Gal's Place (Open RP)

John accepted his coffee with a slight nod of his head, and began carefully measuring out sugar and cream to stir in. absently answering her question, he placed an order for soup, and continued to scribble in the pad with one hand, while stirring the coffee with the other.

Accepting the glass of sugar water, Rose took a careful sip of it. The sweetness of the drink being to her liking, she took a deep pull of it, leaving only about half the liquid behind. Eyes glowing a bright yellow, she looked to Beth and, in a voice that was somehow both pleasant and disturbing, said;

"Thank you"

With a light clink, the spoon fell out of the coffee, the hand that was stirring it now numb with shock. John stared at Rose for a moment, mouth agape, then, finally composing himself enough to form a proper sentence, he explained to a somewhat confused-looking Beth.

"She's never done that before! She directly responded to a social stimulus," he broke into a wide grin, "and correctly, too! We've always assumed she was similar to a high-grade autistic. She's never properly communicated verbally, just mimicking clips of what she's heard. I'm just flabbergasted!"

Obviously enjoying the attention, Rose was sitting with a Cheshire Cat grin on her face, warbling like a songbird.

A tall figure glanced up at the wooden sign. Ladies by the Lake, a beautiful name that spoke volumes to her soul. She needed to come here. She needed to be with her friend.

She didn't need to duck to get through the doorway, a small detail that was no doubt Gal's addition. Not many places in the city had remodeled to accomodate the larger size heroes.
The foyer was empty. She hoped there would not be a problem with her early arrival. She had not called ahead for reservations. Her mind had been wandering lately. Thoughts of a handsome face kept coming back to her. This would be good for her...to get her mind off of him.

She stepped up to the podium in the foyer, waiting for the wait staff to seat her. She had worn her best outfit for this evening. An elegant establishment required appropriately elegant attire. Her white silk leggings and white leather top were glowing softly. White seemed to compliment her green skin tone very well. She wore her white leather boots that Bubbles had bought for her. They came with matching white gloves. Her hair was brilliant white, thanks to a simple illusion spell. A delicate white lace veil completed her ensemble.

She felt her friend Sibling very close. They had grown close over the last few months. She had not spoken to her since they came back from the Portal Corp. mission. She needed to talk...rather someone to listen, and Sibling was the best listener she knew.

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trollkin Diva didn't think twice about returning the hug. She was in need of a hug badly. It was a bit unusual to hear the initiate speak with Angela's voice, but Diva had learned long ago...nothing is too unusual for the twins.She embraced the girl in a heartfelt hug.

"Sibling, I am troubled". The look of fierce determination usually found upon Diva's face now replaced by a forlorn one. "I miss Ekanga very much. I never thought I would ever find one who meant so much to me. I never considered the possibility that someone would care for me either. I've been here in your world for over a year, and had resigned myself to a single life for all of my days. The thought of meeting another of my kind again was virtually non-existant. Then we went through the portal and happened to end up in my home dimension."

Diva was almost in tears at this point. Never had she acted this way in front of her friend.

"I have recently gained access to take on harder missions for Portal Corp." she said, drying her eyes. "The prospect of maybe returning to my home world, or Dimension Theta A-01 as Portal Corp. refers to it, gives me hope. Even if it's only for a short time...it's time enough."

She made a gesture, whispered an incantation and a small image of two trolls holding each other tightly materialized in mid air. "I don't want this to simply be an illusion Sibling...I want it to be real." The image fades and she looks into the initiates eyes, knowing it's her friend staring back.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Mistress, speak."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AJ followed a few paces behind Gypsy, hands behind his back as he strolled behind her. He caught a glimpse of figures near the entry foyer and quickly sized up the situation: Four adults; one young girl: one with weapons visible. Gypsy’s relaxed posture put his mind at ease. A glint of recognition flashed in his mind, *Sibling, you lil devils*.

AJ smiled at the group as Gypsy gave the Sisters customary greeting when they passed the group heading towards the office. *Must be a coincidence* he knew the twins did not know he was coming much less staying. Looks like the day just got a lil more interesting.

((long day at work....wanted to post to keep every thing moving...sorry if I am missing something))

Jasper picked up the telephone for the third time and finally dialed the number printed on the flyer. The description of the restaurant looked as though it would be fancy enough. He hoped he would be able to make a reservation on such short notice. City of Gyros simply wouldn't do for tonight.
As the phone rang on the other end he considered hanging up and not going through with it. No. If he didn't do this now he'd chicken out for good and never do it. If he couldn't make reservations for within the next couple of hours, he would probably have to wait a long time for another chance anyway.
The times Crem had 'free time' came few and far between. When she arrived home from the mission she was on she probably would want to run right back to her contact and go on another. She insisted on soloing this evening against his better judgement and advice, but the woman couldn't stay idle for more than an hour and he needed a break - especially with what he intended to do tonight.

He noticed his reflection in the small mirror opposite the entryway of his spartan brownstone. A heavy sheen of sweat covered the ample, greenish forehead making the collared shirt and tie look more uncomfortable than it was. You'd think I was going up against a villainous monster, he teased himself as the line picked up on the other end. He reminded himself that Crem was, after all, a demonic visitor, a monster to some, as the somewhat stuffy accented voice of a man answered.
"Thank you for calling Ladies by the Lake. How may I help you?"

"Ah...ah yeah," Jasper stuttered as he wiped the sweat from his brow. "I'm sorry for the short notice, but would it be possible to reserve a table for this evening, within the hour if possible? It's a very, um, special occasion." He added under his breath "Please, please tell me you have something."

((OOC: Yay! I'm so glad to see this thread active again ))

Diva lifted her head, the look of sorrow was gone. She took what her dear friend said to heart. "I would never think of leaving The Sisters, or you. You have become my family." Diva exclaimed. A smile broke upon her face, complete with pointed canines. "Now, I have heard that there are a few Sisters coming this evening. What is the occasion?" she said, just as several Sisters and Guards came in the restaurant.

((OOC-I'm glad that everyone is coming back too! Glad to have you back Sib. /em wave Hey Ada!!! )))

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

((I love this thread...must...resist...urge...to post.))

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

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

Still unfamiliar with the customs of the sisters, AJ decided to just say “Good evening ladies,” as they approached. He was normally did not introduce himself to new people, but he was sure Sibling would let him make a huge fool of himself.

He felt more than a little out of place among the sisters, there customs and organization both amazed him and intimidated him. The few sisters he worked with were some of the most powerful heroes he had met, as well as the most honest and loyal. He was happy to be in their company, but did not just did not understand there ways.

((HI DIVA!!1!!!11...leaning on for Sib intros!))

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[ QUOTE ]


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


[/ QUOTE ]

er... um just two. I think privacy would be better, but we'll take whatever is available."

He ran his hand through his thick shock of black hair as the front door opened and Crem ducked to enter. She filled the entryway with her presence, oxblood leather and weathered steel a striking contrast to her pale skin, of which she had no problem showing plenty. She gracefully cleared the archway that divided the foyer from the small living room despite her height and having to mind the twin horns that thrust forward from her temples.

He quickly turned his back to her and lowered his voice to nearly a whisper. "The more ah, romantic the better." Once everything got arranged he hastily thanked the party on the other end and hung up.

"What was all that about?" she asked as she gingerly took a place on the overstuffed sofa.

"Er.. dinner!" he replied, probably too eagerly. "Go on and change into that little red number you got to perform in, and we'll go."

"Dahling," she said in her particular sultry drawl, "why on earth would I need to wear a cocktail dress to City of Gyros?"

"Now Crem, I know how much you like gyros, but we're going somewhere different tonight."

"Oh?" she asked raising an eyebrow. He figured she probably smirked as well but he couldn't see it because she was still wearing the red cowl that concelaed the lower part of her face.

"Yeah. I promise it'll be an adventure."

As nervous as he was he was looking forward to a night out not as Commander Neutron and Crematorietta, crimefighters. Tonight they would be just Jasper Marx and Crematorietta, regular Joes, well, as regular as a displaced time traveler and demonic spirit from the netherworld could be anyway.

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

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

"Good evening, Manny," she smiled.

Flying as fast as a hero's flight can go, the figure came to a sudden stop and a graceful landing just in front of the Ladies of the Lake door; she landed foot first, with a progressive slowdown, her golden combat boots touched the ground with their tipis, almost without weight. As soon as she had solid ground under her feet, she let her concentration go and the power of flight retreated from her body, leaving her standing, and facing the restaurant.

Falcon Kitiara smiled, a bit tense, ready for her date. She didn't know if Steve was already inside, waiting for her: she couldn't see him around, so she wagered he was inside. He didn't seem like the type of guy that let a lady wait for him at a first date.

A quick glance at her attire: a double face cape, red with black tribal marks on the outside, dark grey with black tribal marks on the inside. Apart from that, and from the blazing red of her hair, she was a vision of gold and white, with a tribal pattern to her clothes. Gold folded combat boots with a white tribal, white tights and a white skirt, both with a golden tribal motive. White, short gloves, golden pointed shoulderguards, a golden V belt, her favourite white shirt, with an opening on her chest, above her breasts, showing her tattoo, now dark golden and light golden. Her metallic, golden headpiece with reddish winged points completed the ensemble.

::I am ready:: she whispered to herself. She walked toward the door of the restaurant: it had been so much! Even if she had failed to visit the place just once, the previous night, she felt like days had passed. A clear indication of the fonding she had grown for the place.

A slight push on the doors, and Falcon Kitiara strode inside the restaurant, searching for Martin (and for Steve, too) with her emerald eyes...


[OOC here I am! It has been too long since last Kitiara came here. I, on the other hand, was here every single day to read everyone's posts. It's so beautiful to see the thread come back to life, and with so much strenght - you are posting with such speed, and I am joining the thread once again! A pleasure to see you all, new and old posters. *waves to everyone!* ]

The night was surly getting more interesting than AJ expected it would. Martin led them to a large square table set for four. He asked Martin to please hang his Portal Corp. jacket up. He pulled out Lady Osmella’s chair and awaited for her to sit. “It is nice to see so many sisters here. I feel well protected” he said awaiting for her to take her seat.

The sister looked at Adavan for a moment before sitting. He noticed Lady Osmella’s eyes still switching between the two small parties. “ No need to worry miss, there is enough fire power in this room to level most of bricks town.” he said hoping ease some of her concern. “By the way my name is AJ, I prefer to be called that or Ada,” he said making eye contact with her “The only people who call me Adavan are civilians and heroes who do not know me.”

((sounds like a big night for Ladies of the Lake. This is a blast by the way))

He looked up from his water, and saw a bright smile that was easily returned.

"Hey, fancy running into you here."

He saw her armful of menus, and noticed that business was picking up.

"I dont want to keep you too long, you seem to be busy. Just wanted to see you and at least say hi before things got real crazy in here. Maybe see if you wanted some company tonight on your walk home."

He fidgeted a little, looking back at the table. He enjoyed spending time with her, and hoped he wasnt overdoing it, stopping by like this every night. He certainly didnt want to overstay his welcome.

Thinking she was probably waiting for him to order he said, "Oh and uh, what are your specials tonight?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sibling shrugged in apology a moment before Osmella turned.

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

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

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

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

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

Falcon Kitiara smiled at Martin: she liked the stiff englishman, he was a welcome sight; his old style courtesy and perfect service suited her just fine. She wasn't used to be treated like a lady, but every time it happened it was like a
"It is a pleasure to see you again, Martin." she smiled, bowing her head slightly to greet him. "Flattery will get you anywhere, even if I am sure that this place is visited by women with much more splendid attires than mine."
She followed him toward the quiet corner of the main restaurant room, her boots' clean rubber soils slightly squeaking at each step she took on the shining pavement. As usual, Martin's footsteps, as careful to avoid disturbing customers as they always were, were barely making any noise at all.

When she saw Steve's perfectly classy outfit her eyes widened slightly with appreciation, and her smile became wider; Falcon held out a hand toward him, knowing (hoping?) that Steve would've kissed it as he had done three days before. When her arm stretched forward, a big lock of red hair slided away from the round opening just above her breasts, revealing a white, rectangular adhesive bandage on the right side of her chest; the small white bandage, about 5 inches long, was partially hidden by her tight white shirt, so there was no way to guess its real lenght.
The cut seemed neither to be impairing her movements, though, nor to be painful.
"Good evening, dear Steve. I hope your wait for me hasn't been too long."