NationStates Jolt Archive

*The emptiness of the club over the past few days was beginning to manifest in the black rose. It lay quietly on the bar, but the edges of the petals and leaves were beginning to dry. The blood on the thorns didn't seem quite so fresh..*

DRINKS ARE ON ME, for the next 2 minutes... *shifty eyes* ok so how is everyone? erm a orange juice for me please. erm no takers, oh darn *smiles*

*Vex stumbled into the bar...tired, hungry, wet, dirty and unshaven. the place was empty. he glanced at the bar as he strode past, noticing the black rose lying there...and intentionally blocked it out of his mind. entering the kitchen, he opened the big refrigerator and removed a platter of grilled chicken wings...and began to feast...*

*Wanders in, takes chicken wing, munches*

*A slight breeze moved the two ragged feathers across the bar.*

*the chicken had filled him but not really satisfied him (but then who could grill things like Vex??? answer: no one...of course). he was dog-tired but thirsty...check...dehydrated enough from his long journey back to require at least one Guinness. and so he poured one*

Noire woke next to the fireplace, curled around a cushion in the corner of the couch. She blinked sleepily at the room around her, and rising, stumbled to the bar, where she allowed the dancing fire around her fingertips flare to produce a bottle of vodka, which she promptly downed.

*he could not help but notice the attractive young lady and her vodka...he was impressed as he slid into a dark booth*

A huge yawn escaped her mouth, and she struggled to cover it. The vodka bottle burst in her fingers, glass shards flashing across the counter before disappearing in tiny specks of fire.

Briefly startled, she jerked back, then chuckled under her breath, oblivious to her surroundings. "Oops."

Slightly bored, she tugged a small kodachi from the holder strapped around her waist beneath the black t-shirt. Carving patterns into the ancient countertop, she let them fill with flame and blacken before dying out and fading once more.

The memory of the last dream struck her with surprising force. His chuckled filled her mind, and she felt the overbearing whisper grace her pale hair.

The entire thing faded, and annoyed, she attacked the countertop with a bit more fervor. It wasn't supposed to come back.

*he eyed the girl half-interested as he sipped at his glass of ale*

The nape of her neck crawled, and she felt eyes boring into her back.

She snapped, "Is there something wrong?" at the same time she whipped around on the stool. Her eyes involuntarily locked with his, and they flared a luminescent blue with her tiny explosion of temper.

As she turned, the small knife she'd left sticking out of the counter was caught by her elbow, and it fell to the floor with a clatter. She glanced from him to the floor, and awkwardly reached down to scoop up the blade before resheathing it beneath her shirt. Looking back at him, caught between her clumsiness and being annoyed, she glared at his eyes, trying to pretend that they were just eyes floating in the room, and not attached to a person.

Eyes still flaring, as if daring him to laugh, her face flushed a slight pink, her only hint of embarassment.

ooc: Or not. :p

*The wind caught the fire in the hearth, stirring it and threatening to extinguish the flames again.*

*he was tired beyond pretention...tired beyond giving a damn about much of anything really*

*her eyes bore into him like daggers. he wished he were up to catching them...*

Raising an eyebrow at the stranger's lack of response, she shrugged, and rotated in her seat to face the counter once more. Silently, she allowed the small flames to encircle her fingertips once more, and took a sip of the resulting vodka bottle.

Noire rubbed at her eyes again. The effects of just waking up, being watched, and embarassing herself were a bit evident. Tone of voice still sleepy, she mumbled without turning around, "Sorry for bein' a bitch."

A slight breeze had appeared from nowhere, and drifted across her shoulders, twisting her white hair and going to rest in the hearth.

*he thought he might have heard something...he wasn't sure. he was too spent from the hike back from the cliffs. he rested his forehead on the table top as the embers in the fireplace seemed to stir*

*From a hall extending off the main room, there came the sounds of someone running.*

She turned around in her seat again, slouching back against the counter with her elbows on it, vodka bottle dangling from her left hand. Noire frowned in his direction. She'd seen him once before in the club, for a fleeting moment, and he was far different then than now.

"You okay?"

Yeah...I'm fine, thanks...

*he slid out of the booth and stood up. he looked at her as he left, admiring her close cropped white hair...curious*

*someone ran past as he headed for his cabana...he didn't notice...he was asleep before his head hit the pillow*

She watched him watch her as he left, and finally quirked an eyebrow at his retreating back as he left. "Well, that was different..."

Frowning to herself, Noire turned back to the counter for the third time. He seems vaguely familiar, but I can't place my finger on as to why. Pursing her lips at the countertop as she thought, she traced the ancient words scritched into it.

Footsteps sounded behind her, running. Noire turned on the spot, gaze searching wildly for their source.

*A youngish boy stood beside the fire, seemingly lost contemplating the depth of its flame.*

Her pale eyes sifted the room, and finally took into account the small boy standing by the fireplace. Brows knitting, she slid from the stool and crossed the carpet, barefoot in her pajamas, to stand beside him.

*The boy looked up at her. His eyes were bright and clear, but his expression was one of confusion.*

It's the wrong color..

His voice struck her. It sounded as though he'd been crying, yet echoed with a sweetness; a glass-bell-sound. "It's the wrong color..."

Her eyes split open wide at his sentence, and some familiarity poked needlessly at her mind. Shrugging it off as a coincidence, she dropped to her haunches beside him, and offered him a small, bittersweet smile. "That'd be my fault."

*He turned his gaze back to the fire once more, uncertain, his voice wavering.*

It's wrong..

Her smile cracked, and her eyes changed, troubled. A stray, dark hair had escaped his head, and she reached out accidentally, to flatten it.

Voice wavering, and unsure why, she whispered achingly, "That's me."

*As she reached for him, he turned suddenly and stared wide-eyed at her. He looked terrified. Glancing feafully around the room, he ran again for the hallway, disappearing into the shadows.*

OOC: Sorry, gotta go. If you follow him, you'll find a long descending staircase behind loose boards at the end of the hall.

The boy, startled, ran for the hallway, and she jerked back, falling onto the floor with a thump. Turning, hair flinging itself into her face, she scrabbled to her feet and the word "wait" echoed in her mind. Without actually speaking, she haltingly stepped in the direction he'd taken, then mind set, took off after him.

I wish I wasn't the only one doing this. She laughed, albeit a little bitterly, in her mind before being stopped at the end of the hallway. Two wide boards which had made up part of the wall had been shoved to the side, and a long, dark staircase drifted down from the opening. Glancing down, and sending a fleeting glance back behind her, down the exceedingly short hallway, she stood frozen, unsure of what to do.

Taking a step back, Noire leant against the wall before sliding down it, keeping her eye on the opening.

ooc: It's fine. Thanks for giving me something to work with.

Before she'd realized it, sleep had overtaken her. She slumped against the floor, chin-length hair sprawled on the floor as her form relaxed and her arms overtook the hallway.

*It was a cheerful reunion with LP & Celeste. The adventurers returned to the cove where they had left the sloop and kayak. Marking the underwater tunnel entry, the adventurers re-embarked and sailed back to the shores of the Paradise Beach Club. Each had their own thoughts about the outcome of their passage and discovery in the caves and there was little conversation between them about it. Weary from their journey they had no thought but sleep and so they returned to their rooms and cabanas for some well-earned rest.*

*The sun was already risen when Will awoke and the muscles in his arms and back were stiff from the oar-work of the day before. He splashed water into to his face and looked out the window across the beach into the bay beyond. Jayne's sloop was bobbing at anchorage just off-shore. He was mildly surprised. Figured her to be gone sooner or later. His sense was that she had found what she was looking for and would be going back for it-- with as little assistance as possible. He really didn't care. He had found his friends and all had made it back safely..*

*entering the clubhouse Will was surprised to find it in fairly good order. Noire must be around, he mused. She was usually attentive in keeping the place in order when she was around. In threw open the windows and let the fresh air and sunshine flood the barroom. The black rose was still on the bar, but showing signs of decay. He filled a small tumbler with water and placed the flower in it. Wiped down the bar. put the coffee on to perk....*

She moved restlessly on the hardwood floor, and suddenly jerked awake. Awkwardly shoving against the floor beneath her, she struggled to stand, floorboard imprints still streaking lines down her face from sleep. Making as if to go toward the opening she'd been keeping vigil over during the night, she startled back to see that the wall was as if no opening and no staircase had ever been there.

The boy's voice echoed in her mind again. "It's wrong..." Noire sighed inwardly, and placed a hand gently over the place the staircase had been before turning reluctantly and heading back down the short hallway to the bar room.

She moved restlessly on the hardwood floor, and suddenly jerked awake. Awkwardly shoving against the floor beneath her, she struggled to stand, floorboard imprints still streaking lines down her face from sleep. Making as if to go toward the opening she'd been keeping vigil over during the night, she startled back to see that the wall was as if no opening and no staircase had ever been there.

The boy's voice echoed in her mind again. "It's wrong..." Noire sighed inwardly, and placed a hand gently over the place the staircase had been before turning reluctantly and heading back down the short hallway to the bar room.
*Sees Noire enter thru the rear hallway*

good day, Noire

*Jen walked in slightly dazed and ignored everyone else in the room to get to her seat*

Raven waved to Jen as she walked in to the club and sat down on the couch by the fire place.

Raven waved to Jen as she walked in to the club and sat down on the couch by the fire place.
*Waves to Raven and Jen from behind the bar*

hello, hello....
*pours himself a cup of coffee*

coffee? tea? something stronger?

*Waves to Raven and Jen from behind the bar*

hello, hello....
*pours himself a cup of coffee*

coffee? tea? something stronger?

hey Will...i would take a glass of tea

hey Will...i would take a glass of tea
*Will gets a tall glass tumbler from the rack above the bar, tosses in some ice cubes, pours in the chilled tea, garnishes glass with a sprig of mint and a slice of lemon. Puts on small tray and takes over to Raven, inquiring*

you're feeling better then?

Cyberist slithered in, oddly silent.

*After a few minutes of complete silence she realized that she'd been greeted and waved back to Raven and Will*

*Vex laid in bed, the lights off and the window shade drawn shut, reliving his seemingly pointless trip to the cliffs. he wondered why he had even been compelled to go there in the first place? his goblin friends had been nervous and warned of some impending doom...then the whole lot of them had vanished. that seemed so very peculiar to him...*

*he pulled the black and red robe from his pack and studied it for a long while before hanging it up in the back closet. he then shaved and showered and dressed and headed for the club. gin seemed like a good idea*

*Will gets a tall glass tumbler from the rack above the bar, tosses in some ice cubes, pours in the chilled tea, garnishes glass with a sprig of mint and a slice of lemon. Puts on small tray and takes over to Raven, inquiring*

you're feeling better then?

Iam not one hundred percent, but iam getting there.
* takes the glass and has a sip*
thanks, this is really good

Iam not one hundred percent, but iam getting there.
* takes the glass and has a sip*
thanks, this is really good
glad to hear that. Let me know if you'd like anything else. I haven't started the grill yet but it doesn't take long to get going.

*walks back behind the bar..*
*to Cyberist*

anything from the bar or kitchen for you, mac?

She slipped into the bar room, hand attempting to flatten the white hair that, in sleep, seemed to have permanently become messy. Her eyes flared a pale blue briefly as she yawned, and made a haphazard attempt to cover her mouth.

"Mornin', Will."

ooc: Just as a warning here, since I'm cleaning my room at the same time I'm RPing, I may be a little late with replies. :p

She slipped into the bar room, hand attempting to flatten the white hair that, in sleep, seemed to have permanently become messy. Her eyes flared a pale blue briefly as she yawned, and made a haphazard attempt to cover her mouth.

"Mornin', Will."
*smiles as Noire enters*

hiya, Noire, coffee?

glad to hear that. Let me know if you'd like anything else. I haven't started the grill yet but it doesn't take long to get going.

*walks back behind the bar..*
*to Cyberist*

anything from the bar or kitchen for you, mac?

"Have any combustible concoction?"

*Vex entered the room and made his way to the bar. he noticed Jen and decided to go in the other direction*

One Bombay Sapphire martini, if you please...very dry.

"Have any combustible concoction?"
sure, what's your pleasure, flames on the lips or fire in the belly?

*Vex entered the room and made his way to the bar. he noticed Jen and decided to go in the other direction*

One Bombay Sapphire martini, if you please...very dry.
*pours gin into martini glass, waves the cork stopper of the vermouth over the top of the glass*

dry enough? *chuckles*

Raven waved to Vex and Noire when they came in. she sipped her tea and wached every one chat

*pours gin into martini glass, waves the cork stopper of the vermouth over the top of the glass*

dry enough? *chuckles*
Perfect...thank you.

*he took his glass and headed to a booth in the back*

Raven waved to Vex and Noire when they came in. she sipped her tea and wached every one chat
*he returned the wave and added a wink as he slid onto the cushioned seat*

*Jen was just beginning to come to grips with the world around her. She finally pulled out a pad and started sketching.*

*Will turns on the grill in the kitchen. Swiftly he thin slices garlic cloves, bermuda onions and greenpeppers. Dousing the grill surface with olive oil, he tosses on the vegtables. The grill gives a satisfying sizzle. *

*next he takes portabello mushrooms and cuts them length-wise in 1/4" slices and places them in a bowl of ginger-teriyake marinade*

*while the 'shrooms soak in the marinade. Two baugettes are split down the middle. The mushrooms are added to the other ingredients on the grill..a second sizzle flares.*

*Will slathers the baugettes with olive oil, and places the vegtable/mushroom mixture on top. covers all with slices of mozzeralla cheese and pops in preheated oven. Melts cheese, slices in individual portions brings out and places on bar*


Snacks are served

sure, what's your pleasure, flames on the lips or fire in the belly?

"Both quite explosively."

*Will slathers the baugettes with olive oil, and places the vegtable/mushroom mixture on top. covers all with slices of mozzeralla cheese and pops in preheated oven. Melts cheese, slices in individual portions brings out and places on bar*


Snacks are served

Ravee takes her tea over to the bar, sits and takes a bite of the baugettes.
Will, i think that you should open a resteront

Suppressing another yawn, she dropped onto a stool in front of the counter. "Coffee'd be lovely, Will; thanks."

Ravee takes her tea over to the bar, sits and takes a bite of the baugettes.
Will, i think that you should open a resteront
*laughs*

no, I like to cook as the spirit moves me, not on demand....that gets old quick...day after day....and then there's the whole running a staff thing...with people coming and going and pissing and moaning...and irate customers...gee, in another life I think I may have done that!

Suppressing another yawn, she dropped onto a stool in front of the counter. "Coffee'd be lovely, Will; thanks."
*pours coffee for Noire*
I was wondering, could you spare a bottle of your blue-flame vodka for the slithery gentleman over in the corner? He seems determined to incinerate his insides.

*he picked the olive out of his otherwise empty glass and popped it into his mouth. he slid out of the booth and returned to the bar*

Another please...just like the first...

*he smiled at Raven and the white-haired young lady while he waited*

*pours coffee for Noire*
I was wondering, could you spare a bottle of your blue-flame vodka for the slithery gentleman over in the corner? He seems determined to incinerate his insides.

She chuckled, and black fire danced around her fingertips for a brief moment before she handed him a large, blue bottle of vodka. "There."

Wrapping her fingers around the coffee mug, she allowed the steam to heat her shivering hands before taking a sip. "Like I've said before, you make a hella good cup of coffee."

*She was looking forward to sitting in the bar again.
It had been more than a week since the three of them had set off in the 'Derelict' and although the trip had been somewhat productive for Jayne, Orchid had found it quite puzzling, and also rather irritating.

The gold coin safely in one of her boxes, along with the necklace that Jayne had given to her, she set of for the clubhouse.

On entering the bar, she is pleasantly supprised to find it has more than the usual two people, and she takes a barstool.*

Hi there all.....

She heard a vaguely familiar voice over her shoulder, and glancing back, was startled to see the tired man who had been in the club the other night, before the child had appeared by the fireplace.

Returning his smile with a barely imperceptible nod, she downed half of the coffee left in her mug.

*Jen silently watched everything in the room, sketching furiously. She spent a little extra time on Vex and Raven*

Curious...

She chuckled, and black fire danced around her fingertips for a brief moment before she handed him a large, blue bottle of vodka. "There."

Wrapping her fingers around the coffee mug, she allowed the steam to heat her shivering hands before taking a sip. "Like I've said before, you make a hella good cup of coffee."
*takes bottle and goes over to Cyberist. Removes stopper and allows liquid to rim the neck of the bottle-- it bursts into a blue-flame.*

buddy, if this doesn't do it for you, I'll mix shots of white phosporus and hydrochloric acid...

Spotting a girl in the corner, pencil scritching away on what apparently was a drawing of the room and everyone in it, Noire furrowed her brows in the girl's direction. Strange.

Hearing Orchid's familiar voice, she turned enough in her seat to give Orchid a smile and a small wave between the bodies crowded around the bar.

*Will makes another "very dry" martini and passes it over to Vex*

*She was looking forward to sitting in the bar again.
It had been more than a week since the three of them had set off in the 'Derelict' and although the trip had been somewhat productive for Jayne, Orchid had found it quite puzzling, and also rather irritating.

The gold coin safely in one of her boxes, along with the necklace that Jayne had given to her, she set of for the clubhouse.

On entering the bar, she is pleasantly supprised to find it has more than the usual two people, and she takes a barstool.*

Hi there all.....
hiya Orchid, what's your fancy?

*Will makes another "very dry" martini and passes it over to Vex*
Just what the doctor ordered...thanks.

*he glanced over at Jen and noticed Orchid had come in. he nodded and smiled as he slid back into his dark booth*

Spotting a girl in the corner, pencil scritching away on what apparently was a drawing of the room and everyone in it, Noire furrowed her brows in the girl's direction.

OOC:Technically she's drawing multiple sketches one at a time of different areas of the room, sorry if I wasn't clear.

*When she saw someone looking her way Jen quickly looked away from the couple and concentrated on the clichéd pyrotechnics display*

hiya Orchid, what's your fancy?
Hey Will.....I never had a chance to thank you before....but thanks for coming to look for us!

*Smiles.*

I think the usual rum 'n' coke would go down a treat right now thanks.

*Nods and smiles at Vex, who was sitting in a booth alone.*

OOC:Technically she's drawing multiple sketches one at a time of different areas of the room, sorry if I wasn't clear.

*When she saw someone looking her way Jen quickly looked away from the couple and concentrated on the clichéd pyrotechnics display*

ooc: It's fine; sorry for misinterpreting. EDIT: Sorry about the BBC. :( I'm used to using size 10 on another forum, and here, size 10 = HUGE. :p

ic: The girl looked away the moment she caught Noire staring. Damn. Stealth isn't exactly my best in the morning, I suppose. She chuckled aloud to herself, and downed the last of her coffee, leaning back on the counter to survey the room in a rather bored fashion.

Hey Will.....I never had a chance to thank you before....but thanks for coming to look for us!

*Smiles.*

I think the usual rum 'n' coke would go down a treat right now thanks.
twas nothing but a thing that anyone would of done...
*mixes her drink, sets in front of her*

all got back, none the worse for wear, and i'm thinking that Jayne found what she was looking for...

OOC
No need to shout Noire....
:D

OOC
No need to shout Noire....
:D

ooc: I seem to always have this problem when switching back and forth between different forums. :p I've gotten used to making my own BBC for my font, and on the other site I use size ten, and on this one, it's one, so accidentally, I keep putting in that zero and making my font MASSIVE. XD

It's quite embarassing. :cool:

*The ragged-looking crow perched silently before Noire, watching her expectantly.*

She heard a vaguely familiar voice over her shoulder, and glancing back, was startled to see the tired man who had been in the club the other night, before the child had appeared by the fireplace.

Returning his smile with a barely imperceptible nod, she downed half of the coffee left in her mug.
*when she returned to her coffee, Will asked*

so, how is your hand doing?

twas nothing but a thing that anyone would of done...
*mixes her drink, sets in front of her*

all got back, none the worse for wear, and i'm thinking that Jayne found what she was looking for...
I'm almost sure that she must have done.....missing all that time......

*The ragged-looking crow perched silently before Noire, watching her expectantly.*

She rotated in her stool only to come face to face with a massive, bedraggled crow. Jerking backwards, she slid off the stool and onto the floor. The mug shattered inches from her head.

"JESUS CHRIST!"

The shock wore off a moment later, and as she sat on the floor, trying to distangle her feet from the bars of the stool, she muttered half to herself, half to the people around her, "Why the hell does it just APPEAR everywhere? Why the hell can't it just fly up and give some fucking warning?"

*Startled again, the bird screached and hopped from foot to foot until it calmed a few moments later.*

*Jen turned her head slightly and started on the Raven, but although she could see it clearly she couldn't seem to render it visibly. No matter how she shaded it ended up being just a dark shadow on her paper* Fascinating...

*The screaching of the crow was so loud that it stopped any conversation for a moment, and Orchid sat watching, it seemed to be centering on Noire.*

*he watched the strange proceedings from behind his martini glass*

Giving up on picking up the shards of the mug, Noire sat determindly on the floor, rubbing at her ankle where it had been bruised by the stool. She shot the bird on the counter a glare, and answering Will's question, held up her left hand. The last two fingers, though noticeably shorter than the others and missing most of the fingernail, were quite well healed, despite the fact that the majority of the skin had a pattern scarred into it. "It's as good as it's gonna get."

Giving up on picking up the shards of the mug, Noire sat determindly on the floor, rubbing at her ankle where it had been bruised by the stool. She shot the bird on the counter a glare, and answering Will's question, held up her left hand. The last two fingers, though noticeably shorter than the others and missing most of the fingernail, were quite well healed, despite the fact that the majority of the skin had a pattern scarred into it. "It's as good as it's gonna get."
Do you need a hand up there Noire?

I'm sure the floor isn't the most comfortable of places to sit.....

Giving up on picking up the shards of the mug, Noire sat determindly on the floor, rubbing at her ankle where it had been bruised by the stool. She shot the bird on the counter a glare, and answering Will's question, held up her left hand. The last two fingers, though noticeably shorter than the others and missing most of the fingernail, were quite well healed, despite the fact that the majority of the skin had a pattern scarred into it. "It's as good as it's gonna get."
Can you still grip your katana?

*waves at crow to shoo it off the bar...points it to coat peg at end of bar where it could perch and keep its eyes on the proceedings*

*The bird hopped to the edge of the counter, staring down at the fallen woman. As she gestured, it cocked its head in quizzical observance. Its eyes only held a hint of the malice it had displayed last time.*

"Nah." She pushed herself to her feet in a fluid motion, "Thanks, though," and leant down to pick up the remainder of the mug. Nodding at Will, she added, "Yeah, it's not a problem. I'm getting used to the weird balance, but it's fine." Carrying the glass pieces to the trash, she threw them all in, and gave the bird on the counter a cautious look before an odd thought hit her.

Reaching out to touch the animal's head, she glanced down the counter to the two, ancient feathers at the opposite end of the counter. They matched the bird's hue.

Tilting her head nearer to it, as though sharing a quiet conversation, she eyed the rest of the room before almost imperceptibly whispering to it, "Is it always necessary to create such a stir?"

"Nah." She pushed herself to her feet in a fluid motion, and leant down to pick up the remainder of the mug. Carrying the glass pieces to the trash, she threw them all in, and gave the bird on the counter a cautious look before an odd thought hit her.

Reaching out to touch the animal's head, she glanced down the counter to the two, ancient feathers at the opposite end of the counter. They matched the bird's hue.

Tilting her head nearer to it, as though sharing a quiet conversation, she eyed the rest of the room before almost imperceptibly whispering to it, "Is it always necessary to create such a stir?"
*If the bird was capable of laughter, the sound it uttered would have to suffice that purpose. However a devious glint entered its dark eyes.*

ooc: Be back in a bit; gotta help Mom clean. :rolleyes:

*the uproar subsided and the patrons returned to their drinks and their thoughts....*

ooc: Be back in a bit; gotta help Mom clean. :rolleyes:
OOC: I always did know how to clear a room..:rolleyes: Take your time. I've got some Halo and an impatient roomie waiting on me anyway.:D

Note to self: Creatures with pointy beaks and talons can be dangerous.

*Getting tired with watching the crow strutting back and forth on the bar, Orchids attention wanders to a black rose in a tumbler of water.
She peers closely at it.*

I'm sure I've seen one of those before, I wish I could remember when!

Where did the rose come from Will, do you know?

*Getting tired with watching the crow strutting back and forth on the bar, Orchids attention wanders to a black rose in a tumbler of water.
She peers closely at it.*

I'm sure I've seen one of those before, I wish I could remember when!

Where did the rose come from Will, do you know?
It turned up the day I left to search for you guys. Raven was sick and Noire was looking after her...the black rose and two dark feathers were left on the bar.....

*keeping as far away from the bird as possible and dodging Jen's table while still managing to get to the bar for another drink was challenging...but he managed to pull it off. he took his drink and wandered out onto the large deck. the sky was gray and the wind was chilly, but it felt good to be in the open air...*

*Boredly, the creature turned a keen gaze on the other patrons, observing them carefully.*

*Vex wandered past and went outside.
The bird, seeming almost human, cocked it's head on one side and started to look around at everyone else in the bar.*

I wonder what it is about that damn bird that makes me feel unsettled.

*Sips on her drink, and makes a pretence of not looking at the crow, while trying without much success to watch it in the mirror behind the bar.*

OOC: damnit! :(

Orchid: just making sure. Are you guys back at the club already?

*Will crumbles some of the bread from the snack platter and tosses over in the direction of the crow*

*The crow wouldn't have much of a reflection. Like Jen's drawing, it would seem nothing but a patch of darkness. Walking across the bar, it dug out one of the red shot glasses. Pecking and scratching curiously at the glass, it seemed to be trying to figure out how it had produced blood before, agitatedly picking at the bread crumbs from time to time.*

enters quietly and sits at the bar.

*wanders down stairs and slips behind the bar. he grabbed a bottle of rum and hopped up on the bar, seemingly paying attention to no one*

OOC: damnit! :(

Orchid: just making sure. Are you guys back at the club already?
OOC
Yup...we are!

There you are..

*Frustrated, it knocked over the glass with its beak.*

walks over to the piano and begins to play "fur elise"

*he looked down at the noise and a smirk ran over his face. he took a nice from under the bar and casually made a cut in his palm. he then set the glass back up squeezed his hand over it, dripping a good amount into it*

ooc- sadly, I must head out. Thanks to all for the great turn out today.

*Will, wipes off his hands, and slips on his jacket.*

good night all, I must go and count the stars.

*The crow wouldn't have much of a reflection. Like Jen's drawing, it would seem nothing but a patch of darkness. Walking across the bar, it dug out one of the red shot glasses. Pecking and scratching curiously at the glass, it seemed to be trying to figure out how it had produced blood before, agitatedly picking at the bread crumbs from time to time.*
OOC
OK....edited my post!

Night Will!

*he looked down at the noise and a smirk ran over his face. he took a nice from under the bar and casually made a cut in his palm. he then set the glass back up squeezed his hand over it, dripping a good amount into it*
*The bird took the edge of the glass gently in its beak, and awkwardly dragged it to a more shadowed portion of the bar top to savor the crimson liquid.*

*She silently watched the bird and its encounter with the glass. She started sketching the area around it and the aftermath it caused*

OOC
Yup...we are!
OOC: Feck! Arse!

Now what will I do....? :confused:

She chuckled at the look in the creature's eyes before turning to move from behind the bar counter to a stool. Leaning back on the counter, her attention was fixed on watching a man pour his own blood into a goblet before the crow.

Noire downed half of the vodka remaining in the bottle she had conjured a moment before.

thats my girl...

*he took another sip of the rum. the hand that had been cut only second before now showed now sign of injury*

gets up from the piano and walks over to the bar whistling "popcorn."

OOC: Feck! Arse!

Now what will I do....? :confused:
OOC
Just sail back......maybe Celeste saw us rowing like mad for the Paradise beach bay......
Page 69...post 1030

OOC
Just sail back......maybe Celeste saw us rowing like mad for the Paradise beach bay......
OOC: *ponders*

We'll see. I'll do something when she's around. Hate to leave her on those rocks :D

You kids have fun

rummages behind the bar for a coke and then walks to a window and opens it. after a short pause he lets out a loud peircing whistle.

*The sudden noise startled the bird, eliciting a scream and a fluttering of wings. Cawing angrily, it emerged from the shadows, perched on the edge of the bar, and poised for flight.*

*hunter winced and cocked a brow at the guy at the window*

i'm surpised you break the glasses with that.

OOC: just read the edit: Aight!

IC:
What's that screeching?

*walks in with a slightly pained look and covering his ears*

Gives the bird a withering look then re-directs his atention to the open window. He holds out his arm and a large white falcon lands on it.

OOC: just read the edit: Aight!

IC:
What's that screeching?

*walks in with a slightly pained look and covering his ears*
LP....come sit here next to me!

It is turning into an aviery in here now!

*Unfazed, the crow continued to call out angrily, though it was gradually calming. It's wings remained half-spread in a singular and familiar fashion.*

LP....come sit here next to me!

It is turning into an aviery in here now!
Many new birds around? *wink wink*

*sits with Orchid*

How was the adventure in the caves?

Many new birds around? *wink wink*

*sits with Orchid*

How was the adventure in the caves?
The caves......well I think Jayne must have found what she was looking for.....although all we saw was her Fathers ship.....it is called the Treasure...but Ju was examining the underneath of it, and he found a very old gold coin on a rock under the sea.

After that Jayne was in such a rush to get back here, we never had time to turn around!

strokes the head of the merlin befor reaching into his pocket and drawing out a small cylinder and attaching it to the raptors leg. "fly swiftly old friend." holds his arm out the window and watches the bird fly off.

The caves......well I think Jayne must have found what she was looking for.....although all we saw was her Fathers ship.....it is called the Treasure...but Ju was examining the underneath of it, and he found a very old gold coin on a rock under the sea.

After that Jayne was in such a rush to get back here, we never had time to turn around!
Aight. Does Ju still have it? Any markings on it?

Aight. Does Ju still have it? Any markings on it?
No...he gave it to me...it's safe in my cabana.
There is a mans head on one side, and on the other....i don't know..it could be a cannon or somesuch, but it's a bit worn on that side!

The empty bottle disappeared in a flash of fire, and she settled back in her seat, observing the people around her.

What the hell is up with all the birds?

No...he gave it to me...it's safe in my cabana.
There is a mans head on one side, and on the other....i don't know..it could be a cannon or somesuch, but it's a bit worn on that side!
Too many tooth marks? :D

Any hint of ol' Calico? Or is he really dead?

*Noire's fire caught the bird's attention once more. It stared for a moment before deciding to finish it's small glass of blood. Once the glass was empty, it knocked it over.*

Too many tooth marks? :D

Any hint of ol' Calico? Or is he really dead?
No sign of him......I think he must be dead.....but who knows?

*Pours two rums....adds coke to one and passes the other to LP.*

Have you ever seen a rose like that one before?

*Points to the black rose in the tumbler of water, at the other end of the bar.*

*a small 'clink' came from behind him. he looked and saw the empty glass tipped over. he raised a brow at the crow*

"well if it isn't you." kreige smirks as he looks at kjralon. "I don't belive i caught your name the last time we ah...met is puting it mildly seeing as you lit my head on fire."

No sign of him......I think he must be dead.....but who knows?

*Pours two rums....adds coke to one and passes the other to LP.*

Have you ever seen a rose like that one before?

*Points to the black rose in the tumbler of water, at the other end of the bar.*
*looks over to where Orchid points*

I've seen many colours, but black isn't one of them...... it isn't a colour at all. But that's not what I mean.... I digress.

No I didn't. Where did it come from?

*sips as he glances at the bird making a racket*

*a small 'clink' came from behind him. he looked and saw the empty glass tipped over. he raised a brow at the crow*
*The bird shook itself contentedly, and began preening a wing. However it still maintained a level gaze at Noire.*

"well if it isn't you." kreige smirks as he looks at kjralon. "I don't belive i caught your name the last time we ah...met is puting it mildly seeing as you lit my head on fire."

She returned his smirk with a small nod, chuckling inwardly at the memory.

"I'm Noire.

My apologies for the... fire. I do hope your hair is faring well?" She shivered involuntarily, feeling the blackbird's cold eyes on her back. The nape of her neck crawled, as it had last night upon meeting the quiet man.

*looks over to where Orchid points*

I've seen many colours, but black isn't one of them...... it isn't a colour at all. But that's not what I mean.... I digress.

No I didn't. Where did it come from?

*sips as he glances at the bird making a racket*
Oh I have no idea....Will said it was on the bar the day he left to come looking for us.He said there were two feathers with it as well!

*Whispers*

That is a strange bird.....look in the mirror behind the bar...all you can see of it is a kind of shadowy image...nothing tangible at all!

"well cant tell anymore that it got burned off. hairs back to its normal crewcut length." chuckels. actualy because of how short it was in the first place no one really noticed. So why did you set my head on fire?"

*content to play the role of observer, hunter took his bottle of rum and wandered over to one of the empty booths*

Oh I have no idea....Will said it was on the bar the day he left to come looking for us.He said there were two feathers with it as well!

*Whispers*

That is a strange bird.....look in the mirror behind the bar...all you can see of it is a kind of shadowy image...nothing tangible at all!
*looks in the mirror*

*eyes widen*

How about moving this party to a booth?

*looks nervously at the bird and whispers*

That bird gives me the creeps

*looks in the mirror*

*eyes widen*

How about moving this party to a booth?

*looks nervously at the bird and whispers*

That bird gives me the creeps
That sounds fine to me!

I have to say...I didn't like the way it drank the blood!

*Picks up the rum bottle and walks over to an empty booth.*

"well cant tell anymore that it got burned off. hairs back to its normal crewcut length." chuckels. actualy because of how short it was in the first place no one really noticed. So why did you set my head on fire?"

She shrugged. "I felt like it. Just one of those moods."


Feeling a little uncomfortable now that the man who'd been behind the counter had left, and wandered over to a far booth, she squared her shoulders with the edge of the counter, unconciously leaning a little closer to the bird.

That sounds fine to me!

I have to say...I didn't like the way it drank the blood!

*Picks up the rum bottle and walks over to an empty booth.*
*follows*

How long has the bird been around?

His eyes wander to the bird for a moment. "Ah ah a mockery of life." smirks and then shifts his atention else where.

*On the bar, the black rose seemed more alive than it had this morning. The dryness encroaching on the edges of the petals and leaves was nearly gone, and the blood-tipped thorns glistened as freshly as ever. The crow cocked its head at the patrons, the dark glint returning to its eye. The fire blinked out suddenly, and the bird hopped towards Noire once more. It picked at her sleeve, then cried once. The wordless sound seemed almost to form a phrase she would find familiar. Wrong color..*

*follows*

How long has the bird been around?
Well I've only been here a short while myself....but it has been in most of the time I've been here......

I don't like it one bit......what is it doing with Noire?

*tries to look over his shoulder as casually as possible*

*On the bar, the black rose seemed more alive than it had this morning. The dryness encroaching on the edges of the petals and leaves was nearly gone, and the blood-tipped thorns glistened as freshly as ever. The crow cocked its head at the patrons, the dark glint returning to its eye. The fire blinked out suddenly, and the bird hopped towards Noire once more. It picked at her sleeve, then cried once. The wordless sound seemed almost to form a phrase she would find familiar. Wrong color..*

She felt the bird pluck at her sleeve, and glancing down at it, felt words cross her mind as the bird looked her in the eye. "But it's the wrong color..." "It's wrong." Noire shivered involuntarily, and half-giggled, a sound as though a small sob was caught in her throat. "That's me." The whisper was quiet enough as to be practically unnoticeable, and looking back down at the creature, she sighed, and rested a hand lightly on its feathered back.

I don't like it one bit......what is it doing with Noire?

*tries to look over his shoulder as casually as possible*
*Glances over to where Noire is with the crow.*

It seems to be pecking at her sleeve....but it doesn't seem to bother her, she's stroking it!

She felt the bird pluck at her sleeve, and glancing down at it, felt words cross her mind as the bird looked her in the eye. "But it's the wrong color..." "It's wrong." Noire shivered involuntarily, and half-giggled, a sound as though a small sob was caught in her throat. "That's me." The whisper was quiet enough as to be practically unnoticeable, and looking back down at the creature, she sighed, and rested a hand lightly on its feathered back.
*The bird was impossibly cold, but it remained still, staring..*

Not who you think.. Not now..

*Glances over to where Noire is with the crow.*

It seems to be pecking at her sleeve....but it doesn't seem to bother her, she's stroking it!
What the...?

*thinks*

I'd have picked up the broom and chased that thing out, but if it's Noire's....

What the...?

*thinks*

I'd have picked up the broom and chased that thing out, but if it's Noire's....
*Giggles*
I don't think a broom would scare it off at all.....I think it'd fight back!

walks over to the piano and begines to play Areosmiths "amazing"

*Giggles*
I don't think a broom would scare it off at all.....I think it'd fight back!
You obviously haven't seen my broom skills then :D :p

You obviously haven't seen my broom skills then :D :p
I don't think I have....most of your others though.....

*An atmosphere as thick as treacle, seems to be settling on the bar, starting around the crow, and spreading like ripples in a pool.*

Soon

*a soundless voice echoed through the club. in the dark corner booth, hunteres eyes, though closed, had a dim blue glow about them*

I don't think I have....most of your others though.....

*An atmosphere as thick as treacle, seems to be settling on the bar, starting around the crow, and spreading like ripples in a pool.*
*laughs weakly*

Damn bird

*downs his drink and pours a new one*

"Not who you think... Not now." Noire frowned, and lifted her hand.

The raven had been startlingly cold to the touch, and the words left in her mind gave nothing but further confusion. I've heard that voice before.

Piano music snapped her out of her reverie, and pain suddenly drilled through her temples. Raising her hands to her face, she motioned to Kreig. "Please... different song. Sonata Quasi Una Fantasia, Fuer Elise, Gertrude's Dream; anything."

A warm, thick ripple seemed to fill the room slowly. "No, no." Noire took her words back hastily. "Just stop; please. No music right now."

A dizziness overtook her briefly; she felt herself wondering about the vodka she'd drank earlier.

*laughs weakly*

Damn bird

*downs his drink and pours a new one*
What was that?
Did you hear something?

*Downs her own drink.*

Yes..

*The bird stepped backwards, tugging at her sleeve. Beckoning.*

What was that?
Did you hear something?

*Downs her own drink.*
.... I was hoping I hadn't.....

*looks around for anything that could be used as a weapon or shield.....just in case*

.... I was hoping I hadn't.....

*looks around for anything that could be used as a weapon or shield.....just in case*
*Starts to sing quietly to herself.*

Blackbird singing in the dead of night,
Take these broken wings and learn to fly.
All your life
Youwere only waiting for this moment to arrive.

The bird was tugging at her sleeve, as though it wanted her to follow it.

Noire slid weakly from the stool, and stood barefoot in front of the counter in her pajamas, shuriken earring glinting in the low light. Looking apprehensively from the other people in the bar to the raven again, she took a wavering step toward it.

The bird was tugging at her sleeve, as though it wanted her to follow it.

Noire slid weakly from the stool, and stood barefoot in front of the counter in her pajamas, shuriken earring glinting in the low light. Looking apprehensively from the other people in the bar to the raven again, she took a wavering step toward it.
*Sends out her thoughts to Noire.*

Don't trust it Noire....

*The electricity in the room flickered for a moment, and the bird took to flight. The same strange flight as before, with wing beats which seemed too slow to keep it aloft. Seeming to float more than fly, it angled for the hallway again, fading into shadow as it reached the mouth.*

*Starts to sing quietly to herself.*

Blackbird singing in the dead of night,
Take these broken wings and learn to fly.
All your life
Youwere only waiting for this moment to arrive.
*looks over at Orchid, but keeps an eye on Noire and the bird, muscles and mind tightened and at the ready for anything...*

*takes a careful breath*

Fear flitted across her features, and she looked back at Orchid, feeling her thoughts. I'm sorry.

She spoke aloud. "I... I need to know for sure." Smile cracking a little wistfully, Noire turned to watch the bird duck and swoop down into the hallway she'd known it was heading for, and took the same direction herself.

*hunter smirked to himself in the darkness, then faded out of existance in the booth he was in, instantly reapearing in the booth imidiately behind Orchd and LP's. he silently leand over the back of his booth and grabbed LP's shoulders*

BOO!

*hunter smirked to himself in the darkness, then faded out of existance in the booth he was in, instantly reapearing in the booth imidiately behind Orchd and LP's. he silently leand over the back of his booth and grabbed LP's shoulders*

BOO!
OOC: XD

*The hallway seemed darker than usual, but at the end lay the staircase..*

*hunter smirked to himself in the darkness, then faded out of existance in the booth he was in, instantly reapearing in the booth imidiately behind Orchd and LP's. he silently leand over the back of his booth and grabbed LP's shoulders*

BOO!
EEP!

*turns around violently with his elbow out*

*as soon as he'd grabbed LP, he faded straight back out of existance and once again appeared in his orriginal booth, as if he'd never moved*

EEP!

*turns around violently with his elbow out*
*Almost falls off her seat in shock.*

OOC
I almost fell off my seat with laughter.....
:D

*as soon as he'd grabbed LP, he faded straight back out of existance and once again appeared in his orriginal booth, as if he'd never moved*
*falls back in his seat*

*looks around*

What the hell? Am I losing my mind?

She paused before the doorway, noting the darkness and the staircase that lay before her again.

Glancing back as though questioning her actions, she paused to think of her weaponry, locked upstairs in her room. I should get some. Checking to reassure herself, she noted she still had her wristblades strapped beneath the long sleeves of her black t-shirt, and had several strapped around her hips and calves.

I can't go back now; not even to get my things. I can't lose sight of why... Noire's thoughts drifted off, and she placed a foot determindly into the hallway, and slipping through the two panels of wood placed ajar, found herself finally standing on the dark, indigo carpet of the staircase.

*falls back in his seat*

*looks around*

What the hell? Am I losing my mind?
*LPs face is white.....*

Are you OK?

I don't know what is going on here...but I wish Noire wouldn't follow that dratted bird!

ooc : i couldn't resist, the set up was too good. :p

ic : *his rum emptied, he slipped out of the booth and returned the empty bottle to the bar, exchanging it for a fresh one*

Come..

*The staircase spiraled down into darkness, a seemingly endless descent. Yet near the bottom lay an array of candles, marking a path into yet more darkness. It was not clear how or when the candles had been lit.. only that they burnt steadily.*

*LPs face is white.....*

Are you OK?

I don't know what is going on here...but I wish Noire wouldn't follow that dratted bird!
I dunno..... I guess

*looks over his shoulder and massages it softly*

am I?

ooc : i couldn't resist, the set up was too good. :p
OOC: Kudos to you. It was brilliant :D

I dunno..... I guess

*looks over his shoulder and massages it softly*

am I?
What's wrong with your shoulder?

did you crick it when you shouted out?

Her face white as her hair, she took a silent step backwards upon spotting the strange candles. This... this can't be what I want to know. It can't be. It can't be from.. Noire shook her head. This is something I need to do. For me.

She turned her face back to the filled barroom, luminescent eyes almost pleading, before taking the staircase to the floor.

What's wrong with your shoulder?

did you crick it when you shouted out?
It's nothing.... I thought......

*glances over his shoulder again and rests his arms on the table. Sort of. He's way more tense than before*

.....well..... nevermind. I guess I'm tired or something.....yeah. Tired

ooc: The music on my brother's (well, my) Splinter Cell game that he's playing in the background seems befitting. :p

I'm a dork. I just got into an argument with some kid on another forum over whether Raichu could beat Graveler. :rolleyes: Someone kill me. Please.

It's nothing.... I thought......

*glances over his shoulder again and rests his arms on the table. Sort of. He's way more tense than before*

.....well..... nevermind. I guess I'm tired or something.....yeah. Tired
*Shakes her head at Noire as she turns to face the bar again.*

Tired....yes, that must be the reason.....

tiredness doesn't make two people hear things at the same time though!

OOC: I love the way this is playing out. And Noire, TG.

ooc : its fantastic, isnt it?

ooc: The music on my brother's (well, my) Splinter Cell game that he's playing in the background seems befitting. :p

I'm a dork. I just got into an argument with some kid on another forum over whether Raichu could beat Graveler. :rolleyes: Someone kill me. Please.
OOC
You have atmospherics....thats cool!

*Shakes her head at Noire as she turns to face the bar again.*

Tired....yes, that must be the reason.....

tiredness doesn't make two people hear things at the same time though!
*downs his drink, pours another one*

Should we.....help Noire, you think?

ooc: The music on my brother's (well, my) Splinter Cell game that he's playing in the background seems befitting. :p

I'm a dork. I just got into an argument with some kid on another forum over whether Raichu could beat Graveler. :rolleyes: Someone kill me. Please.
OOC: Raichu beat Graveler.....pffft!

*downs his drink, pours another one*

Should we.....help Noire, you think?
I'm not sure.....Noire is quite capable.

I would think she'd ask if she wanted us to.....but we should be ready if needed!

:confused:

I'm not sure.....Noire is quite capable.

I would think she'd ask if she wanted us to.....but we should be ready if needed!

:confused:
*looks around nervously*

this place will be the death of me....or my sanity

*looks around nervously*

this place will be the death of me....or my sanity
*Whispers*
I know Will keeps some kind of shotgun behind the bar!
If nessesary you might be able to grab that!

OOC: Raichu beat Graveler.....pffft!

ooc: Dude, with the right abilities + the Earthquake TM?! No way. :XD Of course Raichu could beat Graveler. :p

OOC
You have atmospherics....thats cool!

ooc: It was! :p But now my mom stole the TV, and is watching the news, so it's not quite so fun. XD

OOC: Hmm... I'll just pretend that Jen never left. Good thing about being quiet.

IC:

*Jen looked down through her sketches. She'd filled the entire book this time. It was quite a feat. However, she knew that eventually she'd be called away, but the fact that she was able to stay longer than ever before was nice.

*Whispers*
I know Will keeps some kind of shotgun behind the bar!
If nessesary you might be able to grab that!
we'll see..... I'm not that fond of shooters

*rubs eyes*

Focus LP

we'll see..... I'm not that fond of shooters

*rubs eyes*

Focus LP
I know...we're both the same in that respect.....none violent types....

I think thats why we usually end up sitting under a table or something with bullets flying over our heads....

ooc: It was! :p But now my mom stole the TV, and is watching the news, so it's not quite so fun. XD
OOC
Yup.
That's the kind of things Moms do!
:p

*At the ground level between the elaborate candles, the ground was dry and seemed to be nothing but hard-packed earth. To the sides, however, seemed the suggestion of water. It wasn't quite visible, but there were sounds to gie the suggestion. Ahead and behind the immediate position, all of existance seemed to fade into nothingness. The candles lit themselves as Noire approached, and extinguished as she passed.*

I know...we're both the same in that respect.....none violent types....

I think thats why we usually end up sitting under a table or something with bullets flying over our heads....
Heh...

Too true. How could I ever have become a pirate is beyond me

Heh...

Too true. How could I ever have become a pirate is beyond me
I don't think you are a real pirate....you couldn't make anyone walk the plank and you don't even have a parrot!

I don't think you are a real pirate....you couldn't make anyone walk the plank and you don't even have a parrot!
Maybe with my sharp mind and tongue...

*smiles again*

Maybe with my sharp mind and tongue...

*smiles again*
*Grins*
Maybe......

*A serious look crosses her face once again*

It's all gone quiet out there now....d'you suppose Noire is ok?

Maybe with my sharp mind and tongue...

*smiles again*

*Maybe she should have followed Noire...*

The lights died behind her as she passed. I feel like death. The thought carried too much weight for her, and she caught herself shivering involuntarily.

In an attempt to break the silence, she spoke aloud to herself. "What the hell is wrong with you?! This isn't you; this isn't your past; this isn't what you do. The shivering stops; the stalking starts. You're a predator. Hunt." Noire cautiously lightened her steps as she flitted down the seemingly endless hallway, and slipped her wristblades ever-so-slightly towards her fingers.

*Grins*
Maybe......

*A serious look crosses her face once again*

It's all gone quiet out there now....d'you suppose Noire is ok?
I don't know..... Probably if you think she can handle herself.....

*shrugs*

I don't know..... Probably if you think she can handle herself.....

*shrugs*
*Strains her ears to listen.....*

Yeah....course she can!

I'm going to go to my cabana now....I suddenly feel in need of sleep.

*Gives him a quick peck on the cheek.
Stands up, glancing towards the hallway where the bird and Noire went.*

Night.



OOC
Well, that's me for bed....
night all!
:fluffle:

ooc: Night, Orchid! :fluffle:

*Strains her ears to listen.....*

Yeah....course she can!

I'm going to go to my cabana now....I suddenly feel in need of sleep.

*Gives him a quick peck on the cheek.
Stands up, glancing towards the hallway where the bird and Noire went.*

Night.



OOC
Well, that's me for bed....
night all!
:fluffle:
Take care Orchid...

*gets up and makes a few careful steps towards the door Noire disappeared through*
OOC: :fluffle: Nighty night

ooc: Night, Orchid! :fluffle:
OOC
Watch out for crows....
:p

*The passage led blindly into a large stone-lined room. Upon entering, the numerous candles adorning the walls, in ornate free-standing candalabra, in a dozen other strategic lighting locations lit in unison. In the center of the room was a statue, surrounded by the black roses, each thorn bleeding, yet the ground beneath them remained unstained. The statue knelt, the upper body twisted in pain and death. The throat was cut. The stone was cold, yet somehow felt alive to the touch.. Two wings hung loosely from the back, each feather sculpted in painstaking detail.*

OOC
Watch out for crows....
:p

ooc: :D Will do!

Noire slid quietly down the passageway, and finally, all lights extinguised, reached a door. It creaked open in an ancient manner, with the sound of old things rediscovered. With the noise, the room lit aflame, tall, statuesque candles blazing fire which should have been saved for eternity.

The stone floor matched the walls, which, stretching up into oblivion, echoed a sound that was reminiscent of faint tears. Noire dropped her gaze from the quiet emptiness above her, and her eyes latched onto the massive statue.

Dark roses waltzed around the thing's feet, their black shade the same as that which bled from their thorns. The cobbles the bed of flowers encircled sprouted into vast legs, which traveled upwards into a body frozen in time, writhing not only in pain, but to Noire, emotion. The throat of the being was cut, an open, sad gash, and the wings that drooped from its back gave the impression that hope wasn't available.

Pale blue eyes glittering, Noire finally reached the face, and like the rain that had gouged rivers into her face on the night of her first arrival, a tear escaped her lashes. Too much has happened. I need to focus on my future. She lowered her gaze out of respect, only to catch sight of her bare feet, padding their way across the stone floor. Without meaning to, she'd reached the flowers, and allowed herself to drop to her knees. But every way I direct my footsteps, my past continually lies in the path.

OOC: really tired here

you guys keep up the good work.

Nighty :fluffle:

ooc: Night, LP. :fluffle:

OOC: Night LP!

Shhh...

Ravne wondered in to the club and sat at the bar
"hey every one"

Raven looked down the bar and noticed that one of her red glasses was out.
thats odd, i wonder who pulled this out. carefuly she set it back on its shelf and looked around the bar to see if there was anyone who could have pulled it out.

*Vex re-entered the club via a side door. as he wandered the hallways, he thought he detected the faint smell of something burning...*

A calming noise wove through her mind, silent and soothing.

Noire buried the heels of her hands in her eyes, and allowed her shoulders a quiver before dropping her hands back into her lap. A small hiccup escaped her lips, and she chuckled at herself. "Here I am, in the..." she glanced around. "I don't even know where I am, in front of a sculpture of Death, and I'm sniffling like a six year old." She hiccuped again, and raised her eyes sadly to the statute. It's got such a lonely feel down here. I can hardly cope, and I've only been here a little while. She's been here for ages.

She spoke at it. "I was a fool to leave the barroom, wasn't I. I'm dressed in my pajamas, practically weaponless, completely alone, and following a bird." The reality of the situation struck home, and she thought she would never stop giggling.

*Will whistled softly as he made his way to the clubhouse. His mood was gloomy; he had a nagging fear eating away at him that would not go away*

I am cursed, *he said softly, adding,*

I'll ask her today if it's true, should I see her.

*Ju wanders in, Yawning, he beings opening up the club*

*the bar room showed evidence of heavy use from the day before and Will methodically straightened the place up. Before long all was in order, the fireplace aglow with a cheery fire, the coffee brewed, and, as an afterthought, he placed fresh water in the tumbler that held the black rose.*

*Ju wanders in, Yawning, he beings opening up the club*
good day, Ju!

good day, Ju!
where'd the rose come from.
*a strange shiver ran down Ju's spine.*

where'd the rose come from.
*a strange shiver ran down Ju's spine.*
the morning I left to find you at the cliffs, I found Raven and Noire here before dawn. Raven had fallen ill and Noire was tending to her. The black rose and two dark feathers were found on the bar... no one seems to know how they got there. As you can see the rose is still here. Raven clutched one of the feathers and it seemed to be aiding in her recovery. But where they've gotten to is anybody's guess.

the morning I left to find you at the cliffs, I found Raven and Noire here before dawn. Raven had fallen ill and Noire was tending to her. The black rose and two dark feathers were found on the bar... no one seems to know how they got there. As you can see the rose is still here. Raven clutched one of the feathers and it seemed to be aiding in her recovery. But where they've gotten to is anybody's guess.
... *Ju shook his head and looked around the club.*
did you say...






Feathers?

... *Ju shook his head and looked around the club.*
did you say...






Feathers?

yup, feathers.. were I to make an educated guess, I'd say similar coloration and markings as the pain-in-the-ass mystery crow that's been manifesting itself around Noire lately.

yup, feathers.. were I to make an educated guess, I'd say similar coloration and markings as the pain-in-the-ass mystery crow that's been manifesting itself around Noire lately.really...


Crow? teach me to stay away for a while...

Ohhhhkayyy...

recovered from our little spelunking adventure?

really...


Crow? teach me to stay away for a while...

Ohhhhkayyy...

recovered from our little spelunking adventure?
such as it was. I suppose I could have waited awhile longer before I followed, but your note said two days and I waited four.... Any word from Jayne? I didn't check this morning to see if her sloop is still in the bay.

such as it was. I suppose I could have waited awhile longer before I followed, but your note said two days and I waited four.... Any word from Jayne? I didn't check this morning to see if her sloop is still in the bay.
I didn't check either... wonder if she went back to the cavern?

I didn't check either... wonder if she went back to the cavern?
wouldn't surprise me if she did. She didn't have much at all to say during the return trip.

*As Orchid leaves her cabana, she glances uneasily around to check that the crow is not sitting anywhere around.

Pulling the door closed behind her she runs towards the bar, but just as she gets to the bar entrance she slows to a walk and enters the bar in her usual way, with a smile on her face.*

Hi there Will...
Ju! nice to see you back...have you rested up after all that rowing?

*As Orchid leaves her cabana, she glances uneasily around to check that the crow is not siiting anywhere around.

Pulling the door closed behind her she runs towards the bar, but just as she gets to the bar entrance she slows to a walk and enters the bar in her usual way, with a smile on her face.*

Hi there Will...
Ju! nice to see you back...have you rested up after all that rowing?
yep... and how bout you? You ok?

*As Orchid leaves her cabana, she glances uneasily around to check that the crow is not sitting anywhere around.

Pulling the door closed behind her she runs towards the bar, but just as she gets to the bar entrance she slows to a walk and enters the bar in her usual way, with a smile on her face.*

Hi there Will...
Ju! nice to see you back...have you rested up after all that rowing?
hiya, Orchid.... hot tea? coffee? something stronger?

yep... and how bout you? You ok?
*Smiles a rather forced smile, and gives Ju a hug.*

Yes....I'm fine thanks.

Will, could I have a good strong black coffee please?

*Smiles a rather forced smile, and gives Ju a hug.*

Yes....I'm fine thanks.

Will, could I have a good strong black coffee please?*:fluffle:'s back. Looks into her eyes.*

??? problems?

*Will pours a coffee*

Ju, anything for you while I'm up?

*Will pours a coffee*

Ju, anything for you while I'm up?
Tea... one slice of lemon and 4 cubes of sugar please.

*:fluffle:'s back. Looks into her eyes.*

??? problems?
Nooooo....not problems exactly......

*Looks to see if the black rose is still there, only to find it looking much fresher than it did yesterday.*

Have you ever seen one of those before?
And black feathers?

*Takes the coffee absent mindedly.*

Thanks Will!

*serves JuNi his tea. pours himself a cup of coffee*

Nooooo....not problems exactly......

*Looks to see if the black rose is still there, only to find it looking much fresher than it did yesterday.*

Have you ever seen one of those before?
And black feathers?

*Takes the coffee absent mindedly.*

Thanks Will!yep... a long time ago...

and it doesn't bode well... :(

yep... a long time ago...

and it doesn't bode well... :(
sounds like a tale that needs to be told.

*serves JuNi his tea. pours himself a cup of coffee*
*Nods in thanks*