Saffron sat at the bar, nursing her orange juice. It had been another long night. Two acts had cancelled, leaving her and the other band to fill in the gaps. Still, it was nice to be performing again, even if it was only in the University bar. Shed tried out a few new numbers tonight, songs that she hadnt been ready to play for an audience but tried anyway. They seemed to have gone down well.
Saffron? came a voice. She turned on her stool to see a young man next to her. He looked like one of her fellow students.
Hi, she said, giving a weak smile.
Im David, he said, extending his hand. You were awesome tonight.
Saffron shook his hand and smiled. She was getting used to having regulars in the crowd.
Thank you. I felt pretty nervous.
You didnt look it, he said. Do you mind if I ask a personal question?
Saffron nodded. She was so tired she didnt notice that hed taken a step closer towards her.
That last song, All You Wanted? You said it was about someone you were missing?
Yeah, she said, staring into her drink. My best friend hasnt been in touch for ages. Im wondering whats happened to her.
Oh, said David, smiling. It sounded like it was about someone close to you.
Saffron nodded. Oh, she is. I just hope shes ok.
You want to talk about it?
No, thats ok thanks, smiled Saffron. I better be getting to bed to be honest. Ive got a 9 oclock lecture tomorrow.
Saffron picked up her guitar bag and slung it over her shoulder. She grabbed the small amp with her free hand.
Shame, said David, I was hoping you could stay for a drink.
Saffron looked up. She was momentarily taken aback.
Oh, she exclaimed. Thats kind. Perhaps some other time.
David gave her a warm smile. No problem. Sleep well.
Saffron left the bar and started the short walk across the campus to her dorm. She was dog tired but she had a creeping suspicion that shed just been chatted up
.
@Dante EU - Union Roleplayer and Altisis Victim
The Militia: Union RP Supergroup - www.themilitia.org.uk
The skies outside were still dark and gloomy. Some dark magic was blotting out the sun this Halloween, and it only depressed Pious even more. Slouched lifelessly in a rather oversized sofa at another of his million-dollar mansions, he flicked on the forty inch HD LCD television and watched the evening news in awe.
[u]LIVE from Galaxy City![u] [Windows Media Player version]
Newscast brought to you by John Golders of Paragon City Television. Subtitled by Jennifer Sutherland.
[u]LIVE from Galaxy City![u] [YouTube version]
Newscast brought to you by John Golders of Paragon City Television. Subtitled by Jennifer Sutherland.
Wednesday 25 October 2006
Paragon University Dorms
Saffron turned the ring over in her hands. The small, gold band glinted in the moonlight as she examined it. Sat on top of her dorm building, watching the confused citizens of Paragon City deal with yet another day of unending night, she examined the gleaming piece of jewlery. A simple gold band that would not attract the slightest bit of attention to it. But when she placed it on her finger, she could sense the power that ran through it and it worried her. How could she sense that? And why? The ring was magic, shed been told as much. But she knew next to nothing about that stuff. The woman who had given it to her had been so sweet about her gift although Saffron couldnt understand why she would so willingly give her such a precious possession. The way that the woman had smiled at her had unnerved her also. As if she knew something. It just didnt make any sense to her. A noise behind her broke her train of thoughts. She turned to see Derek climbing up onto the roof, carrying a bottle of wine and two glasses.
This was such a good idea, she said, taking the glasses from him so he could uncork the wine.
Well you know, its been a month, he replied, thats gotta be worth something.
Of course, you know Im still under the legal age for this dont you? I could get kicked out of Uni if they found me up here.
Derek just smiled as he poured the wine. Do you care? he asked.
Not in the slightest, she said with a large grin.
As they sat under the moonlight, Derek put his arm around her and pulled her close. He could tell she wasnt all there, her mind somewhere else.
Whats on your mind babe? he said.
Saffron paused before speaking. She put her hand on his leg reassuringly.
Its not us, she said. She gave a big smile, trying to assuage any fears. Its me. Ive been lazy. When I first started out, I was trying to find my father. I thought the Militia could help. But Ive been doing this for over six months now and found nothing. Other things have been getting in the way. Important things, but things nonetheless. I need to focus on what Im doing this for.
She took a deep breath before continuing. Ive been going out on my own, she said. Without the Militia behind me. Partly I wanted to know if I could do it, partly because I finally got a good lead.
Youve been going solo? said Derek. He seemed somewhat surprised.
Ive been scared D, she continued. Too scared of late. When we were facing the New Mafia, I hid in a building site. What kind of a hero is that? And you rush in to face enemies while I stay at the back and sing to them.
Babe, he said, brushing her red hair from her shoulder, Youre my girl. I dont want you hurt. I can take the knocks, you cant.
Thats not the point, she said. I want to know I can do this on my own. That Im strong enough to take on a pack of thugs without my friends getting hurt. Thats why I had to do it. I dont want to be this scared little girl anymore.
Im not sure I get it, said Derek.
Saffron patted him gently on the leg, I didnt think you would love. Youve always been this tough guy, Im not. It takes some getting used to. It takes some growing up. If Im serious about finding my dad, Ive got to start taking risks.
Does that include me? he asked.
Saffron put down her wine glass and pulled him close to kiss him.
Sweetie, she said, Youre one risk I dont regret taking.
((Written with Derek))
@Dante EU - Union Roleplayer and Altisis Victim
The Militia: Union RP Supergroup - www.themilitia.org.uk
October 5th
The Hollows. 510 Cherry Hill Road. Apartment 5b.
Dereks Home.
After the mission and after staying outide his apartment for a while talking to Lost and Angelus, Derek opened the door and motioned for Angelus and Lost to step inside. He baffled at the sight of the apartment when he stepped inside.
Dude Its spotless The whole apartment basically sparkled everything was clean, polished, washed. It looked like somebody had thrown out everything and replaced it with brand new stuff.
Indeed came the reply from the angel. Thou asked for thy house to be clean and so I willed it.
Cool. Derek took of his boots. Step inside guys, theres a fridge next to the couch. Just grab a brew if you want one
Angelus stepped inside the living room and stood by the couch as though guarding it. Lost lingered in the hallway. Hey Lost! Derek said. Go on in grab a beer, sit down. Take it easy and rest
I dont drink beer. I think Lost stepped inside the living room as well. But sitting down would feel nice. She sat down in the couch and carefully leaned back against the pillows.
Derek went into the bedroom and changed into a pair of worn, baggy pants and a T-shirt. He threw the Militia uniform in the laundry basket. What the Hey Angelus! You did my laundry as well?
Indeed Angelus raised an eyebrow and looked at Derek as he emerged from the bedroom. twas dirty was it not?
Yeah it was but thanks man.
Anytime, young warrior of earth.
Derek went over to the fridge and grabbed two bottles. He threw one to Angelus. You sure you dont want one Lost? He turned his head to look at the former Vahzilok.
No. Thanks Im good.
Aight He opened the bottle with his teeth and took a few big gulps. He went into the bedroom again and pulled out a spare bedspread and a cover for the couch so Lost could go to sleep if she wanted. You tired Lost? he asked.
A little. I think one of my arms is coming loose as well.
Fair princess; allow thee to tend to thy undead couture. The angel simply looked at Losts arm, and the seems tightened into place. Lo, thy arm is restored O beautiful corpse.
Lost simply stared upwards at Angelus. Thanks she said, rubbing her arm.
Derek emerged again from the bedroom with the stuff for the couch. Here you go girl. Lets make your bed. Lost got up from the couch and Derek moved the pillows so he could lay down the bedspread. He was about to shake it into place when it suddenly disappeared from his hands. Before he knew it, the cloth was already on the couch, along with the pillow and cover, so neatly done any army General would be proud. The couch looked so comfortable one was tempted to bounce a quarter off the surface.
Derek watched in amusement as Angelus smirked proudly. He shook his head and smiled in return. Lost sat down again and leant against the pillow.
So Derek said, taking a seat and downing the rest of his beer. What you want to do now? Watch TV or something?
Lost was already sleeping it seemed, but Angelus replied Do as you wish young mutant and I shall stand guard.
Derek grabbed the remote and turned on the TV while grabbing another beer. Dude, take a seat, slouch back and you know, relax a little. Come on Angelus, sit down and watch this, its a funny show, and you better drink that beer. Dont be a woose.
Angelus reluctantly obeys. He sits tentatively on a small sofa and after several seconds of analysing the bottle of beer, he takes a sip. The moment to beverage hit his tongue; the angel was out cold, snoring loudly.
Oh man Derek moaned. You two are the worst guests ever
((Written to include Pious and The_Jediand))