To make it up to you I would like you to come to the stables any time you desire." She turned and smiled sweetly at Moira. "Are are also welcome Miss Moira... Or would your prefer I call you by your last name. You would have to give it to me, but I will gladly call you which ever you so desire ma'am." She bowed gracefully to the high class girl then began to pack things away. She went over to her kittens. "Are you ready to come home then?" she asked the tiny creatures. They mewled softly and she settled the animals into the crook of her arm comfortably. She stood and looked toward the two women. "Please take my invitation seriously. I will be extremely delighted to have the both of you come. Miss Kimmy... Ma'am." She gave a half bow, apologizing for it. She could not do it fully because of her purchases and the kittens.

She exited the store, and walked on toward the stables again. Once safe inside she began giving the horses their treats. She sat down with the huge horse, Marco. "I met two lovely ladies today." She fed the huge beast the sugar and sometimes stroked his neck and shoulders. "I do hope they come. I am attracted to the both of them for some reason. I do not normally like people. So... this is strange..." Marco neighed gently, pushed his nose against Alex's side playfully, then lapped up another sugar cube. In Alex's lap the kittens had curled up. She gently stroked them, exciting beautiful little purrs from their tiny bodies.

[Sophronius]

Moira could not help but notice the shopkeeper’s legs as she stood and reached up for the sugar cubes. An embarrassed smile crept onto her mouth as her cheeks again became a slight shade of red. Thoughts about seeing more of the girl’s legs flooded her mind, along with a sense of jealousy, that perhaps the boy in front of her could see more that she could or that the boy had on previous occasion, or even that this boy was having the same thoughts as she was. Visions of it flooded her mind, visions of the two of them as lovers; she could not help but think of it, even if it was preposterous. It all would have made her angry, furious, perhaps, to the point of violence, if it was not for the calming influence of the girl she thought of as her lover.

But all these thoughts left her mind, as a loud gasp escaped from Moira’s lips when Kimmy fell from the desk counter. She started to move to help the girl, but stopped, only holding her tool bag up in front of her mouth to hide her shocked expression, since the boy had already moved to aid her. She also began to speak, but remained silent as Alex fixed the shopkeeper’s hair in the way she had wanted it to be made up. And continued to stand there as the boy continued, he was so polite and courteous, to both Kimmy and herself. It did nothing to lessen the jealousy that was festering within her mind. But she showed nothing of this, and only replied to the boy in an equally polite fashion, even if parts were lies, “Oh, whatever you would like to call me is just fine, Mr., Alex is it? And your offer is very kind, sir. I will be sure to visit you at some time with Kimmy.”

As the boy departed from the store, Moira felt an overwhelming sense of relief come over her. Again, she was alone with her unknowing love. Moira walked up to the counter and laid the five pocket watches on it, “It’s a good thing that that gentleman knew how to tie up your hair. I’m afraid that I don’t know how since I’ve always kept my hair down. And to be honest, even if I could have tied it for you, I wouldn’t have. You look far too pretty with it down.” Moira was fiddling with her tool bag and her eyes were moving all around, though they never looked Kimmy in the face, she was far too embarrassed at what she was saying to do that.

[FireHeart]

Kimmy nodded her head towards Alex as he left. She noticed that she had never been to a barn in her life. How sad was that? But, she managed to wave a good-bye. Kimmy then noticed Moira had placed five pocket watches on the table. "Oh, Ms. Westenra--Forgive my blank moments and my actions today." She apologized, "and I just thought you knew how to tie hair. I am sorry again."

Kimmy then took out another list and wrote down Moira had bought 5 watches. "I can barely tie my hair in the morning...Say," She then added, "Are you bussy tomorrow afternoon? Maybe if you like, we could go to Sir Alex's barn. You could barrow some of my clothes if you like. So that yours won't get dirty. After all, they are very pretty just like you Ms. Westenra." Kimmy looked up at her and handed her a small bag which held the watches. "You total is 6 dollars and 82 cents."

Kimmy's father then came in and threw the keys to her. "Could you close up shop Kimmy dear?" He asked, "I'm off to buy a drink." He then saw Moira and bowed down. "I am sorry, I didn't see there was another lady in the room. Kimmy, please tell me next time you have friends over. Okay Kim-Kim?" Kimmy looked at him with a grumpy look, "Don't call me that. And Ms. Westenra is a buyer." Her father smiled at each of the ladies. "I apologize. But, I must be off." He walked over to the door and turned back to Kimmy. "I love you Kim-Kim." She turned and made her hands into little balled up fists. "I love you too," She managed to say, "And don't call me that!" The father chuckled and walked out.

"Forgive him." She said as she shook her head in anger, "He is a nice guy, just his head in't screwed on too tight."

[Sophronius]

“Oh, don’t worry about any of that Kimmy. I know what it’s like to be lost in thoughts. And I probably should know how to tie hair, but to be honest, I don’t know how to do all that much other than how to work with machines and be polite.” Moira let out a little laugh as she finished speaking. She was very nervous speaking with the shopkeeper, and this was not helped when Kimmy suggested that they go to the stables tomorrow, or when she complemented her on being pretty. It was all very wonderful, though she’d rather not go to see that boy’s horses, but to spend more time with the shopkeeper would be worth it.

But before she could respond in any way, the shopkeeper’s father made his presence known, spoke a lot, mostly to Kimmy, and left. Moira did curtsey to the man, but did not say anything, allowing the man to speak with his daughter. Her voice was a bit higher than normal when she spoke to “I would love to go with you to Sir Alex’s tomorrow,” but her voice dropped down as she went on, “But I’m a little bit afraid of horses, so I may end up squeezing your hand to calm myself.” Moira smiled and looked away from Kimmy as she finished speaking.

And after fiddling around in her bag for the money to pay for her watches and paying for the watches, she continued speaking to the shopkeeper, “What time should I come over tomorrow? If I’m going to be wearing some of your clothes, I’ll need to come over and change before we go to see Sir Alex.” Moira put the five watches into her tool bag and waited for an answer from Kimmy, after which she would make all haste to her home, eat a quick meal with her father, who would scold her for being so late, and go to sleep, dreaming of the beautiful shopkeeper and, despite what she thought of him, the feminine-looking stable boy.

[FireHeart]

"Afraid of horses?" Kimmy questioned, "Don't worry. You may hold onto my hand for as long as you would like Ms. Westenra." She then realized how weird that must have sounded. So, she tried to refraze what she had said. "I mean, only when you need to ofcourse. Which I don't mind at all!" Kimmy then added. What was wrong with her? Why was she being all jumpy? She was never like this! Maybe it was because she was excited that it was the end of the work day.

"Oh and the time? Ummm, would you mind coming here around 11 am?" Kimmy asked, "That way we can leave by 11:30 and be at the barn by 12." She then thought of bringing some food along. Like a picnic basket. Would Alex and Moira like that sort of thing? Who knows. So, she decided to bring it just in case.

Kimmy then got out from behind the counter and walked with the cute young lady to the door. "It was very nice meeting you Ms. Westenra," She told her, "I can't wait to see you and Mr. Alex tomorrow. Good night and sweet dreams, okay?" Kimmy then patted Moira lightly on the shoulder and gave a sweet friendly smile before she walked back to the desk to lock up shop.