Sibling

"Miss Falcon, it appears we have the pleasure of several lovely young women this evening." Martin was refering to the young woman who had just entered the bar, tall and dressed in white. "You appear to have been tested today, so perhaps a table near the fire? The Sister that tends to the furniture has been working on something more cozy for a brandy or glass of fine wine." He directed her gaze to the fireplace across the room.

Since Gal had seen several patrons watching longingly as the flames danced in the brick fire grate, she had asked Lady Thorn, the Arborist, to place a few more intimate tables there. Small round pedestals, made from a different species of tree, sprouted, literally, from the floor, creating a small space that one coudl enjoy the fire and still have room for food on the surface. Not as large as the regular dining tables, they were perfect for drinks or polite conversation, away from the bustle of the room.

"We have just received an excellent Bordeaux, should wine be to your taste. Were you expecting others this evening, or would you care to be seated immediately?" His eye caught several tell-tales in her stance, she would like to sit and she would like to warm up.

The two tables, always reserved with brass placards, near the raised cooking platform had glasses and silverware set tonight, but no visitors yet. A young woman, dressed in deep blue and with a scarf over her head, carried items to and fro, placing flowers and seats. A large vase of hyacinths stood in the center of one table.

((OOC: Falcon, with time acting so strange here, you have to give me a hint. Falcon told Steve three days, is that tonight? If not, there will be some excitement for you anyway, and maybe some interesting characters coming in after a while. First full moon in phase of the year, and the Sisters celebrate.))

"Good evening, madam," the stiff Englishman took in the woman quickly, even Martin could be impressed by such a sight. It did not reach his lips, but his eyes appreciated her striking appearance.

"Yes, the bar is open and well stocked. If I may say so, you looked quite striking this evening," he motioned to the short hall leading to the bar, taking the woman there personally. "Your choice of color and style compliments your complexion. I will envy Narshawn her patron."

((OOC: Narshawn has several people at the counter tonight, but we can imagine she has time for each and every one. If Hand of Ma'at chooses to sit at a table or the bar, she will get personal attention, no matter the other patrons. She sounds very interesting, very unique, very welcome!))

"Tip? We all got bonuses the first night, but Gal may have misunderstood the gesture. She'd probably give back whatever money you gave her, maybe by mistake. If you tip, you should do it with the bill," she smiled, knowing that Gal had pretty much gien away the first night's food. "If you get a a bill."

"I'll talk to Candice, she can move to another section and I can take over here. Besides," there was some problem a few tables away, an older man talking to Martin about his food, but she could not tell what he said exactly. "That would be the third time tonight someone complained. I don't think Martin will have problems with the change.

"I'll go see what that's about and be back." Smoothing her blouse, she walked to Martin and the patron. Candice had just slipped into the kitchen, also aware something was awry.

"Couldn't stay away?" Gertrude gave Jack a wink as she passed by, carrying several bowls of snacks and some long necks to the pool area. "I'll be right back to take your order."

She returned a few moments later, the tray under one arm.

"Nice to see you back, thought you slipped out the other night. What can Ladies provide you tonight?" Her smile wa warm, and with Narshawn occupied, she thought she might get some time to chat with him.

((OOC: She's an NPC, so if you want, you can give her some reactions and let her interact with Jack some. She would be interested in Jack's story, and Jack, like a flirty waitress type. There are a few poeple in the pool room, if he decides to head in.))

She heard the statement, that he blamed himself for the death of this woman. She was no counselor, especially for this type of grief. Her mentor, Lady Gemini, she was much more suited, but he was here, now. Sisters were trained to provide solace to any that came looking, so she would do her best.

"Then I grieve with you. Cold comfort, perhaps, but even the least of us carries the possibility of great things. It is said, among my Sisters, that nothing endures forever, not the seas or the sky. I would think that this woman was great in your heart, with such bonds of family," she stood away from him, but focussing on her words, not allowing distractions.

"If this is true, then still she is great, perhaps greater even than before, because now there is only her spirit. She is no longer fettered by weariness or age, and is always with you. speaking to you." The tiny woman could feel loss, but could never comfort another with a touch, no matter that he might need some physical comfort, even the touch of a friendly hand.

"If you listen, what she has said can still be heard. As to what has parted you from her, I cannot judge. Looking at you, I doubt this, but will listen to you."

She purposely put the bottle back on the shelf, out of easy reach, then returned and hovered, waiting patiently.

((OOC: Realize that Narshawn is made of ice, but is not without emotion. Her face would convey concern, and worry. The Sisters would never brush off such an event, but death is understood and part of their faith. She would not say it, but she believes it to be another step on the path to peace, and her responses would indicate she believes the dead can still walk among the living.))

Beth didn't move to take the paper, it would be rude. That Gal would write him a note, well, she would do that.

"Gal...she's kind of protective." The young woman glanced at the floor. "My real mom, she doesn't come around, and Gal sort of, well, she takes care of me." There was a quietness in her voice, a very young woman's mannerism.

"Sorry," she said, clearing her throat and looking back up from the floor. "Shouldn't have talked so much, have to make sure Martin is keeping up. I'll be back in a little while."

She glanced over one shoulder to the podium. It was a fairly quiet night, not as much business as usual, but she figured that was good, with Gal gone. She could occassionally hear Gypsy in the kitchen, and thought it was good she didn't speak Romanian.

((OOC: Beth may act like a teenager sometimes, Manion, but she is mid-twenties. She just lost some of her growing up time being on the streets, and the dating and relationship thing is awkward. And, Gal has no children (she's married to Sibling, that wouldn't work) so she mothers to her employees, in a kind way.))

"You roll back through here in a few days, give me a call ahead. I'll invite Thang and his family in for a night, maybe get Sib in and we can all have a regular dinner." She was excited, her hobby had been sports, once. Track and weights back in high school. It was hard to find someone that would spot her on weights anymore, and track was definitely out.

"You take care too, hon." Gal shoved a large plate covered in aluminum foil into the smaller woman's hands. "Corn bread and some other goodies, take it."

((OOC: and Gal hopes to see Isis back in the restaurant soon!))

Failing missions does affect some story arcs, as you cannot proceed on that arc if you fail some. Some badges are the same, War Walls, is just one. You can pick it up later, with another character, but all the same.

((OOC: Gal is currently on assignment, but since this takes place a couple days ago, she would have been in on the conversation.))

"Wow, the Globetrotters, that would be a game!" Gal was working the stoves, but looked up to Isis. Wheels traveled with wheels, they said. Isis was connected, and it would be great for the Mission and the charity.

"I can't run to save mah' life, but bein' this tall and bein' near impossible to move, I do a good job guarding the lane. Thang, he's got like a two hundred foot vertical, and probably some of the other heroes could play some fun ball."

Candice spoke across the kitchen entrance, to someone inside, then wandered to the order entry stand. She stared at the terminal for a moment, then waved another woman over and they talked. The other woman carefully pointing to various things that Manion could not see from his perspective.

The swinging doors to the kitchens opened, and Gypsy stopped, glaring around the room, hands on hips. Her outfit was much the same as before, but the flared pants were a deep green and her blouse a rich brown, like melted chocolate. The long ponytail she wore wrapped around her neck and inside the front of her blouse, sleeves rolled up past her elbows and showing intricate black tattoos as far as her arms were visible. Candice responded to a question she asked, and the dark-skinned woman turned to see Manion.

"The nice young man!" She walked to his table, a weary smile on her face. "Was not sure who would ask for special tonight. Gal is gone, and kitchen is mad." She shook her head, tucking some stray hair into the plait.

"Beth speak about you, all day." She leaned closer, being conspiratorial, but louder then a whisper. The thick slavic accent only increased the feeling of some bad spy movie, but she was genuinely glad to see him. "I think she likes you, she is smart girl.

"You find the note, yes? Gal tells me to give you that. Sisters, we do not accept gifts, you understand?"

Some clatter in the kitchen caught her attention, and the look on her face was not pleased. "I will take care of you, a usual customer. See Beth is coming, must go see the disaster that is kitchen." She mumbled something to herself in a foreign dialect, and turned to go.

((OOC: So you know, those that are Sisters will not accept gifts or charity, but not all the staff are Sisters. Regular staff will accept tips and the like, and anything given to a Sister is divided up between the others later. Manion, your Goulasch will be good and spicy, lots of Hungarian Paprika, without Gal there to mediate Gypsy. )

"Fruity," the ice woman placed a finger to her lips in a very human movement. "Perhaps a Banana Daquiri? Bananas have enough moisture I can take them, so I can say that this would be good."

She placed several items in view, waiting for the reply. "Weaving I also understand, though ornamentation and warmth are not my taste, so I have little use for it normally. I am interested."

“The Hel do you mean, accident?!” Gal was livid, calling from the loft to Adavan’s office at Portal Co. Shock Bubble stood to one side, fidgeting, as was her nature, with some of the kitchen tools. Windows a street away would be shaking.

“Let me get this straight,” Gal’s voice quieted, a sign she was even angrier than a moment before, “Sibling, my WIFE, came by your office to see one of her good friends off. To watch one of your lovely portals do what they do every day, something that is supposed to be completely safe, and you LOST her?” Gal rested her head on her arm, against the wall, Bubbles was trying very hard not to be noticed and still hear.

“Oh no,” the tanker replied to some words from the other end of the phone, “I don’t hear it from you or your company, I hear it from The Lady! Oh, that’s right, I am coming down there,” she was pointing into the air, gesturing that the other could not see. “ You had better have some sort of plan, or Goddess as my witness, I will bring enough Sisters to turn that place into a smoldering pit!”

With that, she shot the phone into the cradle hard enough that the shatterproof handset broke into several pieces. She looked at Bubbles through her anger, and held up one hand, trying to compose herself before she vented. She knew Bubbles had at much at stake, her senior partner was missing, too.

“Bubbles,” an slow intake of breath, “there is no doubt. That was Ad on the phone, and he says there was some ‘malfunction’ when Sib and D’ were there yesterday. He doesn’t know where they are.” She walked to the hall closet and grabbed out her leather battle-jacket, planning to make a statement when they arrived. “At least The Lady knew enough that they are ok.”

She held open the sliding loft door, and shut it gently enough behind her smaller friend. They walked to the elevator, Bubbles still waiting for the other shoe to drop. Gal had a temper, and once it was reached, it could be dangerous. Gal pressed the down button for the lift car, still a heavy and slow freight-type elevator. She pressed it a second time, slightly harder.

“Damn machines!” Her fist went through the button, through the panel and opened on the other side of the brickwork in the open shaft. Now Bubbles felt better, Gal had released a little of her anger. The black woman stared at her arm, embedded in the wall, for a moment, then released a long sigh.

“Sorry, hon,” she withdrew the arm, leaving dust and particles of brick on the floor.

“No, that’s ok Gal. I’d do that, but not with those results. Can you TP there?” Gal nodded, still angry, but feeling a little more in control. “OK, then I’ll meet you at Peregrin Docks.” The small girl floated out the window at the end of the hall, while Gal flashed on her way.

***************************

“The Lady knows?” Sibling had risen when they heard the bolts coming back in the door. Now, they sat with Diva on the bed, listening while she tried to recite what had happened, from the family to the Chief’s appearance and departure.

“It is said, and written, that each world has it’s protectors, those in tune with what goes on in the wider spaces.” Sibling had studied many of these beliefs, and was known as one of the chosen on The Island, with access to the Book at any time. Some said they would be one of the Nine, when the time came, one of the highest in the Order. “We have never doubted the words, but this seems to prove some of that.”

“No doubt, she knew who we are. She called The Lady’s name and said that she knew what went on.” That was the most comforting to them, that somehow their situation was known. If Morgaine knew, they could be certain others did, and they would be helped.

“What should we do?” Sibling had to look up, even when seated, to see Diva’s face.

“You are asking me? I was hoping you two would have a plan,” she half smiled at the mind controller, still too worried to laugh.

“Oh, Cliff has a plan,” said Sibling, “but I doubt the anatomy of these humans is that different.” Diva made a rude noise, followed by a small laugh. “You know this place far better than we do, how should we handle it?”

Diva considered for a moment. She had left Ekanga and the others inside the house, the guards outside still mulling about, but relative safety for discussion.

“If the humans have all the talented, and it sounds like they are little more than slaves, then the options are limited. Think like a normal human,” the irony was not lost on Sibling, they might be the most human between these two, but normal was a far stretch, “you never know when someone is watching your mind. They could use that very effectively, as even thinking of causing trouble would be detected, or the humans would say that. Hard to plan if you can’t think about it.

“So, they keep everyone in line with threats and a few mentalists,” what Diva had learned from Malthu and Ekanga after the Chief had left. “From what the family knows, they have nothing even close to what a Security Level Ten Empath on Earth can do. That means we should have no trouble with their scanning or probing, but we aren’t the only ones here, and they have armies.

“We could probably fight them, and win,” she looked at Sibling, saw the neutral expression as they waited for her decision, “but I think we should be careful. These people don’t deserve trouble because they help us.”

Sibling nodded, it was certainly what Angela would do, Cliff, well…he didn’t run the body and would have considered it anyway.

“The Grand Lady was right,” the twins said after a short pause, “she should not endanger her people for us, and if we should run into trouble they would have to do what was best for them. We are the trouble here, not you. You could blend in, at least you look close enough to pass for a traveler. We cannot.”

“But you know,” Diva answered, “I could not be found by my clan. I could not stay hidden forever, and even without communication like on Earth, they would find out.” Diva had discovered that radio had never been discovered here, something about the waves and technology. They had phone and certain wire-based systems, but nothing wireless; no radio, no satellite, and thankfully, no TV.

“No wonder they are so intelligent and peaceful,” Sibling had responded.

“An idea,” the smaller Sister posed during the night. “What if we went along with the humans? They sound very greedy, very power-hungry, and a catch like us,” the twins indicated themselves, “would likely provoke their lust for power.”

“How?” asked Diva.

**************************

“Can you guard your mind against them?” Diva was asking Ekanga, sitting under the stars in the area behind the house. Sibling had been secured again in the prison, the guards none-the-wiser about what went on. They had eaten dinner with Malthu and Bhuvana, and the elder man had taken his wife to their room. This had to be discussed with those who could prevent the talented from overhearing later.

“I have been able to,” his deep voice resonated, the light from many stars sparkling in his eyes. No moon on this world, but the stars were much brighter, there was also almost no pollution. Diva had found herself staring several times at his profile, it had been long since she found anything handsome in another Troll. “Why?”

His question broke her gaze, and she quickly looked away, self-consciously.

“I, erm, we, Sibling and I,” she stammered, knowing she sounded less than comfortable. “We, have an idea about the meeting and how to deal with any problems.” She could tell he was staring at her, the corner of her eye had his face, and he was looking intently. “We do not want any trouble for this world, for you or your people.”

“Are you not one of our people?” His question caught her off-guard, it had been a long time since she had thought about being a Troll. On earth, there were almost no moments that someone did not cringe, or cry out, when she was in public. Here, Sibling was the oddity.

“You are a Troll, one of our people,” his tone was almost hurt, more emotional than any Troll from earth could be. “You should not forget that your name is beautiful or lovely, Divya, it fits you.”

“We….should discuss the meeting, how we will handle this tomorrow.” She was trying very hard not to think that this was her place, her home. Trying not to think that for once in many years, she was with people like her, that accepted her, that looked and even smelled like her.

“You have another,” he definitely sounded disappointed, and she saw him move away, in body and mind. “I am sorry, you have not said it. You are a very beautiful woman, Divya-of-another-place.” The language had prefixes and suffixes for certain things. The one he chose also meant, of-another-caln.

“NO! I mean, no.” She was confused, but wanted to straighten things. “I have no other. I mean to say, there are no others for me on the other world. I am alone among the people, there are few Trolls like me there.”

“There are no Trolls like you here,” he said quietly, again looking at her face. “This Sibling, she is not with you?” Now Diva did blush, and made a sharp sound in her throat.

“Oh no. Sibling has another, and she is not to be trifled with, not by Troll or lord.” The thought that this would be normal, that Ekanga would be open minded enough to think this could be. He would be a rare Troll. She almost gasped when he placed one huge hand on hers, lightly resting there for a moment.

“Then consider that some would fight to be with you.” He moved his hand again and stood, not trying to impose upon her. “Now, we should discuss this with Malthu, but not with Bhuvana. She does not have the gifts of mind, and should not know this plan.”

It took several heartbeats for Diva to stand. When she did, it took several more for her heart to slow, and she did not trust her voice, only nodding.

Narshawn waved back at the young woman, glad to see her again, someone she could relate to.

"I'm sorry," she said, drawing close and placing a glass before Wendy, "last night got so busy, I didn't see you go. I did not mean to ignore you." She smiled slightly, unsure if she had offended the woman. People outside had such delicate senses of propriety, and no hard rules like would have been present on The Island.

"No, a mistake can be forgiven. I am not typical, and things are very different here." She looked up and down the bar, "Many different beings.

"Magick, this is something I know of." Something she read of, and had seen. "I have no skill with it, but know many who do. Those draw their power from Gaia, or some link to Her. Is it the same where you are from?" It was apparent that she was genuinely interested, a realm of knowledge only available from the talented, no book could convey this.

"Pardon my asking," she intejected, "Knowledge is my passion."

((OOC: No problem Lusus, time travels differently here. ))

"Recommend something? Honestly, she hasn't shown the least interest in the food, just sucking up to Martin." She gave a quick laugh, "And you can imagine how that works. I have to get back to the front, but I will check in. Just don't let her get to you."

She hesitated, unsure how to handle the odd situation. By way of being friendly, she nodded, and smiled.

*Too dreamy,* she thought.

((OOC: Candice is going to be the typical "I have better things to do" type, so react and give her reactions, accordingly.))

Narshawn took in the man's sudden change of attitude. Her vision, much more in tune with the heat spectrum than a human's, also picked up the sudden flush of blood to his face and head. That she had learned was indicative of anger or embarrassment, but she could not tell which.

"You will pardon me for saying it, but my Mother has a saying," she hovered over to the strong liquors in no hurry, "Strong drink is a poor friend, and even poorer confidant. I will serve you what you like, but know that I can also listen better than a bottle."

"Yes, I know of San Francisco. In fact, I could describe it better than many residents, though I have never been there," she smiled shyly, handling a bottle the color of sunrise, an almost changing hue as the light struck it. "This liquor is from a monastery, renowned for their skills.

"I read, and remember, but my actual travels have never led outside the City."

The conversation pleased her, always hungry for knowledge. She was encyclopedic in her knowledge, and naive in her experience. She placed the chilled glass of rose colored liquid in front of Magnus.

((OOC: The liquor is a special derivitive from the Cloistered Monks outside a small town near Schnalls, Austria. It has some peculiar effects, one of them being no hangover but an alcohol content near 170 proof, and smells like anise. Narshawn will be slow to allow Magnus to get drunk, as any good bartender would be, but it is up to him.

In case you have not noticed, and if I suppose to understand where you are going, there is no judgement at Gal's. None of my characters is fit to judge anyone, and neither am I, so I welcome your posts. Magnus is always welcome here.))

"Sir," Beth stopped with his bread basket, an older woman following along and looking somewhat bored, " this is Candice, she is just starting. If you do not mind, she will take your order." Beth winked at Manion.

The other woman was about 30-ish, black hair and a thin smile. She spoke with a Boston accent, one of those that only exist in one place on earth, and the attitude to match. Beth pulled an apologetic face when she wasn't looking, hoping Manion would put up with her.

"Good evening, sir..." and she proceeded to read back the specials of the evening, as though from a card in her head, very little enthusiasm. "I will get your mushroom platter, while you consider the main course."

She walked back to the counters, and Beth stepped closer for a moment.

"I'm sorry, she has an attitude. I don't think she'll last too long once Miss Gal gets back, she won't have that kind of thing. You don't mind? I have to say "Sir" when she's around, or she'll get too cocky.

"Still walking me home?"

"Good evening, Miss," Martin greeted the woman. "Welcome to Ladies by the Lake, I am Martin, the Maitre'd. We have a full restaurant, which I am happy to see you are dressed for, or the Bar.

"Where would you prefer?"

*He sure looks nice* thought Beth, *and Martin got him his jacket back.* She had been too excited to realize it when she had forgotten to return it.

"No, Statesman will have to make do," she said slyly. "The menu is still good, but Gal had some business to attend to. I, um, had a really nice time last night." She was shy, and just admitting she had enjoyed it took some courage.

"So, what will it be tonight? I warn you, Gypsy is in charge of the cooking, so some things might be a little spicy." Beth had to pull double duty tonight, since several new staff were learning. "When I come back with the bread, I'll bring Candice, she's new, and learning."

((OOC: Gal's has gotten so popular, I am having to bring in some new staff for all the conversations.))

"I believe, sir," Martin intoned, barely glancing up from his seating register, "that Miss Beth has already returned your jacket. Wait a moment."

With that, the stiff-backed Englishman stepped to a side room where the restaurant stored coats and the like. He returned a moment later with Manion's jacket, and gave only the smallest hint of any return of the smile.

"It appears there is some difficulty tonight, as you can see, we have many open tables. Perhaps another of those tedious threats to the city. You have no reservation, I presume?" Martin had his best expression of boredom in place, gathering a menu and stepping from behind the podium.

"Do you have a preference for a table, sir? The place by the fire is still available...and Miss Beth will be along presently to take your dinner selection." He stopped near the table Manion had used the night before, waving one arm over the fresh setting.

It looked like they had changed the table settings, fresh flowers on each. The lilacs were in bloom on the Island, and one of the visitors had managed to get several large containers of them to Gal. There were also a few new faces in the restaurant, bustling about and taking the orders from the main kitchen to the tables.

Gal's kitchen area, on the platform in plain view, was empty. The stoves were cold, and anything for dinner would be coming from the main kitchen. Martin had hinted at nothing untoward, but would not, sometimes propriety dictates that oddness is ignored.

"So, hero, what brings you here?" Beth had managed to come around the far side of the room, hopefully catching Manion by surprise. She wore her best silk blouse, the one with the puffy sleeves and false lace borders, and pleated skirt.

((OOC: Gal will be out of the restaurant, visiting The Island, for news of her partner, but will return the following night.))

((TO All))

There was a knock on the heavy loading door, and Vegas noticed that someone moved in the well-lit space. Her habit of taking her job seriously had her at the restaurant far after even Gal had left, an excuse about "paperwork". She looked at the figure, dressed in Icon top fashion and fidgeting with her purse.

"Bubbles," she spoke into an intercom, "what are you doing here in the middle of the night?"

"Gal! I need to see Gal!" the brightly colored girl pressed the button on the wall, trying hard not to short out another system with her electrical powers. "It's about D and Sib! Let me in V!"

The girl was always hyperactive, but seemed more anxious than usual. Vegas buzzed the door open, and a moment later the defender was in the office.

"Gal is gone for the night, girl, you look tired!" Vegas motioned for her to take one of the chairs in the crowded space, moving a stack of video discs to give her space.

"She wasn't at her loft yet, tried ringing a bunch of time, and then I ran over there and she still was out so I though maybe she had stayed late and was doing something here so I came over and then you said..."

"Wait", Vegas held up a hand. Don't let her get started, Gal said, keep it short for her. "Gal just left maybe twenty minutes ago. What is so important?"

"The Lady, she contacted me. Sent Lady Almira to bring me to The Island. D' and Sibling, they're in another dimension, but safe," Bubbles rushed the words out.

Vegas knew that those two were battle partners, but Gal and Bubbles were their proteges. Gal would want to know now, she had been on edge for two days, not even mentioning her friend. "Let me get my jacket, we have to find Gal."

They left moments later, Vegas headint oward the loft on Gal's usual route, Bubbles flying overhead.

((OOC: This will explain why Gal is on edge in the coming days at Gal's, so no one thinks she is angry with them. The Ladies thread describes what happens to the two, Diva and Sibling, but that is separate. However, the world moves on around Gal's and this, I hope, brings some congruence. Doesn't seem right that Gal's love would be missing and her not be concerned.

Continue on as usual, but realize that Gal will be a little tight strung, and might not smile as much as usual. Consider Gal's closed for the evening, but open again tomorrow (right now). I hope some of Narshawn's new acquiantances will strike up new conversations, she gets lonely being so different.))

Steve called Martin in the middle of the day, knowing he would be preparing to start at Gal's in a few hours.

"Martin, 'tis Steve. I would ask a boon of ya'. No, 'an I would nah' accept your money," he listened to the odd contraption that he had found to be very useful, these phones. "I need ta' find a good pawnsman, and then mayhap the haberdasher and tailor. I 'ave a dinner planned wi' Miss Falcon, an' I need ta' be decent for her company."

The other end of the line spoke for a moment, then Steve replied, looking with affection at the antique Ball watch he held. "Ya' I 'ave tha' time, 'tis almost noon. Founder's Falls, aye, I will meet ya' there."

He headed out the door in one of his only outfits, to return later with several boxes and garment bags from various locations. An antique, authentic Ball Railroad Master's watch was quite valuable.

((OOC: This explains how he will appear in fashionable coat and tails for his next appearance with Falcon, and involves characters specific to Gal's, hope no one minds.

It's a new day, welcome back!))

((To All, after close, which might be different times than current))

Vegas slipped in the back door, coming up next to Gal as she polished several knives used for cooking.

"You can be awful quiet when you like, girl," Gal said to the soft clearing of the throat. "Everything go good?"

"He was a perfect gentleman, walked Beth around a bit. They went by the Mission. She looked like she had a nice time, and he was all proper, not even knowing I was watching." Vegas was very skilled in her job, and it did not stop at the doors of the restaurant.

"Thank you, ya' know how much I care about that girl." Gal said, turning to face the shorter woman. The look of appreciation was apparent.

"I think we all care for her, you have a nice family going here," Vegas turned to stare out over the room.

"Long as you're a part of it, I do." Gal placed a hand on her friend's shoulder.

((TO Magnus))

Narshawn smiled, glancing at the bowl of steaming broth. She turned while the young woman she served enjoyed her Cosmo.

"Yes, I can eat broth, but not hot. I am made of ice, no only covered in it." She held out one arm, placing it between the man and one of the lights near the bar. As she moved it, the light refracted through, as through a prism. Some areas darker, or colors scintillating.

"I take liquids, as cold as they can be, and can digest some fruits from this world. Some foods would be hurtful, liquors or things that cannot freeze." She inhaled, "I appreciate the aromas, and watching Gal cook is a privelege, but I can also take things that would kill many humans. I have different requirements, that I have learned," She smiled at him again, her teeth sparkling. She enjoyed conversation, but few carried one after they knew she was so different.

"As you heard, I am not from this world. And you?"

She made towards the bar, indicating his preference for drink as a question.

((OOC: No german characters on this board, sorry,. The bread is a very hearty, thick German type.))

((OOC: Just to clarify, this is family programming, and the story, even the PM's are totally G rated. Falcon and Steve, Manion and Beth, will be having a very proper evening that would end with even June Cleaver's approval.

But Gal's is open for another day, so post away!))

Steve knew that this woman was not only a lady, in all forms, but also somewhat accomplished at combat. He had noticed the weapon she wore, but Miss Gemini carried a sword as well, perhaps it was the custom these days. Little worried him on the walk, he was far too relaxed.

A night with such a woman, enjoying conversation and light discussion, how he had missed it. The night became late as they walked away from Ladies...

((OOC: Falcon, I would like to continue, at least this short story about the evening, but want to maintain the "inside" of Gal's. So, if you are agreeable, PM would be preferable. The story could remain traveling, and then you would have a sly secret from the others, to present as you like. Manion, as you choose, with Beth as well, should you like. They will be rare, what with all the other posts, but that would seem fair to everyone, no?))

She laughed, suddenly and somewhat self-consciously.

"Pie, Gal makes a good pie." She sat and forked a piece, watching Manion over the plate. "I still don't know you, I mean to say...know you well." She had another bite to hide her awkwardness.

"What brought you to Gal's?" While her real question was what made him sit and talk to someone so plain as her, when heroes had their schedules full with models and stars, went unasked. Unasked by her voice, her eyes, she didn't have as good a sense of.

((OOC: Manion, ok, let's see how you treat a lady. Beth will finish eating, carrying on a conversation with Manion and you can walk her home. I want to hear about all the details. , such a fine young man...))

"Lost, ya' say," a knowing smile stole over his face. "Perhaps there are still some thin's tha' ha'nt changed. I know Martin ta' never forget anythin', Miss Falcon."

"Now, Atlas Park, tha' I know, been spendin' many a time there, full of these wild 'ellions. An' we can be goin' ri' away, I ha' already settled tha' bill. Fine man I'd be if I le' a lady pay for my dinner. Not rich by a sight, but ye' shall nah' be payin' when ye' are such grand company."

He stepped closer to her, unsure if she intended to leave right away or have something from the bar.

"Far as be'in an expert on such things, I think many o' the things I knew naught abou' ha' changed much. No steam or smoke in these new trains." He glanced at his watch as a dull but melodious tone echoed from it. Midnight it read.

((OOC: If Falcon wants to head to the Park, for a moonlight stroll or flight, Steve will of course hold the door, walk on the street side and hold out one arm for her to place a hand on. He won't pull her close or walk with anything but his arm touching her as a prevention against stumbles. Think proper approach to a waltz.))