Moon Over Bourbon Street - Chapter One
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		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Extreme =&gt; Extreme Small Groups =&gt; Topic started by: Pockets on 15-02-2011, 03:53:29</h2>
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				Title: <strong>Moon Over Bourbon Street - Chapter One</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pockets</strong> on <strong>15-02-2011, 03:53:29</strong>
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				Moon Over Bourbon Street<br>Something Wicked This Way Comes<br>Ximen, Heirarch of New Orleans<br>Drakon, Magister Mundi<br>Alexandra, Apostate<br>Frederick, Heirarch's Provost<br>August 21st, 2005<br>Royal Sonesta Hotel – Private Suite<br><br>Ximen stared out the window over the Big Easy. They say that New York is the City that never sleeps, but whoever gave that nickname could only have been a mortal. No Awakened individual would have been contemptuous enough to name a city. New Orleans was anything but easy, nor did it sleep. And tonight was no different.<br><br>Had she not foreseen this she might have been surprised with the ease from which they appeared in her office. They stepped from the shadows like Death itself. Silent and smooth. Both giants in their own right, both physically and mystically. Compared to him, she was but a mere child.<br><br>Swallowing the sand that seemed to take up residence in her mouth, she said, “Welcome. To what do I owe the reason for your visit?”<br><br>“You've seen what is coming. It is unavoidable.” said the man in a voice that had more in common with a distant rumble of thunder. She didn't even blink an eye when he went to her liquor cabinet and pulled out a fist full of glasses. Each glass seemed small against the size of his huge fingers. Methodically he went through her cabinet mixing and matching various mixers, liqours, juices, and pieces of fruit.<br><br>She shivered as she felt him draw down just a tendril of power, but it was as if the world itself shuddered at the act. As if in open rebellion to his act. But it was forced to obey. Such was his grasp of the mysteries.<br><br>“I have seen what comes and I have begun to take the appropriate measures. But you know the apathy of mortals. Some will not heed the warnings. Others will do as instructed like sheep, but others will stand in open rebellion of government instruction. All to spite 'The Man'.” said Ximen as she turned around to find a <em>perfectly</em> mixed Blue Tarantula Margarita sitting on her desk.<br><br>“What of the Seers?” asked the man his face still hidden from the shadows.<br><br>“For once, our actions are in concert. They seek to move mortals from the area. The bloodsuckers don't seem to understand the notion of a truce and send my sleeper agents back sucked dry. And the wolves, our spirit allies refuse to go to them. They say that only oblivion awaits for them.” sighed Ximen feeling all too well her age.<br><br>“Please. Sit.” said the woman. The Russian accent heavy on her lips. “We are your guests, there is no need for you to remain in discomfort. Had we been here to kill you... you would not have known we were here.”<br><br>“You ask me to relax when you have both of those man cannons unholstered?”asked Ximen incredulously. “I'd sooner be fucked by a cactus plant.”<br><br>The woman raised one of those huge weapons and hissed something but was interrupted by a sharp command from the man.<br><br>“Alexandra, please step outside. The Heirarch and I have business to conduct and I can't do that when you're threatening her.” said the man. The large glass slipping into the shadows, allowing for the clink of ice on glass to resonate through the air. The words spoken with the air of a request but carrying to power of a command. And it lingered with palpable strength in the air.<br><br>Alexandra took a firm inhale of breath as if contemplating something then merely lowered her weapon, “Yes, my Master.”<br><br>It was as if admitting that statement left a sour taste in her mouth. As if acknowledging anyone as her better made her stomach churn.<br><br>In that instant a lightning bolt came crashing down to the ground, illuminating the entirety of the Heirarch's office for just a split second. And in that instant, Ximen saw the man who could unmake her. Not kill her, or destroy her, but unmake her.<br><br>He was one of the Magister Mundi. A direct opponent of the Exarchs. A mage whose magic could reshape the mortal world. But who remained apart, aloof of the scheming of lesser mages. Entangled in their own battle against the Lie. Some said they were immortal agents of the Mage Kings and Queens of the Towers themselves.<br><br>As Alexandra left the room, he said, “Their names are enscribed on the glasses. Gather them. They are unformed and still openminded enough to not take anything for granted. They will be watching me and mine. And they will do what they can to keep you and the other leaders busy with damage control. But these are small enough that they can remain under the radar and still be destructive. Tell your Sentinels to stay out of my way or they won't survive my passing. There are some things best left bound.”<br><br>Then he was gone, as if a puff of smoke. Leaving behind only a sack with a dozen different other sacks inside.<br><br>Reaching down, she pressed a button on her phone, “Frederick, I have need of you in my office.”<br><br>Picking up the glass with her margarita, she allowed her senses to search for any manner of toxin. Finding nothing, she raised the glass to her lips and took a sip and sighed in satisfaction. It was perfect. Just the way she preferred it.<br><br>As she finished her drink, the door to her office opened and in walked the second most dangerous man she had the occasion to meet. Yes, Sho Peng was the premier Adamantine Arrow and Malachi was the Chief Sentinel but Frederick was by far the quintessential 'terror of the night'. And what scared her even more was the fact that he was so.... ordinary appearing.<br><br>“You summoned me, my lady?” asked Frederick calmly as he closed the door behind him. As his eyes flitted too and fro, he said, “I take it you had some unexpected 'guests'.”<br><br>“Guests who are welcome anywhere they damned well choose to make themselves if their 'hosts' are smart.” said Ximen tiredly and kind of just melted into the comfort of her overstuffed office chair. “It was HIM, Frederick. And that She-devil who calls him Master. God what did they eat when they were children to get that big.”<br><br>“Madam, it is not for us to cast stones. For are we not ourselves different from the rest of mankind, mortals though we be?” asked Frederick as he stood before her.<br><br>Ximen said nothing, but pointed to the array of partially filled glasses before her liquor cabinet. “He named those that he needed. Find them, bring them here before the Council. Tomorrow. I don't care what it takes, see to it that it happens. See to it <em>personally</em>.”<br><br>“Yes, madam.” said Frederick as he walked over to the glasses and lifted each one in turn. “My lady, these are all in Russian. You'll need to get Rupert in here to translate.”<br><br>Shaking her head she tapped into the Sphere of Mind, allowing him to read and write any language. “Try now.”<br><br>“Ah, much better. Perhaps one day you'll be kind enough to show me how you do that.” said Frederick as he once more looked at the glasses.<br><br>“Perhaps.” said Ximen. “Now please, leave me be.&nbsp; I've had a rough night, and I doubt that I will be getting any rest.”<br><br>“I'll have room service send up some tea.” said Frederick with a bow before leaving. “Will that be all?”<br><br>“Thank you, Frederick, that is all.” said Ximen allowing him to go as she turned to face the window.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Moon Over Bourbon Street - Chapter One</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pockets</strong> on <strong>15-02-2011, 21:30:02</strong>
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				Moon Over Bourbon Street<br>Something Wicked This Way Comes<br>Tseng, Obrimos Scelesti<br>Phintias Smith, Mastigos Scelesti<br>Uriah Travers, Malkavian<br>Jarod Salt, Lasombra<br>Blood-flows-like-a-river, Black Spiral Dancer<br>August 21st, 2005<br>Somewhere in the Bayou<br><br>Campsites were a common sight in the Bayou, if you knew where to find dry land. Fishermen, gator hunters, and other such people were the typical such campers. But this campsite was unique in a dozen different ways. First among them was the fire was <em>green</em>. Second were the people who sat around that flame. The disparity of people and factions that they represented would boggle even the most analytical mind. But the one thing they did have in common was that they were all evil men.<br><br>But they had a common purpose, however vile that purpose may be.<br><br>“Why do you call us?” asked the werewolf, the tusks slurring his words. Metis deformities didn't bother the Black Spirals like they did with those of Gaia's warrors. To them it was a badge of the Wyrm's honor.<br><br>The unspoken leader of this particular circle of villians, merely sat staring into the fire, his legs crossed, one hand holding a plain ceramic cup of a reddish liquid that resembled blood but was far too thin to be, the other hand supported it as he lifted it to his lips and drank lightly.<br><br>“It is unseemly that we meet in such a manner as this.” said the tall sallow appearing man dressed in a three piece Armani suit. “To be caught by my peers asssociating with......”<br><br>“Your tone disturbs us. We thinks that you feel yourself superiors to us.” said the wild man known throughout the area as Uriah Travers. It was generally thought him one of those mad undead, but what was truly scary was the possibility that he might be one of those extremely rare and dangerous creatures called <em>Abomination</em>. The turning of a werewolf into a vampiric creature of unmitigated rage.<br><br>“Perhaps if you wouldn't be focusing on having a pissing contest amongst yourselves and wait, Tseng would provide us with some directions and answers as to why he's called us. We have less than a week until the Convergeance and in order for us to be in place to reap the benefits we must act in concert. Or the Unseen One will force It back into Slumber and we will have to expend even greater resources to attempt to rouse it from It's Slumber once more.” said the clean cut man who appeared to be the only normal one present, dressed in boots, blue jeans, and a long sleeve shirt (meant more to stave off the mosquitos than anything).<br><br>Suddenly the werewolf was in it's natural beast form, hoisting the smaller man up by his throat, growling unintelligible curses when suddenly a flash of light issued from the sitting man, sending the wolf-man flying.<br><br>“Phintias is right.” said Tseng as if the magic he had enacted was a trivial act, as if popping a zit on his forehead. “The Dragon moves subtly and swiftly. And his Claw is a vicious wiley creature that is as unpredicatable as her master. Hasty decisions will throw a century of planning out the window. And if that happens.... Death will be a merciful release from the agonies I will enact upon your mind, your soul, and your body before I use you as a Sacrifice to my Masters.”<br><br>The way he said it curbed any and all considerations of retaliation or bloody games. Tseng was a frightful individual who by his very nature was capable of things to give pause to even the Black Spiral Dancer, whose Tribe seemed to relish the most perverse and masochistic rites.<br><br>There number used to equal six, but the last had incurred Tseng's wrath and currently survived as a reminder. Her brains removed from her open skull and magic sustaining both the brain and the body, the blood lapped from her skull by the Apparition that was Tseng's <em>pet</em> as it used it's shadowy tentacles to violate the woman in ways that made Tentacle hentai look like Saturday morning cartoons.<br><br>“Tomorrow we begin to stir the pot. Blood, you will take some of your people to attack the Vampire Elysium. Make sure to create as many human casualties as you can, while killing as many vampires as you can. DO NOT Engage Law Enforcement. Jarod, you will have some of your sect attack a Werewolf Caern, leave a few survivors to tell the tale. Then Phintias will take his dark cabal to strip the Fae Hollow in the Ninth ward.” said Tseng absently as he looked down into his cup.<br><br>“And what of me?” asked Uriah.<br><br>“You? I have a singularly important task for you. Marie Laveau must die. Again.” said Tseng as he withdrew a cord wrapped stake. “Use this for the deed. To truly kill her, we must destroy her spirit as well as her&nbsp; immortal coil.”<br><br>“But will that not rouse the Snakes? Jonas is perhaps the single most ancient power in this area. Marie is his favored Childe.” said Jarod quickly. “The Followers of Set are the single most powerful group in the area. Not even the Camarilla or the Sabbat wish to risk his ire.”<br><br>“You let me worry about dealing with that particular snake.” said Tseng calmly.<br><br>“And what of you? While we're out risking our necks, what will you be doing?” asked Uriah.<br><br>“I'm gonna find one of The Created in the area and I'm going to piss him off and hopefully aim him towards the Mage community. I don't care if it's Pentacle or Seers. Meanwhile, I'm going to release a few nasty Frankensteins of my own onto Bourbon Street to attract the military. With the city under Martial Law, the Dragon and his Claw will be hindered. Unable to move about the city quite so freely.” said Tseng as he took the kettle of his strange tea and poured the remaining contents into the bowl-like crevice of the aforementioned woman's skull, earning him a soul-wrenching scream of agony.<br><br>“We have one week to keep the various supernatural factions of this city at one another's throats. If we can accomplish that, Time will do the work we need it too. And victory will be ours.”
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				Title: <strong>Re: Moon Over Bourbon Street - Chapter One</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pockets</strong> on <strong>17-02-2011, 05:23:24</strong>
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				Moon Over Bourbon Street<br>Something Wicked This Way Comes<br>Ximen, Heirarch of New Orleans<br>Frederick, Heirarch's Provost<br>'Burin' Elijah Warden, Thyrsus Free Council<br>'Vulpes' Prof. Elliot Van Graaf, Obrimos Guardian of the Veil<br>S.J. Jones, Acanthus Free Council<br>'Damon Jones' Tsutomu Fujimoto, Mastigos Silver Ladder<br>'Obsidian' Reine Valentine, Moros Adamantine Arrow<br>Elizabeth Brown, Thysus Mysterium<br>August 22nd, 2005<br>Royal Sonesta Hotel – Private Suite<br><br>Ximen stopped what she was doing as Frederick stepped in followed by the people that Drakon had instructed her to track down and gather. And he'd spent a good part of the previous night scrying for them, then had left about two hours ago in a stretch Hummer Limo to retrieve each of the people listed by the Magister Mundi. But as they were brought in and allowed to be seated, she noticed that there were a few people missing.<br><br>“Where are the rest of them?” asked Ximen quickly. Drakon had been entirely clear about those he wanted in his service. And she was not only wise enough but smart enough to know not to incur his wrath so easily. But as things stood with the inclement weather coming and all of her visions indicating that the impending Hurricane would have disastrous results. It wasn't going to be just 'another hurricane'.<br><br>The evacuation notice had already been given and people were indeed leaving the city. But in a city with a population in excess of one million people, it would be slow going. Plus there were always those who refused to leave. Or were financially unable to move. The Seers and the Pentacle for once held common purpose in getting the city evacuated. Though in truth their reasons probably differed greatly.<br><br>“The rest have proven to be either resistant to scrying magic and are forcing us to locate them the hard way. Or are temporarily out of the city. I have the Sentinel's out searching for those who are in the city.” said Frederick as he moved to the liquor cabinet and began to finish the drinks that Drakon had started. Placing each in front of each person, he stepped around the huge desk to stand just behind Ximen's right shoulder.<br><br>“Very well, I guess we can get started with the business at hand.” sighed Ximen as she looked at each of the assembled mages. Most were still wet behind the ears and barely off their Master's training strings.<br><br>Opening a drawer, she pulled out six bags and tossed each individual a bag. “Payment for your services. You have been summoned here because you have been named by one, a Magister Mundi, Drakon. And before you ask, yes, he's as real as you or me. It was him who mixed most of your drink. We only had to add the perishables.<br><br>“He has not made mention of exactly what he wants of you. Only that you are to be gathered and sent to him. Seeing as he has not advised me as to where you are to go, I can only imagine that you will need to stay together and he will find you.”<br><br>“This is not an order that I, as the Heirarch, am giving. Merely advice from one who has studied the Mysteries for decades.” said Ximen as she leaned forward, placing both of her hands palm down on the desk. “Earning the ire of a Magister Mundi is worse than taking a loaded pistol, putting the muzzle in your mouth, and pulling the trigger. Death is a release from the Lie and the mortal coil. There are far worse things than death. And they have faced many such things that we lessers can only have nightmares about.”<br><br>“It's not much help, but go to Jackson Square and get a cup of coffee.” said Ximen quietly.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Moon Over Bourbon Street - Chapter One</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>18-02-2011, 15:23:39</strong>
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				<br>Moon Over Bourbon Street<br>Something Wicked This Way Comes<br>Ximen, Heirarch of New Orleans<br>Frederick, Heirarch's Provost<br>'Burin' Elijah Warden, Thyrsus Free Council<br>'Vulpes' Prof. Elliot Van Graaf, Obrimos Guardian of the Veil<br><strong>S.J. Jones, Acanthus Free Council</strong><br>'Damon Jones' Tsutomu Fujimoto, Mastigos Silver Ladder<br>'Obsidian' Reine Valentine, Moros Adamantine Arrow<br>Elizabeth Brown, Thysus Mysterium<br>August 22nd, 2005<br>Royal Sonesta Hotel – Private Suite<br><br>Sarah Jane Jones was not altogether pleased about being dragged to this hotel, ok so there might be free food but it felt seriously uncomfortable. Its not like there were not fackin’ perverts out there, she had met more than a few and she had made them think about doing again. Thus dammit the young mage was getting ready to defend herself. She could not give a rat’s arse who they were if anyone tried anything dodgy she was not going down without a fight.<br><br>Her one hand went to the huge dog that was sitting next to her though it could feel her mistress’s discomfort Horlicks appeared for the most, calm and was looking it seemed for food rather than dangers. On the other hand SJ was tense as she watched from dark eyes beneath her rather faded hood. <br><br>Oh and this was getting bloody better, just drink this…yeah sure, yeah do I look like I was brought up an the blaady banana boat and my name is fackin’ Alice. The thoughts burned in her head though for now she was silent. The girl sniffed the drink and then placed it down again. SJ did not like the idea of being given unknown beverages, whoever gave them to her. Trust was not something that came easily; she waited for the others to drink and even thought about switching hers for one of the others.<br><br>SJ sniffed again and once looked about the room at the others, the young mage wiped her nose on her sleeve. “Right looks like none of us know what the fack is goin’ on…bat we are not all talkin’ abaat goin’ tagevver right? I mean I ain’t good at vis ‘Arry Potter and Isure as&nbsp; shite aint ‘ermione... I blaady don’t undertand most of it… but I do know vat a group like vis one is goin’ ta facking stick aat like we ‘ave a becon on our ‘eads.” There was a pause as she waited to see if anyone else took a sip if the drink. Hell the queen of England could offer her tea at a garden party and SJ would still be cautious. “I am likely singin’ ta ve choir bat if some big guy is pattin’ on vis sort of blaady shite then I am goin’ ta fink vis is not sam normal fackin’ crap.”<br><br>The dog had left SJ’s side and stared to scrounge in bags for food.<br><br>“HORLICKS.” The young woman called or rather shouted at the dog before she continued. “I mean I aint no expert bat I mean since when would, any of us pass ve time of day on a normal street? Fer Facks sake I don’t even buy coffee…” SJ toyed with the bag of marbles. Her accent was strong and was certainly ‘English’ likely from somewhere in London. <br><br>There was another pause as SJ eyed the drink, "Not vat I know nuffin bat I mean if we are goin’ ta ‘ave ta meet ap ven we do it wif brains.” There was a shrug from those thin shoulders.&nbsp; As she finally took a sip after yet another sniff and watching the others carefully.&nbsp; At least Horlicks knew the drill if she went down. <br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Moon Over Bourbon Street - Chapter One</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dizzied</strong> on <strong>18-02-2011, 17:29:42</strong>
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				Moon Over Bourbon Street<br>Something Wicked This Way Comes<br>Ximen, Heirarch of New Orleans<br>Frederick, Heirarch's Provost<br>'Burin' Elijah Warden, Thyrsus Free Council<br><strong>'Vulpes' Prof. Elliot Van Graaf, Obrimos Guardian of the Veil</strong><br>S.J. Jones, Acanthus Free Council<br>'Damon Jones' Tsutomu Fujimoto, Mastigos Silver Ladder<br>'Obsidian' Reine Valentine, Moros Adamantine Arrow<br>Elizabeth Brown, Thysus Mysterium<br>August 22nd, 2005<br>Royal Sonesta Hotel – Private Suite<br><br>Elliot van Graaf sits with her legs crossed, sipping her bloody Mary slowly.&nbsp; Her eyes show curiosity, confusion, and understanding.&nbsp; She takes the bag of tass that Ximen gave her, fingering it for a moment before slipping it into the inner pocket of her jacket.<br><br>"Oblidged..." she says, her southern drawl apparent.&nbsp; "I thought this might have been the best bloody Mary I ever had but I didn't guess it was made by a Magister.&nbsp; Now I reckon I should save some and send it to a lab or somethin'."&nbsp; She takes another sip, cracking a smile.<br><br>"Spose we don't have much choice in the matter.&nbsp; We gotta meet with this Drake.&nbsp; Hopefully he ain't out to get us.&nbsp; I don't think a Magister would waste his time hurtin' on us newly awakened types anyhow."&nbsp; She turned to Sarah.&nbsp; "You don't drink coffee?&nbsp; You poor thing...how <em>do</em> you wake up at all?"<br><br>Ellie finished her drink and stood up.&nbsp; <strong>"Alright, lets go then.&nbsp; Someone else drive, please, I enjoyed that a little too much.&nbsp; Cup o coffee'll do me good I think."</strong>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Moon Over Bourbon Street - Chapter One</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Prakkie</strong> on <strong>19-02-2011, 10:17:19</strong>
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				Moon Over Bourbon Street<br>Something Wicked This Way Comes<br>Ximen, Heirarch of New Orleans<br>Frederick, Heirarch's Provost<br>'Burin' Elijah Warden, Thyrsus Free Council<br>'Vulpes' Prof. Elliot Van Graaf, Obrimos Guardian of the Veil<br>S.J. Jones, Acanthus Free Council<br>'Damon Jones' Tsutomu Fujimoto, Mastigos Silver Ladder<br>'Obsidian' Reine Valentine, Moros Adamantine Arrow<br><strong>'Afríorda' Elizabeth Brown, Thysus Mysterium</strong><br>August 22nd, 2005<br>Royal Sonesta Hotel – Private Suite<br><br><br>Áfriorda put the bag of marbles into her very large hand-bag before taking a sip of her drink. Yellow and sweet it was, making her think of summer-days past. Sipping away, she studied what were apparently going to be her companions, her hazel eyes lingering first on the surly-looking Goth kid, then on the confident blonde woman who seemed in such a hurry to leave. <br><br>She could understand that. The Magister Mundi... The old woman didn't need any of the Hierarch's threats to go and meet with him, she'd go and meet him simply for the sake of it and wondered what he was like. He mixed one hell of a drink at least, so he couldn't be all bad. <br><br>There was only one thing nagging on her mind really.<br><br>"The Magister Mundi asked for us... specifically?"<br><br>This seemed to amuse her immensely, but then, she looked the type that was amused by life in general. A crinkly-eyed and cheerful-looking old lady she was. Dressed in a long black skirt and purple top and hung with bright-coloured scarfs and abundant silver jewelry, she looked like your typical new-age witch. Sarah Jane was right about one thing; if they all formed a group they'd stand out like a sore thumb, even to the regular folk. <br><br>She looked up to Ellie then, "I don't have a car but I can drive." <br><br>Still, he didn't get up from her seat just yet. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: Moon Over Bourbon Street - Chapter One</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lady Kitsune</strong> on <strong>19-02-2011, 19:27:59</strong>
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				Moon Over Bourbon Street<br>Something Wicked This Way Comes<br>Ximen, Heirarch of New Orleans<br>Frederick, Heirarch's Provost<br>'Burin' Elijah Warden, Thyrsus Free Council<br>'Vulpes' Prof. Elliot Van Graaf, Obrimos Guardian of the Veil<br>S.J. Jones, Acanthus Free Council<br>'Damon Jones' Tsutomu Fujimoto, Mastigos Silver Ladder<br><strong>'Obsidian' Reine Valentine, Moros Adamantine Arrow</strong><br>Elizabeth Brown, Thysus Mysterium<br>August 22nd, 2005<br>Royal Sonesta Hotel – Private Suite<br><br><br>Reine Valentine.&nbsp; Hunter.&nbsp; Warrior.&nbsp; Assassin.&nbsp; Her entire world revolved around Death.&nbsp; It was everywhere.&nbsp; Nowhere.&nbsp; Even sex brought on un Petite Morte.&nbsp; She could not escape it even if she wanted to.&nbsp; No, she was Moros.&nbsp; She embraced Death as she would a lover.&nbsp; Silently, she shifted her weight in the rafters of the warehouse&nbsp; She resisted the urge to pluck at her white lace tank top as the sultry heat sending a trickle of sweat to tickle between her breasts.&nbsp; She thanked the Dead she had the foresight to tie her long dark hair into a tight ponytail.&nbsp; The air was stale and still but held the damp of the Lower Mississippi River.&nbsp; A girl of the bayous, one would think she would be used to the heat but traveling the world had gotten her used to other climates.&nbsp; Still, N' Awlins was home and a little heat was not going to interfere with doings.<br><br>Normally, the warehouse was abandoned.&nbsp; Not today and apparently every Monday before she showed up today.&nbsp; Oh, but today would be different.&nbsp; She had spent the last two weeks tracking this particular idiot.&nbsp; Having returned to N'Awlins for reasons of her own when the residents of Roux Chien, her native bayou, complained to her of their missing girls.&nbsp; The local traituer had found her.&nbsp; It certainly would have taken faith to locate her.&nbsp; They had come to her knowing no one cared if a girl of the deep swamp disappeared and that kind of injustice did not sit well.&nbsp; Not even with Reine.&nbsp; She didn't so much as care what happened to the girls but it was important that the life, the place she left behind remain a perfect memory.&nbsp; So here she was, sweating in an abandoned warehouse that had the faint smell of old shrimp.&nbsp; If she didn't have more fortitude, she would have puked a while ago from the rank smell.&nbsp; No, she was trained beyond that of a normal human.&nbsp; Hell, she was trained beyond a human when she was still fully human.<br><br>For the last half hour, she had listened to the mewling of the girl and the benign chatter of the man.&nbsp; If she had not the patience, she would have swooped down fifteen minutes ago and slit his throat.&nbsp; Oh, but she wanted to know.&nbsp; Was this man like her or a charlatan.&nbsp; Those were the worst.&nbsp; The charlatans.&nbsp; Sometimes, just sometimes, the Sleepers found a way.&nbsp; Foolishly so, but they found a way to harness a small bit of magic.&nbsp; Then they got killed.&nbsp; There were consequences to messing with the Supernal world.&nbsp; Today, she was this man's consequence.&nbsp; <br><br>Below her about twenty five feet, was a crudely drawn circle with symbols.&nbsp; She had to admit the man had an artistic hand but his symbols were wrong.&nbsp; She had been examining a few of the runes he was using when her lip curled into a snarl.&nbsp; Nothing was more disgusting than an idiot who tried to call upon demons.&nbsp; They were rare but human greed called them faster than any spell.&nbsp; No spell set by a mere Sleeper would be able to contain the power and no circle with as many mistakes as this one would hold one indefinitely.&nbsp; Now the question was, let him go on with this insane idiocy and see what happened or watch and clean up the mess.<br><br>Reine ran through the growing list of the man's dumb ass mistakes, one being the fact he was doing it in the middle of the morning.&nbsp; Did this man research nothing?&nbsp; This was becoming all too boring.&nbsp; Virgin sacrifice (though if that girl was a virgin, then she was the Holy Mother), demonic summoning circle, crazy wannabe serial killer.&nbsp; All these things made her want to laugh.&nbsp; It was like an Awakened's bedtime story.&nbsp; Once upon a time, there was a bad man and he was a fucking idiot......<br><br>She giggled from her perch, surrounded in darkness surrounded by her Nimbus.&nbsp; The man looked around, suddenly nervous as the shadows deepened and the dark stirred.&nbsp; His eyes roamed the entire warehouse but he never looked up.&nbsp; Not that he could have seen her.&nbsp; She was wrapped in a cloak of shadow.&nbsp; The stupid man returned to putting the finishing touches on his elaborate setup.&nbsp; Yuck!&nbsp; Apparently wearing nothing but a purple cloak was one of the prerequisites of a demon summons.&nbsp; The need to vomit grew worse as she averted her eyes from the horribly hairy man's body.&nbsp; Yeah, he needed to die from that alone.&nbsp; He looked like a short, fat version of&nbsp; like Bigfoot...only not big....at all.&nbsp; <br><br>He walked over to the girl and began to fondle her naked and bound body in the center of the circle.&nbsp; He squeezed and pinched at her breasts and moved farther down her stomach until he was violating her with his fingers.&nbsp; He, of course, was getting off on it.&nbsp; Reine only noticed that part because she was squinting.&nbsp; The girl screamed through her gag and bucked her body to dislodge him to no end.&nbsp; All the while he was whispering words from a piece of paper set down beside his sacrificial lamb.&nbsp; What an amateur.&nbsp; He began to make bloody knicks with his Wal-Mart special athame over her chakras and the air began to stir.<br><br>Reine felt it like a cold finger down her back.&nbsp; Making a face, she reached out to the dead.&nbsp; She felt them.&nbsp; So many.&nbsp; Now that made sense.&nbsp; There was enough death in this warehouse, in this place that went back a hundred years.&nbsp; Some of it was painful, some was just happenstance.&nbsp; Still, it was enough to create a ley point.&nbsp; There must have been something as tragic as a fire that killed many to create it.&nbsp; She sighed.&nbsp; If she let it go any further, he might actually bring something across and with that heavy feeling that seemed to hang over the city, she couldn't take the chance.<br><br>She slipped from her perch, her sleeveless Chinese long coat billowing about her like dark wings.&nbsp; She must have looked stunning because the man's jaw gaped.&nbsp; For one split second, she imagined what she must have looked like to him.&nbsp; A beautiful woman in leather shorts and black long coat about to stomp his face with her four inch suede black boots.&nbsp; A wet dream indeed, if not for the disappating cloud of darkness and the wickedly sharp wakazashi flashing in a cross guard over her ample chest.&nbsp; <br><br>Silent, always silent.&nbsp; You die alone, that is a given.&nbsp; People tend to leave out the utter silence.&nbsp; Reine was silent.&nbsp; A silent, beautiful death.&nbsp; The next half of the second, was the weight of her body pushing the man to the ground, her silvery blade sharp against his throat.&nbsp; Cold gray eyes looked down upon him, his own eyes dazed from hitting his head on the concrete.&nbsp; Cold and disgusted.&nbsp; The only indication of her emotion was the line of red that seamed against the tip of her blade.&nbsp; It was not going to be an exciting kill but it was going to be a kill.<br><br>“You doing a bad thing here, little man.&nbsp; No one be taking the gator bait of the swamps and getting' their ways with it,” she said. Letting her creole accent drawl out with slow exaggeration.&nbsp; She pressed her blade harder, the thread of crimson running a bead down the sharp edge of her clean blade.&nbsp; “Now, ya messin' with the Devil's work and I'm guessin' he not gonna like dat one bit but you can be splainin' that to him yaself, see.&nbsp; Now, you just might be thinkin' what's a girlie like me knowin' about ole Horns and Tail.&nbsp; I can tell you...absolutely nuttin'.&nbsp; But.....I knows all about Death.&nbsp; No needin' to consider your livin'. It means nuttin''.&nbsp; It means everytin'.&nbsp; 'Afore I send you off to burn in the hellfires, I show you.”<br><br>At this point, the man managed to gather his wits and sneer at Reine.&nbsp; Such a mistake.&nbsp; Everything about this man was a mistake.&nbsp; “You crazy bitch.&nbsp; Get the fuck off me.&nbsp; I'll kill you.&nbsp; First I'll fuck your holes and make you beg me to sto-.”<br><br>The man should have just shut his mouth from the start.&nbsp; Her gray eyes went from cold to arctic and her smile...that slow serpent smile made the man piss.&nbsp; Luckily, his inconsiderable penis bent downward.&nbsp; If she had to move because of a disgusting shower, she would have started on his dick like she was a deli slicer.&nbsp; Lucky him.&nbsp; She bent lower, her voice no longer soft and drawling.&nbsp; Still music to any man's ears but the sensually dulcet tones had lost both emotion and accent.&nbsp; She was no longer playing, she was all business now.<br><br>“You have brought upon you the ire of the Supernal world.&nbsp; By taking the women of the Bayou you have drawn attention to yourself and now all eyes look to the shadows.&nbsp; Before this gets worse, I must right this wrong.&nbsp; If the police investigate to hard, it may lead them in directions they cannot begin to fathom.&nbsp; I cannot allow this.&nbsp; The Veil cannot be parted.&nbsp; And so you must die, but I am compassionate.&nbsp; I will show you the meaning of your death.&nbsp; I will show you it's truths,” she voiced as if her voice was not her own.<br><br>No longer was Reine's wakazashi at the man's throat.&nbsp; With speed no eye could follow, her blade now rested between the man's ribs.&nbsp; Pressing her other hand into his throat, she had a momentary feeling that someone was watching her and it was not the ghostly multitude.&nbsp; Shaking it, she pushed her blade upward, slowly, ever so slowly.&nbsp; The man screamed and choked, eyes bulging in pain and fear.&nbsp; She made no indication she felt or cared.&nbsp; She worked silently, her short blade missing every vital organ.&nbsp; She only stopped when the sharp edge tickled the muscle of his beating heart.<br><br>She bent forward, to whisper in his ear.&nbsp; He would hear her because he had stopped screaming.&nbsp; Now he was just crying and whimpering.&nbsp; That was good.&nbsp; She turned her head to look at the girl, the girl who only stared at the whole thing.&nbsp; Who only nodded for Reine to continue.&nbsp; Bloodthirsty thing, she thought to herself.&nbsp; She put her full lips near the man's ear once more, careful not to touch the filth.<br><br>“Death waits for you.&nbsp; Death is patient and now Death has come for you.&nbsp; You look upon your life now and you see nothing.&nbsp; So is it on the other side.&nbsp; Right now, this moment, you stand between those worlds.&nbsp; You see, don't you?&nbsp; No, you wouldn't.&nbsp; Your kind would never see such enlightenment.&nbsp; If you see the Devil, tell him I'm still paying my dues.”<br><br>She flicked her wrist and sliced his heart in half, the balde going until it was blocked by the man's ribcage.&nbsp; She pulled the wakazashi free of the convulsing man and as she rose from his body, she sliced open his belly.&nbsp; His writhing body pushed out his entrails.&nbsp; It was a gruesome sight but she stood there and contemplated the dying light in his eyes.&nbsp; He had grown still and the only sound in the warehouse was the dripping blood from her blade and the heavy panting of the girl.&nbsp; Deciding that there was nothing worth noting about the man's death, she flicked her blade, the ichor and blood spraying off.&nbsp; From a small pocket inside her coat, she pulled out a square of silk and rubbed off the remnants of blood as she walked toward the girl.<br><br>She smiled gently as the girl shrank from her and raised her blade and brought it down as the girl raised her hands into the air as if to stave off her own death.&nbsp; The ropes parted and the girl wrists were freed to her surprise.&nbsp; Sheathing the blade she looked hard at the trembling blond creature.<br><br>“You go home now.&nbsp; You say nothing.&nbsp; You tell Mama La Couer it is done.&nbsp; Tell her to never call on me again,” Reine said.&nbsp; She didn't need to kill the girl.&nbsp; You couldn't grow up in the deep swamp and not brush with things from the other side.&nbsp; That and this was Mama La Couer's granddaughter and apprentice.&nbsp; She walked away from the girl and turned the wheel on a huge water main.&nbsp; The rusted sound of metal squealing shrieked into the rafters and water poured forth thunderous.&nbsp; She and the girl watched as the force of the water pushed the dead body of the would be charlatan into the river through a boat dock inside the warehouse&nbsp; The splash wasn't even heard.&nbsp; “You die silent and alone.”<br><br>Reine walked out of the warehouse her cloak of shadows wrapping around her and hiding her.&nbsp; She left the girl to her own devices.&nbsp; Her Meme had owed a favor to the La Couer woman and now all debts were settled and her life from before closed.&nbsp; Still, the bayou, it doesn't let go of you just like that.&nbsp; It would find a way to bring her back.&nbsp; Not even Death could stop it, she supposed.&nbsp; Her steps took her away from the Port of New Orleans and to her waiting bike.&nbsp; Except it looked like her precious Ducati had company.&nbsp; A long, ominous black Humvee limousine waited there.&nbsp; She didn't pause in her steps but each footfall changed.&nbsp; The weight went from the her heels to the balls of her feet.&nbsp; One of the dark tinted widows lowered and she nearly paused in her approach.&nbsp; Why would Frederick, Provost to the Heirarch be calling on her.&nbsp; She shuddered knowing she had no choice but to get into the limo.<br><br>“Good morning, sir,” she said, hopping up into the waiting vehicle and taking a seat across from him.&nbsp; She called him sir because she felt it prudent to be respectful.&nbsp; She asked no questions.&nbsp; She demanded no answers.&nbsp; If he was to kill her, he would have already done it.&nbsp; He was obviously taking her somewhere and someone else had all the answers.&nbsp; The ride was silent.&nbsp; Like Death.&nbsp; Her mouth was dry of a sudden.&nbsp; For some reason, this ride felt worse than riding in a hearse.<br><br><div align="center">*************************</div><br>Reine was surprised to find herself sitting in the Heirarchs office, a bag of tass in her lap and her Di Sarano on the rocks in another.&nbsp; She swirled the glass, the ice clinking as it melted and settled.&nbsp; Etched onto the glass were symbols. She had no idea what it was but it had enough letters to be her name.&nbsp; She&nbsp; brought the glass to her lips, inhaling the cherry almond scent.&nbsp; There could be poison but then why so elaborate a set up to kill her.&nbsp; She was before the Heirarch.&nbsp; No, there had to be a reason for her to be here.&nbsp; Important enough to warrant someone not of high standing.&nbsp; She made no qualms.&nbsp; Newly Awakened and not a year done with her training beneath a Mentor, she had a long way to go before she became somebody among the the Dragon's Talons.&nbsp; She threw back the drink and let the liqueur burn its way down her throat.&nbsp; So smooth.&nbsp; She liked a smooth drink and smoother men.&nbsp; Yeah, she was going to have to assuage a certain need sometime today but for now she needed to know why she was here.&nbsp; Why she was suddenly above notice?<br><br>Why the hell did a Magister Mundi singled her out?&nbsp; Fires of Stygia!&nbsp; What the hell was an Arch Mage even doing in N'Awlins much less in this World.&nbsp; She set her glass down, thankful she was sitting.&nbsp; If she was standing, someone might have noticed the tremor in her legs.&nbsp; She pursed her lips in concern.&nbsp; Magister Mundi!&nbsp; Something must be terribly wrong to dislodge one from his sanctum.&nbsp; And her...well not just her.&nbsp; Her eyes peripheral vision took in the others, a few who were seeming not as shocked as she was.&nbsp; Perhaps it hadn't sunk in yet.&nbsp; Oh, but it would.<br><br>“I don't think you will find driving necessary.&nbsp; Jackson Square is only a stones throw from here,” she said in her smooth even tone.&nbsp; She crossed her legs and sighed.&nbsp; She had to thank Nick, who had somehow managed to show up in the right place but could possibly be the wrong time.&nbsp; Though they did not exchange too much in the way of conversation, he had passed her a glass of water and a cloth.&nbsp; Not one to turn away small favors, she was able to clean the splatters of blood.&nbsp; It wouldn't do to show up a mess.&nbsp; Having buttoned the silk coat over her throat and breasts to appear more presentable, she still wished she had been able to take a shower.&nbsp; With her coat's swirling brocade, she at least looked halfway decent.&nbsp; She studied the Heirarch.&nbsp; Such an emotional woman but not without good reason.<br><br>She would not throw caution to the wind.&nbsp; The woman had essentially told them nothing and given them a small clue as to what they needed to do.&nbsp; She wondered if she should just do as she was told or at least ask one question.&nbsp; Was she not an Arrow?&nbsp; She was a Warrior and not afraid of Death.&nbsp; Such a combination.&nbsp; Finally, bravery won out.&nbsp; She would sit and observe as the others arrived as well but she would have more than a not hint.<br><br>“Madame?&nbsp; Now why would a Magister Mundi use someone like you as a Messenger service and keep you out of the loop, if you will excuse my rudeness,” she asked.&nbsp; Sometimes, you just had to take a risk.&nbsp; It's not like she was scared of dying.&nbsp; She'd already been there and done that.&nbsp; Would have bought the T-shirt but they gave her powers instead.&nbsp; She smiled sweetly.&nbsp; Yes, she did like to dance with the Devil.<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Moon Over Bourbon Street - Chapter One</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>20-02-2011, 12:33:37</strong>
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				<br>Moon Over Bourbon Street<br>Something Wicked This Way Comes<br>Ximen, Heirarch of New Orleans<br>Frederick, Heirarch's Provost<br>'Burin' Elijah Warden, Thyrsus Free Council<br>'Vulpes' Prof. Elliot Van Graaf, Obrimos Guardian of the Veil<br><strong>S.J. Jones, Acanthus Free Council</strong><br>'Damon Jones' Tsutomu Fujimoto, Mastigos Silver Ladder<br>'Obsidian' Reine Valentine, Moros Adamantine Arrow<br>Elizabeth Brown, Thysus Mysterium<br>August 22nd, 2005<br>Royal Sonesta Hotel – Private Suite<br><br><br>After one sip of what actually was a really strong cuppa with plenty sugar and full fat milk. <em>There was nothing as good as a milky brew.</em> She even let Horliks have a couple of laps, the girl sighed loudly still taking in the others, because they were all pretty memorable…<br><br>“Look I know I ain’t a fackin’ …SJ looked about the room at the others, “Well I am finkin’ you fink I am jast sam blaady offensive shite of an agly kid.” <em>she had heard that plenty of times after her nan had died.</em> The girl ground her teeth for a moment and took another mouthful of tea. She hated being in company especially company that was likely a hell of a lot better educated than she was, she hated to look stupid.<br><br>It was then SJ&nbsp; slapped the front of her head with the table then banged it a couple of times.&nbsp; “As I see it ve big cheese wants as ta do samfing. Fack knows what cos me I am abaat as much use as a chocolate teapot. I aint worried abaat vat, wat I am finking is why would any of as meet ap in the same place all taggevver. “ She finished her ‘milky brew’ and then sniffed “So maybe we kind of go like in small groups or samfing?” <br><br>It was then SJ started to pop her knuckles nervously, she did not want to be judged again for her thoughts, perhaps she should have kept her mouth shut.After another breath though she looked at Elliot, “I can crash a car pretty good…but I can ‘ot wire yeah a car.” SJ was obviously trying to regain her confidence. “Bat yah know if we can walk ver is no need in me spendin’ ve night in ve nick.” <br><br>"Oh sorry I didn't mean ta interapt." SJ sniffed again then pulled her hood further over her somewhat attractive face, that bore some metal,&nbsp; Her attentions were breifly on the one who had a gentleman with her as the appology was made. <br><br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Moon Over Bourbon Street - Chapter One</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pumpkin Seeds</strong> on <strong>21-02-2011, 15:04:56</strong>
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				New Orleans was a bastard city.&nbsp; The illegitimate offspring of so many cultures that to truly find a father to the lost city would be near impossible.&nbsp; Spanish street names were written over with French words while English cobblestones lined the walkways.&nbsp; Haunts of hard working Irish Catholics were pressed together near shops with voodoo charms from the Caribbean slave markets of old.&nbsp; Entire sections of the city such were set aside to house the dark skinned mistresses of wealthy slave owners and their creole offspring, these same tracts of land now hotly contested property.&nbsp; Those same upscale properties were poised next to the gutted projects, the attempt of New Orleans officials to manage their growing popular of the poor.&nbsp; A bastard city with dirt ready under painted nails.&nbsp; The appropriate nature of the statement made the young woman pause midstep to jot down the possible lyric.&nbsp; <br><br>Mia was not a native to the city as some might expect.&nbsp; Of course to find a place she could call native would be as difficult as finding the origins of this city.&nbsp; Filipino was the guess of most, including her adoptive parents, but no one could truly press the point.&nbsp; Certainly her face was crafted for the part with her high cheeks and almond eyes.&nbsp; A small nose, turned up in an aristocratic fashion her parents would say, was poised over a pair of fully lips.&nbsp; Mia had always fought the notion of being cute, but her lips always seemed to be set in what others called a “cute smirk.”&nbsp; Painted red, those lips were even more striking against the white expanse of her unblemished cheeks and the dark makeup of her eyes.&nbsp; Few people could meet her gaze without pausing step.&nbsp; Cute or not, Mia was never accused of lacking in presence.<br><br>Black hair framed her face, cut sharp to end at her jawline.&nbsp; Bangs were cut even across her forehead so that her face seemed to be set inside the framework of her hair.&nbsp; The effect made her a little blander, though the streaks of pink proved ready to resolve the problem.&nbsp; Hot and bright, the streaks cut through her hair like shooting stars in the night sky.&nbsp; Demure, her face set a standard for the onlooker that was quickly changed by shifting to body.&nbsp; Her body added another element to the stereotype of asian women since her body held more curves in the way of a latin woman.&nbsp; Full in the right places, she filled out her clothes in a way that made most men refuse to pass her by.&nbsp; Mia had learned that quickly and young enough to dress for the attention.<br><br>Her slender neck was decorated with a studded collar.&nbsp; Black leather mixed with pink once again, twisted around her throat with a leash dangling from the front.&nbsp; The leash looped on its self so that the length fell between her breasts.&nbsp; Much like a tie, the length swayed back and forth between her proud bust which was tightly contained in a sports bra.&nbsp; Mia had no desire to see regret over not wearing one in a few years, so indeed the pair were kept smaller for efforts.&nbsp; Yet they still pressed against the simple spaghetti top with enough presence to garner interest.&nbsp; The top itself was simple black with a picture of Hello Kitty set in the center.&nbsp; The cartoon features of the image had a protruding tongue and dizzy eyes, making the normally cheerful image seem darkly abused.&nbsp; Across the bottom the material had been crudely cut to expose Mia’s stomach and the flash of purple jewelry at the small dent of her belly button.&nbsp; Tatters hung down over the flat expanse, catching across the large belt buckle she wore.<br><br>While her top might be fairly benign, the image stopped at the plaid shorts pressed against her wide hips.&nbsp; Black, pink and purple clashed in an image that matched her outfit but seemed wrong for its very existence.&nbsp; Stretched around her was a length of pink leather to form a belt, the buckle crafted of purple rhinestones simply read Poison.&nbsp; Loud and obnoxious, Mia enjoyed the way the shorts completely destroyed the female image her body portrayed.&nbsp; Part of her mind mused that she was fighting stereotypes, taking apart the construct of society like her teachers had said.&nbsp; Of course her vanity whispered that she enjoyed the looks of appreciation and disdain as well.&nbsp; Nobody said rebellion couldn’t be enjoyed after all.<br><br>Mia wore boots to complete the ensemble, black ones with thick buckles.&nbsp; A bit of elevation gave her the appearance of height which she lacked naturally.&nbsp; While she would have enjoyed fishnet stockings, she had opted for the standard black socks of knee length.&nbsp; After all, she was meeting someone important today and the fishnet just would not do.&nbsp; That cute smirk grew more playful at the thought while she made her way toward the meeting place.&nbsp; Those boots plodded along over the stone streets while her breathe drew in the smell that only a native of New Orleans could appreciate.&nbsp; Stale brew, urine and vomit from the night before.&nbsp; Amazing the things a person could get used to and also another reason for the selection of boots.&nbsp; Practical fashion.<br><br>An image plastered across a building side made her stop in her musings about the reaction of the lofty mages in the city.&nbsp; New Orleans was full of the old and traditional; Mia had no intention of making herself into one of them.&nbsp; The poster that had stopped her made ample proof of her efforts.&nbsp; A woman’s face was made to stand out across the top of the poster while figures played instruments below.&nbsp; Pink tendrils of rubber tubing and pink wiring hung from her head, steel goggles shined brilliant over the false dread locks.&nbsp; Fairy Dust, the poster announced in purple and pink, playing The Hurricane Party.&nbsp; A great gig by Mia’s reasoning and by most if one just ignored the massive hurricane bearing down on the city during their set.&nbsp; Well, there were flaws to every plan.&nbsp; <br><br>The two stared at one another for a moment longer, the girl on the street and the woman on the poster.&nbsp; As loud as she might dress in public, there was no comparison to the image on stage.&nbsp; Mia hardly recognized herself as the pink haired demon on the poster.&nbsp; Few might really make the link if not for the faint image of tattoos on each of their arms.&nbsp; The images were unique, crafted by a band mate specifically for her.&nbsp; A pair of sleeves that were quickly growing to encompass her upper back stood out from her body even now.&nbsp; Mia had taken great pains to make sure the image would be translated properly from concept to design on the canvas of her body.<br><br>The sleeve on her left arm was picturesque, nearly like a stain glass portrait.&nbsp; A woman in virginal robes knelt across her arm.&nbsp; Vines wrapped down along the remainder of her arm, flowers spreading open their petals.&nbsp; A cross of Celtic origin hung in the background with the sun radiating from behind.&nbsp; Complex and painstaking, the image had taken weeks to properly work into her skin.&nbsp; The image of the woman’s face was done in perfect detail and then replicated on the other arm.&nbsp; Across the other was the feared Aswanga of Filipino myth.&nbsp; A nude woman with reptilian wings spread wide, her pure lips spread in a sharpened grin of hunger.&nbsp; Where vines had wound their way down the arm, snakes now pressed down through the empty sockets of a skull.&nbsp; Day and night, duality of nature, the darkness in the light spread out across both her arms.&nbsp; One of Mia’s proudest moments was seeing the finished work of them.&nbsp; Now they lay displayed for all to see.&nbsp; <br><br>Mia moved passed the image now and onto the designated site.&nbsp; Dangling crosses from the leather binds on her wrist chimed her entrance to the store, light glittering off the massive purple gem on her right hand.&nbsp; Fake, but she didn’t care so long as the effect was the same.&nbsp; When her lips opened to speak the voice that emerged was raspy and deep, another barrier between this life and the one on stage.&nbsp; She would never raise her voice in public for desperate fear of harming her precious instrument.<br><br>“Give me some Irish with extra sauce.”&nbsp; Mia cast her eyes over the people already gathered and knew she would need the excess Bailey’s.&nbsp; This might be a long meeting and she had an even longer night ahead of her.&nbsp; Playing for a city destroying hurricane was a special event by most standards.&nbsp; <br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Moon Over Bourbon Street - Chapter One</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kirinis</strong> on <strong>22-02-2011, 08:04:23</strong>
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				Moon Over Bourbon Street<br>Something Wicked This Way Comes<br>Ximen, Heirarch of New Orleans<br>Frederick, Heirarch's Provost<br>'Burin' Elijah Warden, Thyrsus Free Council<br>'Vulpes' Prof. Elliot Van Graaf, Obrimos Guardian of the Veil<br>S.J. Jones, Acanthus Free Council<br><strong>'Damon Jones' Tsutomu Fujimoto, Mastigos Silver Ladder</strong><br>'Obsidian' Reine Valentine, Moros Adamantine Arrow<br>Elizabeth Brown, Thysus Mysterium<br>August 22nd, 2005<br>Royal Sonesta Hotel – Private Suite<br><br>Tsutomu took a sip from his glass, courtesies had to be met as a guest even if the host was anyone else but the Heirarch.&nbsp; It had been fairly well made by his estimation if a bit heavy on the brandy.&nbsp; His attention though was focused on what the Heirarch had to say.&nbsp; Personally, there was no where else he had to be at the moment.&nbsp; Disaster always brought the opportunistic out of the shadows to feed and certain people on the force were following suit.&nbsp; All there was back at his office was more paperwork to sift through, enough to match the incoming storm.<br><br>When the Heirarch tossed the bag, Tsutomu caught it and set his drink on the sidetable.&nbsp; He checked the contents, it smelt of mana even without the need of using a Seeing.&nbsp; Tsutomu frowned, there was more in the bag than he had seen ever freely being passed from hand to hand even between Masters.&nbsp; Whatever the Heirarch and the Magister wanted done was either very large or they had a habit of overpaying for work done.&nbsp; There was little hope in betting for the former.<br><br>He put the bag into his pocket and ignored its heavy weight.&nbsp; This was merely another job his superiors wanted done, regardless of personal opinion of difficulty.&nbsp; Tsutomu nodded as he spoke in a tone honed from many years of bobbing his head in the affirmative to get through meetings, "As you wish, Heirarch."&nbsp; After the Heirarch left, he looked at the motley crew the Magister had seen fit to assemble.&nbsp; Quite the eclectic cast...<br><br>"Let's avoid doing anything illegal just yet..."&nbsp; Tsutomu frowned disapprovingly at the little one with the atrocious excuse for an accent as she spoke about hotwiring a car.&nbsp; The last thing IA needed was for one of their own being caught joyriding in a stolen vehicle.&nbsp; Good for a laugh but bad for his reputation.&nbsp; He straightened his suit jacket which was wilting slightly.&nbsp; Tsutomu was still on the clock so he was still quite formally dressed, in his usual grey two piece with a red tie on white shirt.&nbsp; "Besides we're hardly the oddest thing to wander the streets.&nbsp; So let's just have a nice and simple walk over.&nbsp; If there's trouble, a car's not going to be too much help."
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				Title: <strong>Re: Moon Over Bourbon Street - Chapter One</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Prakkie</strong> on <strong>22-02-2011, 12:18:07</strong>
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				Moon Over Bourbon Street<br>Something Wicked This Way Comes<br>Ximen, Heirarch of New Orleans<br>Frederick, Heirarch's Provost<br>'Burin' Elijah Warden, Thyrsus Free Council<br>'Vulpes' Prof. Elliot Van Graaf, Obrimos Guardian of the Veil<br>S.J. Jones, Acanthus Free Council<br>'Damon Jones' Tsutomu Fujimoto, Mastigos Silver Ladder<br>'Obsidian' Reine Valentine, Moros Adamantine Arrow<br><strong>'Afríorda' Elizabeth Brown, Thysus Mysterium</strong><br>August 22nd, 2005<br>Royal Sonesta Hotel – Private Suite<br><br><br>"You know what would be nice, before we set out I mean...?" The old woman spoke up, setting her now-empty glass. She looked around at her would-be companions, "Introductions."<br><br>She would very much like to know why the young lady with the surly-looking servant had blood on her shirt and why the British kid was so mistrustful about everyone and everything, but those were perhaps a bit too personal. So she'd settle for just knowing their names, well with them being what they were make that aliases… <br><br>"I'll go first shall I…?" She said, pushing a grey lock behind an ear. She did look like everyone's favorite grandmother, all wrinkled, twinkly-eyed and harmless. "You can call me Áfríorda, not my birth name but you know how it is and ah…" she briefly wondered how much to divulge, "I'm a retired librarian now on the Thyrsus Path."<br><br>There, that shouldn't be too much for the others to match.&nbsp; <br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Moon Over Bourbon Street - Chapter One</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kirinis</strong> on <strong>22-02-2011, 15:36:06</strong>
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				Moon Over Bourbon Street<br>Something Wicked This Way Comes<br>Ximen, Heirarch of New Orleans<br>Frederick, Heirarch's Provost<br>'Burin' Elijah Warden, Thyrsus Free Council<br>'Vulpes' Prof. Elliot Van Graaf, Obrimos Guardian of the Veil<br>S.J. Jones, Acanthus Free Council<br><strong>'Damon Jones' Tsutomu Fujimoto, Mastigos Silver Ladder</strong><br>'Obsidian' Reine Valentine, Moros Adamantine Arrow<br>Elizabeth Brown, Thysus Mysterium<br>August 22nd, 2005<br>Royal Sonesta Hotel – Private Suite<br><br>Tsutomu finished his own glass and set his glass down.&nbsp; When Afriorda spoke up, he nodded in acknowledgment and decided to follow her example. "My name is Damon and I should say it will be a pleasure working with you all."&nbsp; Empty words perhaps, but Tsutomu wasn't in the business of blabbering away even as he smiled genially.&nbsp; His Master had been quite rigorous on instilling the ethic that not only names had power in this Fallen World.<br><br>Besides, he wondered how much the young one would appreciate knowing that he was part of the force.&nbsp; No, for now he would keep that to himself.&nbsp; Tsutomu looked to the others to see who would be next to talk.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Moon Over Bourbon Street - Chapter One</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dizzied</strong> on <strong>22-02-2011, 19:09:53</strong>
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				Moon Over Bourbon Street<br>Something Wicked This Way Comes<br>Ximen, Heirarch of New Orleans<br>Frederick, Heirarch's Provost<br>'Burin' Elijah Warden, Thyrsus Free Council<br><strong>'Vulpes' Prof. Elliot Van Graaf, Obrimos Guardian of the Veil</strong><br>S.J. Jones, Acanthus Free Council<br>'Damon Jones' Tsutomu Fujimoto, Mastigos Silver Ladder<br>'Obsidian' Reine Valentine, Moros Adamantine Arrow<br>Elizabeth Brown, Thysus Mysterium<br>August 22nd, 2005<br>Royal Sonesta Hotel – Private Suite<br><br><br><br>Elliott looked as though she couldn't quite follow everything SJ was saying to her.&nbsp; She'd heard some thick accents before, but sheesh...<br><br>"Steal a...no, no we are not doing that...I'm sure someone here has a car, but the young lady is right," Elliott said, motioning to Reine.&nbsp; "I don't mind walkin' if none of you do."<br><br>"Introductions sound nice."&nbsp; She nodded at Afriorda and Damon as they introduced themselves.&nbsp; "It'll be a nice ol' pleasure working with ya'll too...my name is Vulpes, but ya'll can call me whatever ya like.&nbsp; I'm a professor by day, retiring soon hopefully.&nbsp; From the Obrimos path."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Moon Over Bourbon Street - Chapter One</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lady Kitsune</strong> on <strong>23-02-2011, 06:17:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Moon Over Bourbon Street<br>Something Wicked This Way Comes<br>Ximen, Heirarch of New Orleans<br>Frederick, Heirarch's Provost<br>'Burin' Elijah Warden, Thyrsus Free Council<br>'Vulpes' Prof. Elliot Van Graaf, Obrimos Guardian of the Veil<br>S.J. Jones, Acanthus Free Council<br>'Damon Jones' Tsutomu Fujimoto, Mastigos Silver Ladder<br><strong>'Obsidian' Reine Valentine, Moros Adamantine Arrow</strong><br>Elizabeth Brown, Thysus Mysterium<br>August 22nd, 2005<br>Royal Sonesta Hotel – Private Suite<br><br>As the others spoke amongst theirselves, she was eyeballing Nick.&nbsp; The young man was actually avoiding looking at her the whole time, the room decor apparently more interesting.&nbsp; How in the world he managed to find out the meetings location and make it there before she even knew, was something of a mystery.&nbsp; She was starting to think the man had a bit of the clairvoyance.&nbsp; It certainly would explain how he knew things he shouldn't.&nbsp; She pursed her lips and gave up on those thoughts.&nbsp; She knew many things but that was one secret she couldn't pry from him.&nbsp; Not having to worry if he was going to open his mouth, she turned her attention back to the group and realized that introductions were going around.<br><br>Oh geez.&nbsp; Were they going to have a group hug next?&nbsp; Reine sighed softly and managed a polite mask.&nbsp; She was very much used to working alone but if the Heirarch and an Arch Mage said work together she wasn't stupid enough to say them nay.&nbsp; She sifted imperceptibly in her seat.&nbsp; As comfortable as the room was, she felt she could cut the air with one of her blades.&nbsp; She wasn't the only one not speaking.&nbsp; The other one had yet to say one word.&nbsp; No one else seemed to notice him, but she did.&nbsp; She noticed everything from the moment she walked.&nbsp; She had been sure to position herself in the room so that she could keep an eye on everybody.&nbsp; She sat in her bubble of calm and decided she would not out wait the other one.&nbsp; The room was too stifling for her taste and that walk to Jackson Square was becoming more enticing by the minute.&nbsp; Only one way to hurry it along.<br><br>"Reine.....Valentine.&nbsp; Obsidian, if it's your pleasure.&nbsp; Moros.&nbsp; And....I kill people," Reine said in a smooth, flat voice, her face deadpan.&nbsp; Nick snickered and she stopped the urge to turn and glare at him.&nbsp; She flicked her wrist and pointed to Nick.&nbsp; "My Retainer, Nick.&nbsp; A walk would be pleasant, though I do admit that going as a group would not be beneficial.&nbsp; If Nick was able to find out about this meeting, so would others.&nbsp; We'll not be wantin' all the gators hatchin' out a' one nest."<br><br>Nick must have felt how highstrung Reine was and put a hand on her shoulder.&nbsp; She relaxed, only as much as 'safe' company allowed.&nbsp; The ice in her drink clinked as they melted and settled, the alcohol long gone.&nbsp; The chill of the glass in her hand anchored her.&nbsp; She gazed at each of them with her calculating eyes and still could not gather what would be needed of them.&nbsp; She did not like mystery and the sooner she knew what the hell was going on, the better.&nbsp; She wet her lips in thought and tilted her head to that other.<br><br>"You have yet to make an opinion.&nbsp; You got an opinion, garcon, or are you the strong silent type," she challenged.&nbsp; Her tone was more a slight than a mild flirtation.&nbsp; Her Meme said, you can always gauge a man by how he holds himself when he speakin'.&nbsp; She looked at the group, but kept him in her peripheral.&nbsp; What a group so far.&nbsp; She didn't think it could get more surprising.&nbsp; Everyone was so...different.&nbsp; The Brit and her dog, the woman and the old lady, the two men and herself.&nbsp; There was a fury of a storm brewing in the Gulf, a storm that could tear through N'Awlins like a knife through fresh churned butter.&nbsp; That meant something big was brewing and she had to wonder if the storm was natural.&nbsp; If there was this much power, why them?&nbsp; Why not get a more reliable group of Mages?&nbsp; Questions, going unanswered for now.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Moon Over Bourbon Street - Chapter One</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>23-02-2011, 11:54:19</strong>
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				Moon Over Bourbon Street<br>Something Wicked This Way Comes<br>Ximen, Heirarch of New Orleans<br>Frederick, Heirarch's Provost<br>'Burin' Elijah Warden, Thyrsus Free Council<br>'Vulpes' Prof. Elliot Van Graaf, Obrimos Guardian of the Veil<br><strong>S.J. Jones, Acanthus Free Council</strong><br>'Damon Jones' Tsutomu Fujimoto, Mastigos Silver Ladder<br>'Obsidian' Reine Valentine, Moros Adamantine Arrow<br>Elizabeth Brown, Thysus Mysterium<br>August 22nd, 2005<br>Royal Sonesta Hotel – Private Suite<br><br>Sarah Jane watched the others carefully, she was still on edge, perhaps paranoid or even just suspicious. Thus far the ones that had introduced themselves were quite a bunch, she was sure they would all get on ‘swimmingly’ ….well the same chance as that fackin’ snowball in hell.<br><br>It was then the girl pulled her hood off and revealed rather striking visage, she was perhaps in many ways not that which one might expect, though the scowl was obviously very much that of a teenager and a disgruntled one one might see that she did not take take any bullshit from anyone.<em> Though she did sometimes deal it...</em> “Well ya may as well know me name is Sarah Jane, I aint naffin’ special, I do time and fate fings, and might be a member of ve …what’s it?&nbsp; Free Caunncil…I fink me teacher was wif vem.”&nbsp; There was a pause as SJ slipped deeper into her seat “Oh and she’s ‘Orlicks.” Her dark eyes continued to take in the room “We are between jobs an ‘’omes.” She didn’t want pity, the two of them managed.<br><br>By now Horlicks had decided on the best bet for food and that was ‘Granny’s’ bag.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Moon Over Bourbon Street - Chapter One</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pockets</strong> on <strong>24-02-2011, 05:49:57</strong>
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				Moon Over Bourbon Street<br>Something Wicked This Way Comes<br>Ximen, Heirarch of New Orleans<br>Frederick, Heirarch's Provost<br>Malachi, Chief Sentinel<br>'Burin' Elijah Warden, Thyrsus Free Council<br>'Vulpes' Prof. Elliot Van Graaf, Obrimos Guardian of the Veil<br>S.J. Jones, Acanthus Free Council<br>'Damon Jones' Tsutomu Fujimoto, Mastigos Silver Ladder<br>'Obsidian' Reine Valentine, Moros Adamantine Arrow<br>Elizabeth Brown, Thysus Mysterium<br>August 22nd, 2005<br>Royal Sonesta Hotel – Private Suite <br><br><em>“I am likely singin’ ta ve choir bat if some big guy is pattin’ on vis sort of blaady shite then I am goin’ ta fink vis is not sam normal fackin’ crap.”</em><br><br>“As you have so bluntly stated, my dear, this is not normal 'fucking crap'. Normally Drakon attends to his business in my city and stays out of my way and we out of his. But for reasons his own, he has deemed it necessary to come to me to enlist your services. And with that storm brewing out over the Atlantic and will be making landfall in seven days, I have my hands full attempting to evacuate the city.” stated Ximen from her position behind her desk.<br><br><em>"Spose we don't have much choice in the matter. We gotta meet with this Drake. Hopefully he ain't out to get us. I don't think a Magister would waste his time hurtin' on us newly awakened types anyhow."</em><br><br>“No offense, but we're cockroaches in the greater games he plays. Pawns at best, but typically cockroaches beneath his notice, except to exterminate if we make ourselves inconvenient. And you all have a choice, you don't have to go see him or do as he asks, but when the consequences come to roost.... Don't say you were warned. Drakon is a man of impeccable manners until he's irritated. Then he's like a bear that woke up from hibernation on the wrong side of the cave and likely to rip your face off without so much as blinking an eye at you. Malachi is my Chief Sentinel and has been for years. But Malachi only attacked Drakon once. Ever since Malachi is polite and the soul of courtesy around him..... after his jaw and both of his arms were magically reattached.”<br><br><em>"The Magister Mundi asked for us... specifically?"</em><br><br>“Yes, he did. Why? I don't know. You'll have to ask him when you go before him. He did not deign to inform me why.” said Ximen quietly.<br><br><em>“Madame? Now why would a Magister Mundi use someone like you as a Messenger service and keep you out of the loop, if you will excuse my rudeness,”</em><br><br>“Because I'm smart enough not to want to know. There are reasons why I am not an Archmagus myself. There are some doors best left unopened and realms best left unexplored. Such tasks are best suited for men and women of better strength than myself. At this level, I am at the pinnacle of power. Where few mundane mages or other supernatural creatures can easily challenge me. Should I step across that invisible line into the realm of the Magisters, I would be as a newborn babe in a world ran by rabid and starving wolves. I would much rather be used as a messenger service and errand girl than know details that might shatter my sanity.”<br><br>It was then that Elijah spoke, had the Heirarch not been waiting for some manner of question from each of them she might have missed his question.<br><br>“But you have an idea of what is coming, don't you Heirarch? I noticed the flicker in your eyes and the tremble in your voice. Whatever it is, it's going to culminate and coincide with that storm that is expected to make landfall in just under a week. There is a reason why you are called Simon the Wise. It is said that you have prophetic visions of a possible future, the clarity of which depends on how strong a possibility that future is.” said Elijah from where he stood having allowed the ladies to take the seats.<br><br>Ximen stared at him for a moment before saying, “That is true. I do have an idea of what is coming. Thousands are going to die in the coming weeks. Either as a direct result of the storm or a side effect of the storm. But the Darkness that Rises makes the devastation of that storm pale by comparison. So dangerous is it that the Tetrarch of the Seers has sent a delegation to state quite clearly that any mages involving themselves in our affairs are rogues and that they will aide in whatever way they can.”<br><br>“I know not if it's because Drakon has already visited them or not but the delegation seemed more than happy to meet any and all conditions.” said the Heirarch as the door opened and Malachi opened the door.<br><br>“They're here.” said the man gruffly not bothering with any sort of formality.<br><br>“I'll be along in a minute, make sure that the Council is informed <em>not</em> to do anything rash. We don't need potential allies pissed off and prepared to rip our faces off.” said Ximen before standing and heading to the door. Pausing at the doorway, she said, “Our primary concern, ladies and gentleman is one of [/i]The Bound[/i] in seven days it is going to shake off it's prison and break free into the mortal realm. And right now there are only three beings capable of handling it. Drakon, the Tetrarch, and the Werewolf Banetender. Those three together have the strength to bind it back into it's prison before it can restore itself to full power and destroy the world. Think on that as you go to see The Drake.”<br><br>With that she left the office without another word.<br><br>Elijah hefted the pouch and shook his head. "This isn't gonna be enough. Not for what they might ask of us. Anyone know what this 'Bound' is? I remember my Master once giving an all too brief lesson on staying clear of anything involving The Bound, but nothing comes to mind aside from that."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Moon Over Bourbon Street - Chapter One</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pockets</strong> on <strong>25-02-2011, 07:13:44</strong>
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				Moon Over Bourbon Street<br>Something Wicked This Way Comes<br>Jack the Saxophone Player, Mortal?<br>Mia Payroux, Mastigos Silver Ladder<br>August 22nd, 2005<br>Pat O'Brien's Bar<br><br>As her drink arrived a bear of a man sat down next to her and sat his saxophone case down in the chair next to him like it was his lover. Sitting back he stretched his powerful frame and for half a second looked more like a bear coming out of hibernation than a man getting moving for the lunch rush.<br><br>“Poitin. Make it a double. No ice, add a cube of pineapple with a hint of lime.” said the man as he looked at Mia for a moment and opened his mouth as if to say something. Then closed it as if realizing that that might not be the best thing to say.<br><br>“I'd say we have something in common, but our audiences differ. Plus the attention we attract.” said the man absently as the bartender sat down his drink. Stirring it a bit with the cocktail straw, he said, “I reckon that it won't be too long before one of Her agents come in to traipse you off to see her.”<br><br>“Jack, don't go disturbing the customers. The boss barely permits you to play outside his shop as it stands. He says yer music is jest too creepy. Plus why is a big ol' boy like you playing the sax? Me thinks you'd probably be better off breaking heads down on the wharf.” said the bartender as he set about washing some glasses.<br><br>“Because these hands are an instrument all to themselves and I need 'em to play.” said Jack. “Besides, Natalia doesn't like it rough. She likes it smooth and gentle.”<br><br>The bartender only rolled his eyes.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Moon Over Bourbon Street - Chapter One</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pumpkin Seeds</strong> on <strong>25-02-2011, 13:34:58</strong>
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				Moon Over Bourbon Street<br>Something Wicked This Way Comes<br>Jack the Saxophone Player, Mortal?<br><strong>Mia Payroux, Mastigos Silver Ladder</strong><br>August 22nd, 2005<br>Pat O'Brien's Bar<br><br>The weather was beautiful.&nbsp; Not much to be said from that.&nbsp; Above the blue sky stretched out for infinity without a cloud in the sky.&nbsp; Eyes closed to feel the touch of the air on her cheeks, a simple pleasure for a girl that seemed anything but.&nbsp; Warm coffee, filled with as much Bailey’s as one could hope, brushed inside the palms of her hands.&nbsp; Around her were the stubborn and the faithful, believing in the power of the levees to fight back Mother Nature.&nbsp; Some might say the stupid and the foolish but Mia was one of them now.&nbsp; Hard to believe that a storm of deadly proportions was spiraling toward the city at this moment.&nbsp; A moment of calm and beauty, a false promise from the man on high that the world would be okay.&nbsp; Mia had no illusions that remaining would be tough, but she also knew that the city would hold firm.&nbsp; New Orleans was like bad grass, it never died.<br><br>The first true sip of her drink was passing her throat when the man sat down.&nbsp; Hot coffee gave her tongue a pinch while the strong liquor gave her throat a burn.&nbsp; Caffeine would soon war with alcohol to keep her up while keeping her nerves down.&nbsp; Later tonight, on stage, she would switch to red bull and Yeager.&nbsp; For now the coffee would do fine.&nbsp; Eyes roamed over the musician before she returned to her cup.&nbsp; Words fluttered past her without much reaction.&nbsp; Black painted fingernails clutched the warmth as if a fire on a cold night.&nbsp; Only when he finished his words with the bartender did she set the cup down.<br><br>“Yeah, well I don’t play for pennies and I don’t play on the street corner.&nbsp; So I guess that is a difference in audience right there.&nbsp; Still gotta give it up for the jazz man.”&nbsp; <br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Moon Over Bourbon Street - Chapter One</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Prakkie</strong> on <strong>25-02-2011, 17:27:25</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Moon Over Bourbon Street<br>Something Wicked This Way Comes<br>Ximen, Heirarch of New Orleans<br>Frederick, Heirarch's Provost<br>Malachi, Chief Sentinel<br>'Burin' Elijah Warden, Thyrsus Free Council<br>'Vulpes' Prof. Elliot Van Graaf, Obrimos Guardian of the Veil<br>S.J. Jones, Acanthus Free Council<br>'Damon Jones' Tsutomu Fujimoto, Mastigos Silver Ladder<br>'Obsidian' Reine Valentine, Moros Adamantine Arrow<br><strong>'Áfriorda' Elizabeth Brown, Thysus Mysterium</strong><br>August 22nd, 2005<br>Royal Sonesta Hotel – Private Suite<br><br><br>"Well son," Áfriorda said to Elijah, the only one who hadn't given his name or any other information for that matter. At least he hadn't admitted to being a killer, that one was a little disturbing. "It doesn't look like we have a lot of choice in this one... Just glad we're getting <em>something</em> other than threats, doom and gloom," she said, sounding cheerful enough for all the seriousness of the situation. "As for the Bound, I guess I haven't got much more than you," she sighed, "Demons trapped by the Atlanteans because even they didn't have the power to kill them." The thought of one of <em>them</em> breaking free was even more disturbing than knowing a huge, destructive storm was headed for New Orleans but the old lady got little chance to dwell on either because, suddenly, there was a very large dog sticking it's questing nose into her bag.<br><br>"Hey! Shoo... Get out of there!" She commanded, not afraid of the big dog - she'd lived around animals all her life - but worried about what it might do to her things. <br><br>"Hang on," she said, dragging the bag away from the dog's nose and digging around in it. "I know I've got something..." she produced a cheese sandwich in a little plastic bag. It was supposed to be her lunch. "Hungry aren't you?" She asked of the dog, then looked up to it's owner, holding up the food. "May I?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Moon Over Bourbon Street - Chapter One</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dizzied</strong> on <strong>25-02-2011, 18:32:40</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Moon Over Bourbon Street<br>Something Wicked This Way Comes<br>Ximen, Heirarch of New Orleans<br>Frederick, Heirarch's Provost<br>Malachi, Chief Sentinel<br>'Burin' Elijah Warden, Thyrsus Free Council<br><strong>'Vulpes' Prof. Elliot Van Graaf, Obrimos Guardian of the Veil</strong><br>S.J. Jones, Acanthus Free Council<br>'Damon Jones' Tsutomu Fujimoto, Mastigos Silver Ladder<br>'Obsidian' Reine Valentine, Moros Adamantine Arrow<br>'Áfriorda' Elizabeth Brown, Thysus Mysterium<br>August 22nd, 2005<br>Royal Sonesta Hotel – Private Suite<br><br>The professor stood up and stretched.&nbsp; "Sounds like one fine mess we're in now," she sighed.&nbsp; "Archmagi, giant storms and bound demons...and here I was set to retire."<br><br>"Let's go meet with this Drake feller.&nbsp; Honestly he sounds like the least of our problems right now."<br><strong><br><em>If the others follow, Elliot will begin the walk to the meeting place.</em></strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Moon Over Bourbon Street - Chapter One</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>25-02-2011, 21:12:37</strong>
			</dt>
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				Moon Over Bourbon Street<br>Something Wicked This Way Comes<br>Ximen, Heirarch of New Orleans<br>Frederick, Heirarch's Provost<br>Malachi, Chief Sentinel<br>'Burin' Elijah Warden, Thyrsus Free Council<br>'Vulpes' Prof. Elliot Van Graaf, Obrimos Guardian of the Veil<br><strong>S.J. Jones, Acanthus Free Council</strong><br>'Damon Jones' Tsutomu Fujimoto, Mastigos Silver Ladder<br>'Obsidian' Reine Valentine, Moros Adamantine Arrow<br>'Áfriorda' Elizabeth Brown, Thysus Mysterium<br>August 22nd, 2005<br>Royal Sonesta Hotel – Private Suite<br><br><br>SJ called Horlicks back and offered a kind of thanks to Granny and nodded, “She’s not vat ‘ungry ma’am’ bat we could do wif a snack…” The dog brought the cheese sandwiches over to the young woman and for a swap of a few dog biscuits they shared lunch. For a moment this mage had a feral look in her eye that would beat any werewolf. <em>This was her food now.</em><br><br>After a moment of embarrassment on her behaviour SJ swallowed the rest of the food quickly and pulled her hood back up, swallowing hard as she tried to stop her hiccups from eating so quickly. <br><br>She was not sure just how she felt about the others in the room; it would take time to work them out. One thing was for sure SJ was more uncomfortable about the man she assumed was a cop than she was about the killer.&nbsp; <br><br>“Well like I said…” SJ mumbled from under her hood,&nbsp; the occasional remaining hiccup intersersed with her&nbsp; words, “I don’t know me blaady arse from me fackin’ ...elbow about vis kind of magic staff. As I see it we are ap shit fackin’ creek wifauut a paddle. Dammit we aint even got ....a canoue.” The young mage had a few idea’s why they had been chosen but perhaps now was not the time to consider it seemed it was an offer they could not refuse. (There was a temptation to stick cotton wool in her cheeks, but that was likely not a bright thing to do.)<br><br>“Well … I am ready ta go bat, who is goin’ wif who?”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Moon Over Bourbon Street - Chapter One</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lady Kitsune</strong> on <strong>28-02-2011, 05:22:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Moon Over Bourbon Street<br>Something Wicked This Way Comes<br>Ximen, Heirarch of New Orleans<br>Frederick, Heirarch's Provost<br>Malachi, Chief Sentinel<br>'Burin' Elijah Warden, Thyrsus Free Council<br>'Vulpes' Prof. Elliot Van Graaf, Obrimos Guardian of the Veil<br>S.J. Jones, Acanthus Free Council<br>'Damon Jones' Tsutomu Fujimoto, Mastigos Silver Ladder<br><em>'Obsidian' Reine Valentine, Moros Adamantine Arrow</em><br>'Áfriorda' Elizabeth Brown, Thysus Mysterium<br>August 22nd, 2005<br>Royal Sonesta Hotel – Private Suite<br><br><br>Reine listened, her head tilted to the side as she listened to everything.&nbsp; Every question, every answer and all the uncertainties.&nbsp; All that mirrored her own.&nbsp; Her head swiveled, eyes round in disbelief as Ximen spoke briefly on the Bound.&nbsp; The entire time her eyes were glued to the woman as if to ask...no demand that she was joking.&nbsp; Even as she watched the woman leave, she was left with more questions than answers.&nbsp; Answers that would not be given.&nbsp; Not yet.&nbsp; <br><br>She closed her eyes and sifted through all the bits of her knowledge.&nbsp; Everything she remembered Choronos saying to her on the oddities of Death and the things that made Death look twice.&nbsp; Brought forth from her reverie by Nick's voice at her ear.&nbsp; The startling grays snapped open and her face lost it's smooth demeanor for a mere moment.&nbsp; She was really on edge and had yet to indulge herself of certain needs.&nbsp; She did not bother looking at him.<br><br>"What are the Bound?&nbsp; I've never heard that term," Nick asked, his curiosity finally getting him to open his mouth.<br><br>"And you wouldn't," she whispered in a hiss.&nbsp; She pulled together what she knew and threw it out there.&nbsp; It wasn't much, the Bound were better left unspoken but not forgotten.&nbsp; So when she spoke, it was in that hushed tone of the storyteller, the hint of her Creole birth coming through, "You get told when you are young that the Bogey man don't sleep under your bed, that the monster, he ain't in your closet.&nbsp; That at least it what is told to good little Sleeper children.&nbsp; Not me.&nbsp; My Meme, excuse me, my Grandmere, she tells me of lots of things.&nbsp; She says to me, "Reine, you be afraid of the dark, girl, out there is things worse than Baron Samedi hisself."&nbsp; Now what could be worse than the Baron, I thinks.&nbsp; I seen many things before becoming a Mage.&nbsp; You can't sit in the shadows and deal Death without seeing a few things that be odd.&nbsp; <br><br>But those are differnet stories I not be tellin'&nbsp; like.&nbsp; But us, we like children here now too.&nbsp; Except the tales and whispers, they more like nightmares to keep you up for weeks.&nbsp; The Bound, sure, they are big and mean.&nbsp; Nastier than Cerberus who be guardin' the Gates of Stygia but I'm thinking more.&nbsp; Choronos told me once that the Bound hunger.&nbsp; To stay in this world, to exist, they need us....hunt us even.&nbsp; We are prime gator tail.&nbsp; Taste like chicken if you get my meanin'.&nbsp; Our magic, it sustains them, makes them more?&nbsp; He says, if they ate themselves up enough of Mages, then there be no stoppin' them.&nbsp; He says, that the Arch, they may be powerful enough, but there would come a day when even they would have a fight on their hands." <br><br>She rose from her seat as if she had liquid for bones and set her glass, with it's melted ice on side table and walked towards the door Elliot had just walked out of.&nbsp; She stood before the girl and her dog who had asked who was going with who.&nbsp; She smiled, though one of her smiles could chill the soul of a man, this one had a hint of warmth.&nbsp; Maybe from the drink she just had.&nbsp; "I think we all stick together for now.&nbsp; What's the purpose of gathering us together, giving us ominous portent and the splitting us to the four winds.&nbsp; Nah, I think this Magister, he gots plans and that is meant for all of us.&nbsp; I think I could use another drink, my nerves are shot.&nbsp; I believe Du Monde sells a bit of the spirit."&nbsp; <br><br>Reine may have said her nerves were shot, but she did not outwardly appear it.&nbsp; She walked into the hallway and turned halfway.&nbsp; "So you all coming, or you waiting for a more spectacular invitation than this one.&nbsp; Something with Gold lettering, mayhap?&nbsp; We have a date and I don't think the man likes to be waiting.&nbsp; Storms awastin."<br><br>She motioned for Nick to follow her and he fell in step behind her.&nbsp; He knew she was irritated, could hear it.&nbsp; Maybe one of the few that could.&nbsp; She was always so smooth.&nbsp; He had a million questions he wanted an answer for, but damned if he was stupid enough to ask her.&nbsp; He would just watch and listen.&nbsp; He was good at that.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Moon Over Bourbon Street - Chapter One</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kirinis</strong> on <strong>03-03-2011, 18:00:05</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<br>Moon Over Bourbon Street<br>Something Wicked This Way Comes<br>Ximen, Heirarch of New Orleans<br>Frederick, Heirarch's Provost<br>Malachi, Chief Sentinel<br>'Burin' Elijah Warden, Thyrsus Free Council<br>'Vulpes' Prof. Elliot Van Graaf, Obrimos Guardian of the Veil<br>S.J. Jones, Acanthus Free Council<br><strong>'Damon Jones' Tsutomu Fujimoto, Mastigos Silver Ladder</strong><br>'Obsidian' Reine Valentine, Moros Adamantine Arrow<br>'Áfriorda' Elizabeth Brown, Thysus Mysterium<br>August 22nd, 2005<br>Royal Sonesta Hotel – Private Suite<br><br>When the Heirarch mentioned the Bound, Tsutomu downed the rest of his drink in one gulp.&nbsp; He looked at his empty glass.&nbsp; This was not good at all.&nbsp; It was one thing to be overpaid for a milk run, it was another to deal with something far above his current aptitude.&nbsp; He wondered what exactly the the group was expected to do except perhaps die a horrible death if the mighty Magister should fall.&nbsp; Tsutomu would have much rather been ordered to stop the hurricane than do something so obviously suicidal.<br><br>When the others started champing at the bit, Tsutomu wondered just whom he had tied his fortunes to.&nbsp; He set his glass down, "Alright, let's get this show on the road.&nbsp; The faster we move, the less time I'll have to think about how insane this whole proposition is..."&nbsp; Tsutomu started to head for the door with the others.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Moon Over Bourbon Street - Chapter One</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pockets</strong> on <strong>12-03-2011, 01:35:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Moon Over Bourbon Street<br>Something Wicked This Way Comes<br>Jack the Saxophone Player, Mortal?<br>Mia Payroux, Mastigos Silver Ladder<br>Jason, Sentinel<br>August 22nd, 2005<br>Pat O'Brien's Bar<br><br>Jack only smiled and said, “I don't play for pennies either. And my audience isn't for the people, but rather the spirits and the <em>loa</em> of the city. I play to appease them and keep the city safe. Them Levies don't hold themselves up on their own, petite. Besides, we'll see one another again later for coffee.”<br><br>With that he opened his case up and pulled out a beaten up old saxophone that appeared to be in working order, though just barely. But as he put the mouthpiece to his lips and his fingers danced allowed a few tunes to just ooze forth like liquid sex. If the atmosphere at the bar had been relaxed before, then any tension was soon disappearing.<br><br>As he played, Mia's mage senses allowed her to see that there was more to the music than met the ear. But it was not magic, at least not of Atlantean origin. No this appeared to be something different and far older and much more natural than the magic she pulled down from the Supernal Realms.<br><br>As if to make his point, what appeared to be four spirits appeared above her coffee and danced along the rim. Water, coffee, liquor, and ceramic.<br><br>Belting out the same note over and over, Jack reached over and took his music case and slung it over his shoulder before he returned to playing then left the bar. His drink finished though for the life of her Mia wouldn't be able to remember when he had drunk it.<br><br>Just then, Jason, one of the many Sentinels that patrolled the area appeared in the doorway and as his eyes alighted on her, he stepped in and said, “There you are. I've been looking all over. Ximen is looking for you. I'm to escort you to her.”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Moon Over Bourbon Street - Chapter One</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pumpkin Seeds</strong> on <strong>12-03-2011, 15:25:22</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Moon Over Bourbon Street<br>Something Wicked This Way Comes<br>Jack the Saxophone Player, Mortal?<br><strong>Mia Payroux, Mastigos Silver Ladder</strong><br>Jason, Sentinel<br>August 22nd, 2005<br>Pat O'Brien's Bar<br><br>New Orleans was never a city known for being normal.&nbsp; The weird happened here and there was little that could be done to change that fact.&nbsp; From voodoo priestesses to Lucky Dog races, the city was rife with oddities.&nbsp; Mia merely had to catalogue this saxophone player as another oddity.&nbsp; Another mystery to be understood at a later time or to remain unsolved when the city sank under the water.&nbsp; Either option meant little to her at the moment while she listened to his song and watched the spirits dance.&nbsp; The gift of true magic only made her more aware of the strange nature the city held, but never surprised her.&nbsp; A smile touched her mouth before she wiped at the dancing images so she could taste her drink once more.<br><br>The presence of another seeking her did surprise her.&nbsp; Mia was not exactly the kind of person many people summoned for something important, or even for something unimportant.&nbsp; Yet she knew when there was a time to argue and a time to follow.&nbsp; So her knuckles rapped on the bar top and then gestured to her coffee.&nbsp; “I need a to-go cup over here!”<br><br>Irish coffee secure in her cup, she cradled it between her fingers while following after the other man.&nbsp; “She’s not gonna keep me past my gig is she?&nbsp; I got a serious time frame going on here.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Moon Over Bourbon Street - Chapter One</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Prakkie</strong> on <strong>12-03-2011, 17:47:30</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Moon Over Bourbon Street<br>Something Wicked This Way Comes<br>Ximen, Heirarch of New Orleans<br>Frederick, Heirarch's Provost<br>Malachi, Chief Sentinel<br>'Burin' Elijah Warden, Thyrsus Free Council<br>'Vulpes' Prof. Elliot Van Graaf, Obrimos Guardian of the Veil<br>S.J. Jones, Acanthus Free Council<br>'Damon Jones' Tsutomu Fujimoto, Mastigos Silver Ladder<br>'Obsidian' Reine Valentine, Moros Adamantine Arrow<br><strong>'Áfriorda' Elizabeth Brown, Thysus Mysterium</strong><br>August 22nd, 2005<br>Royal Sonesta Hotel – Private Suite<br><br><br>"Well aren't you all in a terrible hurry," the old woman certainly didn't seem to be. <br><br>For one thing, hadn't the Hierarch said the Magister would find them so long as they were together? That made it seem a bit silly to go running places, especially as they weren't even sure the coffee-shop was the right place. Still, she could see how the other mages would want to make some semblance of geographical progress towards finding out what was going on and what was expected of them. <br><br>"Very well," she sighed, shouldering her bag. "Those of you who know the way..." she made a gesture for them to get moving. <br><br>"Young lady?" She called to SJ once most the others were out the door, "A bit of a hand here...?"<br><br>Well it was a rather deep chair and she a frail-looking thing.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Moon Over Bourbon Street - Chapter One</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>15-03-2011, 11:48:31</strong>
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				Moon Over Bourbon Street<br>Something Wicked This Way Comes<br>Ximen, Heirarch of New Orleans<br>Frederick, Heirarch's Provost<br>Malachi, Chief Sentinel<br>'Burin' Elijah Warden, Thyrsus Free Council<br>'Vulpes' Prof. Elliot Van Graaf, Obrimos Guardian of the Veil<br><strong>S.J. Jones, Acanthus Free Council</strong><br>'Damon Jones' Tsutomu Fujimoto, Mastigos Silver Ladder<br>'Obsidian' Reine Valentine, Moros Adamantine Arrow<br>'Áfriorda' Elizabeth Brown, Thysus Mysterium<br>August 22nd, 2005<br>Royal Sonesta Hotel – Private Suite<br><br><br><em>Dammit…</em> thought SJ, <em> Dasmmit Dammit dammit, and bugger.</em> Much as the young woman wanted to say no do it your self, something popped into her mind. Nan. Now though this ‘street rat’ seemed taciturn and had the appearance of one that would be rude an offensive to everyone, her Nan had taught her manners, even if sometimes took the back of her hand, to remind her. Elders had to be respected in most cases. For the most SJ still followed this simple rule. Sometimes she could almost imagine the woman giving her a ghostly clip around the ear is she misbehaved.<br><br>“Cam’ ‘e re ma’am I’ll give ya an ‘and.” She did offer and arm and help the old lady up, after all its Nan would have expected. However why had none of the men done it, that would have been more appropriate would it not.<br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Moon Over Bourbon Street - Chapter One</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Prakkie</strong> on <strong>18-03-2011, 09:17:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Moon Over Bourbon Street<br>Something Wicked This Way Comes<br>Ximen, Heirarch of New Orleans<br>Frederick, Heirarch's Provost<br>Malachi, Chief Sentinel<br>'Burin' Elijah Warden, Thyrsus Free Council<br>'Vulpes' Prof. Elliot Van Graaf, Obrimos Guardian of the Veil<br>S.J. Jones, Acanthus Free Council<br>'Damon Jones' Tsutomu Fujimoto, Mastigos Silver Ladder<br>'Obsidian' Reine Valentine, Moros Adamantine Arrow<br><strong>'Áfriorda' Elizabeth Brown, Thysus Mysterium</strong><br>August 22nd, 2005<br>Royal Sonesta Hotel – Private Suite<br><br>"Thank you dear," Áfriorda said as she took a surprisingly strong grip on SJ's arm and hoisted herself to her feet with some difficultly. Once there, she grabbed the sturdy wooden walking stick that had been resting against her chair and used that to support her other arm as she walked with the girl.<br><br>Honestly, the old woman wasn't nearly as old or as disabled as that but she'd found that pretending to be a sweet, crippled old lady helped her get things done much quicker than acting her self-assured, well-preserved self. Seeing SJ wolf down the cheese sandwich had made her terribly concerned for the girl and having her close like this, physically touching even, brought her just a little nearer to finding out what had and was going wrong there.<br><br>Alright, maybe that <em>was</em> one of her failings in old age, having a soft spot for young people and a tendency to mother over them.<br><br>"That is one fine dog you've got there," she said conversationally as she shuffled with SJ towards the door, picking a subject she hoped would get the girl talking.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Moon Over Bourbon Street - Chapter One</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pockets</strong> on <strong>19-03-2011, 07:32:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Moon Over Bourbon Street<br>Something Wicked This Way Comes<br>Drakon, Magister Mundi<br>Alexandra, Apostate<br>Jack the Saxophone Player, Mortal?<br>'Burin' Elijah Warden, Thyrsus Free Council<br>'Vulpes' Prof. Elliot Van Graaf, Obrimos Guardian of the Veil<br>S.J. Jones, Acanthus Free Council<br>'Damon Jones' Tsutomu Fujimoto, Mastigos Silver Ladder<br>'Obsidian' Reine Valentine, Moros Adamantine Arrow<br>'Áfriorda' Elizabeth Brown, Thysus Mysterium<br>Mia Payroux, Mastigos Silver Ladder <br>August 22nd, 2005<br>Cafe du Monde/Woldenberg Park<br><br>After some trouble keeping everyone together, Afriorda and S.J. took a cab to the Cafe Du Monde and everyone else walked. Shortly before they had left though, one of the city's Sentinels arrived with Mia Payroux and said she was another on the list wanted by the Hierarch for this job. Burin explained the situation to the best of his ability, trying not to color things with his bias of the job before they departed.<br><br>Upon arrival at the Cafe Du Monde, they didn't have to stand around long when one of the barrista's, his long hair in dreadlocks held back by a ribbon, keeping it in a ponytail tossed the closest party member a letter then said, “De boss man, he be waitin' on ya in de Park. Woldenberg Park. Go down dat way to St. Pete's den hang a left. He be waitin'. Ya be blind if'n ya can't see 'im.”<br><br>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br><br>The three figures stood on the open green of the park overlooking the river. All three were giants in their own right, but in different ways. The two in trenchcoats were tall and powerfully built. Though openly armed, people around them seemed to avoid them. Giving them a clear berth as if they were an ingrained feature of the park. Much in the same way that one might avoid a large cluster of rocks.<br><br>“Will things hold as they are?” asked the smaller man, holding his saxophone gently in the crook of his arm.<br><br>“No. And the amount of magic needed to make them hold would shatter shortly after the storm passes due to Sleeper Disbelief. There are far too many who know that the Levees won't hold up under any amount of stress.” said the huge man who held his hands behind his back.<br><br>“Thousands will die. Either as a direct result of the Hurricane that the mortals are calling Katrina, the Eater temporarily throwing off his shackles, or the levees failing.” said the woman coolly as if talking about the latest sports news.<br><br>“No. Thousands will die between the hurricane and the levees failing. Those that come into contact with the Eater will simply cease to exist. Their very essences having been too fragile to be in close proximity to one of the Bound.” corrected the large man.<br><br>“And what do you expect that these children can do to stop <em>him</em> or help us in our struggle against the Bound? None of them have any power to really speak of.” said the woman.<br><br>“Nothing. I'm not going to have them try and fight <em>him</em>. No, Tseng will get his in time. And we all know that only three people currently in the city have enough power to handle one of the Bound and not have their very essences absorbed in the battle outright. No, it's because of their lack of power that they'll be able to keep this city glued together if they play their cards intelligently.”<br><br>“What do you mean?” asked the woman.<br><br>“They will have to keep the various supernatural factions of the city from going to each other's throats and doing Tseng's work for him.” said the large man as he turned to face St. Peter St.<br><br>“So the cannon fodder has finally decided to show itself. Took her long enough to get them on their way.” said the woman.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Moon Over Bourbon Street - Chapter One</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pumpkin Seeds</strong> on <strong>19-03-2011, 14:55:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Moon Over Bourbon Street<br>Something Wicked This Way Comes<br>Drakon, Magister Mundi<br>Alexandra, Apostate<br>Jack the Saxophone Player, Mortal?<br>'Burin' Elijah Warden, Thyrsus Free Council<br>'Vulpes' Prof. Elliot Van Graaf, Obrimos Guardian of the Veil<br>S.J. Jones, Acanthus Free Council<br>'Damon Jones' Tsutomu Fujimoto, Mastigos Silver Ladder<br>'Obsidian' Reine Valentine, Moros Adamantine Arrow<br>'Áfriorda' Elizabeth Brown, Thysus Mysterium<br><strong>Mia Payroux, Mastigos Silver Ladder</strong><br>August 22nd, 2005<br>Cafe du Monde/Woldenberg Park<br><br>The meeting of Mia to the rest of them was a bit anti-climatic.&nbsp; Resting in one hand was an unmarked Styrofoam cup while in the other was balanced a smart phone.&nbsp; Fingers were quickly moving over the screen while clutching the device, the other hand eagerly bringing the cup to her lips for another sip.&nbsp; The smell of coffee and alcohol hung on her lips already.&nbsp; Her eyes didn’t even lift when she was brought to the others.&nbsp; Instead two fingers rose from the side of her coffee as if to make a haphazard “peace” sign.&nbsp; Her lips moved to give a muttering of a word though none could be blamed for not hearing her clearly.<br><br>“Sup?”<br><br>That the question was rhetorical was beyond obvious.&nbsp; Her only interest seemed to be when the guy at the counter spoke, though if the words registered in her mind none could tell.<br><br>“Hey, hey.&nbsp; Hit me with a bag and fill me up on the coffee Bob Marley.”&nbsp; The cup was slide forward, her hand now free she dug around in her pocket for her purse.&nbsp; A slender coin purse with the image of Hello Kitty emerged from somewhere amidst the tight confines of her clothing.&nbsp; Crumbled bills were dropped for the man to collect while she waited for the piping out beignets to be delivered in their bag with powdered sugar.&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Moon Over Bourbon Street - Chapter One</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>19-03-2011, 16:35:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<br>Moon Over Bourbon Street<br>Something Wicked This Way Comes<br>Drakon, Magister Mundi<br>Alexandra, Apostate<br>Jack the Saxophone Player, Mortal?<br>'Burin' Elijah Warden, Thyrsus Free Council<br>'Vulpes' Prof. Elliot Van Graaf, Obrimos Guardian of the Veil<br><strong>S.J. Jones, Acanthus Free Council</strong><br>'Damon Jones' Tsutomu Fujimoto, Mastigos Silver Ladder<br>'Obsidian' Reine Valentine, Moros Adamantine Arrow<br>'Áfriorda' Elizabeth Brown, Thysus Mysterium<br>Mia Payroux, Mastigos Silver Ladder<br>August 22nd, 2005<br><br><br>Sarah Jane climbed into the taxi with the older woman, helping her in carefully before jumping in herself with Horlicks. “Yeah ‘Orlicks a good dog, ‘ad her fer a caaple of years. Saametimes she is a right blaad…” SJ coughed remembering really when just with someone that was as old as her Nan swearing was not a good thing. “Yeah she can be a bit …well naughty….”<br><br>Looking closer at Horlicks Elizabeth could see she was more than just a normal dog, though she still appeared to behave like one? As SJ offered a dog treat or two to her if nothing else than to stop the dog harassing the driver, “She’s alwight, saamone to watch over ….well yeah know…we look aaut for each avver.” SJ had let down her guard a little with this old woman and kicked herself mentally, this woman did not need to know where they lived. <br><br>As they got out of the cab SJ continued to look a little sheepish, after all she had no money, or that which she did have was going on food for herself and Horlicks. She shuffled a little and looked to the place they had been sent, this was one place she did not want to be. For some reason it felt very wrong and uncomfortable. <br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Moon Over Bourbon Street - Chapter One</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dizzied</strong> on <strong>22-03-2011, 08:13:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Moon Over Bourbon Street<br>Something Wicked This Way Comes<br>Drakon, Magister Mundi<br>Alexandra, Apostate<br>Jack the Saxophone Player, Mortal?<br>'Burin' Elijah Warden, Thyrsus Free Council<br><strong>'Vulpes' Prof. Elliot Van Graaf, Obrimos Guardian of the Veil</strong><br>S.J. Jones, Acanthus Free Council<br>'Damon Jones' Tsutomu Fujimoto, Mastigos Silver Ladder<br>'Obsidian' Reine Valentine, Moros Adamantine Arrow<br>'Áfriorda' Elizabeth Brown, Thysus Mysterium<br>Mia Payroux, Mastigos Silver Ladder<br>August 22nd, 2005<br>Cafe du Monde<br><br>Elliot walked to the coffee shop with the others, chatting about the heat and the latest news, if anybody will listen to her.&nbsp; When they arrive, she declines to order anything, but greets their new member, Mia, with a polite smile, introducing herself.<br><br>"Call me Vulpes, or Ellie, if you prefer hon.&nbsp; Looks like we have somewhere else to run off to," she says, as she takes the note from the barrista with a nod.&nbsp; <br><br>"Woldenberg park?&nbsp; Got it," Eliott replies to him softly.&nbsp; She turns to the others.<br><br>"Seems they like treasure hunts.&nbsp; Let's hope we don't have too many more stops to make," she says with a shrug.&nbsp; "Unless ya'll want coffee, let's head to the park, shall we?"<br><br>She looks down at the letter, looks up at the others, and, if no one seems to disprove, she discreetly opens it and looks inside.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Moon Over Bourbon Street - Chapter One</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lady Kitsune</strong> on <strong>23-03-2011, 06:39:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Moon Over Bourbon Street<br>Something Wicked This Way Comes<br>Drakon, Magister Mundi<br>Alexandra, Apostate<br>Jack the Saxophone Player, Mortal?<br>'Burin' Elijah Warden, Thyrsus Free Council<br>'Vulpes' Prof. Elliot Van Graaf, Obrimos Guardian of the Veil<br>S.J. Jones, Acanthus Free Council<br>'Damon Jones' Tsutomu Fujimoto, Mastigos Silver Ladder<br><strong>'Obsidian' Reine Valentine, Moros Adamantine Arrow</strong><br>'Áfriorda' Elizabeth Brown, Thysus Mysterium<br>Mia Payroux, Mastigos Silver Ladder<br>August 22nd, 2005<br>Cafe du Monde<br><br>The walk was uneventful but that didn't stop Reine from walking only in the shadows.&nbsp; Nick strode beside her his hands in his pockets mulling over what he had learned.&nbsp; She kept her back straight and her hand free in case she needed to pull a weapon free.&nbsp; Halfway there, Nick decided that keeping his mouth shut was no longer an option.&nbsp; She felt otherwise.<br><br>"Reine, are we talking end of the world stuff here," he asked with worry in his eyes.<br><br>"Yes."<br><br>"That's it.&nbsp; You're just going to say 'yes'," he continued.<br><br>"Yes."<br><br>"Look, Reine, I'm with you.&nbsp; You know that.&nbsp; But your gonna have to give me something here if I'm going to die for all this."<br><br>She paused in midstep.&nbsp; Anyone watching would have found it odd looking.&nbsp; It wasn't as if she came to a graceful stop.&nbsp; She was just moving one moment and not the next.&nbsp; Turning to face her Retainer, she didn't even crack an encouraging smile.&nbsp; "Nick, you are not going to die 'for all this'.&nbsp; I am.&nbsp; Your job is to keep me alive long enough so that I can maybe....save you.&nbsp; You going to see thing, Nick, and you are not going to like it one bit.&nbsp; So when you are in the presence of power, I suggest you do well and make like a shadow.&nbsp; Besides, there is nothing wrong with being dead."<br><br>She was suddenly moving again, leaving Nick to stare at her, shaking his head.&nbsp; He shrugged his shoulders and trotted after her like a good little servant.&nbsp; Sometimes his brother laughed at him, saying his relationship with Reine was more like a Kindred and his ghoul.&nbsp; He didn't care.&nbsp; Whatever bond he had with Reine it was worth it.<br><br>"Well, I guess I better do a good job of protecting you, milady," he said with a lopsided grin.<br><br>Reine looked at him askance and could only smile, him protect her, what a laugh.&nbsp; "You do that, Nick." <br><br>They reached the Cafe Du Monde and she didn't bother to take a seat.&nbsp; She was ready to leave when the barrista said where they were to go.&nbsp; She didn't like this game of mouse in a maze.&nbsp; It made her fingers itchy.&nbsp; There was a letter.&nbsp; Probably directions.&nbsp; She wasn't sure whether to wait for Burin, who took it upon himself to explain things to the new one.&nbsp; Well, she did have good taste.&nbsp; Even the dark and mighty Reine could not resist the irresistible charm of Hello Kitty.&nbsp; She certainly had a charm all her own taking in the wild hair and the choice of clothing.&nbsp; <br><br>"I think we should hurry now that we are all together," she said.&nbsp; All her accent was gone.&nbsp; That hard neutrality washed over her.&nbsp; Everything sang to her like she was on Mark.&nbsp; There was no time for nonesense.<br><br>She left the place in a rush.&nbsp; Her sense of urgency was getting to her.<br><br>"You feeling that...thing, aren't you?&nbsp; You are getting pissed, Reine, for no reason.&nbsp; Why didn't you...you know, take care of it before all of this, he said leaning in and whispering.<br><br>"I was on a Mark before I was absconded.&nbsp; Do not air my dirty laundry in public again or I'll make sure you never feel the bliss of Death," she said, walking away from him.<br><br>"Is that a promise," he called after her.&nbsp; He laughed when she flicked him off.&nbsp; He turned to the others.&nbsp; "Please excuse her, she hasn't had caffeine today."<br><br>He laughed thinking himself funny since they just left a coffee shop.&nbsp; He tripped up next to Elliot.&nbsp; "So, you don't look like any Mage I ever met.&nbsp; Teacher, right?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Moon Over Bourbon Street - Chapter One</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kirinis</strong> on <strong>23-03-2011, 07:11:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Moon Over Bourbon Street<br>Something Wicked This Way Comes<br>Drakon, Magister Mundi<br>Alexandra, Apostate<br>Jack the Saxophone Player, Mortal?<br>'Burin' Elijah Warden, Thyrsus Free Council<br>'Vulpes' Prof. Elliot Van Graaf, Obrimos Guardian of the Veil<br>S.J. Jones, Acanthus Free Council<br><strong>'Damon Jones' Tsutomu Fujimoto, Mastigos Silver Ladder</strong><br>'Obsidian' Reine Valentine, Moros Adamantine Arrow<br>'Áfriorda' Elizabeth Brown, Thysus Mysterium<br>Mia Payroux, Mastigos Silver Ladder<br>August 22nd, 2005<br>Cafe du Monde<br><br>The summer air greeted Tsutomu as he exited the hotel with the others.&nbsp; He felt a twinge of guilt when he saw the brat helping Afriorda with her things.&nbsp; Although his feelings of guilt faded when they hitched a ride with a taxi and drove off leaving the rest behind to walk to the Cafe.&nbsp; It wasn't a bad day for a walk, but it wasn't a great day for one either.&nbsp; He listened politely to Vulpes as she talked about the heat and the latest news.&nbsp; Tsutomu tried to engage her in some conversation but it didn't get particularly far before they reached the shop.<br><br>He was glad to get out of the heat and when Mia gave her half-hearted greetings replied in turn with an similarly disinterested tone.&nbsp; "Pleasure to meet you, Miss...?"&nbsp; When Vulpes announced the fact that the mysterious Magister had decided to send them off on another direction, Tsutomu wasn't terribly happy.&nbsp; When things like this happened, it was either a test or the person they met was an overly paranoid wingbat.&nbsp; He hated people who did the former as they always got their jollies off on making people jump through hoops and the second was worse because violence inevitably followed.<br><br>Tsutomu did a quick probe to see if his Shielding was still intact.&nbsp; <em>...Good</em>&nbsp; He nodded in satisfaction as he felt it push back against his probe.&nbsp; "A little coffee never hurt anyone and it'll help us blend in if we carry some props..."&nbsp; Tsutomu replied before he got on line to get a cup of black coffee.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Moon Over Bourbon Street - Chapter One</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Prakkie</strong> on <strong>23-03-2011, 12:42:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Moon Over Bourbon Street<br>Something Wicked This Way Comes<br>Drakon, Magister Mundi<br>Alexandra, Apostate<br>Jack the Saxophone Player, Mortal?<br>'Burin' Elijah Warden, Thyrsus Free Council<br>'Vulpes' Prof. Elliot Van Graaf, Obrimos Guardian of the Veil<br>S.J. Jones, Acanthus Free Council<br>'Damon Jones' Tsutomu Fujimoto, Mastigos Silver Ladder<br>'Obsidian' Reine Valentine, Moros Adamantine Arrow<br><strong>'Áfriorda' Elizabeth Brown, Thysus Mysterium</strong><br>Mia Payroux, Mastigos Silver Ladder<br>August 22nd, 2005<br>Cafe du Monde<br><br><br>"A naughty girl hmm...?" Áfríorda crooned as she scratched Horlicks behind the ears in an expertly manner. As she did so she became aware of the pink tips to the animals ears. That was very unusual and she filed it away for future reference. "Well I've always felt the plain, obedient ones get boring so very quickly. I had a dog once... Not a fine one like this. Scraggy mutt. Just appeared on the doorstep one day and he looked so hungry I couldn't help but take him in, had a big row with the husband too... I remember..." a smile settled on the old woman's face as she reminisced, "This business man. Tax person. Came to our house. Very <em>neat</em> fellow. Had one of them little black suitcases for his papers..." and so she went on, telling the young Goth girl how the dog had hidden its slime-covered, much-gnawed tennis ball in the tax-man's suitcase and then when he'd reached for his papers and got a hand-full of drool instead his face had been simply priceless. Of course that had only been the start of the trouble. The old woman told the story with obvious enjoyment sparkling up her eyes, laughing aloud in all the appropriate places and though she was rambling more than a little there was definitely a certain charm there. "Ah but it must be good to have a dog," she said, turning more serious. "I sometimes wish I still had one... Living alone in a city like this and some of those stories in the papers," she shuddered.&nbsp; <br><br>They pulled up to the café then. It was a testament to the drivers navigational skills that they actually arrived at the café <em>after</em> the people on foot did, though of course the traffic lights hadn't helped. Áfriorda paid the driver without so much as a glance at SJ, after all the girl had only stepped into the cab to help her, then climbed out of the vehicle with some difficulty. <br><br>She was just in time to see Obsidian stalk off and wondered what the hell was going on there, but figured it would have to wait. <br><br>"Hello again," she said pleasantly as she shuffled up to the ones who remained: the surly-looking man, the teacher, the Asian fellow and a colourful, be-dreadlocked girl she hadn't met before. <br><br>"Any clues so far?" She asked, eying the letter in Vulpes' hands.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Moon Over Bourbon Street - Chapter One</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kirinis</strong> on <strong>23-03-2011, 16:59:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Moon Over Bourbon Street<br>Something Wicked This Way Comes<br>Drakon, Magister Mundi<br>Alexandra, Apostate<br>Jack the Saxophone Player, Mortal?<br>'Burin' Elijah Warden, Thyrsus Free Council<br>'Vulpes' Prof. Elliot Van Graaf, Obrimos Guardian of the Veil<br>S.J. Jones, Acanthus Free Council<br><strong>'Damon Jones' Tsutomu Fujimoto, Mastigos Silver Ladder</strong><br>'Obsidian' Reine Valentine, Moros Adamantine Arrow<br>'Áfriorda' Elizabeth Brown, Thysus Mysterium<br>Mia Payroux, Mastigos Silver Ladder<br>August 22nd, 2005<br>Cafe du Monde<br><br>Tsutomu paid for his coffee and took a sip from it.&nbsp; Nice and properly hot, the rich flavor of the coffee was a welcome if momentary distraction from the job ahead.&nbsp; &nbsp;He looked at the menu and contemplated ordering some beignets to go with it and after a moment decided to order a few to takeout.&nbsp; Tsutomu brought the box of fresh and very hot beignets back to where the group was milling around and offered to them to them to take one or two.&nbsp; "Hungry?&nbsp; A bit of sugar to keep your energy up before we meet the Magister."&nbsp; When Afroirda entered, Tsutomu profered the open box to her also.<br><br>He did not know the others rather well, but an peace offering of sweets always worked well in his experience&nbsp; Hopefully, the others would be more inclined to be more open after a beignet.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Moon Over Bourbon Street - Chapter One</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>23-03-2011, 18:01:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Moon Over Bourbon Street<br>Something Wicked This Way Comes<br>Drakon, Magister Mundi<br>Alexandra, Apostate<br>Jack the Saxophone Player, Mortal?<br>'Burin' Elijah Warden, Thyrsus Free Council<br>'Vulpes' Prof. Elliot Van Graaf, Obrimos Guardian of the Veil<br><strong>S.J. Jones, Acanthus Free Council</strong><br>'Damon Jones' Tsutomu Fujimoto, Mastigos Silver Ladder<br>'Obsidian' Reine Valentine, Moros Adamantine Arrow<br>'Áfriorda' Elizabeth Brown, Thysus Mysterium<br>Mia Payroux, Mastigos Silver Ladder<br>August 22nd, 2005<br>Cafe du Monde<br><br>Sarah Jane listened politely to the old woman’s story about the dog, it was pretty funny though and the street rat had to admit that pain in the arse dogs were more fun. She nodded then as to feeling safer with a dog, “Yeah bein’ on yer own can be sort of dangerous, bat she looks auut fer me and I do ve same fer ‘er.” SJ did not however mention that her home was usually under some bridge or an abandoned building. Quietly thanking Afroida for paying for the taxi she whistled for Horlicks to come away from the bins.<br><br>She looked about her at the others and sort of tried to slink into the back ground, briefly wondering how much this new woman had paid for her dreadlocks. Her dog was now close feeling SJ’s discomfort however with food being offered Horlicks seemed a little torn. The street rat looked at them hungrily though they had not been offered, and she had enough manners not to ask. She might look like some ill mannered, from the gutter but Nan had always done right by her, so she would not let her down.<br><br>One thing was for sure SJ did not have a clue as to what was going on…<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Moon Over Bourbon Street - Chapter One</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dizzied</strong> on <strong>09-04-2011, 01:12:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Moon Over Bourbon Street<br>Something Wicked This Way Comes<br>Drakon, Magister Mundi<br>Alexandra, Apostate<br>Jack the Saxophone Player, Mortal?<br>'Burin' Elijah Warden, Thyrsus Free Council<br><strong>'Vulpes' Prof. Elliot Van Graaf, Obrimos Guardian of the Veil</strong><br>S.J. Jones, Acanthus Free Council<br>'Damon Jones' Tsutomu Fujimoto, Mastigos Silver Ladder<br>'Obsidian' Reine Valentine, Moros Adamantine Arrow<br>'Áfriorda' Elizabeth Brown, Thysus Mysterium<br>Mia Payroux, Mastigos Silver Ladder<br>August 22nd, 2005<br>Cafe du Monde<br><br>"Well, looks like we're off to tha' park..." Elliot said, looking at the paper inside.&nbsp; She glanced up at the others.&nbsp; <br><br>"Reine, you don't have to worry.&nbsp; Ain't one woman alive your age who doesn't have trouble with men.&nbsp; And your friend is right.&nbsp; You should settle things, whatever they are, before you go trouncing off on whatever crazy errand this is we're about to do.&nbsp; We owe them that much, for being who we are, I think."<br><br>She looked over at Damon.&nbsp; "You are just trying to kill my waistline..." she drawled, reaching out and taking one of the Beignets.&nbsp; She took a tiny nibble, looking torn.<br><br>"Alright...lets get a move on.&nbsp; Help me burn some calories here..." she said, heading for the door.&nbsp; "I guess nobody else knows what to expect...but if you have any ideas let me know.&nbsp; I'm just as confused as ya'll are here, I reckon."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Moon Over Bourbon Street - Chapter One</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Prakkie</strong> on <strong>15-04-2011, 17:11:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Moon Over Bourbon Street<br>Something Wicked This Way Comes<br>Drakon, Magister Mundi<br>Alexandra, Apostate<br>Jack the Saxophone Player, Mortal?<br>'Burin' Elijah Warden, Thyrsus Free Council<br>'Vulpes' Prof. Elliot Van Graaf, Obrimos Guardian of the Veil<br>S.J. Jones, Acanthus Free Council<br>'Damon Jones' Tsutomu Fujimoto, Mastigos Silver Ladder<br>'Obsidian' Reine Valentine, Moros Adamantine Arrow<br><strong>'Áfriorda' Elizabeth Brown, Thysus Mysterium</strong><br>Mia Payroux, Mastigos Silver Ladder<br>August 22nd, 2005<br>Cafe du Monde<br><br><br>"Oh, yes please," Áfríorda said as she made her way over to Damon and his box of beignets with rather more speed than she'd hitherto seemed capable of.<br><br>She bit down on the pastry and munched it with obvious enjoyment, winking at the man that'd offered it as she did so. Still eating, she proceeded to check out the café and it's customers with a keen eye. She always had enjoyed watching people, even before becoming a Mage. And now that she was a Mage the fascination had only grown. There was so much to learn. So much you could tell just by looking. This time though, she was looking for things out of the ordinary - after all they'd been sent her for a reason. She was a little disappointed then, to find there was nothing at all remarkable about the place. <br><br>When Vulpes spoke the woman popped the last of the pastry into her mouth and shuffled after the others, leaning heavily on her walking stick once more.<br><br>The park then, hopefully it'd be more interesting than the café.<br><br>She was rather looking forward to some excitement.
			</dd>
		</dl>
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