AJ smile faded to a slightly smug grin I am afraid you have mistaken gallantry for training. He straightened his shirt and sat down. I did not mean to offend, old habit is all.
The blaster looked at the wine list, confusion set on his face. If one of you ladies could please, he said passing the wine list off, I have no idea about any of these. He knew the different types of wines , but lacked the knowledge of this worlds brands. Any idea what Diva might like?
((Ada. Could not help himself with the chair thing, he would not sit till Sibling is seated and will rise when Diva approaches. He will make no apologies bet will refrain as best as he can. This is all stuff that is coming to him, he remembers he should do it he just does not know where he learned it.))
Adavan, Energy/Energy Blaster
Advent Force, Energy/Regen Blaster
"Was no wait a' all, Lady Falcon." Steve pulled back one of the chairs, with a view of the dining room and one of the main windows.
"Has been an interestin' few days, I may say," he waited until she had arranged her cape before gently moving the chair for her. Martin stood back, fading into the woodwork until they had said their hellos. "An' it would look tha' you've been none too bored yourself."
Steve had noticed the small patch of bandage, and quickly averted his gaze from that particular part of the lovely woman's physiology. It did not become a gentleman to stare at a woman's bosom, though he was glad his skin precluded blushing. He had seen the tattoo as well, and curiosity was a terrible companion.
"I've some ta' tell you, lovely one, but perhaps ye'd care to tell me a bit o' what has occupied your days?" Steve settled in his own chair, still unused to the suit but not to wearing one. Luckily this one was tailored for him and the work was done well. One thing he appreciated was fine work, and so he turned his attention to his radiant companion.
Martin led the pair to a larger table, the top very tightly grained and with a wonderful pattern, set in silver and crystal. Three vases, all different heights in cobalt blue, held several stems of deep red Irises, freshly cut that afternoon. The color was a coincidental match to the lipstick Crem wore, but a smug look from Martin suggested he knew a little more than he should. A quick look around would have shown that all tables had bouquets, but only this one with the Irises and set for so formal an occassion.
Martin waited while Crem and Jasper arranged themselves, his eyes indicating that Jasper should help her with her chair.
"Pardon me, sir, but the wine you requested seems to be out of stock at the moment," he looked very apologetic, but kept his eyes locked on the green gentleman's, "would you care to come to the cellar and select another? I would not presume to make another mistake."
Martin stood aside, gesturing towards the hall that led to the wine cellar. It was amazing what could be said with the eyes, and eyes alone. His were certainly saying *This is your opportunity, sir*.
((OOC: Hint, hint.))
"And you might mistake my abrupt manners for rudeness. I'm sorry Ada." Osmella nodded quickly, taking the rebuke from Sibling better than they had expected. AJ could feel some bad blood between the twins and this woman, but Sisters did not show fracture to outsiders. "It's been some while since I enjoyed a decent meal in a restaurant."
She looked over the winelist, and was surprised at the offerings. Gal's was known by every member of the Order, and Osmella had even visited before, but that had been official business at the Ladies' table. She could not drink, not tonight, but she appreciated the long list.
"Pomegranite Juice," two voices called almost simultaneously. The blonde looked up quickly from the menu, catching an amused smile from Sibling.
"Am I that predictable, mother?" She frowned for a moment, then realized the humor and a small grin grew, quickly hidden behind the menu. Wanting to stay angry at Sibling, but somehow unable to here, in good company.
"You were never predictable, only understandable. And being that we know you are still watching over the other table, what else would you drink?" There was a sparkle, not the intense green aura, but a bit of mischief behind Sibling's gaze.
"Very well, and since you never drink if another cannot," Osmella placed the menu down, staring across the table at her old mentor, giving Ada the distinct feeling of a showdown. "You will not have wine either, though if you did it would be a Merlot, perhaps from Southern France, Domaine de Rouveyrolles if I remember? But tonight, I think you will likely side for something more to your brother's side. I would guess Sole sparkling water and coffee." She smiled without humor, and Sibling had a genuine laugh just below the surface.
"Black, sweet and hot, the way you like your women."
Ada went very quiet at the look that crossed Sibling's face, generally in a perpetual smile. The air between the two Mind Controllers was thin, Diva was still not in sight, and everything else in the room seemed to be far away.
"Cliff says 'touche'," Sibling touched their forehead and bowed their head, receiving a blush from Osmella and a nervous smile. No one outside the Order would have realized that the young controller had stepped far over her bounds and rights. The exchange was similar to many that had happened years before, when Sibling and Osmella had been mentor and student.
"I...I apologize Lady," Osmella made to stand, very embarrassed, but a hand motion stopped her.
"Why?" Sibling grinned, "What you say is the truth." The dark haired woman laughed shortly, and Osmella giggled.
"Ada," Sibling turned, "Pardon us, it has been some time since we were with our daughter and there are...complications."
"Were, Lady," the younger woman interrupted.
"Very well, were. Perhaps you could tell us a bit about what sort of trouble you have been into. You see such interesting places in your business, Ada. Beth will be along soon to get the drink order, and Oz is correct, we will not be drinking, but do recommend the Rouvey, it is very good."
That smile Ada knew, whatever had clouded the table had passed. Maybe it was just old friends coming to terms.
((OOC: Come on Ada, dazzle young Osmella with your charm! Oh, and Diva is welcome to stroll over any time, just make sure she does not see Michelle as Sibling and Sibling at the same time. It causes a nasty headache.))
"Ah, well then veal it is. Thank you."
He laughed a little at the cute way she scrunched up her nose when talking about the calamari.
"You know I'd keep you here all night talking until closing time if I could, but I dont think any of these other hungry people would like me very much if I did. Martin certainly wouldnt approve.
I also didnt realize how early I was. As good as the food is Im not sure I can milk it all night. I have a few things to take care of when I am done eating, but I will be back to walk you home."
She smoothed the shirt again, feeling so out of place it hurt. Coming to this meeting, she was also unarmed, not by request but out of respect, which made it all the worse. The clothes still fit her body, but the way she wore them made it apparent they did not fit HER. She had watched several groups go through the doors, from a horned woman in a tiny dress to one in a gown, and men from street clothes to full suits.
*I guess I won't be out of place in the circus*, she thought, stepping out of the shadows and being careful of the fire escapes and awnings. Built for human traffic, seven feet from the ground was still below eye level for her, so many of the building fixtures were hazardous.
She was very pleasantly surprised to see that the door was sized taller than her, but the owner was a Sister, and that meant she would expect guests of large proportions. Huge yellow hands, proportioned to her eight foot plus frame, swung the door wide before one foot stepped in. Old habit, the door rocked against the stops.
Her eyes swept the room, small foyer with one man at the podium, hall to the right leading to another room, obscured from view but small tables, the bar on the side. Hallway with bathrooms, two, doors swing in opposite sides. Main room to the left, tables and booths, back hidden in shadow. Far wall with kitchen doors, bussers going in and out, main line behind the wall with a pass through, four heads in view, maybe twice that in the kitchen. Large central stand with flowers, chairs all mobile, tables not. Eighteen people in the room, not including the two waitresses, flash of a Portal Corp insignia. She snapped her fingers, knew there was white noise in the room.
That fast, Martin saw her walk in, saw her head rotate like a mechanical thing. The snapping of her fingers, well, maybe she was just satisfied she had found the best restaurant in town. She was a large one, at least as tall as Miss War, but less mass.
"Good evening, madam. May I inquire as to whether you have a reservation?" He noticed there were no retinas, no irises to her eyes, just a solid yellow color, very like her skin, sulphur. Her fashion, well, he wouldn't call it that but he wouldn't point it out either.
"Miss Sartain will be dining with us, Martin." She had not missed the woman in green silks when she walked up behind the Maitre 'D. She would have known Gemini's talent simply by the way she moved, fluid, almost like she never reached the end of any movement, just flowed in another direction.
"Lady Gemini, of course." He ducked his head, not looking back. "Miss Sartain, if you will be so kind, please follow me." He pulled another menu from the stack, Beth gliding up to cover the podium for the moment it would take.
"She was not to see me until her eighteenth birthday, we had agreed." Janice spoke low, but her voice carried anyway.
"We had agreed she would not see you until she came of age. Whatever laws are in force on this land, are not necessarily upon the Island." The Asian woman walked with hands in sleeves, short steps that made Janice feel awkward.
"She is a woman now, and our laws state that she must be given permission by her family and also freely request to become a Sister. She has asked The Lady..." They drew close to the table, and any conversation would have to wait.
Sharon stood behind Wadi's chair, the youth already standing and gaping at Janice's height. Gemini was tiny compared to the towering blaster, and the two stood looking at each other a moment.
"Mistress Wadi, Daughter of Lady Gemini, Apprentice to the Order, this is Janice Sartain, your guardian." Gemini waved a hand at them, waiting.
There was a silence, Gemini and Sharon allowing it to form. Janice finally broke the quiet.
"Salam au Laikem. You are much taller than I remember, and beautiful like your mother." Janice smiled, a small motion that caused the girl to look down.
"I do not know you," the girl's still coarse voice swept over the table, stinging Janice.
"That is what we are here to remedy," Gemini motioned to the chairs, Sharon moving to the other end of the table. "Sit, we will talk and then we will see."
Falcon let Steve move her chair for her, slightly pushing the pavement with the golden tips of her boots to decrease her weight; her slightly puzzled look revealed that she wasn't used to this kind of chivalrous gestures, her smile showed that she was pleased at them.
"These days surely haven't been boring" she said, as Steve went back to his seat. She slightly bent forward, toward him, her arms crossed on the table, in a friendly, relaxed way: her left hand cradled her right elbow, her right hand was poised on her left forearm, snow white gloves on pale white skin. All around her, a soft, gentle white glowing shimmered, not so brightly as to be annoying, not so dimly as to go unnoticed.
"I have met some very interesting people two days ago; a group of women that go by the name of Sisters. They worship a mother goddess, and I think that Gal, Narshawn, and maybe other staff members too, are part of their group. Wonderful women, all of them, kind and friendly. I have been invited on their island, too - I think I will go there in a few weeks. There are some citizens I have to protect before I go, and some matters I'll have to solve. Otherwise I would feel guilty at going there, not exactly the best way to relax."
Her right hand lifted to brush with two fingertips the small bandage on her heart, very delicately, an absent gesture, almost without realizing she did.
"There have been other interesting events, some good, some bad, but I will tell you about them later. What about you?" her right hand lowered again and rested on the polished wood table.
"Have you had some interesting experiences these days?"
"Aye," he replied, smiling. "Wha' with Martin havin' ta' guide me through the laws today an all."
His mood was good, all the better with Falcon. He always felt out of place, seeing everything new, all that he knew being so outdated. Even the laws were so complex.
"I know of the Sisters, e'en would call one or two a friend. Seem to be good people, a little protective of their own." He changed topics, not wanting to get into how he viewed other's, when he really didn't know that well.
"It seems, the accident which pu' me 'ere...I mean, at the bottom of tha' Danville Trestle, were nah' entirely my own. After the wreck, the road changed hands many a' time, but tha' settlement was placed in a trust.
"Lass at City Hall, she contacted me, seems tha' there were some pay due me. Carryin' interest for near a hundred years." He allowed himself a wide smile, it meant he could be his own man again. As much as he appreciated Gal's, and everyones, understanding, he would not allow debts to go unpaid.
"So, lovely Falcon, not only be this a celebration of my time wi' you, but of good fortune."
Martin arrived, almost on cue, with the wine list.
"These are good news indeed" Falcon smiled, letting Steve take the wine list first: she knew something about beers, but about wine she was completely inexperienced.
"I am happy for you. It is good that you now have the means to live, and build another life, in our time. I do not doubt that you would've obtained enough money even by simply working as a hero - there are many rewards to compensate for the dangers of our profession - but it is a fine thing that you have something to start with."
Secretly, she had another reason to be happy for him; maybe, when it would've been the time for him to choose between death and life, he now would've had another reason to choose life instead of death - his new, current life, as a settled man with a place to stay and to call home, rather than a ghost of the past, cursed to live in a world that is not his.
She put both elbows on the table and crossed the fingers of both hands together, her fingertips barely touching her chin, as if sustaining it.
"Do you already know what will your first big expense be? An apartment, or a house, maybe?"
[ QUOTE ]
"Pardon me, sir, but the wine you requested seems to be out of stock at the moment," he looked very apologetic, but kept his eyes locked on the green gentleman's, "would you care to come to the cellar and select another? I would not presume to make another mistake."
Martin stood aside, gesturing towards the hall that led to the wine cellar. It was amazing what could be said with the eyes, and eyes alone. His were certainly saying *This is your opportunity, sir*.
[/ QUOTE ]
"Oh, the wine? The wine. Yes. Certainly." Jasper stumbled a moment but caught on quickly enough. He pushed his chair back and got up, thanking the powers that be that it didn't topple over behind him. He tugged his jacket down again.
"Well, Crem it looks like I'd better go see the man about the wine. In the cellar." Martin had already turned crisply on his heel. "You know, downstairs." He hastily made his way to follow the maitre'd.
-
Crem held up one hand and wiggled her fingers in a little wave as Jasper excused himself. Getting a look at the back of her hand she noticed some dried blood on her knuckles. Trolls have glass jaws, she thought. Her full lips spread into a grin. She remembered that drawing attention to spilled blood in tribute to the proprieter would probably not be considered polite behavior. Where she came from it would be considered terribly rude not to do such a thing. This realm of man had it's own nuanced social rules, not any simpler than what she was accustomed to, just different. She brought her hand to her lips as unobtrusively as possible, tasting the tang of superadine. For all the good it did them. Dumb trolls.
She looked over the table, immediately falling in love with the fine grain. The irises were a nice touch. She settled into her chair, sufficiently impresed with her surroundings. Jasper definitely had something up his sleeve, he was acting like some kind of simpering fool. And she knew full well he didn't have the slighest clue when it came to wines. She found the whole thing terribly compelling. Jasper promised adventure, and he'd never failed her on that account before. She busied her mind by going over the lyrics to a new song she had learned.
-
"You require asistance?" Martin looked very calm and collected, but Jasper figured he probably had a lot of work to do, so he got right to the point as best he could.
"I'm very sorry to bother you, but I am in a bit of a pickle." He moved his right hand in a quick gesture and a little bubble appeared. A simple platinum ring set with a solitary Alexandrite stone floated within it. The light bounced off the dark stone in little bursts of red and blue.
"I was just going to drop this into her glass and go from there, but I think it's a little hokey aside from the fact that she's unfamiliar with such customs and would very likely just swallow it. I have no problem going down on one knee and all, but I need a good opening or she might misinterpret my intentions. Any advice a man such as yourself could give would be greatly appreciated."
"Well, an' thi' is the problem." His smile faltered slightly, not disappearing, but taking on a thoughtful tone. "I am bound, by mah' actions and mah' duty ta' make amends wi' the families. Money canna' do this alone, an ta' be certain, I do nah' know how to make up for wha' was done long ago.
"For meself, my needs be small. I ha' a place tah' sleep, good food, shoes on mah' feet." He paused, looking aside for a moment, the winelist forgotten and Martin nowhere to be seen.
"I think many people, they don' know how well they ha' it. Mah' family, there were se'en o' us boys. Pa worked dark tah' dark. We had no runnin' water, schoolin' were for tha' wealthy. I started wi' the road as a boy, oiler on one o' tha' mountain spurs. Ne'er had money more than enough."
He was still smiling, his mood a little somber but not unhappy. In reality, he was considering how to use his new wealth. One thing Martin had helped him with, was the scope of the wealth, which to him had sounded like a ransom. Times did change, and even numbers followed by several zeroes was not as much as it once had been. The sum in his account had literally stunned him, in his day, he could have built the intercontinental line with less.
"I ne'er wanted more than I had. What should I do?" The few people he knew, he trusted Falcon, Sibling, Gal and Martin. Azuria, he wasn't sure about.
"Oh, Martin is a softy," her shy smile returned. "It is going to busy though. Until Gal can get some more decent help, it's going to be busy.
"I'll make sure you aren't thirsty, and get the veal on the way. Of course you can walk me home," she giggled, "the city isn't safe for a girl alone, you know, and I can't pick up Gal's warhammer."
"You intend to propose to this woman?" Martin walked with hands behind his back, erect and still leading the man.
"To be done properly, I would advise that you be reasonably certain she will accept, first. Not being familiar with her, or your, customs, sir, all I can offer is what would be proper in my experience." He might be unskilled in the asking, Martin thought, but at least he had sense enough to ask.
"If you are willing, the establishment could accomodate something...memorable for you." The Englishman pushed open the non-descript door to the "wine cellar", a room specially built for housing the collection.
Three of the women at the table knew each other intimately, Wadi lived in the same house as Gemini most of the time, but presently lived with another Sister, studying for upcoming trials. She trained under the Asian woman, and took many lessons from Sharon. Her skill lie with blades, but whether the Broadsword or Katana, she was still deciding.
At this table, Janice was the stranger, and knew very little about any of the others. She had spoken to Gem several times, been on the Island accompanied by her, but beyond basic information, she knew nothing. The dark-skinned woman, she had seen in passing, and knew her name. Even the young woman, who she officially had guardianship of, she barely knew. Such was the life she led, alone.
"Daughter," Gemini's soft, accented voice came, "what do you know of your past? Before you came to the Island?" Gypsy orbited somewhere nearby, waiting for some sign that she should approach.
"I do not remember," the girl said quietly, not looking at anyone. "The first memory I have is riding Horus in the wood."
Not new information to the Sisters at the table, but Gemini was creating the backdrop. The tall woman would not know anything about the girl's life, and describing it would take too long. Janice had visited, as often as she thought necessary, to make sure the girl was well. Beyond that, she had left the Order to raise Wadi, a name she had chosen, and trusted them as a whole.
"We have never told you how you came to the Island, but you know you are not our blood kin?" Gemini watched for the girl to nod, "You know that Miss Sartain brought you to us, and asked that we care for you?" Another nod. "What of your family?"
"The Sisters are my family, the trees and those things that grow..." the girl started with what was the correct, learned answer.
Lady Gemini cut her short, sometimes doctrine was out of place. "No, daughter, I mean your mother and father."
"Oh," she ducked her head, hands clasped in her lap, like she was reciting math tables for a test. "They are dead. My blood family is dead."
"No," Janice spoke, a deep and final tone. "That's not completely true." She lifted the small satchel she carried, Gemini and Sharon both watching. The older Sisters had not heard the story either, but were trained to not show surprise.
"Wadi, whether you remember me or not, I brought you to the Sisters. It's true that your mother and father died," she did not deal with compassion often, and assumed that with women like these, blunt truth was typical, "I was there. I knew them both."
She pulled the package out, carefully laying it on the table in the tribal scarf. One hand let the empty satchel fall beside her chair, her eyes on the patterned cloth. Both hands pushed the bundle to the center of the table, all eyes there, still easy reach for her long arms.
"You know the name of the nomadic people that live in the deserts?" She didn't know how much history or other skills Sisters taught, this could be a long story.
"You mean the Bedoo?" The girl pronounced it correctly, even like she was a native. That caught Janice's attention.
"Yeah," she glanced to Gemini, suspicious. The girl saw the look and continued.
"The Order is founded on knowledge, I also know about the races of Africa and the Americas, Parle' Italiano and can navigate by the stars. Why?" Oh, Janice realized, this was definitely one of the nomads. The girl spoke like a challenge, and a tiny smirk crossed Sharon's features even while Gemini stayed calm.
"This cloth is the tribal head dress of your people." She touched it carefully, revealing the box inside. "Your mother was Bedouin. You were the last of your village," she turned the box toward the girl, "but not the last of your tribe. You have cousins, uncles, aunts that still live in the desert. I have seen them."
The girl sat, eyes narrow. This woman was not her family, but was her guardian, at least as she had been told. Hardly even a teenager, Wadi was trying to grasp all this new information. She knew, from studies, of the desert people and their culture and had considered that she resembled them. The Sisters only said she was from the Middle East, and treated her like their own flesh. Now suddenly, she had family, a history...did it matter?
Gemini and Sharon sat quietly, not intruding, allowing the girl and the giant to talk.
"I was from the desert." Janice pulled a photograph from her pocket, placing it on the still closed box. Her father and mother in their traditional robes and head dresses, two sisters and a brother, and her. Before, when she had been human in proportion and tanned. The women's faces were hidden behind veils, but they stood as a family.
Wadi's eyes went from the photo to Janice, back and forth.
"What happened?" The girl was still a girl, training or not.
"That is where our stories are the same..." Janice took a breath and started talking to the young woman, and it was Gemini and Sharon who were strangers now.
"Maybe the money could help you find the families of the people that died in the accident: once you know who they are, maybe you will get some hint about how to help them" suggested Falcon, her voice warm and her smile becoming somehow smaller, a calm atmosphere settling between them. She crossed her fingers under her chin again, her gloved white fingers remembering, with their position, the spreaded wings of a dove.
"There are some people that are called P.I. in big cities like this one. Private investigators, I think. Detectives. They could help you tracing the families of those people, for a price. Failing that, I could ask some of my contacts if they have some way to help you. Those men and women are able to research the strangest occult things, or secret files on the internet... I am sure that they have the means and capabilities to give you a push in the right direction."
Part of her mind browsed quickly the list of contacts that she had helped in the previous months and days. Cadao Kestrel? Indigo and Crimson? Tina Mcintre? The old friends in the hollows? Who could be the best one for the job?
But the rest of her thoughts were focused on Steve.
"You are a good man. Maybe money alone can't make amend for what happened back then, but they can surely help you in a number of cases. If a man has debts, you can help him save his house and his property from the bankers. If a woman is ill, you can help pay for the cures. If a family is threatened, you have the power of fire at your command to help them.. and if fire alone won't be enough, I will be ready to help you with cold steel."
Falcon's left hand slipped behind her and patted slightly on the sword's scabbard, almost like she would've done with the shoulder of a friend.
"Well, I would hope tha' they ha'nt the attention o' any villains, but findin' them is mah' first task. Scattered hither an' yon, most likely." He would have been frustrated, despondent two days ago. It was hard enough to know he had that responsibility, without trying to figure how not to use his friends.
Now, in less than forty-eight hours, many things had changed.
"Dear lady, you ha' the wisdom o' this life. Bein' a hero an' finery," he motioned to her, indicating the beautiful clothing and her weapon. "I know none o' this. I was born to another time, and e'en if you say it, I am no hero.
"But when I sit here, wi' you, tha' matters none. I'd say, I trust you to help me, an nah' to lead me astray. 'Tis a great boon I ask of yeh', an I'd be a little ashamed ta' ask it..." he paused, watching her face.
"Will yeh' help me to clear mah' name?"
((OOC: OK, heroes and heroines, here's the situation. The wife and I are taking the weekend to ride our new Triumph, so we will not be posting. I would say that if you are interacting with the staff, keep them in character, but feel free to run them. Otherwise, I will be back late Sunday and trust the place will be standing.
To the nervous gentleman in green...Martin will do whatever he can, how could he not with so touching a proposal? Memorable it will be.))
((You guys STAY SAFE and keep it under 100!!!.....OK 150 but no more!!!))
Adavan, Energy/Energy Blaster
Advent Force, Energy/Regen Blaster
"I would be glad to."
Falcon smiled again, the curve of her lips and light in her eyes revealing her feelings with the usual clearness and transparence: she was genuinely happy that Steve had put his trust in her. She was happy that he had asked her for help, trusting her capabilities, all of them, not only her fighting skills.
"Helping people is what I've chosen to do with my life. I am willing to help people I don't know just because they need me, how could I not be willing to help you?"
She stressed slightly the last word, letting it hover between the two of them: you, not an unknown person, not a common citizen, you, someone special.
"There are heroes that draw their powers from magic studies or futuristic machines: they are full of knowledge in magic or technology, surely much wiser than me. But I will help you with whatever means I have. You only have to tell me how do you want me to proceed... or I can ask my contacts about those descendants and tell you about their findings. The choice is up to you."
The white and gold clad heroine took the wine list in her hands, lifting it enough to show it to Steve.
"The choice of wines is up to you, too. I fear I don't know much about wines. Or we can simply decide what to eat and ask Martin what he would suggest with it. What will it be?"
Her smile now revealed that she was equally at ease with both possibilities, both for the wines and for the descendants of the train wreck; it was no sacrifice for her to let him decide, since each choice was okay with her. Under the table, she crossed her legs.
[ QUOTE ]
"You intend to propose to this woman?" Martin walked with hands behind his back, erect and still leading the man.
"To be done properly, I would advise that you be reasonably certain she will accept, first. Not being familiar with her, or your, customs, sir, all I can offer is what would be proper in my experience."
[/ QUOTE ]
Oh, I'm relatively sure she'll say yes, well, as sure as a guy can be I guess, but the thing is, I want to make sure she understands that it's a big deal. I don't think they have marraige, per say, where she came from. Truth be told, from what she's told me, it's kinda like asking royalty. The woman had minions that probably got down on their knees for her all the time... I don't know if she'll even take me seriously."
[ QUOTE ]
"If you are willing, the establishment could accomodate something...memorable for you." The Englishman pushed open the non-descript door to the "wine cellar", a room specially built for housing the collection.
[/ QUOTE ]
"Willing? I'd be ever so thankful, I believe the more memorable, the better in this situation. Unfortunately, I'm not exactly rolling in dough if you know what I mean, but I'm willing to splurge as necesary for this." He looked around at the wine collection as they entered the 'cellar.' "For starters, I have no idea what kind of wine would be appropriate. Heh, being that my business with M.A,G,I, required that I not get very involved with anyone as it could upset the space-time continuium and all, I never thought I'd have the chance to meet someone, let alone propose." His face broke into a full smile, the stuff of genuine excitement and happiness. "Thank goodness for being stuck in this century. I don't think I've ever been so pleased that I was fired."
((Sorry this took so long. Started this at work and erased it on my computer so I started over today))
Well then I guess we will just have to wait till I can bring the good stuff from P.C. and we can all partake. AJ said leaning back in his chair. The tension seemed to have died off as far as he could tell, he could normally read peoples expressions well, but mind controllers are a mystery to him.
AJ leaned forward again with a serious look on his face. I ought not to be drinking any way, he began fiddling with his napkin, Now that I am back I will probly be questioned on the incident with Diva and Sib. Tomorrow. He saw the concerned look on Sibling face then raised his hand as if to ward off any trouble. Just standard procedures. They will question anyone who was in the vicinity of the portal that had the problem. They just want to see if either: Scientific, Technological, Magical, or if some natural occurrence that threw the portal off somehow.
Anyways, he began the smile back in full, It seems I am with out a job for at least a week more. I all most do not know what to do with all this free time! Over the last 2 months I have spent twenty days off world. And Ill tell you what, seventy five percent of the time is so boring you would go crazy. The other twenty five when something does happen the PPC is there to take care of it, the only time I see action is if I am standing on the spot or we know there is trouble going in. He paused to take a sip of water from the glass in front of him.
((Charm is on the way....Ada is working himself up to it 
))
Adavan, Energy/Energy Blaster
Advent Force, Energy/Regen Blaster
((OOC: Well I was planning on using Martin here, but then I noticed he was still in the wine cellar, so I'll borrow Beth for a moment. ))
A man stepped up to the podium. He was wearing a suit of armor that looked tired and worn. It was a slate grey, marked with violet starbursts and gashed with the scars of battle. He had shoulder length, purple hair. He had tried many times to die or bleach it, but the color always stayed the same. He had a slight purple glow in his eyes that no glasses, goggles, or makeup could hide. Even the armor served for more than protection. Had he been wearing regular clothes, one would have seen a glow the color of his eyes coming from his arms and chest. A glow that betrayed what he really was, a Kheldian.
A fact that he himself had still not come to terms with.
--------------------
Manion watched the man enter the restaurant. He watched the short conversation between the man and Beth. He watched the way Beth nervously looked back towards him, then made her way to his table.
Before she could say anything, Manion put up his hand and said, "Its ok, I know who he is. Please show him over." He knew this meeting was going to have to happen eventually, but he had hoped to avoid it a little longer.
Beth returned with the man behind her, and offered him the seat across from Manion.
"Would you like something to drink?" she asked him.
"Water, please." he replied, not taking his eyes off of Manion.
"Beth, this is Gilidry. Roomate, mentor, the guy that got me out of that mess way back when. I believe I've mentioned him. The two of us have some talking to do."
The look of confusion on her face changed to one of recognition before she left to go get him some water.
Once the two were alone again, Gilidry leaned over and said in a hushed, but not too friendly tone, "Where the hell have you been, and whats this crap I hear about you quitting?"
"Gil, calm down, please. You know we run on different schedules, I've been home. Just not when you are. As for quitting, well..."
"So you're avoiding me. Why? And why did you retire." He almost spit out the last word, as if the very idea was repulsive to him.
"No I'm not avoiding you, and we've already talked about this. Im burned out on this Hero business. It was your idea I take a break to begin with, or have you forgotten that conversation?"
They both stopped and looked up as Beth came back with Gilidry's water. They both thanked her, then Manion looked up and said, "Im not sure if I will be eating tonight, but I'll still walk you home. Oh and please tell Vegas not to worry." He hadnt seen her yet, but he knew she would have been watching Gilidry, and didnt want her to think he would be trouble.
Gilidry watched Beth leave, then looked back at Manion with a strange smile on his face. "I see now, this is about her isnt it?"
Manion's face blushed brightly, but he shook his head. "No its not. You and I have been talking about this a long time. Before I met her even. This is about me wanting a normal life again, like I had before. No more fighting every day, no more running, no more jumping, no more hunting. Just living."
Gilidry's face softened at these words. He had heard all this before, and understood the feeling. "Manny, you and I both know you cant have a normal life again. Even if you tried to hide from what you have, it wont change who you are." He looked down and gestured to the armor he wore. "Thats a lesson Im still learning. You have a gift, one that wont go away. And as long as you have it you will either be a Hero, or a Villain. It all depends on how you use it. Im not saying anything new here. I know you like helping people, and I know you aren't a Villain. So what was the point of turning in your ID?"
"See thats where you're wrong Gil. Your gift may not go away. But all powers arent the same. Me turning in my badge was just the last step."
Gilidry sat back in his chair as he slowly began to realize what was being said. "What are you saying? What did you do?"
--------------------
((OOC: Hate to stop there, but this got a little longer than I planned. Plus I still have to work out the rest. Hope I didnt take Beth too far out of character here.))
"Ye do me a great favor, Miss Falcon. I kinna' ask more o' Miss Gal or Sibling, an truth be told, I find your personality more," he searched for the word. He didn't want to be too forward, but wanted to convey his honest emotion. "companionable, if you'll pardon mah sayin' it."
He took the winelist from Falcon, but folded it without glancing inside. Instead, he gazed across the table at the woman, and allowed a direct, if very brief, look. Her manners and carriage were much like the proper women of his time, the aristocracy that he knew of, and had even had on the trains, but never socialized with. She seemed so approachable, so willing to talk, wher they would have considered him below their station.
"I know naugh' of wine, an' will let Martin decide tha'." The Maitre' D was nowhere to be seen, but Steve knew that he was never far from the podium. "An I think tha' an occassion such as this, mayhap we could have some champagne," then he paused, looking somewhat puzzled, "if they still ha' that.
"An I believe you ha' a story to tell," his eyes briefly contemplated the bandage again, then darted back to her face. He feared that gazing too long at the place where she was injured would send the wrong message, but...she was a very attractive woman.
((OOC: Hey all, back and in one piece. Had a great time, and I highly recommend the Columbia Gorge Scenic Highway and Pendleton if you are ever out this way. Nice Hampton Inn out at TriCities, with a hot tub in the room...The Triumph has it's first 700 miles, life is good.))
"Sir," Martin , pulled himself to his utmost height, "A woman who would not take an honest proposal seriously is not worth the asking. Since you appear to be earnest, and sincere, I believe we can arrange to impress upon this woman your good will and intent." He walked to a wooden rack, like all the others, holding the wines slightly cork-down.
Each bottle was marked lightly with chalk, indicating how to turn it to keep the wine right. Martin stopped in front of a tower with several empty spots, speaking to the man without turning.
"I would know three things, and then you can be be at ease that the matter will be handled." He was straight to business, like the professional he was.
"First, Sir, what is her favorite color. Second, is the lady likely to become aggitated or happy with the news. Third, and perhaps the answer you should longest consider," he had pulled one bottle from the rack, and a white linen towel to clean it with from one of several hooks. "How will you react if she declines? I would advise that you accept gracefully, as the establishment will still serve dinner and hope for your good opinions. I will do my earnest best, with what you can tell me, but without some idea of her conventions and proper etiquette..." He arched an eyebrow and allowed the comment to hang.
((OOC: Betty, don't sweat the bill, Steve can tell you later about washing dishes besides, Gal has a real soft spot for romance and this stuff...and wedding catering is VERY lucrative.))
The restuarant being only a few blocks away from the brownstone, Jasper and Crem opted to enjoy the evening air and walk over. That didn't stop her from making a depreciating remark about his usual "laziness" in "zapping" everywhere, but he took it in stride as he knew she meant it that way. Gracious thank yous usually followed such comments as he almost always "snatched her up from thin air" by usuing his recall powers on her whenever he got to where they were going. She did comment more than once that she was more than happy with him playing taxi.
He's marked Martin as someone who might be able to give him some advice on how to go about things in a proper fashion. If Martin indicates he is willing to help, Jasper will excuse himself after they are seated and seek him out, otherwise I'm sure he'll figure something out.))
When they arrived, he held the door to let her enter. He paused in the alcove to tug at his jacket, feeling self conscious that it didn't fit right on his overly muscled frame.
Crem had gone right on through to approach the podium. Martin descretely looked her over. She stood taller than most, though not quite as tall as Gal, even with the six inch sling back red stilettos she wore to match the red silk dress that just barely passed as formal attire as it was a might bit short. However, it appeared as though she may have had discretion in mind by the addition of a devore cut velvet shawl, also red, the sheer areas arranged in a stylized flame motif. She obviously put care into her makeup, heavy black kohl and juicy red lipstick that might look garrish on someone else looked elegant and natural on her. Her short auburn hair looked to be arranged carefully as well, to overtly show off her horns which reflected the light as though buffed to a shine, the ochre colored tips blending to ebony black at the roots. He could tell immediately in the way she carried herself that she was acustomed to looking down upon others, and not just because of her height.
"Good evening, mamdamme," he greeted her. "And sir," he ammended noticing the stocky green skinned man who hurried to join her.
Jasper immediately recognized the accent from the brief telephone conversation as he sidled up next to his companion.
"Ahh... hello, yes, I called earlier to reserve a table. Something special. I know I neglected to leave my name but I hope it's not too much trouble." He looked at Martin expectantly.
"Not a problem, sir," Martin said as he gestured for them to follow.
Jasper caught the eye of the maitre d'. After making sure Crem wasn't paying attention he mouthed "help me."
--
((OOC: Jasper intends to pop the big question, but he's not quite sure how to do it, especially considering some mitigating circumstances.