"I am sorry sir, no offense intended, but Sisters do not touch others." She knew it was not a strict rule, but that added to her normally cold skin allowed her some space. It was a fact that most Sisters would touch another only in the Order or in need. Her skin temperature was cold enough that a vapor trail followed her, and raising it was very difficult.
She made amotion with one hand, something like an open salute, and smiled again.
"Amber beer," she stated, and beer was one of the few items in the bar she could safely tolerate. Moving to a cooler, she removed one that she appreciated because it was honestly hand-crafted, and all Sisters valued something made by skill.
Her tiny hands placed a waisted glass on the bar, bearing the coat of arms from a small german town where they called themselves Bavarians, Bad Windsheim. Beside that she laid a cork coaster, and set a bottle, still cool, on it. The Star-W insignia from the NorthWest and the hound's head on the bottle proudly proclaimed it "Drop Top Amber".
"Please mind the bar, it likes water but not beer," she smiled. "The beverage is from Widmer Brothers, I hope you will like it. We cannot get it on tap, but it is the best Amber we have."
He lowered his arm back down and returned her smile. Not a problem. Ive heard of the Sisters, but have never really received an opportunity to talk to one. They sound to me like an Old World Templar order. He watched her rummage around for a beer and listened to her explanation of it. Ive always preferred bottled over tap. Never knew why. He reached for the bottle she had placed on the bar. Thanks. He took a long, slow pull from the bottle. Thats not bad at all. He held up the bottle and squinted through it. He took another drink and smiled. Not bad at all.
He heard some yell, Tell me Cold! and looked over toward the commotion to see two men talking. He returned his attention to Narshawn and watched her go about her duties.
Hey, if its not to personal, and when you have a moment, Id be interested in learning more about the Sisters and your world. It seems for every day I spend in the city, I spend two off world. Not needing to eat or breathe, and be highly resistant to most extremes has mad me very popular with Portal Corp. Add in my natural curiosity and they cant wait to send me off. He gave a chuckle and a self-mocking smile and said My curiosity also made me like this. He looked at the back of his hand then finished the bottle. Another one if you please.
[ QUOTE ]
Cold went back up to the bartender, "Another Vodka, leave the bottle." he said. Putting his hat back on and looking at a civilian that had been listening to himself and SHIELD. "By the way miss, do you know that man over there?" Cold said pointing at the man.
[/ QUOTE ]
Armitage looked around to see whom the man was referring to.
Armitage DM/INV/Dark Scrapper Lvl 50
Felonie Energy/Energy/GW Brute Lvl 50
Global ID:Armitage
"But does one ever truly have a choice? One can only match, move by move, the machinations of fate, and thus defy the tyrannous stars."
"We share this world," she grinned, wondering what he thought The Order did. Humans, among other races, had the most peculiar tendency to imagine wondrous worlds and magical places. "I am not from this planet, but have lived here since I was an infant, ten years ago. I was raised by the Sisters, and am proud to be one of them."
There were other conversations, other patrons, and she paid them due attention. Gertrude was very good at keeping things moving, and organized besides. That left Narshawn able to chat with the gentleman.
"I am certainly not an authority on the Order, sir, but we do not hide from the rest of society. Several of the women here are Sisters besides myself, and many nights there are others who come in for companionship. Mistress Gal, Lady Sibling, myself and Gypsy's Queen are most often here. I know that Lady Gemini is here tonight, along with Lady Sharon and Lady Diva," she mentioned names, not having seen some of them, but knowing their presence. "What would you care to know? We value honesty and directness."
The man settled his hat and spoke to her, a question.
"I do not believe so, sir." She glanced at the man singled out.
((OOC: She would not be familiar with anyone outside the wait staff or employees. By civilian, I assume you mean not one of the heroes who are currently in the story. Any hints would be welcome...))
"A Sister may not own gold or blood," Wadi had looked into the box, and now glanced quickly from Janice's eyes to the table. Two hours ago, this woman had been foreign and the girl would gladly have never met her. Since she could remember, she harbored a resentment that the one who brought her to the Island would never visit.
Silence met the statement, Janice unsure how to react or answer. Wadi had simply put words to one of the laws of The Order, which every Sister followed as The Law.
"I'm sorry?" Janice was unsure, but approaching agitated. She did not know the rules, but there were some things that had to translate. If they did not accept money, where had the cash she sent for Wadi's welfare gone?
"Miss Sartain," Gemini began in a delicate tone.
"Ma," Janice cut in, abruptly and with a hint of challenge in her voice. "Call me Ma or Janice, and explain what this is about." She waved at the girl and the box.
"Very well, Ma," Their eyes met and steel flashed behind the Asian woman's. Very few on the Island would dare to take any tone with Gemini, the Bushido Code did not allow for breaks in respect or command. For now, she left her hands on the table, in a show of restraint.
"It is against our laws to take charity or to own goods that do not serve our needs. That is the gold young Wadi speaks of. It is also against our laws to take or keep anything which breathes, that is the blood she mentions.
"The only adornments we have are those we use for our powers or as symbols." She spread her hands, as though encompassing everything in the room. "Mistress War owns this restaurant, and is a Sister, but her profits do not go to enrich her. It is not our way to keep trinkets or the like for our amusement. You have seen the Island, been to my cottage," Janice nodded, she had and knew this woman lived a simple life. "What money The Sisters have or earn goes to support those without enough.
"It is simply our law." She finished, smiling as Wadi's eyes slid towards her.
"So," Janice said casually, actually turning towards Sharon for a moment, "Places like the Mission down the street or the Battered Women's Shelter over in Steel Canyon?"
Sharon's eyes narrowed, and Janice was certain that Gemini's had, too. The giant blaster would have been foolish not to know these people, and her intelligence was quite good. Where it came from, and how she acquired it was a secret, but the occassional word in the right place kept others very careful.
"You know Miss Jiang, from the shelter?" Sharon said softly, keeping eye contact. The Sisters had a network that was the envy of the Paragon Police, and now the African gauged the woman again. She began to feel a measure of respect for Janice that had nothing to do with Wadi.
"Let's say we have met," Janice absently played with her water glass, "and I respect what she does."
"Daughter," Lady Gemini said into a pause that followed, "I think you should accept this gracious token. Janice means this to be a gift, and not one of money." The solid yellow eyes moved to catch her own, calculating in the slant of her head. "I think this is a token she wants you to have as a symbol."
Now, Janice turned completely, intending to see if Gemini would really understand. The explanation so far was very close, no matter that Ma did not follow The Order and Gemini knew little of the blaster's notions. Some emotions seemed to carry across lines of faith, work and history.
"Wadi," Gemini said carefully, "I think this is a gift from a family member, to show that she cares about you." She turned her penetrating eyes back to the tall blaster, "Am I correct?"
"It has been in my family for many generations," Ma said, impressed. "I hope it will continue for many more. Wadi, I haven't been a mother, but I wouldn't know how to be."
Words were not her strong suit, just getting this far was an accomplishment. Meeting the young girl was hard, she had wanted to be more involved, but hero life seemed to get in the way a lot. She was glad that The Sisters had taken Wadi in, from what she had seen, there was no better family. Now, the girl was a woman, about to move on, and in reality, Janice feared losing the one connection to normal life she had.
"Perhaps you would like to come to her coming-of-age?" Lady Gemini smiled inwardly. Even the most solitary of Sisters needed comradeship.
"Would you come?" Wadi almost burst out, then looked sheepish, expecting a look or word for speaking out of turn.
"If you asked me, I would be glad to." Janice kept all her emotions behind a wall, making it harder to be hurt. She felt an attachment to Wadi, as anyone decent would. That caused a stir in her heart, and she was actually excited.
((OOC: Wow, sorry for being out of it so much. I won't bore you all with the story, let's just say I was unable to reach a computer, and not in any shape to type anyway. I hope some will come back, even though I have neglected you. If not, I will let this thread go, knowing it was my inattention that doomed it. It has been incredible to RP with you all, and if I see interest again, I will be more involved from here on 
Thank you.))
((More! More!))
Issue 23: All your base are belong to us?
The door swung open, letting some wan light from the setting sun into the entryway, only to be blocked by Soul Train's six-foot-and-change frame. The black woman looked around, took in the ambiance of the place, then nodded and strolled up to the host.
"Whew! It's gettin' rough out there. Vahz on one side, Lost on t'other, Circle of Thorns nut-jobs on the rooftops and in the backyards... and clocks an' Skuls in the middle. Y'all got a pool table, sugah?"
The man smiled, nodded, and indicated the sign "Billiards" over the bar entrance. "We do indeed have a table or two. Most play 8-ball or 9-ball, but on occasion we get a snooker player in. For that, I have to reconfigure the table, but it's not too much trouble. However, I will need to see your ID."
Kashaye Parker (for that was her name, Soul Train merely being her street alias) handed over her Paragon City Hero ID. The birthdate on it read "2/17/1967".
"Very good, Ms. Parker."
"Thank you verra much, sugah!"
She strolled into the bar, sassy as you please, and buttonholed the diminuitive woman behind the bar. "Hello, I'd like a double shot o' Cuervo Gold, a bit of lime, and a saltshaker. Also, is there a table free for a few games of 9-ball?"
Soul Train took a look around at the other patrons as she waited for her drink. She'd been sloggin' through one crimefighting mission after another for what seemed to be weeks, and it was high time she had some fun.
"City of Heroes. April 27, 2004 - August 31, 2012. Obliterated not with a weapon of mass destruction, not by an all-powerful supervillain... but by a cold-hearted and cowardly corporate suck-up."
Narshawn allowed a small smile, realizing, not for the first time, that regions of the country produced people remarkably similar at first glance. But, she also knew that first glances could be deceiving, such as most people's first reaction to Lady Diva.
"Good evening," she said with frosted breath, "the gaming tables are for anyone's enjoyment, come as they are taken." She retrieved a wooden box containing balls from beneath the bar and set it down for the tall woman to take. "If you care to start, Gertrude will bring your beverage to the room. You wish a double portion of Jose Cuervo Gold Tequila and the appropriate lime, yes?"
To many, she appeared to have some sort of speech impediment. Not slurring or stuttering, but more like a very stilted pronounciation, like the words were read from a dictionary or produced by a computer. Her body and mind both matured faster than a human's, but her race did not communicate verbally, lacking vocal cords that could vibrate. She was very good at imitating though, just lacking inflection or accent.
The tall lady reminded her of another giant black woman, and she could not help but grin at the similarities. Gal would be taller, but the way they spoke and their skin tone...
"I hope you enjoy."
"Why thank ya, sugah. Oh!" as Shaye realized the sides of the box were cold where Nar had held it. "Yes, but don't forget the salt. Gotta have salt with tequila."
Shaye strolled over to the nearer of the two pool tables, thankfully empty, set the 1-9 balls out in the familiar diamond pattern, set the cue ball out, and then set the box down at the back of a nearby booth. Selecting a good solid cue, she felt the weight and balance, took a few practice shots with the cueball to see how well things felt (wow, haven't seen 'house' equipment this good since... well, ever!) and then set the cue ball down and THWACK! popped a semi-decent break.
She then started to 'hunt' the balls in order, leaning over the edges of the table so as to get the proper bridges set up with her left hand, sighting along the cue, analyzing the geometry of her intended shots. After rattling the 1 off the corner pocket twice, she shook her head.
Something's missing.
Aha! The jukebox. Shaye dropped in a few quarters, tapped codes for a few minutes, and then returned to shooting pool as the Isley Brothers started off a 20-minute stretch of classic R&B tunes....
"It's your thing... " Thwack! Clack! -plop!-
"Do what ya wanna do..." Thwack! Clack! -bump- -plop!-
"I cain't tell ya... " THWACK! -bounce- Clack! -bump- -plop!-
"Who to sock it to..." Thwack! -Tap!- .... -plop!-
Ahh... MUCH better!!!
Accepting the shot glass, saltshaker, and lime from Gertrude ("Thank you, sugah!") she resumed sinking balls...
(OOC: Soul is open to other patrons approaching her to join in the game, or to say hello.)
"City of Heroes. April 27, 2004 - August 31, 2012. Obliterated not with a weapon of mass destruction, not by an all-powerful supervillain... but by a cold-hearted and cowardly corporate suck-up."
"I don't like being the centre of attention for people such as the circle of thorns." answered Falcon Kitiara with a smile, raising her glass too, frail crystal stem gently hold between three delicate white gloved fingers. The warm light of Gal's place shone and trembled on the ripples of the wine's surface. She moved the glass slightly, to see the light shining through its clear colour. Her left hand was now opened, palm down, on the wooden table: she could almost feel the wood living, sap flowing, under her fingertips. Maybe it was just a figment of her imagination: nonetheless, it was good to be alive, so good! Her brush with death had made her appreciate even more the little things in life, from a simple smell to a texture to a taste.
The slightly bitter, sparkling bouquet of the champagne on her tongue (maybe a bit too bitter, though, she thought?); the pleasant and known smell of wood, the less known but appreciated flavour of the foods cooking in the kitchen (were there mushrooms she was smelling? she wondered); the warm colours of the wood, pavement and walls, the warmer color of Steve's skin, as red as a summer twilight: his eyes, the warmest of all things there. It was good to be the centre of *his* attention, she thought.
"I don't like it" she sipped from her glass and put it again on the table with a slight dull sound. "But it can be helpful. Usually the circle's attention is centered on the poor girl or man that they are about to sacrifice to their dark gods; when I come near them, if their attention becomes centered on me, chances are that the victim might manage to safely escape, even if I should fall in battle."
She stopped and thought about it, slightly tapping her chin with her right thumb, snow white against white skin. "A couple of times it has happened, I must admit. But that's what hospitals are for. And those defeats were part of the knowledge of battle that I have now, so I cannot complain."
She turned her green eyes right then left, a not-so-subtle hint of hunger inside them - and her body language reflected that, tongue slightly passing on her soft lips, a deeper inspiration than the rest to best inhale the flavours from the kitchen.
"If Martin doesn't come here soon, I'll eat him as soon as he shows up" she joked, and winked at Steve...
[Welcome back, my friend. It is a pleasure to have you here again! 
]
The sound of billiard balls echoed through the faint force fielding that provided the smoking area in the bar. Narshawn had allowed Gertrude to provide the salt for the tall woman, being very careful around that particular substance. The tiny ice blaster looked up as a shadow passed the bar, moving in the direction of the game room.
Van Morrison was just finishing "Brown-eyed Girl" as Gal stepped into the room, having taken a moment to watch the other woman at the table. Little happened in the place that she didn't have an idea about, and not all of it was that she owned it.
"I'd have expected a sistah ta' say hello," she crossed her substantial arms while she gazed at the woman's back.
((OOC: Come on, like you didn't think that a lady from the south would be interested if another walked in, over six feet tall and listening to THAT music? Gal stuffed the jukebox with all that music. Oh, and she makes honest to goodness pan-fried cornbread and Collards to die for ))
Hearing the voice of the proprietoress, who she flat-out MISSED on the way in, Soullll turned from the shot she was lining up, and then held her arms out. "Heyyyyy!! Whassup, girlfrien'?? Give Soullll some love! And I gotta say, your place is... wow! you got good people, your taste in music is top-notch, you got a pool table that ain't all worn and cues that aren't warped or broken, you set fresh chalk out," she paused to salt her hand, bite a bit of lime, and then down the rest of her shot, "the drinks are spot on... dayumn, girl, how you manage all this?"
Soullll sat down in the booth where she set the rest of the pool balls. "Please, have a seat!"
(( OOC: Soullll isn't from the south per se, more Midwest, specifically St. Louis, but her family still has that deep south mentality and upbringing courtesy her maternal grandmother. And yes, sistahs be doin' it fo' themselves.))
"City of Heroes. April 27, 2004 - August 31, 2012. Obliterated not with a weapon of mass destruction, not by an all-powerful supervillain... but by a cold-hearted and cowardly corporate suck-up."
Gal allowed a smile to replace the mock-scowl, mostly at the compliments. The other woman was tall, well built and seemed to have good sense. This far north, it was rare to see someone with the skin color and accent of the south, and sometimes she missed it.
"Long way from Cahokia," she said looking around at the room and actually realizing how far it was. "An' I couldn'na done it without some friends." She stepped to the booth but didn't sit, knowing that as the owner, she was always working.
"I'd love ta' sit a spell with ya', but a woman's work is nevah' done," she held up the hem of her apron to show. "Jus' ain't often I get someone in tha' talks without an accent, an it's nice tah' see a friendly face.
"If ya' like tah' stay for a bite, I could arrange somethin' decent tah' eat." She lifted one eyebrow. "I keep a touch of fatback an have some nice chops?"
((OOC: I almost choked on my milk when you said St Louis. Gal is from Cahokia, which everyone calls East St Louis, literally from the wrong side of the tracks. These girls could have been neighbors! Blue, have you ever been to Cahokia Park? Near the UP tracks on 157? If Soulll wants to stay around, I guarantee Gal will make her evening fun, and they could talk about old times. BTW, my wife is no-joke from Cahokia, Ill. Small world, and welcome to the thread!))
"Oh yah, LONG way!! Altho' I'm from Florrisant, meself..." Soullll looked a bit wistful. "But, Poppa done passed away, we sold the house, and Momma, well, Momma's got herself someplace outside of Tucson now. Said she'd had enough of the Midwest, wanted to go someplace she could keep the chill outta her bones come wintertime...."
Soullll shook her head slightly, then shook Gal's hand lightly. "Anyways, yah, good to see someone from the Gateway City, neh? And yah, I'se a mite peckish, come ta think of it. Them chops sound GOOD.... but here I am, keepin' y'all from yo customers! I'll be here awhile, planned on makin' an evenin' out... ain't no hurry."
Soullll turned and caught Gertrude's eye. "Sugah, if you'd be so kind as to ask that lovely elfmaiden behin' th' bar to pour me another double shot? Yeah, Cuervo gold, and nev'mind the lime, I still got this'n heah."
"City of Heroes. April 27, 2004 - August 31, 2012. Obliterated not with a weapon of mass destruction, not by an all-powerful supervillain... but by a cold-hearted and cowardly corporate suck-up."
"Ach, 'tis nah for all I suppose," Steve motioned to the glass of champagne in her hand. "Would ha' been for tha' barons in mah' day, we enjoyed a fine malt or brew. But would nah' ha' been noticed were't bath water wi' such a sight as you." His smile widened.
Gal was missing from her stage kitchen, but he had not seen where, or when, she left. As it was, Gypsy seemed to be involved with a couple further away and he just spied Martin escorting someone to a table. Beth was making her way across the floor towards them now, carrying a tray from the kitchens.
As Gertrude dropped off another double shot of ta-kill-ya, Soullll resumed her pool game. She'd gotten a real good vibe off Gal, the lady who ran this place... and there was a 'good vibe' to the place itself, like this would be one of those havens of sanity she could occasionally wander into.
In between shots, she checked out other patrons, especially those who came in alone or in groups. She knew better than to size up couples, but it'd been a while since she'd even considered spending time with anybody. Shoot, the last date she'd had was.... well, before That Day.
She shook her head again, as she did anytime her train of thought went toward a place she didn't like to visit. Maybe those ladies she'd joined up with... what were they called again? Oh yeah. The Stiletto-Heeled Enforcers. Perhaps this would be a fun spot to unwind with a few of them. Strangely enough, although she'd always thought of herself as straight (more like straight-laced!) she wasn't shying away from the thought that several of the girls she'd met... intrigued her.
Another head shake, as she sunk the 9-ball to end her current game. Keep things simple. Have some fun, get a good dinner, listen to some music, meet some folks, get a little tipsy, maybe even drunk if she arranged for a ride home first... and if she met somebody nice and attractive and fun in the process, so much the better.
"City of Heroes. April 27, 2004 - August 31, 2012. Obliterated not with a weapon of mass destruction, not by an all-powerful supervillain... but by a cold-hearted and cowardly corporate suck-up."
Falcon had noticed Beth as well. She glanced at her, not wanting to stare, but wondering if that tray was for them or for some other table. She then turned towards Steve again.
"And you? What happened to you these days? I hope that your experiences have been better than mine" she smiled, crossing her arms again on the table...
"Aye, at least on tha' side o' injury." Steve said, watching his companion with pleasure. "I ha' been on the hunt wi' a young lass tha' seems to know yer name." A sparkle of mischief lit his otherwise featureless eyes for a moment.
"I'm sorry I took so long," Beth arrived at the table, setting out a small basket of bread and looking definitely abashed.
Falcon looked genuinely surprised. "Lily? Have you met Lily?"
"It is a pleasant coincidence" she smiled "I've met her just this morning, while patrolling Steel Canyon. She's so sweet, so in love with life. She is at my home right now... I guess she told you why?" a pause, waiting for Steve's answer with questioning eyes.
"For now she isn't attending any school... traditional schools or even private ones don't seem to want a little girl with a Guardian Unicorn that protects her and whispers to her all the answers to the tests."
Kitiara's smile broadened, became a small laugh. "That suits her just fine: between her playstation thing, and the first steps toward becoming a true hero, she is very happy to avoid some school days. When the Paragon University will open, though, I've heard there will be a class for superpowered children, too. The professors are supposed to be superheroes themselves, to put a bridle on children's powers and be sure that no one gets hurt or cheats during tests."
After a moment of silence, she smiled, this time it was a silent, quiet smile.
"I think I will become her legal guardian, since she cannot live with her parents anymore."
Then Falcon Kitiara turned towards Beth, and lifted her right hand in greeting.
"Hello, Beth, it's nice to see you. Don't worry about being late - the evening has just started, there's still plenty of time to eat."
"What about you?" she asked, turning her head towards Steve "Do you already know what you'd like to eat?"
"Are you all alone back here?" The waitress picked up the now-empty glasses from the table, making an obvious look around. "Usually a little busier, but slow could be good depending on what you want."
The tray she held balanced easily, showing her years in the business. Wrinkles were just forming around her eyes, but otherwise Gertrude had stayed in good health.
"Have you decided on dinner, or just stick with liquid meals?" One corner of her mouth rose, a smirk that held some humor.
Steve's time was long past, and so many things he did not grasp about this new time. Falcon's comment about becoming Lily's guardian was completely beyond his understanding, and it took a moment to react, which brought him another question that again confused his thoughts.
"Eat?" His expression was befuddled, most of everything following "become her guardian" being unheard.
"I, eh, no. Pardon me." Broad hands lifted the menu again, he tried to concentrate on the foods. "I s'pose the chops, er lamb, I mean." He still sounded lost.
The look on his face was puzzled, but glancing up again, at least he knew he needed to ask more questions. Falcon could manage, he was sure, with the meal. Until then, he kept the menu up to hide the embarrassment he felt.
[ QUOTE ]
"Are you all alone back here?" The waitress picked up the now-empty glasses from the table, making an obvious look around. "Usually a little busier, but slow could be good depending on what you want."
The tray she held balanced easily, showing her years in the business. Wrinkles were just forming around her eyes, but otherwise Gertrude had stayed in good health.
"Have you decided on dinner, or just stick with liquid meals?" One corner of her mouth rose, a smirk that held some humor.
[/ QUOTE ]
Soullll turned around to look at the kindly waitress. In doing so, she weaved slightly; the tequila was starting to affect her balance. Time to sit down.
"Yeah, ain't no one back here but me sugah. And I could use a bite. Lesee now... y'all got a plate of ribs, mebbe some cornbread an' slaw? And yah, you right, don' need no' mo' tequila, least fo' now. Ice tea be fine."
Now she remembered why she didn't drink much anymore. Wasn't that she couldn't handle the liquor, but it did make it hard to judge angles and vectors, things she had a direct hand in controlling. So, Kashaye, just relax, pretend you ain't got no powers, couldn't hit the broad side of a barn right now anyway. Food would be good. Food would be very very good.
"City of Heroes. April 27, 2004 - August 31, 2012. Obliterated not with a weapon of mass destruction, not by an all-powerful supervillain... but by a cold-hearted and cowardly corporate suck-up."
Falcon smiled at Steve's confusion. She didn't know what was puzzling him so: could it be that he had been so distracted by the bandage on her breast that he had completely forgot about the dinner? Maybe, but his befuddlement seemed something recent. Maybe something she had said?
She turned towards Beth.
"A mushrooms of season appetizer, and a kaesespaetzle. I'll drink some red beer with it - Chimay red would be good if you have it."
She browsed the menu, a bit uncertain: she had fought a lot that day, and she was really hungry. She skipped lunch too - had been knee deep in the sewers at that time, and it kinda chased away all the hunger that she had at the moment... - sore muscles and empty stomach: she craved something else too.
She turned again towards Steve.
"If I ordered a Portobello special too, would you share it with me? It would probably be too much to eat a whole one alone."
Gertrude had no need of a pad to take the order, she would write it down when she got back to her wait station. The lady was a little loose on her feet, but nothing that needed tending, and she was leaving off the liquor now anyway.
"Gal would say she makes the best pan-fried cornbread North of Terre Haute." She grinned at the dark-skinned woman. "Would you like greens with that? Gal makes a good Southern Platter, ships in the Collards from Saint Charles."
Part of a good waitress' job was making small talk with patrons. Since there were no other players, she thought maybe some company would be good, until someone else showed up.
"Iced Tea, and a Southern Platter, be right back."
As he approached the bar, Armitage watched the diminutive woman going about her duties. His other vision confirmed that this was no girl encased in ice, but rather a maiden made of pure ice. He took an empty spot at the bar.
[ QUOTE ]
"Hello, I am Narshawn, welcome to Ladies by the Lake." She motioned to the room, her small hand lingering in the direction of the pool room. "The smoking area is there, but Gertrude will provide a full menu and serve you anywhere. May I provide something for you now? Perhaps to carry with you?"
[/ QUOTE ]
Cute smile you got there, kiddo. He said and returned Narshwans smile with a full one of his own. His own elongated canines were often the cause for some people to mistake him for a vampire. He sat the worn black leather journal on the counter top. Lazirus Maximillion Armitage. Pleasure to meet you. He extended his hand toward her.
Seeing her hesitate he said, Its ok. Here, watch, Ill show you a magic trick. He pulled his hand back and unbuttoned his sleeve. After rolling the sleeve back up his forearm he raised his arm and clenched his fingers into a fist. He looked down at the bar for a moment, hesitated, and took two steps back. Slowly, his skin began to darken at the fingertips. It began to tattoo his skin black and spread down the white skin of his arm like an ink spill. Insubstantial wisps of tendrils began to stir along his fist and forearm. In a matter of seconds they appeared to be somewhere between gaseous and liquid. I too know what it means to have to be careful around people. After saying that, he unclenched his fist and his arm suddenly returned to being white. He rolled down his sleeve and buttoned it. He then offered his hand to her again.
((OOC If she doesnt wont to shake his hand he will understand. If she does decide to shake his hand he will receive a firm, but gentle handshake. ))
He looked at the bottles on the wall. Hmm, Ill have an amber beer in a bottle. You can choose the brand. He took off his glasses and set them on top of the journal. His eyes were the same black liquid color that his arm had been moments before. He blinked several times and the darkness faded, revealing pale grey eyes. He tucked the unlit cigarette behind his ear.
((OOC If you want to know what effect I was trying to go for with the eyes, watch Event Horizon. The part were the doctor is on the ship and having a dream about his dead wife.))
Armitage DM/INV/Dark Scrapper Lvl 50
Felonie Energy/Energy/GW Brute Lvl 50
Global ID:Armitage
"But does one ever truly have a choice? One can only match, move by move, the machinations of fate, and thus defy the tyrannous stars."