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Twinkling silver bells and evergreen boughs hung around a rickety plywood square can transform the mundane from a lumber yard into the extraordinary. Ol' St. Nick has already made his visit to the good boys and girls of New York, and some of the older holiday fanfare still remains in one of the parks around Manhattan. Not Central, mind you, that property is still too hard to arrange anything locally in despite the epicenter of many attacks. But an old square fringed in greenery closer to the less prestigious addresses in town holds what remains of a Christmas market, cunningly rebranded on a hung canvas banner as the 'Winter Wonderland.' Many of the features are the same from Christmas, lots of little nooks where tired vendors can hawk their inexpensive crafty wares. It's still the same assortment: pretty sequined clips and barrettes, knitted hats and gloves, baby blankets, handmade lotions, things supposedly operated by battery or electricity coming out of someone's workshop. In short, there's a lot of tiny business to make a few more bucks if they can. Baked goods are abundant, too, and the proceeds from a few apparently go to various causes ranging from helping children in Harlem to children in Africa to missionaries for children in Honduras. It's all very exciting.
A few chairs and tables, the cheap folding kinds, creates a makeshift café and a few pallets nailed together create a fantastic stage. Who thought to bring out a plastic covered couch was genius, because that's evidently where the cool kids get to sit, though they're constantly changing as the performers with guitars or sheet music come and go. In another 'square' of plywood, there's something of a barn dance on straw going on. It's chaotic, colourful and young, the sort of place where urchins make a fortune stealing quarters and people try to forget the world is under invasion by aliens.
*
Amidst all of this, Wanda is trying to purchase tea. Dried herbs for tea, as a matter of fact, sold in little pint-sized paper bags hand-labeled by the vendor. An old pair of scales helps to measure out quantity, and a canteen of boiling water allows for samples in tiny Dixie cups. The scent of mint is appalling, too strong for most, but she generally ignores this to whisk through an assortment of laminated cards showing the name of the tea and the components. Pictures help, too, because not everyone knows what those flowers are. As a non-native English speaker, she falls into that category all but immediately. She flips over one and dusts off the corner, a fine powder raining down. 'Tis the problem with tea, it gets into everything, a dark, fine dust easily blown away. She holds out the card, and the vendor hands her an octagonal glass container full of dull green and browned leaves. A sniff confirms this is a terrible choice. She shakes her head. "The other black?"
*
Julie is meandering through the park, herself, wearing a floppy pom-pommed beret, a checker-patterned wool scarf, (Presents!) and Ray-Bans, she seems to have thrown a wool coat over a broadly-cut skirt and…what might be a bowling shirt or some such. She seems to have a bit of a thoughtful look on her face as she idles through.
*
New York City still presents something of a challenge to Amanda Sefton. Too many places! It makes it awfully awkward to teleport in and out as she needs. So today she settles for walking, mostly. Get the lay of the land. The winter carnival is a surprise, but not an unpleasant one. She smiles in delight, her eyes widening as she takes it all in. She then quickly crosses the street to immediately experience whatever they have. Carnivals in Europe were always a little small in the places the circus visited. This is a nice bit of nostalgia for the places they used to call home, however temporary.
*
So many exciting places, colour and song. The current performer on stage is a gentleman of about 30, singing folksy Americana takes on carols. They are unusual enough that only a few in the crowd sing along with him, but they seem to enjoy coffee, tea, and the crush of humanity. Nothing a good cookie and some music can't fix.
Wanda continues to search for a tea, though the second jar brought to her takes all of a second to convey it's exactly what the brunette seeks. A quick flare of her nose to breathe in deeply and she gives an approving nod to the patient vendor wrapped up in a four foot long scarf to keep the chill at bay. Snow is thick enough on the ground to blanket the dormant grass, and the salt crystals on patches of unmelted slush and ice a hazard for anyone not watching where they go. She hands over her coins and a folded up bill in exchange for a paper bag, tucking that away into the pocket of her claret leather coat, a rather unusual design that's all angles and curves for a trench. Eventually she pulls away from her task, and huffs out a breath. "«Now where?»" That language isn't English, not even close, a distant faraway cousin from the Balkans by way of India. Romany, by any other name.
*
Julie continues her meanderings a while. A lot's happened just lately, and it seems a cheerful setting's in order. Possibly it's the distinctive garb, but she spots Amanda and gives a broad wave. "Ayy! How you doing?" Pauses to try and remember her name. "Had any good pizza lately?" she says, maybe a subtle reminder of their previous meeting under different circumstances. She's not dressed for whatever she was doing with tow trucks, but the particular Brooklyn-tinged voice might help there.
*
Familiar words, though slightly different accent makes Amanda turn on her heels as she regards the group of people now in front of her - coincidentally bringing her into Julie's line of sight before the woman spots her. "«Wherever your fancy takes you?»" she counters, a slight smile on her lips. She never hears that language away from the circus. It's a nice change! But then her eyes fall on Julie as the woman greets her, and she smiles broadly. "I'm all right.. did you end up taking care of that last vehicle you hooked up before we found coffee?"
*
It's not common to hear that old tongue around here, much less get an answer. Wanda ceases contemplating where is safest to push into the crowd, instead pulled to locate the sassy answer's source. Her expression shifts rapidly from a guarded state to cautious, curious feline, forced to stand on tiptoe and see. When that proves imperfect, she ventures out into the masses milling around the narrow open-air corridor and heading towards Amanda and, now, Julie. It seems unlikely she's about to butt in, holding back for a few moments until the conversation deepens or breaks off.
*
Julie nods, thinking it through, a moment, "Yeah, that was… Right, that green Ford." There were a *lot* of cars to haul off that night. "Yeah, that one was easy. Owner was just out of town, worried about coming back before the coast was clear, he's got it back already." The different language spoken causes her to tilt her head, but helps her remember the name. "Amanda, right? Finding your way around this burg OK?"
*
"Right. And you're Julie," Amanda says. To be honest it's easy - she hasn't had the opportunity to meet a lot of people outside of the circus. At the question, she waggles a hand. "It is… much bigger than I am used to." She may have mentioned that before. "I do a lot of map studying before I venture out in my free time." Spying Wanda's motion and making a guess she murmurs, "«Looking for me? I am sorry for the interruption. I haven't heard anyone speak the language in the city.»" She grins at Julie's seeming curiosity. "It isn't often I hear my native tongue when I am out and about," she explains.
*
Here comes the sun, even if there's a mildly overcast pallor to the place. Wanda glances aside to ensure no one brushes against her, and she keeps her arms all but welded to her sides. Easier to move without being knocked about, a real danger when one isn't particularly large. "I hear many people speak here, but few in that one." Her accent betrays her as somewhere European, trending more east than west. "Very few, here. Hello," she adds, that last ditch addition to be polite more a conscious effort than a habit, considering the faint lines radiating upon her brows in thought. "I am sorry to bother. She took me as a surprise, that's all." English imperfections define her further as someone definitely not from 'round here. "Wanda, by the way."
*
Julie ahas, there, glancing over to where Wanda is, and gives a wave. Looks back to Amanda, says, "Whatt'd I tell ya, there's a little bit of the whole *world* here in New York. I guess maybe a couple others lately, too. That's the best part sometimes." She nods. "Dizzy. This is Amanda, from… wherever that was she said."
*
"Germany," Amanda says. Though her accent doesn't strong scream German. She smiles at Wanda and offers a hand. "I apologize. It was just nice to hear someone I didn't know speaking." Speaking Romany, she means. "I work with many who do, but it is nice to hear a new voice." She dances around a small family that has arrived, not wanting to block their way, before she settles back into place and smiles again. "You did say that," she admits to Dizzy. "I should have believed you right away. This city is SO big after all."
*
"Deutschland, ah." No condemnation comes out of Wanda when Amanda admits to her last point of call, she simply states the place for what it is. The extended hand she grasps with her own; thin gloves cut back to expose her fingernails carry some heat, and she waves. "You do not have to say sorry. You did nothing wrong." Hers is a somewhat blunt and direct way of going about things, not exactly American, and smiles are a rare thing with her. It's not to suggest she means to be unfriendly, listening attentively to the pair of them. "Clear sky and open roads for you. There are many roads here, and they are very strange." Her gaze flicks towards Dizzy, her palm held up in a slight wave. "You are familiar with them? Or is everyone here pretending to know where they go, and they do hope to get there at some point?"
*
Julie nods, to Amanda, some of that story mentioned regarding Germany coming to mind. Looks over to Wanda, then offers a hand, "More than most, I guess. At least between here and Philly. Some in California, just took 66 most of the way back from there. Coast Road's something to see over there, though, but it's all about how you drive em, I say." Does offer a hand, since handshakes are in progress.
*
Amanda dips her head in a nod at Wanda simply noting. "And then England and Scotland and Wales. And then we came here." Ah, it lacks her other part of the explanation. She smiles again, looking apologetic for a moment. "I work for a circus," she explains. "We are set up near Westchester." Because it's a big circus. And there wasn't enough room much closer to the city. Her eyes dart between Wanda and Julie - did she miss something? Amanda frowns to herself. What did she miss? "Is California much different?"
*
Dark hair falling around her shoulders catches the light breeze, lending a trace of motion about an otherwise very still young woman. She tucks her hands into the pockets of that coat, burrowing deep to maintain some hint of warmth in the cool weather. "That is one long road, then," she says of 66, more than likely, giving the vaguest of nods. "There is a circus in Westchester?" Oh, how her tongue burns and twists to do the mamba around that particular name, an odd one in the least. "I did not know. How exciting for this town. They are going to see good performances." In her opinion, anyways.
*
Julie may have taken Wanda's query literally, if gregariously, but if Diz is ever contemplative in her life, it's been while driving. And, since a lot of New Yorkers never seem to leave these streets for any roads at all to speak of, well, it's something. She nods to Amanda. "Loads. Beaches, sunny all the time, almost, …more space to run in the street if you wanna, music's something else." She pauses there. "Could do Westchester some good up there, I guess. Coney Island just ain't what it used to be. I know some roads up that way, too, just Johnny Law's got a stick up his… Suspenders about some things."
*
Amanda grins slightly. "All you had to say was 'completely the opposite of everywhere you have been'," she jokes. Not that any of the UK was ever dreadfully unpleasant, but on the other hand she didn't see that one famous beach, either. "I think everyone has been enjoying themselves when they arrive," she says with a nod. "Especially the children. They adore unusual animals."
*
"California does not seem to have this either." A wave of Wanda's hand indicates the freezing state of affairs, the weather crisp and whitewashing the usual grey mire of the city. Another pair of performers on the stage sing a duet and they're actually halfway good, though the addition of the guitar certainly helps. She nibbles on her lower lip in thought, allowing for the conversation to proceed without too much interruption on her part. "Johnny who?" Her query might be a lost cause without cultural context, though she seemed to follow up until about that part. It's her time to be mildly confused, all things said and done.
*
Julie nods to Amanda, smiles a bit. She may have that in common with those children. Wanda gets a slightly apologetic look. "Oh, that's a word for the police, traffic police in this case, they don't like kids driving too fast. They're… Strict like nuns about it there if they catch you, you see." She adds, "I'm parked not-too far from here if you girls want to go, but it sounds like you've seen it." She smiles.
*
"Well… I do work there." Amanda smiles. "So I am fairly familiar." Not that she would ever object to taking people to her workplace. She's proud of the hardwork everyone puts in to make every show a successful one. The explanation of the term 'Johnny Law' earns a shrug from Amanda, though it is in Wanda's direction. "I have no idea why they use that name either." She's heard it once or twice before, had it explained once. Didn't get it then, still doesn't.
*
Julie nods. "Ah, so you're with the circus, sorry the city's been having a few of its own just lately. Well, more than usual, I guess. But if you guys are touring the country, I know a few places you might look at stopping if it's not all set up in advance." She pauses, and explains. "Car races and stuff. There's lots of fairgrounds and racetracks and the like between here and California, see."
*
"It's possible," admits Amanda. "Management has made sure we traveled all over." There is something about the way she says that word. 'Management'. As much a title as a thing that exists. Though there's nothing ominous in the way she says the word. "I'm not sure. I've wondered why a few times, but then I always find something in the city I wouldn't be able to find otherwise." She nods in Julie's direction. "I do. I'm the fortune teller." Which she says with equal amounts of embarrassment and pride. She does her job well… but people still expect a Romani fortune teller in these things.
*
"I see. Law, police." The mental connection drawn from A to B without Johnny in the middle, and Wanda gives the slightest inclination for her head. The change in subject she follows well enough. "I would be happy to see your circus. It may be familiar." There could be a far more eloquent way of describing that but she's currently operating on a fairly simple situation for English as a second language, and doesn't require further explanation from there. "The city and the country. It has not been an easy time. I am surprised that so many stay in the city here, rather than leave. Surely that must be something that make them uncomfortable." A pause lingers there, and she gives Amanda a veiled, thoughtful look. What one might read into that is anything… but given she speaks the language, derision would be an odd sentiment.
*
Julie nods. "Ah, so you're with the circus, sorry the city's been having a few of its own just lately. Well, more than usual, I guess. But if you guys are touring the country, I know a few places you might look at stopping if it's not all set up in advance." She pauses, and explains. "Car races and stuff. There's lots of fairgrounds and racetracks and the like between here and California, see." She nods to Amanda. "Well, if everyone went to the country, it probably wouldn't be the country anymore, and then what would everyone *do,* I guess." She does glance at whatever skyscrapers are in view. "I probably don't want to do a lot of that up there, myself, but there's more to it."
*
"It's possible," admits Amanda. "Management has made sure we traveled all over." There is something about the way she says that word. 'Management'. As much a title as a thing that exists. Though there's nothing ominous in the way she says the word. "I'm not sure. I've wondered why a few times, but then I always find something in the city I wouldn't be able to find otherwise." She nods in Julie's direction. "I do. I'm the fortune teller." Which she says with equal amounts of embarrassment and pride. She does her job well… but people still expect a Romani fortune teller in these things.
*
"Fewer targets. Better given trouble coming here." When it comes to the business of what is better, people living together or spread out, the brunette witch hasn't much of a fevered opinion as some. Merely a point to ask about, given how recent events probably impact everyone who doesn't live under a rock. "They would do whatever they do already? It could be." A delicate roll of her shoulders tugs at her leather coat, and that's all she has to say about that. "How big is this circus? Many people, or a few companies?"
*
Julie ahs, "Guess it depends what you call a target." She makes a couple boxing-looking moves. "You can ask the ice monsters from Planet Asgard what they think about who's targets right now. Pow!" Says, "If it's worth having, it's worth fighting for. I like moving around too, but who's letting ourselves get pushed around? Not New York, nosiree."
*
The question of the circus makes her smile. "550," Amanda answers. "Between performers, trainers, caretakers, and people that help us set up." Given Amanda's set up is remarkably easy, she often helps out with something. Usually the animals. She adores the elephants. "The will of the people here to stay and drive out those that would try to scare them is… amazing," she murmurs at Julie. "I would be very proud to call this city home."
*
Five hundred fifty potential people who speak Romani? A happy day, all around. Say no more, the girl is practically sold. Her hands clap together and Wanda nods approvingly of that. "Nothing small then. We are lucky to have such a thing close by." Her dark eyes flit towards the horizon for a moment, and then she gives the mildest hint of a low smile. "I should like to see it." She isn't talking about Asgard, other than to give a nod of understanding.
*
Julie trails off her American-boxer impression, nodding to Amanda, "Well, you could, like the big green Lady in the harbor says, that's the beauty of it. That's how mi familia got here, and there's a whole lot of highway behind her." Yes, American optimism, and probably also …Obviously a bit mad for cars, probably. She puts a thumb over one shoulder. "Let's go, then, I could use it. You wouldn't *believe* the week I just had."
*
"There's a lot I would believe," Amanda counters, as she follows Julie. "Try me." The day before she was stuck in a Little Shop That Wasn't There Yesterday that was trying to pawn magic trinkets to her. She can stretch her belief considerably when it comes to what has happened to others. "If you drive, I can give directions."
*
"Try me." Slang is rare enough for Wanda, but she has the deadpan delivery for that downpat, right to the amused tone that tends to be the status quo for invulnerable teens and twenties. "I do not think I could win any test with you two for the odd stories, but I would hear, anyways. There must be something that sounds better than 'dead leader, alien did it, alien is dead.'" The way she spins it, the little phrase is meant to come off as ludicrous. Except it's their world, the truth, and ripe with irony though the truth may be, they've got to survive it.
*
Julie nods, though she tilts her head a bit toward Wanda, ….maybe being weird is just part of that gypsy act. Or, as she said, who knows, this week. But she really does seem to be parked nearby, having only been around since she'd been driving around aimlessly, and the road through Central Park often has spots. "Ey, I dunno, I heard that Loki guy on Ed Sullivan, he talked like a good enough guy. I kind of doubt some kinda space alien Commie would say a bunch of *nice* things, shoot the President, then get croaked like giant ice monsters needed an excuse to pummel Brighton Beach. Why bother. "
Their little walk leads up to a little piece of California, if presently showing having been snowed-upon, very shiny chrome wheels, currently fitted in the back with snow tires… it's a '56 Nomad painted in the butterscotch-beige and off-white of a cameo locket, and otherwise looks like a common Chevy crossbred with a station wagon. "Anyway," she says, approaching, "What does anyone know from aliens. If they was trying to fool us, why bother getting fancy."
*
"People respond better to other people who act a certain way," Amanda says, frowning. "I did not see this Loki… I don't like judging before meeting someone for myself. But it is easy to put someone off guard with nice words." She walks around the car slowly, looking, without judgement. Hey, she knows nothing about cars. Why badmouth something she doesn't understand. "Do you have a preference for sitting, Wanda?"
*
Julie nods. "Yeah, but even wiseguys aren't gonna lie when they don't have to, mostly. But if this Loki guy was lying, he could have said *anything,* who'd know the difference?" She opens a door and folds a passenger seat forward for someone to get in. "Kinda what I'm saying, I guess. Why would aliens go to the trouble of all that even if they wanted more trouble, only just to start knocking down buildings anyway? Who cares about the preliminaries, that way, capiche?"