Magnus entered the restroom, locked the door behind him, and wept.
After several long minutes, he gained control of his emotions and looked at himself in the mirror. Dont think about her, fool! he admonished himself. Especially while out in public. Youre a HERO for goodness sake!
Two gashes across his forehead, a purple bruise on his right cheek, and large burn marks on his neck and forearms detracted from his above-average appearance. His naturally tan skin (due to his Filipino ethnicity) was speckled with dry blood, not all of it his own. His usually neatly-groomed blue hair was disheveled, and he frowned at his reflection before washing his face.
After patting himself dry with paper towels, Magnus reflected on what the woman at the bar told him, and he realized how inappropriately dressed he was for such a nice establishment. What was I thinking? he reprimanded himself. Im not dressed for this place. At least she said I could sit at the bar.
Refreshed from the wash, the young man exited the restroom and sat at the bar. He did his best to smile at Gypsy, but his eyes held a sadness that his grin could not mask. Im sorry for being inadequately dressed, he apologized. Im just so hungry, and Ive heard so many good things about this place.
"Not problem for me," Gypsy said as she bustled by with several platters balanced on one arm. "Some here, might think blood a bad omen." She paused as Narshawn saw the new man at the bar and hovered close.
"Daughter, be wary of letting the food get cold." It was an admonishment, in kind terms, since Gypsy was rarely in the bar. It would require too much bowing, having a novice and her mentor in the room together, and Gal had asked that they work in separate parts of the building.
"Good evening, sir, I am Narshawn and welcome to Ladies by the Lake. The bar is open for some time yet, but I would recommend getting any food orders in quickly. The menu is fully available, and there are some tables still unoccupied," the tiny woman pointed with one frosted arm, past Steve and Falcon. "Or, there are Darts and Pool, and the smoking section at the back. Be welcome, but mind the bar."
"May I start you with a beverage," she motioned with a sweeping arm to the wall of exotic, and more local, liquors behind her. She noticed that he looked slightly disheveled, "Perhaps something to calm your nerves?"
((OOC: Narshawn is no stranger to gashes and bruises, or for her, chips and cracks. We don't turn anyone away here, Magnus, and Gypsy did not mean to imply your less than perfect appearance was unwelcome. If Martin can accept a Mohawk and an imp, Narshawn can definitely accept a hero being worn from his day.))
Alex just stared at her. He was angry, and he was confused, and he was nervous, and he wasn't really hungry any more. He didn't like Aliens at all, and he didn't like aliens from an alternate dimension even more. He did like Wendy though, she was like a sister. Granted one hot sister, but that was besides the point. He needed time to think, he needed time to yell. His only friend since getting here and she turns out to be an alien from an alternate dimension no less. "I'm not hungry any more. I'll see ya around, Wendy." He rose from his chair, letting his napkin fall from his lap. He gave Wendy one more look before turning and slowly making his way to the door.
Wendy wanted to stop him, she wanted to force him to talk to her, and she really hated it when people walked out on her, but she knew he needed time to work this through. She would find him tommorrow and see if he wanted to talk then, if not then she would try the next day and if not then the next. Right now though she needed a drink. She stood, found a waitress and signalled that she would be in the bar. As she made her way in she heard the bartender make last call. She grabbed a stool and tried to get the bartenders attention.
Vegas saw Gal coming from the kitchen, and waited for her. Vegas wanted to go check the surveillance cams again. This was Gal's place, but protecting it was job that Dark Vegas took very seriously. Gal patted her on the arm. "Night's almost done Gal. You look like you could use a week at Diva's Spa." Vegas said, giving her an exaggerated up & down glance. "I need to go check the cams one more time tonight. I got an edgy feeling I just can't shake tonight. It's probably nothing, but I want to make sure." she said to Gal, making her way back to the security room.
There were 12 cameras installed around Gal's Place. She had personally helped position each of them. She made sure they all overlapped the coverage when possible. No blind spots at all. The outdoor cams were fitted with NightHawk night vision capability. They were also concealed well, with dummy cameras mounted to throw off suspicions. If a perp were to try and avoid the dummy cam, they'd be in the real ones line of sight. Paranoia sometimes paid off for Dark Vegas. She was paid to be paranoid though.
She examined all the video screens. Nothing out of the ordinary. She turned to leave and something caught her eye on camera 8. That was the back alley cam. She found a kids sticker featuring The BackAlley Brawler at the dollar store and put it above camera 8's monitor. Having a sense of humor sometimes helped. On the back steps of the restaurant, near the small loading dock was an item covered with a cloth tarp. That wasn't supposed to be there. She made sure nothing, absolutely nothing would block a quick exit from the establishment. She went to the front to tell Gal and Gypsy she was going out back a second, then made her way to the back door.
She slowly pushed the bar on the door, and swung it wide with her right foot before stepping out. She was met with only the cool night air and the hum of A/C units on the rooftops. She stepped out onto the loading dock towards the curiosity. She used her Maglite® to prod the cloth. The item was about 5 ft by 4 ft. It was leaning against the rail. It was solid and flat. She flipped the tarp cover back to reveal brown shipping paper wrapped with twine. She tested it's weight and guessed 80 or so lbs. It was way too late for deliveries, and no one rang the recieving buzzer. She stepped inside and got a handtruck to bring it inside. Tipping it carefully upright, a small card fell out. "Shipping manifest?" she said outloud, but it wasn't. Written in black script was this, "Ni dhiolann dearmad fiacha." Vegas had no idea what it meant let alone what language it was in. She brought both inside the bar for Gal and the others to see.
"Well, go ahead an open it. Won't no one sleep til we know the contents." Gal says as she reads the strange card. Vegas cut the twine and peeled the paper back. It was a silver gray wooden sign. "Did you order this Gal?" Vegas asks, thoroughly surprised.
((For Alex))
"Sir," Martin was just turning from the door as Alex made his way out, "I hope that our service has not been the cause of your rush."
The Maitre 'd had a somewhat concerned frown. "You will pardon me for saying so, sir, but you appear to be a bit aggitated. I offer my apologies that Ladies could not serve you better, but you are always welcome, at Miss War's invitation." The still unwrinkled man gave a short sketch of a bow and turned the key, opening the door.
((OOC: Martin would attempt to find out what could cause a patron to be so discomfitted, but would not seek to irritate that patron further in person. He will let Alex out, and then investigate, unless Alex chooses to dress him down or talk. If the former, Martin would accept it as his duty, no retort, if the latter he would certainly step into the walk, also his duty to the restaurant. Why do your think good English Butlers are so respected?))
((To Wendy))
"Yes ma'am, that was last call...but," Narshawn saw Gertrude entering the kitchen, it wouldn't do to have her know Nar bent the rules, "you ordered before that. What may I get for you?"
Narshawn glanced around, fairly certain there had been a tall man with her eariler, Certain of it, with a mohawk.
"Will it be one or two glasses, you had the Cosmopolitans?" She was drawing another beer for Steve as she spoke, it seemed he was getting along well with the beautiful woman.
((OOC: Nicely done, very elegant sign.))
OOC: I agree, I agree!
"Weren't me," Gal said, eyeing the package, and contents, with suspicion. "I sure don't know what the card says, Sib would know maybe. They're better at languages than I am."
The stoves were off, and several of the kitchen help bustled around, cleaning.
"Get Nar, she studies language. I'd like not to have this around unless I have an idea if that says 'Be well' or 'Push up daisies'. Your call, Vegas."
((OOC: Very nice Thang. I could only respond: Molann an obair an fear. Sadly, Gal doesn't know the tongue, not everyone on the island learns it. 
))
[ QUOTE ]
by Isis
Jus' tell me a place an' time an' I'll be there. Though, I don' know what you'd have me talk about."
[/ QUOTE ]
"Just be yourself. These kids need to know that people care about the community where they live. Yeah, they see heroes in the news and even on their own block sometimes. Some of them want to grow up to be a hero, others think they shouldn't do anything to help because there are enough heroes around. That leads to a why-should-I-help attitude. They need to know that everyone needs to do what they can. I try to teach them the best I can. That don't mean I'm makin' lil' vigilantes." he chuckled. "I just wanna show 'em that we do care about more than just the next mob of bad guys."
"Well Isis, I have had a great time meeting with you. Here's they number for King's Gym. Tell Leo who you are and he'll find a time that fits your schedule. I'm down there as often as I can be." he says, offering his hand and the card to Miss Jones. "Thank you again! I hope to be hearin' from you soon."
((OOC: He's not trying to rush off, but it's getting late at the bar and he does have a Mrs. Thang and lil' Thangs at home.))
((OOC: To Sib. Thank you. It's the very least I could do. I'm wondering if Steve would know it? If so, Is maith an scéalaí an aimsir. To those who are curious, PM me for the translation...or Google it. ))
Alex stopped and looked at Martin. "Nah it wasn't the service it was the company." He stook a step outside and paused. Turning back to Martin he dug into his pocket pulling out some bills, easily double the drinks. "This should cover the bill, thanks." Then he proceeded out the door.
((OOC: Alex would have talked, but probably not with Martin. He is just way to different for Alex to feel comfortable confiding in.))
Wendy actually noticed the bartender as she spoke. An Ice entity? Who summoned it? "One cosmo, that be all. Actually since that was last call could you follow that with a shot of chilled SoCo?"
((OOC: I hope that assumption by Wendy works for ya, the way you describe Narshawn it seemed apropriate.))
Isis stood up and took his hand, "I will. It was great to meet you. I don't know that I have a lot of fans. I must still have some because money still trickles in but it's really nice to meet one in person. And even better to make a new friend. Be safe okay?" for a moment losing her accent. It isn't that she's lying or faking the accent but when she took up vigilantism she also took the role of Isis to protect her relatives and friends since they were the only ones who knew her real name and her stage name.
Now with an empty plate and an empty table she wondered where Gal went and who was manning the kitchen and what she was going to have to do to get more food.
Gal just caught the tail of Thang's comment
[ QUOTE ]
I'm down there as often as I can be." he says, offering his hand and the card to Miss Jones. "Thank you again! I hope to be hearin' from you soon."
[/ QUOTE ]
"Thang, you don't come down here soon with the Missus and I'm gonna think you got somethin' on the side." She winked to show it was a joke, no more devoted husband did she know, and it wasn't because he was unpopular with the ladies.
"Isis, them kids would be tickled to see the likes of you there," she helped Thang collect the stacks of memorabilia. "I'd bet he's done shown them most of your movies. Compared to that crap they show today..."
She made a very displeased face. Sex, violence and obvious advertisement was what today's movies had, and she preferred anything before the eighties. Isis may have worn small skirts and had a mouth, but she was true and decent in her movies.
"Thang, I got an idea," mind working like crazy, she knew that Ms. Thang's temper was not to trifled with, and Gal had stood toe-to-toe with Dr. Vahz and not batted an eye. "If Isis would care to...how about a charity event? Show the kids that heroes can be fun, too?"
((OOC: Anyone interested in a charity b-ball game or ? Sounds to me like a good way to build some team comraderie and get those youngsters interested.))
Nice to meet you, Narshawn, replied the young man. Im Magnus. He almost offered his hand for a shake, but noticed the whorls of frost emanating from the small womans body and became concerned about getting frozen fingers. Instead, he smiled broadly and nodded.
I would like a gin and tonic. Magnus rubbed his forehead and added, Heavy on the gin, please. He looked sheepishly at Narshawn and then lowered his gaze to the bar counter. Do I come across as being tense, or are you just good at reading people?
He sighed and perused the menu, licking his lips at most of the items he read. Can I have a large bowl of your best soup, and a hearty piece of crusty bread to go with it?
Magnus turned in his chair and scanned the other patrons near the bar. Good-looking and diverse group, for the most part. He noticed an older woman, maybe in her 70s, sitting by herself at a distant table, drinking some hot tea. He smiled sentimentally, and felt his throat tighten in emotion.
He turned away, disgusted at himself for being so sensitive, and shifted his attention back to the mysterious Narshawn.
((OOC: This is my first try at RP story writing. Thanks for the encouragement, and for this thread. Quite fun so far. Hope to learn more as I go along.))
[OOC: I don't know what b-ball is 
however, Falcon is too eager to show Steve how to fly. The following evening she will surely take part in it, her Super reflexes should help if using superpowers will be allowed
And I'm waiting for your answer, sibling, don't think I just abandoned ya all! ]
((TO Wendy))
"You do not need to fear, Miss," Narshawn had noticed the twice over, and would have been surprised not to get two looks. Even with all the heroes in the City, a being that was made of ice was not an everyday sight. "I am in control of my powers, but you would be wise to avoid touching me. Frostbite."
The tiny woman hovered off to assemble the liquors, and nodded to Gertrude. The waitress had done more than her share of the work, Nar intended to speak to Gal about it. She wouldn't say it to the woman, but the ice blaster was impressed.
"I was mistaken, I apologize," she said when she returned, a mist of cold following her. Looking over the cheat sheet behind the bar, it did not indicate if the SoCo should be chilled or with ice. Puzzled, she asked, "Should the beverage, the SoCo, have ice or be chilled in glass?"
In one hand, two ice cubes the shape of pyramids formed, but in the other the glass she held misted with cold. She shrugged, an innocent gesture indicating a question. Her smile was punctuated by fine, pointed teeth.
((OOC: Narshawn will take no offense at questions about her origins, and being an alien from another dimension...they might share a common bond.
It was starting to get late. Manion noticed things start to wind down. He also saw the kitchen getting shut down.
"I wonder if its too late for dessert..." he wondered, "maybe a quick drink at the bar would be ok. Shouldn't take too long."
He was worried about keeping anyone here on account of him.
Either way he was sure he and Beth were bound to talk during the walk to her home.
((To Magnus))
"No, never. I do not have the ability to read minds, and would not violate others that way." She smiled, showing pointed teeth behind her semi-opaque lips.
"Gin and tonic, do you care for a name Gin? I shall use Beefeater if you have none other, and the soup and bread I will order when Gertrude comes."
A moment later she signaled the waitress, telling her to bring a Roetenbrot and Zwiebelsuppe, "Does this meet your needs, sir? The soup I can recommend, the bread is the thickest we have fresh." Gypsy would be pleased, both were her favorites, after the Goulasch, of course. Narshawn did not know bread, her metabolism unable to digest it.
Gertrude paused, waiting for his answer.
((OOC: Everyone has a first time, and it never gets easier ! And Narshawn will be a little formal, she heard your name, until she gets used to you.))
((To Manion))
"I knew it," Beth said when she saw Manion getting up. She had stopped by the staff restroom in the back to clean up a little, and walked through the kitchen to see the young man moving away from his table. He headed to the bar.
*Gertrude,* she thought, pressing down the short jacket she had picked up from her locker. Not high fashion, she shopped several second-hand stores and picked what she could. This was a little older outfit, but clean and without any fraying, work clothes.
She stepped faster, trying to catch up to Manion, and saw Gal ducking into the kitchen. *He probably figured out that Gertrude was a better catch*, she thought through eyes a little wetter than necessary.
"Are you leaving?" the young voice quavered across the now mostly empty room. It was a little louder, a little more desperate than she wanted. Her dark leather purse clutched in one hand, she reached for his bare arm to catch his attention with the other.
"Oh, um, are you leaving?" She said more quietly, already resigned to walking home alone, again.
Somewhere in the kitchen, Gal sliced off a piece of her Mud Pie, and another, for two plates. Beth avoided liquor, but Pepsi was fine, she just needed to ask Gypsy what he had been drinking for the platter as she assembled the ad hoc romantic dessert. The big tanker smiled.
((OOC: And where are you going, hero? Sure, break a young girl's heart.))
The noises of the kitchen staff closing shop touched Rock-hopper's ears. Checking the clock, he jumped to his feet.
"Crikey! Didn't think it was this late. Bloody 'ell! I've got to be up in a few hours, an 'ere I am raging on."
He waved to Dark Basilisk in the smoking section, who was sitting puffing on a nearly-done cigar.
"C'mon mate, bedtime!"
Basilisk took one deep draw from the cigar, then put it out in a nearby ashtray. He joined his two companions. The three settled their bill at the bar, leaving a considerable tip, and left for the night, promising to return.
((OOC: If by "we all do it" you mean forget to mention a name, that was entirely intentional. Dark Basilisk often runs with a somewhat shady crowd, where you don't volunteer your name unless you have to. He's just in that habit.
Also, Rock-hopper runs a law firm in Paragon, specializing in super-hero defense. Sort of the low-profile counterpoint to Chris Jenkins. He does run an ad in the paper (Jason Weather, aka Rock-hopper, defense attorney), but it's often overlooked. If you're looking for sponsors for your charity basketball tournament, he'll chip in for a good cause. Just in case you're looking for corporate sponsors . I'm sure he'd be just as happy to play... Super Jump can't hurt there If Rock's there, then so will be Corvus, but Basilisk would likely not.))
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?
((To Falcon))
Steve felt a little nervous. The dinner had been very pleasant, light conversation, wonderful food and a most pleasing view. It had been rare in the two weeks that he would have enjoyed the quiet hours of the day, so much to think on.
"Well, Miss Falcon," he said as he stood and removed a long leather billfold from his pants. "I b'lieve tha' kitchen is abou' spent." He was nervous about this after dinner part. Did men still walk women home, and she had mentioned something about flying, but he had work to do in the kitchen in a few hours.
He also realized he could not settle the bill with Falcon watching, as there was far not enough money to pay, and she was not easliy fooled. An idea occurred to him.
"Miss Falcon, will you excuse me, I will be ri' back. Miss Gal was ta' speak ta' me abou' Martin." He knew Gal had agreed on the payment, but he had to arrange for Falcon not to see. He turned, then turned again.
"I would be pleased ta' escort ya' to your home, if it's proper."
((OOC: b-ball means Basketball, one of those horrid sports Americans seem willing to indulge in. Give me soccer anyday, Bayern!))
((OOC: no no no! ACK! I wasnt headed for the bar... sorry if it seemed that way... oh dear... just considering the options in case it was too late for dessert... it was all in my head! ... umm... hmm... ok no prob, gimme a sec to rethink this one... so sorry!))
((OOC: I was thinking the same thing Sibling.))
"No need to call me miss, my name is Wendy." The conversation was confusing. The creature had none of the mannerisms of someone summoned. Once again her assumptions were going to give her a headache. "The SoCo should be chilled in a shot glass. Yes, that would be great." She was very tired of not knowing things. She shuddered as she remembered her first mistake upon arrival. Ah, the differences an atom makes millions of years ago. "Excuse me I hope I'm not prying, but may I inquire of your origin?" She smiled pleasantly.
((OOC: Ok, trying to save the day here ))
He heard her voice behind him, and without even turning around he knew what had happened.
"Of all the lousy timing" he thought to himself.
He turned around, saw the dampness in her eyes and his heart hit the floor. He hated to see a women so upset, and hated it even more to know he had caused it.
"No, I wasn't leaving." He reached over to tha bar and grabbed a napkin, reaching up to dab her eyes, hoping she didn't recoil. "I told you it would be a pleasure to walk you home and I meant that."
"I was... just hoping to surprise you. I came in here to ask what your favorite drink was. I thought you would be a little longer and that I would be back at the table when you got there. I was going to ask if you would join me for some dessert when your shift was over if you weren't in a hurry to get home."
"I... I don't know what else to say except sorry. I know how this must have looked, but I promise I wasn't going to leave you here." He looked down at the floor now, angry at himself for a moment.
"I hope you'll still sit with me, but I'll understand if you just want to go home."
((OOC: Hope that works. 
))
Edit: (( To clarify, he was thinking that if it was too late for dessert that maybe he and Beth would have time for a quick drink before they left... I gotta wark on my wording. Sorry again for the confusion.))
Falcon Kitiara nodded to Steve.
"I'll wait for you here while you talk to Gal then. Take your time."
Then Steve headed toward the kitchen; the warrior walked slowly toward the bar, and put her arms on the living wood surface. She sighed of both relaxation and satisfaction: the evening had been very pleasant, and she was sure that flying together under the moon would've been the best of all endings.
She turned toward Narshawn, and was happy to see her talking with Magnus; the ice girl had worked hard all night, she deserved a bit of company too.
She smiled to Narshawn when she turned toward her and turned her eyes quickly on Magnus, then on Narshawn again. However, she didn't want to interrupt them, so she turned away her head, and toward the center of the room, looking at Gal's place, so full of people, no, of heroes.
Falcon shifted her weight to the left leg and slightly bent her right knee, so as to touch the pavement with only the point of her boot; she waited for Steve, humming very quietly to herself. Was she supposed to ...take his hand to help him adjust to the speed and weight absence? Or was it too much for a first date? Questions, questions...
Martin had returned from the bar, carrying the laquered box and bearing a most uncharacteristic expression. Gal managed to catch his attention, and saw him revert to his normal sour pucker before he stepped up.
"Martin, I'd like to get the place winding down for the night, feels like I've been up here for days. Don't you go rushing anybody out, just might lock the doors for me on your way." She caught sight of Gypsy waiting on a tiny creature with horns and cocked her eyebrow at the Maitre 'd.
"Miss War," he said, seeing where her eyes rested, "I was unaware that someone had let a demon in. Gypsy is perhaps misunderstanding our rule about trouble in the establishment. I will have it removed."
Gal placed one hand on the much shorter man's shoulder, forestalling his movement.
"Martin, for all you are a good man, all's welcome in my place. Ain't nobody sits in the back of the bus, drinks from a different spigot or has to hide their face. Not in my place. I know things was a sight different, some of your other jobs, and I don't have no problems with that." He turned to face her, and yes, taking orders from this woman, in this place, was much different than his previous employment.
"Now, I don't have no steam over you wantin' to do right by me, but we don' turn nobody away here. They don't get in the dining room without a jacket, you're right there, but look at him." She pointed to the little creature as it spoke a few words, unheard from here, to Gypsy and smiled. "All I know, he's just back from stoppin' Rikti or Earth. No, you leave him be, long as he don't cause no trouble. He's welcome.
"Now," she said, getting back to her original thought, "tell Beth that her shift is over for the night, after she makes sure that Manion is comfortable. Tell her I said to have a sit with him, if she likes." With that she returned to Thang and Isis, patting Vegas on the arm when she arrived at the pedestal.
"Oh, for the days of arranging a table for State Dinner," Martin said to himself, stepping up next to Beth and giving her Gal's instructions.
((OOC: Place has to close once in a while, otherwise, how would Gal ever get sleep? Nobody has to rush, Narshawn is giving last call in the Bar, but she can be plied with some conversation to stay open a while more. Hope Basilisk enjoyed his cigar, and doesn't feel ignored. On opening, I'll be bringing a few more NPC's from the Mission, the wait staff is getting sort of thin. Thank you all again, looking forward to many more interesting nights, and carry on!))