Sibling

"And you might mistake my abrupt manners for rudeness. I'm sorry Ada." Osmella nodded quickly, taking the rebuke from Sibling better than they had expected. AJ could feel some bad blood between the twins and this woman, but Sisters did not show fracture to outsiders. "It's been some while since I enjoyed a decent meal in a restaurant."

She looked over the winelist, and was surprised at the offerings. Gal's was known by every member of the Order, and Osmella had even visited before, but that had been official business at the Ladies' table. She could not drink, not tonight, but she appreciated the long list.

"Pomegranite Juice," two voices called almost simultaneously. The blonde looked up quickly from the menu, catching an amused smile from Sibling.

"Am I that predictable, mother?" She frowned for a moment, then realized the humor and a small grin grew, quickly hidden behind the menu. Wanting to stay angry at Sibling, but somehow unable to here, in good company.

"You were never predictable, only understandable. And being that we know you are still watching over the other table, what else would you drink?" There was a sparkle, not the intense green aura, but a bit of mischief behind Sibling's gaze.

"Very well, and since you never drink if another cannot," Osmella placed the menu down, staring across the table at her old mentor, giving Ada the distinct feeling of a showdown. "You will not have wine either, though if you did it would be a Merlot, perhaps from Southern France, Domaine de Rouveyrolles if I remember? But tonight, I think you will likely side for something more to your brother's side. I would guess Sole sparkling water and coffee." She smiled without humor, and Sibling had a genuine laugh just below the surface.

"Black, sweet and hot, the way you like your women."

Ada went very quiet at the look that crossed Sibling's face, generally in a perpetual smile. The air between the two Mind Controllers was thin, Diva was still not in sight, and everything else in the room seemed to be far away.

"Cliff says 'touche'," Sibling touched their forehead and bowed their head, receiving a blush from Osmella and a nervous smile. No one outside the Order would have realized that the young controller had stepped far over her bounds and rights. The exchange was similar to many that had happened years before, when Sibling and Osmella had been mentor and student.

"I...I apologize Lady," Osmella made to stand, very embarrassed, but a hand motion stopped her.

"Why?" Sibling grinned, "What you say is the truth." The dark haired woman laughed shortly, and Osmella giggled.

"Ada," Sibling turned, "Pardon us, it has been some time since we were with our daughter and there are...complications."

"Were, Lady," the younger woman interrupted.

"Very well, were. Perhaps you could tell us a bit about what sort of trouble you have been into. You see such interesting places in your business, Ada. Beth will be along soon to get the drink order, and Oz is correct, we will not be drinking, but do recommend the Rouvey, it is very good."

That smile Ada knew, whatever had clouded the table had passed. Maybe it was just old friends coming to terms.

((OOC: Come on Ada, dazzle young Osmella with your charm! Oh, and Diva is welcome to stroll over any time, just make sure she does not see Michelle as Sibling and Sibling at the same time. It causes a nasty headache.))

Martin led the pair to a larger table, the top very tightly grained and with a wonderful pattern, set in silver and crystal. Three vases, all different heights in cobalt blue, held several stems of deep red Irises, freshly cut that afternoon. The color was a coincidental match to the lipstick Crem wore, but a smug look from Martin suggested he knew a little more than he should. A quick look around would have shown that all tables had bouquets, but only this one with the Irises and set for so formal an occassion.

Martin waited while Crem and Jasper arranged themselves, his eyes indicating that Jasper should help her with her chair.

"Pardon me, sir, but the wine you requested seems to be out of stock at the moment," he looked very apologetic, but kept his eyes locked on the green gentleman's, "would you care to come to the cellar and select another? I would not presume to make another mistake."

Martin stood aside, gesturing towards the hall that led to the wine cellar. It was amazing what could be said with the eyes, and eyes alone. His were certainly saying *This is your opportunity, sir*.

((OOC: Hint, hint.))

"Was no wait a' all, Lady Falcon." Steve pulled back one of the chairs, with a view of the dining room and one of the main windows.

"Has been an interestin' few days, I may say," he waited until she had arranged her cape before gently moving the chair for her. Martin stood back, fading into the woodwork until they had said their hellos. "An' it would look tha' you've been none too bored yourself."

Steve had noticed the small patch of bandage, and quickly averted his gaze from that particular part of the lovely woman's physiology. It did not become a gentleman to stare at a woman's bosom, though he was glad his skin precluded blushing. He had seen the tattoo as well, and curiosity was a terrible companion.

"I've some ta' tell you, lovely one, but perhaps ye'd care to tell me a bit o' what has occupied your days?" Steve settled in his own chair, still unused to the suit but not to wearing one. Luckily this one was tailored for him and the work was done well. One thing he appreciated was fine work, and so he turned his attention to his radiant companion.

Hehe,
Well, here is our "Stealth" SG.

Name: Ladies of the Lake

Motto: Be well, Do Good.

Leader: The Lady (Even her real name is rumor)

Player Type: Rare to Power Gamer

RolePlay?: Roleplay is our preference, but we adapt.

Membership levels: 1-50

SuperGroup Colours: White (Initiate), Blue (Mistress) and Green (Lady). Only the leader is allowed to wear Brown.

Normal time of Gameplay: Centered on the West Coast, but expect to find some of us on at all hours.

Other information: Formally calling each other "Sisters" or by rank, none of our members will accept charity or gifts. During teaming, we will accept inspirations, but never enhancements. We aid heroes or fight beside them to fulfill our pledge to "Do Good". Tightly knit, a Sister calling for help can expect every other on at that time to respond.

Taboos: No Sister will ever PL, accept PL or act as a bridge for it. Being on a team, and fighting beside them is not considered PL-ing. Don't ask for handouts, but worthy heroes are never turned down when asking for help.

Recruiting: We do not recruit, or accept recruits. If you are interested in seeing what it is like to be part of a huge family, send a tell to Sibling, who handles all initiations. There is a test, and once you are in, be prepared to set an example to everyone.

Membership has it's priveleges...: Once accepted as an initiate (all levels start here), your mentor is responsible for all your needs. That means you receive complete updates to your Enhancements at every level available (at 7 you receive full 10's, at 12, full 15's, at 37, full SO 40's, etc...). Once you become a mentor, the real work begins... The Sisters support our members, on tough missions, we arrange for a team to help (you will still be working hard).

Exclusive? Not really, but your character muct be female. Hey, the glass ceiling is in the Enron Tower, honey. Over here, it's Silk.

Goals: Fun, the debunking of myths and honest chatter.

"Specials," Beth smiled. "Gal is making an Eggplant Lasagna, since we expect several Sisters tonight, and she could get the noodles fresh. Also going to have Calamari, which I do not recommend, fixed any way you please," she made a face indicating it was not on her menu, "and veal done in a braissed sauce. The veal is good.

"And of course, I always like your company on the walk home."

"Firstly, Mister Adavan," Osmella did not move to sit, and had turned to face him, "If there were danger here tonight, the safest place would be to Lady Gemini's left and back, and you can be certain that I would be between her and the threat."

She looked into his eyes, and realized he was trying to flatter, but there was no woman of The Island that would accept undue praise or flattery. It sometimes caught others by surprise, and was easily misunderstood, but from a young age, every Sister learned to stand and not be bowed. They preferred to make certain things understood immediately, which sometimes came off as confrontational.

"I understand your intentions, and your gallantry is appreciated," she amended, trying to soften the earlier comments, "but Sisters, and especially The Guard, do for themselves." She did smile, and realized she needed to get off the Island more and associate with other people.

With her back to Sibling, across the table, the twins were able to give an apologetic expression and mouth *Gently*. They had spoken to Ada before about their home, and that propriety and manners were somewhat different when everyone knew everyone. Diva and Sibling were probably the two most adjusted Sisters, spending the bulk of their time in the City. Diplomacy was actually a study among Sisters, but bluntness was a value.

Sibling shrugged in apology a moment before Osmella turned.

"Perhaps a glass of wine would be appropriate," Angela's voice broke the tension. "In the City, it is typically a sign of good manners and taste to drink to friends, when you can make them." Their voice was obviously weighted to the blonde controller, and the rebuke was noted by Osmella's dip of her head.

((OOC: Ah, misunderstanding and those little gestures that can set things on their head. Don't be put off AJ, she did ask about you, but she is also a Sister, and that means she does not ask for special treatment. D' or Sib would be flattered, and would have reacted differently, but imagine what a woman who deals only rarely with men would think.

I won't give you any hints as to how to treat her, but will say she did not intend to be cruel or insulting. She makes her own clothes, knows how to brick a house and studies structural architecture and aerodynamics. Individual, independent and very interesting if you can get past her armor. ))

"Miss Falcon!" Martin's eyes lit up, his appreciation at seeing someone more in tune with his tastes in a guest was obvious. Always elegant, royal bearing and carriage, he very much approved of this woman. "Your table is prepared. Mister Broady has already arrived, and would have waited at the door, but I insisted he sit down."

Martin swung one arm in a gesture of welcome and guidance at the same time. He directed the radiant woman past several tables towards a quiet corner, out of the stream of traffic and more secluded than most others.

"Your choice of color suits your hair, ma'am." Martin paid compliments where due, but realized his place and would not go beyond that.

Steve rose from the table when he saw Martin, knowing that Falcon would be only a few steps behind. He was fairly transformed from the shirt and jeans he had worn when they first met. A formal suit in dark navy with fine grey pinstripes, complete with pressed white shirt and cravat, finished with a small orange flower in his buttonhole. Rather than being garish, the blossom was a dark, rusty orange and was tasteful in the outfit. When he stepped out to greet her, she also noticed very fine shoes, polished black.

The suit was tailored, no doubt about it, nothing from any rack could fit that well. Cut in a style old, but timeless, as any good fashion is, it managed to hide his large biceps and hug his torso, making him seem large but well proportioned. A flash of gold chain near his right hip where a pocket watch hung was the only ornament she could see.

"Good evening, Miss Falcon," he smiled and held out one hand, Martin hovering out of sight for a moment.

Martin marked the table on his chart, telling Beth about the request when she arrived. The place was beginning to fill, which suited him, the more the better. He thrived on the details.

Beth checked the schedule and nodded to him, picking up several menus for those already seated. She walked to Manion's table first, the small girl and lab-coated man still occupied.

"Good evening, Manny," she smiled.

Sibling rose from the chair, Michelle distracting Diva's attention for a moment, and walked to the new arrivals. They had hoped he would make it to the office and his call before they all arrived, but that was apparently not to be.

"Adavan," the woman's voice closed from behind, the girl in blue rising immediately at the small controller's approach, Lady Gemini staying seated, the two guards had never moved to their seats. "You have met some of these Sisters." The girl in blue bowed low, and Sibling returned it, less deeply.

"Lady Sharon, member of the Guard" they pointed to the women in turn, "Lady Gemini, one of The Nine, and Lady Osmella, also of the Guard." The women did not bow to Ad, or even incline their heads. The one named Sharon stretched out a hand, and a genuine smile, sparkling against her ebony skin.

When AJ took the hand to shake, he paused, some of the fingers were missing from it, but he recovered quickly. Her smile stayed, and her grip was very firm for a woman. Forearms and biceps many men would long for, every tendon stood out on her frame.

"I know your name, and now your face. Both Diva and Sibling speak well of you." The black woman stepped back, allowing Gemini a view.

"An we have met, perhaps under different circumstances," Gem said from her chair. Most senior in rank, only Sibling was her equal in the Order in this room. The veil she wore covered part of her face, but the eyes were very peculiar.

"Lady Osmella, you also know him?" The Asian woman's head did not turn, asking the question towards the man instead. "Discussion will be heavy and likely not easy to hear at this table tonight, perhaps you would care to dine with Diva and Sibling?"

The propriety of the suggestion was sound, but it took the blonde controller by surprise. Her place, as a Guard, was here, but Gemini could say the talk was not proper for her ears. Besides, dining with Diva would be pleasant, at least not alone with Cliff.

"We were about to invite Ad to eat with us, and Diva will be along shortly," the twins did not mention the discussion across the room.

"Very well then," Gemini ended all debate in her short style, "Osmella, you and Sibling enjoy dinner with the man and Diva. When Janice arrives, Sharon can handle the small matters."

It was settled, Sibling bowed to Gemini, not needed but their way and Osmella walked on Adavan's side, away from the twins. Martin would see to the seating.

((OOC: Flatterer, bring the Twinkie in, or any other, just mind the tables and remember that fights get Martin angry. Narshawn has the bar all to herself, and making ice sculptures gets old too,

Thank you for the compliment, and I return it to all my co-conspirators.))

The phone was quiet for a moment, Martin looking over the list. He enjoyed this, being the gate for information, and his sense of humor allowed some toying.

"It appears we could arrange a seating for you, sir. In this city, sir, there are few non-special occassions." The Englishman clucked at his own humor.

"Now, would you care for a table with visibility or privacy?" He listened and made a note. "How many in your party? And I would expect you will be dressed for dinner?"

He wrote the information in his thin, precise hand. Busy, from the sounds of it.

The blonde girl's face lit up in typical twin's style. Dead serious when needed, somehow Cliff's sense of humor influenced Angela, and he had a very tricky manner.

"Lovely, there are a couple things going on tonight, so it should not be boring." The small hands pointed across the room, starting with Adavan, and the still mostly concealed Sibling. "Ad has a heavy soul, something that seems to be epidemic these days.

"He is talking to us about some personal matters, and no, we do not repeat those things." Diva knew how close to the chest the twins played their cards, especially when it came to friends. "However, one of the Sisters mentioned he was a very eligible bachelor, which led to some discussion. Let's say he is one, now."

Diva's eyebrow moved, but Michelle said no more in Angela's voice. The hand moved.

"It also happens that young Wadi has an appointment with The Lady in two days. She will be taking the vows and deciding how to persue her life, with or without the Sisters." The girl moved a hand on the table, explaining what Diva may not have known.

"Wadi, you know, was an orphan. She came from the deserts of Iraq, and was brought to us by another woman who could not care for her. Her family is gone, except that this woman is her guardian by her own oath. Wadi cannot be admitted to the Order without permission from her relative if she is under seventeen. Stupid laws...laws of man, we mean." Diva knew Sibling's view of most laws that held up in court. The Sister's had their own, far more strict, and more realistic.

"So, tonight, it was arranged that Wadi will meet with her guardian to ask for permission, Osmella will have the opportunity to talk to Adavan and you can spend some time with some of the Sisters." The girl's voice went very low, and Cliff spoke. "Careful though, Sharon thinks Ekanga is a hottie, too." Their wink brought a laugh, no Sister had contested for a man in decades, and Sharon was not that foolish.

Martin turned the ornate, but still very functional, key in the lock, opening the front door to the regular patrons. Having people sitting before the correct time was a pet peeve of his, one of many. Still, this was not a household, and he had learned to adapt.

Before the door had even swung open, too early for him to possibly have seen the group outside, he was already speaking.

"Welcome, Ladies. I had been told to prepare your table. If you will follow me." The assembled women and one young girl accepted this without question. Their business was the unusual.

Two of the women wore green jerkins and heavy skirts, walking slightly ahead of the other two. One, her skin black as night, wore a pair of long knives in a harness at her back, the other was blonde and fair skinned. They were almost perfect opposites, Sharon and Osmella, one dark and muscled like the panthers of her home, the other pale and lithe like a dove. They moved as one, the way they trained.

Behind them, a tall woman held a young girl's hand. The woman wore a misty green kimono, formally done, a long black scabbard protruding from her belt. The youth beside her, in blue, bore the marks of the desert, from her darkly tanned skin to the thick hair on her brows and head. They followed a few steps behind the Guard, Martin bringing them to a table.

He knew better than to dawdle or ask questions, the Sisters were courteous, but other Sisters served them. He bowed slightly, receiving a nod from Lady Gemini, and walked back to the podium.

"Sibling and young Michelle are occupied," Osmella quietly said, standing to the girl's side protectively. It would be a fool that might try a Sister, but the Guard never took for granted the safety of their charges. "Diva is here as well, she may come later. Mistress Gypsy will be along in a moment and Mistress Gal sends her greetings."

Very little passed without a mind controller realizing it, it was only second nature that Lady Osmella would glance around.

"I spoke to Janice, and she will arrive on time. I have never known her to be late." Lady Gemini settled her elaborate outfit into the seat, spreading the heavy silk out to prevent wrinkles. The girl across the table looked slightly uncomfortable at the mention of the name.

"Mistress, speak."

"Lady," the young girl sat straight, Gemini was not known for being patient and expected truth in all things. "It has been many years since she saw me." She had more to say, but not words for it.

"You think she would not recognize you? Now that you are about to become part of the Order, do you think she will never return?" Gemini had a way of seeing the heart of an issue.

"In truth Lady," she looked away, then back, "I do not remember her face." Her voice was sad, embarrassed.

Lady Gemini smiled behind the sheer veil, in public she had to protect her identity, leading two lives. How much like her other daughter, Narshawn, this girl was. Both almost infants when they arrived, growing and maturing into beautiful young women. Not all the daughters were so well behaved, or trusting. Gemini was proud that both had been her's.

"And you would not. When she brought you, you could not even walk, but you will know her. She will certainly know you, she has seen you many times even if you did not see her." The look on the youth's face made even Sharon grin. "Yes, daughter, she has made certain you were well. Could she not? Do you think this woman, who carried you from the desert, would then simply abandon you?"

"I do not know her, mother." The girl was earnest, she knew of Janice but the story was never discussed. An orphan, she knew this, but the memory was very distant about how she had arrived on The Island.

"If she wishes it, she will tell you. The memory is not pleasant for her, so ask gently." Gemini noticed the red and black embroidery of Gypsy's dress moving towards them. The girl would have to wait until Janice arrived to hear more of that story.

"Oh, lovely," the young girl's face stared back with kindness, "Come with us, let's sit down." Hands small, but not as thin as their own, held onto Diva's arm, guiding her towards the booths at one side of the room. Somewhere behind them, Gypsy was getting instructions about what was going on from their body.

The booths along one wall were secluded, partitions between them for very private conversations. As with almost everything in this restaurant, tables and seating were scaled for huge heroes and small, so Diva had no difficulty sliding into the diamond-tucked leather and wood bench. The shadows and lighting managed to hide them from all but very attentive view.

Sibling had seen their friend injured, angry and confused, but never sorrowful. The trip had been a terrible worry for those left behind, like Gal and Bubbles, until the rescue came. For the two controllers, it had been too fast for any real worry or fear, but that was the nature of being at the center of a hurricane, no time to be scared. What Diva had found on her home world was what weighed on her now.

"Beautiful Diva," Angela's tone in Michelle's mouth, "we cannot claim to understand what being alone is. Even when Cliff has his time, we are both still in here." The girl's hand pointed to her radiant red head. "And you know that no Sister is ever alone, anywhere, but we also know that is not the loss you feel.

"You have been away from your home for a year of your life, but you know that many have passed in the world. The nature of The Island, that time flows differently there. In all that time, we have known you. The will of The Lady sends us where it sends us, and your travels have brought you to places far away from ours.

"There were weeks where we did not see your face, but we knew you were well. In many ways, we have grown up together, and you are our closest friend beside our wife." Sibling was sincere, and truthful. Gal was their partner, their wife and many things that words could not express. Sisters were sworn to each other, like an extended family, but strong friendships existed within that family.

"We knew that you felt an attachment to your people, and especially to Ekanga. No need to be a Mind Controller to see that." Diva bowed her head slightly, embarrassed. "And no shame in it either, we feel very much the same about Gal. Some emotions and needs even close friends cannot fill."

The girl's hands reached across the table and wrapped around one of Diva's own, not close to covering the green skin. Michelle's blue searched until Diva looked up from the wood, a small smile curving her lips up. Michelle had dimples, she would truly be beautiful when she was a little older.

"So, now you have the chance to be with your own people, doing good and keeping the peace. How could you mourn such a thing?" She made a clicking noise of dismissal. "Ekanga was smitten, girl! If you had allowed it, he would have abandoned his family and position to follow you.

"You think, after all this time, that anything happens by accident? That we were joined by accident?" One small white hand indicated Michelle's body, but Diva realized the twins spoke about themselves. "You think that Gal was placed with us by chance? That The Island happened to be in the Rikti's flight path to Talos? That The Lady accidentally reached for you when the City needed someone to negotiate with Justin?"

They made a motion, like swatting a fly in the air. Of all the Sisters, Sibling was one of the true believers, in every facet of their lives, they believed reality was bent by destiny.

"We were transported to your world because we were needed there. If we hadn't been at Portal, somehow else, we would have gone. Of all the Trolls you met, Ekanga was one. That you care for one another, even the Great Pattern has space for love." One small hand touched Diva's chin, a familiar gesture good friends would share.

"If you are trying to get away from us, however," her tone tried to lighten the mood, "Cliff has abandonment issues. We'd have to come after you. Anyway, Adavan has the pull to put you anywhere you like. Think of it like commuting to work, just that your home is several galaxies away."

Sibling sat back in Michelle's body. They would certainly miss Diva when she was away, but there was work aplenty in Paragon, and they doubted the giantess would be so busy. Maybe the blaster talking to their other body could swing a few missions where Diva and the twins could work together.

*And so does the weaving continue, the pattern spreading out before us.* Angela thought, ignoring Cliff's comment.

"D'!" The short girl walked a straight line from where Sibling sat to the tall green woman. Her long reddish hair was caught with a leather band behind her neck, the white blouse and skirt marking her as an Initiate in the Order. At first, Diva was taken aback, that sort of greeting was not acceptable for an Initiate and a Lady.

As the girl approached, maybe all of seventeen, the taller woman squinted. Something about the walk, the lack of any accent and the faint glowing of her eyes...

"We wondered when you would visit. Gal has been trying to get you here since before Portal, she was starting to worry about her food." That sly smile did not belong to the girl, and only one person she knew would say "we". The shock on her face made Sibling laugh.

"It is us, lovely one. With you arriving, we could hardly let you spend the evening alone, so Michelle is acting as our body for a while. We do the same thing for Lady Almira when she needs to speak, but you've seen that." The girl's expressions, stance, even inflection, was Sibling. It was almost disturbing.

"If you can stand to look at this body with our voice...would you like to have dinner?" Michelle's body, with Sibling's voice and mind, held out her arms, hoping the other controller wouldn't be too put off by the situation.

The twins waited to see if Diva would return the hug.

((OOC: So, Sibling has been working on several skills since they left for the other world. For everyone's benefit, what Sibling is doing is NOT possession, more like an agreed temporary visiting. Michelle is still well, and can break the contact at any time, and the twins would NEVER force this sort of thing. It just makes it convenient to be in two places at once, and the twins have a lot of experience with being multiple minds/bodies.

Sweet, if you can stand to look at Michelle (hey, she's cute), pretend you are speaking to Sibling. The young girl will not hear anything that's said, Cliff will keep her occupied with some esoteric lessons on bio-molecular cohesion she needs to catch up on anyway.))

"Food is not a problem," the twins smiled softly, taking another sip from the still steaming cup. "We will let Gal know you plan to stay for dinner, but would you prefer to eat here or in the dining room?" Where they sat was cozy, but could easily be set for dinner, more like two very close friends or an informal meeting. The small table had two drop leaves, making it more than enough to hold plates and dinnner.

"Mistress," Angela's voice, rarely stern, changed into that as an instructor would use to a student. Gypsy's Queen arrived quickly from where she had been working at Gal's grill, bowing to the controller. "Tell Gal that we and Adavan will be dining this evening. Also, direct him to the phone in the office, his conversation will be private."

The olive-skinned woman bowed again, her long braid remaining directly down the center of her back. She was learning, much faster by necessity, the workings of the Sisterhood. Her mentor, Narshawn, had spoken to Sibling about the training. They had agreed that being very formal, following the laws to the letter, was better for the Romanian, so Sibling acted much different here. Normally, the twins would have loathed acting like a superior.

"Lady, it will be done." The thick accent was respectful, proper. "Sir, if you will follow me." She guided AJ to the hall and the offices.


Sibling felt Diva enter the restaurant, all Sisters had some measure of proximity sense for other Sisters, but Sibling and Diva had as close a bond as two people could have. Their chair blocked Diva's view, back to the doorway, but they sensed she was looking. A touch on their tattoo and the kitchen doors swung open, a young Initiate hurrying out and stopping by the thick leather seat, her white skirt flowing around her legs.

"I understand, Lady." Wide blue eyes stared at Sibling's glowing green. Sibling's slender right hand touched briefly on the pale skin of the girl, and it was done.

((OOC: OK, getting inventive here. Adavan is going to have dinner with the twins, but I see another guest that is also in need of companionship. So, with the magick and wonder that is RP, and the fact that there are TWO people in Sibling, let's see what I can do...))

"Ah, point taken, Sir." Martin gave just the slightest bow to show he had been hit by the remark. "And you are correct, a bluff is only as good as the intent behind it. I do not, on matter of principle, ever make a statement I do not intend to execute."

He turned to retrieve Manion's water, nodding to Beth as he passed. She would be at his table in a moment, once the peculiar woman and coated man ordered.

"I am puzzled as to what 'stuff' you are referring to, sir." The Maitre 'd's face was as usual, unreadable. "A guest requests a table for one, I seat him at a table for one. It would be presumptuous of me to think he might wish to stare at an empty setting, as though he had no one for company."

That was as close as Martin came to stating the obvious. His thin figure did not have the space to easily disguise the missing water glasses, silverware and plates.

"And if Sir indicated the table was unacceptable, I would simply have to call for the owner to lodge your complaint." Did Manion catch the challenging quirk of the older man's eyebrow? "Would you care for anything, below eight percent volume, as a beverage?"

((OOC: Hey, I can take a few days off, the tips will still be there. Gal? She's supporting half the Island, no breaks for her!))

"We don't ask after your personal life to cause you pain, Ad." The twins knew bits and pieces of his history, having spent quite a bit of time as his sidekick, and learning a great deal about the world of heroing. "Our apologies.

"Now, to gentler matters." They set the teacup down, a fine clink where the china met the wood. "You are right, you should have come in long ago. Gal has been very busy here, but it gives her plenty to do when we are out being Sibling. Some of the Sisters even help out, Gypsy, Nar, Lady Thorn and others."

The woman's fine hand trailed over the wooden table, enjoying a few moments at peace. In the wrap and soft clothes, they looked quite different from their work wear. Some of the peace they felt here leaked out, by intention, making a small bubble of relaxed feelings that soothed others as well. Angela was quite good at being a therapist, and not all was learned from books.

"So, are you staying for dinner? We know Gal would be very pleased, and so would we. There rarely seems enough time to just sit and talk."

Far too skilled as a mind controller to let anything slip, but they had other reasons to know if he intended to stay.

*Don't play matchmaker, Ang. You know how she feels about us.* Cliff thought.

*Not us, brother, you. And she would welcome some time away from the Island. Oh, don't get all petulant, she had a right to be mad about it. I'd be insulted, too, after that.* Angela replied, the silent conversation for only these two.

*Funny. Wait until the weekend, I'm going to take Bubbles to that ice cream shop and stuff myself.* He had a sense of humor, but rarely showed it. Angela made a rude noise in their mind, and he laughed.

"So, shall we have Gal set a table?" Sibling tossed the question off as though they didn't care.

((OOC: Typing as fast as I can Ad!))

"I am here at your convenience, sir," Martin made several marks on the seating chart, not looking at Manion. "The bar, however, cannot open for another half hour due to liquor regulations. Please follow me, I will seat you in Beth's section."

The crisply pressed suit turned, the trousers breaking just so, one crease, above immaculately shined shoes as Martin walked into the dining room. Martin paused at a table set for two, near enough to the plants that it would not cause Beth to walk too far for both tables of guests. His body obscured the setting for a moment, as he moved across Manion's line-of-sight. When he was past, there was a setting for one, the extra dishes and silverware missing.

"Will this serve you, sir?" Not a hint of inconvenience, his stoic face asking only that question.

((OOC: Martin is totally untalented, unpowered and normal. He just happens to be from the old school of service, where if you notice his job, he has failed at it. ))

"So, tell us," Sibling cradled a cup of tea, leaning back into one of the large leather chairs near the fire, "it sounds as though your trip was not all happy."

Gal had provided tea for Sibling and his beverage, being genuinely glad to see him. Dinner would still be a little while, but they had a basket of bread and some finger food on the small stand-table. This area was more like a comfy den than a restaurant, where you could get a good glass of Sherry and enjoy quiet conversation.

"Lady Osmella, one of the Sisters from the control room. Her first name is Nicole, but Gal called her Nikky. She was asking about you, said you have a nice smile." The twins sipped at their steaming tea, the grin that flashed hidden behind the cup. "We told her sharks do, too."

Their mouth might be hidden, but he could see the curl of their eyes. Mischief came at all times with Sibling.

Martin made a show of glancing at the peculiar sundial above the doors, then at Manion, then at the sundial again.

"Mister Manion, while you may have become a valued guest, and have caught the eye of one of the staff," the Englishman's face was bland as dishwater, "we try to open on time..."

"Yo! Manny! Nice to see you, hon." Gal's voice carried across the floor with no problem. She had just been starting the range and seen him come in. Martin's grimace was quick, this familiarity between patrons and the staff pained him. She did own the place, and he was an employee, so his comments were his own.

"Sir," he said with restraint, "Would you care to sit? I am certain we can find something in the kitchen for you."

Martin nodded and moved back toward the kitchen. Once within easy talking distance, he caught Beth's eye and gave her the order. Most of the staff was still preparing, or not yet arrived, so those that usually would handle seating or greeting had to pitch in. Nothing new, and they were all expected to do what needed doing.

Beth returned to the table a few moments later, a tray in her arms. The sugar water had sounded peculiar, but the staff tried hard to please. Sugar in cold water does not dissolve well, but Gypsy had given her a quick lesson in kitchen work. Using boiling water, the sugar mixed almost instantly, becoming a solution. Next, a stop at the wine cooler and the La Travertine water bath wine chiller the restaurant used to quick cool any wine ordered. It took the hot water to a reasonable temperature within minutes, leaving the sugar suspended in the liquid.

Beth placed the glass near the small woman, grinning despite herself at the curious noises she made. Next to the man, she set the Bodum coffee glass and ceramic creamer/sugar set. Martin had not mentioned if he wanted either, but it was always proper to place them.

She pressed the handle on the french press and watched as the grounds settled out. It was custom to press the coffee at the table, in sight of the guest, to show the beverage was fresh and had not been sitting. Gal would drink some muddy water and call it coffee, but she was very particular about what she served guests. The dark liquid in the glass-sided pot roiled until the screen hit bottom, then Beth poured out a glass for the man.

"Sir, I am Beth, and if you would like anything else, I will be glad to take your order."

((OOC: Beth is not as unflappable as Martin, but she does work for a magical tanker and the Sisters are no strangers here. I don't know what little Rose eats, so I leave the menu in your hands Bas.))

"Now, Miss, Sir," he nodded to each in turn as he handed over the menus, "would you care to start with a beverage or something from the appetizers?"

Martin watched the girl, she acted far younger than she appeared to be.

"So, once we got back to the Island, everything was good," Sibling allowed the crate to settle near the other stacks of arriving wine and produce. Ad paused, watching a well built woman check items off a list. She had an athletic body, fairly large arms for a woman, and a white T-shirt a couple sizes small. Vegas didn't mind showing what she had, around this place, she was safe.

"Have you met Dark Vegas?" The other woman stopped with the manifest and stepped over, about the same height as Adavan.

"Pleased to meet you," she shook his hand with vigor, working in the security business, you learned to act more like a man or forget getting respect. Her smile was genuine, short lived, and then back to the work.

"Gal is in the kitchen with Gypsy," they noticed his raised eyebrow, "and yes, we do keep mental tabs on what is going on. We always do, you know that."

They were intentionally staying somewhat quiet, leaving plenty of silence if he decided to fill it. The twins had plenty of questions, and more that they wanted to know, but chattering on would not help him talk. They did notice his eyes linger on Vegas' fine form, but you would have to be dead or Devouring Earth not to pause. Something was wrong with him, or not right.

He would speak when he felt it was right, until then, the tour wandered to the kitchen.