2019-12-03 - Vivid Dreams

Nothing too much is going on at the moment in the newly opened art business. All in all, things seem nice and neat as Hera sits on a small couch in a far off corner of the room. Her dog, a dutiful German Sheppard by the name of Hans, sits on his four legs and belly and he watches her. She doesn't seem to pay attention to the dog at the moment but she does seem to be paying attention to a medium sized glass of rose wine and some paperwork on her lap. Her clothes this time are casual, a pair of relaxing jeans and a loose fitting shirt are all she wears. Of course she also wears pet fur here and there, especially since Queso, the lovable gallery cat, walks around and marks everything in his territory as his. But, it's a calm day for now, no extra noise, and the only smell might be that of wine. Even the pottery kiln isn't fired up but that could change at any time.

The door is pushed open gently and Zoiya steps in, glancing around as if she's not sure of her welcome. She lets her gaze scan the building before she calls out, "Knock knock, anyone home?" She steps in, letting the door close behind her. The paintings on the wall draw her eyes and she pauses to gaze at them before she looks around for a person.

"Oh hello kitty." She coos to the soft cat, not reaching out to disturb him yet. That's about when she spots Hera. "Afternoon." She says, flashing a brief smile toward the woman. "This is a beautiful place you have here." She is still looking around as she speaks, which some might consider rude, but her eyes are drawn toward the art displayed.

Hera looks over at the exotic beauty and puts the paperwork aside. "Oh hello." she gets to her feet to properly address the guest. Her demeanor is a pleasant one, as if she is one who could easily address the public in a pleasant way. "Thank you for stopping in to Vivid Dreams. Please make yourself at home. Would you like a complimentary glass of wine or coffee?"

Hans tenses a bit as a guest enters, as if he's ready to be the good guard dog that he is. Unless Hera gives the word though, he doesn't approach. In the meantime Queso pads over as, sure enough he's likely quite curious. Hera doesn't say anything about the gallery cat though as she welcome the compliment, "Thank you very much Miss. I appreciate that. All artists are welcome to find sanctuary here."

Zoiya steps in further, the greeting enough to settle her nerves a bit. "Oh, thanks. Sit anywhere?" She gestures to the various choices and picks a smaller table, leaning in to sniff at the flowers centered on the table. "I'd love a glass of wine." She leans down, holding her hand out for Queso to catch her scent and realize that she's friendly. "I'm not a typical artist, though sometimes I feel like .. what I do could be considered a very loose form of art. I know an artist though, and he's kind of opened my eyes to different types, so I figured I'd stop by here once I heard you were open."

"Oh forgive my manners.." She taps herself on the chest and grins. "My name is Mae. You are?" She tries to be polite and keep her eyes on Hera, to study her or to catch a bit of her mood by watching her, but the art keeps drawing her gaze away.

Hera takes a step forward toward the lady, but it's not a threatening step. To give Hans the 'ok' signal though, she takes her left hand and gestures it in a way as if to tell him the newcomer isn't a threat. Seems as if the dog might serve as a source of security along with companionship. "Typical artist is, well, art in and of itself really isn't typical. It goes beyond simple crayons and things of that nature." She doesn't say anything about the woman's ink though, but Mae can imagine that Hera wouldn't find anything like that offensive at all. She does extend her hand to offer a proper greeting, "Hera." she says, the handshake an appropriate way to introduce herself, "It's a pleasure Miss Mae. What type of wine do you like?"

The dog is now relaxed but the kitty, oh this one is needing head rubs for sure. He takes his head and goes to rubbing all over her leg and hand if it's offered because that's what a pretty cat should do!

Mae catches Hera's hand, shaking it gently before releasing her. "I'm a sucker for a pinot gris if you have one." She gives the cat all the scritches he requires, watching Hera bustle around as she speaks. "Where did you get some of these paintings, if it's okay to ask? They're lovely. I mean, this whole place is lovely. I come through town often on the way to work, and that's how I spotted the gallery." She tilts her gaze down on Queso, scratching under his chin. "You're a lovely cat, aren't you? You're making me want to get a four legged furry friend of my own." She glances back up, a little embarrassed that she started speaking to the cat like a person. "So I should ask, because, it's the main reason I dropped in. Do you do displays here, of local art?" She glances at the walls, and is very sure that most of this is not local at all.

Hera grins as the cat and Zoiya seem to be enjoying the bonding time, though, truth be told, it takes a lot of time to bond with a cat, and the gallery cat can be fickle on occassion. Hera recognizes the type of wine though and she whistles a bit, "Oh nice, someone who knows her graphs, oh yeah, I have a bottle for sure. The sketches are mine believe it or not, the paintings, well, they're acquired. The pottery, that's mine. I told a nice piece the other day to Erin so, more pieces will be done soon to take its place." She goes to find the bottle opener and then uncorks it. "And yes, I would like to do displays of local artists. As I said before, I also want this place to be a haven for creative minds."

Stepping into Vivid Dreams is a pleasant surprise; not just because of how it's decorated so tastefully, but also because it seems to be an animal-friendly place - her green-gold eyes catch the sight of Hans the German Shepherd immediately, and her expression shifts from inquisitive to absolutely endeared at the drop of a hat. Seriously, it's almost embarrassing.

Curiosity brings Isabella Reede here today, clad in attire that is deferential to the Pacific Northwest's version of Winter - a reddish-brown leather jacket pulled over a loose, but feminine top, dark jeans leggings tucked into knee-high boots, a scarf and a loose knit cap that bunches up behind her head. Her moonstone pendant swings at every step, and one hand carries a plastic bag laden with small, but festively-wrapped packages - red-and-green wrappers, gold ribbon and tinsel-and-holly embellishments that gleam faintly in the light whenever it finds the interior. Given their uniformity, however, they're probably obligatory tokens for acquaintances for the season.

"What a good boy you are, guarding the place," she coos towards the dog, though she doesn't reach out to pet him. He looks like he's on the clock, after all.

"I may have a proposition to discuss with you then." Mae says, a wry grin on her face as she watches Hera go looking for wine. "You did the pottery?" She eyes it for a few beats, clearly entranced. "You don't give lessons do you?" That is when the door opens and Isabella arrives. Her gaze is drawn to the woman as she walks in, grinning at her greeting to the dog. "He's doing a fine job, I feel sorry for whomever tries to do harm to this place." She leans against the able she's seated at, her elbow settled so that her chin can be supported by her palm. "You may have me in here quite a bit if I know I can get my favorite wine here. Not to mention the view."

Hera smiles as she makes sure Mae has the glass. "Oh I'll keep it on standby and yes, and yes. I did the pottery. It's turning out to be quite a passion that I wouldn't normally have but the inspiration just took me for quite the ride." she smiles, "And yes, I am actually offering free lessons during the start up phase of my business." It's then that she turns to get a flyer off one of the counters and hands it to Mae. "If you have time available, consider coming by. I was actually looking forward to meeting some of the local talent." When the newcomer enters she offers a smile and says, "Hello Miss. Welcome to Vivid Dreams. Would you like to have a complimentary glass of wine or some coffee?" Hans doesn't say anything he just grumps a little. Poor overworked guard dog. Queso well, he doesn't guard anything, but when Mae sits down the yellowish kitty cat goes to jump on her lap.

Thus addressed, Isabella's attention shifts towards Zoiya, a grin playing over her expressive mouth. "He's extremely handsome," she says with a laugh, her bootsteps slowly, reluctantly, pulling away from Hans, all clear signs of a dog person who can't actually own one imprinted in every line of her. "German Shepherds tend to be hard workers, so I honestly wouldn't be surprised if he gives anyone who dares some much-needed hell."

Hera's inquiry has her gravitating towards the two ladies' direction with clear interest. "A cup of coffee would be lovely," she tells her. "Are you the curator?" Her stare wanders appreciatively along the walls. "I've passed by this place a couple of times in the last few days, but this is the first time I've ever been. The collection is impressive, I wouldn't have expected it in this tiny town. Monet?" She gestures to an impressionist painting directly across from her. "I had to take quite a few art history courses in my life."

Mae is wearing black leggings with her oversized pale green sweater, but she doesn't seem to mind having the cat on her lap. She runs her hands over his fur as he starts to purr, and a serene look settles on her features. She stops the tail scritches to take the flyer, reading it over while Queso bumps his head against her hand. She sets it down and nods. "I'm coming for the classes, because I have watched Ghost in the past, first off, but I also think it looks like fun. Maybe, if you wouldn't mind, we might get you to teach some of the people I work with. Like a group bonding experience?"

"The collection is beautiful, I was at a gallery in Seattle and it wasn't as homey as this." She sets down the flyer, picks up her glass, and sips from it. "Oh, again, I'm being rude." She offers her inked hand to Isabella. "Name is Mae, it's nice to know you." She leaves it open for an introduction, and lets her free hand move over Queso, so he can settle down on her lap.

Hera chukles at the mention of Ghost and says, "Classic movie, but yes, definitely bring your friends over." she tries not to giggle too badly at the cat who just won't ignore Mae for now. Yes, she hit the purr button apparently so the cat is pleased. Things will go better in the art shop if the cat is pleased. The dog well, he watches and stays in the background for the most part. "Yes and, Mr. Kincaid too." she says, "The painter of light had so much illumination to offer." She goes over to the coffee pot and begins to brew a cup, "Oh art history, fascinating subject. I didn't take as many classes as I really wanted, being a business major in college but I knew what my electives were going to be. So yes, college is wonderful but true learning takes place in what you want to learn as well. Sorry if I'm preaching. As far as a curator well, business owner really." When the coffee is ready she pours Isabella a cup and comments, "Lovely necklace."

"Are you also curating?" the green-eyed archaeologist wonders curiously at Zoiya, taking note of what she says about a gallery in Seattle, before her own long-fingered hand extends to grip the artist's extended own warmly and securely. "Isabella. Lovely to meet you also, Mae." She also extends that hand to Hera while the other retrieves the cup of coffee from her grasp. "And you as well, Miss...?"

There's a hint of a grin there. "I can recognize Mister Kincaid's works anywhere, I always loved them as a child. I always thought that one day I'd buy a house or a cabin just like the ones he's painted over the course of his life." With that brief curriculum vitae offered, that grin broadens further. "My undergraduate major was in the classics - necessary as I knew I wanted to pursue archaeology once I graduated. I needed to take one or two every semester, my emphasis was on Ancient Greek and Roman cultures." She takes a quiet sip of her coffee, murmuring softly in gratitude and appreciation.

Mention of the necklace has her lifting her spare set of fingers, once handshakes have been dispensed, to touch the moonstone, letting the familiar, biting chill of its white-gold setting cut into her skin like a knife. "Thank you. I've had it for a long time." To Mae, she gestures to the couch she is sitting on. "May I sit next to you? And I couldn't help but overhear about...classes?"

Mae pulls out her phone, sending out a text before she tucks it back away into her purse. "I'll see what the girls think, it'll be a nice outing, a way to get to know each other better." She briefly shakes Isabella's hand and shakes her head, a soft laugh escaping her. She takes another sip of wine to quell it and shrugs a shoulder. "I'm a dancer over at the Cabaret. I like art, and I'm dating an artist, and I figured I'd stop in here and see what this place is about. That way, when I drag him in here later, he won't be surprised."

Her eyes are drawn to the necklace when it's mentioned, focused on the stone for a few beats. When Isabella asks if she can sit, she's distracted enough to blink and then shift her chair to the left. "Of course you take a seat here, be welcome." She gestures down at Queso. "He might come greet you next, he seems amazingly friendly." She glances toward Hera, flashing a smile. "She's giving classes, and I am very excited for them. I used to watch videos on the computer where people make little pots and things. I always wanted to learn how."

Her eyes are drawn back to Hera, and there is a brief glance between her and Isabella. "Pardon me for not being familiar with the term, but what is a curator?"

Hera grins at the mention of Mae bringing in other artists and tries not to act TOO excited about this. It's hard though but at the mention of more people coming in she doesn't need a glass of wine to be happy. "Dancing wow, that's something I wish I was good at, seriously. It's so wonderful to be aware of the music and how your body can move in time with it. You should really be proud of yourself." Sure enough, Hera seems to be the type of inspire pride in others among other traits she might have. "Oh well, a curator is someone who often runs a museum. But, there's other ways of describing someone like that. The good lady." she nods toward Isabella, "Could likely describe it better than I could." Seems as if the business owner may have a bit of a humble streak, even if she is a talented woman.

But the one 'person' who doesn't have humility is the cat. The purrr box still on, he snuggles a little with Mae. Then, after some time, Hans finally slowly pads over toward Isabelle, maybe finally wanting petting if he's relaxed enough?

"The Cabaret? I've always been curious about it, but I haven't been able to stop by and peek." Isabella shifts to take a seat on the couch, her negligible weight depressing on the cushions. Now that she's settled, her hand leaves the beloved talisman resting from around her neck, cradling her cup of brew in both hands. Her visible interest grows by the second, as usual gravitating towards these freely offered pieces of another person's life. "An artist? May I ask who? In case I come across his work later." Queso gets a soft coo, her hand reaching for the cat to sniff and butt its head against once her knuckles are offered. "He's precious. The boyfriend recently adopted a cat - I'm very much a dog person but I think he's slowly converting me into a cat person, also."

Hera's words about dancing has her nodding emphatically. "I took some Flamenco and ballroom dancing classes when I was summering in Spain one year," she tells both ladies. "But I never stuck to it, it's probably the only artistic thing I have some ability in, and even then it isn't much, so I'll simply have to live vicariously through all the other artists I know." The last said dramatically, mischief in her eyes. Regarding curators, she supplies, readily, "It's just a general term for people who supervise a collection. Normally for museums, but it applies to galleries, also. Speaking of jewelry, though...is that something you offer as well? Jewelry making courses? I always wondered, especially since I'm..." And she laughs. "...running out of ideas as to what to give the people in my life this year."

Mae takes a deep breath, and when she exhales it comes with a soft laugh. "That is probably the nicest thing someone has ever said about my work, so thank you for that." She clears her throat, nodding toward Hera. "Well, if you ever want any dancing lessons, or want to join me for a workout sometime, you're welcome. It's a good form of expression and it keeps you spry." She sips from her wine glass, and turns her attention to Isabella. "We have a reputation and it's not always good, but we have a few girls who don't just fling their clothes off and shake it. Roxy comes to mind, she's exceptionally talented. If you've never seen a ballet dancer who strips, I encourage you to drop by." She swirls her wine around in her glass and flashes a grin. "His name is Dylan Osborne, he sketches, and he recently got a deal with Ruby over at the comics store to put out a digital comic, I believe."

She jerks her thumb toward the window. "I've been taking some ballet classes at the dance studio, I rent time there to practice in peace. Trying to practice in the club can sometimes produce mixed results. You're trying out a new routine and a day drinker is trying to put a dollar in your garter." She rolls her eyes at that, settling to listen to Isabella for a few brief moments. She nods about what a curator is, and turns curious eyes toward Hera when jewelry is mentioned. She's curious now too.

Hera blushes a little at the thought of getting paid to dance like that. "Wow, that would take such strong confidence, I mean really really strong confidence and a true commanding presence. I wish I had /those/ kind of skills, I bet you could get anyone to eat out of the palm of your hand." To dance like that and command a crowd, that would be one thing. She's seen more in her life than she may allude to, but dancing with a true sense of empowerment, that idea intrigues her. "I would actually like that and a good workout well, who couldn't use that." At the mention of jewelry making classes she says, "Well, I don't think I have the skills to teach such a thing but I could look into it. Give me something to learn in the world of art and I will eagerly learn it."

Queso then just turns into a ball of fluff on Mae's lap, if she lets him, and Hans goes to resting on all fours near Isabella. There's not enough room for both animals on the couch sadly.

"No judgment," Isabella tells Mae simply and she means it. "Besides, as a professional nerd, I can tell you with some authority that your ancient brethren have been responsible for the fall of some very important cities in the course of a few battles that have shaped human history and the world as we know it, so if alcoholics and lechers know what's good for them, they shouldn't be treating you ladies lightly." She winks at her at that. While Dylan's name is not familiar, another is, her expression brightens in recognition. "Roxy Kisleva? I met her recently, she did mention that she took ballet and came over here to pursue it. Wow, this town's getting smaller by the day."

Hera's blush is noted, the look of her teasing. "I hear dancing builds up a lot of physical confidence also. It could be fun, I haven't taken any dance classes in forever and it's too cold to go swimming and diving, and I haven't found a pool in this city that I've wanted to spend my time in. I need to keep in shape for expeditions and the ocean can be an unforgiving mistress. If you start offering those classes though, would you let me know? I'd be eager to sign up." She digs around her satchel for her wallet, to produce a white card bearing the University of Oxford logo, and offers it to Hera. She also passes one to Zoiya, if she would accept one.

With Hans sitting nearby? She's unable to help herself. She reaches out and, if the dog is amenable to it, scratches his scruff gently. "You're so handsome."

Mae continues to pet and scratch the cat's head and ears gently, charmed that he decided to settle into her lap. "It's not the most fancy profession, but I do enjoy it, and if you can't take joy in your work.." She trails off and laughs softly, returning Isabella's wink as she accepts the card offered to her. "Roxy Kisleva indeed, I'm tempted to see if I can talk her into giving some classes in the fusion of dancing. She makes it look pretty effortless. I can admit to you two that I'm not quite as classy as she is, but you have to have some different vibes in the club at times, so it works out."

She takes a sip of her wine, giving both women a speculative look. "You know, there isn't much to do in the winter, maybe I'll give some classes at the studio if Cole doesn't mind. Pole dancing work outs and classes have been pretty popular in other cities. The pole is a great way to keep in shape and develop confidence with your body." She watches Hans come closer to take some offered affection, grinning. "He's such a good dog. I'd never be able to train one. That's kept me from getting a puppy in the past." She takes the time now to look at Isabella's card, eyebrows lofting briefly. "Oxford, I've heard of that school, that's pretty fancy, isn't it?"

The dog goes over to briefly lick Isabella's hand, as if making a true friend it seems. Now that these ladies are not a threat to the shop, the German Sheppard continues to relax a little. It wouldn't take much for him to go back on guard duty though. Queso isn't moving anywhere unless Mae pushes him off. Looks like the pretty dancer has been 'claimed' until something else happens to catch his attention. Being a cat, it wouldn't take much.

Hera does take the offered card though and says, "Wow" an Oxford lady? In her shop? Dang. She's quite impressed but she doesn't have time to verbalize it. "I would LOVE to take any dance classes you offered." But sure enough the phone rings and she says, "Business calls, I'll be back soon though." Sooner may be later as she is the gallery owner and she does run into things to take care of.

"I'll be there with bells on if you girls started teaching," Isabella tells Mae with a laugh. "And I know a few other girls who would think that'd be fun, also. One of my very good female friends was a professional domme in Miami before she returned here, and I know for a fact that she loves to dance. She's been looking for a way to let off some steam, and she's told me that she can't keep wearing her boyfriend out in place of it, so she's been suggesting we find physical activities to do together. Dancing, pole or otherwise, sounds absolutely perfect, so if you two are doing it, keep me posted?"

With all the compliments towards Hans, the lick absolutely endears her, and it takes everything in her not to throw her arms around the dog and embarrass herself in front of two people that she is just starting to get to know. She does scratch his scruff more vigorously though. "Who's a good boy? Are you a good boy? You're the goodest boy, yes you are!"

She seems to remember herself, though, and she clears her throat, slowly, but reluctantly extricating her hands from the German Shepherd - just in time to hear remarks about Oxford. There's a smile - there's nothing bashful about it. She's incredibly proud of her placement in such a prestigious institution and it shows. "It has one of the best archaeological programs in the world and has been responsible for several groundbreaking finds in the last century. Honestly, if I hadn't managed to get in the masters and doctorate program there, I would have been crushed. I worked my ass off to get in on scholarship. I'm in the middle of my phD candidacy now, while I'm doing a consulting job here, so here's hoping I get it by the next year. I have to turn in my thesis soon, and defend it in front of my peers." She makes a face. "Three hours of oral arguments. Whoever thought up that system is a sadist."

"I'll speak to Roxy and see if we can't pull something fun together. When it gets cold it always seems hard to get motivated to do physical things, so it helps when you find some fun in it. I know that some days lately I have to drag myself to the gym like I'm dragging myself toward the gallows or something." Mae takes another small sip of wine, trying to let the liquid linger through her conversation. "I've got your number, and I'll be in touch, because even if Roxy isn't interested. I need a nice diversion for my days off."

She watches the interaction between Isabella and Hans, trying to suppress her smile and failing miserably. Queso is still asleep on her lap, purring like a little engine. She gently runs her inked fingers over his soft fur, watching him react even while he's seemingly asleep.

"Do you go out on digs and things? I saw a show about that one night when I was up way too late. One of the worst parts of a night job, sometimes you don't get to sleep until late. The public access channels sometimes have some fascinating things showing." She listens about how hard Isabella worked, looking impressed as she describes what she's doing now. "That sounds.. amazing. I'm thinking of going to get my GED and taking some night classes. Can't be a stripper forever after all. What you're doing sounds like a dream, your dream, and you obviously love it. That's the best way to be about your work, or I think so at least." There is a pause as she takes a proper drink of her wine. "Three hours to argue out your thesis? That sounds rough. How do you prepare for something like that?"

"That sounds great, and please do," Isabella tells Zoiya agreeably about the dance lessons. "I'll let Lilith and my girls know, too, once you set something up. And I'm definitely feeling the cold and the laziness that comes with it. Normally I'm pretty good getting up in the morning to go on a run, but it's starting to become monotonous - diving and swimming, at least, you have to pay attention - many things can go wrong when you're underneath the water. But if you're just rolling in circles around the park..." She wiggles her fingers. "I need more excitement in my routine."

Glancing down at the cat in her lap and how it sleeps, there's an unmistakable, endeared look on her features, before she finishes her cup of coffee.

"I do. I actually put in more field hours than I did lecture hours - I love being out there, and being able to go to different places and interacting with different cultures is one of the best reasons to get into the field I am. Not to say it's always exciting. If you don't like digging through paper, old books and spending hours in archives or a library, it can be terribly boring and most of my first few years was like that. Pure research and with very little breaks. Academia can eat you alive when you're not looking, also, as adjuncts can be treated very poorly depending on where you are. So definitely a far cry from what the movies portray, but that isn't to say they get it completely wrong. Sometimes there's this very sweet spot where Hollywood dreams and the reality overlap. I can tell you so many stories about lost Spanish gold for instance. As for the thesis..." There's a breathless laugh. "Know it inside out, remember my experiences - and a doctor in Addington Memorial gave me a helpful hint recently that if I can't recall something, it's okay to tell the supervisors of the viva voce that I don't know."

She listens with interest about Zoiya's GED dreams. "What are you interested in?" she wonders. "I mean, once you get your GED and start taking night courses. I know you love dancing, and art, were you thinking of pursuing those further or something else?"

"I think we can find a way to energize our minds and bodies at the same time." Mae gets an agreeable look on her face as she finally drinks the last few sips of her wine, setting it aside. "Dancing is exciting, pole dancing is more exciting. Most people don't realize how much upper body strength you need, but it's a great way to get it and keep it, without having bulky muscles in your arms and shoulders." She makes a face before she makes a rueful admission. "I never really got into running, a bunch of girls I worked with in New York swore by it, but I never felt really safe running out there. I imagine it might be quite a bit different here."

The cat turns on Mae's lap, stretching its legs out as the subtle movement almost speaks to, please rub my belly. She obliges, gingerly scratching there in case it wasn't a signal for petting at all.

"That sounds really exciting. I imagine someone in your shoes could travel anywhere for work. I used to dream about traveling, but for some reason I've become pretty settled here. I've seen some big cities though on my way to the PNW so , I can be settled in that regard." She leans on the table, a bit lost in the cadence of Isabella's voice as she talks about her passion, a slight smile quirking the corners of her lips up. "I mean, in a way, the Mummy was about that, wasn't it? I watched it for Brendan Fraser, but then Rachel Weisz stole the show for me. She loved her work so much."

"Oh, nothing big or brilliant. I figure that one day, I'll have to pack it in. When I do that, I kind of would like to open up a little studio of my own or work in one. I figure if I take some business management classes, I can learn all of those pesky things that come with running a business." Mae lets her finger drift along the stem of her wine glass. "I have street smarts, and I've gleaned quite a bit from my time traveling across the country, but neither of those things give you any insight on how to run a business."

"Any place could be dangerous, even small towns like this one," Isabella tells Zoiya, something complicated flickering past her eyes and expression when she professes the words quietly, but with the confidence that she normally delivers whenever making such statements. She almost always is, but she is very intimately aware of the fact as to how dangerous the city is when someone blinks. "So I say, do whatever makes you feel safe and protected." Her smile returns, inclining her head at the attractive dancer. "Anyway, I can't wait to try it - pole dancing, and other dancing. I can see how the upper body strength thing works out and it does make sense."

Blinking when the dancer mentions the Mummy, she can't help it; the archaeologist laughs. "Between us? It's one of my most favorite movies. It's absolutely not accurate to the profession at all, but I don't even care, I unapologetically love it - Rachel Weisz's character in particular. Remember that scene when she opened the Book of the Dead and was like 'it's just a book, no harm ever came from reading a book' and she ended up unleashing Imhotep? That's me. That is definitely me."

These dreams may not be anything big, but there is something about hearing it that softens the young woman's features palpably. "I hope it happens," she tells her gently, sincerely. "I'll come as a regular if you ever open it up, to keep in shape and have fun if nothing else. Endorphins are great for one's personal well-being, so I like anything, really, that gets me going. Running, dancing, diving and swimming..." Mischief glitters in her eyes. "Sex. I like any excuse to travel too, and I encourage everyone to do that, even if it is cross-country. Most other nations think that America's a cultural black hole, but if you travel from one end to the other, you'll see how diverse each territory actually is."

"You know, when I first arrived here, I thought this town was sleepy and boring. It's certainly changed my mind in a short amount of time. Strange things happen here that I can't explain, and while I should probably leave before it gets any stranger.. I can't bring myself to do it." Mae wrinkles her nose and her hazel eyes shift to take in Isabella, nodding as safety is mentioned. "The best part about dancing in general is the music. I love music so much. So between Roxy and I you're probably going to get an earful of something crazy, along with a strident workout. The pole can be a bit unforgiving when you're first learning. I used to have some odd bruises, but once you get it, and you start to trust your body more, it's a rush."

She laughs, covering her mouth for a moment before she just shakes her head. "It's one of my favorite movies too. Nothing like the scene where you meet Rachel Weisz's character and she knocks over all of those book shelves. She had no real fear in that first scene, and I knew from that moment that whatever ride she got taken on in the movie, she would be full speed ahead. No fear. I wasn't wrong." Mae gives Isabella a speculative look when she mentions the scene and how it reminds her of herself. It prompts a brief giggle. "That movie had a lot of really good moments in it. Poo that it's not accurate, but I bet a lot of people checked out the profession after seeing something like that."

"I hope it happens too, I don't mind where I work and the work that I do now, but in a few years that could change. I could change, and I want to have options ready for that eventuality." She takes a deep breath and nods her agreement. "Moving and feeling that control over your body is amazing. I never did much more than dancing, but I'm hooked now. I pushed all kinds of things around in my boyfriend's basement so I can practice there when I'm not at work or the dance studio. It clears my head and it helps me think."

"I've driven across the country and I learned a lot during the trip. People are so different in different places, you can see all kinds of fantastic things, and the food.." Mae rubs her belly for a moment, rolling her eyes toward the ceiling. "I hated Chicago for a few reasons, but I would stop back there during a trip just to eat there again. They do some foods completely different from anywhere else in the country. Not just their pizza."

Her aura changes there at something that Zoiya says - melancholy in its bent at the dancer's inability or unwillingness to leave. There's a brief frown, though she doesn't seem to be conscious of it, directed to the fingertips bared by the cuffs of her jacket. Gauze bandages are wrapped around her fingers and the back of her hands. "This town gets its hooks on you fast if you're not careful," she tells her simply. "The strangeness is part of it. I managed to leave it behind for over a decade, but work pulled me back here and now I don't know if I'll ever be able to leave it completely again."

The rest, at least, puts the smile back on Isabella's face, throughout her dreams of having a business of her own, her love of dance, and with an approving nod about her cross-country trip. "I hear it's an amazing place for foodies, Chicago. Though I hear New Yorkers can get super uppity about calling deep dish a pizza. But whatever, right? If it looks good, eat it." She winks at Mae then, before she slowly, reluctantly, starts to rise from the couch.

"Anyway, Mae, it's very nice meeting you, and I'm sure I'll see you again soon, especially if you and Roxy get together to start teaching dance over the Winter. You got my number, let me know, alright? I better get going, I'm not done shopping." She wiggles her fingers. "Stay safe out there, and good luck with the GED!"