Logfile from Brass&Steel. Kathy's Bar and Grill The three of them, Goldie, Sarah and Don are all clustered at the bar. Goldie is drinking water while Don and Sarah drink beer. Goldie chuckles, her arms folded in front of herself and laying on the fleece which itself is on her lap, "A bit of this and a bit of that. I tend to lug almost everything with me so I won't have to run back and get something at the wrong time." Don says, "Keep things you care about close." He nods. "Good plan." Traci enters. Zach wanders into the establishment and sniffs in the smell of yummy BBQ. His eyes swipe over the assembled crownd and as he notices Sarah and Goldie by the bar, his face splits into a genuinly happy smile. Zach saunters over to the bar. "Sarah, Goldie! How y'all doing tonight?" Lucian enters. Sarah turns around to as she hears Zach's voice and flashes him a grin "Zach! How are you? Don motions to the server. "One more," he says, waggling the beer, "and a patty melt." Goldie's eyes flicker to Don at his statement and she opens her mouth as though to reply when a call from the door catches her attention. Turning, she gives a tired nod at the sight of Zach, "Fine, Zach... What are you up to just now?" Don, Sarah and Goldie are sitting at the bar. The adults are drinking beer while Goldie drinks ice water. Sarah finishes off her beer and looks over at Zach "Want one?" Zach smiles happily as he greets Sarah with a kiss on the cheek. "I'm all right, thank you. And right now I'm up to a drink and prehaps something to nibble." Traci wanders over to the bar "Hey there..." Sarah returns Zach's kiss with one of her own and then looks over, hearing Traci's voice. "Hey Traci, it's been a while." Zach nods to Sarah. "Yeah, if you can attract the attention of the barkeep, I wouldn't mind getting a nice, cold tap beer." Then he notices Traci. Goldie literally flinches at the sound of Traci's voice, her hands tightening slightly on the fleece laying across her lap. Looking around towards the sound of the familiar voice she said, "Well, look what just wandered in..." Sarah senses "Zach tenses slightly upon noticing Traci, but then relaxes again." Sarah gives Zach a look "You ok?" The door swings open, and in walks Lucian Szabo. His eyebrows bounce upwards as he surveys the bar and recognizes so many faces. Some day, it will be explained what draws so many people of diverse backgrounds to this bar. For now, though, Lucian begins making his way rapidly towards the bar as well. Zach nods to Traci. "Evenin'." Traci says, "evening.." Looking at Don: A tall, burly man with thinning blond hair, darkish blue eyes, and a few scraggly days' worth of stubble on his chin. He wears a surplus fatigue shirt with the buttons undone over a plain green t-shirt, jeans, worn sneakers, and a baseball cap loudly proclaiming its wearer to be in support of "U.S. kicking ass in Afghanistan!" His eyes constantly dart about, and his thick body is always in a fidgety kind of motion, as if he were containing, but just barely, some desire to beat the crap out of someone, or something. Zach smiles to Sarah. Don looks at all the newcomers,and says "Christmas, I feel like I've touched down in the middle of a convention." Zach mutters to Sarah, "... How could I... fine when... a..." You whisper "Sure honey! How could I not be fine when I'm in the precense of such a beautiful lady?" to Sarah. Sarah turns back to Don looking embarrassed "Oh I'm sorry, let me introduce you. Don, this is Zach Ellis and Traci Lovelace." She nods over at Goldie "And that's Goldie." Traci waves to Don as she's introduced Goldie gives a cautious look at Traci at what seems to be an unusually subdued responce, looking her over for a moment then shrugging and turning away. She gives Don a nod in responce to Sarah's introduction, but seems to be keeping her peace for now. Don shakes his head. "It's okay, really. Not that I need to know." Zach holds out his hand to shake Don's. "Hey Don! Nice to meet you." Lucian stops at the bar, a few seats down from everyone else, and orders a coffee. Once he gets his cup, he turns to the crowd. "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen," he says. "Quite the crowd tonight, hm?" He nods to each person as he names them in turn. "Miss Roberts, Miss Lovelace, Mister Ellis, Miss... Goldie, was it?" Looking at Don, he frowns. "And while we've met, I can't say I recall having caught your name... Don, is it?" His eyes light back towards Zach, and fix there for a long moment before he resumes looking over the crowd. Don looks entirely overwhelmed, and not entirely pleased,by all the attention. Sarah turns at the new voice "Ah, Lucian. I didn't see you there. Nice to see you." Zach stiffens ever so slightly upon seeing Lucian, and his eyes turn cold for a second or two. Sarah gives Zach an odd look and asks again "You ok?" Don finally says, to nobody in particular, "Okay, I think Ineed to move a few seats down. No offense, but a burger is a burger." Sarah nods at Don "Sure thing." "Unless it's not a burger, but a burgher," Lucian says, trying to stress the subtle difference in the homonyms. "One sits on your bun, the other on his bum." He takes a sip of his coffee and smiles around, as if he just made the most clever joke on the planet. Zach recives his beer from the suddently extremely busy barkeep. He takes a good sip of it before answering Sarah. "Yeah, just a bit stressed. Had a busy day with lotsa folks yelling and being all over my case." He nods to Don. "Sure." Traci takes a seat, sitting beside Goldie if she can. Sarah pats the stool next to her "Hop on up Zach." Goldie looks around her, noting the various gazes which range form cold to outright frost as they are being banded about on all side, then commented quietly, "If I could bottle all this dislike then I'm sure that I could find a buyer -somewhere- for the high quality stuff." As she is saying this, a glance to the side reveals Traci taking a seat at the bar next to her and she sighs. You say, "Heat seems to drive everyone crazy, and when the air conditioning in their cars don't work. Well..." Sarah nods at Zach "Is that what people were yelling at you about?" Traci orders a burger with a coke and a side of fries. Goldie looks at Traci rather exasperatedly, murmuring something to the other girl with a hint of venom audible despite her lowered voice. Zach casts a sideways glance and a genuine smile to Goldie as he alights on the chair next to Sarah. He nods glumly. "Like you wouldn't belive it, hon. I've been up to my armpits in overheated cars these last few days. Overheated cars and overheated people." Sarah leans in and whisper something to him She mutters to Zach, "Poor... I can..." You sense Sarah leans in and whisper something to him "Poor thing, later if you want, I can take you home and make it all better." Traci murmurs something back, seemingly not upset at all. Lucian watches the interchange between Goldie and Traci with curiosity for a few moments, sipping his coffee quietly. He scans between the various people. At least where he sits, at the end of the line, he can keep them all in one line of view. Ada enters. Zach smiles to Sarah and murmurs something back. Goldie averts her eyes from Traci, picking up her glass of ice water from the bar top and taking a sip as though to cool her own temper with it. Ada slides in behind a crowd of folks and heads for an out-of-the-way table. Don takes his patty melt and beer a few stools down and sets to work, heedless of the crowd gathered where he was just sitting. Zach mutters to Sarah, "... have... go... a... hours..." You whisper "As much as I'd love to, I'll have to go back to the garage in a few hours to finish up some work." to Sarah. Traci picks up the burger as her order arrives. SHe takes a bite, chewing for a moment, then as an aside to Goldie says "Fry?" Sarah gives Zach a disapointed look but nod "Yeah, I understand." She lightly runs a hand down Zach's arm and smiles at him before looking over at Don "If you get lonely, come back and join us." Lucian glances back towards the door as he hears it open, then turns back towards watching the line. He keeps quiet as he watches the various conversations going on. Ada kicks her feet up and watches the crowd at the bar. Goldie gives a small smirk, deliberately interperating Traci's question in a rather different manner from which it was intended, "Naw, I'm cool enough with my jacket off." Traci says, "Suit yourself." Zach swings sideways on his stool and notices a familiar mop of rainbow colored hair. He smiles to Ada and waves. Don idles for 10 before what's left of his dinner goes cold. Sarah looks curiously at the extange between Traci and Goldie "Everything alright? Ada smiles back at Zach and waves back, her eyes glinting in the low light. Traci says, "I'm fine. I just thought the waif here might like to share my fries. The portions here are so big.." Lucian chuckles slightly as he hears Goldie's reply. He shakes his head slightly to himself as he looks about, noting Ada's arrival with a raised eyebrow. His eyes flick towards the door. Sarah nods and follows Zach's gaze to Ada. She raises an eyebrow and gives her a polite nod, although she tenses slightly. Zach leans over to Goldie and murmurs something to her. Goldie gives a small shrug, the motion giving a far different effect when she does it wearing her rather tight t-shirt rather than her normal concealing fleece, "Well, if you ballon up and die of clotted atteries then I'll be sure to eat a fry in yer memory." Zach mutters to Goldie, "... seen... around..." You whisper "You seen Hachilah around lately?" to Goldie. Lucian looks back at the crowd, then to the door, perhaps measuring distances. Sarah looks over at Lucian and grins "So, what brings you here? Goldie pauses for a moment then murmurs something in reply to Zach. Lucian raises his coffee cup, and sloshes it around. "They make passable coffee here," he says with a shrug. "It is a long way from my office." Traci listens, seeing if she can overhear any of Goldie and Zach's conversation.. Goldie mutters to Zach, "Nah.... a couple... There..." Goldie whispers "Nah. I ain't see her for a couple of weeks now. There something wrong?" Sarah nods "Yeah, their coffee is pretty good. Tell me, do you drink anything thing besides coffee? I don't think I've ever seen you drink a beer." Lucian shakes his head. "Nu. I prefer to avoid alcohol," he says with a wave of his hand. "Coffee is sufficient for my vices." Zach inclines his head to Goldie and mutters something back. Sarah winks at him "You have vices? Who would have guessed." She glances over to where Zach and Goldie are mutter and raises an eyebrow at Traci, asking a silent question. Zach mutters to Goldie, "... hope... has... characters in... I..." You whisper "I hope not. But there has been a surge of not-so-nice characters in town lately. I worry." to Goldie. Goldie senses "Zach seems a tad tense." "Have we not all vices?" Lucian asks with a small smile. "It is the nature of the beast, nu?" Goldie senses "Zach grits his teeth upon hearing Lucian talk about 'vices'." Traci shrugs, not really hearing anything it seems. Goldie gives another shrug, give one more remark at a more conversational level as she turns her attention away form Zach, "Well, I'll let you know anyway. Thanks for assuming that I'd know that sort of people..." Ada flags down a waitress and orders, is looked at sternly, and reluctantly takes her feet off the table. Traci says, "Oooh? I'm THAT sort of people now?" Zach quirks an eyebrow at Goldie. Sarah chuckles at Lucian's comment "What you mean I'm not perfect? WHo would have guesed. Well Zach probably, he knows some of my vices, especially in bed." She glances over at Ada to see her reaction to the last comment." Goldie says, "Stop over estimating yourself... ^_-" You whisper "Hachilah is what sort of people??" to Goldie. Goldie just looked at you. Goldie lets out a put upon sigh and turns back to Zach with more than a hint of irritation, her temper seeming a touch frayed, "I have said I will help you, isn't that enough for you?" Lucian frowns momentarily towards Goldie and Zach, and shifts slightly. "Mister Ellis," he says, voice pitched to carry much farther than necessary, "Are you troubling that young girl?" He glances around the room to see if his words catch the attention of anyone. Zach lifts his hands in defeat. "Hey steady on, kid. Didn't mean to ruffle your feathers there. I'm glad you're willing to help, 'K? Peace?" He smiles a bit and backs off. Zach pointedly ignores Lucian. Sarah gives Zach and Goldie a curious look. Sarah needs go in a few minutes. Goldie turns yet again, this time towards Lucian, her eyes flickering to the sides to keep track of what those near by are doing. Giving a vaguely appologetic smile which does not seem to touch he reyes fully, she replies, "He was only bothering me a bit, I said somethign which he took wrong and I got a touch too irritated. Thanks for jumping in though." Fidelity pages: Howdydoo? You paged Fidelity with 'I'm in HELL. Literally!!! :)'. From afar, Fidelity would save you, but you couldn't meet his price. ;) Sarah calls over to Traci "Hows the food?" You paged Fidelity with 'Damn. You turned into a lilim now? :)'. Traci says, "It's pretty good." Sarah grins "Care to share?" "Someone must be concerned about the conditions of the young," Lucian says airily. "Especially with so many predators roaming about lately." He shakes his head in over-exaggerated concern. Zach takes his beer and smiles all around the bar. "If you'll excuse me?" He slides off his stool and pads over to Ada. Upon hearing Lucian he quietly commets: "Indeed.." Sarah watches Zach walk over to Ada, a slight frown on her face. Her eyes flicker from one to the other. Goldie watches Lucian cautiously as he makes his statement, his words sounding faintly pompous to her ears. When he does not follow up immediately with something else which she apparently expects, she gives a small shrug, "That's a nice sentiment to carry aroudn with you." Fidelity pages: Nope. Just a Mercenary. ;) Ada sits up as Zach and the waitress arrive at about the same time - happily not on a collision course. "Hi, Zach... how's life?" Lucian flashes a smile as Zach walks past. It's not a terribly friendly one. He takes another swallow of coffee, and by the time he lowers his cup, his face is back to its normal look. He shrugs slightly. Zach plops down next to Ada and smiles to her. "Busy, hon. Busy." Ada senses "Zach is TENSE!" You sense Ada takes Zach's hand and rubs his palm gently with her thumb. "With what, love?" Sarah slides off her stool and waves to everyone "Hey I'll see you guys later. I need to jet." Sarah waves "Thanks for the rp everyone! Zach idly steals a paper napkin from Ada and start to fiddle with it. "Lotsa work in too much heat with too many overheated people snapping around." Traci watches the crowd as she sits and eats her burger and some of the fries Zach keeps an eye on the crowd by the bar, and smiles to Sarah as she walks past. Ada sips her soda water. "You should cool down. Relax a little. Go swimming, take a bath, something. Just get your mind off people for a while..." Ada mutters to Zach, "Although I... kept... on..." Ada whispers "Although I wouldn't mind if you kept your mind on one person in particular..." Goldie slowly finishes her water in piece now that no one is speaking to her, suckking noisily on a chunk of ice then biting down on it with a definate crunch as she chews it into mlting shards in her mouth. Traci stands up from the bar, heading off to the ladies room. She leaves behind her her unfinished plate Don slowly eats his patty melt and drains his third beer, trying his best to ignore the commotion and succeeding once it dies down some. Lucian glances around as a number of people head off in different directions. He frowns slightly. Now that everyone's moved about, he has to actually turn his head to keep track of them. Zach smiles a bit to Ada and nods quietly. "Would love to, but there's just too much work to be done." Goldie pauses as Traci stands up, her eyes tracking the other girl as she heads to the 'little girls room'. A touch of warriness can be seen on her face as she continues to watch, waiting for Traci to return. Ada says, "You can't even take a day off?" You sense Ada squeezes Zach's hand. Zach shakes his head. "No can do." Ada senses "Zach is not easing up." Ada mutters to Zach, "... you... with me..." Ada whispers "Will you come with me for a moment?" Don digs into his jacket pocket for some cash. Zach keeps on worrying the napkin, his eyes constantly watchful. He quietly says something to Ada, and squeezes her hand. Lucian watches the crowd, sipping at his coffee. His eyes glance towards Goldie, towards the bathrooms, then back around the crowd, lingering on Zach and Ada a bit longer than elsewhere. Zach mutters to Ada, "... for a... There really... much..." You whisper "Ok, but just for a moment ok. There really /is/ much work to be done." to Ada. Don places some cash down, and then rises, slowly,. Ada writes something on a napkin, places it on top of her sandwich, and gets up, dragging Zach with her. Don makes his way for the door. Goldie sits remarkably still on her bar stool, her glass held idly in one hand as the ice cubes within it slowly melting in the warmth of the bar. Zach allows himself to be dragged. Lucian hops off his stool and shifts down a few, sitting next to Goldie. With a raised eyebrow, he asks, "How goes that mathematical work?" You step outside. KCK -- Just Across the State Line Don emerges from the bar and grill. Ada pulls Zach aside once they've left. Zach nods absently to Don as he passes, focusing his attention on Ada. Don makes his way for the cab of his truck. Don goes poof. Back tomorrow. Don has disconnected. Ada pulls Zach tight against her and kisses him hungrily. Zach hugs Ada back and kisses her. But he is oh, so tense and his mind seem to be overworking. Ada rubs the palms of her hands against Zach's back, still kissing him. Zach sighs and takes her head in his hands, gently finishing the kiss after a while. "Honey, I'm sorry. But I just can't concentrate on you like I should right now." Zach whispers in her ear. You whisper "There are demons in there." to Ada. Ada nods and hugs him tight. "I know. I understand. I missed you terribly, love... what?" Zach just nods grimly, tensing even more just at the very thought. He is keeping an eye on the door. Ada says, "Where?" Ada looks sad, oddly. You say, "Inside." Ada sighs and kisses him. "Well, duh." You say, "Have you seen Hachilah at all these last few days?" Ada shakes her head. "Not since... the last time I saw you." Zach sighs. "Look, I better step inside again. I want to keep an eye on them while I figure out what to do. Damn all this 'subtle' business anyway!" From afar, Ada nods and squeezes your hand. "Do what you have to, love. I'll be behind you no matter what you do." You step inside Kathy's Bar and Grill Contents: Lucian Traci Goldie Traci looks to Goldie "So.. what have you been up to? Goldie nods and waves to Lucian, "See you some other time then." Zach enters the bar again and wanders over to the table and plops down. He waves for a waitress to get him another beer. Lucian looks at his watch, and slides off his stool. "Curses, look at the time." He sighs. "Good night, Miss Goldie, Miss Lovelace." He nods, and heads for the door. Lucian says, "Night, all." Lucian goes home. Zach follows Lucian with his eyes, jaws tensing slightly but remains seated. Goldie nods to Lucian in farewell, ignoring Traci in preference to Lucian's leave taking. Unfortunately, the moment passes and Traci's question still hangs on the air until she finally replies, "A fair ammount, getting some work done. Doing maths. That sort of thing." Traci says, "What school are you going to?" Goldie answers the question with a question of her own, "Why'd you want to know? I don't go to yours and that's a major plus..." From afar, Ada is glad you went back inside. Her personal computer is now crashing on boot, and she is reduced to using the family PC. Traci says, "Look. I don't know what it is. I'm trying to be friendly here. And you keep shoving it in my face. I'm not sure if you even realize how rude you sound, but I'm trying to be civil.." Ada re-enters and returns to her seat, obviously discomfited. Goldie gives a shrug as a touch of anger enters her voice, unfolding her fleece from her lap and pulling it around her shoulders despite the heat of the evening, "That's what you are saying now. I been bugged by so many people that I don't -need- one more prying at me all the time." Traci says, "Everybody needs a friend. I'm just trying to be yours." Goldie retorts sharply, "Did I ever ask if I wanted someone like you ta be my friend?" Zach keeps a careful eye on the two young girls by the bar, as the conversation turns somewhat heated. Traci says, "And what does that mean "Someone like me?"" Goldie gives a tight smile, the expression faintly predatory as she answers softly, "Don't worry, I am sure that -eventually- you'll figure out what I mean... Unless I'm overestimating you again." Traci says, "No. Tell me. What sort of class are you putting me into." Zach whispers something softly to Ada. You whisper "Isn't one of them your neighbour or something?" to Ada. Ada whispers "Traci lives upstairs. Why?" You whisper "Do you know her any?" to Ada. Goldie says, "At this rate remedial seems to be more than a little over your head, so if you don't mind I'll just move and leave you to stew in peice." Goldie begins to stand up, slipping her arms through the sleeves of her fleece and donning it properly. Traci gets up as well, putting down some money for her meal Goldie fastens the zipper, moving it to it's habitual location at the base of her neck then turns to leave the Bar and Grill. There is a stormy look on her face and she only barely manages to avoid stalking through the crowd angrily. Zach is continuing a whispered conversation with Ada. Traci follows Goldie as she leaves the bar.. Goldie senses "Zach gives the briefest of smiles as you walk past. It seems oddly approving.." Goldie steps outside. Traci steps outside. Traci has left. Ada whispers "A bit. Not well. We haven't talked in a while." Zach rises and puts money on the table. "Let's go." KCK -- Just Across the State Line You cross the stateline, heading towards downtown KCMO. Downtown -- 12th and Broadway You head east. Downtown -- 12th and Oak You head South on Oak. Downtown -- 18th and Oak You head south on Oak. Downtown -- Crown Center You head east on 18th. Downtown -- 18th and Vine Contents: Traci Goldie Zach is following you, but keeping well back to avoid being noticed. Ada arives along 18th from the west. Long distance to Ada: Zach is following the girls, but keeping distance to avoid being obvious. Goldie smiles in return to the barbed comment, her eyes looking straight at Traci during this confrontation with a level stare fit to make one wonder about her sanity, "And why should I tell you anything at all? You're following me and bothering me and if anything you are -annoying- me..." Ada follows Zach. Traci says, "Yes. Because I can tell you're hurt. That you're looking for something. I don't know what it is. But I think it's a friend.. or something more." Zach sinks into the shadows of a doorway, keeping an eye on the two youngsters. AutoJudge: Goldie rolls: 5 + 3 = 8 . Check die: 6 Goldie makes a Perception roll to see if she spots Zach or Ada, but fails horribly. AutoJudge: Traci rolls: 3 + 6 = 9 . Check die: 6 Traci does too, but succeeds quite well. Ada isn't taking many pains to be stealthy. Goldie freezes at those words and their implications, her hand knoting into tight balls of knuckles before they relaxed once more and slid up her over long sleeves. The anger from the question was unmistakable, but swiftly and viciously quashed into a coldnesss lurking in her eyes. Zach just keeps watching and waiting quietly. Traci says, "I could be that friend.. or whatever.. if you would let me." Goldie speaks, her normal melange of an accent having vanished for now, "Since when should what -you- know and what -you- claim to think be my concern? You are nothing that I want assosiated with myself at this time or any in the future. Do I make myself clear to you?" Traci says, "No. Not until you tell me what you have against me. I've done NOTHING to you.." Fidelity pages: Everything still groovy? You paged Fidelity with 'I'm not a 100 sure... There is some sort of showdown going on and I'n not part of it.'. The current time in Kansas City is 9:38 PM, Tue Aug 13, 2002. From afar, Fidelity guesses: traci-goldie? :) You paged Fidelity with 'Nods. I'm just watching and waiting...:) How crowded are these streets in the evening?'. Fidelity pages: Where? You paged Fidelity with 'We're in the area around the Bluebird.'. You paged Fidelity with 'I could use some nice, quiet mews or something....'. Sarah arives along 18th from the west. Fidelity pages: Fat chance. That's the historic arts/music district. It's packed at night. You paged Fidelity with 'I rather thought so.'. Sarah says, "whats going on?" Zach is more or less hiding in a shadowy doorway a small distance from Goldie and Traci who are quarrelling. Traci says, "How far back are Ada and Zach?" Goldie is breathing slowly, her body relaxed but her eyes almost blazing with emotion. Keepgin her words soft so as not to worry the crowd wandering nearby she replies, "What you have done is nothing and that is how I wish to keep it now. It is you who are trying to change that for no reason and for no desire of mine." Zach says, "I'm not sure if Ada is with me or behind me?" Ada is near Zach, but not giving away his stealthy goodness. Sarah says, "are there a lot of people around?" Traci says, "There's some attraction between us. You wouldn't fight me so hard if there wasn't." Zach says, "Is close enough to hear some of theconversation, but not all." Zach says, "There are lots of people around, I just checked with Fidelity:)" Traci will just have to risk it then.. Goldie is standing facing off with Traci, her face far too calm too be natural and her stance now the relaxed slouch that an experienced person would recognise as used by a good knife fighter. Goldie says, "I find a sunset vaguely attractive, but I never have any desire to go near it myself. I find you to be somethign I want nothing to do with." Zach watches the girls intently. AutoJudge: Traci spends 2 essence. AutoJudge: Zach rolls: 1 + 3 = 4 . Check die: 3 Zach says, "That was a per roll" AutoJudge: Ada rolls: 3 + 1 = 4 . Check die: 1 Ada says, "Me too. And, whoa, I succeeded." Sarah is almost lost in the crowds of people as she walks along the streets. More then a few people throw her looks, clearly admireing the body. As she steps around a corner she spots Traci and Goldie. She starts to approch them and then pauses as shees the obvious tension between them. AutoJudge: Sarah rolls: 6 + 4 = 10 . Check die: 4 Sarah says, "fail" Zach says, "I succeed." You paged Traci with 'What did you do? Push a skill, go celestial, push a resonance... Just in general.'. Traci pages: An attunement. You paged Traci with 'Oki. Thanks. :)'. Zach stiffens and grabs in his pocket for something, eyes still glued to Goldie and Traci. Sarah pages: should I make a perception roll to see if I spot you? You paged Sarah with 'Why not? :)'. Goldie seems utterly oblvious to the Symphonic distortions ringing about in the area, slowly straightening up to her full height then giving Traci a piercing look, "Now, I will ask this once politely for curtesies sake. Please, leave me alone and bother me no more." AutoJudge: Sarah rolls: 5 + 3 = 8 . Check die: 2 From afar, Traci is impressed. The degree of disturbance was quite small.. Sarah pages: made it Traci says, "Very well.. I'll go. But I bet you'll be back.." Long distance to Traci: Zach is impressed too, actually. :) Sarah takes a few steps back and looks around again, this time her eyes falling on Zach. She moves towards him and whispers softly "What's going on? Long distance to Sarah: Zach is loitering in the shadows. Watching tensely. Goldie deliberately spits, the globule glistening under the street lights as it hits the pavement near Traci's feet, "I would say good bye, but good ridance is closer to my feelings on this matter." Zach unfolds himself from the shadows and starts drifting in the general direction of the girls, his eyes are on Traci as he comes up behind Goldie. He shakes his head shortly to Sarah as he spots her. Zach is not fool enough to go too close to Goldie, though... Sarah frowns slightly and returns her attention to Goldie and Traci. Goldie turns and walks away, stepping out into the street and into the light crowd. There is a dangerous look in her eyes as she walks along, each motion tightly controlled and that same gleam in her eyes being held back remorselessly. Zach lets Goldie go, but watches Traci coolly. Goldie heads all the way south on the Paseo. Traci just shakes her head "You'll be back." she says quietly.. You paged Traci with 'I resonate'. AutoJudge: Zach rolls: 1 + 3 = 4 . Check die: 3 Sarah watches Goldie, her eyes narrowed for a few minutes before turning to Traci and Zach her expression thoughtful. You paged Traci with 'Most noble AND ignoble thing done last week + 3 most noble OR ignoble thing done last year'. Zach sighs and quietly and almost kindly says something to Traci. To (Sarah, Ada, Zach, Traci), Goldie pages: Goldie is going off to get herself as far away, and to as private a place, as possible. CD 5 on an Area Knowledge roll, in case that is relevent to someone following. Zach mutters to Traci, "... don't... It's... to... with people's... you..." You whisper "Why don't you leave the kid alone, Traci. It's considered bad manners to mess with people's heads you know." to Traci. Traci pages: By My code? Hmm. Most noble last week - having a man take me like he was raping me. Ignoble - more difficult - Hmm.. probably not trying to get YOU to jump me, but leaving you for Sarah. You paged Traci with 'Hee! :) :)'. Traci whispers "I'm not.. I'm just helping her get in touch with her inner self." Sarah leans against the wall of a building arm's crossed as she watches Traci and Zach, glacing at Ada ever so often. You whisper "Oh really. Well that's quite a nice sentiment actually. Maybe I should recruit you." to Traci. Zach smiles slightly to Traci and relaxes somewhat. Sarah finaly straightens and wanders over "Is everything ok." Oddly perhaps that seems to be directed more at Traci then at Zach. Traci says, "It seems to be." Sarah relaxs a bit and glances in the direction that Goldie vanished off too "What was her problem?" Traci says, "She's all tied up in knots.. she wants somebody.. but can't open up to anybody." Sarah raises an eyebrow "Ok, so why is she shouting at you of all people?" Zach smiles slightly. "Maybe because Traci here doesn't know when to stop pushing. Goldie is a tough cookie." Sarah nods, her face blank "Yeah, she is." Traci says, "She needs to be drawn out of her shell." Sarah nods a bit "True. She does seem kinda shy. Zach clears his throat and shifts his stance a bit. "Well, yes. But eventually it's for her to decide whether to come out or not. Not us." You say, "You push too hard and you-ll probably end up with a broken nose. At best." Traci says, "True.. but I'd love to help her come out.." Ada sits on a bench and watches the interactions. Sarah smiles slightly at the double entrende. You say, "Kid's gotta choose for herself." Traci says, "anyways.. it's late, I should be abed.." Zach nods. "Want me to walk you home, or will you be allright?" Sarah nods slowly "I'll see you around Traci, come by my store sometime ok." Traci says, "I should be okay.. I'll see you, Sarah.." Sarah waves "Night Traci" Zach inclines his head to Traci. "Sure? I don't mind. But it's all up to you." He smiles a little smile again. Traci heads back westward Traci says, "It's fine.. trust me." Traci heads west on 18th. Sarah watches Traci go "Why do I get the feeling that you don't like her very much?" Zach looks thoughtfully after Traci. His attention returns to the real world and Sarah when she speaks to him. "Eh? She's not my type really." He shrugs to loosen up his shoulders. Sarah nods "Yeah, there are some personalities that just clash." Ada coughs quietly. Sarah looks over reminded of Ada "Oh, you're still here?" Ada says, "Quite. In the background, kind of greyscaled, but still here." Sarah nods slightly "How is Hachilah doing? Zach sighs. "Look, it was nice seeing you Sarah. But now I gotta get back to the garage and finish up." He loks over to Ada. "I can walk you home if you like, it's not too much of a detour." Sarah nods at Zach "Well, have fun at the garage Zach. I'll be seeing you I guess. Zach smiles to Sarah. "Sure, see you later." He kisses her goodbye and walks over to Ada. Ada nods to Sarah. "Hachilah's just fine." She stands as Zach approaches. "I'd like that. And you *know* where I live, love." You say, "Yes, I do." Zach offers Ada his arm and leads her off down the street. Sarah smiles sweetly at Ada "Have a good time *dear*" The last is said with a bit of venom as she turns and heads down the street [Public] Sarah waves "Later all! 14 Terrace St. - Apartment 3 Ada hugs Zach gently. "I wish she weren't so... catty." Zach sighs. "Yeah, me too..." You say, "Look - what do you know about Traci?" Zach strokes Ada's back and seems slightly less tense. Ada sighs. "She seems... very sexual. Almost like she's the epitome of the vampish schoolgirl. It's a little creepy; I used to enjoy being around her, but she's started to really weird me out." You say, "How so?" Ada shrugs. "It's all she ever seems to think about." Zach frowns a bit. "Has she ever tried anything with you?" Ada nods. Ada says, "The day we met." Ada says, "She came on to me in a dressing room." Zach tenses. "Oh swell. Jus like that, eh?" Ada buries her face in Zach's chest. "I'd rather not talk about it." Zach holds Ada tight. "Does she still come after you?" Ada says, "Not for a while." You say, "Good. I want you to stay well away from her. She is dangerous." Ada says, "Yes, love." Zach seems incredibly frustrated. Ada looks up. "What can I do to relax you, angel mine?" You say, "Are you any good at strategies and planning?" Ada says, "A little. Not much." Zach starts to pace around the room like a caged panther. You say, "I need to come up with a good plan about how to take out those fucking infernals. Dammit! I suck at planning. Neah was the one who did all that. I just did the smiting." Ada nods and starts brewing up some tea in the kitchenette. Ada says, "Zach?" Zach keeps on pacing, but looks over at Ada upon hearing her say his name. "Yes?" Ada says, "I know it doesn't help you at all, but... I love you. I've been wanting to tell you all night, but with all those people around..." Ada sighs and looks at her feet. "I wish there were something more I could do to help." Zach sighs and stalks over to Ada and strokes her cheek gently. "I love you too, Ada. I'm sorry I'm not being very good company right now. But the thought of those demons walking around, bold as brass... It just tears at my very being." Ada says, "I understand, Zach." She leans into his hand. "I wish they'd all just go home." You say, "I just wan to slay them where they stand, but I can't do that here. Not when I'm supposed to stay around this city for a while. There are always too many damn people around. Aw hell!" You say, "Say Ada.. Are you any good at finding information and stuff on the internet?" Ada says, "Oh, that I can do." Zach starts to pace again. "Hmm... I'd like to find out more about professor Lucian Szabo. He works at the University here. DO you think you could dig up anything on him?" Ada says, "Maybe. I'll see what I can find out." Zach smiles a genuinly pleased smile to her. "Great! See if you can find any stuff that doesn't add up. He ain You say, "He ain't human at /all/." Ada arches her eyebrows. "I'm sorry to hear that. Hachilah will be pleased to know that her dislike isn't entirely unfounded, though." You say, "Oh she knows he ain't human. She told me he wasn't but she seems to have missed as to where he belonged." You say, "Anything you can find that'll make it possible to bring him down, will be greatly appreachiated Ada. He's plotting something nasty to hurt the College as well as working to make an angel Fall. He must be stopped. He is by far the most dangerous of the two demons I have spotted so far." Ada says, "I'll do what I can, my holy Virtue." Ada takes Zach's hand, drags him into the bedroom, undresses him, and sticks him under the covers. "I don't care if you don't sleep, but you're not leaving this room until you're rested." Zach winces. "Please don't call me holy virtue. It sounds so cheesy and it's totally unCool. Just call me Zach. The 'holy' stuff is for the seraphim." Ada giggles softly. Ada says, "Aye, love." Zach protests as he gets dragged. Ada looks into Zach's eyes. "If you go out there as tense as you are you're going to drop a transmission on yourself. Or worse, somebody else. You need to relax. I'll be damned if I don't help. You say, "How can I not be tense when the whole damn town's run over by demons?" Zach sighs and resonates Ada just because. AutoJudge: Zach rolls: 3 + 6 = 9 . Check die: 5 Zach says, "And fails." Zach lets Ada put him to bed, but doesn't quite ease completely up. His chains are obviously tightening... The End