Pettonta Castle: A new time coming

[Year count 188]  So, we're back at Pettonta Castle, and you might be expecting to see a King and his Queen?



Well, unfortunately Count Gustav's application to become the next King of the bigger region, was turned down. Not because he was not worthy, but when all Counts and Dukes of the area was considered, they actually found that one Duke had a vague family tie to the dead King. So, he was chosen over Gustav.

Still, some locals here in Galucca do refer to Gustav as King Gustav, at least for a short while. I'm sure he must have been a popular candidate to the Throne.

And still, do you recall those golden trees planted by a previous Count of Galucca, to make sure his beloved daughter, Lady Ronda, would see the tie to her folks even after moving out to Ucca Island? Most of those trees are still there, leading down to the old town harbour.



Count Gustav and Countess Patrica had their portrait painted by the popular painter, Curtin Navane. He is not a local, but none of the local painters were found good enough for this job.



Most days Gustav will be found in the castle library for a few hours. Previously he could not care less about noble heritage and his better position. He works at the Town Hall with politics, and would have been fine with just that job. But lately he has been recalling fragments of the Pettonta family stories and secrets. Maybe he is just getting older, becoming more interested in history. And the old family gral, his Granny, Countess Maria, never found that gral, maybe Gustav should give it a try? He would not need it for eternal life, but maybe just putting it in a safe place would be smart?

Countess Patrica practice the grand piano almost daily. She is still a manager of Muse Music Hall, a job she adores. Okay, she doesn't work very hard, but she oversees the employees, and not the least their plans. Okay, there is another overseer, that Patrica oversees, so her job is rather easy peasy.

Now, a little side note...



You recall the local photographer, Kenton Sloth, who photographed most of the wealthier families few years ago? He is still a photographer, and today there's a session in his atelier at Arts Academy. A very promising teenager is probably about to break through as a pop artist, Diva Doll. Her real name is Richelle Turmington. Today her mom, Chloe (Seylouse) Turmington followed to make sure her teen daughter is not tricked into anything. Chloe is sister of Louis Seylouse.

Why all this? Because Diva Doll will give a concert tonight at Muse Music Hall. That's why!



Meanwhile, Gustav was at the town hall, attending a Town Council meeting. There's more and more changes, the population is growing and there is need for more rules. It was decided to plant trees along the harbour, a florist named Malone got that job. And City should be modernized. And there is some upcoming change of how they count years, it's been 188 years since Galucca was founded, so 12 years from now there will be a huge 200 years anniversary and the new time counting will start!

Currently there is no representative from Moon District, because Luc Silver died. But in just 2 years there will be another election. Gustav announced that perhaps Fernando will be old enough to go for the election, and Mayor Barksdale (the oldest guy) said that a former Monk might also be a candidate for one district. And wasn't there even another young candidate... They didn't realized that all candidates in question were alien descendants, let's hope they find out in time...

Peter Huston (the man to the right) is son of Frank Huston who disappeared from Seagull Cottage Bed & Breakfast long ago. Several others were missing too, and Police still has no clue. The place might be closed down by the Police, but final decision awaits approval.



Gustav and Patrica have 2 children, Lady Coralyn and Baron Brunato. Lady Coralyn is soon a teen, and she is already a fan of Diva Doll. She wants to go to the concert, but of course she is way too young to follow Patrica there.



Fernando was outside practicing his Archery skills. Then Asha Fogdale turned up outside the old fence. She is not supposed to be seen at the castle of course, and Fernando wishes she would not be this eager, but now that she is involved, he will also need to include her. She is of the green race, too, after all.

Hey, wait... who's lurking behind that bush... if not Emma Hydront...



Diva Doll's concert was a huge success. Her first CD is released these days, and next step might be a break through outside Galucca. But first she will go to the University to study Music, of course. Patrica is pretty proud to have been among those few who backed Diva Doll for years already!



Back at the castle, Fernando is supposed to look after Lady Coralyn and Baron Brunato. Instead he walks around the castle, thinking of his plan B. If A fails, he needs B! He might need a conflict that could tear up this countship! He heard of conflicts of the long gone past, but they all seem dead by now.

Then he found the hidden doorway! :shock: After all these generations, nobody noticed? Or do they all know?

He put the young Baron to sleep, then talked Lady Coralyn into joining him. She is easy to fool.



They moved the bookcase, then there was a narrow corridor leading into the northern tower... they walked up one level, empty, then another level, empty, then another...

There... a painting? A portrait hidden away up her for how many years? It had to be the black sheep of the Pettontas, Lady Esphella, the one who dedicated her life to magic in Moon District!

Next update will be from the Seylouse family, and I hope it will be just in time for their Christmas celebrations :)

Fogdale: Seeking answers

[Year count 187]  Okay, so it's been 11 and not 10 years since we checked on the happy Misty Fogdale and her daughter, Asha. I mixed up my time management, but hey-ho, both Misty and Asha are still there.



The Dump, you know it's the lower part of the Farmlands, where the ground sank long ago. That's where the water is still kinda polluted and stinky, but well, it's still water... You see the Fogdale house back there to the right. We actually stand next to the Smith's house, don't think you know them...



Asha just woke up, late again. She sleeps upstairs, Misty's old room. How weird, the wallpaper was there a generation ago, featuring rockets, as if it was all planned from the beginning? Asha knows that she is the result of an abduction, and that there probably were aliens involved. Right, how could she not know? If the other kids at school had not reminded her almost daily, her mom Misty certainly would have...



Lately, Asha got that creepy feeling that there might be something she doesn't understand. Maybe something she will soon find out. Or something she would rather prefer not finding... but it's just a scary feeling. Maybe all teenagers feel this way? Bladder accidents or not...



At the Dump, there are still some heavily polluting factories. This is where most of the poor workers live. Both Stevo Industies and Garton Industries were there 100 years ago, I think, maybe even before that. Misty hated it when her mom wanted Misty to join the factory workers. Back then Misty was just a teen, and she quit.



Oh... who's back there? Misty! :shock: You can't di finer tech production, not with your temper!

The other workers on the picture are Mary and Herrogg Quist to the right, they live at Maurice Creek, just across the Pond, near the old sunken bridge. And to the left is Virton Gnost. He used to be a Gnomes, but took a new name when he married, because there were several Gnomes families already.

Misty never get this stuff right. And she is not well paid, either. But she needs a little income. In a few years she will turn elderly, and Asha will grow up, then Asha will need to bring in the money!



Herrogg Quist just had a son, and the son inherited his very special skin colour. That's right, just like Misty, Herrogg was born at the time of the big catastrophe.



Asha was supposed to be at school, but just like the other teens of the Dump, she often skipped school all together. Today she walked over to the fenced in area next to the factories, those tanks are filled with toxics, and some locals come here to leave their trash. Recently someone left a sofa and a chair, and some broken machine. Asha checked the seating, but legs were broken, and they were all wet after the late rain.

Then she heard someone down in the Pond!



It was her friends, the Gruston sisters Lundie and Dawn, and Jazzie Smith (green skin). They come here to the Pond to swim, although these waters should rather be avoided, probably. They all grew up hearing stories about the Pond Monster, and although they no longer believe in such stories, they still can't be quite sure...



Misty's friend, Emma Hydront, often stops by to share the latest gossips. She lives at Upper Farmland, and walks by the Fogdale home every time she returns from town. If she can afford a taxi, she will exit the car here, and after a chat with Misty, Emma will walk up the hill to her house.

But she also seems very eager to see Asha. Emma often asks if Asha has got a boyfriend yet, and today she actually suggested that Asha should get closer to Fernando who lives at Pettonta Castle. As if...! Asha wouldn't even be worthy of looking at the Pettontas. Count Gustav almosts became a King! Some locals actually call him King Gustav now, but he is still just their noble Count. Although he's not Fernando's dad, it would almost make Fernando a Prince! Ha, Princess Asha! Ha-ha! No way! Emma must be insane, suggesting such a thing!



But destiny is a strange thing! Later on Asha visited the Historical Museum. She is Artistic, and enjoy watching the exhibitions there, but she also wants to learn more about the catastrophe. And to understand what she obviously can't understand... Then she ran into Fernando from the castle! she knew he is an alien descendant, just like her, but they never really talked. They even went to different schools.

Now it felt like they have a secret together. Something much bigger than a romance. Asha and Fernando!

Malone family: Gardens and Beaches

[Year count 185]  So, it's been 10 years, and we're stopping by at the Malone family again. Everet passed on, as well, leaving it all to Syrup Malone, his insane wife Timara, and their 2 kids, Gilbert and Umbrella.

But, we're on our way to Pettonta Heights! Or, Timara is. She has joined the Gardeners' Society as a member, and today there is a meeting at the garden of Adrietta D. Asterwood at 2 Pettonta Heights.



You might recognize the home of the Seylouse family, to the right. And you might see Timara's red dress walking down there, too!



Some other members were already waiting; Ann D. Tulitto (blond), Adrietta D. Asterwood (hostess), and finally Fiffi vP. Garton (big).

And they were all eager to have a look at Adrietta's lovely garden.



Then, Timara was offered to replace Adrietta as their leader, and Timara didn't really want the job, but in a crazy moment she accepted. She loves the outdoors, but she never really fancied the Malone's flower production. Walking the members' gardens could work though! And she knew that the group had planned to visit Seagull Cottage to inspect the mysterious rose that recently turned all black.

Ah, did I mention that this day was hot-hot? Not really sure what she was thinking, but Timara ended up in the little garden fountain pond, obviously not a good choice for a soon to be leader...



Couple hours later, the entire Malone family had traveled to Ucca Island in order to spend the day on Ucca Beach. This is a perfect spot on very warm days, because this beach is a bit cooler than the First Beach on the opposite side of the Galucca Passage.

And, yes, that's correct. Young Gilbert Malone is insane just like both his parents...



He seemed happy to play in the sand, and I must admit this was the first time I checked several new options coming with the Paradise Island EP. Although the Scuba Club were quite busy already, I hardly spent time on any of the beaches.



This is in fact pretty close to the spot where sharks love to hang out! You see the Mermaid Dock back there, then the tiny headland, and back there again, a bit to the left, is the Dragon's Jaw. That's known as the busiest shark hangout in the area. One local was already killed by them, Mr Vansant. He was swimming outside Second Beach, that is now renamed Vansant Beach, in his memory. Poor guy!



Timara is Evil by heart, but I think she destroyed her son's castle in order to allow him to build more.



Somehow Gilbert was turned off, and insisted on eating his hot dog on his own... smart guy! I'd done the same!

When they got back home there was a phone call from the town administration. The Council had decided to replace Malone Flower Market with more parking spots for cars. The town is filled up with cars these days, and cell phones.

Syrup and Timara have not tended the market very carefully for a while. They hired a local to sell flowers, while Syrup spent all the time at home producing them. Now that the Council seems to steal the areal, it might be a good time to reconsider? Fighting or giving in?



Just like most local families of a certain class, also the Malone family had been visited by the local photographer, Kenton Sloth. Now a colourful photo was decorating the living room wall. Timara wasn't quite happy with the result, though.

Then she and Syrup walked upstairs, trying for even more kids! I knew that sims do get a different random hairstyle when their various clothing is set on random, but I never knew that they can get gray hair from producing kids?



While Syrup and Timara was woohoo'ing upstairs, someone celebrated his birthday downstairs. Okay, they had a great day on the beach, but it wouldn't have hurt if someone took a few minutes to cheer as their little boy turned into a cool and tad muscular teenager.

Hello Gilbert Malone!

Next update: the angry Misty of the Dump!

Moonster: Gloria's visit the other night

[Year count 183]  So, guess what! Both Yvonne and Milton Moonster just grew elderly! The years certainly fly in Galucca! And the town got several additions recently, more houses and community services popped up all over the place. Here at Moon District everything is more or less the same, though.



Yvonne still works as cook at Chez Ludmilla. She take fewer shifts though, but appreciate cooking very much. Milton still go fishing nearly every day, or he might collect scrap on the beaches, after a stormy night. But when Yvonne is not working, he prefers staying home with her.

Their only kid, Albrech, is still a teen. He is more interested in hanging out with friends instead of going fishing. Milton has already forgotten about his own fight to become a Painter instead of an Angler. That's many years ago now.



Oh, a visitor! That's a Police man, local Mr. Limrick Sculler. He resides next to the library and Albrech's school, which is pretty close to Moon District.



The number of sims disappearing in this district has increased over the years! Again a person went missing, and no body was found. Typically it was a lodger at Seagull Cottage Bed & Breakfast, farther up the Moon Trail.

The local Alien Society thinks it's about abductions, the funny thing is that the abducted sims were never returned. No doubt, something fishy is going on, and the local Police is on the case.

PS: "By the mernaids" is a typical local saying among the Anglers, that's a substitute for "By Similius", and well, it means nothing...



Yvonne is convinced that Milton knows more than he admits. She understands that he keeps stuff hidden from the Police, but not from his wife... okay, it's probably about the MSW, that is sort of non-existing these days. At least Yvonne thinks so. No more meetings, but Gloria Moonster did pay Milton a visit the other night, she sounded rather frustrated and scared. Yvonne couldn't hear what they talked about. After Gloria's little boy Gabriel died, she has been visiting more often, but this was the first time Yvonne got the impression that it was a secret.



They thought Albrech left for school this morning, but instead he walked down to Moonster Dock, a tiny dock that the few Anglers of Moon District share. He set sail, and spent hours on the sea. Fishing just enough to secure a delivery for the Fish Market. He had lots of stuff on his mind, Albrech. The other night he had heard fragments of the discussion between dad Milton and dad's 's cousin, Gloria Moonster. They had been whispering, but Albrech couldn't sleep that night, and his window was open.



So many persons existed no more... was Albrech's dad involved with that? Is that why he had been studying old papers and old books for ages? Working on secret spells?



Later that night Albrech joined his good friend, Baias Gnomes. Baias is now a young adult, and they headed to Suzi's Heaven, where their good friend, Eve Baruba, now works. She is young adult, too! Her dad, Tonny Baruba, is son of the woman who founded the pub long ago, the real Suzi. Eve was adopted, but Tonny had no other kids, so Eve will inherit this place!



Albrech felt a tad left out now that the other two talked about adult stuff. Both the guys had a good eye to Eve, she never was more than a good friend, but now that Baias and Eve both grew up, it looked like Albrech had lost the race.



They were no longer interested in doing pranks, like they used to. Instead, Eve asked him to leave because he is just a teen, and teens should not really be frequenting Suzi's Heaven...



How could this day become any worse? Albrech walked up to Seagull Cottage Bed & Breakfast, and pulled some pranks. How he hated that old woman, somehow he felt that she was about to destroy dad Milton! Gloria Moonster came to the door, looked outside, but didn't notice Albrech, and walked back inside.

It was nearly midnight, and Albrech went home.

Next update: the Malone family!

Seylouse: New interests

[Year count 180] We're stopping by at the Seylouse family again, at 4 Pettonta Heights. They are still pretty top notch of Galucca, much thank to Louis Seylouse running the family business producing paper.



The four family members grew 10 years older. Anitra is a Young Adult (pink) and Divic is now a teenager. Today is Sunday and the family has plans. After a solid breakfast (including nectar for the lady of the house), they will focus on their individual interests, but then have a better dinner together at Muse Music Hall.



In the newspaper they just read about yet another person missing from a Bed & Breakfast here in Galucca. It already happened several times in the past, but no matter how thoroughly the Police searched, it seems there is never a victim to be found. Many locals blame the mysterious events on alien abductions. Everyone knows there were abductions in the past, and the recently missing persons all lived near Moon Mountain. There's gotta be some connection!



Both Louis and Meliss were portrayed by the local photographer, Kenton Sloth. It's become a trend in Galucca. When word of his talent spread, all who could afford it ordered their portraits or family photos. Anitra and Divic found it a little strange that they were not included, like most of their friends had been.



Meliss is still working hard to break trough as a novelist. she switched genre again, this time to the tad more shady, soft... well, she heard the Gas Station sells lots of easy to read paperback books, so maybe that's the way she can become a bestseller? But no luck this far... Maybe it is simply about lack of talent, Meliss?

Not sure if Anitra is as talented on the grand piano as he Aunt Chloe used to be. But Anitra hates the outdoors, and playing the piano is a good excuse to stay in. Her other traits are Workaholic, Brave, Can't stand art, and uhm, she happens to be a bit Clumsy, so maybe the piano is no good idea after all?



Divic seems to be a split person. He is good and friendly, but also an inappropriate kleptomaniac. He is already debating whether he needs an education, or just should become a criminal. But I guess it's a little early to decide.

Louis is a rather greedy person, too. He has managed to add a few more stones to the collection that his father started. Some of the diamonds are so lovely when they glow in the dark. Louis wants more of them! And he also plans to take up Scuba diving. Maybe he could add some underwater finds to the collection?



Meliss and Anitra walked down to Elle's Library. Meliss often goes there to read bestsellers by other authors. Anitra joined a few times to search the local history books.

Today Anitra noticed a note advertising a Historical Society meeting taking place at the library - right now!



Anitra found the little group of just 3 men. Owner of the old town bakery, Jarog Heisserclump, turned out to be their leader. Also Janius Salamand and Etham G. Dickson had attended. Anitra realized it was a men's club, but as hstory is her main interest, she didn't hesitate to sit down.



At Turmington Dock Louis had joined a small group of scuba divers. He never dived before, and another newcomer had joined too, Viggo Kragger.

Louis got pretty starstruck when he realized that the man with glasses was Count Gustav Pettonta! Wow, wait until Meliss hears about this! Louis sitting right behind the Count! And in a few minutes they would dive together!



But just outside the old Fortress Port, Louis and Viggo Kragger were thrown out of the boat, instructed to practice snorkeling. And the boat went on to Dragon Passage. How fair was that?



Later at night, Meliss' birthday dinner was on. They went to Muse Music Hall to eat and to listen to the concert. Also Louis' sister Chloe S. Turmington was there, and stopped by the table to congratulate her sister in law. Chloe looks a bit surprised by Meliss' looks as an elder, though. Did she dye the gray hair too much?

When the place blinked the lights to close for the night, both Meliss and Anitra could hardly keep their eyes open - guess it's time to go home!

Next: Moonster!