I sent the group back to France to do some more skilling. Topaz has now bought her last unique reward, the Motive Mobile. I had no idea what a lifesaver this was - it's like the equivalent to a Moodlet Manager - but a car! This meant that I could get her on that final Charisma book. Yay! That'll make making friends much easier.
But no sooner had they arrived at Cowslip House once more then I heard some foreboding music and got the message...
"Galaxy wonders why it got dark all of a sudden..."PANIC! Run, all of you, get out of the way!
Oh no!
No! No! No!
*rude words*
Oh... *gasps for breath* Oh gosh, that was frightening! My first meteor!
Though actually I was extremely lucky. I managed to get the entire family well away from the lot before the meteor struck, and it landed in the front drive. The fire didn't spread to inside the house and the firefighters quickly cleared up what fires there were. The only damage was a dented front path and a blackened front door - both easily fixed.
So after that palaver, Topaz got straight back onto the Charisma book. Once she'd finished that, she wanted to do some sculpting. I put her first Topiary in the flower bushes. I think it looks cute there, don't you think?
As before, Quartz and Galaxy spend most of their time sparring - though Quartz likes to meditate while Galaxy is busy painting.
Davy has a Collection Helper and he's been scouring the hillsides for collectables. He's especially after quartzs, obviously, but the odd ruby and amethyst don't go amiss and the opals sell for a tidy profit. I love the gems in France.
Davy also likes to spend time with his dear wife. Though I think he might be getting a little old to carry her...
I couldn't help feeling pretty sad when I took this shot. Topaz is probably the Sim I've spent the most time with ever: I've never played a Sim from birth right through to Elderhood before and she's really starting to show that she's not far off it. For some reason that just makes me really sad, even though I know I'm not going to lose her thanks to the Ambrosia. But I'm also really going to miss Davy, her husband, when he finally passes on.
I've been pretty ruthless with him because I want him to get his twenty-five ice sculptures done. It's the final push I can give him but I feel a little sad that I can't simply let him enjoy his Elder years. It brings back the way I treated Jessica.
But onto happier thoughts! Quartz has nearly maxed his Martial Arts skill and Galaxy isn't far behind him. They're pulling off even more impressive moves these days.
Grinding with everyone's skilling, even at top speed, started to become really boring, so since Quartz had now maxed his Martial Arts and Galaxy still needed to do a bit of painting, I decided I'd have a little fun with Quartz. Besides, there's a chance next time the family comes back here they won't have Topaz on the team, so I may as well get Quartz's Visa up while I can. I've learned my lesson about the Opportunistic reward now.
I took Quartz on the adventure that sent him into Chateau du Landgraab. It may not be the best place to find treasure but I just love Chateau du Landgraab. I always thought the idea of an entire mansion becoming a tomb was really clever and there were so many grand rooms to explore. I think this is probably my favourite French tomb, while the Pyramid of the Sky is my favourite Egyptian one.
Though if any of the destinations had to get a bug, I'm glad it was Egypt. It's not my favourite place and I much prefer France. Maybe it's because I'm British so I love looking at the European countryside and buildings. Sims are fairly multicultural, I know, but I haven't missed the American influences *coughLETTERBOXEScough*.
Another great thing about Chateau du Landgraab is you can go in there with nothing. It's got comfy beds, fridges for quick meals and a few bathrooms to deal with the traps.
Despite the drama, the group had a successful trip. Quartz completed the Master of Meditation skill challenge, maxed Martial Arts and got up to Level 3 Visa; Topaz completed her Lifetime Wish of Renaissance Sim and managed to get a few Best Friends into the bargain thanks to her high Charisma. The family overdosed on gems and metals, increasing the family funds exponentially and Davy got the Ice Personality in Sculpting so he can at least do Topaz's Adult sculpture. If he manages to live until Topaz's Elder birthday, I can hopefully get her Elder sculpture from him too. But Galaxy will paint her portrait.
Davy's work is now done. If he can get down to the graveyard at night to do some more fishing for Deathfish, I'll be grateful, but I'm not going to push him. He deserves to spend his retirement how he pleases.
Quartz ages up to Young Adult in 5 days. I'm so excited!
