Sibling

"Thank you sir," the youth stood, touching her forehead in thanks for two reasons. She had not been rebuked by the man, which would have meant Lady Cinque's displeasure and then her Mother's. Lady Gemini was not one to be gentle with those that offended others, and the girl's arms remembered what several hours of chopping wood was like. Second, she had something to look up when they returned to the Island.

"And do you now know what the man was doing?" Cinque watched, standing at the younger women's table. They all knew this was a lesson, and were glad it was not their lesson.

"Lady," she bowed, not even attempting to sit down until she had been allowed by the Sister, "the man gives thanks to his faith, to the spirits he calls loa. He is a priest."

"And so, now you know more than even I about this thing," the girl's eyes went wide for a moment, hearing that Cinque said she was wiser. "You see, Mistress, we all learn new things, every day. Knowledge is life." The taller woman touched the younger girl's head affectionately, touseling her hair to show there was no anger.

"Now, sit and speak about your new wisdom to your Sisters. And if you are unsure, ask, even Narshawn might know more about this."

"Yes, Lady. Thank you." Her smile was small, but she knew that praise came to those who deserved it.

Beth was carrying the fish to the table, and noticed a second place set. Not only that, but it looked like someone had already started, perhaps they were in the bathroom.

"Sir," she said, approaching from the unoccupied seat side, "I didn't know there would be two. Should I come back for their order?"

******

Some distance away, the young women had returned to the Sisters' table. The sound of his song had floated to several ears, two of the blue-robed girls were watching, trying to be inconspicuous. Cinque noticed them sharing glances, speaking quietly.

"Mistresses, what do you think that man is doing?" She stood very near them, stealth a talent she practiced relentlessly. The two girls jumped, surprised.

"Lady, we do not know." One said, sharing her stare between the Guard and the man.

"What do you think?" The young girls failed to notice a darkening of the Native American's brow.

"I think..." the slightly older of the two started.

"Do you know? Can you tell me that you know, young Sister?" Her voice dropped to an icy tone, and the two could not miss her choice of words. Their relaxed seat suddenly straightened, the Sister did not ask kindly, there were phrases the young learned to associate with a lesson.

"No, Lady Cinque, I do not know."

"And yet you speak about him, imagining what you do not know, young Mistress. Is this the way your Mother has taught you?" her voice was barely above a whisper, the entire table had gone stone silent, but the Ladies at the other table continued, knowing what was happening, but ignoring it.

"No, Lady, my Mother has taught me to always seek the truth."

"Gossip brings sorrow, young Mistress. If you ask, you will know the truth. You should go to this man and ask him, if you wish to know. If he chooses to tell you, he will honor you with this knowledge. If he chooses to keep this private, you will honor him in the asking. Is this not the way?"

The young woman would not blush, but her eyes carried her apology. The Order had very strict rules about being open and honest, and as harsh as it may have seemed, the girl would remember this lesson. Every Sister had similar experiences, becoming open with truth and not insulting others.

"Yes, Lady." She stood, as did her co-conspirator. They solemnly walked to the man, and stood until he acknowledged their presence.

"Sir, I am a Sister seeking knowledge, and would ask what you do." She bowed slightly.

"I hope you decide to visit again, Mister Magnus. You can be certain to always find friends, and understanding here." Narshawn knew he was in pain, but he would deal with it as he knew how. She would be an ear, or sometimes a support to others, but each did as they knew best.

"I would say to you, some actions, some strokes of the brush go unseen, or not understood. Life is a beautiful artwork, you and I are part of it." She ended just that way, and a touch on her forehead. Young, certainly, but old for all her ten years.

"Be well, Do Good."

((OOC: I certainly hope Magnus will return, and I hope that Narshawn could lighten his mind and heart. No judgements, no strings.))

A booming voice came from behind him, somewhere above his top hat.

"Pardon me." Gal was anxious, after her trip to the Island and meeting with The Lady. Bubbles was just coming through the door behind her.

She saw as he turned that he wasn't dressed in coat and tails, which would have struck her as odd for this place, but in a more traditional outfit. It took a moment, the stress aggitating her, but she realized this man was not to blame, and that she had been rude.

She set her bag down and held out one immense hand, towering over him. "I'm sorry, stress. I'm Gal, and this is mah place. Beth, get this man a table. We'll be open late, but you should take a break, a long one, now. The Sisters got some business ta' discuss.

"The coupon covers the Bar and Restaurant, and dessert." She smiled at him.

((OOC: Of course you're welcome Thang, glad to see you back.))

Some of the girls had come back into the hall, the restroom was only designed for three at a time, but they would all stay together. When the last one was finished, the group would return to the tables. It was more training, even though they didn't realize it. The Ladies would keep the groups together, all ages, watching over each other. It made their bonds of family stronger, their instincts to protect everyone and listen when even the youngest spoke.

Almira stood upon hearing Falcon's acceptance. She had known of the wound almost since they entered the building, the ability to feel other's pain could not be easily turned off. She would not, by law, simply force her skills on another unless there was imminent death. Holding both arms at shoulder level, she glanced around the room, black eyes checking if anyone was paying undue attention.

Satisfied that most were simply enjoying dinner, she turned a little of her own energy toward the woman. She knew how it would feel, the energy could be used, to a lesser extent, in an area to heal many.

It started with a cold shock, like jumping into a mountain stream where the sun had thawed snow. For her, there was always a moment of bright light, blocking her view, then a rush of warm air. Performing this on only one would usually heal even terrible wounds, bring others back from the brink, but it was no substitute for rest.

She lowered her arms again, gazing from the depths of her hood at Falcon. She was no skill at mind reading or control, only empathic, but the woman across from her seemed familiar. Her long life had brought her many daughters in the Order, many women that had called her Mother with no blood ties. Some sat around this table, some were on the Island and some were no more. A long life, doing for others. It gave her great pride and hope that women like Falcon existed outside the Order. Beneath her veil, she would have smiled, but could not.

The bouquets of flowers were overwhelmed by the sudden scent of licorice and fresh bread. Soft smiles came to several of the Sisters' faces, and a purr came from the direction of Lupa.

"Mother, it has been too long since I smelled your work," the cat-woman said. "You leave the Island so seldom."

"Better?" Tre asked, glancing at the headpiece. "That is interesting work, why did you choose the winged tiara?" She thought of another who wore a similar piece, Sibling.

Almost on cue, the curtains at the entrance parted and a huge black woman walked through with a much shorter woman, they were speaking to one another. Gal had a small leather bag in one hand, the other woman carried an expensive looking garment bag in pink and blue.

((OOC: Almira wears her full covering for a reason, the smile part intentionally leaves out why she cannot smile. I tried to describe what can only be seen in the game, but there must be some sensory part of that heal-other power.

Gal and Shock Bubble are just returning from the Island, their robes are in their bags.

Hand of Ma'at, they aren't ignoring you, and you can come back in as you like. Not everyone spends every moment watching these boards ))

"There is something you would have to see, to understand, but it would be an honor." Thorn sat back, enjoying the idea. "You see, Miss Falcon, I dabble in sculpture, nothing very good, and I have little time..."

"Do not let her fool with you," Waspe spoke out, "She is a very good artist."

Thorn waved a hand at the compliment, dismissing it. "Well, I try to do justice to nature. As I was saying, I enjoy sculpting all things natural: trees, animals and people. It is marvelous when the figure comes from the stone, revealing itself.

"I have many figures, and the Sisters will sit for me, but it is rare that someone not of the Order allows it. People are so busy, and it is a lengthy process."

"Pfeh," Beatrix finally spoke again, "It is like sitting for a month. Hold your hand here, hold your face there..."

"I did not notice such complaint when I made your likeness for your garden, Beatrix." Thorn's tone was warning, it was hard to tell how these two got along. Beatrix spoke very little and seemed grouchy when she did.

"Pay her no mind," Tre leaned over to the two visitors. "She is only grumpy when she is not with her precious books, living in a library can make you this way." She smiled to indicate it was all in good fun.

"If you have the time, I would very much like to have a sculpture of you." Thorn ended "And it only takes a few days, not months." There was another 'humph' from Beatrix.

((OOC: I will PM a further conversation to Falcon, with some details of what Thorn is asking. Suffice it to say, these are not ordinary sculptures, and it is Thorn's passion. She is quite good at it. More will come out about these in future posts, so there is logic to this seemingly strange request.))

"Miss something..." she grinned, leaning against the side of the table. "I must be getting old." She brushed at her hair with one hand, a movement that was obviously habit. The sleeve of her blouse slid up on her arm, gravity pulling at the material. A dark, jagged line marked her forearm, disappearing under the cotton. She failed to notice that the scar was visible.

"Beth's a nice girl, and I play some pool, but not on duty." Her smile faded slightly. "Cola it is. Route sixty-six is pretty good, small batch, comes in from the West Coast. Be right back."

She stood again, some of the worldly veneer peeling back from her face. For a moment there was only a middle-aged woman with many years of worry and hardship walking past Manion, when she returned, her mask was in place.

"Here you go," she placed the glass on one of the standing tables. "I'll keep cruising through, checking on you."

"Beth," she looked skeptical at first, then disappointed.

"Ah well, can't blame a girl for trying. How about rootbeer or cola?"

((OOC: Maybe someone needs to drop in and play a friendly game?))

((OOC: You would be on the right track, but properly Uther Pendragon. I stay purposefully vague on that point, but have very specific views. This isn't "my personal religion" board, so mixing and matching is allowed and encouraged.))

"Gentlemen, I believe these are yours?" Beth leaned over the table to place a cork coaster in front of each. She placed the liquors on those. "There is no Dew, but we have several others, Route 66 Brand Cola, Mr. Pibb, Weinhard's Rootbeer, Moxie sodas. Please mind the table, it is alive and growing, and Lady Thorn," she pointed to one of the women in the group, "would be very displeased if it were injured." She smiled, it was the same warning to everyone.

"Your Goulasch will arrive quickly, it is somewhat popular. Enjoy. Is there anything else I can provide now?" Beth was excited, about Manion staying, but it brought out her sparkle.

"Lady Almira says she would happily try to heal that wound," Tre said aside, not quite looking at Falcon in case she would refuse. "Empaths, you know."

"Cattle are rather inefficent," Lady Osmella said, as though Tre had never spoken, "for what they eat, they tend to return little. Our Island is not that large, to graze cattle for all the Sisters. Goats, now there are creatures blessed by nature. They are able to eat almost anything, healthy and produce five times the cheese and milk per pound a cow does." She sounded positively happy, rising to the subject.

"Very intelligent as well. We do not raise any animal as a herd, but the goats roam, keep down certain areas and come for milking. We consider it symbiosis. I raise the goats, care for them and teach the young about them, and living in harmony. Another of the Sisters cares for the chickens, which we also use for eggs. No animal meat that walks the ground, that is our way."

"But the fish, they are tasty," a somewhat disconcerting smile formed on Lupa's face. She raised one hand and inch long claws folded out from her palm, one per finger. She winked at Falcon, meaning a joke.

"A boon, you ask us to request a boon of you?" Thorn was watching interestedly, stroking a chin with one or two white hairs. She had long ago stopped worrying about being beautiful, now she was 'Granmother'. "I have one I would request..."

((OOC: Have to leave that hanging, Falcon, but will finish it later . I Love this thread.))

((OOC: Detail is RP, the more the better!))

There was some commotion in the bar, bottles and glasses coming together. The swinging kitchen doors opened and closed, then opened again as Gertude walked out. She saw Manion in the room and made her way past the tables, asking if anyone needed anything along the way.

"Evening," the brunette said, coming into the pool room and picking up some mostly empty snack bowls. "I think I've seen you in here before, but I'm Gertrude, and I take care of whatever you need from the Bar." There was a certain way she said this that added more than just the words.

"Playing pool alone? Shame..." She let that hang a moment, one hip kicked out to the side. "Now, is there anything you'd like right now?"

((OOC: remember, Gertrude is a flirt because tips are what makes the money. She would treat any man the same, but this will mean some interesting conversation, not picking on you Manion. ))

Narshawn floated back over, a very similar bottle in her hand, the only difference from the first a rubber band inconspicuously wrapped around the neck. She filled his glass again with the liquid, listening while he told his tale. Gal had been a bartender for many years, and some tricks she had made certain the tiny blaster knew.

She listened, waiting for him to show some sign he wanted an answer or comment. Sometimes it was better to just listen, let things run their course and keep your mouth shut. She had an idea what she would say, but held it for a break in his story.

Alcohol is a depressant, she knew, even if she could not drink it. Someone in such shape, drinking, and possibly powered; she was not anxious to see what sort of powers he had. He wanted to talk, to get this off his soul. She listened. At least he would not get more inebriated, not from that bottle.

((OOC: The bottle contains a plant extract and the same liquor, the odor and texture will be the same. What will not be the same is that the extract bonds to the molecular structure of the liquor, making it almost impossible to digest. It's a wonderful alternative to cutting someone off, and would only be used if she saw a possible problem. I understand the idea that Magnus is able to discuss this because he is becoming drunk, and am ok with that. Magnus is still in charge of the character, if he notices and becomes angry, Narshawn will apologize, indicating some mistake.

If he continues to tell his story, which I really hope, they can have a good discussion with no breakage of delicate objects. That would necessitate Vegas getting involved. This is well done, I hope you continue to post here ))

"You're so sweet," she blushed. He was really going to wait all the way until she got off work. "Narshawn has all the things for playing, just ask."

She gathered the empty plates and glasses, having staked out her territory with the other staff early. If she could get some time, maybe she would bring him the dessert in the Pool Room, where she could have relative privacy from Martin.

"I didn't ask before, do you want something else to drink?"

"The invitation is made, you are free to visit when you like." Lady Tre sat with one elbow on the table, the other arm laid before her, idly swirling the last of her juice in the glass. "You cannot reach the Island alone, only a Sister can do that, and phones or radios do not function across the barrier. When you feel the time is right, you have only to come to the docks, near the Ferry, in Talos. The Ferrymaster knows how to contact us, Lady Beatrix helped guard the ferry during the War and we have an agreement."

"That or find any Sister," Waspe added, "By this time tomorrow, your face and name will be known. They can guide you to the dock. From there, one of the Mariners will be able to take you to the Island. One word of caution, before any problem might arise: nothing which lives upon the island should be harmed. I don't think you would, you seem a very steady woman, but you should know."

The woman called Lupa watched Falcon through slightly narrowed eyes, slitted pupils widening and contracting in turns. It might have been concentration, or curiosity, her mixture of human and animal traits sometimes confusing. One of the youths from the other table stood, drawing the attention of the Guard.

The girl, perhaps fourteen, in blue walked to Lupa's side and spoke in low tones to her, and not in English. The soft, almost melodic language was old and sacred, and one of the first lessons all Sisters learned. Lupa nodded, head to one side and ears twitching. More of the young stood and they walked back toward the entrance.

Martin turned, one eyebrow arched, but they passed him. The door to the restroom was their destination.

"Some things, no amount of training can cure." She made a very human shrug, suppressed laughs circled the table. "Now, you Miss Falcon, if you come to our home, we will run. We are all busy, never time to fight all crime, but come and spend days. I will show you the wilds like no one has seen in a thousand years." Her eyes sparkled at the thought, one of her lessons to the young was survival in the wilderness.

"This is true," Sharon spoke, still near Lupa. "There are trees and fields older than that, even older than when Cinque's people covered all this land. Their like does not exist anywhere else, not anymore, and none could show it to you like Lupa."

Osmella pointed to Hand, who had seemed deep in thought, "You should come, too, Hand of Ma'at. We have a library that is the envy of MAGI, and we have received requests from the High Priests of Circle of Thorns even to view some texts." She made a waggling with her fingers. "We had to arrest the fiends when we found them treading water and besieged by a peculiar species of shark several hundred yards from our shores. Now that should have been in The Times," her smile was as wide as could be. "Do you think Eskarn has recovered from his wounds, Lady Gemini?"

"This I doubt, they cannot regenerate, or cast spells, without the missing limb." There was genuine satisfaction in the Asian woman's voice. "And I still have that, in my cottage." It could be certain her smile was there, hidden as it was.

Lady Thorn made a soft moan and placed her head in her hand, shaking it slowly, a subtle grin showing.

"Gemini, Gemini," she mumbled.

The exchange was friendly, banter between many friends. The offer of the library was sincere, some texts being off-limits except to the highest scholars, but their collection was varied and deep.

"I didn't mean to be so forceful," Waspe said, straightening up again and looking somewhat apologetic. "This is a matter that strikes very near to me, to all of us really. We strive to keep our minds open, to accept whatever strange occurs with grace and dignity. Bigotry and exclusion are what caused The Lady to flee and lose her homeland, and we are sworn against it."

"Bah, fools." Beatrix spoke, a very tall woman that said little. Her emerald eyes were young, set within a wrinkled face and framed by graying hair. She let actions speak for her.

"Nature is rarely understood," Lupa's voice vibrated, sometimes difficult to understand. "I have run until exhausted, dashing through the streams and woods of our Island, to fall down in the grass. The sounds of the birds and other wild things my only music, then I have known peace. To be so close to what is pure, these things are what matter.

"I think that you can understand these things?" Her ears swiveled towards Falcon, one corner of her mouth pulled up.

"Good evening, sirs," Beth carried the drink menus, "Welcome to Ladies by the Lake, I am Beth. The specials this evening are Goulasch, served the traditional Romanian way and brazed Beef. We offer full bar service here in the restaurant.

"Would you care to start with an appetizer or drink? I will be bringing freshly baked bread and your choice of dipping oils and sauces, and I will warn you that portions are large." Her smile was inviting, the evening was turning out better than hoped, what with Manion waiting for her.

"From us?" Now it was Cinque's turn to be surprised. As one of the younger Guards, she had not seena Sister through puberty, most Guards did not have apprentices for long periods as other Ladies did. She had not had the question asked so directly or or with such innocence before.

"Without going into great detail, and bringing in matters of religion and such, we feel it is a matter of personal choice. I cannot speak for others, as it is not our way, but the Order teaches that where one can find love, or even companionship for a time, is good. One very strict rule is that emotions are not to be trifled with." This brought a laugh from Tre and Osmella together, some joke they shared.

"You will find we do not 'dance naked under the moon in large groups', I believe the magazine said?" Osmella's voice was pitched to imitate a news reporter, laughing with Tre.

"That was a rag, and they retracted it after some of the Guard saved their editor's life. Garbage," Lady Thorn said disgutedly.

"In all seriousness, Miss Falcon, it should not matter who you find comfort with. This is my opinion, but there are enough sad people and lonely souls to place rules on how you find comfort." Lady Waspe had found her voice. "Some of the Sisters form relationships, some last for decades and are stronger than many between man and woman. Some find affection with men, and some find themselves to be bound by no relationship. We believe in family, in acceptance." There was a chorus, every Sister at the table nodding and commenting. The younger Sisters keeping quiet, most not understanding what exactly was being discussed.

"I," said Tre, "have been with Osmella for four years. Sharon has been with Mark, her husband for eight years." She glanced aside, then nodded. "Lady Almira is celebate, and by her choice, not because of her powers. We do not enter into relationships easily, as the Island is small and we all must be friends."

"And we watch over each other," Cinque said, "What happens to one affects us all. Ties are strong, so we are careful. Such as this night." She stood, leaning across the table toward the two women.

"Should it matter where you find your partner, or what race or kind? Lupa is part leopard, and yet she is my Sister. Does it matter that she lives with another woman? We say it does not, and for us, this is the law. No, it does not matter, if your heart is happy, then all is well." She motioned to the other table, where some of the girls were watching in confusion.

"You, young ones, should understand this. A woman, not of our Order asks if there is wrong in love? What say you, Kiesha?"

"Lady, love cannot be evil, The Lady has said it." The chocolate colored girl look very shy, put on the spot.

"And you are right," Lady Anvil slowly stood, raising a glass to the child in salute. "In this world, following your heart will lead you to truth, all else is false." Now the girl looked positively radiant, such praise from the leader of the Nine!

"Miss Falcon, you ask a question we cannot answer for you, but which we have opinion on. Love between two people cannot be wrong."

((OOC: Oh yeah, and where is Manion? Didn't think I forgot about you, did you?))

"You know, a girl has a hard time staying thin without pie every night," she smiled as she poured another glass of water. "It's pretty busy tonight, but that group has it's own wait staff." As if on cue, the two Sisters in Green passed by with trays from the bar, wine and juices.

"IF I can convince Martin, maybe I can get a break and sit down with you. Word is that Candice is running like a rabbit in the Bar, but I doubt Martin feels very sorry for her. It may have to wait for closing though, would you mind?"

She looked pensively at the hero, knowing that he was probably busy and asking for more of his time was pressing her luck.

((OOC: Thank you Magnus, I was about to post that Narshawn and Gypsy were back about their duties and not with the group.))

Narshawn listened to the man, he was obviously tormented, but she did not understand exactly why. Where she had been raised, the Island, it was understood that some of the Sisters had lovers and interests outside. Some were married, even. Men were never allowed to come onto the Island proper, but many of the Sisters had relationships. The same, some found comfort in other Sisters, or even women not of the Order. It was simply accepted, and she knew no different. Why someone would be sad that their family member had found comfort or enjoyment with another, man or woman, this eluded her.

The loss of respect or attention from an elder, or respected friend, this she could understand. She could not imagine life without Lady Gemini, the one who had been her family. She would be empty, desolate. This would be a dark time, and if this man was in such a time, he deserved solace.

She looked up for a moment, at the gathering not twenty feet away. They would have given all the comfort one could want, but even that distance was too far for this man, he spoke to her.

"I hear your pain, and it saddens me to know this has happened, but I am here. I will listen to you, as someone who cannot know your pain but is willing to help you bear it." She would have reached out, sometimes physical contact was a reassurance, a show of care, but she could not and did not know if he would understand.

((OOC: Narshawn was raised very different from most, and does not understand why someone would judge another by their love. The Sisters do not have taboos about these things, love is love and affection belongs to whomever cares for it. She does understand that some of society considers it wrong, as she studies religion, but she cannot understand the reasons. So, she feels Magnus' sorrow and pain, but sees him simply as another living being, deserving her respect and support, not her pity. The OP feels the same way, and I think this is a well done story. Please, continue!))

Lady Thorn's eyes widened, but it was Cinque who spoke.

"A good question, one which is rarely put to us so frankly, if asked at all. One of my studies is the history and law of the Order, which has grown long and fills many books on the Island over the years. The answer is tied to what young Mary said earlier about the founding of the Order: only the women and daughters followed her.

"This is not literal, it is written that the young boys also sought refuge, brought by their mothers. All the men fit to battle went, and didn't return. Their bodies littered the ground of what had been their home, when the women and The Lady came out of hiding, they found nothing left. The invaders had set their towns to fire, their crops, even killed the livestock. Just that fast, in the space of several months, almost all those who had followed the old ways were wiped out. It was a religion which started the wars, but we do not speak of this.

“Regardless of how it began, the fact was that many of those people were gone, and with no men, there was little chance that they could go on. They did find other groups of their people, and some had hidden in the hills or the moors. Slowly, Morgaine and some others organized the people, with the help of the Fey, fairy,” she amended, seeing a curious glance. “She began to teach them how to survive, some of the magick of the wild places, and one became her star pupil. His name is written in The Book, but we call him Lamothiak, in the old tongue, Warbringer.”

Some of the Sister’s faces became solemn, grave. Gemini crossed her arms, Anvil placed one palm on the table but her face was unreadable. The other table was silent, many leaning toward their mentors to hear. Cinque brushed her hand across the table, as though clearing away dust.

“Lady Morgaine taught him many things, and he became known to the Fey. Not all the Fey are friends, and they see right and wrong sometimes differently than we do. They do not have…” she searched for a word that these two would understand.

“Baichi-ji, finesse,” Gemini offered.

“Yes, baichi-ji is a word that fits. It means finesse, as a professional has it. A master carver that can create art from a block of stone, a painter who’s work seems alive or a swordmaiden who can strike her target in a crowded room and leave no mark or trail.” Gemini nodded at the compliment, while Cinque gave a small bow to show her admiration.

“The student nurtured a want for power, and this became a wedge between him and The Lady. Over the years, they grew apart and he set out to return the islands back to their people, by force. He went again to the world of men, and became a noted scholar and advisor to Kings. If I spoke his name, his English name, you would know him, as he also wrote the legends and the stories. Our Lady’s name was misused in these, to vilify her and her cause, but this is the past, and what is done is done.”

“Thus began the War of the Trees, and the decline of the Fey.” Lady Thorn spoke, her voice sad and her hands clasped before her. “These stories are long and old, and not proper for this company or celebration. He used his powers to force the land to his bidding, and exposed the existence of the Old People to the invaders. He won this battle, but his King was old and The Lady was forced to intervene, to save the land. She stole the memories of both armies and formed a pact with the Fey, which we honor even today.

“Remember, the Old People do not understand our world completely, and see men and women as completely different races. Lady Morgaine once again drew the shroud of confusion about her people, and her agreement was that she could call upon the Fey for assistance but could never train or instruct men again. The Old People provided her an Island, where all would be safe, hidden from all view unless she willed them to come.”

Cinque spoke again, and Lady Thorn settled back into her seat, by now grown up to support her arms and back.

“It has been like this since that time. The Island is sacred, unreachable and unseen unless you are invited and escorted by a Sister. Many decades ago, Lady Morgaine brought the Island to this place, in Talos’ Harbor, and wreathed it in fog and wind. We served the city in secret until the Rikti Wars, Lady Anvil?” She motioned for the huge woman to continue.

“She calls me because I fought there. Miss Falcon,” her voice boomed even when she whispered, resonating in her immense chest, “I am old, second only to Almira in the Circle in age, and leader of the Nine. I fought in the Rikti Wars, and know many terrible things about them. It is because of them that I use this cane,” she lifted the thin piece of exotic wood to demonstrate. “Because of what our Order did, to protect our Island and the City, we were granted sovereign rights to our home. Men may come to the Island, but may not pass the sand of the beach. This is the law of the Fey and of The Lady. This is why there are no brothers. Not perhaps the reasons you suspected?” She had a very sneaky humor, this gray-haired tank who moved like cold molasses, like her movements were through water. Her smile exposed her humor, and an unexpected wink.

“Though some of us find the attentions of men…less than desirable,” Lady Tre spoke, perhaps more timid than had been, “many have husbands or interests. It is a choice, but we find that the attention of the young is better focused without these…distractions, at least for some time.” Her smile was warm, somewhat mischievous, catching Osmella’s attention, and her smile was shy at the same time.

“Ah, the indiscretions of youth, eh?” Sharon nudged Lupa, who growled, or purred, it was difficult to decide.

“You are not so old as that, Mashta,” the word meant baby sister, one of the Guard discretely whispered to Falcon and Hand. “I have heard that your man finds you most indiscrete…” Laughter broke the somewhat somber mood, Anvil’s echoing laugh brought many more.

“But I hear that Miss Falcon may understand the attractions men have, not meaning to be impolite,” Lady Cinque mentioned, being careful lest she offend.

Sharon and Lupa chuckled, sharing a look between them, an Lady Gemini looked thoughtful for a moment.

"You are not the only one at this table to have taken enjoyment at the pain of others. While it is true that we seek peace and the Order does not allow revenge, there are situations, and times, where it is excused. I have done this."

"And you see us now," interjected Lupa, in her gravel-like voice, "You did not know Sharon or I when we warred."

"Indeed, Miss Falcon, Lupa and I were deadly enemies for some years after we came to the Island." Sharon stood and walked behind Lupa, who's ears swiveled like tiny tracking dishes. "It is by our training and the patience of our many teachers that we could overcome this."

"Patience even some of us doubted, Shadow," Thorn spoke with a small smile, using Sharon's nickname as a young woman.

"Even so," Sharon spoke again, laying an affectionate hand on Lupa's shoulder, "We are now teammates, we fight beside one another, not toward. That is the point Gem tried to make, I think." She received a brief nod from that woman.

"You have suffered, and weathered, many hardships. You have great skill with a beautiful weapon, and are far more powerful than most. You have knowledge of things many only read about. We all seek justice, you, the Sisters, Hand of Ma'at," she gestured as she spoke, "and fight for this.

"All things happen for reasons, we would say that the tapestry is woven with designs. We do not always see them, but they are there." She paused, allowing Gemini to speak.

"You may visit our Island, simply because we value your thoughts, your honesty. There is no question of your being worthy, that is for you to judge, only you." Gemini held up her hands, the sign she had said her peace.

Osmella absently played with her hair, her eyes focussing somewhere else for a moment. The Sisters sitting hext to her glanced over.

"Gal and Shock are coming, The Lady has finished speaking to them." This news brought some smiles around the table, and Osmella continued to Falcon and Hand. "Gal and Shock, two other Sisters, were called to The Island as their Mentors are missing. That they return so quickly is good news."

"I think two more plates, and some more wine, Sisters." Tres watched as the two Sisters who had been serving moved to the kitchens. "Will you two care to sit with us a while longer? I think you likely have more to tell us..."

"Excuse me sir, all races and types are welcome. Androids and mechanical people do not need to dress. The shirt is fine," Martin said to the change in clothes. "Please, follow me."

He led the way to a table near the plant centerpiece, heady with the smell of hyacinth. "Will this do, sirs?"

((OOC: Of course he means you both ))

"Good evening, sirs," Martin was always proper, even with non-humanoids. "I would offer you a seat in the restaurant, but we require jackets. However, the Bar also has a full menu and service is excellent. Welcome to Ladies by the Lake, I am Martin."

"Would you care to sit?" He motioned to the bar.

((OOC: Gladius, if your characters can modify their clothes with nanites, then jackets should be no problem, and Martin will happily seat them in the main room. Keeping up appearances, you know...))

"You bear your past with grace, Hand of Ma'at. Would that every child that was different could be the same, but there are those that will always see difference as bad omen." Lady Tre said, when she had finished her tale.

"Everyone is different, whether it is easily visible as Lady Lupa or Sharon, or hidden as Lady Almira or myself." The one called Osmella spoke from her chair. Her voice was soft, and languid like a stream flowing. Her smile came quickly. "The Sisters try not to judge, which can be difficult sometimes, but we try. As the young ones said, we believe we are constantly tested."

She sat forward in her chair, her blonde hair thick and ringing her face, deep blue eyes and pale pink lips finished her face. "You see, some of us can hide our differences, which can serve at times. Lady Almira was a beautiful woman," she motioned to the hooded Lady, who also sat forward, templing her hands but not touching her hood, "and has been a healer for the Sisters for many, many years. During the Great War, near the end, she volunteered to aid the wounded. Not the Allies alone, since innocence lives on both sides of conflict.

"She was sent with many others to help the innocent in other countries. She arrived in Japan the day after the last atomic bomb fell, when all was sorrow and misery. She would tell her tale if she could, she tells me it is allowed to one such as you, a healer who understands sorrow." The black eyes of the healer blinked, and she touched her veil.

"When she returned, she was very ill. Radiation had ravaged her, but she had stayed until the last were either buried or mended. I was not yet born, but she was my Mother before I became a Lady, and this tale is known to me. She can never remove her robe in public, as her physical beauty was stolen by the radiation. She says that this has made her stronger in spirit, and she is called the most devout of the Nine, her pain a testament to her will."

Almira nodded, and perhaps Hand felt a feather's touch in her mind. No probe or entry, more like a breeze wafting across the room filled with the perfume of spring.

"I, on the other hand, was a fine lass until my studies progressed on the Island. Soon after my first month as a woman, I awoke with this," she pulled aside her hair, near her scalp, and on her forehead was a third eye. It was closed, but definitely no tattoo. "I gained the ability to see and control minds. I can hide this most times, but when needed, I can expose my powers, and aid the Sisters in battle..."

"Or cheat at gambling," Sharon threw out, hiding a smile behind her water glass.

"I do not cheat, I do not need to." Osmella smiled and blinked her third eye, which stayed closed after. She rearranged her hair to cover the forehead.

"You should not think we are afraid of fighting," Lady Gemini held up one hand. "There are those of us who have vengeance and retribution in our pasts. I took some leave from the Sisters to pursue my own blood feud, and am still welcome. We understand the need for fighting at the appropriate time."

Lady Tre and Cinque nodded. "Those who seek to injure or deprive others of life, sometimes must be met with the sword, and so we all train in the ways of combat as well."

She leaned back in her chair again, apparently having made her point, eyes still on Falcon.