Several loud clashes of pots and dinner cleaning echoed from the kitchens, giving Beth a chance to compose herself, before Gal walked out, bearing a tray laden with desserts and drinks. Beth was glad of the commotion, it brought Manion's eyes around, and she hoped he missed her staring into them.
*This kind of thing doesn't happen to me*, she thought. *He's like awesome cute...*
"Okay, I got two pieces of Mud Pie, a Pepsi and a pint. The kitchens are closed, but this was no trouble." Gal carried them over to a table very near the fireplace, and out of traffic for the clean up. She winked at Manion as she set the tray down.
Beth hid a small smile, and sat next to the smaller piece, pretending to be occupied until Gal walked off. "I would like you to walk me home." She wouldn't meet his eyes, afraid he would see more than she wanted in hers.
((OOC: Manion, I thought you were going to stay, but what is life without some misunderstandings? Very well played, there, I was trying to misunderstand you and have Beth work up a lather.
BTW: Mud Pie is a southern thing, made of chocolate, pudding, whipped cream and graham crackers, and is wicked good.))
Narshawn sized up the other woman, considering why she would ask such a thing. Not everyone asked questions with good intention, but this woman seemed earnest enough, and perhaps somewhat unhappy.
"You ask me of my origin, and I can only tell you what my Mother has told me. You can see, I am not human, and have not been. I do not live among people, not until recently, I have lived with my Sisters, the Ladies. You have heard of the Ladies? Those who live on The Island in Talos?" She asked, not everyone had heard of them, and that suited their purposes at times.
"I am from a far away place. Some say other dimensions, or maybe another time, or maybe just far away. These are mysteries, but whatever you believe, I am not from this world. My Mother, Lady Gemini, raised me here, and taught me to be who I am. I never knew that world, the place of my birth.
"On that world, the Sisters say, there are two main races: Stone and Ice, and they are mortal enemies. They cannot live together, and war has beaten the world down. My father, he was of the Ice, my mother of the Stone. I only know that I was born into a village of Stone, and cast out. I would have died," she spoke clearly, without hesitation, without any trace of sorrow.
"The Lady, Morgaine, knew of this. She and other Ladies caused me to come here, nothing but a suckling child, unable even to crawl. They," now she sounded sad, or perhaps a great love filled her, causing her voice to soften, "took me as their own. Lady Gemini was my nurse, my Mother, all that I knew for many years."
She was filling Wendy's almost empty glass, paying no heed to the time. This was the first person to actually ask why an ice maiden would be in Paragon.
"I am only ten of this world's years, but my race ages faster than yours, and lives longer. Perhaps there is a reason I was brought here, or such was said to me. I know I would have been empty, or hollow, if I had not come."
She finished and held out one hand to the other woman, tiny and delicate, as though crystal carved by a master and covered in ice. A look of concentration came over her face, then she looked into the woman's own eyes.
"Take my hand, it shall not harm you now," the steam rising from it slowed appreciably. "I offer you this, and will call you friend. But, what is your story?"
((OOC: Narshawn is only ten, but it is amazing the knowledge that lives in books.))
"'Tis all settled, I shall be glad ta' take ya' home now My Lady," Steve returned and bowed.
"Flyin' ya say?"
((Sorry so short, gotta get to work. LOOOOng post tomorrow for you Falcon.))
Falcon turned toward Steve as she heard the sound of his steps and voice; she stopped her leaning on the bar, and couldn't help feeling flattered when he bowed.
"Well, before going out, I'd like to pay our bill. Yesterday the staff lost mine, so I don't want to go away without paying what we ate this evening, and leaving a good tip too. Do you know how it's done?" she seemed uncertain "Perhaps I can fetch Martin... or I could wait for him in the antechamber, in front of the podium."
No hint of doubt in her voice that her bill hadn't really been lost the night before. They had told her so, and since she thought the staff to be made of truthful people, they could've told her that the sky was red and she would've looked up to check. She was too green to city ways, or for what mattered to human relationships (exception made for her parents, when they were alive), to already be able to grasp the concept of white lie.
"Flying, yes. You will see, as soon as we arrive in Atlas Park. I know it's a bit of a walk, but the train will get us there quickly. I know you won't be frightened by high speed and acceleration... your past makes you expert enough to know those things better than me, I'm sure."
Her tone was light, too light to be referring to his accident, a thing that she was avoiding carefully since it brought him bad memories and sorrow; she had been careful to speak of Steve's past, implying that he did have a present indeed, and that present was now.
[OOC she has no idea he went to pay the bill, so she wants to pay for it (or at least, her part and the bill of the night before) before going out; after all no one has brought the bill to them this night (or did them?). A notice: should she discover that the staff didn't really lose her bill the night before, she won't think them untrustworthy, she'll just be a bit confused and will ask why they told it if it wasn't so. She isn't so quick to distrust people 
]
Manion looked up, startled by the commotion in the kitchen. "Oh man... Gal is gonna kill me" he thought to himself. Beth hadn't answered him yet, so he still wasn't sure if he was in the clear. He was sure is high healing rate could keep up with whatever damage she dished out if it came to that, but that wouldn't stop the pain. And he knew he'd have to take all of it, he'd done exactly what he said he wouldn't do, even if he didn't mean it.
When he saw the tray she was carrying though, and the smile on her face, he was obviously relieved. He didn't even try to hide it.
He followed the two women to the table, holding a chair for Beth before he sat down. He looked back and forth between the two, waiting to see what would happen next.
The wink from Gal was all he needed to see. He knew she hadn't noticed the misunderstanding and he could get back to patching things up with Beth. He smiled again.
"Thanks Gal." He said before she left.
"I would like you to walk me home." Beth said, looking at the table.
"I really am sorry Beth, I didn't mean to upset you. I will, I told you I would, and I really would like to." He lowered his head a little trying to meet her eyes with his, but she still didnt look up.
He waited a moment, then decided to put on his best smile, and held a bite of the pie up in front of him on his fork. "But first, how about some pie?" He held it there, waiting for her to react.
((OOC:You did that on purpose? I see... That was very, very evil. 
Had me ten kinds of worried there. Nice job. Oh and about the mud pie, Florida boy here, VA transplant... know it, love it... and now I need to find some for real. ))
"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.))
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...))
Falcon Kitiara opened her mouth to insist that she wanted to pay her part of the dinner, then she looked deep in Steve's eyes; his stare was proud and calm. She suddenly somehow knew that insisting for paying herself was probably akin to insulting him, perhaps he would've thought that she was insisting because she felt he was poor; the last thing that Falcon wanted was running the risk of offending him.
"All right" she said instead "Thank you, it is very kind of you to pay for both of us."
Together, Steve and Falcon walked outside the place, Kitiara took care to bow her head slightly to Martin when they passed near him, nodding her leave. Once on the street in front of Gal's place, she put her hand lightly on Steve's arm, and they started walking toward Atlas Park at a pleasant pace; Kitiara was sure that muggers and bandits in Kings' Row and Atlas would've let her alone (as they always did) out of fear, and hoped that they had in them the sense of leaving Steve alone too.
[OOC: Sibling, now it's up to you Falcon is high level so they shouldn't attack her, if you wish the walk to be peaceful Steve will be sidekicked and bandits will ignore them both, if you want to spice up the walk with a fight feel free to do so!
Another thing you have to decide as the master of this thread; since the rule is "if something happens outside gal's place one can talk about it only as a memory while in the pub" (if I've understood well) how do you want to play the walk and (as soon as they arrive in Atlas) the flight?
Just tell and I will follow ]
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?))
Isis thought for a moment, "Super power b-ball? How do we d'side who can play or no? I'm normal 'sept I heal fast. That gives someone like Sweet an advantage since he can shoot a lot harder. But maybe... what if I could get a team that don't mind playin against us, an they do it fer charitty too. I just don' know if they can get in here. D'you think those kids know the Globe trotters? One 'a' my class mates was one 'a' them. They're real good, showmans an I bet they might like t'play against the likes of us."
[OOC Steve and Falcon are doing their things in PM, but if someone wants to know what is happening to them, well, just say so and me and sibling will decide together what to do and how to do it. I for one, know that I would like to know how things will go between Manion and Beth! Go go Manion! ]
((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!))
((OOC: Continuing the dessert conversation... sheesh missed another deadline. Sorry 
))
"Yeah sorry, this probably seems kinda fast, but I was hoping maybe we could fix that. I'd like to know more about you too." he wasnt sure exactly how to continue, but her next question helped him along a little.
"What brought me here? Well a couple things really. First, I needed a break. My contacts were telling me to take it easy, but I wasn't listening. Then Gilidry, my roomate... best friend really, told me I was working myself too hard. He's an empath, and the best healer I know. When he says something like that to me, I take it to heart. I was overdoing it honestly, out all day and night, only coming home to eat and sleep then back out on assignments. It wasn't nearly as glamorous as other Hero's have made it to be for themselves. Sure a city rep drops me a badge or two to make me feel like Im doing a good job, but they go overkill with that. Even that loses its novelty after a while. Heck, I got a badge one day just for standing in the right place! Wheres the glamour in that? Anyway, about the same time Gili told me too cool off I found this place. I mentioned it to some friends, and one of them suggested we meet here opening night. Thats why I finally ended up coming." He paused for a moment, taking a bite of his pie. Realizing that this could go the wrong way, he decided to explain.
"Her name was Jade Angel, her and Gili were the only two heroes I've ever trusted in a fight. She was the sister I never had, even called me Little Bro every now and then. I was excited to finally get to spend some time with her that didn't involve arresting thugs." He tried to swallow the lump in his throat with a sip of his drink.
"But, well... things happened. Another chapter for another day."
"Enough about me. It's only fair now for you to answer a question," he said with a small grin. "What brought you to Gal's?"
((OOC: Yep, we've started our walk in PM's also. Can't tell ya how it's goin just yet though, still waiting for an answer. Whenever we decide how to handle it, definitely update us on Steve and Falcon. Now that's a cute couple. ))
Unsure of what roetenbrot was, Magnus decided on the German onion soup instead. He had tried it once before somewhere else, and remembered it as being quite delicious.
Ill have the Zwiebelsuppe, please, he asked Gertrude. She left to place his order, and Magnus saw that Narshawn was speaking with another customer, who didnt look human, either. However, this being Paragon City, Magnus was used to many non-human types.
Except for the haughty-looking gentleman guarding the dining room entrance, Magnus didnt notice any male wait staff. Then again, the place is called the Ladies by the Lake. Quite a different environment from the bars hes used to patronizing. He didnt see a lot of those places in Paragon City. Ill just have to find them, I guess, he thought to himself as he took a large gulp of his hard drink.
The food arrived, and the smell whet Magnus appetite. He took a large spoonful of the soup and smiled in satisfaction.
Great recommendation, Narshawn, he said to the ice maiden. It really hits the spot. He enjoyed a few more mouthfuls before asking, Narshawn, are you able to eat, um
.you know
common human food, like hot soup?
((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.))
((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!))
Manion came in again the next night. He was a little later then he had planned. His assignments took longer to finish then he expected.
He walked up to the podium, and seeing Martin waiting he gave a sheepish grin. "Sorry, I uh..." he gave a little shrug, extending his arms out. "I left my jacket with Beth last night. I leave myself at your mercy." he said with a grin and a slight bow, not meant to sound mocking. "I can wait at the bar if you like. But in either case if you could let Beth know I'm here you would have a new friend." He smiled again, knowing Martin probably wouldn't smile back, but trying anyway.
He gave a quick look around, trying to catch a glimpse of Beth as he waited for Martin's reply.
"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.))
Manion was a little confused. He wasnt sure why Martin would give him his jacket just yet, but he took it anyway. Placing it on the back of his chair he thanked Martin and sat to wait.
The first thing he noticed was the smell. The last two nights the kitchen gave off all kinds of pleasant smells from the food that was being cooked. That was when he noticed no one was in the outside kitchen. "Gal must have called in." he thought.
"So, hero, what brings you here?"
He had been looking into the kitchen when she came around, so he didnt see her coming.
"Hmm... that's a silly question," he said with a smile, "the flowers of course." He picked a lilac out of its display and offered it to her. Hoping he didn't sound too sappy.
With a sly grin he said, "You look nice tonight, Statesman not take no for an answer?"
He noticed the nice clothes she had on, and felt a little self conscious again. "I'm gonna have to get something nicer to wear when Im out." He thought.
A frail girl gifted with skin as dark as the blackest raven inched in through the buildings doors, her crimson hair hung lightly in front of her eyes was brushed back over her shoulder as she looked up.
Her glowing cerise eyes crept around the room resting on the patrons equally, lingering for just moment then stoping on the bars counter. Daintly she dusted her heavy black jeans adorned with zippers, buckles and such, it was apparent there was no dust or dirt of any kind apon them, she was always worried about making a good first impression none the less.
She rotated her shoulders slightly to readjust the way her snug gunmetal grey colored shirt fitted, so used to doing it it seemed like breathing to her.
Waiting most nimbly for someone to show her to a seat.
*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.))
"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?"
"Well, his loss, my gain." he said with a broad smile. "Im glad you enjoyed the night, so did I. Honestly. As if forgetting my jacket didn't give it away. Thanks for bringing it back." he said, blushing slightly.
"I think I'd like to try the Portabello Platter tonight. I've been meaning too, but with all the wonderful suggestions I hadn't gotten to it yet. And spicy doesn't bother me, but thanks for the warning."
He put the flower back in the vase and watched her as she left to go bet the bread. He smiled and shook his head, his head, still unable to believe his luck.
((OOC: <gets a little antsy> Hope I didnt upset anyone. *bonk*bonk* <forehead + table>
))