milliways_bar | (no subject)

(no subject)

Claudia has taken up a table by the observation window. Her clothes are cleaner than they were yesterday, not a hint of blood on them. Claudia's expression is decidedly blank. It would make no difference if she were staring at the universe ending, or the shark swimming in the lake, or the sun setting over the horizon. Things tend to suck that way when you're dead.

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Elaine notices the young woman staring blankly out of the window, and wanders over. "Good even, lady...may I bring you anything from bar or kitchen?" Her voice is friendly, and she's smiling in concern.

Claudia continues staring as if she hasn't heard anyone.

Oh, dear. Elaine takes a seat and touches the woman's shoulder. "Miss? Are you quite well? You look new, and I have been here for quite a long time...maybe I can help you."

Claudia's shoulder jerks from under Elaine's touch. She reaches a hand to touch her shoulder and looks at Elaine, wearily. "I beg your pardon?"

"I was wondering if you were all right. I can bring you something from the bar or kitchen, if you like," she says kindly.

Claudia studies Elaine for a moment before she returns her attentions to the Observation Window. "I'm not hungry, thanks."

She hasn't eaten all day.

Elaine nods. "Are you new here?"

"Yes," she says, dazed. "I came here yesterday."

"It can take a while to get used to things here. I know it took me quite some time. Where are you from?"

"Mexico. I was on my way out of it when I came here."

"I have heard of Mexico. Though I've never been there. Are you Bound here...if you know?"

"Yes," she whsipers.

Elaine nods. She looks sufficiently shell-shocked... "I came here after I died," she says quietly. "Did you die too?"

"I think so."

"You'll be all right," Elaine reassures her. "Did you get a room last night or do you need one?"

"No. I got a room, thanks."

"You should eat, though. We can still sicken, even if we can't die again."

“How is that possible?”

Elaine sighs. "I do not know. But our hearts beat, and we breathe...and hunger." She shrugs. "I do not know," she repeats. "I wish I did, but it is one of the mysteries of this place."

Claudia is silent for a few moments.

“What is there to eat?”

Elaine smiles. "Anything you could possibly want."

"Anything from Mexico, perhaps? Like, um, pollo en mole verde (http://www.mexconnect.com/mex_/recipes/puebla/kgmoleverdeng.html)?

Elaine grins. "Well, I'll ask Bar. I'm sure she will accomodate you. One moment."

She goes up to the bar and comes back with a dish that is completely unfamiliar to Elaine, but will be recognizable to Claudia. She puts it in front of her with a tall glass of ice water.

"I don't know what it is, but it smells wonderful."

Claudia stares at the dish in disbelief. It certainly looks authentic. But how does it taste? Claudia reaches for an eating utensil and places some of the food in her mouth.

It's the best damn pollo en mole verde she's ever had.

She's visibly impressed.

"This is good!"

Elaine beams. "I'm so glad it is to your liking."

"Who is your cook here? Whoever it is, he's good."

"Well...I know Gil works most of the time...but I'm not sure who all of the cooks are. If you ask Bar for something...it generally just appears." She smiles again. "I'm Elaine Le Blanke, by the way. And if you ever need anything while you are here, please let me know and I'll help you out as best I can."

"How does that work?" she asks, curiously. "And I'm Claudia Ramirez. Nice to meet you."

"It is some form of magic, I believe. It's a rather confusing thing at first...but then you just accept it and move on. I'm glad to meet you as well."

"I see," she says, nodding. "Well, thanks for the food."

"You are very welcome. Good night, Claudia."

With that, Elaine goes off to find other people to wait on.

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