Chapter 1.1: Rough Landing

Varinia has no idea where she has just arrived but she sees a small shack in the middle of nowhere that has a 'For Sale' sign on it. It's perfect, she thinks. Secluded, alone, the perfect place to etch out a living and, finally, a life. 

 

She tries to pinpoint her location in the time stream but her communicator seems to be on the fritz. No matter what she tries it just angrily beeps at her.

She finally gives up and instead combs through her belongs to establish what has survived the trip through time and space. Not much, from what she can tell.

She tentatively heads towards town to mingle with the townsfolk, find a job and hopefully purchase the plot of land and run down shack she landed in front of.

 It's a long walk into town and it gives Varinia time to contemplate what she's going to do. This isn't exactly what she was looking for but it's an escape nonetheless. Why not take advantage of it? She feels that she could become accustomed to living in this little swamp.

She finds herself at one of the local parks and searches the locals for clues as to where and when she may be.  She notices their fairer skin and rounded ears and wonders how far back she has really ended up.

As she's thinking through what she remembers of her ancient history class she sees this beautiful butterfly. She's never seen a real butterfly before. She captures it and decided to take it home.

The fountain in the middle of the park brings her pure joy. She remembers reading about how Simkind used to make wishes and toss coins into fountains.

There's only one wish she wants to make and she makes it with all of her heart. I wish to make a life here and find happiness at last.

 With a new spring in her step Varinia heads to the business office. She's determined to buy that little shack in the swamp. This is where she will make her life. She can feel it deep in her bones. She just hopes that the money she has will be enough.

The realtor is rude and barely looks at Varinia while he quickly fills out the deed and stamps it. He mumbles under his breath about being happy to finally be rid of that rat's nest. Varinia isn't a fool, she uses that information to negotiate the asking price down to a sum that she's willing to part with. He hands her the keys
"Welcome to Twinbrook," he says as he walks away.

Varinia refuses to let one miserable sim ruin her good fortune. She continues her walk and is stopped abruptly by a most melodious sound. She stands, dumbfounded, as she listens to the beautiful sound.

She's amazed to find someone with such skill and passion for the art of music. She has always been laughed at by her peers, ridiculed for her frivolous love of music. Her society was full of scientists and mathematicians, the true signs of a successful society according to everyone she has ever known.

 But music has always been Varinia's first and truest love. Seeing this man joyously play outdoors solidifies her resolve. THIS is where she belongs.

Varinia produces her most prized possession from her pack. Her laser-rhythm-a-con is older than she is. She found it in a junkyard when she was just a child and restored it herself with handmade parts. She loves it dearly.

It doesn't take her long to join in with the street musician and soon she is lost in the music. She lets the sounds guide her and just lives in the notes.

When she opens her eyes she finds the musician staring at her, mouth agape.
"What is that thing? I mean it sounds amazing, but what is it? I'm DeAndre Wolf by the way."

Varinia tries not to blush and gnaws on her lip nervously.
"My name is Varinia and I made it. It's um, a laser-rhythm-a-con one of a kind. I taught myself how to play it years ago."

 "I've always dreamed of becoming a classical composer but that wasn't a viable profession where I come from. So, here I am, hoping to find a way to break into my dream job."

"Well, Varinia, get yourself to the local theater they could use talent like yours. I happen to know for a fact that they have an open position they've been trying to fill. Tell them I sent and you'll get it no problem."
Varinia doesn't know what to say or even how to thank this wonderful stranger.
"Thank you so much, DeAndre! You don't know how much this means to me!"
DeAndre smiles, "We've all been there babydoll. I'm happy to help a fellow musician out. Maybe we can get together for dinner sometime, after you get the job of course!"
Varinia nods and then, taken over by her emotions, she hugs DeAndre before taking off to seek out the theater.

The theater is magnificent. It glows like a beacon in the night and Varinia rushes towards it like her life depends on it. Her whole future rests in this beautiful building. 

She doesn't have time to be nervous. She heads inside full of determination and confidence and exits with a job. It's not the job of her dreams, she's just a paid fan, but it's the beginning of her career and she couldn't be more excited. On her way out she picks up a guitar at the gift shop and packs it delicately for the trek home.

In her excitement Varinia forgot to make mental notes of where she was going. She crosses the street to The Red Rendezvous to ask for directions.

Just as she's about to ask for directions back to the swamp these women walk in. Varinia is a little taken aback by them. She wouldn't have imagined seeing prostitutes in her new town but she supposes that every town has its dark side and she resolves to never return to this establishment again. She thanks the young man for his directions and rushes out not wanting anyone to get the wrong idea about her.

Back at home and safe from the underbelly of Twinbrook. Varinia makes herself a can of soup before bed. It's not very good but she has to make some sacrifices if she plans to succeed in life.

After dinner Varinia examines herself in the mirror. Her hair and clothes stick out in this town. She has pointed ears and too large eyes. She has to find a way to blend in or people will start asking questions. She ponders her options.

She silently curses her genetics and reaches for the scissors. This is her new home and she will fit in.