I have no plot for this ! So plot with me :>
I'm really up for anything, within reason of course. My main interests are;
My basic rules
If you don't like the way I roleplay, that's fine ! Just let me know... I won't hold it against you ;P
Sure ! What plot did you have in mind ?
ohhh okay, that’s a good one.
I’d be up for doing it- do you want to plot a little bit to develop the story or just wing it?
hmm.. perhaps muse b if that is alright ?
sure ! Sounds like a good idea. It’s a good starting point.
hmm… perhaps muse a has to take over the company but isn’t overly interested ? So muse a is there more often after saving muse b, and finds a sense of freedom or something being in muse b’s company ? Maybe she tries to help him get out of it, and that can create conflict with her job and such.
yeah ! And there can be more conflict of muse a’s father trying to force muse a’s consent ? That leaves it open for quite a bit of action / hard decisions
sure ! Do you want to find pictures of characters ? Or just do descriptions ?
Sounds good ! Which one of us to start ?
I’ll put my picture in with my first post
Can do !
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Finding a job was easy, if you were a man. Even in the industrial era of the Victorian Age, women didn't possess many jobs- especially not in factories. One could assume then, that Miss Bloom was a... special case. She had never had much money, and at a young age was cast out on her own- not really by choice, but her father wanted her to marry young, have a family... they didn't expect her to refuse, and make a life for herself. Surviving was hard, and living was even harder. Yet, she was making do, but she owed it to her boss for that chance, and for the job she still currently owned. Without it, who knew where she would be right now...
Today was no different than any other day, Laura was headed to work dressed appropriately, but had a haste in her step. She was minutes away from being late, and even though the factory was only a block away, barely even that, she had become oblivious to her surroundings. She knew she had to keep her pace, however, she had been notified that the boss' heir was coming to the workplace, and she was technically supposed to be there helping prepare- that being cleaning, starting the machinery... and of course working. But, the morning trolley had been early, and thus she had missed it. She was then forced to wait, or walk. She had picked the latter, and was consistently dabbing gingerly at her face to erase any trace of sweat that was beading across her pores.
Passing across the road was a easy task for someone who had lived here for much of her life, so she easily stepped into the traffic and made it out, but she had one more street to cross. She trotted across the sidewalk when the factory came into view just down the street, and in her impatience glanced only one way before she jogged into the streets- her carelessness brought her out in front of a carriage. She heard the yelling of a man- and her head turned to face its location. Instantly Laura stiffened, and one could see her pigment whiten as least three shades as the carriage was within a foot of running the lady over. Though she felt frozen in place, her lips parted and what came from her lips was simply a cry for help- as if someone could within the seconds before the collision.
"Help!"
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Hope that's okay !
When Laura felt herself get hit- she expected it to come from the front, not the side. The impact easily tossed both her and her saviour to the ground, and she didn’t move at first, quite dazed by the sudden outcome of her previous situation. Giving her head a quick shake, the woman focused on the man, more worried about his well-being rather her own. But, when she spotted him, he was already getting up to his feet. She allowed a small sigh of relief to leave her lips- especially when she noticed that he looked like he had money- simply from the jacket he wore.
When she finally noticed his outstretched hand, her green eyes flicked between it, and his face. She seemed almost cautious, but after a slow blink at his hand, she grasped it and allowed his help. She seemed content to be back on her feet, and gently patted down her outfit. Of course, it was a men’s outfit- she was only one of the 5 women who worked at the factory, so there was no point in female clothing. She seemed mildly distracted with the tear she had in the right arm of her jacket, but was brought back to her senses when he spoke to her. His words slow in her mind, but kind… she was glad that he didn’t seem to want anything from her.
“Oh, I’m just fine thank you… but I should be asking you that. Why save a stranger? Let alone one dressed like myself,” Her tone had a sense of mockery in it, but not towards him- herself. She was trying to make light of the situation, even if that was futile. She didn’t overly enjoy confrontation, and would prefer to get out of this conversation Scott free.
“However, pardon my rudeness Sir… but I am quite late on getting to my work.” She turned her head and glassed in the factory’s direction. She wasn’t quite sure of the time- she carried no device that could tell her, but when she had left it was around 7:15am, what was it now? Surely later, with all the bustle on the streets and pathways.
Laura had noticed his eyes capture her’s, and in that moment she herself found her gaze stuck on his- there was an intelligence in their dark brown depths that kept her stare locked in place. Her eyelashes dancing with the downward brush of a blink before she coughed gently, and broke their tied gaze. Slowly nodding when he questioned if she was headed to the same factory as him.
“Yes… I do.” She paused mometarily only to try and figure out why the man would be going to such a place, especially dressed so nicely. It baffled her… but it didn’t occur to her that he may have some high standing in the factory itself- perhaps a business associate. She did begin walking with him however, eyes set ahead on the path- biting into her lip purely out of nervousness. Maybe with the boss’ son coming today, she could manage not to get fired.
“What’s your name? If you don’t mind me asking.” She seemed to have pushed her previous embarrassment aside- but that didn’t mean she had forgotten it… yet she felt like she owed him her company- he did, after all, jump in front of a carriage and save her life. It was literately the least she could do.
“Mr Charlie Cooper,” she gave a friendly wink, before looking back down at his hand. Originally, she hadn’t thought anything of it… but upon it sinking in, she resumed a pale-faced look. Smiling weakly as she took his hand, giving it a firm shake despite looking like she’d seen a ghost. He is Mr Cooper’s son…! She felt panic rise in the hardened beats of her heart- and honestly she felt ill to be in his presence. Who was he to walk around with a common worker like herself? Especially when he was technically one of her bosses, and he had seen her carelessness. Would he assume the same would happen at her job?
Shaking off the horrible thoughts that now plagued the back of her self-conscious, she summed up enough courage and respect to respond to him. “Miss Laura Bloom, at your service.” She spoke gingerly, her voice assuming a formal tone to it- she likely couldn’t joke around with him! Yet, he didn’t seem as stiff as his father… no- he seemed much sweeter. Yet, all thoughts aside, she had to hurry. Picking up the pace a little, the woman gently plodded to an area safe to cross- barely waiting three seconds before she took his hand and hauled him across before traffic got a swing at them, gently huffing when they got to the other side.
“I must say Mr Cooper, it’s good to know that even the boss’ son can be occasionally tardy,” she allowed a laugh to cut the air, the sound hearty and real- having a smooth and silky undertone that made it sound honeyed. It was hard to believe that a woman who seemed so gentle could work in a factory. But, her hands were calloused, worn by her job.. the cuts and bruises scattered beneath the rags she was given. She was living a hard life.
Absolutely
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"Likewise, Mr Charlie Cooper." She smiled, the gesture seemingly genuine. She had to hold her tongue, however, upon seeing his baffled reaction to her racing across the street, and found it mildly amusing that it was likely the most risky thing the man had ever done! Especially being Mr Cooper's son. She found it curious though, the way he seemed rather different from his father. She did also wonder why he was visiting the factory, but it wasn't her place to ask. Thus, she kept quiet, and continued walking.
"Oh, I'm sure we'll run into one another again, Mr Charlie," she let out a laugh, interrupting herself, "I'll try not to make it as abrupt next time," she chuckled, raising her hand in a small wave before she turned, and trotted towards the other half of the factory, away from where Charlie was headed. Even if she didn't get yelled at by her boss, she sure as the sky was blue getting an earful from her co-workers. Men and the few women! She couldn't catch a break around here.
Charles was approached by his father's secretary as he came up the stone staircase towards his father's office, the woman dressed finely and didn't seem to have a hair out of place. She had pursed lips and the librarian-like glasses she wore sat loosely on the bridge of her nose, having to constantly push them back up into place, even if they didn't help her see much else than the books and files she had to read.
"You're late, Sir." Her voice was extremely formal, and she had an uptight attitude about her- likely his father's doing. She walked Charles over to the door, giving a hefty knock before she struggled to pull open just one side of the grand entrance to his father's office. Once she managed to get the door a jar, she poked her head in. "Sir, your son is here," She spoke gingerly, and soon after a gruff voice replied to tell her to let him in.
Inside, the room was wide, the colour mostly a brilliant white marble, which much of his office was made of, as well as darker tones of mahogany wood and black iron castings. The room shared such deep contrasts as to prove a point- to show the authority of the man that sat behind the worn, large desk. The man himself, however, had stood to greet his son, even if his face was hardened, and his emotions vacant.
"My only son, late to his first important meeting... How shameful," He was a good father- he cared, of course, but he had different ways about caring... It was his way or no way, and even if he wanted what was best for his son, what would set him up in his life and let him live comfortably, he cared less about his own son's wishes and wants, he believed the path he laid out for him was the one, and only choice for his son. After all, his own father had done the same for him.
Sorry, I had work last night
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The man stood stiffly, watching his son enter. He didn’t seem to be in any sort of mood to hear excuses, but when was he ever? He crossed his arms, and stepped down from his desk. Walking over to his son, he looked at the sleeve of his jacket.
“Why is your jacket torn?” The anger burned in his voice, he clearly wasn’t impressed. How could his son show up to his place of business like this? But he shook his head. They had things to discuss, he could school him later. After all, today was the start of his son’s training. He was the heir of the factory, and he’d be taking it over once he himself stepped down.
“Come, we can’t waste anymore time. We must discuss the factory,” He brushed past his son, and exited the office. Quickly, he began towards the staircase, and started to head down. “As I am sure you’re aware, you will be taking over the factory once I have stepped down. Being the way things are, you will likely take over ownership within the year.” His voice was stern, and loud. This was to keep his son quiet- allowing for no discussion on the topic. Charles did not have a choice in the matter.
He continued down the steps, and turned to the left, his shoes clicking against the stone flooring. “You will learn each area, all of the employees within those areas as well. Their strengths, weaknesses, what they rotate onto each day,” he paused to look back, expecting his son to be right on his heels, “and I would expect that you will do so without fail. You will be here every day to learn the trade. What we make, what we sell, the income and the outcome. All of it. You will meet with our business partners, and as for the employees… you will let me know about any who are slacking off. We can’t afford to pay those doing nothing,”
The man nodded in silent approval. He was glad his son was figuring it out. He continued to walk with him, hands grasped behind his back. “I’m glad you are so willing to have this future! Did you know your grandfather owned this factory? He passed it down onto me, and never have I been so proud to say I can do the same to my son,” He gently squeezed his shoulder, before he walked through an entranceway, and looked into the area.
“This is the manufacturing area, and one that houses two of the five women we have working here. They do an okay job, but the men always exceed them, obviously.” He muttered as he began walking through.
As they were walking, various men were working, and doing so diligently. They only spoke to one another quietly about their work- but two louder voices soon came within earshot. It was two female voices- and one would be familiar to Charles. “Ladies,” his father said as they rounded the corner, and the quiet laughter would stop. Both women looking over.
One was covered in oil and grime- but the green eyes stood out with such brilliant that could make one’s soul quiver. It was Laura.
“Apologies, Sir…” she spoke cautiously, but blinked seeing Charles. What was he doing in here?
Laura blinked when Charles replied, but a small smile came across her lips. Was he already in charge? But when she saw his father step out in front of him with a cold look at his face, she quickly recoiled.
“It is not fine. You are meant to be working, not joking around. Or shall I dock your pay once again, Miss Bloom?” The man scowled. With a hesitant glare, and a final glance at Charles, Laura and the other lady got back to work. Yet, they didn’t seem to have as much as the men. Either because they had finished quite a bit, or they just weren’t given as much.
With a frustrated sigh, the man walked past them, and led Charles along. He showed him a few more areas, mainly just the shipping prep area and then the actual shipping area. “You’re free to explore, now,” he began, “the workers will be done soon, and the ladies will remain to clean up.” He eyed him carefully. His son seemed to have recognized Miss Bloom, and she likewise. How had they met before? Regardless, he would ensure that his son kept to his duties. He couldn’t have any of the women here influencing him with their charms. They could whine about anything, and as far as he was aware, would jump at the opportunity to speak to an educated, unmarried man like Charles.
“Don’t get any ideas, Charles. These women will only take advantage of you.” He muttered finally before he left the man to his own devices.
Laura had just sighed when Charles and his father walked away, giving her head a momentary shake as she refocused on her work. He was right- distraction wasn’t something she could afford. Not now… yet, Charles sympathy made her feel better, and she was hoping that if he did take over the company that he wouldn’t grow hard and cold like the boss. She could recall a time when coming to work wasn’t such a hassle- a time when she actually enjoyed this job. Enjoyed being employed.
She had just began to finish, and was carrying some heavy materials when she suddenly felt a bump against her back, and all that she had been carrying quickly hit the ground. She jumped out of the way to avoid it landing on her toes. She spun around to face who had hit her- seeming ready to begin yelling. She’d had enough of the men working here pick on her- oh. Her own cheeks got a little rosy from her assumed anger, but she quickly relaxed.
“Hi, Mister Cooper,” She couldn’t help but laugh a little at his embarrassment, “it’s alright.. nothing to worry about.” She smiled, before moving over and picking the things back up. She seemed to like him, or at least tolerated him at the moment. “What are you doing back here?” She inquired, looking back at the man as she hauled the metal and such over to the side, dumping it onto a cart, and brushing her hands off her pants. Man, she was exhausted.
She turned to face him, and brought out a small handkerchief, which she then poured some water on from the nearby sink and began to clean off her face. She’d rather clean her own face before she got to cleaning everything else.
She appeared to be quite surprised at his reaction, yet only smiled sheepishly in response, momentarily avoiding her gaze from his. Why is he acting like that? the thought began to plague her, but she stayed silent. She just had to finish picking these up, now. She did watch him haul some of it up, and chuckled lightly at watching him help. She couldn’t say he was weak- but he definitely didn’t do this for a living.
When she had come back over to him, she’d just finished wiping off her own face and hands, when she noticed him dirtied by the spot and grime already. She carefully took his hand, wiping it clean before her arm raised itself, and she found herself cleaning off his face. Her eyes were gentle, despite their intense colour. She seemed content. However, when she noticed what she was doing, she coughed and quietly took her hand away, putting the cloth away.
“My job?” She seemed quite surprised to hear the question, and fidgeted awkwardly as she thought about how to answer.. he’d tell his father what she said, wouldn’t he? “It’s well- it’s a job,” she gave a small, unsure smile, “it pays well enough,” she added, before looking away and running a hand through her hair slowly.
