March 30th, 2018

Oh man, I'm beat. I'm in fairly good shape, I do work out regularly, but my job at the museum wasn't physical. Working with Sam, I'm not sure I'll need to go to the gym that often any more. Granted, I'm not the one swinging the hammer or anything, but just helping him move things around and cleaning up that shed was much more active than I'm used to. And that was only half the day. It's a good exhausted feeling, but still...

The thing was, I wasn't even working for that long. The first thing we did when we got there was to take a tour of the place. I figured it was a garage off some alley somewhere, no he's got land and a beautiful view of the mountains. But after that, it is just a garage at the end of the road. We walked the property so I'd know it's limits, which it is fenced but good to know anyway. It's not a lot of land, but more than my parents complex easily. At the foothills though it's not level, there's a deep ditch that runs through the property cutting off a chunk from easy access. It's level as far as where the garage sits and some area around it, but the foot hills start right behind the garage. Beyond the ditch is unworked, it's practically forest and we didn't even go over there. On the main side there's the garage, and his office inside. Well, he calls it his office, it's basically a desk in the corner. Then he's got a couple of tool sheds arranged around the parking area for somewhat easy access. The rest of the level area he has set up the project he's been working on. The pictures he'd shown us didn't do it justice, the thing is huge. Sam finally explained to me that he's been working on a new stables for the Renaissance Festival. The pieces he's working on will tie together with wooden fencing that a carpenter friend of his is working on. Sam's making the gates and levers, as well as display posts and a commissioned coat of arms for the Black Knight. He said once he and his friend are done it'll take up the entire tournament grounds and allow for multiple riders and their horses.

Sam was all sorts of excited to be sharing his project, which he'd been before. But because we didn't have any real explanation, we didn't get it at the time. Now I get it, and it is very exciting. Of course, I can't tell anyone.

The tour actually took up a lot of the day, it wasn't just showing me the project he's working on but all his tools with some explanation of how they're used. He needs me to know what they're called so that I can fetch them for him, and if I have to help him with something he needs me to know what to do. The forge itself is impressive, he's got a fire pit so he can do things the old fashion way, but also a more modern setup using torches. He's rigged the fire pit with a mechanical blower since he doesn't typically have a helper, but he mentioned wanting to make use of me since I'll be here to do things "right."

He had picked me up at the butt crack of dawn, so it was still early when we'd gotten there and chill. But the morning sun was working hard at warming the place up and I can imagine it'll get hot during the summer. Sam mentioned that during the summer he'll probably switch to later hours. We'll get there when its hot, but the foothills will put the garage in shadow and things will cool down quickly. It's during the winter months when he comes up early to work so that he has the sun to keep things warm.

By the time Sam had finished showing me around, it was already after noon, so we stopped to take a break and eat lunch. It was strange for me to have packed a lunch, considering I had always eaten at the cafe at the museum. And my single sandwich and chips was not enough. I know Sam's a big guy, so I didn't pay too much attention to how much he had packed. But after I'd finished off my sandwich and chips, I was still hungry and here Sam had stuff that he could snack on for the rest of the day. Fortunately he was kind enough to share.

While we ate, he explained my first project, which was to rearrange his tool sheds. He's got stuff all over the place, and they need to be cleaned out, organized, and everything. He had gotten started working on it over the winter, but since this commission came in he's spent all his time working on it and hasn't been able to clean. He gave me a general idea of how he wanted things organized. In the end though he told me to do what I could and if I needed to do things differently, to just make sure he could find what he was looking for.

I got started on that after lunch only to have a dizzy spell before I'd gotten too far. I was digging out sheet metal from a scrap pile and could feel it coming on. When I dropped the sheet I was holding it made a lot of noise, which brought Sam running. He recognized what was happening quickly and ran to get my water and bring it to me. It was a wake up call for the both of us, realizing that we'd probably be working apart a lot of the time. After I'd regained my sense of balance we talked about what could be done in the future just in case. Considering all the noise that either of us might be making, Sam wasn't sure my yelling would work to get his attention. So he wants to install an alarm system that I'd have a remote to. If I felt an attack coming I could press the button and he'd know. That way if I'm in a position to get hurt he can be there to help.

I'm not sure how I feel about that, it's nice that he's being so thoughtful and concerned for my well being. But I've never had to worry about or announce my attacks so publicly. Just the thought of setting off an alarm is making me feel self conscious. I know I'll be doing a lot of stuff around the place to help him out, but I also expect that I'll be spending a lot of time at his desk getting his books in order, which was what was mostly talked about going into this. If I have an attack then, I don't have to set off any alarms. Sam's right though, that sheet metal was sharp, and it's a good thing I was wearing gloves. But if I'd fallen against any of it, I could have seriously hurt myself. So I understand Sam's concern, and agree to him installing the alarm. I just wish I could think of something less blaring.

I've ruined my jeans, and stained my shirt. I knew not to wear the nice outfits I wore to work at the museum, but I didn't expect I'd get that dirty. I also wasn't prepared for the temperature change through the day. Now I know why Sam dresses in layers like he does. I couldn't wear my coat 'cause it was too hot, but if I took it off I'd freeze, there was no happy medium. So I'm going to have to go shopping this weekend to find some more appropriate work clothing.

When we got home, Max was already there visiting with Candace. She was sorry she hadn't been able to give me much help, but she wanted to see my new arrangement and had a present for me as a housewarming gift. It was a reading lamp for my bed so I wouldn't have to turn all my lights on at night, something I'd always been meaning to get but never had.

After I washed the stink off me we had dinner, and Hal even showed up to join us. Sam even accepted the invitation to stay. It was a nice evening, though there was the awkward bit where I explained to Sam and Max that I wouldn't be joining them on Saturday evenings for the conspiracy dinner anymore. Max was excited to think that Candace and I could host here, but of course Sam doesn't want Candace involved and I don't want to be involved any more either. She accepted my decision, though I'm sure I'll hear more about it the next time we're alone.

Anyway, my new schedule with Sam is working during the week and having weekends off. So I'll have time more in line with Hal's schooling and we're excited about that. But of course Hal's been training with Brigida on Sundays. So Saturdays will likely be our day, until he goes off to dinner with the others.

Hal wanted me to go home with him tonight, but I still have a lot of stuff do here. And I'm fighting off sleep just trying to write this down. I told him to come by tomorrow for lunch and we could do something in the afternoon.

March 29th, 2018

Today was a nice day to myself to just organize my thoughts and my things. It's odd though that it was that way.

When I got around in the morning, Candace had a large breakfast prepared for me. Much larger than I'd ever need, so there were a lot of left overs. It was excellent food, sausages and eggs, pancakes, toast and jam, oatmeal with fruits and nuts, juice, milk, she really went all out and wanted to welcome me into her home. It was flattering, and I thanked her profusely. But I was also noticing that she was still wearing her clothes from last night. I don't think she slept at all, a thought further evidenced by her going to bed after we cleaned up, and she slept most of the day.

So I tried my best to keep quiet, though I was sorely tempted to put on some music. But like I said, it gave me peace to just take care of my own things. Hal stopped by for lunch, and since we'd been texting I knew he was coming and met him outside. We went out to eat and let Candace sleep, but Hal took advantage to celebrate me turning over a leaf so to speak.

Sam called later in the day, and that's what woke her up. He didn't seem surprised by her sleeping through the day though. He just wanted to check in on us, see if we needed anything. Candace still seems a little bitter about him not visiting all the time, and spit out that we didn't need anything from him. I was much more diplomatic as I passed her response.

Still, now up, Candace was happy to get around and we had a good evening. We got into the left overs and had breakfast for dinner... which I guess was her breakfast anyway. And then we talked for a while. I was curious about what shows she liked to watch or what music she liked to listen to so that I could tailor my own habits to hers. Though from the sound of things, even when she leaves the TV on she doesn't watch it. But she was curious about my own tastes and the shows and movies I liked to watch. I mentioned that it might be useful to get a streaming service, she said "Okay, how do we do that?" I mentioned that it'd have it's own bill, and she pulled out the credit card Sam had given her and handed it to me.

So I signed us up and we watched "Willow," A movie that I've always enjoyed. Candace really seemed to enjoy it too. And then she helped me with some more unpacking until I finally said I needed to get to bed so that I can join Sam tomorrow for work. I hope I haven't offended her with that...

But on the same note, I do need to get to bed, I've already stayed up later than I would have liked just to write this out.

March 28th, 2018

I overheard a conversation between Sam and Candace while I was in the other room today. I don't know that it was a conversation I wasn't supposed to hear, but it did seem strange. Sam was comforting Candace that I'd be here for her if she needed, that he was just a phone call away. I didn't catch the whole conversation, so I'm probably taking things out of context. It sounded like Sam's been coming here every night to check on her, and now that I'm here he won't. Maybe Candace's amnesia has her grasping on to the familiar, which in this case was Sam visiting every night. And if he's not doing that anymore, maybe she's panicking about it. Either way, when I joined them she seemed fine. And they never brought up the conversation with me, so I didn't ask about it.

Hal had come by during his lunch break, and helped me a bit with my unpacking. Not much though 'cause he needed to eat and get back. While we were talking though he mentioned a building that had shown up mysteriously in Denver. And then promptly apologized remembering I didn't want to have anything to do with those things. With all the moving over this weekend, I've had my head down and wasn't paying attention to the news anyway. Kinda wondering what else I'm missing.

Anyway, it was a reminder to me that these things are happening, that they aren't just stories in a conspiracy. I told Hal it was fine, some things I won't be able to ignore, and they are happening. I just didn't want to know about the things he was getting in to, that I didn't want to be included in any more trespassing or otherwise illegal activities.

After he left though curiosity got the better of me and I turned on the TV to see if there was any news. Sure enough there's a new building on Sheridan between Sloan lake and Colfax. City officials can't explain how it got there, there's no building permits or anything to allow for its construction. But there was no construction either, or deconstruction of other buildings. It's like it appeared between two buildings as though it had always been there, but yesterday there wasn't any room between those buildings. So this is another instance of things folding or unfolding to reveal more space than there had been before. I still don't know exactly how that works.

What Hal was mentioning though is that he's finding it interesting that this new building appeared in line with the existing buildings. That the whole building appeared, in it's own space. Rather than replacing another building, or merging, or only half showing up. Or for that matter, showing up in the middle of the road, or set back away from the road and not connecting with the sidewalk.

The building itself resembles an old tavern. Looking at pictures, it makes me think of The Prancing Pony or other such taverns found throughout movies and books of historical or fantastical setting. It even appears old, as if it had always been there. Well cared for, but old.

I even found an interview with a little old man claiming to be the owner. From his perspective, all the guests just disappeared that same night, and his neighborhood changed. He's not sure how he got here, but he's happy to offer room and board to travelers and visitors. He said at first he was thrilled with those visitors who came out of curiosity, but they didn't order much nor did anyone ask for a room so he's not making money off them. Now he's got city officials demanding to see his kitchen and rooms to make sure they're clean enough and he's insulted that they would think he's not. And until they give their okay, he's forced to close his doors. The other thing is that his employees have all disappeared too, so he needs new employees. And a business licence, he claims he inherited the business from his father, and that it's been operating for generations. What's he need a licence for it now?

In a way, it's amusing, if unfortunate. But in line with everything else... There's still no word on that town that disappeared, though it seems everyone who lived there is now accounted for. They are all now displaced too, no jobs or homes. It's a little odd that only this one building appeared here, and I looked over ever interview I could find. No one seems to be asking the old man where he was to begin with. Or if they did, his answer or lack of answer isn't reported.

The old man... His name is Morcant, that's all they'll publish. I don't know if it's a first or last name, but it's the only name he'll give I guess. For that matter I wonder if it's even spelled correctly. And his Tavern is named after him: Morcant's. The only sign is a picture of a lake, though it's unclear if that lake is Sloan Lake or what. There's no writing.

I asked Sam and Candace about it during dinner. They hadn't heard anything about it either, Candace has been busy helping me, and Sam his project when he's not helping me. They both seemed concerned about it, but like me we're helpless to do anything. Candace hoped Morcant's former employees and guests are okay. Sam wondered how they were left behind if Morcant himself stayed with the building.

Another day, another mystery I guess.

I'm feeling good about what I've got done. I still have a lot of stuff in boxes, but they're less important. My clothes are back in the dresser, I've claimed the bathroom for myself, and I'm in a position where I can start living day to day. I'd like to get some shelving or something that I can put things on. And I've got a lot of pictures I need to hang. I had asked Sam for a few days, so he wasn't expecting me tomorrow, I'll use that to see what more I can do, or maybe just to settle in. But Friday Sam was hoping I could come by the shop and at the very least he can show me around and get me introduced to what I'll be doing.

March 27th, 2018

As smooth as this move has been, it's still been stressful on me. There was no better reminder of that till today as I was hallucinating a fairy outside my parents place watching us carry boxes to the car. Mom had given Dad a ride to work this morning so we could borrow the car and move the last little bit.

I keep saying the last bit, but in all honestly a lot of my stuff has been boxed up and Mom is saving them for me to have again later. Toys from my childhood, stuffed animals and the like, photo albums that she'd created of me for me, things that I'll get back when I have children of my own. Assuming I ever have kids. Mostly memories, and nice ones that I'm happy she's holding on to, but things that I don't have room for anymore.

That's part of the stress that I've been feeling, leaving home isn't just leaving the only thing I've ever known. It's leaving behind all those memories. It's got me feeling a bit down in the dumps, and I think that's why I was seeing a fairy watching us.

Before we boxed them up for good, we spent some time going over them. It was just Candace, Mom, and I today, since everyone else had work. But it was nice being able to share those memories with Candace. Though looking back on it, I feel a bit guilty now realizing she doesn't have the same. Not even a tangible memory to wonder over.

We'll have to create those memories for her.

Anyway, everything that is coming with me is now here. And I've spent some time situating, but I still have a lot to go through and it's a little overwhelming. Even with everything that was left behind with Mom, I'm still wondering how I had room for all this stuff and where I'm going to put it now.

Sam was over for dinner, he wanted to check in on us and make sure everything was okay with my move. He said he'd have time tomorrow if I still needed, but I think he was glad I didn't. He didn't ask about when I'd be ready to join him at the shop, I think he felt it might be rushing me. So I made sure to ask if it was okay if I took another few days to situate and move in. Of course he was okay with that.

So much to do and my head is swimming, so I'm going to go to bed a little early tonight and get an early start tomorrow.

a general note

I had tried really hard to keep up with this journal through some stuff I've been working on, and unfortunately I have been unable to do that. Part of the reason the journal entries for these last few days have been so... lacking in substance.

I'm not seeing that I have a lot of readers. I am getting hits from a few places, but I can't tell if they're actual readers or just servers as I post links to my journal entries through a few different social medias. So if I don't have any readers at all, I guess I don't have to worry about it. But if I have even one reader, let me apologize. I have so much going on right now and I only have a short time to type this little note out before I have to leave. And I don't know how long this is going to last.

I am hoping things will settle down soon. And when they do I should be in a much better position to work on these entries. So I should be able to not only catch up but get myself ahead for any future issues. I ask your patience while I get my ducks in a row.

That said, if I do have any readers, let me know. Say Hi in the comments, let me know your thoughts. If you keep coming back I must be doing something right. Let me know what that is, let me know what I can do better. I'm happy to hear constructive criticism, and I'd love to hear your ideas. I had actually hoped that this story would be a bit more influenced by the readers, so please by all means respond to the story. I'd love to see you guys adding to my story with depictions, in art or in word, of #fairysign type stuff. Or even your own ideas of things happening in the world as O Véu comes down.

Considering this is intended to be a personal journal that doesn't actually exist on the internet, its understandable that people might not want to comment here. If you'd prefer, that's why I set up the facebook page. The tumblr link is mine also, and while it wasn't intended to be associated with this journal, it is mine and you can comment there as well. If there are other social media's you like to catch me through, let me know.

Sadly though, I need to go. Again, please accept my apologies that this story of mine is going to go into dormancy. Hopefully only a few days, no more than a week. I promise I will get back to it, I want to see this through in the worst way. If I have any readers, it would be a huge boost to my moral in that effort for you to speak up and let me know. And if nothing else, please share this with others. I'd love to see this story become something more than my own little thing.

March 26th, 2018

Not a whole lot to say, spent most of the day packing and moving again. Dad had to work, as did Sam, even Mom had her project down at the library to work on. The advantage being that Hal was able to come by and help move. Candace was there to help as well, but with three of us in Hal's jeep, that didn't leave a lot of room for boxes.

Candace and I spent most of the morning packing what we could, of what was left to pack. And while Hal had a lunch break we got in a trip, but that didn't leave him a lot of time to eat. So Candace and I fed him after he helped bring in what we'd shipped. Then he had to leave and Candace and I took the bus back to my parents place to get some more work done. With most everything packed we started cleaning up after me so that Mom wouldn't have to. When Dad got home he helped us with another trip, but then he left us here and went home.

So I've actually got most of my stuff here now, though it's all still in boxes. I still have a few things left at home, and if Candace and I want to be complete we'll go back and finish cleaning tomorrow.

Then I'll have to unpack everything.

For as fast as this has been, its still starting to feel like it's taking forever. I've been trying to unpack since I'm here and unable to do anything else, but it's like I don't know where to put anything and I don't know where to start.

Oh well, I have time. Sam's not expecting me to show up for work until I'm comfortable to do so, but he's also not going to pay me until I do. Still, my "true" job is to be here for Candace, and I don't know how that's going to work out as far as paychecks and stuff. So I also need to get to Sam's forge so I can talk with him about that. No stress, just stress.

March 25th, 2018

I can't believe how fast this move has taken place. Efe wasn't really moving anything, but he was still preparing for shipping out for a week in advance, and Batel spent the whole week packing before we moved all her stuff in one go. My decision to move was less than a week ago, and we packed all day yesterday, and we moved most of the stuff today. My two heavy items, my bed and dresser, means that I'm sleeping here, and I've got the clothes to do so. We grabbed a bunch of boxes, my books, comics, movies, and other things that were easy to grab and pack. Also heavy boxes. But I still have a lot of stuff left at home, and I forgot to grab my toiletries and towels. Fortunately I've stayed over here before and Candace is happy to let me use her stuff till I get mine.

It's just been a long day of moving, but between Dad and Sam, I hardly had to do any heavy lifting. I felt bad for Dad, but Sam made it look easy. Hal's been texting me through the day, he would have loved to come help and kept asking to do so. But I know he's on the outs right now with my parents, and he's got school starting up again tomorrow. So I told him not today, but he can come by and help me unpack things after it's all here.

Dad's going to come get me tomorrow and we'll see about getting the rest of my stuff packed up to move. But he's got to work, so it'll get packed, I don't know if it'll get moved. I may have to find a way to smooth things over with the parental units and Hal to get his help.

Anyway, it's late now that I've finished making the bed. I need to get to sleep if I'm going to be up in time for Dad to get me.