Um, hi there, Im Nick. Despite his own exploits (including, on the inside, being as much machine as man) and daily exposure to the oddities of heroes and villains seeing Narshawn behind the bar still caused some pause. That and he was still a bit paranoid about being recognized no matter how slim that chance.
The bar is
alive? He smiled and shook his head. Why should I expect anything less? You have an impressive array of alcohol here, but I think I have to go with the 30 year Laphroaig and a beer on the side perhaps a stout or a porter.
Realizing he was still wearing sunglasses inside, he slipped them off and tucked them in a pocket. With an almost imperceptible whir the cybernetic eye immediately adjusted to the change in light level.
He could feel the chill coming off of the woman and for a moment thought about what that existence would be like. So what was with the long downtime of this place? Remodeling or something? He tried to smile at the wispy ice-woman as she floated past, and started to relax just a little bit.
"Shut up Mr. Burton, you are not brought upon this world to get it!" - Lo Pan
@MadGremlin
"If you're makin' reservations, then it will get tasted tonight." Gal would share it, maybe even make time to sit and talk a little if the group was inclined.
"You know that whenever you decide to come in, Martin'll make tables for you." She held the bottle gratefully, looking at the label. She was no wine afficianado, but she knew that this woman had taste. "Ramble on, long as you like. It's too often that polite conversation gets pushed aside."
Katarin looked at the license, realizing that it was some official document. The photo and the woman were the same, but she had no idea what it declared.
"You have no need to prove you're identity to me, Miss. I am not an authority or," the consternation on her face indicated she regretted the last statement. "I mean," she continued in her sharp accent, "you do not need to show me identification."
Where she was from, failure to produce papers was a serious, serious offense. Gal had been very kind in showing the young woman differences between this world and her own, but some things were taught by experience. Her smile returned, the best way to make amends.
"Please, the bar is through here." She led down the short hall, holding the passage door open. Beyond, the warmth and sounds of the bar drifted back.
Narshawn, while not able to imbibe alcohol, did know the finer ones from her voracious reading and encyclopaedic knowledge. What she read, she would never forget, another advantage of her peculiar physiology. Her motionless eyes held his for a moment, he also had less water in his form than would be normal for a human, she noted.
"A good choice , Sir. Do you care for that neat, on rocks or simply with the beer?" She floated up the wall to the scotch, natural in her movements in flight. "We have several types of beer, on tap, but for stout, I would recommend the Black Labrador. It is a local brewery." She could speak about that beverage, from experience.
"Yes, the bar is alive. It grows from the ground, and is trained to stay this shape."
She came back before him with the alcohol, setting it carefully on the large coaster, then moving to get his request from the taps. "Miss Gal, and many others of us here, are members of a group, The Sisters. Her partner was injured, seriously, in a mission, as were several of us." Her voice never held emotion, but could not be called monotone, with a clinking sound somehow mixed in.
"Miss Gal has only recovered from the radiation sickness, and her partner suffered from it as well. I am glad to return. And what about you, sir?" She wasn't sure if this person was human or something else, but he seemed willing to talk. She had gained an appreciation for that.
((OOC: If you have a brand in mind, feel free to see it on tap or in the bottle. They can accomodate most anything, and aim to please 
))
((OOC: Apologies for the delay. I was laid out all of yesterday with a migraine.))
"Nah." He shook his head, smiling, "I tried out a high-tech unie for a while but I found it just got in the way of me fightin'. So, I went back to the spandex, gave it a few touch-ups to update the look a bit and make it more comfortable, and hit the streets. I still keep a coupla techie thingos like the mask, but I try to keep it simple."
He reached out an arm and flexed his hand. A thin coating of sparkling ice formed over his black spandex glove.
"'Sides which, when you've already got powers, anything too fancy just gets in the way."
My story arcs: #2370- Noah Reborn, #18672- The Clockwork War, #31490- Easy Money
Sartre once said, "Hell is other people." What does that make an MMO?
[ QUOTE ]
Katarin looked at the license, realizing that it was some official document. The photo and the woman were the same, but she had no idea what it declared.
"You have no need to prove you're identity to me, Miss. I am not an authority or," the consternation on her face indicated she regretted the last statement. "I mean," she continued in her sharp accent, "you do not need to show me identification."
Where she was from, failure to produce papers was a serious, serious offense. Gal had been very kind in showing the young woman differences between this world and her own, but some things were taught by experience. Her smile returned, the best way to make amends.
"Please, the bar is through here." She led down the short hall, holding the passage door open. Beyond, the warmth and sounds of the bar drifted back.
[/ QUOTE ]
Jenni looked over at the tall woman and then smiled as she was led in. "Mahalo Nui." She said with her perky smile as her lei was attracting a LOT of attention towards her. She finally made her way to the bar and smiled, seeing that the section of the bar that she was sitting in was non-smoking, and hoping to see the sights of the bar that was around her after getting a couple of drinks here and there.
She finally took a seat and waited for the bartender to take her order, hoping that the bar had the drink that she had in mind.
Neat for the scotch and the Labrador sounds great for the beer. A bit of a smile touched the edge of his mouth, but turned to a frown with the mention of mission injuries.
So this group must be heroes? Dangerous business for certain. Yup, just his luck to pick a place full of heroes. Still, despite the feeling that the woman behind the bar could see through him, at the same time she made him feel comfortable. He raised the glass of scotch. To good food and good drink. He said quietly, then took a smooth, even sip, savoring the smoky flavor.
[ QUOTE ]
And what about you, sir?"
[/ QUOTE ]
Well there was the inevitable question. He doubted the stock import/export business response would go over well. Me? I spent some time in the military.
Just then an Asian woman wearing shorts and a lei walked into the bar - distraction from having to talk about himself, perfect. He nodded and gave a slight smile to the woman as she sat down.
"Shut up Mr. Burton, you are not brought upon this world to get it!" - Lo Pan
@MadGremlin
The young woman watched the display of powers. She, personally had no super-powers, besides the one that resided in her mind. Technology fascinated her, and her talent lay in reverse engineering, and improving it.
"You should meet Narshawn," she smiled, dimples under her cheeks showing. "I'm sorry, I forgot about dinner. Have you looked over the menu? Or would you like time, while I bring your wine?
"Specials are a fairly spicy seafood stew, no shellfish in that and the ever present Southern Steak. Gal makes that, and it is very good, if you eat meat." She said aside, a little quieter, "And don't ask for that well-done, unless you want to meet Gal."
Her hands still itched to pull his mask apart, but she had a job. On the Island, she would spend days in the one electronics lab, sleeping a little at a time. The Sisters eschewed technology, but they were not ignorant of it.
"Mahalo Nui."
Katarin waited a moment, unsure how to respond. The woman spoke in something other than English, or German. She did not understand, but smiled and nodded politely. People here were much more friendly than on her world.
She finally took a seat and waited for the bartender to take her order...
"Good evening," Narshawn said, passing by with Nick's beer. "I am Narshawn, the bartender, and I will be back in a moment." She continued down the bar, leaving the beer in front of the slightly untidy man already gazing at a glass of scotch.
She returned after a short, and friendly exchange with him.
"Welcome to Ladies, how may I help you?" She smiled, closed lipped. She never really seemed to have a complete expression, but she tried. A smile that did not reach the eyes, a frown that did not seem equal on both sides of her face. Facial expression was not normal, but she tried as a matter of politeness.
"We have a full menu, just as the restaurant, and a large selection of beverages. You look to be attending, or returning from, a festival. Perhaps something celebratory?" The woman had the proportions of a child, barely over four feet tall, but her manners were mature.
((OOC: Assume that Nar can handle unlimited guests, and never detracts from one to help another. She can still talk to Nick and Jenni at the same time.))
While he had never gotten her name last time, Rock had a good idea who Narshawn might be. He was going to comment, but Babetta had already continued into her descriptions of the specials. Part of him was tempted to order the steak well done just to meet this "Gal" that she had mentioned, but he had a craving for fish that wouldn't be denied.
"Well, the steak is tempting, but the penguin in me wants to be fed. So I guess I'll take the albacore tuna. Steak'll have to wait until next time, I guess."
My story arcs: #2370- Noah Reborn, #18672- The Clockwork War, #31490- Easy Money
Sartre once said, "Hell is other people." What does that make an MMO?
Albion Saint was in Kings Row on business when he spied the sign of a fine dining establishment. Ladies by the Lake, Restaurant and Bar. Grand Re-Opening.
The swill most eateries in Paragon, Albion thought of as classify as subpar only to airline food. Having lived in Europe for years, he had acquired a higher class palate for comestibles. Of course there were some places in the States where a person could get a decent meal, but inevitably the chef had seen training in Europe.
Albion was neither hero, or villain. He liked to think of himself as a forward thinking entrepreneur. Putting a label on one's self could hamper one's mobility in life. The business deal wasn't panning out, so he set his sights on the restaurant.
He stopped to check his black Fioravanti suit, a habitual and unconscious act. With a few simple incantations he could achieve flight, but he didn't want to attract that kind of attention here. Not that a 6 1/2 foot tall, scar faced albino with a long ponytail didn't draw attention. He adjusted his Michael Kors mirror shades down partially to protect his sensitive eyes, but also to hide his recent scar over his left eye. A souvenir from dealings with a less than cooperative business acquaintance.
He walked the few blocks to the restaurant, hoping to get his mind off the Circle of Thorns punk who tried to rip him off this morning. He underestimated Albion's magical aptitude. Neophyte. The orichalcum he had tried to sell me was common slag. Probably got it from the ruins of Baumton from the looks of it. He knew the deal had gone sour and attempted a quick summoning. Proselyte. I'd been there last night and inscribed outsider wards. They held and he made a break for it. The slag he tried to sell me became one with his hand. Suffice to say he won't pass bogus mystic materials any longer.
I wonder if the Ladies will have decent crudités? He thought aloud as he entered the establishment. He was astonished to see a proper steward arranging seating for the patrons. He was going to have a nice time here, he could feel it.
((OOC - Albion is my soon-to-be Thug Mastermind for CoV when I7 hits. He is erudite and arrogant. A trait I've not attempted with any of my RP characters...honest! If he offends, then I know I've attained my goal. His origin will be forthcoming, as he is not a villain...yet. He is magic origin. Thug/Dark Miasma. He uses thugs because they don't need training like ninjas, they don't require building like robots, they don't rot and stink of death and decay like zombies, and they're not apt to kill you in your sleep like mercenaries.))
"Oh shoot, just find me a quiet table. And yeah, let Gal know I'm here. I'm SO glad she opened back up. This 'hood's been without decent cookin' for awhile now."
"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."
"Good evening," Narshawn said, passing by with Nick's beer. "I am Narshawn, the bartender, and I will be back in a moment." She continued down the bar, leaving the beer in front of the slightly untidy man already gazing at a glass of scotch.
Jenni nodded softly as she then waited for Narshawn to take care of the man sitting next to Jenni.
She returned after a short, and friendly exchange with him.
"Welcome to Ladies, how may I help you?" She smiled, closed lipped. She never really seemed to have a complete expression, but she tried. A smile that did not reach the eyes, a frown that did not seem equal on both sides of her face. Facial expression was not normal, but she tried as a matter of politeness.
"Well... I am wondering what you have." Jenni said hoping to find out.
"We have a full menu, just as the restaurant, and a large selection of beverages. You look to be attending, or returning from, a festival. Perhaps something celebratory?" The woman had the proportions of a child, barely over four feet tall, but her manners were mature.
Jenni giggled softly at the short Narshawn's remarks. "You can say... that I am always in a festival of some sort... but yes, I am celebrating something very exciting. I just came back to town after winning the Women's Division of the Oahu Surfing Invitational back home in Hawai'i. I am soo stoked that I finally won it." She said smiling as she then looked over at the menu.
"You wouldn't happen to know how to serve Mai Tais, would you? If not, I can show you how I do it in Maui if you like." She said as she looked around the bar and smiling. 'I could get used to this place' she thought to herself as she waited for Narshawn's response.
"The fish is fresh, so it should appeal to your 'inner Penguin'," she smiled, bringing out her dimples again. "I'll be right back with your wine."
She turned to leave, in time to catch sight of a large albino entering the main doors. There were enough oddities in Paragon, but that man would still stand out, she thought.
A few moments later, she passed back to the table, a glass in her hand. The wine was poured out in the Bar, regulations, but it came direct from the bottle. There were rumors of watering in other places, but not here.
Somewhat small, slightly chubby hands whisked a coaster into place at the table, and she settled the glass on it.
"Will the wine be ok?" She waited for him to taste or smell it, it was a rule that the patron approve of wines and liquors before the staff left the table.
"Good evening, Sir," Beth said from the podium, both Martin and Katarin helping other guests. She had to look far up into the pale face. "Welcome to Ladies by the Lake, I'm Beth. Would you care for a table?"
The young woman looked to have no apprehension or idea the man was more than a very well dressed patron.
**************
Gal, talking warmly to a smaller, brightly dressed woman in a nearby alcove, paused. Still keeping attention on the woman with her, she stepped partially back, subtley. Something tingled in her mind, her intuition that came with her powers.
It wasn't really danger or threat, just some sort of...menace or caution. It seemed as though something between good and evil was about. She could not pinpoint it, but the direction of the entrance seemed to exude a warning. Gypsy had the same sort of aura she felt now, a taint.
Well, nothing that meant ill could walk through that door. If Lord Recluse had only wanted a decent meal, he could have passed, but if he meant any mischief, he would only find a brick wall where any hero saw the interior of the restaurant. It was an enchantment given by a Sister, and she trusted it's power.
So, whatever was coming, was only the hint of possibilities, or had not formed yet. She turned back to Lili, putting the thought into the back of her mind for now.
Narshawn delivered the beer, after greeting the young woman in Island clothes, and noticed Nick's seeming reluctance to talk.
Well, she thought, a good bartender knows when to talk and when not to. His attention was focussed more on the newcomer anyway.
Nightrayne sat on the side of a building looking at a recent addition to 'her' neighborhood. The 14-year-old vaugely recalled seeing the sign back in her days on the street before the Council kidnapped her. However, like nearly every 'civilized' estamblishment, she had assumed they would turn the pre-teen homeless nobody away with varying degrees of politness.
Still, things were different now. She was a Warshade, bound with an alien warrior and more then capable of taking caring of herself. She was still homeless, but that was more because she was used to it. Biting her lip in thought, she finally gave a fatalistic shrug and jaunted down to streetlevel.
Taking a moment to settle her gray hair, sweatshirt and dark blue jeans, Rachel opened to door and looked in.
"'ello? You take walkins 'r I need to make a res'vations 'r somethin'?"
Pinnacle
Heroes
When in danger, or in doubt; Run in circles, scream and shout.
"Certainly," Beth said, pulling a menu from the stack beneath the podium and waving one arm towards the interior. "A quiet table for one, Gal will be so glad to know you are here."
Soul and Beth had just departed when the Albino walked through the door, Gal not seeing them walk to a table near the cooking dais, but shielded from most other patrons. It was in a booth, with a privacy drape if she chose to use it. Most of all, it was one of the more intimate places they had to offer, for those who simply wanted to eat in peace.
"I'll make sure Gal knows you're here," the pale-faced Beth said as they arrived. Can I get you something to drink first? Tea, maybe a Long Island?" Beth was gaining a good feel for people's moods, and Soul looked to need something calming and friendly.
"Mai Tai?" Narshawn did know how the drink was made, but every person seemed to have their own take on things in this City. She had been chastised thoroughly by a gentleman on her making of a Martini, so she thought better to ask.
"Perhaps you would be so kind, and instruct me?"
Ladies' Mai Tai
1 oz. Royal Hawaiian Light Rum
1 oz. Lemon Hart 86 Demerara Rum
1 oz. Bols Orange Curacao
Dash French Orgeat Syrup
Dash Mandala's Rock Candy Syrup
Juice of half a Lime
1/4 oz. Lemon Juice
Orange Juice
"We do squeeze our juices fresh," Narshawn added.
He laughed to himself a bit. A Hawaiian championship surfer why not, this is Paragon after all.
When Narshawn had a moment he asked for a menu and a wine list. When she delivered them he perused the menu as he sipped his drinks.
You could spend a whole night just sampling the bar in this place and not make a dent in your offerings. He commented, thoroughly considering that very thing.
"Shut up Mr. Burton, you are not brought upon this world to get it!" - Lo Pan
@MadGremlin
He took a sip of his wine, then smiled and nodded his approval.
"The wine is excellent, thank you."
My story arcs: #2370- Noah Reborn, #18672- The Clockwork War, #31490- Easy Money
Sartre once said, "Hell is other people." What does that make an MMO?
"I'll take any available seat you have." Albion said to Martin. "I would have made reservations, had I known I was going to be in the area."
He casually inspected his surroundings, caution was a neccessity these days. His family mansion on Talos Island had been broken into. He knew who had been there...and exactly what they took. Unfortunately, she covered her tracks very well. No one in Paragon City would ever believe his word against hers. Foul witch. She had no right. The book had been in his family for 6 generations. His grandfather's grandfather had purchased the book in France. He had to control his anger, and put the matter out of his thoughts for the moment.
Before being seated, Albion discreetly calls Martin's attention.
"Excuse me my good man, but I have a few items on my person that would most likely be deemed inappropriate for this esablishment."
He opens his suit slightly to show his Bianchi Tuxedo shoulder holster sporting twin chrome Desert Eagle .50's.
"I do have the proper license for them, in case you're wondering. Do you have a lock box I can store them in."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
After being seated... (if he is allowed after the firearm incident...)
"Would you happen to have a bottle of 1982 Chateau Figeac? It's one of my favorite Bordeaux. I did some business with Thierry back in 82. He was gracious enough to let me take a few cases of the 82 for my own scant wine cellar. If you don't have any, I'd be delighted to bring a few bottles in for your sommelier to sample."
"I'd like to start out with some crudités, if they are on the menu."
((OOC- Love this thread! Don't fear Albion Saint...fear what Albion Saint will soon become. lol 
))
And the day to relax comes for our little, not-too-smart villain, Cap'n Mystery. "Fighting good guys is thirsty work!" He says to himself, walking down the street to 'Gal's Place' He spots a few Hellions, and decides to attack them. "DIIIIIIEEEE!" He shrieks, jumping in, a foot aimed at a gunner's head. The gunner simply reaches up, grabbing him by the foot and drops him. "You got my suit dirty! GAH!" He blasts away the gunner, the blue energy pounding on him with recoil. It's good to be enchanted. The Blood Brothers look dumbfoundedly at the short blue man, then flee as a wave of rippled energy streams towards them. After grabbing the loot, he continues on his way. "Wait... Where am I headed again? Oh... I'm here." He steps in, looking over the crowd from his short stance. (( Cap'n is almost as low as you can on the slider. Almost. )) He hefts himself on a seat, leaning on the bar, left to right, his sleek glasses reflecting light. He brushes off his blue suit, dust flying as he does so. He looks around for a menu, but sighs, seeing it's out of reach.
[ QUOTE ]
"Certainly," Beth said, pulling a menu from the stack beneath the podium and waving one arm towards the interior. "A quiet table for one, Gal will be so glad to know you are here."
Soul and Beth had just departed when the Albino walked through the door, Gal not seeing them walk to a table near the cooking dais, but shielded from most other patrons. It was in a booth, with a privacy drape if she chose to use it. Most of all, it was one of the more intimate places they had to offer, for those who simply wanted to eat in peace.
"I'll make sure Gal knows you're here," the pale-faced Beth said as they arrived. Can I get you something to drink first? Tea, maybe a Long Island?" Beth was gaining a good feel for people's moods, and Soul looked to need something calming and friendly.
[/ QUOTE ]
"Oh shoot, just some sweet ice tea'd be fine. Might have a drink wit' dinner, might not."
Soul looked around as they crossed the restaurant proper. "Lookin' like y'all won't have no shortage of clientele, even wit' a portal to that club a few blocks away. Gal's prolly real happy 'bout that, huh?"
"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."
[ QUOTE ]
))
((OOC: Too late to join? Nonsense, lass, all are welcome, and I can manipulate time as I see fit
The green haired woman smiled, taking in the leisure wear and the smiling woman wearing it. The lei was something new, she had never seen it's like, but the flowers were beautiful.
"A dress code, yes there is. You look to be wearing native attire," she misunderstood the shorts, as she misunderstood much about the world, "and Miss Brown allows that."
"Welcome to Ladies by the Lake, would you care to dine with us?" This word, 'Aloha', she did not recognize, but it was rude to ask about it, perhaps later she would ask Beth.
((OOC: We will assume that Lili's visit was before this encounter, and perhaps concluded just before. Gal is on her way to meet Lili, and K is free to speak to Jenni. I try to keep everyone involved, and realize that some people can only post once a day. No worries, post as you feel, and I will handle the timing. Or, interact and enjoy!))
[/ QUOTE ]
((OOC: That works for me too. I wasn't intending on having Lili seeing Jenni yet anyways so it would be a little surprise... hehe))
Jenni looked over and smiled. "I might dine later on... but I would like to partake with your bar if that is OK." She said flashing out her Hawaii Driver's License which showed that she was over 21.
"I hope that you recognize out-of-state licenses." Jenni said smiling in her usual laid-back and chipper self. "I never got a chance to go back to the tents and get my security badge after I got off the plane. I am sorry if that is an inconvienience." She said. It was a 6 hour time difference to Jenni at the moment since her body was still on Maui time. Even though it was 4 Pm to everyone else, to Jenni it was still 10 Am.