Sibling

"Greetings," the tiny woman behind the bar said as she noticed the man gesturing. "Welcome to Ladies by the Lake." She smiled, with closed lips, and a frozen mist floated from her mouth with every word. She was an economy of motion, no movement except what was necessary. Her hair did not flow with her movements, her semi-transparent outfit stayed stiff.

Translucent eyes, slightly more blue than her skin, never blinked as they watched him. She hovered closer, the same frozen mist wafting behind her. A large coaster quickly slipped into place in front of Nick, the woman moving quickly. At this range, it was evident the woman was all sharp edges, like carved ice.

"Please mind the bar, it is alive. May I interest you in something to drink? Billiard balls are available should you care to play." Observant, and gifted with sight that extended beyond simply where her eyes rested, she had noticed his admiration of the antique table.

"There is also a full menu, should you care for it. Gertrude is the waitress for food orders, she will be out presently." It was still early for the bar, so the wizened waitress was still arranging the night's supplies. Narshawn's smile was not warm, but friendly.

((OOC: In case you didn't know, Gremlin, Nar is made of ice. She's translucent, not see through, but it is apparent she is not made of flesh. Her "clothing" is actually a construct she creates for propriety, and the bar saves a bundle on refrigerators for beer ))

((OOC: Too late to join? Nonsense, lass, all are welcome, and I can manipulate time as I see fit ))

The green haired woman smiled, taking in the leisure wear and the smiling woman wearing it. The lei was something new, she had never seen it's like, but the flowers were beautiful.

"A dress code, yes there is. You look to be wearing native attire," she misunderstood the shorts, as she misunderstood much about the world, "and Miss Brown allows that."

"Welcome to Ladies by the Lake, would you care to dine with us?" This word, 'Aloha', she did not recognize, but it was rude to ask about it, perhaps later she would ask Beth.

((OOC: We will assume that Lili's visit was before this encounter, and perhaps concluded just before. Gal is on her way to meet Lili, and K is free to speak to Jenni. I try to keep everyone involved, and realize that some people can only post once a day. No worries, post as you feel, and I will handle the timing. Or, interact and enjoy!))

"Very good," Martin nodded, motioning towards the ornate door that denoted where the Bar started and the Restaurant ended. The frosted glass in the upper portion showe movement and light beyond.

"The bar still serves the full menu, but in a more...casual atmosphere," his measured tone indicated casual was something he had never experienced. "Miss Narshawn will gladly make you comfortable."

He walked the short few steps to the door, passing the doorway to the coat closet, and directed the man to follow. As the front door opened again, Nick could see the radiant Train enter, then a few steps later, Beth. They appeared to know each other, from the friendly greeting Beth gave.

The door to the bar opened on a warm, very Irish-feel bar. A long wooden bar, with brass kick rail and padded arm cushion took up the whole of one wall. Toward the far end, he would see the pool and game area, through pass-through windows. Tables along the left wall for patrons to sit and eat or enjoy their beverages. An entry door, from the street is a few steps in and on the right wall, just as the bar curves to touch that wall.

Behind the bar, Narshawn, the Ice Maiden, hovers around the immense liquor display. The length or the bar, and floor to ceiling, the mirrored wall holds liquors of all types, exotic to mundane, and some that seem to move on their own. Beer, drink, conversation and friendly atmosphere.

((OOC: Welcome to my rangy mob of women, and the retentive Martin, Gremlin. You will find everyone a lot more relaxed than Martin, who, BTW, actually sleeps in ironed and starched pajamas, or "bed clothes" as he quaintly calls them.))

"An appliance?" The girl loooked very interested, a sparkle in her eyes. "Very clever, sir. I suppose the rest of your uniform is also technological in origin?" She had temporarily forgotten the menu and service.

"Miss Train! What a nice surprise." Beth was just arriving, through the same door the patrons entered. She came up to the taller woman's right, and quickly walked through the coat closet, appearing back after leaving her light jacket.

"I got caught up in the traffic, there must be something going on in Atlas tonight." As she spoke, she fitted her stylized name badge on her loose, white blouse and reached for a menu. "Would you like a table or the Bar tonight? Gal will want to see you, I'm sure."

The young Beth's face was bright and slightly flushed, glad to see a welcome face. She knew Martin would have something to say, but just being here was enough for now.

Babetta approached the table, mentally smiling at the man bent over his menu. She saw much stranger things than men in penguin suits, but perhaps this man was part penguin. Having lived with a half-leopard woman for many months, she would not discount it. Well, this was all part of her training.

"Good evening," she said by way of introduction, placing a basket of warm bread and a cruette of oil on the table, "I'm Babetta. Would you like to start with something to nibble on or something to drink?"

She had an eastern accent, somewhere near Maine, maybe. Her face was cherub-like, cheeks and nose slightly rosey and framed by brown-blonde hair cut at her ears. Green eyes peered out from her young face. A simple, light blue dress with high neck gave little of her middle five foot tall body away.

The tall woman seemed at a loss for a moment, unsure whether to get Gal, ask for permission or take the reservation. It passed quickly, her consternation giving way to a polite smile.

"You want to speak to Miss Brown," she used Gal's actual name, pronouncing it more like 'brawn'. "A moment then, please. I will take your reservation now."

She produced a pen from below sight level and opened the quaint ledger the restaurant used for reservations. Absently pushing back shoulder length hair the color of tarnished copper, she looked to Lilli for the time.

Martin had just swept back to the podium, from seating someone on the other side of the plantings. Seamlessly, he drew up another menu, and wine list from beneath the station and spoke to the slightly disheveled man.

"Good evening, Sir," oh for the old days, where men went to work in suits, even worked on their cars in shirt and tie, "Welcome to Ladies by the Lake. I am Martin. Would you care for a table in the restaurant or perhaps, in the bar?"

((OOC: Bas, I hope you know Martin is a snobbish boor to everyone. No harm meant from me in the way he acted to you.

Thank to everyone who has returned, and the new faces!))

Martin looked critically over the outfit. As much as he would have sent the man to a respectable tailor, he knew that Gal allowed for heroes to be in less formal attire.

"While we prefer dinner wear, Sir, I can find you a table without difficulty." Motioning with his free arm, Martin indicated the interior of the restaurant. His steps led to the seating near the tropical planter, subtley out of view form the front door.

"Will this meet with your approval, Sir?"

Martin was engaged with another gentleman when Lilli came through the doors. A new face registered her arrival, and walked to the foyer. Tall, for a woman, at slightly over six feet and thin limbed, Katarin Obertlich had several outstanding features, but her green hair was the most visible.

Her smile was ready, she seemed all energy when she arrived and faced Lilli.

"Good evening!" Hard consonants and peculiar pacing in her words gave her immigrant status away. "Welcome to Ladies by the Lake, may I seat you?"

"Indeed, Sir," Martin's smile was that of a man habitually unhappy, but in a position that required polite congeniality. He did recognize the speaker, even though the outfit appeared somewhat different.

"Miss Gal has been somewhat indisposed of late. The desire to instill some sense of palate and decent edibles in Paragon has brought her back to the kitchens." Oh, how he had withered in the months since Gal had been gone. This simple interaction brought warmth to Martin's soul. "I believe you will find the service nothing if not improved. Will you be dining alone this evening?"

Several young women were moving about the main room, a few that had been at the place before, and some newer faces. The smell of various different foods wafted through the interior, something roasting, something grilling.

Martin stood, a menu in one hand, expectant.

((OOC: Though Martin has a menu, heading to the bar would only bring a slight quirk of the eyebrow. Otherwise, he will gladly seat you and have one of the lasses start the service.))

Posted in the now polished Brass and Polycarbonate menu display:

Talos Inlet blue Mediterranean mussels with cilantro, chilis and ginger $11.75

Forest mushroom and chevre tart with a salad of spicy greens $11.50

House-made charcuterie plate with Gypsy's pickles $13.50 (Caution: Spicy)

Spinach salad with roasted beets, citrus supremes and pink peppercorn vinaigrette $11.50

Verona prosciutto with a mustard & fruit compote and olive crisps $12.25

Select Pacific oysters on the half shell with carrot habanero granité $10.75

Salad of gathered winter greens, toasted hazelnuts and herb vinaigrette $7.00

Soup of the day $6.25

_______________
MAIN COURSES

Bucatini pasta with Albacore tuna confit, tapenade, grilled radicchio and precorino romano cheese $19.50

Chick-pea panisse with braised greens, sun-dried tomatoes and a saffron-tofu vinaigrette $19.50 (House favorite)

Magret & confit of duck with brandied blood orange conserve, spaetzel and braised greens $31.50

Pan-seared Oregon Albacore tuna with roasted fingerling potatoes, Meyer lemon marmalade and freshly
preserved olive oil $24.50

Red wine cioppino of Dungeness crab, spot prawns, mussels and Manilla clams $24.50

Chili & honey-glazed pork loin with pasilla chile-onion relish, polenta and glazed yams $29.50

Risotto of yams, sunchokes and leeks with sharp gouda cheese and black pepper-caramel vinaigrette $21.50

((OOC: The doors open at 4PM, for those who may wish to visit. Martin, in his usual stiff suit and cravat, is waiting at the podium for visitors. Tables, booths and the bar are all available. For those who did not catch the first of this thread:

The restaurant is roughly rectangular, as you enter, there is a podium divided off from the rest of the restaurant by a heavy drape to keep out the cold or heat. The bar is down a hall just to the right, a glass door keeps them separate. Gal's kitchen, for display cooking, is on a dais to the left of the main room. It is visible from the eating area. The main kitchens are through swinging doors behind her area.

A round planter stands in the middle of the dining room, several large, exotic plants growing in it. It lends a sense of calm and privacy to the room. Conversation is quiet, respectful and the atmosphere is very nature oriented, almost like being in the open.

No fights, or you are automatically ejected by electronics and Sky Raider Porter units. No eavesdropping. This is a place for good food and interaction beyond crime fighting and violence.

Welcome.))

Things were all set, from the menu to the flowers, for the restaurant to open tomorrow. Gal had been working furiously to get every thing together, and her sharp answers showed her stress. This morning, Vegas had to pull her aside and properly dress her down for being short with Beth and the new girl, Babetta. Vegas was somewhat different than before as well, but still calm and collected, a welcome presence in the room.

By the afternoon, the place had started looking like it's old self. There were fresh, pruned, plants in the immense center planter, Lady Thorn had restored the civilized look of the tables and chairs and all the surfaces were dusted and clean. Food filled the coolers, the beverages would be arriving tomorrow morning, but for now, all they could do was wait.

As it was, Gal waited for the arrival of her cousin, and it was apparent there was no "family" dinner planned. The staff had ceased to ask about the visitor after Narshawn made a very direct, and very out of character, statement when Gal was out of hearing.

"Gal does not agree with some of Mr. Bedinski's opinions, and he does not approve of her choice of partners. He is a cousin by marriage, and is not welcome in her home." She had finished with a small frown. "He is also not welcome on The Island, and Lady Gemini will not visit while it is possible that they might meet."

Whatever bad blood existed between Gal and her cousin, who also went my by the name "Twenny Mule Team" in his hero guise, it was deep. Gal had not mentioned him, except that he would stay in the common areas and by no means be allowed into the kitchens or bar. Everyone knew he was allowed no alcohol, none, under penalty of immediate termination.

Beth and Gertrude were polishing tables with a special oil when the phone at the front rang. It was a different line than the office, and Martin stepped from the foyer to answer it.

"Yes sir," his measured English accent calmly intoned, "I took the liberty of sending the message. You have been far too reclusive of late, if you will allow me the liberty of saying so, with too little palatable fare."

He listened to some reply, concentrating on the caller. His economy of movement, lack of facial expression and impeccable manners indicated years of domestic service. Martin had been a butler before Gal had been born, and his presence here was no accident.

"Very good sir, the establishment will open promptly at four. We will expect you at six, then." The second line flashed, indicating another reservation call was coming in. He gracefully said good day to the first call and picked up the second.

"Ladies by the Lake, Martin speaking, may I help you?" His features did not betray it, but confusion followed the first sentence from the caller. "Sir, I did not understand. Perhaps the connection is faulty," absolutely not, but one did not go putting the onus of poor grammar on a patron. Martin spoke many languages, most flawlessly, and he believed this was English, at least the vulgarity was.

"Your train arrives at eight A.M., is that correct? Very well, but may I ask your name sir?" Martin could care about when this person's train arrived, the fact was that the caller spoke with a terrible drawl, even making Gal sound like a proper English Lady.

Beth looked up in time to see Martin's characteristic uninterested frown deepen to a truly mortified scowl, but only for a moment.

"Mr. Bedinski, yes," Martin's voice actually carried a note of sorrow, to a trained ear, "I will inform Miss Gal that you are arriving. Good day." Whatever the caller responded, the definite click of the phone cut it off.

"Beth, please answer the phone, should it ring. I have matters to discuss with Miss Gal." He nodded slightly, erectly setting off to the office area, bad news making his stomach sour.

((OOC: OK, the place is opening at 4, which is actually anytime someone plans to drop by. I'll post the menu tomorrow morning, and welcome to anyone who wants to sit, eat, drink and be merry. Gal will need some merry with her cousin showing up.))

The ringing in her ears barely diminished as she stepped out of the maelstrom of the portal and into a room, that single step covering untold miles. The experience wasn’t nearly as disorienting as a teleport, Gal thought, surprised. More like walking from a dark room into a light one: gravity, sensations and even balance not interrupted for even a moment. Her pleasure ceased when she realized there were only four women with her.

She scanned the room: stone walls made of something like granite, maybe twenty feet on a side; a roof at least four feet above her head, vaulted to support something massive above; the floor was stone as well, but hewn, as though this were a basement with bedrock beneath her feet. This woman knew rock, and the structure around her was solid. No hum of machinery, no vibration to indicate modern conveniences like heat or air.

She looked to Lady Gemini, the ranking Lady in the room. If the other Sister’s had made it through, she had no idea where they were. Gemini, herself, Michele (Irmtraud’s apprentice), a young blaster named Babetta and Gypsy were the only occupants. Where Narshawn, Irmtraud and all the others were, she could only guess. Even their guide, Ada, was missing. One person she KNEW was here, she could feel them.

“Sib’s here,” she said softly to the veiled Gemini, in her relief, barely remembering the proper, “Lady.” Her tattoos burned as their magic allowed her to sense this, even as her mental connection to her lifemate confirmed it.

“We are separated,” the Asian woman said succinctly, almost emotionless. Gemini was a fighting machine, Death in the flesh, and she spared little except to instruct others on what she wanted. This was the Lady that no one sparred with, the persona kept in a tiny cage, locked tightly inside her outward personality. On the Island, she was considered strict and hard but fair. In battle, no one was fit to judge her.

“Our priority is finding Lady Sibling and Lady Diva. We do not know what has happened to the others, and we do not care now. Gypsy is fastest, she will scout. Michelle, Babbetta and you,” she pointed to Gal, using the free hand and keeping her katana reverse gripped in her other, “will stay together and follow when I signal.” All three of the younger women felt the strange tingling in their tattoos that indicated a summons. Gypsy, still new to the Order, had yet to receive them. “You understand?”

The women nodded, Gypsy tracing a motion in the air that created a magical aura around her. Her motions now would all be too fast for any normal person to see clearly, and when she ran, she would be a blur. Gal unfastened the mallet at her back, coating over in armor made of stone. She would be slowest, but the others would never leave her.

“Gypsy, you proceed until you meet resistance or an intersection in path.” The only door out of the room was innocent enough, they all faced it. Gemini motioned and Gypsy was gone.

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

“Traudl! I didn’t know!” The words were hard to understand, Ada’s teeth gnashing together with every shake of the muscular Tank’s arm. He swung about like a doll, several other Sisters looking about in confusion. Irmtraud exercised a considerable restraint in not using her powers, but she was getting her point across.

“I see no Sibling!” His feet were easily four feet from the ground, his glasses askew as she gave him another hard shake. “I see stables, I see livestock and I see fewer Sisters than I saw a moment ago. Explain!”

“Irmtraud!” Her proper name drew her attention, Lupa stood at a window, speaking over a shoulder. “Other Sister’s are outside, they just fell into a pond.” The flash of her feline eyes indicated her anger as well.

“The Portal must have malfunctioned, or this is an unstable place,” the suspended man said aloud, bringing Irmtraud’s square face back to him. “You will all be scattered, but nearby.”

The huge woman dropped Ada to the floor, stalking to the windows and bending to see out. They had taken notice that the height of everything was a little higher than would be normal on Earth, everything scaled up slightly. Even the odd animals milling about in stalls here, lined up like a horse barn on either side, would be large for humans.

Indeed, outside in the courtyard, near the center of the immense open area, a number of Sisters had appeared and were making their way out of the waist-deep water feature. Irmtraud was shocked by the scale of the buildings she could see outside, the stables where they were part of some huge building with an open area in the center. It reminded her of castles in Germany, built as fortifications with areas in the center to hold troops and people, while being able to seal off the walls. From what she could see, it was built to house thousands, the several story wings hundreds of feet long.

“Everyone, get out there. I see Almira, she will have some idea what goes on.” A mass of movement further off, but coming toward the fountain and the water soaked Ladies outside, drew her eyes. “Get out there, now. Trouble’s on it’s way.”

Flashes of light, the sounds of doors as some superspeeded out and the few who either had no fast travel abilities or were too young yet. The stable emptied, leaving Ada to catch up, still brushing grass from his uniform.

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

Osmella knew that something was wrong, the moment they stepped through the portal. Her powers gave her the ability to touch other minds, and she kept a light contact with everyone from her team at all times. As the Portal had dropped them into this pond, she instantly knew their numbers had changed.

She felt the seventeen Sisters currently wading out of the water, but the rest had either disappeared or faded substantially. Her job was coordination, telling who to go where, keeping matters under control, like an all-seeing spirit. If someone was hurt, she moved protection to them and told healers to move in, if there was trouble, she moved scrappers and tanks to it. Sibling could crush minds and scramble thoughts, Osmella’s ability let her oversee everything, in touch with the enemy’s minds and her allies’.

She knew Almira was behind her, some wry humor in the silent Sister’s thoughts. That everyone here was alive and unharmed, she gave that back to her superior, along with the notion she would find the rest. As she walked out of the water, her soft boots squelching, she located Irmtraud and her group, coming towards them.

A directed thought, from Sharon, already out of the water, was relayed quickly back to Almira. Sharon saw a number of large, armored creatures coming towards them fast, from a doorway in the building around them. She could almost see through the other woman’s eyes, Sharon’s perfect vision picking out the features of Trolls in powered suits, dwarves in similar, though smaller outfits. They carried weapons, in hand.

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

Gal’s here. Sibling felt it the moment her partner had stepped from the portal. Other Sisters were here as well. They were early, and apprehension flowed through the twins’ thoughts. If someone didn’t give the Sisters a clue, they would have no way to know that most of the people here were innocents. Likewise, the people who lived here would likely view this arrival as hostile, and wars started over small things.

They had time to confirm to Gal they were fine, but that conversation was cut short by the sound of some commotion. The same door Diva and Par had left through swung open, and some…thing floated in. Seasoned enough not to simply stare, the creature was certainly not from this world.

Black, semi-transparent and covered in wavering tentacles, menace seemed to ooze from it.

“Your powers will not work against this mind,” a voice inhuman and somehow insubstantial reached their ears. “But perhaps another form would serve better.”

Light shifted, the room seemed dim and then bright again, and the creature was replaced with an aged man. Memories that were not Sibling’s, memories gained from touching other minds, brought recognition. He was far older than the image they saw, but they suddenly knew who this was.

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

Out on the lawn, water parting and flowing away from where she stood, Mistress Mer’s armor-encased head turned. The blue Gemstone that made up her entire suit sparkled from inside, the deep color obscuring any attempt to see her body. Her uniform was carved, like statuary, but completely flexible at all the right points. Where most expected eyes, she had an opaque visor.

Osmella, several feet away, could not feel this woman’ mind. Not ever. As the visor rested momentarily on the huge, windowed wall more than two hundred yards, and two stories from the ground, away, it paused. She could not see Sibling, the angle was wrong, but she knew.

A wave splashed into Osmella, drawing her attention towards the armored form of Mer. Hand signals passed, the only way Mer could communicate. In a moment, everyone connected to Osmella through her mind knew the same.

The group of approaching Trolls and dwarves was now far down the priority list. Sibling and Diva were the second important thing. Almira and Sharon both looked straight at Mer, but they knew this woman would not be mistaken, not about this.

Gal stepped closer, placing one arm around the small woman and hugging her gently. She wanted to believe that things would return to what they were before, but if Julie couldn't hero anymore, a lot of their time would be spent apart. She knew several other friends who were not heroes, it just felt strange that this one would not be there. After all they had been through.

Her smile was real, but it was sad at the same time. It sounded like the brightly colored Julie was torn about her life, too. Gal didn't do tender too well, her personality a lot like her powers: rough around the edges, hard to move, slow to change and stubborn. She depended on Sibling or Diva, or someone a little more sensitive for this.

"Well, you know you're always welcome here, or at tha' loft.

"Opening," she looked around, "that's gonna take some doing, but I'm hopin' for next week. Most o' tha' staff is coming back, and I got the deliveries for food and that stuff, but mah' cousin is also supposed to be in town." She seemed none too happy about that, it was evident in her face.

"I suppose you know tha' Gypsy ain't allowed off the Island except for business, not after that crap she pulled, pardon my French," Gal said more quietly. Narshawn continued with her work behind the bar, pretending she had not heard.

Gal looked sideways at the smaller woman, "When's tha' last time you were on the Island?"

((OOC: The goings on hinted at are unfolding over at the other RP thread I run, Ladies of the Lake. It's been dormant as long as Gal's, but the story behind the last few months for all my characters will be there.))

Continuing on the 'morrow.

((OOC: Well, as Vegas has a secret, I'll leave her standing with her coffee cup to "spill it" or not ))

"Bubbles!" Gal said with genuine enthusiasm, a smile showing off her pearly whites. She felt a twinge in her jaw, all that was left of the break, but she felt doubtful that would ever fade. She set the ordering clipboard on the edge of the bar as she walked over.

It was somewhat awkward, where she would have swept the tiny woman up in a hug, she wasn't really sure how to handle it now. Gal had thought often of not having her powers, what would have been different. With all the commotion, these two had never really discussed what had happened. The very infrequent and brief stops Bubbles had made by their loft had not seemed the right time.

As a rule, Sisters did not speak about other Sisters, except as asked by the higher ranked or among friends. That put Gal in a tough position, her mentor and partner being unable to make the routine inquiries, and those on the Island knowing she was personally involved. One just did not pry into other's lives, it was the other side of a completely open society: complete privacy on the personal side.

Bubbles, she called herself Julie now, Gal reminded herself, had been almost as frequent a partner as Sibling when they were working. She was a little quirky, but Gal didn't know any decent heroes who weren't. From the giant tank's perspective, most of the loony civilians running around the city were far more odd than the half-leopard Lupa or the ageless sword-maiden Gemini.

Gal held out one immense hand, "Hey there Julie, what brings ya' in?" Gal was embarrassed, she wasn't even sure whether the woman had decided to stay with the Order. She always relied on Sibling to know the currents of things that flowed.

"It's not as bad as all that," Vegas leaned against the bar, drinking from her mug. The smell of strong coffee was the first odor, besides musty, to return to the restaurant.

"I guess, considering, you're right." Gal had spent the best part of the last two days getting her suppliers lined back up. Permits had expired, but she was working on that as well. With returning staff, things could get started again, but actually having an operational place was going to take time.

Vegas had initially been startled when Gal had called, not recognizing the voice. Other than being on a mission for months, Vegas hadn't known what was going on. The City had it's own demands on the stocky female scrapper, but she had worried some. Gal had stopped by her apartment a week ago, asking if she would take her job back. The woman who had owned the place and the woman who stood before her now, were different people.

The Gal who had hired her, almost a year ago, had been feisty and always seemed barely under control. She had been quick tempered, sharp tongued and with a Southern humor. Tall, eight feet plus, and while not fat, certainly well filled-out.

This woman was more reserved, and while the wit was still there, it held a somewhat different flavor. The tiara that had sometimes shown through the afro was gone, no explanation, even the afro being replaced by a headscarf or cap depending on the day. She was also thinner, less filling out but perhaps more muscle. Older, if Vegas could put it into a word, Gal seemed older than a few months should have.

The dark haired scrapper considered over her coffee, what little she knew, what little Gal had said about the time. Gal's partner, Sibling, had been bed ridden since their return, only recently able to get up. The group they belonged to, The Ladies of the Lake, had recently been more active than before, and rumor had it they now owned several city blocks surrounding Gal's. Gypsy had been in earlier, a Gypsy with infernal fire in her eyes, carrying messages. Narshawn seemed much the same, going forth and back stocking the bar shelves.

Vegas had asked, simply out of curiosity, where the tank and her friends had been. Gal had spoken about Portal Corp and an accident, and made a cryptic reference that still was not understood: "Everyone, somewhere, has an evil twin. Places where they run things, where things are opposite he'ah. Ah'm jus' glad even Gods can die." She'd left it at that.

Gal looked at the filthy windows, the faded menu in the polycarbonate holder near the door and frowned. Months, she had been at Sibling's bedside for months now. The restaurant had all but been condemned by the city, the one reason she was here now. A heavy key moved in the locks and the wooden door swung open.

Inside was far better than out, and the living furniture had behaved itself. Since the incident with the faulty portal and Sib and D's trip to the alternate dimension, the only person to set foot in the place had been Lady Thorn, tending to the plants. Martin and the staff had been on paid leave (she was almost afraid to look at the bills, but Sibling had insisited).

What bothered her the most was that she had really started to enjoy the company. One didn't realize the amount of friendly and intelligent people the city held, until you dealt with them in a place like this. Whether any returned, well, she worried about that. It couldn't be helped, after their return from D's homeworld.

That started her thinking about the Twins again. Battling that damned Wizard had almost killed them, and still put them down for all this time. The only good to come from it was D's new man and the development of new Psi powers for Sibling. Whatever the Wizard had done, it had unlocked something in Sibling's mind. Luckily, the power was Angela's, Cliff would have been using it on everyone.

First things first, she walked back towards the office. She needed to call the staff and get them back down here, fill the coolers and hope that she'd get some customers back. The message service had overflowed, but she started listening to those that had been stored.

((OOC: I won't go into all of it, but I've been out with an illness until recently. Don't send cards, don't say sorry, I'm just glad to be back. I don't know if anyone is interested in getting back, but Gal's will be the same as it was before.

No fights, no battles, just good food and good conversation. The Bar will be opening, too. Narshawn, Vegas, Gal, Martin, Beth, the whole crew. I'm hoping to attract some of the crew from before, and maybe some new ones. I'll post the opening sequence in the next few days.))

Group: Ladies of the Lake

Levels: 2-50

RolePlay: Yes

Type: Active to Casual

Motto: Be Well, Do Good.

Find us: Our Base (The Island) or at any Coffee People (ask for a Mindfreezer, we'll get in touch)

Leaders: Sibling or Diva

Req's: Female character, willing to have fun, NO PLer's

Group Colors: Green and White, not strictly enforced

Play Times: From Italy to Western US, or, all the time

Narshawn moved a fresh pint glass in front of the woman, making the empty disappear as a bartender should. She had none of the mind talents or empathy some of the Sisters had, but a sad face was a sad face. She tried not to be intrusive, but had learned the skills of a good bartender extended beyond simple alcohol.

"You seem to be a bit more pensive this evening than usual, Miss Train." She had seen the woman many times over the past few weeks, generally alone. Gal had taken a liking to her, and had said so.

Mist drifted off the tiny girl as she hovered up to a shelf, coming down with two bottles of liquor. She mixed something for an order, still listening.

"Confused, aye, that I am." He lowered the menu, staring into her eyes. "Lily has said tha' she has parents, an tha' they are none too keen on her bein' in this hero life. She's but a wee lass."

He was unsure how to describe his intent. He had no doubt about this woman, but there was this young girl out fighting grown men and monsters. More than that, she seemed to think she was protected by a magical horse, and invisible one, of course.

"To be honest, Ah worry abou' her."

After a few minutes, the woman removed her hat and the glasses, both absurd for the soft lighting of the bar. Spiderwebs of wrinkles stretched out from the corners of her bright eyes, matching the thin lines at her mouth. Her face bore the marks of years, but that time didn't seem to reach her smile.

She nodded at Soulll when the other woman looked up from her meal. Thoughts of a small diner in Chicago, so many years ago, where she had served "The Best damn Fried Chicken", floated back. That was in the era of four inch platform shoes and bell bottoms, back when the enormous afro that had emerged from under her hat was fashionable. The days when heroes were simple janitors and nuns, before all this super-hero business was full-time.

"An' who said you could sneak inta' Mah' place without sayin' 'Hello'?" The doorway from the bar was momentarily blocked as Gal stepped through, turning straight towards the table. A broad smile crossed her face, white teeth like pearls sparkling to match her eyes.

"Lordy, girl! I knew my greens would make you tall, but..." the woman stood and held out her arms, catching Gal around the waist. Gal's chest just cleared the other woman's head.

"Yeah, makes hell gettin' hose." They both laughed, apparently very good friends. "You gonna stay an' let me cook you some dinner? Mah chicken's not so good as yours, but I still makes a mean fried chop."

The two women stood apart, allowing them to look at each other. Gal saw a few more years on her friend, but looking good for her age. She paused and turned slightly, including the seated Soulll in her view.

"You two been introduced?" She asked towards Soulll, who was looking sheepishly up from her ribs and trying to find a clean napkin to wipe her hands on.

"Mrs. Train, please meet 'Retha Murphy," she swung one immense hand to indicate the older woman.

"Jus' Aretha is good enough," the woman scowled at Gal, "Matt's back in Joliet." She held out one hand toward the younger Train.

((OOC: Come on, tell me you've seen Blues Bothers. BTW, what better character than this for my first sonics blaster?))

"Yes miss," Narshawn greeted the woman at the bar. Some of the conversation was too quiet for anyone else to hear, but the tiny ice maiden finally pointed towards the billiards room.

"Thank you, hon." The wide brimmed hat and out-of-style sunglasses made the attempt at being inconspicuous useless, but this place saw it's share of outlandish outfits. The dark-skinned woman walked quickly towards the room, not raising her head or glancing around much.

She paused as the taller woman looked her way, then simply moved to a table shielded from the rest of the bar. The way she moved made it apparent that she was no youngster, and an audible sigh filtered through when she sat down. A moment later, she sighed again as Gertrude set two glasses on the table, one filled with what looked to be iced tea and another with something cranberry colored.

Gertrude patted the woman's arm, and received a tired smile in thanks.

"Ah'm getting a little old for this," the somehow familiar voice said quietly from under the hat.

"Oh, nonsense, 'Ree. Just relax, I'll bring your usual."

((OOC: Oh, you know this lady, but a woman gotsa' keep her distance from the fans you know...))

"Aye, I would share it wi' yeh," Steve was regaining his composure, but the question still swirled in his mind. He would not ask with Beth there, not to add to his embarrassment. The menu had dropped some, but his eyes did not cross the table.

Still so much to learn about the world.