Falcon Kitiara chased away her grim thoughts to focus her eyes on the one called Lady Tre, her expression full of surprise.
When Tre had talked about beliefs and the purpose of life, she surely had talked about the Hand of Ma'at. When Tre had talked about Lady Almira, she had probably talked about Hand of Ma'at again, because how could Falcon be complimented for her faith when she didn't have one?
This wasn't a problem for her; she liked to listen as well. Those words, she had carefully listened, as she had listened the words of Ma'at about justice and order, and the oyster plume; believer among believers, faithful among Sisters. Yes, the Ladies of the Lake seemed akin to Hand of Ma'at; the same silent mistery in their gestures and rituals, the calm knowledge of something awaiting beyond death. She admired those aspects of the Sisters' and Hand's behaviour even more, almost like beautiful paintings, since she had never known any religion inside her woods.
So it would seem perfectly normal that they offered the Hand of Ma'at a place on their island. She was just wondering how would it be to fly above the sisters' island, when...
"...me too?"
Her eyes were full of wonder. After all she had told about... revenge, about killing, about bloodlust, they still thought she was good company? Not only that, but they were also inviting her on their sacred island!
"I... but..."
She wasn't ashamed of herself, and her shyness was not derived from insecurities, only from the fear of not knowing about Paragon's customs and risk offending someone unwillingly. She was so different from the Sisters, she knew nothing about rituals, hierarchy, rites, ceremonies, she would've never guessed that they could want one as wild as she in their Island.
Then she noticed Hand of Ma'at standing up and bowing with a perfect movement; her first instinct was to stand up beside her, fast! and try and imitate her bow. She suppressed that instinct firmly: the Sisters had offered a place on the island to her, Falcon Kitiara, with her behaviour just as it was, her thoughts, her virtues and flaws. Trying to imitate someone else's bow would've been akin to insulting them. They wanted her inside their Island as much as they wanted Ma'at, two different people; Falcon's strenght was not in rituals, and she decided to act spontaneously, as always.
"Thank you. I will treasure your offer, and your words."
She simply decided to let her face, her eyes and her smile do the talking.
[OOC first time she talks to religious people, so she doesn't know exactly what would please them, hence the hesitation about the bow. She is not religious, but a brief conversation would reveal that she is a spiritual person, believing in nature... in a very personal way. 
I like the contrast between Falcon's wild nature, and Hand of Ma'at self-controlled, polite and refined behaviour, it makes things interesting!]
"Hand of Ma'at," Lady Cinque, the red skinned and black-haired Guard stood quickly, seeing her bow, "We are honored by your show of grace, but you should know, there is never need to bow before us. You are not of our faith, no matter how close those faiths are. Thank you for your respect." She returned the bow, her braid staying down her back, held by several decorative pins to her tunic.
"You must understand," Lady Tre spoke again as Cinque was seated, "We follow the ways of our Order, but expect no one else to. By bowing to one of us, or all of us, you place upon us an honor which we do not deserve. Perhaps I can explain."
She stepped to the second table, pointing to three small girls in white. They stood quickly and followed her back to the main table, as Lady Sharon moved aside so that they could come within sight of all.
"Percy, who was the first Lady, and why did she find the path?" Tre asked.
"Lady, the first Lady was Morgaine, the Mother. She was lost of her parents as a young girl, and left in the forest, alone. She was found by the Forest People, who at that time held power in the woods and wild places. They showed her the ways of the wood, of old magick, and time is different there. When she came out from the forest, many years had passed. She found her people being hunted, driven from their lands by invaders, and the Forest People gave her a choice."
Lady Tre motioned and spoke quietly in explanation, "The Forest People would be called Faery or Sprites in English and Legend. They are real, though." She indicated the girl should continue.
"Lady, they told The Lady she could use her magick to stop the invaders, but she must make a choice. She could lead a life of Glory and Power, ruining the invaders and driving them out, or she could choose to live a long and wise life, helping those who would follow her in peace. This is how she found the path."
"And how did she choose, Mary?" Tre addressed another of the young.
"Lady, she chose to speak to her people, not to fight. But only the women and daughters would follow her, to safety, and the men went to war. In this way did the Order begin, promising never to start wars, never to fight when there were alternatives. So we have followed the rules she made. We shall not harm, if we can help. We shall not take from others, any thing, not food nor gold, when others are hungry. We shall always have an open door to those in need. We do not ask others to do what we will not.
Very good, Mary. Tres words brought a blush to the girls freckled cheeks. She was of the age where freckles were still visible, but her face had begun to show womanhood.
And Katrina, who is the leader of the Order? Who is most important?
The leader is one we have not met, and those we meet every day. The Goddess can appear as any person or thing, and even the beggar in the street. We will never know when we are being tested, so we must treat every person as The Goddess.
Excellent, Lady Thorn proclaimed. Your Mistresses should be proud, and their Ladies again! The old womans eyes sparkled, remembering how it had been when she was that young.
So, Miss Kitiara, Miss Hand, we try to provide help to those who need it. The Island is temporary refuge for many, not only our Order. They come when they are in need, and we provide for them, becoming friends. This is the tenet of The Sisters, Do Good, Be Well. The Island cannot be found unless a Sister brings you, and only by boat. If ever you need refuge, or a moments peace, The Island can bring these, you have only to ask a Sister, and they will know you.
"You should not think we are afraid of fighting," Lady Gemini held up one hand. "There are those of us who have vengeance and retribution in our pasts. I took some leave from the Sisters to pursue my own blood feud, and am still welcome. We understand the need for fighting at the appropriate time."
Lady Tre and Cinque nodded. "Those who seek to injure or deprive others of life, sometimes must be met with the sword, and so we all train in the ways of combat as well."
She leaned back in her chair again, apparently having made her point, eyes still on Falcon.
She did not take the statement by Lady Cinque as a rebuke; she understood what she was trying to say. She knew the offer made had been genuine, to both her and Falcon, and she'd known she didn't have to respond, but had felt the need to...
"Forgive me... I am not so good with words sometimes. I know we are all of different faiths, or follow our own paths in life. But... Sometimes I run out of words, and have no way to express my thanks. Among my brethren in the temple, if we have no way to express ourselves, especially in thanks, we do what I have just done... I ran out of words..."
She paused; she knew that Falcon had been touched by the offer as well, and that she had shared some of her story, as well as several of the Sisters. She felt the need to share some of hers as well, in kind...
"I did not know my parents very well... When I was young, I was hated by them. They thought they had been cursed, that they would have been given the burden of having a child that looked as I do. So they kept me locked away, so that others would not know of their disgrace. I was the "evil half"; my twin looked as they did. They told all that I had died at birth, that I was not fit for life, but that I had instead taken all the imperfections that were meant for my sister into myself..."
Here she paused, and took another sip of her drink... This telling should not affect her anymore, but it still did, even after all these years. And even though her mentor and all at the temple had taught her otherwise, it still was something that ate at her.
"My parents were not able to kill me themselves; they were afraid that since the curse had been given to them, as some sort of pentinance, they must keep me alive. So they did, but I didn't see the light of day for many years. When I could fend for myself, they took me to the city, where they left me, and they went home to their lives and their other daughter. After some time, I was taken in by one of my order... Took a while, though..."
Here she smiled a little... Her mentor had tested her in so many ways before revealing who he was and what he wanted of her. She had disappointed him many times, falling back into her old habits of thievery. She had met him by trying to steal from him, in fact. Her complexion had made it so easy to be a thief at night, and to hide from society during the day; survival had been day to day, but it had been fun, in a way, depending on no one. She still relied on no one but herself for her survival, but understood the very human need for companionship and emotions.
"My order taught me that all life is special, and that it should be taken care of. They managed to eventually make me see myself as something other than a nothing, that I had some worth, and that I might just have a destiny in this world. And so, I have ended up here, in this city... I do not think I have a grand destiny, but I think that if I can do for just one other what was done for me, then I will have done my order justice."
(((OOC: Yes, I like the contrasts between Falcon Kitiara and Hand of Ma'at myself! I also like the differences between them and the Sisters as well! I've never done any RP quite like this before! lol)))
TOONS: COH: Hand of Ma'at, Voltrana, Eve of All Hallows, Fith-Fath, Miss Sonic, Dame Death, Corporate Shadow /// COV: Sister Skull, NyghtShayde, Mourning Gory, Mistress Mayham, Lady StormDancer
SERVER: Justice (Main SG: The Honor Guards) (Main VG: The Chaos Corps)
GLOBAL: LadyStormDancer
"You bear your past with grace, Hand of Ma'at. Would that every child that was different could be the same, but there are those that will always see difference as bad omen." Lady Tre said, when she had finished her tale.
"Everyone is different, whether it is easily visible as Lady Lupa or Sharon, or hidden as Lady Almira or myself." The one called Osmella spoke from her chair. Her voice was soft, and languid like a stream flowing. Her smile came quickly. "The Sisters try not to judge, which can be difficult sometimes, but we try. As the young ones said, we believe we are constantly tested."
She sat forward in her chair, her blonde hair thick and ringing her face, deep blue eyes and pale pink lips finished her face. "You see, some of us can hide our differences, which can serve at times. Lady Almira was a beautiful woman," she motioned to the hooded Lady, who also sat forward, templing her hands but not touching her hood, "and has been a healer for the Sisters for many, many years. During the Great War, near the end, she volunteered to aid the wounded. Not the Allies alone, since innocence lives on both sides of conflict.
"She was sent with many others to help the innocent in other countries. She arrived in Japan the day after the last atomic bomb fell, when all was sorrow and misery. She would tell her tale if she could, she tells me it is allowed to one such as you, a healer who understands sorrow." The black eyes of the healer blinked, and she touched her veil.
"When she returned, she was very ill. Radiation had ravaged her, but she had stayed until the last were either buried or mended. I was not yet born, but she was my Mother before I became a Lady, and this tale is known to me. She can never remove her robe in public, as her physical beauty was stolen by the radiation. She says that this has made her stronger in spirit, and she is called the most devout of the Nine, her pain a testament to her will."
Almira nodded, and perhaps Hand felt a feather's touch in her mind. No probe or entry, more like a breeze wafting across the room filled with the perfume of spring.
"I, on the other hand, was a fine lass until my studies progressed on the Island. Soon after my first month as a woman, I awoke with this," she pulled aside her hair, near her scalp, and on her forehead was a third eye. It was closed, but definitely no tattoo. "I gained the ability to see and control minds. I can hide this most times, but when needed, I can expose my powers, and aid the Sisters in battle..."
"Or cheat at gambling," Sharon threw out, hiding a smile behind her water glass.
"I do not cheat, I do not need to." Osmella smiled and blinked her third eye, which stayed closed after. She rearranged her hair to cover the forehead.
"Good evening, sirs," Martin was always proper, even with non-humanoids. "I would offer you a seat in the restaurant, but we require jackets. However, the Bar also has a full menu and service is excellent. Welcome to Ladies by the Lake, I am Martin."
"Would you care to sit?" He motioned to the bar.
((OOC: Gladius, if your characters can modify their clothes with nanites, then jackets should be no problem, and Martin will happily seat them in the main room. Keeping up appearances, you know...))
(OOC: What about Legion, he can't quite change his appearance being mechanical and all. His nanites work differently from Paravespula's. Also, I can't tell if Martin is referring to both Legion and Paravespula, or just Legion in that non-humanoid remark. Snap is human, just a bit tweaked by science)
"Um," I said, a little perplexed, "One moment please."
I had to concentrate a little harder this time, I never really to switch to formal wear before. Still, I should have expected as much from a Bar and Restaurant. I've never really felt comfortable in formal situations, particularly because the formal suit always contrasts ridiculously with my green-dyed hair.
Still, I think I got my suit to cobble together a decent looking suit. A light-blue work shirt, black pants, and a more formal jacket than the one I chose to wear. As suits went, it was decent, but I still couldn't help feeling that I looked like a dork. Plus, if you knew where to look, you could tell where the suit ended and my casual clothes began.
Still, I did not want to sit on a bar room stool. Too many unpleasent memories.
"Okay," I said, "I think I'd prefer the dining area, thank you."
"Ahem," Sparx decided to pipe in, "What about me? We machinations don't really change appearance, and Snap here can't make two jackets. Do I have to go to the bar?"
I was surprised that he cared where he sat at all. It wasn't like he would be uncomfortable. He had very limited tactile sensory abilities. I guess he didn't want to go alone.
(OOC: Also, Paravespula's everyday clothes are not part of his nanite suit. He wears those under his nanite suit. Also, I'm experiencing computer difficulties, just as a warning)
Powersets I'd like to see:
Water or Wind-related powers (not just Storm Summoning)
More Minion-types
Demolitions Blast set (and maybe a Specialty Explosives Buff/Debuff) in tribute to the greatest explosives villain ever, Evil Midnight Bomber
Falcon turned her head toward Lady Gemini, and shook it slightly: "No, no, I never meant to imply that you are afraid of fighting or uncapable to do so. Only that revenge seems something ...rather distant from people such as you, what with your pacific, tolerant tenets, and all."
She tried to explain herself better.
"Sharon didn't feel the need for revenge on Lupa when she lost two fingers. Lupa didn't feel the need for revenge when she discovered that she had become a lycanthrope because of Sharon's curse. Hand of Ma'at didn't feel the need for revenge against her parents, for those years of emprisonment... or at least, I think she didn't feel it, your voce, Hand, was not vibrating with the tones of rage." she nodded toward Hand.
"I admire how all of you reacted in those times, but I am not sure I could do the same thing myself. All of you, you don't seem people that could enjoy bloodshedding and inflicting pain; in your hands, Gemini, I'm sure that even revenge loses its hatred and becomes retribution."
She smiled again.
"But if you think that I am worthy of setting feet on your island, even if I have not yet managed to put my revenge behind me, I will be glad to visit your island, and to fight to protect it should the need arise."
She sheathed her sword again; the runes flickered a bit and the blade reflected their light.
[If some of the Sisters have touched the sword, and have the power to perceive such things, they will probably sense that the sword is somehow alive, partially with a mind of its own, and partially linked to Falcon Kitiara and echoing her memories and feelings.]
"Excuse me sir, all races and types are welcome. Androids and mechanical people do not need to dress. The shirt is fine," Martin said to the change in clothes. "Please, follow me."
He led the way to a table near the plant centerpiece, heady with the smell of hyacinth. "Will this do, sirs?"
((OOC: Of course he means you both 
))
Sharon and Lupa chuckled, sharing a look between them, an Lady Gemini looked thoughtful for a moment.
"You are not the only one at this table to have taken enjoyment at the pain of others. While it is true that we seek peace and the Order does not allow revenge, there are situations, and times, where it is excused. I have done this."
"And you see us now," interjected Lupa, in her gravel-like voice, "You did not know Sharon or I when we warred."
"Indeed, Miss Falcon, Lupa and I were deadly enemies for some years after we came to the Island." Sharon stood and walked behind Lupa, who's ears swiveled like tiny tracking dishes. "It is by our training and the patience of our many teachers that we could overcome this."
"Patience even some of us doubted, Shadow," Thorn spoke with a small smile, using Sharon's nickname as a young woman.
"Even so," Sharon spoke again, laying an affectionate hand on Lupa's shoulder, "We are now teammates, we fight beside one another, not toward. That is the point Gem tried to make, I think." She received a brief nod from that woman.
"You have suffered, and weathered, many hardships. You have great skill with a beautiful weapon, and are far more powerful than most. You have knowledge of things many only read about. We all seek justice, you, the Sisters, Hand of Ma'at," she gestured as she spoke, "and fight for this.
"All things happen for reasons, we would say that the tapestry is woven with designs. We do not always see them, but they are there." She paused, allowing Gemini to speak.
"You may visit our Island, simply because we value your thoughts, your honesty. There is no question of your being worthy, that is for you to judge, only you." Gemini held up her hands, the sign she had said her peace.
Osmella absently played with her hair, her eyes focussing somewhere else for a moment. The Sisters sitting hext to her glanced over.
"Gal and Shock are coming, The Lady has finished speaking to them." This news brought some smiles around the table, and Osmella continued to Falcon and Hand. "Gal and Shock, two other Sisters, were called to The Island as their Mentors are missing. That they return so quickly is good news."
"I think two more plates, and some more wine, Sisters." Tres watched as the two Sisters who had been serving moved to the kitchens. "Will you two care to sit with us a while longer? I think you likely have more to tell us..."
"I guess people can change a lot then."
Falcon Kitiara looked at Gemini with a bit of amazement; Gemini always seemed so elegant, so lady-like, so composed and polite, perfectly in control of her emotions. The warrior just couldn't figure Gemini taking pleasure from someone else's pain, hands and katana soaked in blood.
"And... it is true, all of us seek justice... just in different ways. A lynx, a deer and a wolf are equally part of nature, no matter their differences."
She smiled, looking both the Sisters and Hand of Ma'at. So many different people! In the woods, there were none, just her and her parents and, later, only her. She had never thought before that people could be similar to different species of animals, and that there were so many different paths to reach a single goal. It was a good thing to be learned.
She thought again about Hand's story. Her parents... how cruel they were! Or had been, she didn't know. How could it be possible to treat a child in such a way? Falcon Kitiara, at least, had her parents' fond memories to keep her company while she had been in the woods alone, but Hand... of course, she had had a religious order to care for her, but still she was deeply sorry for the dark skinned woman.
She nodded to Tre "I would be happy to stay a while longer, you are wonderful company."
Falcon's eyes sparkled with renewed curiosity as a question sprang to her mind.
"If I may ask... why are there no Brothers, only Sisters?"
Lady Thorn's eyes widened, but it was Cinque who spoke.
"A good question, one which is rarely put to us so frankly, if asked at all. One of my studies is the history and law of the Order, which has grown long and fills many books on the Island over the years. The answer is tied to what young Mary said earlier about the founding of the Order: only the women and daughters followed her.
"This is not literal, it is written that the young boys also sought refuge, brought by their mothers. All the men fit to battle went, and didn't return. Their bodies littered the ground of what had been their home, when the women and The Lady came out of hiding, they found nothing left. The invaders had set their towns to fire, their crops, even killed the livestock. Just that fast, in the space of several months, almost all those who had followed the old ways were wiped out. It was a religion which started the wars, but we do not speak of this.
Regardless of how it began, the fact was that many of those people were gone, and with no men, there was little chance that they could go on. They did find other groups of their people, and some had hidden in the hills or the moors. Slowly, Morgaine and some others organized the people, with the help of the Fey, fairy, she amended, seeing a curious glance. She began to teach them how to survive, some of the magick of the wild places, and one became her star pupil. His name is written in The Book, but we call him Lamothiak, in the old tongue, Warbringer.
Some of the Sisters faces became solemn, grave. Gemini crossed her arms, Anvil placed one palm on the table but her face was unreadable. The other table was silent, many leaning toward their mentors to hear. Cinque brushed her hand across the table, as though clearing away dust.
Lady Morgaine taught him many things, and he became known to the Fey. Not all the Fey are friends, and they see right and wrong sometimes differently than we do. They do not have
she searched for a word that these two would understand.
Baichi-ji, finesse, Gemini offered.
Yes, baichi-ji is a word that fits. It means finesse, as a professional has it. A master carver that can create art from a block of stone, a painter whos work seems alive or a swordmaiden who can strike her target in a crowded room and leave no mark or trail. Gemini nodded at the compliment, while Cinque gave a small bow to show her admiration.
The student nurtured a want for power, and this became a wedge between him and The Lady. Over the years, they grew apart and he set out to return the islands back to their people, by force. He went again to the world of men, and became a noted scholar and advisor to Kings. If I spoke his name, his English name, you would know him, as he also wrote the legends and the stories. Our Ladys name was misused in these, to vilify her and her cause, but this is the past, and what is done is done.
Thus began the War of the Trees, and the decline of the Fey. Lady Thorn spoke, her voice sad and her hands clasped before her. These stories are long and old, and not proper for this company or celebration. He used his powers to force the land to his bidding, and exposed the existence of the Old People to the invaders. He won this battle, but his King was old and The Lady was forced to intervene, to save the land. She stole the memories of both armies and formed a pact with the Fey, which we honor even today.
Remember, the Old People do not understand our world completely, and see men and women as completely different races. Lady Morgaine once again drew the shroud of confusion about her people, and her agreement was that she could call upon the Fey for assistance but could never train or instruct men again. The Old People provided her an Island, where all would be safe, hidden from all view unless she willed them to come.
Cinque spoke again, and Lady Thorn settled back into her seat, by now grown up to support her arms and back.
It has been like this since that time. The Island is sacred, unreachable and unseen unless you are invited and escorted by a Sister. Many decades ago, Lady Morgaine brought the Island to this place, in Talos Harbor, and wreathed it in fog and wind. We served the city in secret until the Rikti Wars, Lady Anvil? She motioned for the huge woman to continue.
She calls me because I fought there. Miss Falcon, her voice boomed even when she whispered, resonating in her immense chest, I am old, second only to Almira in the Circle in age, and leader of the Nine. I fought in the Rikti Wars, and know many terrible things about them. It is because of them that I use this cane, she lifted the thin piece of exotic wood to demonstrate. Because of what our Order did, to protect our Island and the City, we were granted sovereign rights to our home. Men may come to the Island, but may not pass the sand of the beach. This is the law of the Fey and of The Lady. This is why there are no brothers. Not perhaps the reasons you suspected? She had a very sneaky humor, this gray-haired tank who moved like cold molasses, like her movements were through water. Her smile exposed her humor, and an unexpected wink.
Though some of us find the attentions of men
less than desirable, Lady Tre spoke, perhaps more timid than had been, many have husbands or interests. It is a choice, but we find that the attention of the young is better focused without these
distractions, at least for some time. Her smile was warm, somewhat mischievous, catching Osmellas attention, and her smile was shy at the same time.
Ah, the indiscretions of youth, eh? Sharon nudged Lupa, who growled, or purred, it was difficult to decide.
You are not so old as that, Mashta, the word meant baby sister, one of the Guard discretely whispered to Falcon and Hand. I have heard that your man finds you most indiscrete
Laughter broke the somewhat somber mood, Anvils echoing laugh brought many more.
But I hear that Miss Falcon may understand the attractions men have, not meaning to be impolite, Lady Cinque mentioned, being careful lest she offend.
This Gal you speak of is very wise, Narshawn, mused Magnus. I thinking finding love where you can is a fundamental lesson of life. He took another sip of his drink. Was it his third already? He could feel himself loosening up, and able to talk more easily.
It was after a costly but victorious battle that I decided to share a long-held secret with my lola. She was the closest person in the world to me, but there was a part of my life I kept hidden from her. The young Filipino-American let out a heavy sigh. I told my grandmother that I
that I like men.
Magnus prepared to feel sick with shame about divulging such intimate information with a relative stranger, but he was surprised at how easy it was. Perhaps his inebriated state had something to do with it? That, and the fact that Narshawn was such a good listener.
My lola didnt understand at first, Magnus continued. But after I explained it a bit more, she realized what I was saying. She was devastated. He could feel his eyes welling up again. My grandmother cried and asked how I could choose this way of life, and then went to her bedroom and locked the door.
Magnus shuddered at the memory. I pleaded with her to let me in so we could talk more about it, but she gave me the silent treatment. Nothing I did or said could get her to open that door. He rubbed his forehead in remembered irritation. It killed me inside to have the only person I loved, my only family, reject me so quickly and completely.
He brushed a tear from his cheek and made sure none of the other customers noticed his blubbering. I was at a loss, and I think I went a little insane right after that.
((OOC: Thank you Magnus, I was about to post that Narshawn and Gypsy were back about their duties and not with the group.))
Narshawn listened to the man, he was obviously tormented, but she did not understand exactly why. Where she had been raised, the Island, it was understood that some of the Sisters had lovers and interests outside. Some were married, even. Men were never allowed to come onto the Island proper, but many of the Sisters had relationships. The same, some found comfort in other Sisters, or even women not of the Order. It was simply accepted, and she knew no different. Why someone would be sad that their family member had found comfort or enjoyment with another, man or woman, this eluded her.
The loss of respect or attention from an elder, or respected friend, this she could understand. She could not imagine life without Lady Gemini, the one who had been her family. She would be empty, desolate. This would be a dark time, and if this man was in such a time, he deserved solace.
She looked up for a moment, at the gathering not twenty feet away. They would have given all the comfort one could want, but even that distance was too far for this man, he spoke to her.
"I hear your pain, and it saddens me to know this has happened, but I am here. I will listen to you, as someone who cannot know your pain but is willing to help you bear it." She would have reached out, sometimes physical contact was a reassurance, a show of care, but she could not and did not know if he would understand.
((OOC: Narshawn was raised very different from most, and does not understand why someone would judge another by their love. The Sisters do not have taboos about these things, love is love and affection belongs to whomever cares for it. She does understand that some of society considers it wrong, as she studies religion, but she cannot understand the reasons. So, she feels Magnus' sorrow and pain, but sees him simply as another living being, deserving her respect and support, not her pity. The OP feels the same way, and I think this is a well done story. Please, continue!))
((OOC: Wow, good read guys and gals!))
((OOC: Oh yeah, and where is Manion? Didn't think I forgot about you, did you?))
"You know, a girl has a hard time staying thin without pie every night," she smiled as she poured another glass of water. "It's pretty busy tonight, but that group has it's own wait staff." As if on cue, the two Sisters in Green passed by with trays from the bar, wine and juices.
"IF I can convince Martin, maybe I can get a break and sit down with you. Word is that Candice is running like a rabbit in the Bar, but I doubt Martin feels very sorry for her. It may have to wait for closing though, would you mind?"
She looked pensively at the hero, knowing that he was probably busy and asking for more of his time was pressing her luck.
((OOC: Not at all, he didn't go anywhere. I'm enjoying all the stories. I realize it takes a bit of work to keep up with all of them and am more than happy to wait til it comes back around. At worst I may have thought that my last post got swallowed. Last thing I want is for Gal to serve me up. 
))
He gave her a look over, not being rude, just trying to be funny. "Hmm, Im not sure why your all that worried about staying thin, but we dont really have to have pie again. Sorry, I'm not that creative when it comes to this sort of thing I guess."
"No I wouldn't mind at all. I will be here waiting to walk you home in either case, or did you change your mind about that?"
((OOC: Sorry for the short post, was headed out the door. Will get more in on the next one. ))
The feeling was as of a feather across her mind, but she felt no threat. Indeed, it was rather refreshing to feel another's friendly thought skitter across her own. She herself had no ability to project her thoughts or emotions; rather, she could only receive those things. But she was grateful to who she was sure had done it (Lady Almira), and did her best to make it known that the gesture was welcome.
She was entranced by the telling of how their island came to be the way it is... True, it was sad, that such awful events had caused it to be the way it was, but she was also taken in by their personal accounts. She had the feeling that Falcon Kitiara might be feeling the same way; even she seemed to be a little surprised at how this conversation had come to pass. She had never been with a group outside her own order that had been this open with strangers, and so willing to welcome them. Yes, this was a special night, as they'd been told...
(((OOC: Yes, a very good thread! I'm SO glad I wandered onto the forum page and found it, especially now! )))
TOONS: COH: Hand of Ma'at, Voltrana, Eve of All Hallows, Fith-Fath, Miss Sonic, Dame Death, Corporate Shadow /// COV: Sister Skull, NyghtShayde, Mourning Gory, Mistress Mayham, Lady StormDancer
SERVER: Justice (Main SG: The Honor Guards) (Main VG: The Chaos Corps)
GLOBAL: LadyStormDancer
Falcon watched Anvil with an expression of both childlike innocence and puzzlement, when the huge Sister made her sneaky remark. Her short stay in the city and civilized areas, and her loss of her parents before they could talk to her about such matters, both explained the reasons beneath her puzzlement; one of the things she hadn't learned about in her life was discrimination against same-sex relationships. The romantic dinner with Steve was as far as she ever went.
"I can only talk hypotetically, since I never had any sentimental relationship, neither with women nor with men... I've only read something about love in some books when I was little... but I don't think I like men more than women. Why should I, is there any reason for it?"
Her eyes went from Anvil's face to Cinque's face, questioningly. Her eyes were now as pure as they had been ferocious before, as she was as expert in revenge as she was naive in love.
"From us?" Now it was Cinque's turn to be surprised. As one of the younger Guards, she had not seena Sister through puberty, most Guards did not have apprentices for long periods as other Ladies did. She had not had the question asked so directly or or with such innocence before.
"Without going into great detail, and bringing in matters of religion and such, we feel it is a matter of personal choice. I cannot speak for others, as it is not our way, but the Order teaches that where one can find love, or even companionship for a time, is good. One very strict rule is that emotions are not to be trifled with." This brought a laugh from Tre and Osmella together, some joke they shared.
"You will find we do not 'dance naked under the moon in large groups', I believe the magazine said?" Osmella's voice was pitched to imitate a news reporter, laughing with Tre.
"That was a rag, and they retracted it after some of the Guard saved their editor's life. Garbage," Lady Thorn said disgutedly.
"In all seriousness, Miss Falcon, it should not matter who you find comfort with. This is my opinion, but there are enough sad people and lonely souls to place rules on how you find comfort." Lady Waspe had found her voice. "Some of the Sisters form relationships, some last for decades and are stronger than many between man and woman. Some find affection with men, and some find themselves to be bound by no relationship. We believe in family, in acceptance." There was a chorus, every Sister at the table nodding and commenting. The younger Sisters keeping quiet, most not understanding what exactly was being discussed.
"I," said Tre, "have been with Osmella for four years. Sharon has been with Mark, her husband for eight years." She glanced aside, then nodded. "Lady Almira is celebate, and by her choice, not because of her powers. We do not enter into relationships easily, as the Island is small and we all must be friends."
"And we watch over each other," Cinque said, "What happens to one affects us all. Ties are strong, so we are careful. Such as this night." She stood, leaning across the table toward the two women.
"Should it matter where you find your partner, or what race or kind? Lupa is part leopard, and yet she is my Sister. Does it matter that she lives with another woman? We say it does not, and for us, this is the law. No, it does not matter, if your heart is happy, then all is well." She motioned to the other table, where some of the girls were watching in confusion.
"You, young ones, should understand this. A woman, not of our Order asks if there is wrong in love? What say you, Kiesha?"
"Lady, love cannot be evil, The Lady has said it." The chocolate colored girl look very shy, put on the spot.
"And you are right," Lady Anvil slowly stood, raising a glass to the child in salute. "In this world, following your heart will lead you to truth, all else is false." Now the girl looked positively radiant, such praise from the leader of the Nine!
"Miss Falcon, you ask a question we cannot answer for you, but which we have opinion on. Love between two people cannot be wrong."
I sniffed at the plant centerpiece that the greeter showed us. It was very soothing, and I could not help but sigh.
"Yeah," I said, "this will do nicely."
After he left us to our own devices, Sparx decided to peruse the menu.
"Well, since I have no sense of taste...what do you suppose would give the most efficient energy output?" he asked.
"Bread," I said in good humor, "but that's usually free."
"What?" he said, surprised, "Well, crud, I don't want to look cheap!"
"Crud?" I said, slightly confused, "I thought you could swear?"
"Maximus has put me on censorship," he responded angrily, "Ever since that accident at the gas station."
I couldn't help but chuckle at Sparx's problems with his 'father', "Well, you could always ask for some hard liqour, though I doubt most machines run on liquid fuel."
"Well," he said, shrugging, "I was made to be versatile. Let's just check their specials, and we'll order one of those. I'll get me some liquor, you get whatever you want. Just don't eat the centerpiece."
"Okay," I said, a little defensively, "I only chewed wood once. You know I have little control over the insectoid half of my brain."
"Fair enough," Sparx said, dead serious, "How about you stop making fun of my desire for humanity. In return, I'll stop making jabs about your wasp-like habits."
"Alright," I said, unfazed and still in good humor, "but can I still make cracks at Fulmino."
"Sure," he said, somewhat irritated at my behavior, "he depresses us both."
I took some pleasure in irritating Sparx and Fulmino, an electricity generating mutant who outranks the two of us. It was my revenge for the way they've made my life so utterly depressing. At least in battle Sparx was entertaining, but otherwise he was just a mood-killer.
"Hmm," I said, "do you suppose they have soft drinks?"
"You're going to poison your system with all that Dew, you know," Sparx said, not once looking up from the menu, "but it's your heart-attack. I think I'll just have some scotch."
"Alright," I said, "let's flag someone down then."
Powersets I'd like to see:
Water or Wind-related powers (not just Storm Summoning)
More Minion-types
Demolitions Blast set (and maybe a Specialty Explosives Buff/Debuff) in tribute to the greatest explosives villain ever, Evil Midnight Bomber
The reference about dancing under the moon naked was wasted on Falcon Kitiara; she hadn't read the magazine they were referring to, and when her parents had explained to her the superstitions about ancient witchcraft they had omitted the sexual part of those slanders; however she had swimmed inside a stream in the middle of the night, under the moon, and it had been almost magical, so quiet and peaceful.
Falcon kept listening all the different voices, the elder and the young, saying the same thing: love could not be evil. Of course she agreed with that.
"Thank you for your answers. They all make sense and have much wisdom. I think they are not shared by the rest of society, though, because there must be a reason I've only seen females hand in hand with males around the streets and in parks... never seen females with females or males with males since I am in this city."
Falcon had finished her glass of cider, and was now substaining her chin with her left fist, again with a gesture more proper for a little girl than for an adult woman.
"And if this doesn't happen because they are afraid of people's reactions and judgement... I feel sorry for them. And annoyed, too, since this is something one can't solve with sword or flight."
"Good evening, sirs," Beth carried the drink menus, "Welcome to Ladies by the Lake, I am Beth. The specials this evening are Goulasch, served the traditional Romanian way and brazed Beef. We offer full bar service here in the restaurant.
"Would you care to start with an appetizer or drink? I will be bringing freshly baked bread and your choice of dipping oils and sauces, and I will warn you that portions are large." Her smile was inviting, the evening was turning out better than hoped, what with Manion waiting for her.
"I didn't mean to be so forceful," Waspe said, straightening up again and looking somewhat apologetic. "This is a matter that strikes very near to me, to all of us really. We strive to keep our minds open, to accept whatever strange occurs with grace and dignity. Bigotry and exclusion are what caused The Lady to flee and lose her homeland, and we are sworn against it."
"Bah, fools." Beatrix spoke, a very tall woman that said little. Her emerald eyes were young, set within a wrinkled face and framed by graying hair. She let actions speak for her.
"Nature is rarely understood," Lupa's voice vibrated, sometimes difficult to understand. "I have run until exhausted, dashing through the streams and woods of our Island, to fall down in the grass. The sounds of the birds and other wild things my only music, then I have known peace. To be so close to what is pure, these things are what matter.
"I think that you can understand these things?" Her ears swiveled towards Falcon, one corner of her mouth pulled up.
As Lady Tre spoke, she listened, and looked at the one called Lady Almira. Yes, she was a kindred spirit, in that she enjoyed the healing of life rather than the taking of it. She herself fought only to defend herself and others, but did not every really enjoy it. When Lady Anvil and the Sisters paid both her and Falcon Kitiara such a high compliment, she had no words... Instead she stood, and bowing low, placed her crossed hands, palms towards her, on her chest. She understood what kind of people these were, and to make an invitation like this was something rare indeed, and a high honor. She only regretted that she could not make such an invitation herself; she was only a Hand, not one of the Elders, Priests, or Beloved of her order, so she could not speak for them, but she believed that if they were to ever meet these people, they would find them much as she did, and would be welcomed in her home.
She then sat down again, and accepting the offer of food, began to eat a bit. The accountings of the Sisters and of Kitiara touched her; they all had so many different backgrounds. She accepted the compliment from Lady Almira, about honoring her mother and father, in the only way she could; her parents had cast her out as a child, when they could no longer hide her strange appearance. Instead, she honored her family in the Order, of her mentor, and of the others who had become closer to her than any other who shared her blood.
TOONS: COH: Hand of Ma'at, Voltrana, Eve of All Hallows, Fith-Fath, Miss Sonic, Dame Death, Corporate Shadow /// COV: Sister Skull, NyghtShayde, Mourning Gory, Mistress Mayham, Lady StormDancer
SERVER: Justice (Main SG: The Honor Guards) (Main VG: The Chaos Corps)
GLOBAL: LadyStormDancer