The Beautiful and the Damned: A Lost Generation AU

Mary Weather
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I don't really know what I'm doing XD

Posts: 26

Characters I Roleplay: Canada, America, France, Prussia, Fem!Prussia, South Korea, China, Monaco, Macau, among various others! I'm very open XD

The Beautiful and the Damned: A Lost Generation AU Aug 17, 2014 15:32:10 GMT -6

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Post by Mary Weather on Aug 17, 2014 15:32:10 GMT -6

A note left for Arthur Kirkland, written via his typewriter on May 28th

Ohhh, I like this little device! I'm a natural. Perhaps I should become a writer too. So you got a bit of an advance? I agree; it's time to celebrate! Let's stay in. I'll bring some food and drinks and we can just hang out in your room. Or mine, doesn't matter. Although, I'd like to see my Frenchman at the café we frequent. I think he's a major upgrade considering the guys I tend to surround myself with! He seems like much more a gentleman than the ones who buy me drinks and take me to bed. He would at least ask first.

I chuckled at that and I hope you did too.

Anyway, I'll be here tomorrow. I'll dress up regardless if we stay in or not. You need to tell me all about your works okay. I know I'm a pretty face, but I rather like reading! Show me everything, okay? I'll be brutally honest with you as to whether they're good or not. Trust me, I have an eye for these things. And we can continue our conversation about this Frenchie later. I'm telling you, he's a good one compared to my typical men. You sound like my brother. "You can do better than that!" Perhaps you'll enlighten me to your love life, too? Surely a dapper man like yourself has someone on his arm.

- Yours truly, Jules

P.S. I won't type on your typewriter again. Don't want your little English heart to give out on from the anxiety attack you'll probably have. Love ya!

To: Berlin, Germany
From: Paris, France
May 28, 1925

Hello, Ludwig, my sweet little brother. How have you been? I realize I haven't written you in a while and I'm sure you're dying of stress of worry. But don't worry. I'm doing well here in Paris, or as well as a maid can. It took me a while, but I made a friend! He's a lovely Englishman named Arthur, and he's a writer. Before you start to let your mind wander, he's not one I'll be pursuing. I'm pretty sure he's recovering from a broken heart... And well, I just don't think I'm his type. But I wouldn't have it any other way. He treats me well, and I consider him a good friend. I would rather keep him outside of my love life as much as possible, so sorry. He's not the one.

However, that's not to say my eyes haven't caught a little something. There's a Frenchman who lives a few doors down from me and Arthur and he's quite a handsome fellow. We don't talk really, but we wave and say hello to one another in the hallway. I've realized that he works as a waiter in the café I like to hang out at. He looks charming so I think next time I see him I'll approach him and start a real conversation with him. You know me! I've never been one to be shy.

How have you been? I've been thinking about you a lot. Every time I write in that little journal you gave me I hear your voice whispering in my ear. I hear you encouraging me or scolding me. Part of me misses your constant nagging. I''m managing here, though, and maybe when I go back to Germany I'll come back with skills that will give me a real job so I can support myself. Hopefully I won't have to deal with a boss like the one I have now. She's evil, I swear it! I think she has it out for me, but the other maids say the same thing. She's just a nasty person. I'll manage, though. I always do! In the meantime....

Well, in the meantime I'm having way too much to worry about work and bosses.

Write me back soon, okay! Don't be a stranger!

Love, your big, strong, smart, lovely, fun sister, Julchen.

Eliza
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Posts: 23

Characters I Roleplay: Elizabeta Héderváry / hungary
Xio Mei (Mei) / taiwan

The Beautiful and the Damned: A Lost Generation AU Aug 17, 2014 15:59:20 GMT -6

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Post by Eliza on Aug 17, 2014 15:59:20 GMT -6

{ A woman in her late 30s carefully pries open a letter addressed to Hilbert and Lise Herrmann. Upon opening it, a small picture falls out of two girls in dresses. The taller of the two, and presumably the oldest, holds the younger girl in her lap as she smiles in the direction of the camera. On the back of the photo, in neat handwriting, is the following sentence: "We love you, Elise and Alisha." The woman smiles warmly. }

_ _ _

To: Naples, Italy
From: Berlin, Germany
May 28, 1925

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Herrmann,

Hello! What's it like being back in your homeland? I hope you're doing well. The girls and I are patiently waiting for your return. Although they say they miss you both terribly, I told them you two would be back in no time. In the meantime, I've given them plenty to do, aside from their school work. Elise is still having trouble with math, but her tutor seems determined to help her so that she's prepared for next weeks test. I'm sure she'll do fine, she's a very smart girl, so I wouldn't worry too much. Her sister, on the other hand, is still trying to learn to color within the lines! I must commend her on her diligence and willingness to improve. But that doesn't deter the fact that, after a while, she becomes upset and proceeds to throw a tantrum. Her behavior is normal, for someone of her age, but she should be growing out of it soon. Until then I'll keep an eye on her in case she does something upsetting.

Elise has finally begun her piano lessons. Her teacher is remarkable! He's very patient with her, and she's very concentrated on what he teaches her. They get along extremely well, which I'm rather pleased with. Sometimes, when Elise is playing, Alisha will sit and listen before lulling off to sleep. I'm surprised she isn't annoying them like she did with her sister's former violinist. Remember Breatrix? I've seen her once or twice when I'm out with the children, and she usually scurries off as if to avoid confrontation. I know this may sound rude of me, but she's certainly let herself go. Her presentation was quite sloppy, her eyes are bloodshot. I feel sorry for her and her predicament, whatever that is, but I must remind myself that the war is still very fresh in the minds of the Germans. I guess there are bound to be a lot of people still recovering...

Anyways, I hope this little update keeps your minds at peace. I'm sorry for not having wrote sooner, but I've been busy with the girls. As of late, I'm getting the girls ready for church. I'll send another letter sometime next week but, until then, farewell!

Elizaveta

_ _ _

{ A small, wrinkled piece of paper is found hidden within the envelope. Judging by the handwriting, it's by a little girl, with the help of someone much older. There are a few...markings on the paper itself, most of them being stains from an unknown beverage. More or likely coffee or tea. }

~ ~ ~

Dear Mama und Papa,

nice
It's me, Elise! Elizaveta said I could write to you so ta-da! She only gave me a small piece of paper, though...she's so ~~mean~~ sometimes! I really miss you... I hope you come back soon. Papa said he'd build that doll house for me and my dolls are getting very dirty having to sleep in the toy box. Also, do you think you could get me something from Italy? Don't get anything for Alisha though. Unlike her, I don't show my appreciation by shoving things in my mouth and spitting on them. I know she's still a baby but she has to grow up some time! Anyways, I have to go because I'm running out of space. I can't wait until you two come back. Remember: Get me something!!

Love, Elise

Last Edit: Aug 17, 2014 16:02:56 GMT -6 by Eliza

“My feelings are too loud for words and too shy for the world.” _{― Dejan Stojanovic}

lisztomania
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Ôzaaaarme sitwayiiiiin !

Posts: 41

Characters I Roleplay: Russia, Austria, France, Japan, Germany are the ones I feel the most confident playing, but I like trying out new characters and challenge myself. Currently trying to get myself to play Prussia, England, Vietnam and Hungary.

The Beautiful and the Damned: A Lost Generation AU Aug 17, 2014 18:21:24 GMT -6

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Post by lisztomania on Aug 17, 2014 18:21:24 GMT -6

A bill from Maxim's, dated on May 28th. Over it is scribbled, drunkenly:

"Arthur Kirkland, down-on-his-luck-but-one-day-famous author, is signing this because one day, such a signature will be worth millions!"

***

Maxim's de Paris

3 rue Royale

75008 Paris

Item	Quantité	Prix
Bouteille de Champagne Veuve Cliquot 1919 Plateau de Framboises	1 1	25F 4F

Total: 29F

Merci de votre visite!

A note, from Arthur Kirkland at the intention of his landlady on May 29th in the morning, sent down by one of the maids

***

Could you please be kind enough to send tea and orange juice upstairs? I've been feeling quite sick all morning, and I'll be skipping breakfast today. I apologise for any disturbance that might have occurred yesterday in the evening upon my return, and assure you that I'll do anything in my power for it not to happen again.

-AK

... And another one, sent to Julchen, accompanied with extracts from an untitled manuscript

***

I feel like I've got rolled over by some sort of dreadful German war machine, and it's all your fault, you evil war-monger, General Beilschmidt in a flapper dress. I hope you're proud of yourself. And, yes, I'm letting you have a peek at my manuscript, but that's only because you'll be paying the next time we decide to go back in time and pretend we're living in the more glorious times of La Belle Époque by going to Maxim's and have me bore you with Arthur Rimbaud and how dreadful everything that is being written in Europe is nowadays.

-AK

[...] From his undergraduate days as editor of The Harvard Crimson Richard Caramel had desired to write. But as a senior he had picked up the glorified illusion that certain men were set aside for "service" and, going into the world, were to accomplish a vague yearnful something which would react either in eternal reward or, at the least, in the personal satisfaction of having striven for the greatest good of the greatest number.

This spirit has long rocked the colleges in America. It begins, as a rule, during the immaturities and facile impressions of freshman year--sometimes back in preparatory school. Prosperous apostles known for their emotional acting go the rounds of the universities and, by frightening the amiable sheep and dulling the quickening of interest and intellectual curiosity which is the purpose of all education, distil a mysterious conviction of sin, harking back to childhood crimes and to the ever-present menace of "women." To these lectures go the wicked youths to cheer and joke and the timid to swallow the tasty pills, which would be harmless if administered to farmers' wives and pious drug-clerks but are rather dangerous medicine for these "future leaders of men."

This octopus was strong enough to wind a sinuous tentacle about Richard Caramel. The year after his graduation it called him into the slums of New York to muck about with bewildered Italians as secretary to an "Alien Young Men's Rescue Association." He labored at it over a year before the monotony began to weary him. The aliens kept coming inexhaustibly--Italians, Poles, Scandinavians, Czechs, Armenians--with the same wrongs, the same exceptionally ugly faces and very much the same smells, though he fancied that these grew more profuse and diverse as the months passed. His eventual conclusions about the expediency of service were vague, but concerning his own relation to it they were abrupt and decisive. Any amiable young man, his head ringing with the latest crusade, could accomplish as much as he could with the débris of Europe--and it was time for him to write.

He had been living in a down-town Y.M.C.A., but when he quit the task of making sow-ear purses out of sows' ears, he moved up-town and went to work immediately as a reporter for The Sun. He kept at this for a year, doing desultory writing on the side, with little success, and then one day an infelicitous incident peremptorily closed his newspaper career. On a February afternoon he was assigned to report a parade of Squadron A. Snow threatening, he went to sleep instead before a hot fire, and when he woke up did a smooth column about the muffled beats of the horses' hoofs in the snow... This he handed in. Next morning a marked copy of the paper was sent down to the City Editor with a scrawled note: "Fire the man who wrote this." It seemed that Squadron A had also seen the snow threatening--had postponed the parade until another day.

A week later he had begun "The Demon Lover"...

***

To: Vienna, Austria
From: Berlin, Germany
May 30th 1925

Dearest Liselotte,

What's the weather in Vienna? I need to know. Berlin is so ugly, and cold, and grey. I miss us having coffee that doesn't taste like the mud they serve here not too far from the Hofburg, in the warmer days, and maybe end up walking up to the Hotel Sacher for a quick desert there. I miss you terribly, today, especially, yet I don't quite know why such a vague sadness has come over me so suddenly. I'll try to scrape some money together to come and see you sometime over the summer. I need to leave this suffocating city, or I'm afraid it might be the death of me.

The composition I sold has encountered some success as a film score, upon its premiere here in Berlin. I was surprised, but happy, up until they announced me that one of the spectators, someone important working in show business, is very interested to meet me in the near future and, as far as I understood, have me work in his cabaret, which constantly needs new talents. I was too polite to outright decline, although I must admit that the promise of a rather impressive sum of money, which came with a contract, made it hard for me to sleep properly that night. I've decided to, maybe, give this a chance. The lessons that I'be been giving to the young Herrmann girl have proven satisfactory on a purely intellectual term, as she is indeed a brilliant student, but the pay certainly isn't as handsome as selling my soul would be. Her parents are currently on holiday, and I doubt that the nanny who's currently taking care of them will mind very much if I ask for a day off to meet this man over the following week.

Here is some money attached, making up for my last letter's sum. I wish you the best, please make sure not to forget to say your prayers at night and get plenty of exercise whenever you can get off work.

With love,
Your brother Roderich

_{((OOC: Stealing everyone's art hehehe sorry Fitzgerald and Shostakovich!))}

Last Edit: Aug 18, 2014 8:06:53 GMT -6 by lisztomania

fancypants
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Posts: 34

Characters I Roleplay: France, England, Prussia, Canada, sometimes genderbends of those too.

The Beautiful and the Damned: A Lost Generation AU Aug 18, 2014 4:23:17 GMT -6

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Post by fancypants on Aug 18, 2014 4:23:17 GMT -6

- A note left for the landlady by Francis on recently cleant desk -

Please find the rent in this envelope, along with the key of Grâce. She most certainly will not return to live here. Could you leave her deposit money on my nightstand, I will make sure she gets it.

- Francis Bonnefoy –

P.s. As you can see my room is spotless. I will make sure my room stays clean from now on. There is no need to keep checking upon it or suggesting to pay for the services of a maid.

MAY 27 1925

To Francis Bonnefoy, Paris, France
From Renée Bonnefoy, Nice, France

I am in the country for a week, after that I am going back to l’Amerique. I have already visited your dear parents. They still await a letter from you. Contact them soon, will you. Anyway, I will be in Paris for the weekend. Let us have dinner. I made reservations a de la maison leNôtre. May 30, 20:30. I hope to see you there.

- To which a displeased Francis wrote a journal entry. -

Paris, France May 29, 1925

There is always that one person in your life that is always better than you. For me that is Renée. My dear cousin. If I had to compare us to cities, I would be Paris (naturally) and he would be New york. Shining brightly, attracting more people, more succesful.

Given he is my cousin and also my parent’s cousin I cannot stop him from visiting my parents. But the nerve to talk to them about me and then send me a telegram to tell ME to contact THEM. And now I have to dine with him, look at his smug face for the rest of the night.

I would rather dine with the girl a few doors away. No wait I would very much want to take her for dinner. Let me rephrase that into I would rather dine with that Englishman than Renée. Even though I do not know him very well I am sure he is more pleasant to talk to.

Anyway if I do not show tomorrow I will not hear the end of it so I better go.

Yours,

Francis

P.s. If I survive tomorrow evening, I will most certainly ask her name and take her for dinner.

Last Edit: Aug 18, 2014 4:24:18 GMT -6 by fancypants

Mary Weather
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I don't really know what I'm doing XD

Posts: 26

Characters I Roleplay: Canada, America, France, Prussia, Fem!Prussia, South Korea, China, Monaco, Macau, among various others! I'm very open XD

The Beautiful and the Damned: A Lost Generation AU Aug 18, 2014 22:15:12 GMT -6

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Post by Mary Weather on Aug 18, 2014 22:15:12 GMT -6

May 29th, 1925

It's 11:00 PM... I should be partying, but... Lord have mercy...

I'm so tired. I'm so tired but I can't sleep. I should have spent the night in Arthur's room. At least then I could wake him up and bother him and make him listen to me rant... Not that he didn't already do that for me. I can't ask for a better friend.

To take it from the top, my day started out with one of the tenants accusing me of stealing her precious jewelry. I've seen her jewelry. Bunch of fake, cheap rocks and metal. Even on my pay I could do better, and I would never steal her trash! But she accused me and my landlady wasn't about to hear my side of the story. It's always the maid; that's how it goes. I'm not fired, but I'm on probation, and that means I won't be getting paid. If I have to go back to Germany all because of this harlot I think I will murder her.

Well, I wound up crying because of all this. I don't cry, but I was so upset that the tears just came! I started to make my way to Arthur's room when I ran into that Frenchman. I hated that he saw me like that... He probably thought I was sad, and I won't deny I was sad but... I was more angry than anything. I still am. But through my tears I asked him his name. Francis, he said. Francis Bonnefoy. So French! I nodded and went on my way and didn't even give him my name. How dumb of me. I wasn't thinking straight. Next time I see him I'll tell him who I am and why I was so... Distraught.

Thankfully, Arthur knows how to cheer me right up. I spent most of the day with him, even knowing what a busy man he is. I'll have to treat him to dinner sometime for being so good to me. While there I complimented him on his writing and gave him back the sample he showed me. I told him to write about "General Beilschmidt in the flapper dress" for his next novel. It'll be a hit! I also showed him the bill from the night before. The café let me keep it once it was paid for. I showed him the nonsense he scribbled on it and told him I was going to keep this bill and sell it in the future. "And I can tell people I knew you when!" I said to him. Such a silly man.

My tears quickly went away during the time I spent with him. I told him how I embarrassed myself in front of the Frenchman, but that at least now I have a name! And also... In my vulnerability, I asked him if he was seeing anyone. Hopefully my tone made it clear I wasn't interested in him. To be honest, the two of us don't know each other very well even though we've become good friends. I want to get to know him more... I wish he would open a little more, but I'm not one to push information like that out of someone.

Yes I am. But not to Arthur. I'll wait.

Alright... I think I made myself tired again. In the morning I think I'll search for another job. And I'll find Francis and explain myself. As well as introduce myself.

I should thank my brother for this little journal. It's turning out to be more of a stress reliever than I thought.

Faust
Layouts Assistant

Posts: 25

Characters I Roleplay: Prussia, Denmark, America, England, Scotland, would like to try Netherlands

The Beautiful and the Damned: A Lost Generation AU Aug 19, 2014 8:11:35 GMT -6

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Post by Faust on Aug 19, 2014 8:11:35 GMT -6

From Gilbert Beilschmidt's Journal

-----

June 1, 1925

Finally settled into my new place. The landlady gave me an apartment with no neighbors. Said it would cause less complaints that way when I practice my trumpet. Those poor people don't know what they're missing out on, clearly. But I suppose they'll just have to listen to me play at the cabaret. My view is very nice. It's high up with a balcony. Though I do also have a clear view of the hotel across the street. That's a little disturbing. I swear I saw my downstairs neighbor there the other night. But hey, that's not my business.

God, my audition is tomorrow. I feel like I should feel something like nervousness for it, but no way. I'm not even the teeniest bit nervous. Because I'm awesome and there's no reason to be nervous when you're awesome, right? Right.
The owner said they were in real need of help. I bet he's gonna hire me on the spot when he hears me play! I wonder if anyone else will be there? It'd be kinda awkward for them to have to keep up with my amazing trumpet skills.

Fritz has finally settled into his new home too. He's got a perch by the window and that makes him happy. I have to keep the window closed when he's out of his cage. If I'm not outside with him, I'm afraid he's gonna try to fly off the balcony or something. Fritz doesn't seem to mind, though. He likes the view, I think. He helped me pick out what to wear tomorrow. (He chirped at the one he liked best.) I decided to throw a splash of red in there. Makes my eyes stand out. I wonder if the owner's ever seen an albino before? Guess we're gonna find out.

I guess I'd better go to sleep now. It's getting late and I wanna make sure I'm up on time for my audition tomorrow. Don't worry! I'll be sure and record the awesome that is me getting accepted tomorrow! Practicing my signature below for when I sign autographs.

-Gilbert Awesome Beilschmidt

Last Edit: Aug 19, 2014 8:11:54 GMT -6 by Faust

fancypants
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Posts: 34

Characters I Roleplay: France, England, Prussia, Canada, sometimes genderbends of those too.

The Beautiful and the Damned: A Lost Generation AU Aug 19, 2014 14:38:12 GMT -6

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Post by fancypants on Aug 19, 2014 14:38:12 GMT -6

MAY 30 1925

To Francis Bonnefoy, Paris, France
From Grâce Prideaux, Marseille, France

Ma chère Grâce. With this telegram you will find the deposit money from my landlady. She gives you the best regards. I do too. I hope you are well and happy with whomever you are now. I hope he treats you well, but that is a lot of nerve coming from me. I realize that much. Sorry. – Francis

Paris, France May 30, 1925

Dear journal,

After writing yesterday, I was heading off to the café when I ran into the maid I mentioned previously. She seemed very upset about something. I wanted to ask her what had happened but she was the first to speak. She asked me for my name. After giving it to her she left just as she had appeared. Suddenly. I was stupid to not ask hers. But perhaps it was not the right timing. I imagine she would rather be alone or with a good friend in that state rather than a stranger like me.

Anyhow I will not see her today unfortunately but I took the courtesy to leave a bouquet of ten roses in front of her door. Hopefully they will delight her. If you wonder how I know where she lives, I asked our dear landlady. I also asked for her name but she did not listen and she was up and talking about that Englishman.

Apparently he was a more important subject to talk about, even after expressing my interested in the maid. What she told me, or rather what I still remember the Englishman goes by the name: Arthur Kirkland. How English. But he is no king, no he is a writer. Not a famous one probably. But she assured me he is a gentleman, well educated and he is neat.

Which causes me to wonder how much mess you could make if you never do anything besides sit at your typewriter. It also made me curious just how much she knows about me and more importantly what she tells others.

She would probably say “failed painter” and “messy” in one sentence, followed by “murderer”. In my defense, I did not kill her cat. I merely helped the suicidal beast with his attempt. I cannot help it had decided to drink to the entire bottle of mineral turpentine. I simply had it lying around on my desk. Which is not a surprise since I am a painter.

Hopefully, if she did talk to the maid, I hope it was not all bad things. Talking about bad things, I have to go meet Renée for dinner.

Yours,

Francis

Note to self: I ought to write my parents tomrrow. Not because HE told me, but because I have been meaning to do so for a while.

- A bouquet of roses was left in front of the door of Jules with a card attached -

I hope you are feeling better. If not, hopefully these flowers will help you return the smile on your face. It suits you much better.
- Francis Bonnefoy

Last Edit: Aug 20, 2014 2:55:51 GMT -6 by fancypants

lisztomania
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Ôzaaaarme sitwayiiiiin !

Posts: 41

Characters I Roleplay: Russia, Austria, France, Japan, Germany are the ones I feel the most confident playing, but I like trying out new characters and challenge myself. Currently trying to get myself to play Prussia, England, Vietnam and Hungary.

The Beautiful and the Damned: A Lost Generation AU Aug 19, 2014 22:29:27 GMT -6

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Post by lisztomania on Aug 19, 2014 22:29:27 GMT -6

***

To: Paris, France

From: Berlin, Germany
June 8th 1925

My dear Arthur,

How dreadful your letters always are! It's almost like reading the little wanton moans of a recluse maiden, and I frankly need none of that for lunch, which I have the luck of sharing with a marvellous Polish boy that is both beautiful as an angel and stupid as the heroine of a modern novel. I can't quite believe you're anywhere near as depressing as you'd like to pretend in real life, because you truly have no reason to be so. Your dearest boy is gone, and it's a shame for him, but you are still alive, and you sound like one of those dreadful depressing pacifist novelists when you speak of it as a tragedy. Besides, you are in the most beautiful city in the world, although most probably not the most fashionable one; the honour falls to Berlin, as it is the city where I am actually enjoying the most decadent and the most entertaining nights. You'd hate it, of course, because you are the most unfashionable being of the civilised world.

Talking about unfashionable things, I went to the cabaret, a few days ago, with a lovingly broke Bavarian officer, and saw the most interesting show I've seen in a long time. It was one of those usual overdone dance numbers and boorish political little sketches, of course, with overly painted dancing girls and dead-eyed singers, but what caught my attention was the music. Apparently, they had hired a number of new musicians as an addition to their troupe, some very bad ones, as it is always required to any cabaret, but some very talented too. You should have heard that piano and trumpet; it was almost like hearing the roaring of a war waged between the two instruments. Needless to say, I was in such a state of awe I barely paid attention to my charming Germanic blond beast, concentrating upon the dynamic duo of musicians, and how utterly out of place the pianist seemed to be there. Do you remember when we used to read Wilde and discuss the role of the artist, how great masterpieces could only be created by incredibly boring people, whereas it's only the most mediocre artists that have the most interesting lives? He probably was the very personification of this concept, with a soulless look to him as he played and a suit that was ancient without being refined. The trumpet player was a little bit better, but this is only because of the weakness we both know I have for light hair and sharp eyes. Thankfully enough, I had my Bavarian for the night, which was, well, delicious.

I'll leave you on this little anecdote, I think. There's a very easy solution to your broken heart, Arthur, and we both know what it is. Do as your little girlfriend, and find yourself a dashing young French painter who will make love to you tenderly and then break your heart in the most romantic way possible. Your Jules seems like a perfectly delightful little thing, which is, I believe, the most valid reason why you seem dead on keeping me from meeting her. Face it; your little secret is as secret as the Eiffel Tower, and anyone spending only a bit of time with you knows that there's, well, something queer about the moderately elegant and well-mannered celibate little British gentleman.

Farewell, old friend, as I am going back to my Polish boy, the naughty little thing,
Henry Blanche

PS: I hope you enjoy the card. I've seen him perform, and I must say that he is a darling.

A note, left in an envelope containing both the sum of 20 Marks and the score of George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue, on June 2nd

***

What a wonderful first night, Herr Edelstein! Truly, I am glad of your and Herr Beilschmidt performed together on your first night, even though you don't seem to get along very well. I knew you had a more classical formation which often looks down upon the more popular kind of music, and that clashes between performers do happen very often, but it seems like you and Herr Beilschmidt are a match made in heaven, musically speaking! Such intensity in that rendition of China Boy, I was out of breath! Here's an advance for the next show, as well as the score which you will be performing. I hope you and Herr Beilschmidt will get to know a little bit better, or at least be civil to one another in the future, and maybe not scream at each other so much backstage after the show, as I am ready to let this slide only once, given tonight's extraordinary performance.

At the very bottom of the partition, in a very neat handwriting belonging to no one else than the pianist himself, is written in a haste:

"This will be the death of me."

Last Edit: Aug 20, 2014 0:52:11 GMT -6 by lisztomania

Mary Weather
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I don't really know what I'm doing XD

Posts: 26

Characters I Roleplay: Canada, America, France, Prussia, Fem!Prussia, South Korea, China, Monaco, Macau, among various others! I'm very open XD

The Beautiful and the Damned: A Lost Generation AU Aug 20, 2014 19:11:11 GMT -6

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Post by Mary Weather on Aug 20, 2014 19:11:11 GMT -6

May 30th 1925

I never expected to come home to beautiful red roses sitting at my door. I definitely didn't expect said flowers to have been from a certain Frenchman. I couldn't help but smile when I read the letter attached. I've been smiling ever since. I feel like if he can't stand to not see a smile on my face, then I have no choice but to smile. I have to smile for him.

He's so charming. Everything about him is charming. His charming blue eyes, and his charming blonde hair, and his charming, sweet accent.

Oh god, listen to me. Like a horny schoolgirl. I shouldn't be so excited. I hear my landlady talking about him over and over again. She hates him. She hates him with everything inside of her, and I overhear her talking about the woman who used to live with him. I don't... I don't know what to think about that. I don't know if he's still seeing her or if she left him or what. I suppose I shouldn't judge, but it's in the back of my mind.

The very back of my mind. I still showed Arthur the roses though. I had to. They made me so happy, and I instantly felt better. I still haven't heard back about my job, but when I look at these silly flowers I feel like I don't have to worry about it. It's relaxing....

Oh boy, oh boy... What am I getting myself into?

A note left under Francis' door, by Julchen

Hello, Francis. Thanks so much for the flowers. You have no idea how happy they made me. Clearly I was having a bad day and I just ran off without giving you my name. Well, how about I give you my name over dinner? I think that will be more fun, right? Let me know when you're free. I'm free.... Well, anytime. So come find me, Frenchie.

- The nameless maid who you caught crying

((Sorry for this sorry little post XD I wrote while exhausted so next one will be better!))

Faust
Layouts Assistant

Posts: 25

Characters I Roleplay: Prussia, Denmark, America, England, Scotland, would like to try Netherlands

The Beautiful and the Damned: A Lost Generation AU Aug 21, 2014 11:28:32 GMT -6

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Post by Faust on Aug 21, 2014 11:28:32 GMT -6

From Gilbert Beilschmidt's Journal

-----

June 1, 1925

So I would say that my audition went great. Except for there was this guy there with a stick so far up his ass that I swear he needs to see a doctor to have it removed. He had this really obnoxious glasses on and was playing the piano. I just thought he needed to be a bit more upbeat. Apparently he didn't appreciate my awesome self sitting on his piano to join him with my awesome trumpet playing skills. Specs tried to play his piano louder than me and I wasn't having my skills drowned out by some prude who can't have fun. Yelled at me afterwards too. Geez, like it's my fault I'm so great. I can't help it.

Did this affect my audition? Nah. I actually got a letter in my box today. I'm putting it in here to preserve the day I begin my ascent into stardom. The problem is now I have to play with specs all the time. Maybe they're hoping that my musical genius will rub off on him. I didn't even know we were playing China Boy. I thought we were improvising. Guess that shows how much talent that guy has. Can't even improvise.

Guess we all gotta suffer for our art or something, right? I wonder how much I'm gonna get paid. I bet it's gonna be a lot. Like the movie stars!

Well, awesome journal. Guess I gotta go for now. Gotta practice a little more and Fritz is acting all frantic. (He's probably hungry again.) Until next time -Gilbert.

-----
Found in the back of the journal with no envelope
-----

Herr Beilschmidt. I enjoyed your accompaniment of China Boy on the trumpet. I would be pleased to hear you play more of these songs. Arrangements shall have
to be made for you and Herr Edelstein to play more together in the future. My only request is that you refrain from quarreling backstage, as it might
frighten our girls in between performances. Please be by my office sometime next week for arrangements for pay.

fancypants
Micronation

Posts: 34

Characters I Roleplay: France, England, Prussia, Canada, sometimes genderbends of those too.

The Beautiful and the Damned: A Lost Generation AU Aug 21, 2014 12:17:05 GMT -6

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Post by fancypants on Aug 21, 2014 12:17:05 GMT -6

- A note left by Julchen’s door along with a single flower -

My dear mysterious maid,

You are very welcome, I am really happy to hear you liked my flowers and that they lifted your spirits. Surely you are not nameless. I do not doubt your name is a beautiful one. I am very curious to know, so dinner sounds perfect.

Would Monday the 1st of june suit you? At le Terminus Nord, pick you up around 8? I know it is sudden, but it is the only evening I don’t have to work this week. Let me know if you would be up for it.

- Your Frenchie

P.s. this flower is a Stargazer Lily and carries the meaning of welcoming invitation. It seemed fitting.

Still may 30, 1925

I am wasted and hungover at the same time, god when will this night end. Renée is also still here.
Sort of. Left him passed out on the couch, like hell he would be sleeping in my bed.

Anyway It's now about 1 or 2 in the morning or well I don't know but I can't go to sleep. Making sure my dear cousin does not choke on his own vomit, lovely.
While I am awake I will fill you in on our night. We went to dinner, food was delicious, my cousin not so much. He kept on and on jabbering about his life.
By the time he was done I had already drunk probably a whole bottle of wine.

He lives with some hot woman, he is in banking business or whatever and has a very large house and is also very rich. I nearly choked when he did my the following offer. "Do you want to comewith me to New York?" - He wants me in New York, with him and said woman. As tempting as the offer was, what am I going to do in merde New york? Besides we wouldn't last a single day together there. I suspect this was an idea of maman.

I said I would think about it and we drunk on it. And then we drunk some more. By then I took him to a night club and everything is a bit of a blur. Though it was unexpectedly fun, not thanks to him.

I am starting to sober up now and I think I will decline his offer tomorrow. I may not be rich, I also may not live in a very large house and I also am far from famous. I still am happy, because I live in Paris, I have enough paint to colour the eifeltower and I HAVE A DATE! with a very pretty maid. And that rhymed, maybe I should be a writer in poetry! I shall be famous and Arthur Kirkland would be jealous of me. Marvellous.

Why do I always end up writing about that arse? Back to her, please. So she send me a note, she liked the flowers and it cheered her up. I could reply before I left for the night. I asked her if she wanted to dine with me monday. I hope she will reply tomorrow. Her reply would definitely be good for my hungover.

And possibly cheer me up. I need some cheering up. My cousin woke up and just threw up all over my white floor and drew in his vomit. Disgustig. Worst part was he just muttered "This...is better than your works. You should be selling this." No I should be selling you to Chinese trades man who would take you back to Hong Kong and make you work in a sweatshop. Prick.

Now I most definitely will not go to New York and most certainly kick him out of my apartment tomorrow. I actually should just roll him through his vomit out of the room down the stairs. But even I am not that cruel and very scared what my family would think of that. Though this will probably make me laugh in the morning so I wrote it down.

I will keep you updated about my possible date and I will write my parents when all the alcohol has left my system.

Yours,

Francis

P.s. This journal writing is not that bad and actually quite fun.
P.s.s You know what is also fun? Cracking up an expensive bottle of wine Renée bought for his lady back home and claim he's drunk it himself , tomorrow morning. I am wasted already anyway and this is a compensation for the vomit on my floor.

Last Edit: Aug 21, 2014 12:23:47 GMT -6 by fancypants

lisztomania
Micronation

Ôzaaaarme sitwayiiiiin !

Posts: 41

Characters I Roleplay: Russia, Austria, France, Japan, Germany are the ones I feel the most confident playing, but I like trying out new characters and challenge myself. Currently trying to get myself to play Prussia, England, Vietnam and Hungary.

The Beautiful and the Damned: A Lost Generation AU Aug 21, 2014 16:30:05 GMT -6

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Post by lisztomania on Aug 21, 2014 16:30:05 GMT -6

***

From: Paris, France

To: London, England

June 1st 1925

Dear Brother,

I'm glad to learn to hear that matters have settled down a bit with Mother back home. I truly was scared about the whole scandal that it would bring to our family, but it seemed to have died down quite easily. I would have thought that this kind of things would give rubbish papers and magazines a field day, but it seems that I was luckily wrong. They have better things to write about with the upcoming wedding between our dearest cousin and that dreadful American girl. That's the New World for us in Europe, I feel, and mannerless nouveaux riches can buy the charm and youth of penniless charming sons of noble lineage. Either way, this little union couldn't have come at a better time; I'm happy that neither you or Mother have to deal with, well, whatever happened between me and Lawrence. Things will blow over, with time, and my exile isn't nearly as unpleasant as I thought it would be.

Paris is, well, still as full of surprise as you said it was. The board I am paying isn't expensive, and it might be the reason why it is populated with rather curious creatures. I've met a charming young girl both Mother and Father would probably hate, German, of course. She's one of those poor lost souls, an almost fictional nietzschean character, passionate to a fault and without much of a care for the future, as far as I can tell. Jules is a darling, and a bit of a tragic one, even though she doesn't seem to really know about it. I don't know what are her intentions towards me, but I also know that she has been pursuing a rather odd Frenchman, who lives in the same pension as I do. Painter, of course, probably one of those dreadful cubists, judging by his appearance, which is this very continental type of elegant shabby attire and unkempt hair. I wouldn't mind Jules falling in love with him, because this is what I know she is doing, even though she likes pretending it's only for "a little change from her usual boyfriends", if only he wasn't such a dreadful tenant. Our fellow had a little party yesterday, or so it seems, and there was such a dreadful smell coming out of his room! I made sure to leave him a note to express my displeasure, as it felt necessary to do.

Well. I apologise for my ranting; surely you have little time for such unpleasant matters. I hope you'll be doing better in the future, and that your younger brother's antics aren't too much of a strain on your career. I'm still infinitely grateful for what you did for me, and how you helped me out of this rather toxic liaison I had gotten myself into. I swore to myself not to write to him, and I'm glad to say that I stayed true to that oath. I'll make sure to keep writing enough to keep my head out of the water, and pay you back for the money you lent to me to get settled down here. My new novel promises to be a great one, I can feel it, and I've received positive feedback from the manuscript of the first few chapters I've sent to my editor.

Please take care,

Arthur

A note left on Francis Bonnefoy's door, on June 1st

***

Is it too much to ask to have a tiny bit of common sense and decency? Even if I didn't mind the smell of the oil paints, because I do mind being unable to even think in my own room with the smell of medium getting entrenched into my clothes, last night's little party was decidedly too much, and I wonder if I shouldn't send you the cleaner's bill for the smell of vomit that will surely make my whole wardrobe useless for the next century. Please be a bit more considerate of your neighbours in the future.

Without love,
Arthur Kirkland

The telegram is accompanied with the sum of 20 Marks

***

To Liselotte Edelstein, Vienna, Austria
From Roderich Edelstein, Berlin, Germany

I took up a job as a pianist in a cabaret recently, which is why I am sending you money from my most recent paycheck. The teaching job is still very entertaining, but life costs money, and I know that you can use all the help you need as a young girl living alone in Vienna. I hope you will make good use of it. I must endure jazz music and a trumpet player who doesn't even know the difference between a major and a minor, but I try to think about you and it makes me feel better. I might be able to make it to Vienna next month for a proper vacation, which is a relief. Lots of love, your brother Roderich.

Mary Weather
Micronation

I don't really know what I'm doing XD

Posts: 26

Characters I Roleplay: Canada, America, France, Prussia, Fem!Prussia, South Korea, China, Monaco, Macau, among various others! I'm very open XD

The Beautiful and the Damned: A Lost Generation AU Aug 22, 2014 12:45:32 GMT -6

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Post by Mary Weather on Aug 22, 2014 12:45:32 GMT -6

June 1st

Today was an interesting day. My landlady came storming to my door and demanded that I clean up a mess in a room that smelled... Particularly bad. So I guess I'm off of probation? Or perhaps she just didn't want to send any of her favorite girls to do it. What was more interesting was that this room I had to clean was the Frenchman's room. I found a note on his door from none other than my partner in crime, Arthur. I laughed so hard. I love his snark. He never fails to keep me laughing. Although, he can't say much. The man can't hold his liquor very well, and it seems neither can Francis. I was all too familiar with this smell considering my past boyfriends. Someone had bit too much fun, but who am I to judge? He happened to be there when I came in and he insisted this was not his fault, but the fault of his cousin. It didn't matter. I tossed water all over his floor and admired his paintings like a good maid. He's quite talented. I'll have to get him to tell me more about them when we go on our date.

Once I finished up with his room I went back to mine to get ready for said date. I picked out the perfect little green dress with an even more perfect green flower to put in my hair. I'm sitting in the outfit right now as I'm writing even though there's still a few hours before he picks me up. I'm so excited. It's been a while since I've been on proper date. Arthur doesn't count.

He gave me a flower and another letter too. Oh, I didn't tell him my name when cleaned his room. I like this little game. I'm sure he'll find out by the end of the night, but it's fun to leave him in the dark. He's quite the romantic; I can tell. His roses and his paintings... There's something special about him. Perhaps it's a bit naive to be such a romantic, but I find it refreshing if not downright adorable. The flower he gave me is a Stargazer Lily and it means "welcoming invitation." It doesn't get more romantic than that, right? To give me a flower and even give me the meaning of it... So charming.

I want hear what snarky thing Arthur has to say about these flowers. I think I might have the three us hang out some time. It'll be fun, at least for me. In the meantime, I'll keep my Frenchie occupied until 8 PM.

A note from Julchen which was slid under Francis' door at 4 o'clock, June 1st

Hello, Frenchie. I'm looking forward to our date tonight. Don't worry. I believe you about your cousin. Your room is relatively clean. Not the cleanest I've seen, but definitely not the messiest either. Besides, it's fun to be a little dirty every now and then, isn't it? Life is no fun if you're not willing to get a bit messy. Thanks for the flower by the way. I've never had a man give me a flower and then tell me the meaning of it. You're quite the romantic, aren't you? Or perhaps you're just very French. Either way, your charms seem to be working on me. I can't stop smiling. I'll see you tonight, so don't be late.

-Your nameless maid

fancypants
Micronation

Posts: 34

Characters I Roleplay: France, England, Prussia, Canada, sometimes genderbends of those too.

The Beautiful and the Damned: A Lost Generation AU Aug 24, 2014 14:39:41 GMT -6

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Post by fancypants on Aug 24, 2014 14:39:41 GMT -6

- A note shoved under Arthur Kirkland’s door, on June 1st-

I am very sorry to have disturbed your night’s rest. But you have to forgive me for wanting to have a little fun from time to time. Anyway, may I suggest you open a window for some fresh air, I did the same and smell has already faded away.
Furthermore I could not have made your wardrobe useless, as it already was. You live in Paris, if you care that much about clothing, one would think you would stop dressing like an old Englishman and dress like a Parisian, oui? It is as the saying goes ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” Of course if you have troubles with fashion I would be happy to give you some advice.

Oh and naturally I will be more considerate of my neighbours. A night like this would not happen anytime soon, I promise.

With love,

Francis Bonnefoy

- Later that afternoon, Francis wrote in his journal-

Paris 1st of June, 1925

Aurevoir Renée! Out of my house, out of my life. If only temporarily. He’s back to his woman in New York and left me with a horrible smell, a splitting headache, a stupid note from stupid Arthur and a very embarassing morning.

The maid, my yet nameless but beautiful maid was send to clean my floor. I’m so ashamed. I have a date with her tonight and she probably thinks I get drunk till I throw up every weekend. God, I hope she will forgive and forget this. I really have been doing my best to give her a good impression but all attempts were just flushed down the toilet thanks to Rénee. Merci bastard.

Anyway my apartment is clean, I washed up and feel more refreshed. I don't want to bring flowers again but I don't want to bring sweets or anything standard. So I spent my entire afternoon on a water colour painting. Nothing too big, wrapped it with a blue ribbon. I hope she will like it.

I can't help but feel nervous for my date in a few hours. I'm also excited and can't wait to finally get her name.

Yours,

Francis

P.s. Would a dark blue dress shirt, black tie and black trousers, be good enough? Or should I have just settled with my brown suit, I don't want to overdress, but also not underdress. Dieu! I am acting like a woman now. What is going to become of me?

- A note shoved under Julchen's door at 5:00 pm -

Hello, mysterious maid. I am looking forward to our date tonight too. Time is passing by way too slow. While this is fun, I am very eager to know your name.
Thank you so much for cleaning my room, I am really sorry about it. I assure you I will never give my cousin a second bottle of wine again.
Anyway I hope our date will make up for it. I’m very happy to hear you liked the flower. I suppose I’m a bit of a romantic if I’m entirely honest.
Oh and don’t worry, I will not be late. I’ll come get you in a few hours, I can’t wait.

- Your Frenchie

Last Edit: Aug 24, 2014 15:14:44 GMT -6 by fancypants

Faust
Layouts Assistant

Posts: 25

Characters I Roleplay: Prussia, Denmark, America, England, Scotland, would like to try Netherlands

The Beautiful and the Damned: A Lost Generation AU Aug 24, 2014 19:45:53 GMT -6

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Post by Faust on Aug 24, 2014 19:45:53 GMT -6

Found on a street in Berlin, but does not appear to have postage, as though it was dropped on the way to the Post Office
-----

To: Ludwig Beilschmidt, Berlin, Germany
From: Gilbert Beilschmidt, Berlin, Germany

June 10, 1925

Mein Bruderlien,
        I'm sending you this to tell you that I'm back in Berlin. I have gotten a job at a cabaret downtown. You've probably been there a time or two. I know you love your women as much as I do and wouldn't miss a chance at seeing them dance the way the girls there do. I'm pleased to say that the next time you go, I'll be playing the trumpet with the band onstage. So you better be paying some attention to me. I know the girls are pretty, but give your brother some love too. They pay me a decent amount for just starting. I'm really enjoying my job. My only complaint is they still have me playing with this piano player who has a stick so far up his rear, it's sprouting out of the top of his head in the form of hair.

    Remember when I used to play trumpet as a child and it would scare the dog away? The times have changed so much. Now I'm an awesome star at the club. Don't worry, I won't let the sour mood of the piano trouble my playing! I'll always be your awesome brother! I still play as well as I did after my lessons as a child, if not 100 times better! Maybe I'll even play something special for you if I see you at the club.

    You should visit me sometime! I live in a loft apartment right across the street from the club! Mine's the one with a birdcage hanging outside. You remember Fritz? I still have him! He traveled all the way from Braunsberg to Berlin, so you better come visit him too! You know how jealous he gets if you visit me and don't say hello! Please write back and let me know when you're visiting so I can ask for the night off. We can go out drinking and celebrate being reunited in the same town after so long.

Hope to hear from you soon! -Your bruder, Gilbert Beilschmidt

(P.S. You don't actually have to let me know. You know I still enjoy surprises the same as ever!)

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The Beautiful and the Damned: A Lost Generation AU

Post by Mary Weather on Aug 17, 2014 15:32:10 GMT -6

Post by Eliza on Aug 17, 2014 15:59:20 GMT -6

Post by lisztomania on Aug 17, 2014 18:21:24 GMT -6

Post by fancypants on Aug 18, 2014 4:23:17 GMT -6

Post by Mary Weather on Aug 18, 2014 22:15:12 GMT -6

Post by Faust on Aug 19, 2014 8:11:35 GMT -6

Post by fancypants on Aug 19, 2014 14:38:12 GMT -6

Post by lisztomania on Aug 19, 2014 22:29:27 GMT -6

Post by Mary Weather on Aug 20, 2014 19:11:11 GMT -6

Post by Faust on Aug 21, 2014 11:28:32 GMT -6

Post by fancypants on Aug 21, 2014 12:17:05 GMT -6

Post by lisztomania on Aug 21, 2014 16:30:05 GMT -6

Post by Mary Weather on Aug 22, 2014 12:45:32 GMT -6

Post by fancypants on Aug 24, 2014 14:39:41 GMT -6

Post by Faust on Aug 24, 2014 19:45:53 GMT -6