Relvina laughs, and jumps down from the counter. "Ya think it's safe out there?"

LoX creeps next to the door, then pokes his head out briefly, noticing both Rif and Dev. "Yep. No drow out here. Especially no Matrons. Coast is clear."

Rif_Coral yawns gently, attempting to decide upon a drink of some kind but concedes the point that no liquid available could possibly quench such a thirst. Instead the warrior leans forward upon the table to let out a sigh into the wood whilst rubbing the back of his neck with a left hand "This is harder than most wars I've been through...."

[Relvina] Cool, thanks for helping me hide.

Relvina shoves the door open and strolls out, bold as you please, arms crossed loosely over her stomach.

LoX waves to both Rif and Dev as he walks to the bar and pops open a new Jones on his belt buckle. "Hey, it was actually kinda fun. I'll just have to poke fun at Lirreka at the oppurtunity to lurk right under her nose."

Devaine_Hawk lets the ashes from the smoke fall in his cupped hand then bends throb them into a boot sole . Straightening back up he takes another draw and looks at round the room taking in the layout of the place and the location of all the doors and windows . The way he scans the room is indicative of a guy who is used to leaving a room in a hurry , or spending a lot of time looking over his shoulder for threats real or imagined . He spots Rif across there omm and nods a grating , before looking back at the kitchen door , hearing voices behind it all of a sudden and recognizing one he reaches down to take a tight grip on the chair he sits in . “not going to get me twice with the same trick”“ he thinks .

Relvina smirks. "Since when does a supernatural need to gloat around a mortal? Even a Momma can't lord it over a real demon."

Rif_Coral would return each nod, of course, had they been seen. The man's energy is tapped, which can be seen by the small life within his eyes, and those eyes are cast sleepily upon the table.

LoX just laughs. "Lirreka isn't your average drow Matron. She tampers with genetics...she's more than her appearance. Besides, it's fun to gloat." A quick grin follows his statement.

[Relvina] Hah. Guess I can't argue with that.

Relvina hops up on a barstool, and finishes off her root beer.

Flash_Guardian sidles in through the great doors, shutting them behind him. He stretches his arms and neck dilligently, making several satisfying popping noises. He surveys the scene more slowly today, hoping to take in the marvelous details of the room that he may have missed yesterday.

[Relvina] I hear there's folks messing with automatons, now, too. The Mommas are real interested in that. Making fake people that you can't tell apart from the real, without a divination. I hear they're even talking about getting the heat signature identical.

Devaine_Hawk jerks his head over to the door as it opens , eyes sparking as his free hand goes from the chair to under his jacket before pulling back out, and re gripping the chair as he recognizes Flash. Old habits die hard , it seemed , by his actions . He nodded to the younger man and waves at a chair at his table in offering

LoX simply grins as innocently as his normally mischievious expression would allow, and snickers. "Nope. Y'shouldn't argue with your elders anyway, missy." This is said exactly like an old man would say it. "You mean the Templates? That's already been done."

[Relvina] Templates? What's that, a project code name?

The Stranger walks in, carrying his belt with the holsters and weapons in it over his shoulder, his right foot missing the last two toes and a part of his boot, from todays earlier events, though it looked clotted he was still leaving reddened foot prints in his wake. He gave a quick look around at the occupants before spatting on the ground a thick brown liquid. He headed over to a wooden chair, hanging his gun belt on the back of it, before sitting down and staring at his foot, cursing Draygareth for shooting him in the damn foot.

Devaine_Hawk looks over to LoX and the elven girl he is talking to “excuse me , LoX but do these things look like drow ,carry large axes , and pump out black ichor when you kill one ?” he asks in the whispery Texas draw

Flash_Guardian spots Devaine at a table closeby, nodding in answer to his beckons. He also sees the familiar face of Rif, and his new teacher, Kayuza. He gives the first a short wave, the second a respectful bow, and seats himself at Devaine's table comfortably with a yawn.

LoX shrugs a little mildly, his lips pursed. "Dunno...but I hear if you get a hold of one, they turn out just how you specify. I just recently heard about 'em through the grapevine. Mostly, I hear it's been bein' used to create 'ideal lovers.' " This is said with an eyeroll, his tone one of marked disgust. "Talk about a gross misappropriation." He glances up to wave back to Rif. "What's that, Dev? I'm not sure....never saw one yet."

[Relvina] Yeah, tell me about it. I bet if the Mommas have their way, they'll be ideal lovers and way more. Perfectly loyal spies, unquestioning soldiers, artificial duplicates that can be inserted in place of important people for any number of reasons. Assassination prevention, rigging the vote on a governmental issue, all sorts of things.

The Stranger catches wind of the conversation going on, he caught a bit of it when he walked in aswell, they really weren't to quiet as it would be. His mind races back and can't help but think of that damn 'Template' doll his friend §ynn had picked up.

LoX nods once at Relvina. "Yeah...and that would just be ugly. This is a technology that I think would have to be destroyed before it does get abused."

Devaine_Hawk shrugs his shoulders as the sparks in his eyes pick up in speed and intensity , “killed something that looked just like a drow bout a month ago in the pub , but it bleed black ichors and burnt a strange glyph that I didn‘t recognize right into the wooden floor “ he recalls “ a little bit later it was like I was hearing laughter or screaming in my head , but no one else heard anything , weird“ he finishes as he takes another pull of the smoke and sips at his coffee.

[Relvina] Well, that's politics. I think it's already been pretty well established that politics and me, we don't get along.

The Stranger 's head tilts back upon hearing LoX's words. "I don't mean to interrupt yall, and barge in to your yakkin and all, but are you speaking of those Template dolls? Cuz i reckon i know of a man with one."

Flash_Guardian also catches the conversation, seeming mildly horrified. "So, can they 'template' just anyone?"

LoX blinks at Dev, his head cocking to the left, his eyes studying him intently. "Well...whatever that was doesn't sound much better, mate." A quick laugh at Relvina's comment. "Yeah...politics and me...well...it's like throwing a fish into a vat of oil instead of water. Ya don't swim." A glance is sent at the stranger speaking to them. "Not sure, mate. Has this man been able to use this 'doll' at all?"

Devaine_Hawk looks over at Stranger “this thing was female but no way would I call it a doll , it was nasty , used a syringe to put an air bubble in it’s blood stream , that slowed the damn thing down . Tried to talk sense to it but all it wanted to do was rant about killing me and all my friends at the pub .So after giving it CPR to keep it’s heart from exploding when the air bubble hit it , I had to turn around and blow it’s damn head off “

The Stranger nods "Yeah he used it to make a body guard, a huge bitch of one to, some giant minotar type thing. But somethign went hokey with it, some magical book got a hold of it, and turned it into a female copy of my buddy. Its all screwed up if ya ask me, needs to be destroyed for good if ya ask me. There is some bad mojo with that thing if you ask me" He reaches inot his pocket and pulls out his smokes and zippo, popping oen in his mouth right after he spits out his chew on the floor. Lighting and takig na deep drag leting the nicotine go right to his brain.

LoX blinks at the stranger and sighs. "See? That's why it's never good to play with toys after the age of twelve. So, what happened? The thing try to kill him or what?"

Relvina makes a face at LoX, mock indignation. "Excuse me!"

Flash_Guardian smirks. "Some people dare to tread in places they shouldn't and use powers that are beyond them ... if you ask me," he argues. Glancing over to Devaine, Flash offers, "I'm getting a soda, you want anything?"

Devaine_Hawk looks over to Flash and grins , “now there is a scary thought , more of you or me or LoX over there getting made and wrecking havoc around the place .” He gives a fake shiver and laughs out loud at his own odd sense of humor “don’t even want to think about it “

The Stranger shakes his head "Actually cuz a that damn book of forbidden arts, a huge paradox happened. Erasing all knowlede of the 'Template' from his mind, to all his knowledge that female copt of him was his sister, so i think the 'Template' and that 'Book of forbidden arts' needs to meet eternal rest. But no it didn't try to kill him, it simply went on as it was his sister....really weird"

Devaine_Hawk holds up his now empty coffee cup and nods “could use a refill ,thanks been another long one for me , lot on my mind , can’t sleep to well these days”

LoX just blinks. "Yeah...both sound rather like something to bring up to the Sanctum Knights." He just grins at Relvina. "Okay, okay, I take it back. Don't hurt me." He winks once and takes a long swig of his Jones-style root beer.

[Relvina] Hmph. I won't, this once, but only because I'm thirteen.

Flash_Guardian nods in understanding. "Sounds like you could use some meditation instead of all this caffeine," he tells Devaine with a chuckle, standing and heading over to the bar. "You know, somebody once tried to clone me," Flash relates, scowling. "Let's just say the clone had a very short lifespan."

Flash_Guardian also grabs Dev's coffee cup before leaving the table.

LoX grins at Relvina and attempts to maintain an air of...okay imperfect innocence. "Oh, hell...thirteen? Now I feel all guilty-like. One less year and it woulda been the end for me, m'friend."

Relvina laughs cheerily.

The Stranger gets up grabbing his holsters from the back of his chair, slowly he limps over to their table, and gives a smile and a nod "The names Jesse....Jesse Custer. Yall mind if i join ya?"

LoX chuckles merrily along and pops a few more root beers out of his form-fitting blue and gold leather jacket. Who knows how many of those things his pockets hold? "Heck no, mate. The more the merrier, it seems."

Relvina pushes down off the barstool. "Actually.. it's almost sunrise, and I'm exhausted. Is there anyplace soft I could crash around here, preferably without windows?"

Devaine_Hawk rolls his shoulders again and lights another smoke before answering Flash ,” One more thing to thank good old Uncle Sam for , I don’t get drunk , or the jitters . After they where nice enough to alter my mind it decided it can break down harmful chemicals and flush them out of my system before they get a chance to kick in . Makes twice as many anti bodies these days too , guess I can skip my flue shots from now on to “ He turns to the stranger if he’s talking to him and nods “more the merrier and it’s good to hear another Texas draw “ he answers in his own whispery accent.

LoX appears lost in thought for a moment. "Y'know, I've got an extra room at the Beach house. It has a window or two, but it's comfortable and has a king-sized bed. Cozy. I know that Lani won't mind if you stay the night."

Flash_Guardian passes LoX on his way to the bar, giving him a more face to face greeting. "Good eve, sensei," he says, nodding to him and his young elven companion who was sitting upon the barstool. Setting the empty mug on the counter, he orders a refill and ... then hears the clink of several root beer bottles hitting a nearby table, stopping to glance back at one of them hungrily out of the corner of his eye.

The Stranger finds an empty chair, hanging his holster with those large hand cannons of his over the back, before pulling out the chair and sitting down. He cocks his woudned foot up on his leg and looks at the huge missing area, this was oneof those times he wished he was more then human so he didn't have to live with missing appendages. "Pleasure to meet another gun slinger like myself" he nods to Devaine with a smile while puffing on his smoke.

[Relvina] Got good curtains?

LoX grins at Flash, almost as if sensing what he wanted, then tosses him one of the bottles. "I already raided the stock here. Interesting things that you find in the pantries."

Pippa_Wilson holds the door open just enough for her to stand in the offered gap.....fire opal eyes glancing around the room slowly with curisity(sp). Eyes resting on each of those that the room contains before lifting to take in the make up of the room..

LoX nods at Relvina and chuckles. "Sure do...and blinds."

[Relvina] Good enough, then. I'm through for now.

Devaine_Hawk laughs “well we sure as hell ain’t in Kansas or Texas either , Dorthy , think it’ll help if we click our heels three times and wish we were home?”

Relvina casually raises her hand, knocks over her empty root beer, then heads for the door.

[Relvina] Goodnight, all.

LoX waves to Relvina and grins. "Sleep well, you."

Flash_Guardian catches the bottle with both hands, careful not to drop the fizzy goodness. He grins back at LoX, raising his eyebrows briefly in interest before popping the bottle open and taking a swig of the sweet stuff. "Sweet dreams," he calls to Relvina. Then his eyes alight on the stranger's wounded foot with concern.

The Stranger laughs at Devaine's comment "I don't reckon anythign will help to get us home from here. Naw i reckon we ain't goign home ever again compadre"

Pippa_Wilson takes another tentive step into the room letting the door swing shut behind her....though her head turns slightly at the familair scent on the air...a mane of white curls gently moving and falling into place as she does so

Devaine_Hawk continues to laugh and lights another smoke himself “might as well make the best of a bad situation and kiss the girls and kick the bad guys asses while we’re here though”

LoX just laughs at Dev. "Does that mean that we get to wear cool white hats, too?"

The Stranger looks over to Flash noticing the man's gaze on his foot. "Yeah happened earlier today, some big ol' dragon man wanted to haev a shoot out, damn lizard shot me in the foot, of all places. And cuz im just a mere man....i have to live with all these wounds...worst thing is i need new boots...you know how hard it is to find rattlesnake boots here?" His tone obviously reflects his dispelasure with the whole situation of his foot.

Flash_Guardian looks at LoX, unamused. "I don't do hats," he says, leaning his head forward slightly to give everyone a better look at his spiky brownish-red locks.

Pippa_Wilson slips quietly over to a place to sit...hands resting in her lap lightly...glancing to the door..

LoX idly slips a hand through thick azure locks of hair, a few stray strands tumbling down to rest in front of sky blue eyes, studious and playful both, as always. "Okay...maybe we'll just dye your hair, Flash." His tone of voice reveals the fact that he's only teasing.

Devaine_Hawk glances over at LoX and just grins , “you can if you want to but I think black fits me better , no cherry sweet goodness here “ he laughs before looking over to Flash , “damn kid you gonna bring me that coffee or let me die of thirst ?”he asks.

Flash_Guardian snags Devaine's coffee, muttering a quick thank you to the bartender before moving back to the table. He sets Dev's coffee in front of him, sets his root beer down in front of his empty seat, then moves to take a closer look at Jesse's foot. "If I may?" he asks politely.

LoX just laughs again. "Damn. Maybe we should ask her opinion." He glances over at Pippa and grins. "Ma'am? We need an opinion here. Hats? Good thing or bad thing?"

Pippa_Wilson fire opal eyes lift to look at Sava...a soft smile appaering upon her face as the corners of lips turn upwards..." Hello my lover...it is nice to see you too"..shifting now to make room beside her if Sava so desired

The Stranger nods to Flash, he winces a bit as he pulls off the boot, a light crunch sound could be heard as the dried blood that was on the boot and connecting the wound broke free. He glanced at the spot where he had two mroe toes this morning, then looked away and took another drag on his smoke. "Have a look if you like"

Savannah rolled her eyes, only to sit down beside Pippa. "Can't even let me be mad at you, can you?" With a shake of er head she'd look to LoX, almost growling before she caught herself. The male had simply asked a question. No need to start a brawl over that...

Devaine_Hawk shakes his head and takes a sip of the cup before running a hand through his crew cut hair and batting the loose s curl around a little” let it go , we’ll all go bald fast enough without walking around looking like the cast of Oklahoma “

Flash_Guardian shoots his teacher a joking glare. "Nobody messes with the 'doo!" He closely inspects the foot, grimacing to see the extent of the damage. "This is bad," he says flatly. "Don't suppose you managed to save the toes, did you?"

[The Stranger] "Are ya sure ya want to wear hats and look like the cast of Hee Haw?"

Pippa_Wilson turns to look at Lox....." Depends surely on the situation....or perhaps" smiling now" on the individual in question"

The Stranger laughs at Flash'es comment "Weren't any toes left after his projectile ripped through the bottom of my boot"

LoX facepalms loudly at Devaine before he bursts out laughing. "Fine, fine. Never mind. None of us wanna look like somethin' out of a musical. 'Sides, who says it has to be cowboy hats? Maybe I was referring to a fedora?" He facefaults at Jesse and sighs. "Okay, okay....I give up! I'll stick to my vintage baseball caps, trucker style." Anything else he would have said is lost in loose muttering.

Devaine_Hawk laughs again “Flash might be cute with pigtails though if we ever decide to get the boy drunk and take him out on the town”

Pippa_Wilson eyes drift back to Sava..." if you wish to get all hot and bothered....it is upto you..I'll enjoy cooling you off later" an arm rising to reach out for Sava pulling her gently towards her..." Come let us not be mad life is too short for such "

LoX just blinks at Devaine. "Nooooo! Now I can't go home and molest my wife-to-be! Yep...there went the libido...gone...out the window. Buh-bye, see ya later!"

Savannah nearly smacked Pippa, but decided against it. Instead she shook her head. "..." She'd close her mouth again, only to be pulled closer to Pippa. With a few blinks she'd shake her head again, sighing softly. "... You should be one to talk about life being short, Miss Immortal." She'd calm down again, however, rubbing her furry head against Pippa's shoulder as she began to purr.

LoX then stops mid-thought. "Then again, what if she decides to molest me? Hmmm...." He drains his bottle of root beer in a single gulp and flips the bottle towards the garbage, grinning merrily as it lands inside the can with a resounding crash!. "Whoops."

Flash_Guardian snaps playfully back at Devaine. "Yeah, good luck with that one." He then sighs disappointedly. "Unfortunately, I'm no master of healing," Flash explains, looking right into Jesse's face seriously. "I can use some of my ... hocus pocus," he informs the man, to use an extremely untechnical term, "to fix you up ... but all it'll do is stop the bleeding and keep any infection from spreading. My chi healing can't regrow lost toes ... but you'll get some nice healthy stubs!" he says, trying and failing to make his offer sound appealing.

Pippa_Wilson chuckles softly a slender finger strking gently over the furred cheek....along Sava's jawline..." Now now my darling one let us not split hairs..." leaning down to gently rub her cheek against the other's...

Devaine_Hawk waves it off still laughing , “even if my gate swung that way ,and it don’t I could do better than the boy scout here , hell, I’m a sexy beast of a man , rugged , mysterious , dangerous and all the women love me too much to do that to them” he roars in good nature

The Stranger almost spats ashe laughs at LoX's comment about his libido. He then turns his attention towards Flash and smiles "Listen compadre, i know i ain't gettin dem toes back. So do your mojo and help this wound out, for that i would be very greatful....stubs are better then losing the fot to gangreine i reckon"

LoX shakes his head and grins at Dev. "Dunno, mate. Maybe m'fiancee's cousin might think you'd make a cute sailor." He ducks behind the bar, in preparation for a barrage of some kind.

Savannah was a bit too busy enjoying Pippa's touch to think properly, let alone be mad. Shifting slightly, she'd move her tail around to flick it against Pippa's side. One leg began to bounce, probably shaking the entire couch/booth/whatever. "Mrrph." She'd comment, only to keep up with the bouncing.

Flash_Guardian nods grimly, kneeling comfortably beside Jesse and closing his eyes in deep concentration. He splays his flat, open hands out in front of him, palms up. Breathing deeply, a soft white glow envelops his hands. Laying his hands gently upon either side of Jesse's wounded foot, at last he exhales, releasing the white light into the damaged parts. The light is soothing and warm, all at once calming the pain and mending the broken flesh as good as new ... but sure enough, no new toes. Flash opens his eyes, taking his hands away to inspect the previously wounded area with care.

Pippa_Wilson smiles...her finger still busy stroking through the cheeked fur....head turning slightly as she lightly kisses Sava's lips...pulling away gently from them..." Was you not satisfied ...do I need to explore more?" her voice a barely above a whisper

Devaine_Hawk looks at Jesse’s foot and winces “damn man , Flash do that mojo shit you do and help the brother out ,” before he looks over to LoX “tell her to swing over my way some time and I’ll show her why the Marines are the men’s Division of the navy”

LoX blinks at Devaine...as apparently he hasn't realized one very important detail. His fiancee's cousin is a male elf. "Uh...sure, Dev. I'll make sure I do that." At once, he can barely contain the laughter bubbling from him as the absurdity of it all hits him all at once.

Savannah 's leg continued to bounce, though at a heightened pace during and after the kiss. Eventually it calmed down slightly, but it never really stopped. So with a shake of her head she'd lean up to whisper in Pippa's ear...

The Stranger trys wiggling his toes and stubs. Very happy indeed, yeah he has two less toes, but hey shit happens.....least the other guy wasn't able to walk away he thinks. "Thanks compadre......don't s'pose you can fix my boot?" He says in a slightly joyful tone, showing that he is only kidding. He puts the boot back on, before looking over to Devaine. "Thats some nice hardware you carry"

[Devaine_Hawk] “I warn you though if she turns out to be a he , he’ll come back to you in an envelope “ he laughs at LoX’s sudden giggle fit.

Devaine_Hawk pats the twin eagles under his arms and grins “thanks , kinda like Linus and his blanket ,make me fell all safe, and cozy when I lay my little head down to sleep at night”

Pippa_Wilson chuckles at the whisper glancing over at the men before answering eyes once more resting their sight on Sava...." When the call of the wild comes one answers...do you not feel that pull yourself ?"

Flash_Guardian shrugs and looks appraisingly at Jesse's boot, choosing to take him seriously in spite of his joking nature, grinning in amusement. ((Is it a single tear, a few holes, or what?))

The Stranger grins and leans to the side, revealing his holster with the twin magnums. "I know just how ya feel"

LoX 's just lost in his fit of snickering. "I'll be sure to tell Florian that....well...actually, I won't. I don't like being around that one anymore than my fiancee does, really." He shudders in horror and produces yet another bottle of Jones root beer, taking a quick drink after he pops it open on his belt buckle.

[The Stranger] ((its a large section of the whole outer side of the right boot near the tip. The stubs hang out as does his middle toe))

Devaine_Hawk looks around and a devilish grin crosses his face "all this little get together is missing is sad country msic so we can all cry about how ourwoman took the house the dog , the truck and the money and how much we miss the truck " he laughs

Savannah 's leg stopped bouncing briefly as the feline nodded. The leg then started up again as the feline nudged Pippa's cheek with her nose. With at twitch of her whiskers she'd lean up to whisper again, apparently not feeling like letting herself be heard...

The Stranger hangs hsi head low mockingly "Yeah that truck was nice to.....hell just give me the dog back, can't repalce that good hunting hound"

Pippa_Wilson lips keep to the soft smile as she leans closer to listen

LoX just blinks at the others and bursts into laughter yet again. "But I never drove a truck....but dammit, I wish I had my Intruder back from Calli. Darn girl took off with it right after I broke things off with her. This was waaaay before I met Lani, though."

Devaine_Hawk buries his head in his hand and starts to mock sob “oh no what ever will I do with out her , well the strip club is open so I guess I’ll go find my new ex wife “ he moans in a awful attempt to sing.

Flash_Guardian hrm's disappointedly. Without the rest of Jesse's boot, there's little he can do, so he just lets it slide, moving to seat himself at a chair closer to Lox this time. "Speak for yourself, gents," he replies. "Don't have a home, never had a dog, never needed a truck, and don't have much money either." Turning to LoX, he gives him a sheepish look. "Well, I'm still working on the meditation, like you asked me to," he informs his teacher, reaching over to slide his root beer closer to him.

LoX slips his old Ibanez twelve-string acoustic from his back and tunes it up. "o/' She broke mah heaaart, so I broke her bank account....o/'"

Pippa_Wilson sight drifts towards the men at the words being whispered ...." Forget them my dearest lover....they are after all.....just males...whereas you my sweet box of delight....are an enternal pleasure"

Flash_Guardian grins knowingly to himself. He wouldn't trade his love for anything in the world. Unbeknownst to him, Flash's hand finds its way to the amethyst pendant at his neck, and he starts to toy with it idly.

Devaine_Hawk points to the guitar and starts to laugh again “it’s karaoke night !” before looking at Flash “ever been to the strip club ?" he asks “come on , don’t be such a straight and narrow Flash we’re just jokin , hell"

The Stranger gets up from his seat and walks over, to the bar with a smirk on his face while listenign to LoX and thinking about Flash's comment all the coems to mind is ,damn kid your lucky. He grabs a bottle of what appears to be whiskey and a shot glass, slowly he hads back to the table. Seats hismefl and opsn the bottle with his teeth spitting out the cork towards the trash....but it misses. He pours himself a shot.

[LoX] o/' I cut up th' credit cards and pawned the jewelry...I spent all mah money on a stripper named Suzie...o/' His little mock-tribute to country music is ended quickly. "Anyway, that's good. When we have some more time, I'll teach you a few tricks to repel mental invaders. It's the first step towards mental shielding."

Savannah grumbled under her breath, only to sigh and attempt to shift onto Pippa's lap. Thankfully she wasn't all that heavy or she might have squished the woman. With a few flicks of her tail she'd rest her head down on Pippa's shoulder, not bothering to speak again.

Flash_Guardian grins meagerly, nodding his head. "Yeah, alright, alright," he mutters. "And yes, I have been to a strip club," he says with a chuckle. "Just not for pleasure."

LoX attempts to stifle a yawn, failing miserably. "I went to a strip club once. Mooned the occupants while singing Creedence Clearwater Revival's Run Through The Jungle....yeah, I kinda had too much t'drink. Eh-heh."

Devaine_Hawk looks at Flash with a bemused look , “business then , you do know that is highly illegal and we’ll have to strip you of your Captain Planet decoder ring right?”

Pippa_Wilson arms sneak around the form of the cat...pulling it gently snugly to her....Pippa's face leaning forward slightly to ruffle her face amongest the soft fur..." Does my love which to go elsewhere....?" a gently placed kiss accomping the question

LoX just blinks. "Does that mean that Flash is really the kid with the Heart ring? Like, whoa! That show totally stunk."

Flash_Guardian nods at LoX, trying to explain further. "I admit, I'm rather used to the meditation ... but I'm not used to going for a full-out mind blank every time I do," he says, sighing and shaking his head. "It'll take a while to get used to." The pendant in Flash's hand begins to glow a subtle lavender color. He shakes his head at Devaine in mock disappointment. "Damn," he says. "And I'm only halfway through that secret message telling me the power is mine ..."

The Stranger downs his shot, and just sits back listening to the others with unhindered amusement. "Awe come on Flash, stand up to these guys man....yeah they may be hardened but you can still bruise their egos" he says with amid some mock laughter.

Savannah nodded her head just a bit, her purr returning as she snuggled into Pippa. "Yes." She'd whisper after a moment, only to move her head a bit to lick Pippa's cheek.

Pippa_Wilson close her eyes as she feels the sand paper tongue over her cheek...opening her eyes...." Where ...the world is yours...pick a place"

Flash_Guardian grins humbly at Jesse. "Nah, it's alright," he says, releasing the hold on his crystal and batting the hand at him. "I don't mind at all."

Devaine_Hawk grins at LoX and points to Flash"we gottaget junior out more , he ain't lived yet"

LoX grins idly, but nods to Flash. "Keep it up. What you're going for is a complete state of controlled thinking. That way, only the useless mental streams are sent out and the more important thought processes are deep within your own conscious. It might take awhile to master that, but it shouldn't be too difficult to learn, either. You will know when the time is right."

Riin walks in,the extra energy in her step to make it seem like she was skipping,and smiled warmly at everyone as she walked past people,then finally sighed and stretched,then settled down,and sat down,and begun to read a book she found the other day,shutting out the rest of the world,but occasionally looks up from the book.

Savannah slowly slides off Pippa's lap, then onto the floor before she looks back to her love. "Follow, please dear." She'd then start off, pausing every now and then to make sure Pippa was indeed still following.

LoX laughs once at Dev. "Done too much livin' for one being already. Once you get t'my age, every year is a blur, really. All nineteen hundred and seventy-two of 'em."

Flash_Guardian looks over at Devaine, eyes wide, then lets his head fall in front of him, shaking it slowly, eyes closed and holding back the laughter of his own private joke.

Flash_Guardian chuckles. "At least you can still keep track of your years," he mutters.

Pippa_Wilson lets Sava slip from her arms....standing nodding to her as she begins following the female..a broad smile spread across her features as she watches the way the other moves....the gently sway of furred hips....those slender muscled legs...

Devaine_Hawk looks at LoX again and asks “as long as we’re on the topic , I’ve noticed my noggin doing some funny things here lately “

The Stranger grabbed the holsters that rested on the back of his chair, he stood up and put it on leisurly. He gives a quick look around the room , before sitting back down and putting his feet up on the table and tiltign hsi chair back, he was indeed wigglign those little stubs that coudl easily be seen sicne his boot was wrecked. "Your almost as old as some dirt partner"

LoX suddenly stands, finding himself held under the sway of tedious exhaustion. Bedtime awaited for him...as did his love. He pauses to glance back at Dev. "Oh? What's up?"

Pippa_Wilson with a slight toss of her head sending a mass of soft snowy curls over her shoulder she steps outside the room

Flash_Guardian suddenly seems lost in thought, staring through the table intently.

Riin looks up from her book and sees no fighting,yelling,or maiming like she usually did,"Funny..this place is less violent than a shrine.."and chuckled very slightly as she looked at everyone for a bit longer,then returned to the book,occasionally a bit of static forming on her fingers.

Devaine_Hawk shrugs ,”little stuff ,nothing like what you guys get , but here lately , I see like lights around people , or just get real strong vibes around some , the other day , I picked up a gun and all of a sudden just saw where it had been , and who had held it , a few other things like knowing or sensing events just a little before they happen ,”

The Stranger fixes Devaine with a arched bow look. "Hmm precognition, with some thing else...certainly is an odd place" he muttered this mroe to himsefl then anyone.

LoX 's form is limned by living tendrils of miniaturized lightning, which cavorts down both arms to pool in his fingertips. Eyes suddenly turn to a bright blue gold, as the energies drip languidly from his fingertips to create a Kanji on the floor. It's identifier is Air. Merely preparations for his departure. "Yeah. It's called divination and aura-sense, mate. The more it happens, the more you'll see and feel. It's an offshoot of what we do, but it's all under the same school of thought-based Arcana."

Flash_Guardian 's concentration doesn't last long, and he quickly shrugs it off, shaking his head and taking a big swig of his root beer, glancing back to watch LoX prepare to leave amusedly.

[Devaine_Hawk] “huh , well it comes in handy , being a PI now and all ,just knowing like that guess all the crap the company did wasn’t bad”

Riin was reading,when she begins hearing noises from the people on the other side of the room,and sees someone,obviously showing off,"I guess it's not impressive to someone like me.."and yawned,before smiling again and putting away her book,then simply beginning to think about other things.

Flash_Guardian looks over at Devaine calmly. "Knowledge is power, Devaine," he says, a lingering curiousity in the corner of his eyes.

LoX nods at Dev. "I'd try to control it as much as possible, though. Tight control on divinations, especially. The past and future are places that no one should have linger in." A sad smile here, as his Kanji is completed and simply fades from the floorboards. He wasn't trying to show off, he was merely getting ready to leave.

Devaine_Hawk cracks back at Flash , “thank you oh great fortune cookie writer and omnipotent grasshopper “

Devaine_Hawk nods “trust me , I don’t want to get to much mojo flowing , might make me start drinking milk instead of Jack and staring at my belly button all day”

[LoX] "Well, mates. I'm Audi. My lady awaits and I'm about to fall over. I'll be around later, as always....and Flash? Get ready for some actual exercises at some point in the near future."

The Stranger seems to be zoning lost in thought but he suddnely starts to talk, to someone standign next to him but there is no one there. ""Listen John i know what i need to do.....so just lay off and quite giving me your hero speech"

Flash_Guardian nods reverently to his teacher. "I look forward to it," he says with a smile. "Good night, sensei."

Riin looks around,"Man it's boring around here.."and sighed,then conjured up a ball of pure electricity and tossed it around,bored as hell,"No earthquakes,no fires,no..nothing.."

LoX simply disappears as a sudden beam of golden lightning sheathes him for a moment, The Storm reclaiming yet another of its chosen.

Flash_Guardian turns to look Devaine right in the face with his sly grin. "I've got a fortune cookie for you," he smirks. "Pride goeth before the fall."

Devaine_Hawk nods to LoX as he fades away and grins at the girl in the floor “enjoy peace when you have it , when it ‘s gone it’s had to find again”

Flash_Guardian moves forth a hand suddenly, glowing a bright white color, in the direction of Devaine's chair. Suddenly Devaine's chair seems to move out from underneath him, exactly as last night.

Andarthiel steps into the hall and looks about. There seemed to be quite a few people here. He did not like to approach them so he steps off to the side and leans against a wall.

Devaine_Hawk reaches down to quickly grip the chair “not gonna fall for the same trick twice , but nice try , there Flash at least your learning “

The Stranger regains his composure. not that he had much to begin with but still. He gives a look around at the new faces in the large room. Studying them as he normally does most people.

Andarthiel chuckles slightly as he sees Flash puul the trick on Devaine_Hawk.

Riin lookoed around,"I should go..."but waited for a bit longer..for what?Not even she knew..,"More people?"and smiled warmly,"The more the merrier!"

Flash_Guardian quirks an eyebrow at Devaine, quickly and forcefully tilting his glowing hand ... and as he does, Devaine's chair rocks backwards dangerously.

Andarthiel waves a hand over the chair and it burst into flames. He hcuckled even more. Sit down on that he thought.

Devaine_Hawk kicks himself up out of the chair and grins , “see I knew you where up to something right before you did it , that’s weird ,going to take some getting used to”

The Stranger looks to Flash as the chair burst into flames, he figured it was Flash "Thats not cool man, burnign the man's biscuits"

Flash_Guardian 's eyes go big, seeing the now flaming chair. "What the ...!" Reacting quickly, he releasing his magical hold on the chair, the white glow leaving his hand ... but the flames continue. Flash looks at his hand, clearly surprised. "Not me ..."

Andarthiel hardly suppressing his chuckling covering his mouth as he did so.

The Stranger quirked a brow at Flash, he heard his words and had no reason to not believe him. so he quickyl loo karoudn the room, and seen Riin and Andarthiel, and Riin had been here a while, so logic told him it was Andarthiel. He drew quickly oen of those large Magnums and pointed it at the man "That wasn't very nice, friend" His finger twitched a bit on the trigger.

Riin looks around,counting the people,guy,guy,guy...what a sudden lack of women she could make friends with,making her feel slightly uncomfortable,especially considering almost all the men here looked untrustworthy..to her,then she saw the flames,and saw who caused them,"Like playing with fire hm?"and conjured up an electric ball,and sent it right to Andarthiel.

Flash_Guardian catches sight of Andarthiel on the far side of the room, trying to hide his mirth. He shoots him an unimpressed look, reaching over to grab an unattended pitcher of water from a nearby table, throwing it over the chair and putting out most of the flames.

Devaine_Hawk pulls the t3in desert eagles from under his coat in a cross draw motion , “got a few tricks of my own funny man “ he whispers to the man against the wall. Training both laser sights on the man’s chest he asks softly in his whispery Texas draw ,”wanna see them ?” as blue white flashes of electricity start to flair up in his solid onyx eyes.

Andarthiel recovering himself "I'm sorry. It's just that the moment took me" he barely had to time to say anythign else as the electric ball sped towards him. He foolishly tries to stop it with his hands resulting it to singe and zap his delicate fingers. He flew back vlowing on his hands and crashing to the wall behind him.

Flash_Guardian looks apologetically back at Devaine, now that his little prank had been spoiled. "Sorry about that," he glooms, quickly standing and offering Devaine his own chair. "Anyway, I'd probably better go. Much to do," he says, looking towards the door. He grabs his root beer and starts making for the door, glancing to the convulsing Andarthiel as he goes, concerned. "And none too soon," he says, quickly scooting out the door, waving to all in the main hall before stepping out.

* * * ((Now in the Midnight Garden of Roses ...)) * * *

Louis_Deshoulieres smells the air as he enters the garden. He gives a soft smile as he looks at the flowers, reaching down to touch it almost caringly. But still, the life seems to drain out of the flower as his hand touches the flower. He gives a soft sigh as he just looks, not wishing to harm any more plants

Bida feels her pendant begin to glow, and smiles. She moves further into the shadow, hiding.

Flash_Guardian wanders among the many gardens ... after hanging out with 'the guys,' the gardens were a much needed retreat for him. He looks around at the flowers and leaves, all graced by the silent touch of soft moonlight. As he walks, he sees his pendant glowing in the darkness, and quickly realizes where he is. This was one of his favorite gardens, as it was where he found his love ... and where he would shortly find her again.

Louis_Deshoulieres shakes his head, staying towards the middle of the path, just looking at the beauty that is the garden. The plants, the setting..... it is all so relaxing to him. He lets off another small sigh, remembering his life some time ago, wishing he was still part of it.

Bida hears her beloved's footsteps on the other side of the bushes, and stiffled a giggle.

Orphen slept among the trees that surrounded a portion of the Garden, wrapped in his cloak, his body slumped against the base of a large old tree.

Niki walks around the garden her eyes looked from person to person; Sh sits down beside a tree near Orphen and looks toward a lake near by.

Flash_Guardian wanders around the gardens, a playful smile lighting his face as he searches for Bida, not finding her. He stops just on the other side of a bush, narrowing his eyes and glancing around. "Now where ..." he mutters to himself.

Louis_Deshoulieres looked up for a moment, noticing the other people that started to come to the garden. "People........ just what I didn't need right now" His voice is thick with an english accent. He shakes his head and slowly begins to turn, not wishing to bother anyone with his presence.

Orphen 's head was leaned forward from the hood of said cloak, sligthly visible in the dark shadows of early morning. His lips were parted, giving way to soft breaths and incoherent words..

Bida reaches under the bush carefully, and grabs at Flash's foot, hoping to scare him.

Niki looks over at Orphen and smiles. "Well, I guess the people do sleep at the keep."

Flash_Guardian feels something grab at his foot, quickly leaping up into the air and kicking free. "Yeoui!!" he yells, startled, landing a few feet away and looking to see who the hand belonged to. It was a soft hand, slender but strong ... he knew whose hand that was. A smile creeps over his face. "You!"

Bida peered at him from under the bush, a huge grin on her face.

Orphen would stir just slightly in his slumber, brown eyes slitting open....

Flash_Guardian strides over to the bush, walking behind it and sprawling out next to Bida, delivering a playful poke to her side on his way down.

Bida laughed and squirmed to her other side, her eyes glinting with happiness and playfulness as she looked at him.

Flash_Guardian laughs with Bida, smiling and reaching out to wrap his arms around her in a hug. "Fancy meeting you here." He looks up at the midnight sky, and at the surrounding gardens. "Again."

Bida holds Flash, "Yeah, go figure, finding me in my own garden."

Flash_Guardian gives Bida a gentle squeeze, then parts from her to lay on his side beside her, propping his head up with his hand. "I was looking for a place to settle down and try to meditate, and thought of the gardens," he explains. "So, what brings you here?"

Bida stays sitting, her eyes on his, "it's my garden, silly." She smiles, "If I'm going to be alone, then I'm going to be in my garden."

Flash_Guardian grins, nodding in understanding. "Makes sense to me," he says, his words ending in a yawn and a tired stretch as he rolls onto his back, his eyes fluttering sleepily.

Bida lays down and kisses Flash softly, "you are tired, my love."

Flash_Guardian closes his eyes, smiling blissfully and scooting closer to Bida. "Mmmm. Nope. Can't sleep yet. Gotta meditate first," he says decidedly.

Bida kisses his forehead, "then meditate. You will need the rest."

Flash_Guardian groans like a child before bedtime. "Awww ..." Grunting, he lifts himself up off his back, leaning forward and manuevering to sit cross-legged next to Bida. "I found a tutor," he says proudly.

Bida asks "a tutor? who? for what?"

Flash_Guardian nods, resting his hands in his lap and his eyes on his love. "Yes, a tutor. His name is Kazuya, but everyone calls him LoX," he explains. "I've asked him to help me study psionics."

Bida smiles, "That's great!"

Flash_Guardian nods proudly. "A friend of mine, Devaine Hawk, introduced me to him, and he agreed to teach me," Flash tells her, closing his eyes and straightening up. "I'm supposed to try and clear my mind every night and morning."

Steel_Dragon flys above the garden in his Tigren form, his massive golden white wings produced claps of thunder with each wingbeat

Bida laughs slightly, "I guess I don't help too much with that, do I?" She poked him in the side.

Flash_Guardian winces and urphs at her, chuckling and shooting her a glare. "Well, you are the hardest thing to keep out of my mind," he admits. "The real problem is that every time I try to clear my head like this before bed, I just end up falling asleep," he says, ashamed, as the draconic creatures flies noisily overhead. "Anyway, what have you been up to?"

Bida smiles at Flash's occasional child-like behavior, "Not much. Looking for Aiza mostly. She came after me again, then took off as if the hounds of hell were on her heels."

Flash_Guardian nods, inhaling slowly and deeply. "I suppose with her following you around, she can't give others too much trouble," he muses. "Though I still worry about her ... and you."

Bida smiles, "Do not worry about me. I can take care of myself."

Flash_Guardian grins slightly, his worry not really any less. Raising his head slightly, he seems to wipe all emotion off his face into a flat expression, his mouth only slightly open as a sleeper's would be. Slowly, he lets his head drop, beginning the meditation.

Steel_Dragon lands near them, his massive wings creating a sound like wind rubbing against metal as his feet touched ground, he then folded his wings against his back and stood up to his full height of 8'9", his wolf-like eyes studied them for a moment

Flash_Guardian appears to be undisturbed by the large dragon/wolf that has landed nearby as he slowly slips further and further into a deeper mental focus.

Flash_Guardian 's mind slowly begins to empty. In a few moments it is almost impossible to break him from his trance. After several minutes, he seems to be completely oblivious to reality, kneeling in unbroken meditation behind the bush. Has he done it? Is his mind truly empty? His gentle snoring would indicate otherwise. Oh well. Too bad, maybe next time.