After a quick stop at Icon to pick up a custom tailored Diego Luna suit from Icon, SweetThang headed towards Gal's Place. Serge could do wonders with fabric, even for people of Gargantuan stature.
He had hoped the trip to Steel Canyon didn't delay him in meeting his dinner guests on time. He invited several of his long time friends to celebrate the grand opening of Ladies by the Lake. Keighn, Twisted Bliss, Astro Creep, Narleth, and Red Elf. There were others he had wanted to invite, but they were tied up in missions in other dimensions. He had met a lot of great heroes in his first year of being a licensed hero. Some had gone on to other worlds. The forces of evil were in need of a beat down no matter where you were...in this universe, or others.
This gathering was a long time coming. I seemed like he never got to take the time and relax with the heroes he fought side by side with. Paragon had plenty of heroes now, so he felt he was justified in taking this night off.
Keighn zipped down the street with a spark trail leading off in the distance behind him. "Kings Row. Oliver Street. This must be the place." he said looking up at the classy sign. "Hope Thang brings a few spare jackets from Icon." a voice said from above. It was Astro Creep crouching on the edge of the roof. He flew down and joined Keighn in waiting for SweetThang and the others.
Narleth the Orc and Red Elf showed up together in a Paragon Taxi. They argued about who was going to pay the fare, but Keighn settled it by paying and tipping the driver a $20.
SweetThang arrived shortly after all his friends had gathered outside. True to his word, he had jackets for his friends who didn't bring theirs. The dinner invite was short notice, so he was glad they could attend. Twisted Bliss arrived just before they went in. Completing the party. "Sup guys!!! We ready to party or what!?!?" Bliss exclaimed, knowing full well they were celebrating his recent Hero of the City award. The Security Level 50 badge prominently displayed on his armored chest. He wore a nice jacket over the armor, but couldn't take it off because of health reasons.
The group made their way inside and SweetThang gave his name to the seating hostess. "Sweet, party of six." he politely told the girl. She was putting on a name badge that read Beth. "Could we possibly get to speak with the chef? Tell her Thang is aksing for her." he smiled as they took their seats.
Another woman went inside the antechamber: she kept her distance from the group of superheroes in front of her, so it was evident that she wasn't with them.
She took her time to sheath her weapon behind her back, an impressive and heavy-looking broadsword, hilt engraved with slightly glowing blue runes. Her skin was very pale, her eyes a deep green, similar to a nordic wood, and her long, straight hair was red, a fiery red. No ponytails, no pigtails.
She wore a brown leather brassiere, that managed to keep her ample bosom well covered and firm enough to fight without feminine problems. Apart from the brassiere, her chest and arms were bare, revealing powerful muscles, and here and there, very light scars too; the skin between her brassiere and her neck displayed a bright colored tattoo, blue lines (similar to a fan, or to spreaded wings) gradually turning to purple; the colors were bright even if the tattoo seemed pretty old. She wore brown leather trousers, with slits on the sides, tucked inside tall black heavy leather boots with some kind of yellow symbol on them.
Her headpiece was a yellow tiara, with wings at the side of the head; the point of the wings was red though. She also wore a long cape, black with yellow lightnings on the outside, red with the same lightnings on the inside; the blood red light that came from her was enthralling, but not disturbing to the eye.
The woman clearly had sustained lots of fights that day. Her trousers were sprinkled with dried blood on the thighs and knees, and even if she had taken care to clean the wound, one of her bare shoulders presented a large band-aid. All in all, she was a beautiful woman, but with something savage in her look, something dangerous in the way she moved and walked.
But now, this fighter was looking around, and her eyes almost seemed lost and doubtful, perhaps ... slightly frightened? But by what? This place was safe, and her posture seemed relaxed enough that she wasn't expecting any attacks. But the shy and almost lost look in her eyes lingered.
She went near the podium, but not too close to the group in front of her, and politely waited for her turn at a small distance.
((OOC: OK, I'm going to try to keep up, but will answer everyone in grouped posts, otherwise this will get ugly. Please read for your character. I may have created a monster, but my ego loves it.))
Beth glanced around the bar and noticed the young man returning from the Pool Room. The bar looked more crowded than the restaurant, which usually meant more tips. She knew she couldn't compete with Gertrude for those, glancing down at her less than impressive front.
"Mr. Manion, we have a table ready for you. Has your party arrived, or would you care to take your drink to your table? We are having several large parties tonight, and it's opening, sorry for the wait."
((OOC: Manion is welcome to sit alone, but will likely be seated near Gal's kitchen, where there will be more conversation, unless he chooses a more secluded spot. Good restaurants try to cluster guests, it's easier on the help. The bar idea is cool, but it's alive like an ancient oak and unless his arm is really heavy, the dent will disappear in moments. Nice choice of tunes, btw.))
Narshawn winced at the drawl of the woman with the hat. She prided herself on being fluent and meticulously proper in her English, and that twang was just enough. There were Sister's with accents, but just understanding this woman proved a task.
It was her job to anticipate the needs of the patrons, and correctly provide. She sighed, realizing that having an accent was correctible, being made of ice was not. Everyone was different, and part of her reason for being here was to learn, so she would learn. She began to think more time with Gal and a little less with Gemini might help.
"Miss Bait," she hovered back toward the end of the bar, "I would not question you handle the weapon well, I simply wish to make certain there are no misunderstandings. The Sister who cares for the bar and tables considers it part of her family." She paused, glancing between Gator and Isis.
"You seem to have something in common with the woman, there," she gestured at Isis. "Would you care for another round of drinks?"
Gertrude had appeared from the back-kitchen area again, her platter loaded with warm snacks. She placed the bowls along the bar, within reach of anyone caring, passing near the woman in the hat as Narshawn moved off.
"Don't let her get you down, she's just really serious. Care for a burger or some Cajun Wings? Gal's from the South, makes a wicked hot sauce." She moved down the bar after Bait's answer, stopping near Isis.
"And you ma'am. I could get you something to go with the drink?"
((OOC: She will be glad to bring bar food to anyone who likes, and would compliment the ladies on their choice for clothes or the like. Tips. She's also the loosest mouth in the place, but won't be spilling any secret ID's or the like, just good conversation.))
"Ms. War," Martin stood near the corner of the raised platform, used to being present but unseen. "There is a party of, ahem, gentlemen. One of them has said to inform you," she glanced over to catch his sour expression, "Sweet is in the house. His words, ma'am."
Her smile widened, both from the news and from how Martin seemed discomfitted by it. He was an excellent Maitre 'd, classically trained and well worth twice what he asked, but tight in the pants, figuratively.
She pulled several skillets onto the lower-heat burners and grabbed a towel from the rack. She had to crouch slightly to see across the grill and under the mammoth exhaust hood. She caught sight of the strutting Bliss first, her partner had mentioned him before, and Sibling held some secret admiration for him.
She didn't see Thang, or didn't recognize him, until he turned and was looking for a chair large enough to support him at the table. Gal grinned, grabbing one of the reinforced models she kept for this sort of reason.
"Having trouble finding something wide enough for your butt?" Several of his party had seen her coming, but she didn't know any of them. "I can have Gypsy find some cinder blocks," she couldn't help but laugh.
Gal was tall, nearly eight feet, but Sweet was immense. About the same height, he outweighed her by several hundred pounds. She could appreciate his form, and sometimes made lewd comments, but all in jest. She had one partner, and that was the slight Sibling.
She was also suspicious of him, for reasons of the Restaurant. Some unknown benefactor had paid for the building and setting up the business, Diva's benefactor as well, and somehow it smelled like his aftershave on the contract. He never would admit to it, but never denied it.
She grabbed him in a bear hug, honestly glad to see him.
"So, handsome, what do you think of the place?" She smiled around the table, taking in the fact a Hero at level 50 was her first night guest.
"Gorgeous, Hon," his quick eyes spoke of a mind equally as powerful as his frame, "but I hear the food is a little bland." He finished with a smile.
"Bland? Brother, you want something hot, you come back after close, I'll show you something hotter'n liquid fire." Her laughter was deep, like the beating of a bass drum. Thang might have actually blushed, but the lights were too low to tell.
"Now, before I have'ta get back to the grill, introduce me around." She was wiping a hand on the towel, ready to meet his friends.
((OOC: You know what to do Thang. Wow, a 50 in Gal's place <wink>
)
Beth noticed a woman standing in the alcove, seeming not to know whether to come in or leave. She had several tattoos, to her untrained eye, similar to those Gal, Gypsy and Sibling wore.
"Miss," she spoke and was already gathering a leather bound menu and brass placard for the table, "there are always tables ready for Sisters. I will tell Gal you are here. Please, follow me." With that, she headed into the restaurant.
((OOC: Beth is mistaking Asuryan's character for one of the Sisters, Gal's SG. It is an honest mistake, they are all tattooed and usually wear similar clothing for missions, and Beth is trying to do what's right. If the woman wants to be treated well, she can go along, but Gal will know quickly she is not one of them. No harm no foul, this is Beth's mistake. If she instead wishes to stop and get it out in the clear, Beth will be embarrassed and still make sure she gets royal treatment. Either way, welcome to the thread!))
[ QUOTE ]
Gator Bait trailed off as the first twangs of guitar wafted over the bar. oooo yeah, now thats what ima talkin bout. Good choice on the music hon. Having lost her train of thought, Gator Bait simply raised her glass to the man down the bar and smiled.
[/ QUOTE ]
"Thanks" said Manion, and raised his glass in return. "Kinda figured you'd like it. Stevie never dissapoints." he said with a smile.
[ QUOTE ]
Beth glanced around the bar and noticed the young man returning from the Pool Room. The bar looked more crowded than the restaurant, which usually meant more tips. She knew she couldn't compete with Gertrude for those, glancing down at her less than impressive front.
"Mr. Manion, we have a table ready for you. Has your party arrived, or would you care to take your drink to your table? We are having several large parties tonight, and it's opening, sorry for the wait."
[/ QUOTE ]
Manion saw Beth walking towards the bar, glancing down to make sure her name tag was on, and instantly felt bad about his little blunder earlier. "Please, just Manion." he said. "And no, I'm still waiting for my friend." He glanced at the clock again, and almost asked for a few more minutes, but Beth did say a lot of people were showing up. "Sure, I'll take my drink with me." he said. As he got up to follow Beth into the dining area, he took out his wallet. He knew his drink was free, but if he left without leaving a tip he would have felt bad. He left six dollars on the bar and trusted that it would be split.
((OOC: Manion's only preference to seating is that he faces the entrance, preferably in a corner. A habit he's never been able to shake. He doesn't expect Beth to know this, and likely won't think to mention it. He also tips heavy (or likes to think he does)whenever possible. Another habit hes never gotten out of, not that he has ever really tried.))
Changing out of his SG uniform at headquarters Jack felt that it had been another successful night cleaning up IP and Terra Volta. He grabbed his duster and thigh length leather coat before heading out the door. Sure winter was gone, but he just couldn't get used to this northern weather. He stepped outside and flipped open his cell. Flipping through his phonebook he found Linda's number and hit call. "Hey Summers its Jack... Doin good and yourself doll?... Well I was wondering if you could give me the lowdown on the watering hole you mentioned the other day... Oh it's a restaurant too, well maybe you can come have a bite with me darlin... No, I didn't think so... Yes I will, well thanks again Linda, and have a wonderful evening." After a quick disappointed sigh Jack hailed a taxi and headed off.
The car pulled up infront of the place and Jack hopped out after paying the cabby. He took the front of the building in and decided to take the smaller entrance. He hated waltzing through restaurants just to get to the bar. It always felt like he was intruding on a dozen personal conversations. He stepped into the bar and took everything in. Wow he thought this is really nice. He started for the bar, but decided to grab a table. Pulling back a chair he dropped down and stretched his legs out under the table.
[ QUOTE ]
"Now, before I have'ta get back to the grill, introduce me around." She was wiping a hand on the towel, ready to meet his friends.
[/ QUOTE ]
Well Gal, I think I forgot my manners in all the excitement.
The gentleman with the big shiny Level 50 badge happens to be Jake Westin, he goes by the name Twisted Bliss. One of the best Defenders I know.
That dark brooding fellow in the grey outfit is Keighn, Scrapper extraordinaire. Will pull your butt out of a firefight when it hits the fan. He'll give you the shirt off his back if you ever need it.
The big guy over there is Narleth. He's an Orc. Says he's from another dimension that Portal Corp tapped into recently. Good strong axeman.
The man...err..excuse me, Elf over there calls himself Red Elf. He's also from the same dimension Narleth is from. I'd tell you his real name but I'd probably mangle it horribly.
Astro Creep here thinks he's a Scrapper, but in reality he's one of the best Fire Blaster's in the city. I think he has a thing for hospital food though. He must be on the Platinum Pass at all the medical centers in Paragon.
"So, now that you've met the guys. I have to ask...where is Sib? She gonna be here tonight?"
Isis downs her drink in one go and caughs as it burns going down. She puts the offered pretzles to good use as well. Her metabolism requiring a lot of food if it's been over worked. She looks at her glass and swirls the last dregs of her drink, "Lil' sistah I'll take another of the same and tell me, what's a sistah got to do to get some food around here?" She taps her foot to the music, brightening considerably.
She looks around the bar area and nods and smiles at anyone who meets her gaze.
The woman with the broadsword noticed Beth getting hold of the leather bound menu, and listened carefully to the waitress' words when she addressed her.
The warrior was a bit confused: this language, this city, this whole *nation* were new to her. She was in america only since 2 or 3 months, and lots of things were still unknown to her; in fact, she was always wary, and a bit unsure, whenever someone addressed her. Now, for instance: what had the waitress meant when she had said "sisters"? Perhaps this Gal (the owner of the place, reading the flier) was scandinavian herself, and the waitress had recognized her as one thanks to the pale shade of her skin. It would be wonderful to talk Norsk again, thought the warrior with a smile on her lips.
With this thoughts on her mind, the warrior followed the waitress with a voice full of nordic tonalities and a "Thank you". Her right hand put the ID back in her pocket; a real quick eye could've read on it:
"Falcon Kitiara -
- Security Level 32."
(OOP: she's a stranger, and an honest person, she would never want to abuse a waitress' error... if only she had understood this was one 
)
(thank you for the welcoming Sibling!)
The woman with long black hair circled the bar, passing by tables and clearing glasses from their coasters. She made a quick circle through the Pool and Darts Room, punching in the house code for random play on the jukebox. On her trip back through the room, she noticed someone new sitting down at a table, his long duster draped around his chair.
On her way, she picked up the tip left by the young guy, Manion. Part of her deal with Gal was that she got all the tips in the bar and worked for less than minimum wage. Nar had her own agreement, but when Gertrude had mentioned splitting the tips during training, the tiny woman's stare said it all. It was ice that had nothing to do with the blaster's powers.
"Good evening, sir," she spoke to him as she laid a coaster down near his elbow. "I'm Gertrude, happy to serve you tonight. I can bring a menu, we have plenty of selections, fresh from the kitchens next door. Can I start you out with something strong, or maybe dark and full-bodied? To drink, of course," she batted her eyelashes.
((OOC: Gertrude is pretty harmless, and if you've read the thread, you know she's flirty for the tips. You might find a flyer lying on the table when she leaves if you are looking for something with a bite, but it doesn't cover the food. 
))
Gal's smile faded slightly.
"I don' know where they are tonight. Hoped they would be here for the opening, but you know how things are when you associate with the city's players," she made an obvious glance to Bliss. "They headed out this morning with Diva and GG. Went to meet a Portal guy in Peregrine, and should have been back hours ago."
She noticed that Gypsy was at the stove, trying hard not to burn herself and still keep the pans moving. Gal wouldn't feel the heat, Gypsy didn't have stone hands.
"I gotta get back to the stove, love," she nodded to the table in general, "They'll turn up." She strode to the raised floor and bowed quickly to the dark woman managing the pans, which brought a much lower bow in return. The clock passed eight and she could tell business was good.
According to Vegas, who was really handling everything, the bar was doing a brisk business, too. She hoped things would keep up this way, many of these sorts of businesses started out like gangbusters and then petered out. Wouldn't do for putting food on the table.
((OOC: I will be trying to keep time flowing, so imagine that the night is winding down. Having RP nights that last for weeks makes it tough to keep the story flowing. Don't worry, Ladies is only closed on Wednesdays. Otherwise, feel free to post to the thread as though it's always open. The bar and restaurant both close at 1AM, even heroes need to get home and do their laundry sometime.
Much thanks thus far, and don't be scared away if you want to hang out a while more. The facility will "close" for the night tomorrow (Friday) afternoon, until then, enjoy the hopitality only a Southern Lady can provide.))
((OCC: The duster is the kinda hat he is wearing. Based of off charcter creation hat option. But yes we can say his coat was draped on the chair. He usually won't take the hat off unless asked because he doesn't have a secret identity and the duster hides his face when he is not out fighting crime. The other thing is that Jack is from Texas, he grew up on a cattle ranch. So I guess when you read it try to imagine a slight texas drawl to it.))
"A pleasure Gertrude." Jack tipped his hat to her as he replied. "I'm Jack, no sir neccessary. Now you wouldn't happen to have Shiner Bock, wouldya darlin? I've been missin it since I moved to Paragon." He smiled as he talked enjoying the view of the pretty lady. "If not, you've tempted me with the dark and full bodied, so surprise me doll. However no Guiness though as I'll be eatin." He picked up the coaster and playfully shook it at her as he finished the sentence.
Manion waited nearly half an hour for Jade, before he decided to go ahead and order. He felt like he had wasted too much of the restaurants' time and there were probably paying customers that could use the table. Besides he could keep an eye on the door.
He ordered another drink, and the salmon. Just a little curious as to what Beth had hinted at earlier.
He watched the crowd of Heros at a nearbye table, admiring the badge that one of them was proudly showing off. He had just gotten promoted to SL 36 himself, but that was nothing compared to 50.
Once his order had been placed, he turned to watch Gal in the kitchen preparing the meal.
"Indeed," Narshawn flashed a toothy grin that came and went in one breath, that liquor had a similar effect on most. She managed to catch Gertrude's eye between batting lashes, summoning her from her unheard discussion with the tall gentleman. "Gertrude will be happy to provide food, and a menu."
Narshawn deftly removed the empty tumbler and replaced it with one that carried a slight rime of frost, where she touched it.
"I am curious of your accent, pardon me," she had no intention to offend, "The owner has a similar accent."
Gertrude came up, pad in hand to take Isis' order.
*****
Gal saw Beth heading across the floor, she tried to keep an eye on the goings on. The menu she carried was specifically for Sisters, so the tall black woman stepped from behind the counter, anxious to see if Sibling was back and trying to be unobtrusive. There was a woman with Beth, but it was no Sister.
Gal motioned as Vegas passed by, asking her to get Gypsy back on the grill. She patted Thang's shoulder in greeting when she passed their table, they were putting away the food. Beth was just speaking about the specials when Gal walked up.
"Pardon me," she stopped next to Beth, making sure the smaller woman saw her, "I don't think we've met." The towering tanker held up one hand, a sign for Sisters, and watched the woman with the sword closely. It wouldn't be the first time she met a new Sister, but the tattoos were not of The Island.
((OOC: If Kitiara seems confused, Gal will apologize, play off the hand signal and make sure she gets a proper menu. She would be glad to exchange some pleasantries with the woman. I don't speak Norsk, sorry, but if she indicates a language barrier, Narshawn's area of study is language and Gal would probably have her come in to make her guest more at home. It would be stilted, and not fluent, but this place is for everyone. Gal will give Beth a lecture later about identifying people, and not assuming. What's a wait staff without some opening night issues?))
((OOC: Sorry Jack, we call long coats Dusters out here, my fault. Thank you for not stomping out ))
Gertrude flashed a smile, curled up at one side, and walked back to the bar. She placed an order for one Pyramid Stout, a dark but not bitter beer, and grabbed a bowl of still warm peanuts. Narshawn might be more serious than she liked, but she could top a beer, the head just peeking over the glass.
"Coaster, Jack," she playfully admonished him, carefully setting the tall glass down on it. She put the peanuts in the center of the table and pulled out her order pad. "Do you know what looks good, or need to see a menu?"
******
Gal noticed a man watching the door intently on her way back to the grills. It wasn't nervous, just that he was waiting on something or someone. She figured Gypsy could handle the heat a little longer and swung by the table.
"Good evenin', I'm Gal," she bent to come closer to his seated height, not trying to intimidate. "How'd you like your salmon done? Anything from a little red inside to crisp."
Manion jumped a little, startled by the sudden appearance of Gal. He must have been watching that door closer than he thought.
"Pleasure to meet you Gal." As she leaned lower he was surprised that someone of her stature could sneak up on him like that. "Medium sounds good, if that means the same for fish as it does for steak."
The warrior answered to Gal's hand sign by lifting her own hand in a simple greeting gesture. She wore long black leather spiked gloves. Even if her speech was accented, her english was understandable.
"Good evening" she said "I'm new to this place... and this is the first time I go inside a restaurant or a bar, since I'm in this city..."
She paused, as if fearing of speaking too much. Her shyness seemed strange on such a strong muscular woman.
"However it's very nice from" she paused and corrected herself "for you to personally greet the patrons here. I would like to dine, if there are still tables available."
Her tone, and her bright eyes, spoke of a long solitude, and perhaps a desire for friends too.
"Medium it is, then. Cooked through but still a little juicy. The fish is caught wild, and live until an hour before open, so it's safe that way." She knew what it was to wait for someone important, the minutes passed like hours. "Let Beth know if there's anything else we can do for you."
((OOC: She was at the grill in between.))
"There are always tables for ladies with manners." Gal nodded. "It is getting a little crowded though," she said, noticing a familiar face coming through the door. The accent was certainly not from the US, but the English was better than many American's. "I know it may seem odd, but since we are getting crowded, would you mind if a friend of mine sat here?"
She thought she saw a longing in the eyes, and her intuition seemed to say this woman would like company. It wasn't uncommon in some places for strangers to share a table, and she hoped that applied to this woman's home. Sisters were required to offer comfort and solace to anyone in need, and that included needs for companionship.
((OOC: Gal is friendly to a fault. A fellow Sister is just arriving, and prefers company as well. If you would like Gal to seat her at your table, a nod is all she needs. If not, there will probably be plenty of traffic and opportunities. Welcome, Buongiorno!))
"It's not a problem for me if this friend of yours wants to sit at my table. Thank you again. My name is Falcon Kitiara." the warrior, revealing her battle name, extended her right gloved hand toward the massive tanker owner, and flashed a sincere smile. "A pleasure to meet you."
The mix of nordic accent and formal speech was strange but not unpleasant.
"Could I hang my sheath and sword to the back of my chair? I feel safer if I can keep my weapon near me, even if sheathed." she asked discreetly.
(OOC it's nice when americans greet me in italian. There are many who try to do it, it's really kind of you all )
Gal took the offered hand, smiling herself. "Always happy to have friends. Beth, please bring Jing over," the younger woman left and headed toward the doorway. "I have to get back to the kitchen, Jing will make sure you don't get too bored. And welcome to the city, anything you need, tell Beth."
Gal headed back to the platform, stopping on the way to tell one of the staff that the woman's dinner was on the house. They would "forget" to bring the check.
"Miss Kitiara," Beth said in introduction, "Please meet Jing Jiang," The tall Asian woman bowed. Her billowing oriental bouse and long skirt moving silently around her. ((Jing Jiang, 6' tall, Katana scrapper. Her sword, Winter Blossom, is worn on her back beneath the blouse, hidden. Her hero ID is Lady Gemini, secret ID now. She speaks with an accent, but is good at conversation, and knows the goings on in the city. Bushido Code.))
"I am pleased to meet you." She said and straightened up, noticing the sword on the chair. "I am told you are new to the city, from where do you come?"
((OOC: Gemini will talk about most things, even discuss her home country, Japan, but be evasive about her particular family, she is a secret hero. She is known to make arrangements involving women and her shelter for battered women, which is how Gertrude got this job.
Ho vissuto a Vicenza per tre anni. Ed il vostro inglese è molto più meglio del mio italiano. ))
Falcon Kitiara said goodbye to Gal, then turned toward Jing Jiang, her cloak gently waving with the movement; the scandinavian warrior maintained her exterior coolness, even if she was conscious of the blood stains on her trousers' thighs, of the worn black leather of her gloves and boots, of her wild hair, unkempt because of a hard day of fighting Riktis. On the other hand, Jing Jiang's clothes were so clean and elegant.
Nonetheless, Falcon Kitiara was a proud person, and felt inferior to no one. She considered bowing herself, but instead offered her hand to the asiatic woman: this was a greeting she was more familiar with.
Relaxing on the chair, and getting a hold of one of the 2 menus on the table, Kitiara answered "I come from the scandinavian woods, near Nykkjen... in the northern Norway. I don't know much about cities, though... never saw a city, or a village or a hamlet for what matters, before my 16th birthday."
She smiled, a nostalgic light in her emerald eyes; with the mind's eye, she could again see the lakes, the mountains, the great woods, the landscapes of her childhood.
"But what I don't know about cities, I more than make up with what I know about the wilderness."
She looked at the menu, trying to decide: there were so many choices! And everything sounded delicious.
She looked at Jing Jiang again and said:
"You seem to me to have all the confidence, posture, and clothes, of a person used to the city ways. What is your home town?"
[OOC: your italian is really good three years? I hope you visited tuscany too. I live there you know!]
Beth was right, he wasn't disappointed with the salmon at all. He'd have to thank her on his way out, Gal too.
He finished his last bite, and took the last drink of his beer. Then got Beth's attention. "I'd like the check please. Thank you by the way for the recommendation, the salmon was excellant. I'll try to let Gal know if she's not busy." he said glancing towards the kitchen. "It's about time I got out of here, I need to make a few calls before it gets too late." He said, taking one last look at the clock.
((ooc: Just assuming, since ive not been doing much else, that ive had a few since the first))
Ignoring the ebb and flow of customers coming into the bar, Gator Bait sat enjoying the ambiance and the music. Rocking a little in her stool she caught herself staring at a the bottles behind the bar. She realized that she had done some pretty significant damage to the establishment's first shipment of Crown Royal. Reaching for a bowl of bar snacks, Gator noticed the bartender had placed a menu on the bar.
Naw i's ain't too hungry jus a liquid *hic* diet fer me she said to no one in particular. Then speaking towards the area behind the bar (regardless of anyone's presence there) you know, you know *hic* i really really....Really taken a liking to this place...NO! I love it, yeahhhhhh i love this places. It feeeels...so, so ALIVE. And i luuuv all you heroesss to, you're all my hero *snicker*
As she finished her speech she slid sideways off her stool. Immediately popping up, she looked around to see if anyone was looking. Maybeeeee, shyeah i will have sum wings, heh heh thats a funny word wiiiiinnnngsssss. And some wata, and maybe close down m'tab fer the night. A girls gotta know herrr limitss *hic*
Jing smiled, with closed lips, and took the proferred hand in a light grasp. She carefully arranged her skirt to sit. The material was elegant and very carefully ironed, making stiff movements. A careful eye would notice she sat away from the chair back and to the side of the chair, her right arm away from any obstacles.
"Your words are flattering, I thank you. My home is Japan, near Hokaido, and my manners were a gift from my father." She did not need to look at the menu, she knew Gal would have her usual favorite prepared. "I was raised to be a courtesan, to a royal house. The Rikti destroyed a large part of my village, and I traveled here to escape the grief."
Beth returned a moment later, carrying a small platter, balancing a steaming pot and several odd shaped implements. Jing accepted the tray, covered in images and calligraphy, with a nod, placing the items carefully in front of her. After she had the items in place, to her satisfaction, she stopped and waited.
"I have never been traveling to your country, but it sounds very beautiful. The snows in my home are rare, or in the mountains," she looked over the attire her companion wore, no indication of her opinion in her face. "You have the looks of a warrior, the clothing and weapons. Will you join me in tea? I would like much to hear of you and your home."
Martin was making a round of the room, and with his almost supernatural feeling of propriety, paused long enough to place a second delicate teacup at the table. He could be invisible, figuratively, and things just seemed to turn up when he was near, sugar, an extra spoon, a glass of wine.
((OOC: Jing will never embarrass another, as a matter of face. Pointing out the blood stains or indicating that anything is less than perfect with a respected guest would shame her and her house. She would compliment Kitiara on her weapon, her strong body and her homeland, being gracious as she has been taught. She observes the tea ceremony precisely, with the exception being she will converse during the process, and it is a sign of respect that she would perform it with Kitiara. If she is allowed, she would examine the blade after, swords being an area of interest for her.
Sì, la Toscana è un posto bello. Li invidio.))
Isis peruses the menu for a moment and places her order. Something small to start, "I'd like the salad and a stake medium-rare and I'll try the mushroom appitizer." she scans the menu again, "An that'll be it, thank you miss."
She quaffs her second glass and sighs, glancing over at the southern lady and seeing how drunk she was already Isis decided to help her, "Miss, are you alright? Can I give you a hand?"she laid her hand on Gaitor's shoulder to get her attention.
Miss!!! No ho ho, i neva miss darlin' my aim is too impek...impec...imp...well its too darn good.
Gator cocked her head to the side looking towards Isis and pushed her hat way back on her head. As if it took all this time for what was said to swim in through the alcohol and the reply to swim back out,
I reckon ill be y'ok. S'long as i git me sum WINGS...ooooo, i mean wings. Gator glanced around again realizing she had been a bit loud. Heh, you know tis ain't the first time i wuz the drunkest girl in the 'stablishment
A tab? Well shoot i reckon so if im gonna git-r-done right. An don worry bout The Ole Hickory Stick Gator Bait said motioning to her rifle. I keep that jus fer the baddies. If you got some place you'd like me to stash him i will, but its not like the darn thing can jus dissaperate.
Gator Bait shone her angelic smile which seemed perfectly incappable of of any sort of vice; however, upon throwing back her shot a string of foul language came out that one might first expect to here from a 6-year-old rather than this dainty girl.
%#$&@...thats some guuud stuff. Lemme tell you, thatll be the last time i let some melee guy talk me into going up against them Warriors. Lawdy they pack a punch, and that darn scrapper fellow, cute as he was, wanted to be right up next to the baddies. I think they....
Gator Bait trailed off as the first twangs of guitar wafted over the bar. oooo yeah, now thats what ima talkin bout. Good choice on the music hon. Having lost her train of thought, Gator Bait simply raised her glass to the man down the bar and smiled.