So, it's almost 8:30pm here, in KC. It's a beautiful night, plenty of stars are becoming visible, and there's a light breeze rippling through the trees and grass. The air is heavy with the scent of roses, and the sounds of distant cars and people. The park is mostly deserted, like most graveyards at this hour of the day. The soft sound of a guitar playing can be heard from the direction of the rose gardens. The melody is beautiful and melancholic. Hachilah meanders into the park, looking around curiously. Sarah is lying on the grass, hands behind her head as she watches the shadows in the moonlight. As the sound of the guitar reaches her ears she lifts her head up puzzled. Only when her eyes fall on Hachilah does she relax. She sits up and waves to the girl Hachilah's eyes shift immediately in Sarah's direction as she moves. She changes her path, and pads softly over to Sarah. "Hey there, Sarah." She waves. Her attention wanders again, toward the sound of music. Sarah glances towards to the music. "I wonder who that is. One of your friends maybe? The melody changes over into a more well-known song of South American origin. A man's voice sings softly along. "Gracias a la vida..." Hachilah quirks an eyebrow, and turns her head slightly. "It sounds familiar... Let us see what it is." She grins and starts off toward the music, swinging her bucket happily in one hand. "Gracias a la vida, que me ha dado tanto. / Me dio dos luceros, que cuando los abro, / Perfecto distingo lo negro del blanco, / Y en el alto cielo su fondo estrellado, / Y en las multitudes el hombre que yo amo" Sarah gets to her feet and tags along after Hachilah." Hachilah looks back at Sarah, grins, and continues. She moves swiftly into the rose gardens, practically skipping. Following the sound of guitar and voice, they soon come upon a certain mechanic. He is sitting on the ground beneath a tree, guitar in his lap. He doesn't seem to have noticed them. Sarah clearly perks up as she sees Zach, and picks her way though the roses, walking quietly." Hachilah stops in her tracks, observing the mechanic with quiet, though pleasant, surprise. The song seems to be drawion to and end... "Gracias a la vida que me ha dado tanto. / Me ha dado la risa, y me ha dado el llanto. / As yo distingo dicha de quebranto, / Los dos materiales que forman mi canto, / Y el canto de ustedes que es el mismo canto. / Y el canto de todos que es mi propio canto. / Gracias a la vida que me ha dado tanto...." The final two lines are sung a cappella. Zach leans back and relaxes completely. Sarah applaudes quietly "I have no idea what you were singing, but it sure sounded it nice." Hachilah claps and bounces, also, though less quietly. Zach looks up. Seeing two of his favourite people, his face splits into a big, happy smile. "Hey! Sara and Hachilah! How are you two today? Come sit!" Hachilah wanders over, and happily so. Hachilah says, "Hey Zach." Sarah settles down next to Zach and slips an arm around his waist "So, care to translate what you were singing? Hachilah sits on Zach's opposite side, and examines his guitar. Zach smiles. "It's a song from the revolution in Chile. It's all about celebrating life and being thankful for all that life gives you, even when times are bleak. I'm not fluent in Spanish or anything, so i just know the general message in the song. It's a beautiful melody, though. Like most South American music.." Sarah puts her head on his shoulder and smiles "What a nice song." The guitar is a nice, spanish guitar that has seen a lot of travel. But it remains well cared for. Hachilah nods in agreement and continues to admire the instrument. Almost absently she says, "You seem to favor South American music, Zach. Why is that?" Zach puts his guitar away in it's case. He considers Hachilah question. "Hmm... I like all sorts of music. I'm very fond of traditional American music like jazz and blues and bluegrass and so forth. As well as music from other parts of the world. But there is something....I dunno... 'Special' about the latino music. I have a special weakness for the musical mixture that arose from spanish, african and indian roots aroun the Andes mountains I guess. It's part melancholy, part stubborn, part soft, part temperamental..." Sarah looks interested "I admit that I've never really paid much attention to it. It seems that most Hispanic youth these days are listening to rap. Zach grins. "And what they do on those wind intruments are just amazing. Peruvian panflutes sends chills up and down my spine every time!" Zach nods to Sarah. "It's an interesting way of expressing yourself, rap. And it mixes all sorts of influences too." Sarah wrinkles her nose slightly "I'm sorry, I just don't like rap. Far to harsh sounding." Hachilah nods. "Yes, I understand the appeal. From... what I've heard, the South American style seems to characterize complex harmonies, and yet still provide a great deal of latitude for improvisation." Hachilah says, "er styles. :)" Zach nods and smiles fondly to Hachilah. "Yes it does. I really should get around to learning Spanish some day." Hachilah rejoins the conversation. "I like Rap, although, sometimes the content is too vapid." Hachilah grins at Zach, and sticks out a hand. "Hola, me llamo Hachilah. That's... all the Spanish I know. Although, I too would like to know more." Sarah grins "I've always wanted to learn French. A very romantic language I think." Zach chuckles. "I never could get those 'r's right for French. I think I'll have enough of a challenge with Spanish. So - what are you two up to tonight?" Sarah shrugs a bit "Just out enjoying the evening. Very nice and warm Hachilah shrugs and sits back on the palms of her hands. "I like the roses." Hachilah says, "How about you?" Zach smiles and shifts a little to get more comfortable. "Same as you. It's a beautiful evening and I felt like some fresh air and some music. Besides, my guitar needed the exercise." Hachilah nods and smiles at Zach. "I have something for you." Sarah lightly runs a hand down Zach's back "Do you live around here? Zach looks curiously at Hachilah. "You do?" To Sarah he shakes his head slightly. "Nope." Hachilah seems about to say something, but stops. She just kind of nods and waits, perhaps not wanting to interrupt Zach and Sarah. Sarah squints slightly at Zach "Don't tell me you're still living in your truck." Zach looks shifty and slightly guilty. "Er...well...Yeah, I do. Mostly. But I do spend the odd night or two at motels. I haven't really gotten around to seriously looking for a romm to rent yet. It's such tedious business..." He smiles sheepishly. You say, "I'm _used_ to my truck!" Sarah laughs "But think of all the advanages you'd have. Washer and Dryer, a bathroom... Hachilah quirks an eyebrow, and tilts her head to the side, listening. Zach chuckles. "But I get all that elswhere. There are plenty of launderettes around and all truck stops have showers and stuff. I guess I'm just used to living this way. ... And it does save me money that I can use for buying drinks for my friends!" Sarah nods and smiles "I just don't think that I could live that." She grins widly at the mention of drink "Well there is that." Zach smiles warmly with a twinkle in his eyes. "I also save up money to trave abroad when I can. I like seeing new places." Hachilah smiles at that. "Ada wants to travel. But she says she hasn't got the money." Zach grins. "I don't doubt it. All she'd have to do is to stop buying comics, books and new outfits for a few months. But that wouldn't be much fun though.." He turns to Sarah. "She's a regular custommer of yours, ain't she?" Sarah nods "Yep, she's been in a few times. Likes my stuff." Zach turns to Hachilah. "So. What is it you have for me then? I'm curious!" He smiles optimistically. Hachilah shrugs. "She likes new clothes, and comics. I suppose she has priorities." At Zach's request, her expression brightens. "Oh, yes." She digs around in her bucket and pulls out a shiny metallic boat-shaped object. It appears to be made of... pop cans. It is clearly hand-made, and there are two tubes sticking out the back. http://is2.dal.ca/~kmacgill/zachs_steamboat.jpg Hachilah says, "It's a steam boat." Hachilah beams happily. "My friend showed me how to make it." Zach's face spilts into a huge, beaming smile. "Oh wow! This is great! Thank you, sweetie!" He chuckles happily, gives Hach a big. noisy kiss on the cheek and starts examinig the popcan boat! Sarah peers over Zach's shoulder at the boat "Hey cool." She looks up at Hachilah Sarah says, "Nice work." Hachilah grins happily, and begins to explain. "You fill the boiler pan with water, and light the candle, underneath." She lifts the boiler pan to indicate the candle. "The candle converts the water to steam...", she indicates the tubes, "...and pushes water out the back!" To Sarah, she adds, "I simply followed the instructions given to me. It is a clever design, but not one of my own." Zach is in love! With a popcan steamboat no less! Hachilah grins happily. "It's a very simple craft. I could easily teach you how to create one." Zach laughs happily as he examines the little boat and listens to Hach's explanations. "Oh, but this is great! It's an example of what that song was about; to be happy and make do with what little you have and realizing how rich you really are. And I'd love to learn to make stuff like this." There is a boyish expression of cheerfulness radiating from him like....er...something radiant.. Hachilah giggles and wraps her arms impulsively around Zach, hugging tightly. "Wonderful." She looks over at Sarah. "Would you care to learn, Sarah? It's fun!" Sarah blinks at Hachilah and then down at the boat "Sure, is it fairly easy? Zach hugs Hachilah back and ruffles her hair gently. Hachilah nods emphatically, giggling at the hair-ruffling. "Oh yes. The teenagers in my craft group found the task to be mostly elementary." Hachilah gives Sarah a reassuring look. Sarah smiles back, but watches Zach and Hachilah thoughtfuly. Hachilah pages: I got the idea from an old buddy of mine... his family was enamored of these little boats. :) They made them out of sheet metal though :) Hachilah pages: And of course, the Internet filled in the gaps. ;) You paged Hachilah with 'It's great! :)'. Hachilah pages: ! :) Zach smiles. "You'll have to give us a course one of these days, Hachilah. You seem to be good at making stuff with your hands." Hachilah grins. "Thank-you, Zach. And thank-you Sarah. I must insist that it was a simple task, and that Reggie... that's my friend... was very kind to instruct me. He even let me use a few of his cans! I do enjoy learning how to craft new things. I suppose I am blessed in that regard. I do learn quickly." She grins. Zach chuckles and relaxes back against the tree. "Yes, you do seem to do so my dear. How about you, Sarah? Do you have any hobbies besides being a shop owner and seller of great outfits?" Sarah flashes a grin at him "Dancing, going out to clubs..." Hachilah grins and sits back herself, listening to Sarah and Zach. Sarah winks at him "Clearly one of your hobbies is flirting." Zach nods smilig. "Ah, flirting. I like that too, yes." He grins. "So you don't do any crafts stuff? I'd have thought leatherworking was right up your alley?" Sarah blinks "Have you been talking with Hachilah? She asked me the same thing. But no, I don't do leather working" Hachilah taps idly on her bucket as her attention shifts to the sky, then back to Sarah and Zach. "Sarah hasn't invested the effort to become a skilled leather worker, though... I suspect that she could be quite capable, if she tried." Zach laughs. "She did? Well, I guess we both got the idea from you being into leather so much that you make a living out of selling it." Hachilah grins. Sarah chuckles "Lack of time sorry and not really my thing. Zach winks at Sarah. "Hey, don't kick it 'till you've tried it. Can't you just see the tags on your merchandise? 'Crafted by Sarah' 'Design by Sarah'." Sarah chuckles "Well...when you put it like that... Zach nods encouragingly. "Yup, you just have to see it from the proper angle. Think about it - people wearing outfits designed and made by your very, beautiful hands!" Sarah glances down at her hand and smiles, looking into Zach's eyes "Flatterer." Zach meets her eyes with a birght and honest smile in his. "It's true, Sarah." Hachilah has joined in the grinning and nodding, though she pauses now to watch Zach and Sarah interact. Sarah blushes a bit clearly embarrased "I admit that no one has told me that I have nice hands before." Zach smiles warmly to Sarah and takes her hands in his to regard them more closely. "They are good and beautiful hands. Soft and strong at the same time... You could do fine work with these." Hachilah continues to watch the pair, obviously very interested in their conversation. Sarah looks at him, eyes smiling "I think I'm pretty talented with my hands." She winks at him "I could show you sometime at my place." Ada enters the park. Ada wanders in, apparently just out for a walk. Zach chuckles. "Oh yes, that's one type of handywork sure enough. I'm sure you are quite skilled.." He smiles. "I'm just trying to er...widen your horizon, like. Making stuff can be a real bitch while you're at it, but when the end result is there it's almost as good as sex." Sarah, Hachilah and Zach are sitting under a tree in the rose garden. A guitarcase is next to them. Hachilah is watching Sarah and Zach talk. Ada glances over, coughs a little, and waves, but lets the threesome be. Hachilah looks over, breaks into a huge smile, jumps up and runs over, tackling Ada somewhat. Hachilah says, "Hello, Ada." Hachilah grins. Zach glances up, still holding Sarah's hands. He grins. "Hey, there's Ada." Sarah pulls her knees up and smiles at Zach "I do appreciate it Zach, I'm just not sure it will work, I'm simply not very creative." She looks up at the cough and smiles at Ada "Hey there." Ada makes an ill-fated attempt to catch Hachilah and ends up sprawled on her back, her arm bent at an awkward angle by one of the small tombstones. Ada says, "Ow." Sarah blinks "My, are you ok Ada?" Hachilah looks greatly appalled by this. Her expression is mixed shame and concern. Zach mutters to Sarah, "... unless..." You whisper "You don't know unless you try." to Sarah. Ada says, "Just fine. Just a bruise. All the same, I think I'm ... just going to sit." Sarah senses "Zach plants a small kiss next to your ear." Hachilah helps Ada to her feet. "I'm so sorry", she says in a low voice. Sarah turns to look at Zach and smiles, leaning in to murrmer something Zach notices the commotion and looks soncerned. "Hey, careful kids!" Ada shakes her head at Hachilah. "I'd rather sit, thanks, love," she murmurs. You say, "Are you okay, Ada?" Hachilah raises an eyebrow. "Wouldn't you... rather sit with us, by the tree?" Sarah whispers "So, does this mean you want to come over and admire my handiwork sometime."" Ada is distant enough that this dialogue would have to be shouted, mind. Hachilah targeted the tombstone. Hachilah is eeevil. Hachilah says, "Joke. :)" Ada shakes her head. "Not tonight. Go on, go back to Sarah and Zach. I'll be around, I didn't mean to disturb you." Hachilah raises the other eyebrow, clearly puzzled. Hachilah says, "What's wrong?" Ada looks down and to the side. "I didn't mean to disturb you." Hachilah kneels down and cups Ada's face in her hands. Hachilah kisses Ada softly. Hachilah moves Ada's glasses up onto her forehead. You whisper "I might do that some day. Maybe you need som plumbing done." to Sarah. Zach wathces Ada and Hachilah with a slight growing concern. Hachilah mutters to Ada, "... are..." Hachilah mutters to Ada, "Zach was playing... was..." Sarah smiles at Zach and lightly runs her hand down his cheek "I'm sure I do." She swtiches her gaze to Ada and Hachilah, looking pleased to see them together. Ada mutters to Hachilah, "... sure... *please*,..." Hachilah mutters to Ada, "Please... what?" Hachilah looks concerned. She takes Ada's hand. Ada shakes her head again. Hachilah takes Ada in a loose hug. Ada mutters to Hachilah, "... don't want... disturb... was just walking.... back... Zach..." Sarah senses "Zach sighs. "Man, that girl needs to get som self-confidence..."" Hachilah mutters to Ada, "... confuse... Ada. You... acting... You declare that you... and I... you." Zach calls over to Ada. "Hey, sweetness! You didn't disturb us. No need to fret!" He grins warmly to her. Hachilah looks over at Zach and grins slightly. Hachilah mutters to Ada, "... are..." Ada looks away. Sarah whispers back to Zach Ada mutters to Hachilah, "But... hadn't... If... to walk... none... even be..." Sarah whispers "Yeah, I wonder what's up with her. She certantly doesn't have any problems showing off her body." Ada starts to try to get up, favoring her hurt arm. Hachilah loosens her grip on Ada, regarding her with quietly intense tenerness. Hachilah says, "tenderness, too. ;)" Hachilah mutters to Ada, "Please... I want you to." Ada mutters to Hachilah, "Why?... make things..." Hachilah blinks. "How?" Zach rises and walks over to Ada. "Honey.. Please, don't fret. Come and join us. You really did not disturb us. We were just hanging out beneath that tree." Hachilah glances over at the approaching Zach. Hachilah looks confused. Sarah senses "Zach nodded grimly just before he rose. "Yeah, she wants attention but can't deal with it."" Ada shakes her head again. Ada says, "I... I'd rather not." Hachilah blinks and nods, the lights of confusion twinkling brightly in her eyes. Sarah remains in the background watching them Zach cups his hand under Ada's chin and looks at her. You whisper "Hey baby. What's the matter. It's not just your arm, is it?" to Ada. Hachilah watches Zach and Ada impassively, still somewhat confused. Ada tries to pull away. "I wanted... I mean..." Sarah pulls her knees up and wraps her arms around them as she watches, clearly interested. Zach keeps Ada's face turned up and looks her in the eye. Softly, gently he says something to her. You paged (Ada, Hachilah) with 'Come on, now. Please. What's wrong. You're making us worry here.'. Hachilah nods and regards Ada with puzzled concern. Ada says, "Please don't." Hachilah takes Ada's hand, caressing it gently. Ada says, "I wasn't looking for company tonight. I just wanted to walk. I just *want* to walk." AutoJudge: Hachilah rolls: 6 + 6 = 12 . Check die: 5 Hachilah says, "Oh ho ho. :)" Sarah says, "oo close" Hachilah says, "Yeah. :)" Zach says, "egads!" Hachilah says, "Neighbour of the beast. :)" Zach softly says something to Ada again in a low voice. You paged (Ada, Hachilah) with 'Do you need to talk privately?'. Hachilah raises an eyebrow and looks at Ada. Hachilah winces and shakes her head slightly. Her dreads flop a bit. Hachilah says something to Ada. Hachilah multipages (Ada Zach): I'm not sure. Ada... clearly doesn't want to talk about this. Sarah tilts her head taking in Ada's reaction. Ada says, "I want to *go*." Ada bites her lip. Ada says, "I'm out *walking*." Hachilah nods and lets Ada go. Zach kisses Ada's forehead gently and releases her. He whispers something to her. Hachilah's face is a monument to confusion. Clearly, she doesn't understand Ada's behaviour. You whisper "I'm worried about you, hon. I'll come by later. I love you." to Ada. From afar, Hachilah patpats. "So many women, so little Zach. ;)" Ada whispers "Only if you want. I..." Ada turns and walks off. You paged Hachilah with '*sigh* We need the archangel of love back! :)'. Zach sighs and watches Ada walk away. Sarah raises an eyebrow and shakes her head Hachilah shouts after her. "Ada! May I come with you?" She looks kind of... lost? Confused, yes. Ada heads out of the park. Ada has left. Long distance to Ada: Zach nods before you turn and walk away. Hachilah blinks and blinks. Her eyes are glistening somewhat in the starlight. Hachilah pages: Soap opera fun. Whee. I'm glad you liked the boat. :) I'm actually considering trying to make one. It would be fun! :) You whisper "Why don't you follow her. I think she needs you... I'll take care of Sarah, and then I'll pop over to Ada's place." to Hachilah. Zach rubs Hach's arm gently and returns to Sara, the tree and the guitar case. Sarah looks over at Zach "So, what was that all about? Hachilah seems torn. She looks over at Zach and Sarah, blinks a bit, then looks where Ada has left... Hachilah wanders over to the tree and picks up her bucket. Zach shakes his head looking bewildered. "I have no idea, Sarah. No idea..." Hachilah glances up at Zach and Ada as she retrieves her bucket. Hachilah waves, though it is much less enthusiastic than usual. "Goodbye." She turns and runs off, after Ada. Hachilah heads out of the park. Sarah waves "Er bye Hachilah" Zach waves. "See you 'round, kiddo!" Zach closes the guitar case. "She was in a really wierd mood tonight. Like...high strung or something.." Sarah watches Hachilah leave and shakes her head "Too bad, they had a nice relationship. Zach smiles. "Yes, they do. I understand they met each other when Hach was having a row with a univerity professor." Sarah chuckles "I think I remember that, it was fairly amusing." Zach lifts an eyebrow. "Oh? You were there?" Sarah nods "If it's the row I'm thinking about. I don't really remember the details, but the professer was being pretty snotty." You say, "It was about her bucket. He supposedly threw it away, and it held all her meagre belongings." Sarah thinks back for a moment "That's ringing bells, yeah that sounds about right. The professer didn't seem to care very much." Zach hmphs. "Well if he did it on purpose, it was a pretty shitty thing to do to a kid." Sarah shrugs "Don't know about that. Sorry." You say, "Yeah, I suppose he'd be the only one to know. Anyhow - I gotta split. You want to catch a lift somewhere? I've got my truck over at the parking lot."" Sarah shakes her head "I'm good thanks." Zach smiles. "You sure? Well, okay then. It was nice seeing you again, sweetie. I'll see you again soon." He takes her hand, turns it and kisses the inside of her wrist gently. "Good night, Sarah." Zach hangs his case over his shoulder and ambles off into the night. Sarah smiles and gently runs her fingers though his hair "Good night." And that's a wrap!