So, here i am. Now what?

[Athalya Shadestone]

Athalya found herself parked outside a bar and grill looking down the street. She took off her helmet and hung it on one of the handlebars on her Harley. She grabbed her saddle bag and flung it over her should, unzipped her leather jacket and walked into the bar and grill, looking over the people that were already there. Most were highschool students grabbing a snack after school, a few elderly people drinking coffee and chatting, and some local gossip it sounded like. Athalya smiled to herself and went to a table in the farthest back corner and sat down there, she had a fairly good view over the room and the street outside, prepared to run out the back if she had to. Athal took off her dark glasses and stared down at the menu, not feeling particular hungry for anything, and decided to hunt later. Instead she ordered a cup of coffee from the waitress who came to take her order. Athal paid right away, not wanting to have to run out the door without having paid. So, nana, im here now. Then what do i do, and where do i go? Ill have to see if i can find somewhere to rent a room. But then what. Am i supposed to find others like me? Please tell me nana" Athal thought to herself and sent a silent prayer to her nana, where ever she was. Athal stretched her legs and her back, she had gotten stiff and sore from the many days riding across country from California to New York on her bike, and sleeping in woods where ever she could find one.
"Well i wonder if these are one of those places where everyone knows everything about everyone" Shy though, accidently out loud, but it was allmost a mere whisper, she really didnt feel comfortable in new and strange places, not knowing who people were, or atleast what they were, but she had the strangest feeling in the back of her head that something wasnt normal in this place, something was very unnatural compared to where she had been in her past.

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[Giovanna Palladino]

Knowing who you are is confidence. Confidence, not cockiness. Cockiness is knowing who you are and pushing it down everyone's throat.   It was a seemingly typical Wednesday, or was it Tuesday? Thursday, perhaps? Whatever day it was, it was quiet, normal, and uneventful. It has seemed as though the days had begun to just blend together in one massive blob of what was Gia’s life. The days and nights blended together and she could no longer tell the difference, even though the defining factors such as the sun and moon were present. It did not make any difference. The shifter was falling apart, and needed a fix, fast. Yes, the bickering in her head had ceased, and yes, she was finding it easier to come to terms with her dear friend Lila, and yes, she was enjoying her nightly shifts (and sometimes daily) more than ever, this town and surroundings was ideal for it, but she couldn’t help the fact that something was missing. In times like this normally she would have turned to her grandparents years ago, and when they left, she always had her best friend Lila to help her out, but now, whom did she have? No one. Just herself, the disheveled and some crazy person that she was, there was no one to help. Giovanna never realized how much she had depended upon Lila to keep her sane, not only that, but she also had her work going for her as well. There was always something to do, someone to talk to, and somewhere to go, but now, for a little over six months, she has been sedentary, stuck in one place, limited to the options of what to do, where to go. Something that she felt she needed, but now is unsure of. The shifter slouched over her tea, putting almost all her body weight onto her elbows; she dropped her head into her hands and starred straight into the cup of hot tea. She blinked a few times; irritated by the steam rising up from the cup being so close to her face, but she remained there, motionless. Her thoughts galloped about her mind, making sure they were being heard. Never in my life have I ever been this uncertain, disheartened, and utterly lost. Gia knew it, and was well aware of her feelings, and how she disliked it greatly, but she could not seem to find the cause of the problem. The sleepless nights she endured, do not help the problem, and it calls for a greater concern. I cannot sleep, because when I do I have nightmares. This much was true, Gia shut her eyes momentarily, thinking of all the terrible things that have come to haunt her in the past; the bear, Lila, her grandparents, but more specifically, and more recently her grandmother. Was there something more to it? Was there something she was missing? All her nights have been filled with vivid dreams of her grandmother at the park, playing fetch, which leads to her chirping and then the most terrifying and disturbing part is the melting; literally watching her grandmother’s skin melt before her like hot wax dripping off the side of a candle. Giovanna sat up, pushing her back against the chair. She extended her arms and wrapped her hands around the cup of hot tea. She instantaneously felt a surge of warmth spread through her hands, arms, and throughout her entire body. The shifter’s round hazel eyes scampered about the grille, seeing this and seeing that, not really interested in the people filling the Silver Bird. She had only been here a few times, and did not mind it. It was a place to go when she wanted to get out and be "social," and an even better place to have a few drinks on the weekend, better than sitting at her apartment, drinking, alone. Gia twisted her mouth, and furrowed her brow, puzzled by the thought of her dreams meaning more than she had originally thought. It could be possible, couldn’t it? Gia let out a small sigh, frustrated by the idea of it, her ears perked up involuntarily to a comment made nearby, more precisely the table adjacent to her. The shifter couldn’t help but chuckle to herself. It would seem that a town such as this that that would be true, and perhaps it is, but being relatively new, she has yet to see any signs of it. If it were the case, maybe people who have seen her have thought that she was the new weird girl who sat in trees, and muttered to herself daily. Great, now she could potentially be the towns freak! Wait, Why am I getting so worked up about this? That probably isn’t true, and for me to think it is, is just crazy. Get it together Gia! Great. The bickering is back. Gia needed to muffle her head, she decided to answer the drifting comment, "If it is then I’m way out of the loop." She said kindly with a faint smile, her round eyes still starring at her tea.   WORDS: 837 Outfit here OOC: Excited for this thread! template by kaykay of sp

[Athalya Shadestone]

Athalya was slow drinking her coffee, sligtly bent over the table, all in hopes of not attracting too much attention, untill a voice replied to her openmouthed though just a few seconds ago, and she could have kicked herself. Great, here you go, you cant even get coffee without getting attention.

Athalya decided to be polite, and couldnt actually help but to smile at the womans comment, and looked up at the woman she believed has spoken, not that there was any others near enough to hear the comment.
"Oh, well i figured this would be the place, but as i can see you sit alone, so i guess you really wouldnt be in the gossiping area right now." Athalya said with a slight chuckle, why she chuckled she had no idea, she never just sat and talked to strangers, but something felt different, Athal actually had the urge to join the woman sitting alone, looking utterly lonely, and her eyes spoke of spontaneous things, crazy, and even though she knew she should stay away from her, Athal stood up and walked over to the table and sat down, without even asking if she could. I swear ill beat myself up over this, even talking to her can put her in danger, hunters will go for anything i go near, never wanting me to feel secure even for a second, she thought, but somehow she just couldnt stop herself from talking to someone who seemingly looked as lonely as Athal felt.

"Athalya Shadestone" She said and stuck out her hand in case the woman felt like shaking it for the sake of introduction. She cast a glance around the room once again, measured how long it would take her to run out the door, turn on her bike and get the hell out of the place if shit went down south. She turned her attention back to the woman, studied the lines of her face, her large eyes and the curls in her hair. She was slim, but seemed toned, like she had no trouble running away fast if she had to. She was not a classic beauty, but indeed still a beauty.

Notes: soo excited, but, sorry for short postings XD im a bit rough around the edges.
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[Giovanna Palladino]

Knowing who you are is confidence. Confidence, not cockiness. Cockiness is knowing who you are and pushing it down everyone's throat.   The shifter knew that she probably shouldn’t have answered. It was at most a verbal thought, something that probably was an accident and meant to be kept quiet. Nevertheless, it was said, and as the old Gia would, she answered. She didn’t mind the comment, it was humorous, and had potential to be truthful, she in all honestly just simply did not know the town well enough to justify it. It was odd, for a split second, it almost seemed as if Gia was normal again. In a quaint town talking to strangers, and although it wasn’t the best attempt at making conversation, it was nonetheless an attempt, something she hadn’t done in quite some time. It was in a sense, one of her better qualities, the uncanny ability to make a ton of friends where she traveled to, something that had baffled her dear friend Lila. All throughout high school and college Gia had never had many friends, it was just Lila, and yet when she left the city everything changed. It was a puzzling fact to Lila, why all of the sudden was Gia Miss. Popular, meeting people in the strangest ways, and being able to actually care and be good friends with everyone. Perhaps it was the fact that she knew she’d never see these people again that made the burden a little easier to handle, but to some extent Gia had developed an attachment to all the people she had met over the years, and had somehow managed to somewhat keep in touch. She thought of Betty, the misplaced flapper from the twenties, I think her birthday is coming up, I must remember to write to her. The fond memories of everyone began to flood her head. As Giovanna’s eyes stared blankly at her tea, she heard to woman next to her speak, and had completely forgotten about her presence, and the original reason as to why she had answered her remark in the first place. Her hazel eyes stilled stared at her now tepid tea, she smiled softly, “I’m not at liberty to say, it may or may not be.” She was somewhat glad that her mind was now free of the intriguing questions that should would have to deal with later, and the dreadful bickering had vanished for now. Her mind was now reminiscent of her past journeys and the plethora of faces and people she met. Gia felt strangely relieved, her old self was slowly emerging from the depths. “Even if it was, I’m not the one for gossip.” A statement that was entirely true, she was not the one for gossip, and felt that it leads to nothing but problems and distrust. She had met enough people to see how much it can effect relationships and set a tone for a whole community. Not that she didn’t enjoy hearing things here and there, she personal had never partaken in such things. Even when she did hear stories, if it intrigued her enough, or if it was about someone she cared about, she would look into it herself. She had never taken something someone said wholeheartedly. Gia’s eyes slowly drifted away from her cup of tea, and focused in on the woman who made the wandering statement, and was now seated in front of her. Odd. The shifter couldn’t help but smirk as she enjoyed a quiet mental laugh to herself. It was something, that Gia had done time and time again in the various towns she had lived in. Perhaps this woman’s intentions were different, but the motion just the same. It was something she had started doing in order to get to know people in a prompt way. She only had a restricted amount of time in any set place, so she was assertive and made sure she got to know people as soon as she possibly could. Her method was to hang around popular communal places, and would approach people who were for the most part alone, it was easier to talk to one person, then to talk to a couple or a group. Gia tilted her head slight and removed one of her hands from her cup firmly shaking the woman’s hand, “Giovanna Palladino,” She said with a warm and slightly amused smile, “I presume you are relatively new to this quaint little town too?”   WORDS: 726 Outfit here OOC: Sorry for the delayed response! template by kaykay of sp

[Athalya Shadestone]

Athalya studied the fine lines in the womans face, the way she focused her eyes on her tea and then Athalya, large eyes, eyes that would be scary large if they didnt fit the face so perfectly. There wasnt much meat on the bones on this woman, yet she seemed agile and athletic enough to run if she needed to. Something seemed different about this human, next to all other humans Athal had met, something wasnt quite the same but she couldnt put her finger on it, she really hadnt ever been around other supernatural beings since her family, and that was a long time ago. She wondered why she had walked over to the woman, and even sat down, but when the woman spoke Athal couldnt help but to smile, and want to hear more words come out of her mouth. Apparently she was craving converstation and company, which wouldnt surprise her too much thinking she had been anti social and alone for so long, people were never ment to be strays, but belong in packs and even larger groups, it is why they settled in towns and cities.

"Yes, i arrived about fifteen minutes ago, went here and got a cup of coffee. So far this is the only place i have seen. How about yourself, how long have you spend here?" Athalya asked, curious as to just how many new people showed up in this town since Giovanna asked if she too was new to the town. Perhaps Harper Valley was just a big magnet for people to show up, which would mean that it may attract supernaturals as well. Maybe her nana was right and this would be the place where she could find some of her own species, maybe they were closer than she thought. Athalya wondered if they would accept her, if they were tightly knit groups, or strays avoiding each other, all she knew about shifters were their ability, not how they were socially.

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Notes: Small post i know, but felt i should post ^^
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[Giovanna Palladino]

Knowing who you are is confidence. Confidence, not cockiness. Cockiness is knowing who you are and pushing it down everyone's throat.   Gia felt a bit relieved, almost lighter in a way. She was having a conversation with someone other than herself. Her mind did a mental dance, proud that she was slowly and steadily getting back to herself. The crazy was packing its things, while the normal was knocking at the door begging to come back in. The shifter maintained a faint smile on her face as she observed the women who she now had the company of. It was pleasant, and different, but she could not help but feel slightly guilty. She embraced the locket around her neck; she knew Lila was always watching alongside her grandparents. Giovanna knew they were proud of her, encouraging her to move on and thrive as the bright, intelligent, independent, young woman that she was, but then why the guilt? Her rhythmic breaths soothed her, as her mind remained silent, the shifter was overcome by a sensation, it was an old unfamiliar feeling, something that she had not felt in a very long time, perhaps, and could it be, that she actually felt somewhat happy? Gia celebrated mentally, and she was actually winning the long battle against herself. She took a sip of her tepid tea, still clasping the locket as she listened to Athalya speak. “Only fifteen minutes ago?” She said surprised, as her eyes widen, “I wasn’t expecting that.” She said with a chuckle. She thought back to her first day in town. She must have spent a total of about five minutes in her apartment as she got the last box through the door, there was not much anyhow, seeing as Gia had always traveled light. But of course, she made sure to order a few extra things since she was actually furnishing and staying in an apartment that was considered hers. A strange coincidence then that she too had stopped in a café, ordered a latte, and had a complete stranger answer her verbal thought. Odd. What are the chances? A shiver ran up her spine as the thought passed by, she furrowed her brow, amused and surprised by the chance of that happening twice. The only difference this time was that Gia was on the other side. Giovanna took another sip of her rapidly cooling tea before she spoke again, “I’ve been here about six or so months now.” She said, slightly proud of her ability to remain here, “It’s a pleasant town. I haven’t had any complaints thus far.” She said with a soft smile. It really was an ideal town, almost too perfect. Gia began to feel her mind acting up again.   WORDS: 435 Outfit here OOC: template by kaykay of sp

[Athalya Shadestone]

Athalya listened to Giovanna speak, her voice really was pleasant to listen to, quite singing.
"ah, well my nana used to live here when she was young, so i have heard the talk about this place. Though i believe this city was smaller back in her days, she never spoke of it as the size it apparently has now. I expected a tiny town out back, not this, but not that it dissapoints me, drags less attention to the newcomer then i suppose." Athal said with a slight chuckle. She turned her head to look out the window, seeing people passing by outside, minding their own buisness heading straight for something Athal couldnt see or imagine.
"So, where do you go or look to find a place to stay, i am looking for something a bit more permanent than a hotel or a motel. And most important, what do you do for a good kick of fun around here?" Athalya asked looking back at Giovanna sitting there with a furrowed brow and a smile on her face, Athal wondered what had amused her, but only for a second as another though passed her mind. The woods, trees, open ground to run, nana said the wilderness here was ideal for animals to run free. Athal though, she had not shifted for days, she needed it, the urge was in her and that was why the though of the woods filled her head. She had to focus again before her chain of thougts would have her run straigt out of here and into the wild.

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[Giovanna Palladino]

Knowing who you are is confidence. Confidence, not cockiness. Cockiness is knowing who you are and pushing it down everyone's throat.   There was nothing wrong with this town as far as Gia was concerned. It was a quaint elegant town, perfect in size, not too big and not too small. The thing she loved the most about it was its convenient access to the forest. It allowed her to wander off in the shadows of the night, to go unnoticed, and to have as much space and freedom as she wanted. Yet, back in town, there was the comfort in knowing that it was right down the road, and there were people. It gave the remarkable appearance of sanctuary, yet the truth was there was nothing truly safe about it. Giovanna listened as Athalya spoke, telling the story of her nana. “Oh I see. It’s a decently sized town.” She wondered if her nana was still here, but assumed otherwise, wanting to ask, but unsure of the sensitivity of the matter. The shifter’s eyes narrowed in on her face, closely examining each of the contours of her features as she spoke. She watched as Athalya’s attention was pulled elsewhere briefly. What’s her story? Gia pondered the thought, unsure of why this stranger had peaked her interest. Athalya’s attention was brought back to Gia, and with a faint smile she answered, “I found an apartment complex not too far from here. It’s decent, but then again I don’t need much and I don’t spend a lot of time there.” Gia’s eyes darted back to her tea, wondering how to answer the second part of her question. She began to nibble at the bottom of her lip. There was no way she could tell her what she does for fun. Oh yes, well on my spare time I like to shift into a mountain lion and roam the vast forest. She would sound preposterous, and utterly mental, and of course the simple fact that she would think that she was joking, hopefully. Aside from that, Gia really didn’t do much else, there were a few bars here and there that she has yet to visit. What to say? The shifter blinked a few more times than normal as her round hazel eyes made their way back to Athalya. When Gia realized she had been biting her lip she stopped immediately, disgusted by the fact that she had allowed herself to do that for so long, it was a bad habit that she thought she had broke years ago. Confused as to why she did that unbeknownst to her, she shook off the thought and tried to respond with a straight answer, “In regards to what to do for fun,” She twisted her mouth slightly. “I know there are a few bars here and there, and Main Street is pretty popular, but aside from that I don’t know much else.” Gia said feeling a bit unhelpful. “I personally am a bit odd, and I like to spend my time in the park, or on the trails in the forest.” She said with a faint smile. Although that last statement was partially false. She never stuck to the trails, she much preferred being away from the mainstream of people, and tends to explore the untouched depths of the forest.   WORDS: 534 Outfit here OOC: template by kaykay of sp

[Athalya Shadestone]

Athalya listened to Giovanna speak about the size of the town and the apartment situation.
" Well for a living situation i supposed i am looking for something long term, perhaps permanent, depends on how this town fits me and my needs. Where would i look for open apartments, if there even are any around here. Even if the rent is high i can afford it." Athalya asked. Rent really would not be a problem, her parents had left her quite sufficient funds when they had passed, and so had her nana.
When Giovanna mentioned a park and forest trails Athalya's interest was peaked. "The forest, thats where i need to be, thats what i came for. And i came for answers" Athalya though.
Then Athalya thought about the idea of going into a bar and shivered. Bars never really were her ting, too many people crowded against each other, men, drunk, trying to get close to any female with a pulse, nope, bars were really not her thing at all.
"I think The forest and park may be what i would prefer as well, i really dont like bars." Athalya said and chuckled lightly, contemplating wether to order another coffee or investigate the town, though she should try and get herself a bed for the night, so perhaps apartment hunting was her next move.

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Notes: Short i know, being butt kicked here lol.

[Giovanna Palladino]

Knowing who you are is confidence. Confidence, not cockiness. Cockiness is knowing who you are and pushing it down everyone's throat.   Giovanna took another sip of her cool tea, her eyes remained on Athalya curious to see how she would respond. Gia felt a bit unhelpful. Not really sure what this girl was looking for. Gia's eyes perked up when she mentioned looking for an apartment. She twisted her mouth slightly, thinking of where there was available places. "Um, I'm not quite sure." She said, feeling even more useless than before. Hmmm, where are there places? As she went to take another sip of her tea, she put it down almost immediately. Her eyes widened when she realized how she completely forgot the most obvious place. She placed her hand on her forehead and shook her head dumbfounded. "I should kick myself for not remembering this before," She said feeling slightly embarrassed, I believe there is actually an open apartment available a floor above mine. I remember seeing someone moved out about a week ago. I think they said they found a place in the city." She said, barely remembering the people who lived in her building. It wasn't much of a surprise, Gia was never really there. Although, it was odd for her to not get to know those people, considering that's always what she would do first when she moved any where new, but then again, she hasn't really been herself for almost a year now. She suddenly felt sad, perhaps that Gia is gone forever. Nonsense! You are just in a funk! You will be back to normal soon! Gia smiled inwardly, knowing that as always her outspoken mind was true. Gia's smile widen when Athayla spoke. A fellow nature lover, excellent! Gia felt oddly close to this stranger, but she didn't mind. "I am with you on that, Bars are nice maybe to get a drink with a friend, but not much else. Outside is where it's at." She said with a small laugh. "The park here is quite lovely, I am quite fond of a certain tree that I like to sit in." Gia said fondly, although, thinking about it, she probably sounded weird. "If you want I could always show you around sometime." She offered, with a warm smile. Giovanna knew most of the town pretty well, with a few exceptions.   WORDS: 424 Outfit here OOC: Sorry it took so long to respond! I've been busy. :/ template by kaykay of sp

[Athalya Shadestone]

Athalya took the last sip of her coffee, drinking it before it got even luke warm, perhaps a habit of the fast life on the road and running, no time to sit and enjoy. When Gia mentioned an apartment on the floor abover hers, Athalyas smile widened. "An apartment above someone if already met, perfect, then it wont be too awkward meeting you in the halls then" Athalya said and grinned. Perhaps it wouldnt be too bad in this town anyway, and i have nana to thank for that. Athalya thought and set the coffee cup down.

"I will need the number for whom ever to call for dipps on that apartment then. And thank you, it meens alot to me actually. Ive never had friends or anyone to help me other than my family, so again, thank you, for your kindness and your company, i have really enjoyed a normal converstation with someone other than myself" Athalya said with a genuine big smile, she really had loved this time drinking coffee and talking.

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Notes: Sorry its short lol
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[Giovanna Palladino]

Giovanna Palladino

Knowing who you are is confidence. Confidence, not cockiness. Cockiness is knowing who you are and pushing it down everyone's throat.

Gia had abandoned her tea, no longer interested in drinking it. The now cool tea lost had its appeal, yet she had kept her hands clasped tightly around the half-empty cup. The shifter was glad she had decided to come here today; it resulted in a new friend. She smiled inwardly, proud to say that perhaps she wasn’t a lost cause. Her smiled grew wider as Athalya seemed enthused about the idea of living above Gia. The thought of it was heartwarming, perhaps things were finally turning around, there was finally hope. It was unexplainable, the fondness she had towards this person, a relative stranger, yet there was something about her, something that was different, but what? Giovanna pondered the thought, but still left part of her attention to the conversation still at hand. “Yes absolutely!” Gia said as she turned and grabbed her purse, she pulled out her notebook and ripped out a piece of paper from the back. The shifter attempted to recall the number of the building superintendent that she, on multiple occasions had to dial in order to get the apartment. It was the first time she ever had to get a place herself, and what an experience that was. In that moment, she couldn’t help but think of Lila, and everything that she had done for the two of them. The responsibility and pressure she had in making sure she always had a place for them to stay, the things she did and got over on was incredible, the girl was a genius.

As fast as the thought had arrived, it was gone. Trying to not let it get the best of her, she continued, writing the number down on the piece of paper and handed it to Athalya. “Here, it’s the superintendent’s number. He should be able to help you out.” She said with a smile. She felt good, a feeling she did not get often enough. “You’re welcome! And trust me I know what you mean. Sometimes I feel like I talk to myself more than I should.” She said with a laugh. It was true. Ever since the incident she had not been the same, and unfortunately holds way too many conversations and arguments with herself. She chuckled once more at the thought and shook her head slightly. “Oh, and here.” Gia said, as she added her cell phone number to the paper. “If you ever want to hang out, talk, or need anything don’t hesitate to call or shoot me a text!” She said with a cheeky smile. Gia placed her pen back in her purse and looked back at her new friend.

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