NachtMusik -- Logs

Night has fallen on the Ranch. The small angelic house party has returned, and life continues as normal, although Rei has spent several minutes fussing over a welt on Merwyn's cheek he refuses to explain. When Rei asks Merwyn where the welt came from, and Merwyn refuses to explain, Slate gives the Sword angel a confused look... but politely doesn't intrude into the conversation. Nick, on the other hand, has a marvelous story about his trip to Costco... it even involves a car chase.

Thessaloniki grins cheerfully and truthfully says, "And thus, I ran away. We'll see if Sue turns up here or not. And I ran into Marlena, who may also drop by. It could get quite interesting."

Rosenstern blinks in stunned amazement at Nick's story. "Wow. Well, that at least confirms whether that angel's a Mercurian or not." He shakes his head. After giving a mortal a chair in the face, I would hope not! "And Marlena, too?" He frowns a little, and looks around. "Does she know that your house is filled with angels?"

Rei is busy dabbing a wet cloth on Merwyn's face. Merwyn is doing his best to be part of the upholstery. Sax, on the other hand, is doing what he always does. He's having a beer. Rosenstern grins. "Well, you're right, then. It could get very interesting."

Shateishael laughs and shakes his head at Nick, "You old reprobate. You know that song, right? 'A Boy Named Sue'?"

Taygeta-crow is perched carefully on the back of a chair, while his cat-self is curled up hopefully by the Bright. "Sounds like a busy day. I've been back to the usual long periods of boredom part of my job." His cat-self blerts in amusement. "An actual boy named Sue?"

Shateishael says, "Nah, the song's about a boy whose dad left him, so named his kid Sue so the kid would grow up strong. The boy dedicates himself to finding and killing his dad..." he pauses, unable to prevent another slightly puzzled look at Merwyn -- then he pulls his thoughts together and continues, "-uh... right. So the kid finds the dad -- a real ugly guy dealing stud -- and they have a mondo fight!"

Shateishael says, "Finally the kid gets the drop on the dad, and the dad explains why he named the kid that way... and there's a tearful reunion." He grins, "But... the kid's determined to name any son of his anything but Sue!"

Rosenstern blinks to Slate, and laughs. "Oh, that song! I'd forgotten about it!" Shateishael rests his chin on his arms, which are folded across the back of the chair he's straddled. There's a beer bottle dangling negligently from one hand as he watches and listens. He grins at Rosie.

Thessaloniki grins, "Don't blame me for that; he chose the name himself." He settles down, then says, "Actually, Rosie, I think Sue's a Malakim. During the fight he clobbered the dealer with whatever was at hand, with good effect."

Taygeta caws. "I thought the Malakim were supposed to stay out of the Truce City?"

Thessaloniki adds, "And, no, Marlena doesn't know. I presume that if she turns up here, she'll receive as much respect as any of my guests, yes?"

Rosenstern nods to Nick. "Absolutely, Nick, I won't do anything disrespectful or untoward."

Taygeta nods to Nick as well to Nick. "Of course."

Shateishael thinks for a moment, then rumbles thoughtfully, "Nick, if she follows the rules, then fine. But... unless you say otherwise, I'm gonna count her hooking someone here as an act of violence... and I'll be glad to tell her that if you don't want to."

Thessaloniki says, "I'll let her know, Slate. I think that'd be a pretty good thing to mention." Shateishael nods silently, his face stony. Nick glances at Rei and says gently, "Not like I expect it to be an issue, but I'd hold you to the same."

Rei smiles. "I don't get into fights, Nick. Don't worry, I'll be good."

Thessaloniki smiles, "I wasn't really worried about it, Rei, but I thought I'd be clear."

Sax says, "Another Malakite? Here? Shit, I think one's enough, don't you?"

Shateishael says to Nick, "Why're you so sure he's a Virtue?"

Thessaloniki says, "He wasn't there yet, Tay. If he comes here, then I plan on having a talk to him about it. It could be really bad for him to try and be around a demon he's not busily thwarting, couldn't it? Anyway, it's just a guess. He whaled on the dealer with a chair. A Malakite who works for Eli can use pretty much anything at hand as a weapon, you see."

Shateishael murmurs interestedly, "Damn... that's a cool attunement for Creationer Malachites!"

Sax grins. "Yeah, it's cool to watch. It's a shame there aren't many left."

Thessaloniki laughs, "You would think so, Slate." He grins and goes over to get himself a beer, adding, "Although I can't argue much."

Shateishael just grins at Nick, "Shame they can't share attunements like that."

Rosenstern blinks in surprise. "A Malakim of Eli? Okay, that could explain his... er, quickness. Tay's right; I would have thought the Truce prevented that. But it might be all right; I mean, the Truce isn't by any individual Malakite's choice, so they're honor-bound to uphold it, I imagine."

Sax says, "Well, I spend quite a bit of time around Malakites. You want my opinion?"

Thessaloniki says, "Sure, Sax. I hope it differs from mine." He grins. Rosenstern looks to Sax interestedly.

Sax says, "My expert opinion is you keep him outta the house if your friend comes over. And if he does show up, then send Gunther on a beer run, 'cause you're gonna have to lie to him. It's the only way to keep him from going on a Jackie Chan-style rampage. It's not technically his fault; that's just the way Malakites are."

Thessaloniki nods, "Yeah, Sax, that's pretty much what I'd thought, too."

Shateishael eyes the War angel, "Beer run with the Malakim?"

Sax shrugs. "Sorry to be no help, bro. There's not usually any reasoning with a guy whose central philosophy in life is 'I shall suffer no demon to live.'"

Thessaloniki nods, "Yeah, Sax, I understand. I can't blame him either. Pretty much whichever one gets here first gets to stay, and I'll tell the other they don't want to be here right now. If they object, I'll tell one or the other why."

Rosenstern shifts a little in his seat. Malakim make him nervous. He's not nearly as nervous of Lilim -- Dark Lilim, that is -- as he is of Malakim. But Nick's intent is the only fair way, after all, since this is, technically, Austin. Shateishael thinks a moment, then glances at Rosie and Tay, "Y'all know, if Marlena comes over, to not accept anything from her, right? Not even tuna, Tay. You can help her if you want... but Rei says no accepting anything from Darks."

Rosenstern smiles wanly to Slate and nods. "Absolutely, I won't. Thanks for the reminder, though." Shateishael nods to Rosie, looking a bit relieved... then glances at Tay silently.

Taygeta-crow and -cat both nod. "Absolutely."

Closing the fridge, Nick says, "I'd hope we wouldn't have to mention that, true. I also plan on letting her know, very soon, exactly where she is. It's one thing to be vague in a coffee shop, and another to surround her unawares."

Rei asks, "Are you sure she's a sister of mine? You guys sound pretty sure."

Thessaloniki hmms. "Well, honestly, Rei, I didn't ask. Maybe you will be able to tell. I've been known to misjudge."

Rosenstern says, "I'm not sure myself, Rei. That's what Nick and Slate feel she is..."

Shateishael nods to Tay-Tom, listens curiously to Nick, then shakes his head at Rosie, "I don't know... not met her, just listened to Nick. And... I suck at telling stuff like that unless they lie to me."

Rosenstern nods to Slate. "I'd not really be able to tell myself, actually. Not easily, anyway."

Rei says, "If you want, I can find out."

Thessaloniki says, "If she drops by and you know or can find out, that might be nice, Rei. If not, I wouldn't worry about it." He smiles, adding, "Considering who may be dropping by, I think it'll be more important than ever who answers the door. Well past 'hospitality' and into 'personal safety'." He grins.

Speaking of which, someone has just pulled into the lot. Shateishael glances at Tay, "Male or female driver?"

Taygeta says, "Female."

Shateishael nods, "Rei's maybe-sister then." He glances at Nick and grins.

Rosenstern glances at the window as the headlights dance across the far wall. "Guess 'Marlena' wins," he says wryly. Rei shrugs and goes to the bathroom to wring out the cloth. Merwyn straightens his overcoat.

Shateishael rises, stretching slowly and carefully, then looks around a bit grimly... he's still quite ambivalent about this Dark hanging around, but it is Nick's place. "Uh... anyone want to make sure I don't burn dinner?"

Rosenstern grins and stands. "Sure, Slate." For his part, he's not too worried about the visiting Dark. Maybe he's just gotten used to how things are in Austin.

Shateishael mutters, "Thanks, Rosie," and stalks into the kitchen, looking vaguely like he's just chewed on a lemon. Taygeta-cat joins Slate in the kitchen.

Rosenstern blinks a little at Slate's sour look, and follows along after him. Once safely ensconced in the kitchen he says quietly, so his voice doesn't carry, "If it helps any, I can understand the discomfort. Chances are she'll find out that we're a bunch of angelics and head off posthaste."

Thessaloniki heads over to the door and opens it, stepping on to the threshold, smiling and holding his beer in his left hand. He watches the car. At the door a moment later is Marlena, wearing a smart, black, conservative little number. She grins brightly at Nick as she enters, holding up a dark green bottle for him. "Brought you something, Nick."

Thessaloniki smiles, "Thank you, Marlena! Come on in and let me introduce you properly to everyone." He gestures her in to the Ranch and closes the door behind him. He follows, saying, "Hey, everyone, it looks like the lovely lady I'd mention has chosen to come by tonight. This is Marlena D'Enfer."

Taygeta-crow caws and bobs his head. "Charmed, I'm sure."

Shateishael nods to Rosie, absently scritching the cat's ears when Tay jumps up onto a stool, then schools his face to impassivity as Nick leads the demon in. Thessaloniki introduces everyone properly by just first name. Shateishael nods politely once to Marlena, "Ma'am."

Rosenstern, mindful of Slate's admonishment earlier to Tay and himself, pauses to sate Tay-tom's tuna craving with a small nip of albacore before heading into the living room. Taygeta-cat purrs and nuzzles Rose's hand before jumping down and following along out. Rosenstern greets Marlena with a quiet smile and polite, "Evening!"

Marlena smiles broadly in passing to everyone. "Charmed," she says to the crow. To the War angel she says, "Love your shirt, dear." She nods to the Stone Angel. "That look works for you. Very retro."

Shateishael, who is in nothing more than jeans and his usual hammer pendant on a thong, just looks at Marlena, then says, "What?"

Marlena says, "Your ensemble, dear. Very rugged."

Shateishael stares at Marlena for a moment... then laughs! He grins, "Somehow I doubt that's exactly what retro means... but, uh... thanks anyway, ma'am, I guess." Rosenstern grins quietly, not quite visibly relaxing as the Stone angel laughs.

Thessaloniki comments, "Considering how long Slate's been kicking around, Marlena, that's not retro at all -- it's very modern indeed." He grins, adding, "He's been around a lot longer than I have, and has seen many interesting things."

Marlena smiles. "Don't worry, if I was making fun of your wardrobe, you'd know it. You're welcome." Rei stands up and offers her hand. "Hey," is all she says. Marlena shakes the offered hand lightly, and she and the Bright exchange a long glance. "Delighted to meet you...?"

"Rei," grins the little Bright, "-just Rei." She sits back down next to Sax, who grins goofily and raises his beer. "Howdy." Marlena nods again to Nick, and eyes the Seraph appraisingly. "I'm sure he has."

Shateishael laughs again at Nick's comment, then grins, "Hey, this modern uniform of jeans, boots, flannel shirt, and 6" belt buckle is real easy." He raises a faintly amused eyebrow at the appraisal, then remembers Nick's training on proper social behavior around ladies... he rumbles politely, "Want a drink?"

Marlena smiles, "I'd love one. I'll have whatever you're having."

Shateishael looks at his beer bottle... looks back with some surprise at the rather elegant looking lady who just asked for... a beer?! -then chuckles quietly, "You got it. Moment..."

Rei stands up quickly and says, "I'll grab one too, I think."

Shateishael steps aside for Rei to precede him, and glances back to see if anyone else wants anything while he's up. Taygeta-crow chuckles in his raspy voice. "Got anything that won't rot my teeth?"

Rosenstern glances, grinning, to Taygeta. "What teeth?"

The crow looks like he'd be grinning, if he could. "My point exactly. Just water, if you wouldn't mind pouring me a saucer."

Thessaloniki says, "Anybody else?"

Rosenstern says, "Nothing for me, thank you!"

Thessaloniki says to Marlena, "Have a seat. Let me put the bottle in the fridge, and I'll be right out."

Marlena nods and seats herself carefully. "Take your time, Nick."

Shateishael nods to Rosie and Tay, then raises an inquiring eyebrow at Merwyn and Nick? Merwyn shakes his head softly, "No, nothing for me, thank you, Slate." Shateishael nods to Merwyn, then grins at Nick, and turns to head into the kitchen.

Rosenstern settles into a chair as the Dark seats herself. "So," he says conversationally, "How do you like Austin so far?"

Marlena smiles brightly. "Oh, I've been here for some time. Perhaps I should ask you that question? I love it here, actually. Such a... laid-back atmosphere."

Rosenstern smiles. "Certainly you may." 'laid back'? Gah... not that I can see... "I admit, I like it here. It's... different, a lot different from where I usually find myself."

Taygeta says, "For the most part. Things do get a bit tense now and then."

Shateishael gives Rei a curious glance as he gets out saucer and beer... could she tell? Thessaloniki steps into the kitchen behind Slate, and waits for the big man to finish at the fridge. He puts the bottle someplace secure, then grabs himself a soda.

Rei plucks a beer out of the fridge and waits for Slate and Nick to catch up, spending a few moments trying to twist off the pull top before realizing that probably won't work. She shakes her head and murmurs, "No sister of mine... she's Dark, but I can't guess the Band. Off the top of my head, uh... Habbalite maybe? Impudite? They're both snappy-dressing Bands."

Shateishael nods interestedly to Rei as he gently takes the beer from her and pops the top for her, "Okay, thanks. Here..." he hands the beer back to her.

Rei blinks, realizing her mistake with the bottle, and her face darkens with embarrassment. "Uh... thanks, Slate."

Thessaloniki says, "Interesting. Once again, I missed. Ah, well."

Shateishael rumbles softly to Rei, politely ignoring the blush, "D'you know any way to tell, short of asking?"

Thessaloniki smiles, "You seem tense, Rei. Everything okay?"

Shateishael looks at Nick... then raises an eyebrow and looks back at Rei thoughtfully. He'd missed possible tenseness -- he'd only seen embarrassment. "You okay?"

Rei rolls her eyes, "No, I'm just unequipped to tackle pull tops, evidently." She shrugs. "Well, unless you catch her working a Resonance on someone, I don't know how to tell. I've got a pretty good eye for spotting my sisters, but... no... she didn't try it on me when I looked in her eyes. Most Darks will just make a pass if they think they can get away with it..." She chuckles. "Maybe she's a Calabite." Then she pauses, "God, what a scary thought."

Shateishael grins at Rei, "S'okay... you have very nice fingers that shouldn't be stony."

Rei smiles sheepishly. "Thanks. It's my brain I worry about sometimes. C'mon, let's go before our houseguest gets suspicious." Shateishael fills the saucer and picks up the beer for Marlena. He grins at Rei, following her out of the kitchen.

Thessaloniki ahs, then says, "Relax, Rei. Everything will be fine." To Slate he says with a grin, "We could always just ask." He then heads back out to the living room with only his soda. He sits down, near Marlena but not too close.

Rei emerges from the kitchen, shaking her head to herself, and plunks back down next to Sax. Merwyn slumps down a little in the chair, crossing his legs at the ankle and folding his hands in his lap, as relaxed as anyone present has seen him yet. He nods at polite intervals, listening to the small talk being made with a slight smile. Shateishael hands the beer bottle to the demon, "There y'go... enjoy," then, with a grin, sets the saucer down on the desk for Taygeta, "Have a blast." He settles down in his chair and picks his beer up again. Most Darks will make a pass... do they all, though? Hm...

Marlena nods to the Novalite, "Yes, well, it does take a little getting used to. But you must admit that not living under the continual threat of violence does make quite an impact on your social life."

Shateishael lazily slides one leg over the big easy chair's arm, has a sip of beer, then hmms thoughtfully to himself, considering the demon's words. Finally he says curiously, "How do you mean 'continual threat of violence'? Surely there are protected places demons can go where they look out for each other?"

Thessaloniki smiles, answering Marlena's statement, "Yes, it does. This gathering would be terribly impossible otherwise." He looks at the pretty visitor, adding, "I expect you've figured this out, but I feel I must mention this so that you don't find out in an unpleasant way. We all work for Light." He seems a bit sheepish as he says this. He's not sure it's not obvious, or that she won't bolt.

Shateishael glances at Nick, smiling and hushing up. Rosenstern nods quietly. Well, as if it wasn't blatantly obvious that she knows Nick's friends -- or at least, me -- are angelic... He nods to Nick, smiling still cheerfully and not at all smugly to the Dark.

Marlena smiles thinly at Slate's comment. "There are, but in those instances, of course, it's the other demons one needs to worry about." She pauses, then laughs softly at Nick's confession, "Why... yes, of course, Nick. I knew that before I came here. And even if I hadn't," she grins teasingly at Sax, "-that man has the Hebrew words for Vengeance and Triumph tattooed on his wrists."

Sax's reply is the articulate, "Uh..." and an embarrassed tucking of his hands under his arms. Shateishael covers a grin. Sax nods sagely, "...yeah." Rei nudges the War Angel. "Can't take him anywhere."

Thessaloniki smiles at Marlena's reply, "I couldn't be sure, and I would have felt badly if one of my guests suddenly was made very uncomfortable. Of course, I also wasn't sure I wasn't making an idiot of myself, but that's a risk I face daily." A little more seriously he adds, "As long as you don't do anything against guests here, or because of things you learned here, you're welcome, and I will do what I can to keep that true. As part of that, I feel I should also mention that a Malakim might try and drop by. If he does while you're still here I will do my best to turn him away politely, but I thought you should know." He adds, "And let me answer the door."

Shateishael thinks about that reply from Marlena... interesting. So demons really do attack each other, barring angels to worry about. That's... kinda sad... and then he hastily smooths his face out so that thought doesn't show in his expression. He rumbles quietly to Nick, "Nah, let me make a sudden beer run with him, Nick, like Sax suggested."

Taygeta-crow hops over to the table and takes a few sips of water before moving back to his perch behind Rosenstern. "I'm not at all surprised. It's not like we're trying to hide it."

Marlena smiles, "I've found there's not much point in trying when there aren't any mortals around. After all, it does eventually come out anyway."

Rosenstern grins a little. He'd seen those tattoos before, but hadn't thought that they might mark Sax as angelic. He glances up to Taygeta. "Except from the mortals," he comments, "-and that's what all celestials are doing." He looks back to Marlena and nods, smiling. "It does make it easier than just trying to come up with secret handshakes and passwords..."

Shateishael brightens interestedly, "Really? Cool... so what do you do?" Thessaloniki grins at Slate's query, and looks at Marlena curiously... not that looking at her is unpleasant.

Marlena mms, "Another Malakite? Well, I appreciate the warning... you'll understand if I just slip out quietly, in that event." She smiles to Slate, "I'm in promotion. I build websites, start groundswell whispering campaigns... I make people visible."

Taygeta says, "Interesting line of work, I suppose. The trick is making the right ones visible, I'd think?"

Shateishael thinks about that, then nods, "So you're with Nybbas too? What's your band?" He blinks at the sudden amused and/or exasperated looks he gets, saying puzzledly, "What? What'd I say?!"

Rosenstern nods quietly at Marlena's decision. "Probably a good idea, as pleasant as your company is. Er... another Malakite? Pardon?" He blinks at Slate's sudden question. "Gosh, no tip-toeing for you, huh, Slate?" he asks, with a grin and a bit of a grateful look. He thinks, Nybbas, then. All right, that makes sense...

Marlena arches a brow. There's a pause -- just a beat, and then she turns the high beams on again. "Well. Aren't we forward. You must be a Seraph, if we're dropping names, then. I for my part, am an Impudite, since you asked."

Rosenstern's smile to Slate simply freezes as he hears Marlena's answer to the Vassal of Stone's question. His jaw works a bit, his expression still a plastic smile, and then he relaxes a little, folding his hands closely in his lap and crossing his legs as he turns back to the conversation. He looks at least pleasant, if quiet, a slight smile upon his lips... and he's breathing very slowly.

Shateishael has the grace to look faintly sheepish at Marlena's reply, "Uh... sorry... I forget sometimes..."

Marlena waves a hand dismissively. "Already forgotten, dear."

Thessaloniki chuckles at his friend and says, "Yes, he is, and a curious one at that." He adds, "I, as you may or may not have guessed from the fascination with cars, am an Ofanite." He grins, "I fight off the usual twitchiness with massive doses of caffeine, if you were wondering."

Marlena tilts her head. "How exactly does that work, if I may ask, Nick? Usually that goes in the other direction."

Thessaloniki grins, "I don't know if they're really related, but it sounds as good as anything."

Taygeta caws in amusement. "And I suspect I need no introduction..."

The Impudite nods sidelong to the crow, "Yes, dear, and you've better taste in hosts than your opposite numbers, for the very most part."

Taygeta-cat purrs at that, and his crow self chuckles again. "That's not all that hard, from what I've seen."

Marlena laughs softly. "Ah, I see. Well, all right then, Nick." She smiles to the crow, "It isn't, my dear."

Shateishael gives one of the Taygetas a faintly puzzled look. He must've heard that wrong... did the Impudite just insult other demons?! ...or wait... she did say there was no trust amongst them. Huh... fascinating... no, wait... Shedites. Yuck. He curls his lip at the thought for a second... as far as he knows, no one likes Shedites.

Marlena pauses a moment to examine Rosenstern. "I think I can guess. Just remember that I take just as much care as you do to see that the humans aren't harmed by our... more extreme associates." She sits back a bit, and crosses her legs at the ankle. "That's all I ask... and I'll not say any more about that... difficult issue."

Shateishael looks back and forth between Rosie and Marlena... then nods quietly to himself, understanding suddenly what's going on between them. In a sudden mental riffle, he wonders how poor little Marius the Impudite is doing... then he shrugs, focusing on the here and now.

Rosenstern takes in a slow, a very slow, breath... and he nods -- a little. "There is that," he says softly. "That's one thing we're glad for, at least." He smiles a bit, looking back to Marlena. "And besides... this is the Truce City, and Nick's house besides, and... I'm not a fighter anyway." He nods. "I won't mention it again either."

Shateishael smiles quietly at the Mercurian. "You don't need to be a fighter, Rosie. You got friends to stand with you." He pauses as something finally registers on his mental sonar... he looks back thoughtfully at Marlena, who's just crossed her legs at the ankle. Hm... nice vessel.

Rosenstern relaxes much more visibly now, and smiles quietly. "Thanks, Slate."

Marlena says, "If it helps, there's no acrimony on this side." To Slate's eye it might not be immediately obvious. To everyone else's it is -- Marlena has great legs.

Shateishael grins cheerfully at Rosie, then has another sip of beer. After that he looks at Marlena and rumbles curiously, "So... when we first met, was that guy with you your sweetie? What'sisname... Powers, I think? Or no, wait..." he ponders, then says equally curiously, "How can you have sweeties if you can't trust each other?"

Marlena grins, "My...? Oh!" She laughs out loud a moment, before covering her mouth with a hand. "No, no... I'm sorry, no, Powers Long is my work associate. But he has a very nasty habit of leading people to believe that we're more than that."

Rosenstern does smile genuinely now, and nods to Marlena. His momentary tension well past, he settles into his seat. He's not unaware of Marlena's attractiveness, but learning she was an Impudite kind of spoiled it for him. He glances to Slate, then explains politely to Marlena, "Slate has an great, intense curiosity. Pretty much about everything, too."

Shateishael nods as he listens to Marlena's commentary... he barely bites back on a reflexive query as to why the guy would lie, remembering just in time that it is a demon, after all... then he grins at Rosie, unsure why the Mercurian thinks that needs explaining -- isn't it obvious? -- as he waits hopefully for an answer to his second question.

Marlena smiles and nods to Rosenstern, "I did notice that, yes. Not necessarily a bad thing... after all, there's so much to know, yes?" She offers the Seraph a grin. "To answer your second question, I think men like Mr. Long are looking for something else entirely from a relationship than you are."

Shateishael ponders that one for a moment, then nods slowly, "'Kay, that makes sense." He pauses, a terribly curious expression crossing his face as he looks at Marlena... then says with utter un-self consciousness, "So... what do you look for in a relationship, Marlena?"

Rosenstern blinks to Marlena and frets a bit. "Something it sounds like you've had to correct people on before." He shakes his head. "You're not... er... permanently assigned to each other, are you? I mean, after a while that's gotta grate."

Marlena shakes her head, "No, we chose to work with each other. I let Powers have his fun, as he's useful to me, and anyone with eyes in their head knows better than to believe his tawdry little yarns. I'm afraid Powers never quite got over the cancellation of Moonlighting."

Shateishael looks confused. Rosenstern blinks. "Noooo..." he says slowly. "He wasn't... I mean, that wasn't his...?"

Taygeta says, "It was a TV show, Slate. Not a bad one, as such things go. That's probably why our friends in the media cancelled it."

Thessaloniki says, "No, he doesn't watch much television," to Marlena, and then, "Modern media reference, Slate. Inexplicably popular television program. And here I thought it was just a bad drama."

Shateishael says, "Oh." He thinks about it, then says curiously, "It was about a man and a woman that lived together and had a relationship, then?"

Marlena smiles a little, "I'm afraid that came down from above... I had nothing at all to do with it." She grins a little. "I see we have a broad demographic here."

Shateishael grins lazily at Marlena, "Why, thank you, ma'am."

Thessaloniki looks around the room and says, "That could win the 'understatement of the night' prize, I expect." Shateishael laughs! All the assembled angels laugh, in fact... even Merwyn.

Marlena grins. "How lovely. It's good to know I've a strong grip on the obvious."

Taygeta says, "I think the only way we could get a broader demographic would be to get the Old Guy in here with the rest of us..."

Rosenstern smiles, then laughs despite himself. "Really broad," he says, chuckling. He glances to Taygeta and adds wanly, "That might be really, incredibly bad." Shateishael continues to grin as he quietly watches Marlena, wondering if she'll answer his second question. He'd sure like to know, for Nick's sake.

Marlena sighs a little and smiles at Slate, "You're going to keep eyeing me until I answer that dangling question, aren't you? Well, I can't really answer that, to be honest. It's been so long since I've had time for one outside of the occasional interoffice fling that I've quite forgotten what it was like to be in a relationship."

Rosenstern looks to Marlena, tilting his head curiously as she answers... he has to blink. Such is the life of a Taker, I imagine, but... still. That's a rotten way to live. He opens his mouth to ask if Marlena's Hellborn or Fallen... then closes it. That might be a far-too-personal question. Chances are, though, she's Hellborn anyway. Not many Fallen walk around so casually and corporeally.

Thessaloniki says, "It is fair to ask Slate hard questions back, you know. The worst he's likely to do is to say, 'I can't answer that.'"

Shateishael thinks about that, then says politely, "Sorry, ma'am. Um... well, it was an interesting question, I thought?" That's not all of the truth; Resonance says she does have sex with the occasional mortal to... sort of keep herself comfortable, but that's about the extent of it... and apparently she doesn't consider those really relationships -- more like... takeout. Bleh, won't say that to Rosie, I think. Wonder what a demonic relationship is like? How can you love someone you can't trust? Then again... do demons know love? He nods amiably at Nick's words, "Sure."

Marlena smiles. "I've made a few educated guesses, actually, Nick." To Slate she says, with a quizzical grin, "I wonder, are you associated with the much-whispered-of lady of the Enchanted Rock?"

Shateishael thinks about that with a faintly puzzled look, "Um... define associated? Is that a demonic term for relationships?" He adds in sudden interest, "What do they whisper?"

Rosenstern finds himself saying, "If it helps any, and you may take this the wrong way, but I hope that you may find out what it is like to be in that kind of relationship again... if that's what you want, of course, which it may not be, and I didn't mean anything by that; I hope it wasn't too forward, and... gosh, everyone watch Rosie babble on..." This last as he's grinning a bit ruefully.

Marlena laughs quietly. "It's a demonic term for associated, Slate. It was a small leap to make; the hammer, the casual disregard for mortal standards of fashion -- or clothing at all, for that matter..." She shrugs. Rosie she lets off the hook with a smile and a shake of the head, "Think nothing of it, dear, I appreciate the sentiment."

Shateishael says, "Oh! You're asking if I'm a Stone angel, got it." He grins amusedly, "Shoulda just said that. Yeah, I am." He grins more cheerfully, "So, what do they whisper?" Thessaloniki sips quietly at his soda and watches the interplay curiously, listening.

Marlena continues, "What do they whisper? Ah, well, in my circles nothing, for the most part... national monuments being of only marginal interest to the average television viewer. But your average demon who knows of her is quite afraid of the Seneschal of the Rock. She was quite the terror throughout her time here, as I understand it."

Rosenstern smiles and inclines his head to Marlena, and listens interestedly to her answer. Shateishael looks curious, "She used to come into town? Whoa." He looks thoughtful, "I wonder if I can talk her into doing that more, again. She might like it."

Marlena says, "I don't know if she did or not, but the average demon-on-the-street seems to regard her with even more fear and loathing than usual."

Shateishael looks faintly indignant -- then remembers. This is demons we're talking about here. "So... why do you talk about her in the past tense then?"

Taygeta chuckles at Slate's momentary indignant reaction. "I suspect she'd be quite pleased to know they think of her that way, actually."

Shateishael nods amusedly to Tay, "Well, yeah, but she's really quite nice... um..." honesty compels him to adds, "-well... sometimes..."

Marlena says, "I would assume that she doesn't make regular forays away from the Rock anymore. Seneschals tend to be shut-ins by their nature." She laughs softly, "Not that I'm anyone to point fingers..."

Shateishael thinks about that, then nods ruefully to Marlena, "Yup... she's... rather introverted. Sometimes she's bloody hard to talk to." He adds firmly, "But she can be very nice."

Rosenstern thinks, Maybe she hasn't yet heard that Frex and Mitrah had a royal feud, and Slate helped Mitrah put an end to Frex. In which case... she might be very interested in hearing that Slate was more-than-a-little responsible for blowing Frex to Kingdom Come... He grins softly, tilting his head to the side. "How do you mean?"

Marlena smiles again, "Well, the advent of the Net allows me to do most of my work from home. Or the coffee bar, as it happens."

Thessaloniki ahs, then says, "That's why you're there so often. Here I was wondering what penance you were serving by having to haunt such a slow place."

Shateishael gives Nick an indignant look, not realizing the Ofanite isn't referring to Enchanted Rock, "It is not slow! It's very peaceful."

Marlena says, "I would expect that someone of her considerable power would be rather guarded, with another locus of power in such close proximity. I'm sure the loss of the other Tether came as quite a relief to her." She smiles to Nick, "The company is occasionally quite good. And besides, anyone foolish enough to bother the place would have Laird to deal with. I find the security quite relaxing."

Taygeta says, "Yes, but this is Nick we're talking about. He doesn't like to sit still..."

Thessaloniki says, "Well, I don't know about that. I spent most winters holed up here, working on the cars." He adds, "Of course, that involves testing them," and grins.

Rosenstern ohs! and nods, smiling. "I haven't used the Internet much myself, really. Mom -- er, that isn't really our area of expertise." He looks to Slate, smiling. "I've gotta admit, it's really nice there, too. I could cheerfully sleep nearby there for a good night or two!"

Shateishael nods to Rosen firmly, "The stars from the top of Enchanted Rock are breathtaking." He smiles slowly, adding, "You can see the Milky Way very clearly. Lovely."

Rosenstern smiles to Slate. "I'll have to go there again sometime. I used to do that a lot in Bilderburg. Star-gaze, that is."

Shateishael grins cheerfully at the Mercurian, "Let me know if you want company, and we can hike up Mitrah and sleep on the crest, if she doesn't mind."

Rosenstern nods to Slate, "I'd appreciate it, thank you!" He wonders if there are any rosebushes there.

Taygeta says, "I'll borrow a coyote and go along with you, if you wouldn't mind the company."

Shateishael nods to Taygeta, "Long as the Seneschal doesn't mind you in one of 'her' animals, that's fine by me."

Marlena grins at Nick. "I knew that there was a dangerous obsession in there somewhere -- there always is with Ofanites." Merwyn gets a very quizzical look at that, but doesn't say anything.

Thessaloniki says, "Dangerous! How could a little driving be dangerous?" He looks sheepish, adding, "It's not like I drive... fast..."

Marlena smirks. "Of course you don't." Shateishael blinks as Nick's words register... he pauses and gives Nick an incredulous look -- then laughs aloud!

Rosenstern chuckles to Marlena. "Oh, I feel... reasonably... safe when Nick's driving. Even if we do a hundred miles in less than an hour."

Thessaloniki grins and says, "Well. Not in a car that can't handle it." He mmms. "Interstate." Shateishael grins cheerfully at his insane friend.

Marlena laughs quietly. "I knew it." Thessaloniki just looks at the demon and grins. Merwyn shakes his head. He carefully doesn't open his mouth; he's already guilty by association, and he knows it. Shateishael notices Merwyn's quizzical look and opens his mouth to ask -- then suddenly laughs again as it hits him -- another Ofanite! Slate grins at the Sword Ofanite amiably.

Merwyn says very softly, "Well... I don't think it's dangerous..." Saxon snorts at his friend.

Shateishael grins, "Actually, I don't either... Nick's the best with cars."

Marlena smiles, "I'm sure he is. I saw his collection as I pulled in. Very impressive. You must be quite the expert, Nick."

Shateishael chuckles ruefully, "Oh, god, you're going to get him started on cars!" He grins teasingly at Nick.

Thessaloniki says, "Well, thank you. I do try. I don't think there's anything there that anyone couldn't have done with but a few decades of constant obsession and work, though. It's more an homage to single-mindedness than any real skill." He sips his cola, then adds, "But the cars are lovely, and very worth the reward." He grins, "I'd be happy to take you for a ride in the DeLorean. It's not actually the fastest car here, but it's fun, and quite unique."

Rosenstern looks around and stands, stretching a little. "Does anyone want refills?"

Marlena smiles, "That sounds lovely, Nick, I'll have to take you up on that sometime." She shakes her head to Rosenstern, "No, thank you, I'm fine."

Shateishael shakes his head to Rosie, shifting to sprawl more comfortably across the chair, "No, thanks, dude."

Thessaloniki says, "No, thanks, Rosie, I'm good."

Taygeta-cat jumps up to lap at the saucer. "We're fine."

Rosenstern nods, grinning at Taygeta's answer. He slips into the kitchen, opens the fridge and hunts down an iced tea. Once gotten, he closes the door... and takes a few moments to lean against the wall, doing some breathing exercises another Novalite had taught him. Ach... mein Gott, why did she have to be Impudite? Relax, Rosie, just... relax. Just enjoy the company, the evening of calm, and the pleasant chatting. You hate it, she knows it, it's no secret, but don't go spoiling the evening for everyone. He nods and straightens up, heading back into the living room, looking cheerful, composed, and relaxed.

Shateishael looks back at Marlena, "So... do Media's folks know each other at all well? D'you know someone named Lauren, just joined?"

Marlena smiles, "Mmm, I do recall getting word of a new asset in town, but we haven't had a chance to network yet. I'm sure it'll happen soon, though. If I meet her, shall I have my people call your people?"

Thessaloniki laughs, "They might be very surprised."

Shateishael looks amused, but just rumbles quietly, "Nah, better not. She's most likely to have another cow if she thinks we're haunting her."

Thessaloniki nods, "She was rather afraid of me."

Marlena shrugs, "No worries, then... I'll just pass it along to you quietly if I find anything out. Consider it my repayment for your help, Nick."

Thessaloniki smiles, "That'll be fine. She was not in the best situation possible and, believe it or not, we wanted to make sure she was okay."

Shateishael nods slowly, then rumbles quietly, "Yah... pity she won't believe it." He adds politely, "Thanks, ma'am."

The evening continues for a while, with light conversation all around. Eventually things slow a little, and Marlena decides she's had enough, and should take her leave before things get burdensome. Nick escorts her to the door, saying, "Thank you for stopping by. It was very nice to have a chance to get to know you better. I'll come by the coffee place and say hi sometime, okay?"

Marlena smiles, "I'd like that very much, Nick. Take care of yourself now." She gives the Ofanite a little peck on the cheek before stepping into her car and heading back into town. Thessaloniki watches her drive away before he goes back inside to the others.

Later in the evening, Sax and Rei decide to call it an early night. Merwyn remains up a while; he seems to ascribe to the Celestial philosophy of not sleeping since it's not necessary. He does, however, seem to appreciate a drink... even if it is as pedestrian as a glass of water. When he has a moment with Slate he finally breaks his quiet to declare, more or less out of context, "I feel I should apologize."

Shateishael, who has been feeling rather relaxedly pleased throughout the evening, gives Merwyn a faintly startled glance, "Uh... okay... what for?"

Rosenstern looks up from his iced tea -- which he's still working on since before Marlena left, and doing his best to not yet think about how well the evening went, chatting amicably with a Taker -- this is Austin, Rosie, get over it. You knew it'd happen sooner or later. So, just cope. Mom would approve! -- in a bit of surprise at Merwyn's pronouncement.

Merwyn says, "For my behavior. I should not have reacted as I did during our match... it was unfair of me to expect my own standards of you and I had no right to be upset. Moreover, I had little cause to hurl the scabbard at you."

Shateishael says, "Oh!" He thinks about the bout, then adds with relief, "So it was me, good! I'd been wondering all day what you were peeved about." He grins cheerfully at the Sword angel, adding, "Why didn't you just say something right then, so we were both working from the same set of expectations? -er, well, not good you were upset with me, so much as good that I finally understand now..."

Merwyn says, "It was my own failing. At the outset the rules should have been made clear... I assumed because the Old Guy is also a Sword Angel, and that is a fault I have been assiduously attempting to rid myself of. Again, I apologize."

Shateishael says, "It's okay, Merwyn, you don't need to apologize. I shoulda checked to see how you fight first too. Um... d'you mind if I ask you a question though?" He pauses, glancing around the Sword angel to be sure the door to Rei's and Sax' room is closed, then adds softly and puzzledly, "Why wouldn't you explain anything to Rei? You know that makes her just more curious later, don'tcha?"

Merwyn sighs a little. "I did not want her to know that I was being... well, let us be honest. A fool. I will explain everything to her tomorrow, and we shall put this all behind us, yes?"

Rosenstern takes another sip of his iced tea, not trying to call attention to himself, but not wishing to startle the others into realizing he's still there. Shateishael looks puzzled again, "Sure, Merwyn, if you'd rather explain that's fine... but... why're you being so hard on yourself?"

Merwyn smiles apologetically. "Several times this evening, the overcoming of one's training of centuries was mentioned. Holding myself to an unforgiving standard, I am afraid, is my training."

Shateishael thinks for a moment, then rumbles quietly, "Merwyn... do me a favor, please? I... make mistakes sometimes -- I don't read folks real clear, and I assume too. If I do something that you think is just so out of whack it doesn't make sense... you just ask me about it, okay? Don't wait... ask right away, please?" He grins ruefully, "You know I'll return the favor."

Merwyn nods, "I shall do that immediately, in the future, Slate."

Shateishael says, "Thanks, dude."

The Sword Angel laughs quietly then, "A silly thing to be upset about, I suppose. After all... you didn't actually hit me." He grins, "Had it been a War Angel it might well have been a knee to the groin!"

Shateishael says with a bit of surprise, "Well, of course not! It was just a pract- oh, you mean the punch?" He thinks about that, then says slowly, "Okay... yeah, I can see how that'd seem rude, if you weren't expecting anything but sword work. I sure didn't mean to be that way." He grins ruefully at Merwyn's comment.

Merwyn smiles, "A foolish failing on my part. After all, I witnessed the practice match between the Lord Commander and the Warlord... that alone should have been education enough for a lifetime."

Shateishael gets a sudden, intense grin, "Oh, yeah -- damn, I wish I coulda seen that!"

Merwyn says, "It was indeed impressive. It was, perhaps, the only time at which I doubted the Lord's plan for His Grace, Laurence. Not because he was bested, mind you... but rather because his skill is such that I wondered if he is not wasted in laying plans, instead of laying waste to the enemy."

Shateishael thinks about that for another long moment... then, with a faintly rueful smile, he holds his finger across his lips in a hushing motion, rumbling quietly, "Not ours to question, really... I figure best to just keep having faith, and learning about everything I can, so I'm the best tool I can be. I imagine that's perhaps vaguely similar to what our Superiors do too... or at least that's what I aspire to."

Merwyn smiles, "Wise words indeed."

Shateishael cheerfully slaps Merwyn on the back, "So... wanna head into town with me and Rosie? We're gonna do some dancing, see the night life, make sure there're no muggings along the Drag while we're there, that sort of thing. Wanna come along?"

Merwyn nods. "I think that would be a lovely idea. I plan to leave in search of my next quest tomorrow... I owe myself some small relaxation before then, don't you think?"

Shateishael grins broadly, "Oh, yeah!" He turns and yells, "Hey, Ro-! -oh, hi there. You still wanna go dancing?"

Rosenstern blinks. We are? This from Slate? I'm speechless! But I'm not complaining! "Still? Sure! I'd love to! Be just the thing to get my mood up!" He grins, "There are a few good places, actually. I wonder if Junior Brown is still playing..."

Shateishael adds to Merwyn, "Hey, pass a message on to Trent for me, wouldja, if you see him? Give him my number and let him know that if he's got need of a Stone angel he should just call?"

Merwyn nods, "I will certainly do so."

Shateishael is pleased. He gets dressed with his usual 'command' of fashion sense ("What?! What's wrong with this, Rosie?!"), gets permission to use one of Nick's lovely cars as long as he's extra careful, and heads on into town with Merwyn and Rosie in tow for a little fun and dancing. All the clubs are still open and the mortals are out, as they always are, enjoying their lives and the nightlife. It's a very warm night, and it looks as if a thunderstorm is on the horizon.

Shateishael strides happily along the Drag with his companions, following Rosie. "Someplace with lotsa loud music and dancing -- high energy, y'know? You know where any of those are?" Merwyn also must defer to the Mercurian's obvious expertise in this field.

Rosenstern seems to be regaining his usual spirits, and tries to evaluate the venues with a mind for what Slate and Merwyn might enjoy as opposed to what he would like... which would be almost anything. Almost, that is. He nods cheerfully to Slate and looks around. "Let's see... the first one that comes to mind is where we first saw Stool, actually. I'm not feeling too into hardcore right now, though..." He looks around for someplace not quite fitting that position on the spectrum, but nearby...

Rosenstern finds a suitable venue, actually, but it's a bit of a close thing. The last time he was on the strip this particular place was showing some guy with horrible fashion sense doing the 'Eighties White Guy Dance.' Tonight, though, Ween is playing, and Rosenstern figures that's high-energy enough for the unusually energetic Davidian.

Shateishael grins broadly, his eyes and teeth gleaming in the dim light, "Yeah! Good choice, Rosie -- let's dance!" Merwyn nods approval. He follows along, although he doesn't really seem to understand the dynamic of the mosh pit. He jostles back and forth through the crowd until he finds something that he does understand: the bar. And -- how convenient -- he just got a new ID...

Shateishael does understand mosh pits -- the real rules of good moshing. Slam around all you like, but don't deliberately try to knock folks down, and help up those that fall... and everyone has fun. He ends up there, eyes bright with fierce enjoyment of the energy and enthusiasm he feels, both in himself and from the people around him.

Rosenstern keeps close to the other two angels, mostly out of habit -- never get too separated from the people you walk with into a club! -- and partly because Slate has a really... interesting dance style. And also Slate is sort of shelter from the storm of moshers. The others tend not to get too close to the big guy.

The pit is quite energetic, and much to the Davidian's approval, a few of 'his people' exhibit some community thinking; a young man is accidentally elbowed in the nose and goes down; his hat takes two minutes to follow him down. However, a trio of skins see him fall, and lock arms around the kid, keeping the crowd off him while the third of their number helps him focus and get onto his feet.

Shateishael laughs when he realizes why Rosie's so close, and amiably keeps an eye on him while he's in the pit. He grins approvingly and gives a thumbs-up if any of the skins happen to look his way -- good for them! He dances with what appears to be an inexhaustible supply of enjoyment, and despite being hot and sweaty, he is currently also very, very happy.

Shateishael does eventually have to exit for a drink, although he pauses to make sure Rosie's clear to follow if he wants. He leans against the cool cement wall, shedding heat as fast as he can while he gulps down his drink. He pants for a moment, then grins with that same fierce enjoyment gleaming in his eyes, as he shouts to be heard over the noise, "Y'all havin' fun?!"

Rosenstern seems like he could go for hours, and interestingly hasn't been clotheslined at all in the time he's been dancing. In fact, he weaves and dodges some fairly heavy-handed and careless belts -- but he does take the chance to slip out of the pit with Slate. He's breathing a faster than normal, but he's smiling widely, and bouncing a bit with the music. "Oh, definitely! How about you? I've never seen you dance before!"

Merwyn is sitting at the end bar, and more than one club regular is eyeing him with a combination of puzzlement (at his dress) and interest (at the rest of him). He smiles and nods. The empty glasses lined up in front of him seem to indicate the positive; Merwyn, it seems, drinks like a hero. "I've not been out to a club in thirty years," he calls over the music, "I'd forgotten! It's easily one of the finest inventions of our time!"

Shateishael grins and shakes his head amusedly at Merwyn's line of 'dead soldiers,' then cheerfully yells back to Rosie, "I love a good mosh pit -- more fun than the Norse parties -- fewer folks get hurt!" He laughs, a deep bellow of enjoyment in the noisiness of the bar, at Merwyn's assertion, and nods cheerfully.

Rosenstern laughs and nods to Merwyn. "It's just great! 'Specially the energetic ones!" He grins to Slate. "I can definitely agree with that, Slate, if I'd only been to those. Closest I got was a couple of beer-halls that got too exciting!"

Merwyn holds up his hand to the bartender, "Five more!" The bartender stares a bit, but Merwyn is straight-backed and clear-eyed, and he always pays up front, so the alcohol arrives on schedule. The Sword Angel turns to Slate, "Do you want something to drink? I'm buying!"

Shateishael grins, his teeth flashing, at Rosie -- then laughs again, "Sure, Merwyn, love another drink!"

Merwyn hands over one of his shots to Slate. "Stolichnaya," he calls out, "Good stuff!"

Shateishael will slide onto a stool near to Merwyn, leaving one between the two fighting angels for Rosie, and enjoy a drink. He can't see it, but his shirt is just about steaming. "Oh, yeah, I've heard about this stuff... let's see, how's it go..." He thinks a moment, then flashes that grin again, "Vos nostrovya!" and slams it neatly back.

Merwyn nods, "Skoal!" He drinks down the remaining four shots with startling efficiency.

Shateishael will return to the mosh pit in a moment... for now he shakes his shirt out to cool off a bit more, staring out over the crowd with pleasure. Merwyn says, "They all seem quite happy, don't they?"

Rosenstern blinks and settles into the chair as Slate pounds back the vodka, grinning despite himself as he calculates how long it'll take a vessel the weight of Merwyn's to start getting affected by alcohol. "Blast, they don't have any good beer here... ah, well." He takes the moment to rest and let his vessel recuperate from the time in the mosh pit. He glances around and, at Merwyn's comment, smiles warmly and nods. "Yeah... they all do. It's... just a great feeling, seeing it, being in it..."

Shateishael rumbles, "Good choice, Rosie." He nods slowly, watching the crowd, then answers aloud, "Yeah, I think so too." He turns his head to grin at Merwyn, "Nice to see... I get used to seeing just fights, I forget mortals can have fun too. Good to remember that sometimes."

Merwyn nods. "It's a pleasant diversion. I shall have to come back here often!"

Shateishael grins and nods at Merwyn, then curiously asks Rosie, "Hey, is there really a rite or something you guys have for just dancing?"

Merwyn grins, "Well, who is better equipped?"

Shateishael laughs at Merwyn's comment, that cheerful grin still alight on his face -- he's been amazingly cheerful longer than Rosie's ever seen him before, at this point! "That's cool. Wish David had something for community building like that... that'd be fun."

Rosenstern grins quietly. "Thanks, Slate!" He blinks and grins cheerfully, nodding. "Oh, there is! A couple of hours in a whole throng of people. It's great!" He laughs to Merwyn, bowing. "Thank you!"

Shateishael chuckles, slapping Rosie lightly on the back (not wanting to accidentally flatten him or something), "Hey, I finished my shooter... you wanna get back to it?"

Rosenstern bobs his head, "Sure, I'm up for it! Merwyn, do you want to join us? Unless you've never moshed before..."

Merwyn smiles, "I shall continue to conquer this bottle of vodka. I encourage you both to go forth and subjugate those mortals!"

Rosenstern snerks softly, slipping off the chair. Yep, those shooters are starting to take affect! "Then conquer well, O Merwyn!"

Shateishael laughs, then waves to Merwyn as they depart for the mosh pit again, "We'll be back for moral back up on the bottle later -- don't take no wooden nickels, dude!" He almost dives back into the mess of seething humanity, one eye still on Rosie for just-in-case, and is soon immersed in the raucous, shoving, happy, boiling mortal crowd.

The Sword Angel can be heard to laugh, "Wooden nickels... hah! They dare not!"

Rosenstern slips again into the surging tide of moshers with Slate, losing himself partly into the dance while keeping enough mind to keep track of Slate and Merwyn. Conquor mortals, indeed! he thinks cheerfully, He doesn't know what he's missing! Merwyn can be spotted through the crowd having a conversation with a very pretty young Goth girl. The Sword Angel seems to know precisely what he's missing. Rosenstern at some point notices this, and cheerfully recants his earlier thought.

Once he's slammed out the first raging tide of energy, Slate spends the time to look around a little as he moshes. Aside from Rosie there's no one here in the pit he recognizes -- just a large group of mortals gleefully bouncing off each other. His grin broadens slightly and he continues to dance, even as he carefully savors the sensuality of the moment. Touching with humans is nice, and not something he gets to do often... the music is wonderfully overwhelming, a deep throbbing he can feel thundering up through his feet every time he hits the ground... it's fantastic to just feel, and not worry about anything for the moment.

Rosenstern, for his part, is asked to dance by a fair string of good-looking young people. Slate gets a few requests too. Shateishael cheerfully dances with whomever asks -- he's here to dance, after all! He's careful with partners, keeping an eye on them as well as on Rosie, and is unfailingly polite. Of course, barring violence, it wouldn't occur to him not to be.

Rosenstern dances with those who offer, polite and friendly (and a little mystified, he's not exactly a typical moshing Vessel) and cheerful, enjoying the moment. It is, as always, a wonderful experience dancing in the throng, moving with what for the moment is the mortals' own Symphony -- corporeally audible, and felt as well as heard. Dancing with someone -- such as it is, in a mosh pit -- is no less enjoyable; a moment to share in that symphony, that echoing pulse of tone and chord, to share with one of the billions of souls that he and his kind cannot help but love so completely. It's not the same as sitting down with them, talking with them. It doesn't have to be. For a flickering moment of his celestial life he shares something with the dancer, measures of harmony in the fleeting notes of the world.

This goes on for quite some time, and Merwyn can be spied stealing a kiss from the young lady after the bartender cuts him off, fearing for his liquor license. After a while the set ends, and the band thanks the crowd. Not long after, the house introduces one Henry Rollins, here to do what is described as a 'spoken word' show, although the opening comments suggest more by way of stand-up comedy than performance art.

Shateishael is still feeling high-energy and cheerfully restless -- he suggests hitting another establishment for more drinks and dancing! Rosenstern is certainly up for that -- even a couple of hours of dancing hasn't drained him any. Shateishael grins at Merwyn teasingly, "You could invite her along?"

Merwyn offers the lady his arm. "It would be my very great pleasure." Merwyn's young friend is named Katrina, and she's very eager to keep on dancing. She also hasn't seemed to notice that Merwyn's drunk about half a bottle of vodka and is still walking on two legs.

Rosenstern greets Katrina cheerfully, and at Slate's request he looks around, then up to Slate, and bows, grinning. "Certainly! Let's see..."

Shateishael nods politely to the Goth girl, "Nice ta meetcha." He's still got that fey gleam in his eyes... of course, everyone knows Ofanites don't 'rub off' on other angels. He strides out with a spring in his step, still singing the chorus from the last song, shaking out of his shirt so the light night breeze will help him cool off and the shirt will dry out a little. He looks up and down the Drag, then grins at the Mercurian, "Find another!"

With suggestions from Katrina, and Rosie's savoir-faire, several more establishments are graced with the presence of the energetic angels and their new companion. Slate pounds through mosh pit after pit, dancing with wild enthusiasm, while Rosie's dancing style, slightly more graceful and less earth-shaking, attracts him quite a bit of attention. Merwyn seems quite content to drink and occasionally dance with Katrina... so it's several hours later that the group is firmly thrown out of the last bar -- due to its closing.

Rosenstern brushes his sleeves and stretches. "Pity they all close so early here," he comments, grinning. He doesn't fail to notice that it's about 4 or 5 AM. "There were a few all-night places I remember fondly."

Katrina expresses a strong desire to head home. Merwyn is more than happy to escort her back to her place, but gallantly (foolishly?) declines to stay, citing having friends to escort. He makes a note of her number and address, though, and suggests to his friends that it might be time to return to the Ranch. To the others he grins apologetically. "Much though I'd have enjoyed staying, it's against the rules, I'm afraid. Shall we head back?"

Shateishael sighs happily, standing on his toes and reaching as high as he can, stretching slowly and luxuriously. There're a few popping sounds as he does so, considering the amount of work he's given his vessel tonight, "Oh, man, that was nice!" He straightens back to a more normal stance and grins again, "Whuff... I could use a shower..." His voice trails off as he watches Merwyn... turn the pretty lady down?! His voice is a little incredulous, "Uh, Merwyn... dude, we can either escort you there, so you know she's home safe, or we can get ourselves on home. Either's fine."

Rosenstern racks his mind, then suggests that at this hour (and, left unsaid, in a city where he knows Shedim and Takers are about) an escort for Katrina would probably be wise. "In whatever way would make you most comfortable, Katrina," he provides.

Shateishael laughs softly, and waits until his friends have sorted out their plans... then heads to the car with them. Katrina's escort goes without incident, and she refuses to let Merwyn go without a goodnight kiss. The drive back to the Ranch likewise goes without incident, though Merwyn spends most of the drive humming tunelessly. Shateishael grins quietly on the drive back, enjoying the wind in his hair, pleased that Merwyn's met a nice girl, that he got to dance, and that everyone had fun. However, curiously, there are lights on in the Ranch when the car finally arrives. Slate parks carefully, then hops out, wondering what's up.

Rosenstern looks, admittedly a little tiredly, at the lights, then slips out of the car. "Doesn't Nick stay awake all the time?" he asks, dropping his voice.

Shateishael rumbles quietly to Rosie, "Sometimes. Let's see what's up. Could be nothing," and strides on in.

Inside, Sax is sitting up in the kitchen with two guns on the table in front of him, and a cleaning kit. He's hand-loading a stack of clips from a box on the table. He looks up wanly as the angels return, and grins apologetically. "Hey, guys. Glad I caught you. I gotta head out tonight."

Shateishael raises an eyebrow, "You okay? What's up?"

Rosenstern blinks. "No problem, Sax. What's wrong?" Something tugs at his thoughts. He's War. Something's happening... gah, don't jump to conclusions!

Shateishael looks around, then says with accusing amusement to Sax, "You better not be leaving us to cope with a pissed Rei 'cause you slipped away without telling her!"

Sax frowns a little. "I got a call about an hour ago; some shit is blowing up in Mexico and I gotta be across the river tonight." At Slate's declaration he laughs quietly. "Rei's already out. Guess some of Lightning's equipment is being relocated... just in case. Good luck to her, with only those two goons at the University to help her."

Shateishael grins quietly and nods once to Sax, then rumbles quietly, "Hey, they're okay... once they weren't being insulted they were all the help we needed, even if they never said thanks." Rosenstern nods quietly. Slate adds, "You need any help?"

Rosenstern's vessel-heart catches in his throat. "Blowing up? Any idea what caused it?" He nods to Slate quietly.

Sax nods. "Well, she'll probably be back in a couple days, after they move all their stuff." He shakes his head, "Nah, I expect it's just a hot spot thing. I don't expect I'll be gone very long; the Hellforce down there's not completely together. Hey, Merwyn, you want a ride down to the next town? I'm goin' that way."

Rosenstern nods quietly to Merwyn. "It was good meeting you, Merwyn, and we're looking forward to seeing you both again." He looks between the Cherub of War and the Ofanite of the Sword, and manages a smile. 'Both of you take care, and good luck..."

Sax finishes cleaning up, stows the remaining gear in the box, and puts it away, holstering both his guns. Merwyn nods, "Well, a good thing I chose tonight to go out, no?" He turns to Slate and Rosenstern, "I appreciate all the hospitality you've shown me, Slate, Rosenstern... I hope I will be back soon."

Shateishael nods to Sax, looking around thoughtfully, "'Kay." He grins, then adds with his typical bluntness, "After all that dancing I stink... need a shower. Sax, if you're gone before I'm done, see you later... and keep your powder dry." He chuckles quietly at the old-fashioned phrase, then nods to Merwyn, "There's a place for you and Sax and Rei here any time you need, guy. You take care too."

Sax grins and claps the Stone Angel on the shoulder. "You know it, bro. Take care of Rosie here, okay? Rei'll be heartbroken if anything happens to him while we're gone." He smirks at the Novalite, "I mean that!" Merwyn bows politely. "I shall come back after I've found my next quest. Good luck in whatever you endeavor, to the both of you."

Shateishael laughs at Sax' comment, returning the companionable gesture, then bows and grins cheerfully at Merwyn, "To you also, Wheel of the Sword."

Merwyn nods. "Thank you... oh, and please, thank Nick for us both, and tell him how sorry I am that I could not do so in person."

Shateishael says, "Of course."

Rosenstern blinks, then smiles wanly to Sax. This is the truth about the War, Rosie, he thinks. No matter what happens, no matter how much Mom and I don't like it and wish it would end peacefully... it's to never forget why it's being fought. The two fighters head out quietly, and the sound of Sax's bike roaring off in the distance can be heard. Shateishael will see them safely off, grin at Rosie amusedly, then heads for the shower... with some relief. Being clean is a real pleasure just in and of itself.

Shateishael emerges later, toweling his hair dry, and grins, teasing Rosie a little, "Aww... guess you impressed the pretty Bright, eh?" He sees, on the living room table where Rei's laptop previously resided, a small, handwritten note in bright blue felt-tip: Hey, Gunther... sorry I couldn't say goodbye in person, but you know how it is. I left fifty bucks for Nick, and please, tell him how grateful I am for all he's done. And one more thing... watch out for Rosie until I get back... I promise I'll make it up to you for picking up the slack while I'm gone. You take care of yourself, Slate... see you in a few weeks. --Rei

Shateishael blinks, reading the note... well, well, well, guess Sax wasn't just teasing about Rei and Rosie. He smiles, putting the money where Nick will find it, and idly wonders why they keep calling him Gunther instead of Slate... well, no matter. He hands the note to Rosie so he can see it too.

Rosenstern blinks again to Slate as he comes out of the shower, then chuckles softly, shaking his head. "I'm just hoping Sax and Merwyn come back all right. They should, though, they're longtime pros. Nothing they can't handle, like he said." He sounds reasonably sure of it, in fact, but honesty makes him admit, "Though I've never run into a full Hellforce. We kinda hid from them in Germany; it was just easier that way. Though they never got anything but watered-down beer from that day forth, I assure you!" He doesn't quite babble. "I wonder what happened -- I mean, to make things blow up that way -- it couldn't have been anything here, could it? But I guess it's just... uh..." He blinks as Slate hands him the note, then reads it, a bit of a confusion of emotion on his face as he reads.

Shateishael rumbles reassuringly (if muffledly) from under the briskly applied towel, "They won't be facing the full Hellforce alone, Rosie... War tends to run in groups of about six, like Celtic warbands."

Rosenstern nods a bit absently, still reading through the note, then looks up to Slate and looks -- somewhat -- relieved, smiling. "That's good to know. Bad news for the Hellforce, of course."

Shateishael finally settles the damp towel across his shoulders, his hair a spiky, damp, unruly blond mane, and flops comfortably out on the couch... it's too hot for clothes. "Ayup. So... you need a ride into town tomorrow morning or what?"

Rosenstern is fairly taken by emotions right now... not in a debilitating way, but a lot of them are clamoring for attention. Thus he's not currently in the best of conditions to do more than glance to Slate and note that he's Davidian-clad -- that is, buck naked -- which is probably for the best, for the time being. He nods, setting the note with almost odd gentleness on the table before him. "Yes, please, Slate. I'd really appreciate it."

Shateishael nods comfortably, not realizing Rosie's a bit discomfited by his nudity, "You got it, dude." Rosenstern is, actually, far from unpleasantly discomfited -- quite the opposite, in fact -- but again, he's too distracted by emotion to really enjoy it.

It is morning at the Ranch, which is mostly empty this unseasonably cool morning. The assorted transient visitors have all departed on various angelic errands, while Rosenstern is currently working in town. It's quiet, for a change. Shateishael is out in the forge, quietly sorting out what he'll need, in regards to quality ingredients, in order to make some good short blades. Once he's 'warmed up' again with those, he might even tackle a sword. Thessaloniki has meandered out to the garage, and is tinkering with some lumpy, greasy bits of metal. If anyone asks, it's the transmission from a Renault.

Taygeta's cat-self finishes another report. Shateishael, Thessaloniki, and Rosenstern continue to be of great assistance to me, and I have been assisting them as the opportunity arises, re: my report on the Saminga Tether collapse. I will be informing them of the MediLabs anomaly and Tether initiation unless you feel I should not. Please send your opinion on this matter soonest. -Taygeta

The reply takes longer than usual to come back; a whole twenty seconds. Use your discretion. But deal with the problem conclusively. -J

Taygeta-cat nods to himself and jumps down from the keyboard, padding out to the kitchen to see if the others are still at breakfast. Finding them gone, he stares out the window at the birds, and after bouncing between a few sparrows and a jay, locates a crow to borrow. He flies down to the forge where Slate is taking inventory. "Got a minute? I've got something to tell you and Nick. And Rose, when he gets back, but might as well start now."

Shateishael looks up at the crow absently, then nods, "Sure, Tay. Moment... lemme get Nick and we can meet you in the house." He puts things neatly away, then wanders over to the garage, wiping his hands on a rag, to find Nick. "Hey. Tay says he has something he needs to tell us. Wanna take a snack break in the house?"

Taygeta-crow flutters in behind the stone angel. "Or I could tell you here, if you're in the middle of something."

Shateishael grins at Tay, stuffing the bandana into his back pocket, then tucking his thumbs casually into his pockets and leaning against the wall (after checking it for grease stains), "What're you so hot to tell us, dude? You got a crow sweetie or something?"

Thessaloniki looks up from the complex collection of gears, levers, and rods he has spread out on the bench in front of him, "Naw, let's go in, or I'll keep fiddling with this." It only takes him a minute to peel off the latex surgical gloves, commenting, "These gloves are so handy," and to take off the blue overalls and change into not-greasy, not-garage shoes, making him presentable for the house.

Shateishael nods to Nick, then heads for the house, "I'll start some water for tea then, how's that, Nick?"

Taygeta caws, laughingly. "Not quite. Just something Rei found out. Seeya inside." The crow flies off, then, circling the house.

Thessaloniki concurs, and in just a moment follows. It's not long before the three angels are settled comfortably in the house again. Nick says, "So, what's the word, Tay?" Shateishael is comfortably sprawled across the defenseless armchair again, hot teacup held carefully in hand. He's enjoying the gentle aroma of the tea as he waits for Tay's news.

Taygeta-cat concentrates briefly, activating the Song of Tongues. "Need to tell you something. I would've mentioned it before, but Rei discovered it, and I wanted to get clearance from Jean before passing it on. When Saminga's Tether collapsed, the shock seems to have initiated a new Vortex. Unfortunately, the Vapulans seem to have known about it first -- Rei only found out by hacking into their network. It's at the MediLabs just outside of town."

Shateishael sits bolt upright, scalding tea sloshing over his hands and legs, and dangerously close to the cat, "What!? A vortex? What the fuck is going on?!" He adds angrily, due to the surety of his Resonance, "And that's a damn lie about another Tether being created due to Mitrah's taking down the other Tether, you jerk!"

Thessaloniki looks a lot surprised at the voice in his head, "Hey! Have you been able to do this all along? Why have we been finding birds when you can do this?"

Taygeta purrs. "No, it's just recently. The last time I was Upstairs Jean gave me the Song. And it does use Essence, so I keep it in reserve for important things. A Vortex is an incipient Tether."

Shateishael's eyes widen, "WHAT!? Wait, what the fuck are you babbling about?! You've been able to talk all this time -- how long?! Why didn't you tell us? -did you not trust us to know?!" He's getting angrier due to the hot tea all over his hands and thighs -- he stands up, slamming the tea cup messily down on the desk, "Goddamit!" and starts ripping out of his jeans.

Taygeta blinks at the angry Stone Angel. "I'm just passing on what was in Vince's data file. I'm not sure how they work, myself. But whatever causes them, there seems to be a new one starting up."

Thessaloniki says, "And tell us before you mess with our heads. That's a little disconcerting." He shakes his head, thinking about the other words, then says, "So... a new Tether? A Samingan one? How long have you known about this? Vince? What happened?" He looks at the bird, then the cat, a bit inscrutably, pausing to sip from his tea and thinking.

Shateishael snarls in fury, "There's a new goddamn Tether in town, and you WAIT to tell us about it?! What the fuck were you thinking, Tay!? Did you mean to just obviate all the work we did for you with no fucking thanks, or is this your idea of a goddamn joke?!" Slate rips the coffee-damp jeans off, tossing them aside angrily, and snaps a hand out to grab at the cat vessel, which dodges adroitly. He stalks after it, yelling in fury, "What is your fucking problem, Kyrio?! Do you like getting others to do all your work for you with no thanks, or are we just not good enough for you to treat us with some dignity and respect?!"

Thessaloniki says clearly and loudly, without shouting, but unusually using the Stone angel's full name, "Shateishael! Stop." He is staring at his old friend as he says, "It won't help. Let him talk." He then looks at the cat/bird and adds, "And you... talk." His tone indicates he's not to be trifled with at the moment.

Shateishael picks up the nearest heavy object on the desk, cocking his hands back to throw it violently at the nearest vessel, his face dark with fury -- then holds for a critical moment at hearing his full name from his old friend. He wheels, staring at the Ofanite for a long second... then just grunts once, carefully putting down the object he'd been about to throw -- hm, really shouldn't pitch computer monitors about -- and throws himself back into the chair. He stares in silent fury at the nearest vessel, waiting for an explanation.

Taygeta-cat yowls and dives off the table as the Stone Angel grabs for his borrowed Vessel. He retreats until Nick's voice cuts through the clamor, then cowers, looking far more contrite than a cat usually can. "I... I'm sorry. I wasn't trying to keep secrets about the Song, it just never came up. It -- I guess I'm too used to working alone. As for the Tether, however they start up, the Vapulans have known about the anomaly for some time. Rei discovered the information using some codes she'd gotten from the apartment of the Vapulan Vessel that you and Rose discorporated, Slate. The file was already a couple of days old when she found it."

Shateishael just glares at the cat, not yet trusting himself to speak... and he knows Nick's better at this sort of thing than he, anyway. Thessaloniki asks quietly, "And when did she find it? And when did you find this out? And why didn't you tell us right away?"

Taygeta-cat paces. "Just a few days ago, right before the Council meeting. I'd notified Jean immediately, assuming he'd pass it on to the other Archangels. When nothing was said at the Council I assumed he was dealing with it through other channels. I just now found out he wasn't. I shouldn't have waited. Mea culpa."

Shateishael snarls something under his breath about passing the buck -- then glances once at Nick and firmly shuts up. He's not going to stamp all over this... it won't help. Well, it'd be extremely personally satisfying... but it wouldn't undo the damage. Thessaloniki looks at the bird, as the cat is busy cowering and doing its best to look pathetic -- Nick is immune -- and asks, "What, exactly, did you find out?"

Taygeta shifts focus as the Song runs out. The crow caws, "The file that we discovered read: 'Update on Symphonic Anomaly #300246DZ "MediLabs LLC." The unusual resonance at the MediLabs facility has collapsed into a full self-sustaining vortex. Recommend we claim this Tether immediately; will volunteer to oversee Earthside terminus if no assets are available. -Zexeth'" He adds, "It was dated two days before we found the file, and just a few hours after the collapse of the Saminga Tether."

Shateishael sits up slowly, his eyes narrowed. "Nick... Nick, I'm getting that the Tether wasn't ye-" he pauses, listening to the crow, then nods grimly once, "Got it. So because you screwed around on informing us of critical information, there's now a new Tether in town -- that we could have maybe stopped before!" He glares in stony fury at the crow, "And you can just quit trying to pin that new goddamn Tether on Mitrah's taking down the other one, you -- you godless flea-bait!"

Thessaloniki asks, "So this was a Tether that they hadn't defended well, and only had a light crew on, nine days ago?" He then asks, "Don't you think that by now they've had time to bring in reinforcements and solidify their position on it?" He expects answers.

Shateishael takes a few slow, deep breaths... then throws his arms up and yells in sudden fury, "AAAAAArrrgh! You flaming fuck-head, we could have done something about it THEN -- now is too goddamn LATE!" Thessaloniki doesn't stop Slate this time. He's waiting for an answer or two.

Taygeta-crow shrugs. "I... it might be. I don't know. I've seen no unusual activity there from either side since we found the file. If we're lucky, Vinson's discorporation and Rei's break-in to their system might have disrupted things." Shateishael just stares at the crow, hoping against hope that it's not serious about just trusting to sheer, blind, stupid luck when it comes to demonic activity. Taygeta says, "Let me check something." The cat trots out of the room, and the sound of typing can be heard shortly after. "I'm asking Rei what she did with the original of that file."

Thessaloniki nods. He says, "So there's a new Tether, in an unknown state of defenses." He looks at the crow and says, "Why do you mention it?"

Shateishael mutters to Nick, "What the fuck does it matter what happened to the goddamn file?! It's the fucking Tether that's important!"

Taygeta says, "I'm mentioning it because you need to know. I'm not sure why nothing has apparently been done -- would've thought that someone would have moved by now. Since they haven't, we need to decide if we should."

Shateishael eyes the crow... then slowly raises an eyebrow, "What d'you mean we, round eyes?"

Thessaloniki smiles wryly and says, "It obviously can't be very important, since you didn't mention it for a week." His smile fades, and he adds, "As I don't feel like being discorporated, or captured and destroyed, I don't think there's anything much I can do." He sips his tea, then adds, "Perhaps you could tell your Superior that you're stuck, or go into town and see if Dominic's folks will help out." He sounds perfectly serious. Shateishael sits up abruptly and glances at Nick, his mouth opening in startlement... then a slow understanding crosses his face and he grins very humorlessly -- then settles back in the chair to watch the crow impassively.

Taygeta caws, a bit relieved that Slate is showing his sense of humor again. "Well, I need to investigate more closely. I'm going to borrow one of the student types and scout what's happening inside. Dominic... hmmm. A possibility, I suppose. Not my first choice. I could ask Jean for backup."

Thessaloniki finishes his tea, stands up, and says, "Have fun, Tay," and walks back out to the garage.

Shateishael is obviously thinking hard as the Ofanite leaves. A moment later, without moving, his dark gaze returns to the crow. He rumbles quietly, "Tay... Nick is more forgiving than I. Let me make something perfectly clear to you, okay?" He rises, scooping up his tea-stained jeans, then stares coldly at the crow and adds, "If you get any of my friends hurt, or worse, killed, due to your incompetence and thoughtlessness... I'll kill the first vessel of yours that I find." He turns and leaves also.

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Last modified: 2002-Mar-30 13:54:51

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