January 21, 2004

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Elbridge, Dover Port - Thorn Bird...

Dai finishes dropping anchor, humming to himself. He walks along the deck, sits down, and begins to do some stitch work on a black flag.

A superb silhouette of a yacht looms gracefully out of the water. The smooth piercing lines of the vessel are sculpted with unparalleled antique craftsmanship out of radiant dark wood. The refined relief engraved into the wooden bows lends the yacht a haunting yet regal appeal. Tangled ornaments, fashioned in the form of prickly thistles, draw together at the nose of the vessel, jutting forth into an elegantly soaring shape of a songbird. The carved thrush projects forth from the prow, as though it were a live thing, frozen in mid-flight. Surmounted upon the long powerful stalk of the main mast is a buoyantly fluttering flag displaying the emblem of a maroon thistle on a short green stem.

A midnight blue Lexus glints in lamplight when the Thorn Bird makes port. Sitting on the hood and looking over the coast is Yosannah. She notes the Thorn Bird immediately and then spies Dai thereon. She smiles and hops off the car, making her way toward and up the plank of the ship.

Dai glances up as he hears footfalls on the plank and then the deck of his ship. He sees Yo and smiles broadly. "Argh matey! Welcome to me ship." He winks and then winces as he pricks his finger with the needle.

A smile lingers on the woman's mouth though her lips purse into an 'oh' as Dai pricks his finger, "What are you doing here. And on this ship."

Dai sucks on his finger and then shrugs. "I felt like sailing. So I took my ship out for a spin." He looks around the ship with a smile. "Pretty nice isn't it? I just obtained it a couple of days ago."

Yosannah sits beside him, inspecting his stitching, "This was the Prelate's boat. I'd know it anywhere."

The flag is black with silver stitching that is beginning to look like a running wolf. It is obvious that something should be above the wolf due to the positioning. Dai nods slowly. "It was Ada's ship. Grisham gave it to me the other day. There is only one condition. I have to race her against Ryker's ship."

Round almond eyes narrow as Dai explains his acquisition, "I don't understand. I wasn't aware that you were that close to Ada. Not that I'm questioning the gift mind you. I suppose I'm just curious."

Dai says "Actually, she and I never met. I was a little surprised myself. Grisham said it was in appreciation for what I have been doing and what I will do in the future. Not that that makes any sense."

Yosannah mutters, largely under her breath, "No it doesn't. Except for the part about Ryker. Am I to understand that a condition of you keeping the Thorn Bird is that you must race it against Ryker's ship?"

Dai nods. "Yes. Didn't say I have to win, just that I have to race against him. Although, I think that I have a way to win as well. Do the ship justice."

Yosannah lowers her gaze to her hands and smiles, thoughtfully and pensive, "That sounds like a request Ada would make." She shakes her head and chuckles, "...Even now she tests him."

Dai continues with his stitching. "You were there when she died?"

Yosannah flexes her fingers, "Yes. As a matter of fact. I suppose you could say that I am part of the reason she is gone." Her head hangs though it turns now to regard him, soft smile forced to her lips. "But, ultimately, it was her choice. And somehow I don't think she'd want me to regret involving her."

Dai smiles kindly. "The way I understand it, she knew she was going to die but decided to do what she did anyway." The smile fades and his face becomes pensive. "What happened to her down there? I have been trying to figure it out. Riva told me that Ada was trapped between life and death. I have found sufficient evidence that this is so."

Yosannah nods, "Something like that, yes. I'm not sure what you know about the Revelation we experienced, so I'll do my best to keep it simple." She wets her lips, "A group of us went to find her brother Arion. My read of the situation was that he intended to lure the horsemen from me and the other hosts to use for his own ends. In the end, it seems that they were two powerful for him. But in an effort to free them from him and he from them, we found ourselves trapped in the stones that held them. Each gem a shadow in its own right. Each shadow full of pitfalls and false tunnels. Ada went through one of these tunnels." She shrugs her shoulders, "When we got her back, she was..." She appears unable to explain further. Or perhaps she does not wish to. Her jaw works instead.

Dai nods thoughtfully as Yo speaks and then looks at her sharply when she stops. "I need to know this Yosannah. If I am to attempt to do what I am planning, I need to know where exactly she was, which gem she was in, where the tunnel led, everything. Please, I need help with this."

Yosannah swallows, eyes remain intent on her fingers. She fondles the silver ring there, "I believe it was one of Death's false tunnels. And I refer to it as such because I have no other name for it." She adds, "And I don't believe the tunnel lead anywhere. By rights, she probably shouldn't have made it back. But we sacrificed another life for hers, in the end. And that is what brought her back."

Dai nods. "Whose life was sacrificed, and what happened when she was brought back? I know that part of her is still in Montmout, a part of the manor itself it appears."

Yosannah exhales, "There were two sacrifices. Both of Death's realm. One, a small animal. A rabit if I recall correctly. The other, a human. I think." She shakes her head, "Christ, it seems like ages ago, and my memory is hazy on the point it seems."

Dai nods. "The other part of Ada is in another dimension according to Echo. She has done a lot of research on it as has Zeta. Actually, I need to speak with Zeta about a few things concerning it still. A key is required to get to this dimension."

Yosannah exhales, "Dai." She shakes her head, "Maybe Ada doesn't wish to be found. And if this sliver or her were found. This remnant, what makes you think that it will be Ada." Her brow belies a certain sadness. As if the conversation truly did pain her.

Dai says "The alternative is to leave her trapped for eternity, an eternity of agony. Do you really wish that to be so? When I finally do manage to find this other part of her, and there isn't anything left ot save or she wishes to pass onto the other side of death, I will grant her release. This side or that side, she needs to be at peace."

Yosannah nods, listening. Her back straightens and she rolls her head upward, eyes going to the night sky, "How is it that you are so sure that she is in agony. I guess I don't understand how you know these things."

Dai says "Echo touched this other dimension. She told me a little of what she saw and felt. That is how I know. Ada has not been allowed to pass on or return. She is trapped in that place. It is wrong to leave someone in a state like that."

"What is it that she felt. Did she feel this anguish."

Dai thinks for a moment. "This is what she said, 'The one we seek is trapped in a dimension that only exists when a key is present. Furthermore, the dimension is one of infinite pain, suffering, and loss. My mere brush with it has inflicted grave trauma upon me that will take me days to fully repair and recover from."

Yosannah reflects, "That doesn't make sense. We destroyed the stones. By rights, those shadows, those demensions should have been destroyed as well. What you are describing to me sounds like the realm of Death."

Dai shrugs. "Echo touched it with Logrus. And she's probably the most capable person when it comes to getting information. But if what you say is true, then I need to have a little chat with Death soon. Ask about it. If it /is/ the realm of Death, then I have a pretty good idea how to get there."

Yosannah offers, "Logrus has it's uses, certainly. As for Death, you don't just march up to her and demand chit chat." She smiles at this, obviously making an effort to lighten the conversation. Perhaps more for her own benifit then for his.

Dai grins. "Maybe. I think that she will speak with me however. And I never said demand. I always ask first. If the answer is no, I'll just have to insist." He winks. "Anyway, what have you been doing of late?"

Yosannah inhales slowly and exhales, "Umm. Besides the daily grind, there is still this lingering issue regarding the Spades. For all of Joshua's bellowing, I've yet to be confronted by him. Not that I'm worried at this point one way or the other. And.." she adds, gaze going sidelong to him, "I caught up with Corey the other night."

Dai nods as Yo speaks and then blinks. "What did he have to say about what we discovered?" He disregards the Joshua subject for now.

"He didn't. I didn't bring it up." Her lower lip is bitten at, "Timing, you know.""

Dai ohs. "Okay. That's understandable I guess. You do still wish to find out though don't you?"

Yosannah offers, flatly, "I don't know."

Gideon Club - Study...

Jurt appears for a single second as a faintly shimmering outline, followed quickly by the rest of him. He appears on top of the coffee table, which promptly collapses under his weight. He manages to keep his balance, but frowns down at the remains of the small table under him.

Yosannah is sitting on the couch, she startles when Jurt appears and the table crashes before her. She stands, book sliding from her lap and onto the floor, hands going up defensively. She regards him for a long moment and them moans, "... my table."

Average height, light build, heavier through the shoulders, he is a young man whose rather handsome features seem ready to twist into a snarl or a sneer. Dark hair is cut close to his scalp, Caesar-style. Deep green eyes channel his expressions into a tight focus, while smooth hands are sources of constant activity; gesturing, flexing, gripping.

"Funny, I pegged it more sturdy." Jurt extricates himself from the broken wood, shaking some off.

Yosannah lifts a hand to her head, removes her cap and runs her fingers over hair. "Yeah, well," her gaze goes to the crumbled wood and splinters, "nothing to be done now."

Jurt insists, "You're better off without it." A big smile is leveled on you, then, while his eyes aim elsewhere, finding the book you dropped. He reaches and grabs it - not by moving to get it, but instead teleporting it to his hand with a faint shimmering of color, instant. "And what do we have here, hmm?"

She reaches out a hand in an effort to sieze the item. It's a hard cover text, the spine reads: "Angry Candy. Harlan Ellison." And in tiny print, "Mariner Books".

Jurt acts nonchalant. "Angry Candy, huh." He makes no effort to keep the book out of reach, though his one-handed grip on it is quite tight. He smirks at you. "Is this a sequel to Attack of the Killer Tomatoes? I've been waiting a long time for one."

Yosannah tugs at the book, "No, it's a collection of Ellison's short stories." She tugs again, "And as far as I know, they never made a sequel to Killer Tomatoes." Another tug and a grunt, "Give it up."

Jurt replies, "Happy to." and releases his iron grip. "You're bored." He deduces. "Why don't you come have a drink with me. It'll cheer you up."

The book is released as she is in mid-tug and, as such, she falls backward into the couch with a grunt. An exhale passes through her lips, "Drinks with you usually turn into ..." Shaking her head, she changes her mind, "Yeah, ok." She extends her hand, waiting for him to help her up.

Jurt encourages, "Thatta girl." He obliges, hand extended.

Yosannah clasps his hand and pulls herself upward, book is left behind on the sofa. She stands before him, light smile forming on her lips for the first time, "Alright, let's go."

Jurt merely snaps a finger on his other hand.

Niemand's...

Sarah glances over toward Jurt, Yosannah.

Jurt glances about, holding Yosannah's hand. A tentative sniff. "Could this bar look anymore boring."

Yosannah's hand lingers in Jurt's. She too looks about the place, shrugging at his words.

Nikirez is squatting on his chair rather than sitting, licking his chops after eating a small chocolate mint. There is a small plate of them on his table.

Jurt tells Niemand, disappointed, "You're losing your touch."

A scion of Chaos in his raw demonic form, Nikirez is a draconic visage of sexy sinew and gleaming red scales. Slender but muscled, he walks with a forward lurch on bent legs - balanced by a swaying tail and a crowning plume of curled horns. The cruel weaponry of a demonic lord is all there; teeth, claws, and bony extrusions that jut out from his tail and spine. A blue sash and loincloth wraps his waist, containing the rigging for his trisp. All in all Nikirez' mien appears proud and vicious...a proper chaosian demon.

Jurt's gaze is filled with energy, soon leaving Niemand for other faces. A more pleased sounding declaration, "Excellent, a bar full of Chaosians. As it should be."The grumpy table (#4) has 6 empty places.

Yosannah notes Armand with a smile. When her gaze falls to Sarah, she offers little more then a tiny dip of her chin in acknowledgement. At Jurt's observation she tugs at his shirt and mutters.

Sarah plants her elbows on the table more firmly.

Yosannah whispers to Jurt, "I'm not. Chaosian, that is."

Jurt waves off Yosannah words, dismissive and uncaring.

Nikirez growls towards Jurt, "Father."

Yosannah's gaze slides from Jurt to Nikirez. Her brow rises.

Jurt's attention is caught by Nikirez, a green squint darting over at him. "Serpent's balls, they're coming out of the woodwork. It's getting to be so a man can't walk in public without tripping over new progeny."

Jurt squares up to Nikirez from halfway across the room, looking cocky.

Armand cants his head to Yosannah and Jurt in turn, taking a sip of something blue at his table.

Yosannah's free hand goes to her hip and her lips mouth the word, 'progeny.'

Nikirez says "Lower your plume, father." in a throaty voice. "It's me, Nikirez. Nike."

Jurt exhales like someone popped him with a pin. "Oh, right, Nike. Good, good." He elbows Yosannah, simply explaining, "Nikirez." Back to the demon. "You look good, glad to see you're fitting in." He pulls Yosannah in Nike's direction, heading for a chair and offering a rhetorical, "Mind if we join you."

Nikirez splays a welcoming clawed hand towards the empty chairs.

Jurt sits himself.

Yosannah stutters after Jurt, getting pulled along. She rolls her eyes upward and exhales an almost inaudible sigh of toleration.

At your table, Jurt offers, "How they hanging, kid?"

Jurt calls loudly over to Niemand, "Two imported cheap domestic beers, fatman."

At your table, Nikirez cants his head at Yosannah and her expressions of toleration. "If you find my appearance uncomfortable, I assure you I am well cultured." Jurt gets a view of Nikirez's teeth, a smile?, "I am well, Jurt."

At your table, Jurt waves a hand, "Don't worry about her - she can take it."

At your table, Jurt prompts, "Keeping busy at all? Finding trouble?"

Jurt takes the beers from the server, handing one to Yosannah.

At your table, Yosannah who appears to have been regarding Jurt all the while with a sidelong glance now turns to the creature, ignoring Jurt's dismissive hand and taking the beer. She offers Nikirez an reassuring smile.

At your table, Nikirez comments simply, picking for another mint with a clawed finger. "I am still adjusting. No trouble."

Jurt helps himself to two of the mints with a slightly greedy look. He talks on, casual, "You should see this arena I've been working on putting together in Shadow for this tournament, man. For the tournament? I'm sure you heard of it. Reeeal sweet. Should turn out perfect."

At your table, Nikirez says "Jurt you are being rude. You have not introduced me to the lady."

At your table, Yosannah offers another smile to Nikirez and looks to Jurt with an expectant smirk.

At your table, Jurt glances at Yosannah. "Huh? Oh, uh, right, I was getting to it, really." Eyes back on Nikirez, "Nikirez, this is Yosannah." His head tilts in her direction. "And vice versa."

At your table, Yosannah extends a hand to the demon, hesitant, as if not entirely sure that is the appropriate gesture, "Heya."

At your table, Nikirez reaches for Yosannah's hand, taking it in his large scaly one. He sniffs at her skin for just a moment, then releases her. "Hello, Yosannah. You make a lovely companion, it's my pleasure to meet you."

At your table, Jurt juts his chin. "Dead-ringer for his pops, huh."

At your table, Yosannah lowers her gaze to the table with a blush, an unusual sight, "Thank you." And then, "I had no idea that Jurt had such a charming son." She nods now, very diplomatic.

At your table, Nikirez says "Neither did he, until very recently." He swallows another mint, the last. "You were speaking of some contest, father?"

At your table, Jurt glances again at the mints, murmuring, "Not bad." But he indulges the beer instead, drinking deep.

At your table, Jurt explains to Nike, "Not just /some/ contest, /the/ contest."

Jurt's voice raises some, "The Sawallian Fighting Tournament. It'll be unparalleled."

At your table, Nikirez says "I see."

At your table, Yosannah watches as Jurt picks over the mints. Finnally she interjects, "Can I interrupt here. What do you mean, you didn't know about one another? How is that possible."

At your table, Jurt blinks a moment at Yosannah.

At your table, Yosannah raises her shoulders into a shrug, "Well."

At your table, Nikirez explains, "While Jurt and my mother had several liasons, their relationship just wasn't of lasting material. My father was unaware that the seed he left behind was so potent."

At your table, Yosannah articulares, "Potent."

Yosannah sits back in her chair and crosses her arms over her chest, fingers drumming over her biceps.

At your table, Nikirez says "Indeed. Jurt was quite blameless, I assure you."

At your table, Yosannah lets out a chuckle, a single short exhileration of breath, "With all due respect fo you and your /father/. Somehow I doubt that."

At your table, Jurt insists at Yosannah, "I'm innocent I tell ya."

At your table, Nikirez shows his teeth again, growling "He was seduced."

Yosannah shakes her head and laughs. A doubtful, distrusting laugh.

At your table, Yosannah says "Stop. You two are funny. Where is the camera."

At your table, Jurt glances at some of the cameras. "I think this is a lost cause."

At your table, Yosannah looks to Jurt now, "Seduced. Come on."

At your table, Jurt's jaw works once or twice, maybe a faint pout, his beer set down and arms crossing over his chest. "Anyway. Time passed, Nike's mother fessed up, and now here you go: One grown son."

At your table, Nikirez growls out a chuckle at Yosannah. "I hope you will aquire me some good seats to view your...the contest."

At your table, Jurt nods, "Of course, of course, prime seating for all Sawalls. It's a given."

At your table, Yosannah studies Jurt a moment longer and then inquires, subject having changed again, "I don't suppose I get a ticket to the shin-dig."

At your table, Jurt informs Yosannah matter-of-factly, "You get the best seat in the house, as a judge."

At your table, Nikirez slits a squinted eye at Yosannah, "You are something of an authority in combat?"

At your table, Yosannah blinks, looking at Jurt and passing on Nikirez's question for now. "Oh. Hell no."

At your table, Jurt retorts to Yosannah, smiling slyly, "Oh hell yes."

At your table, Yosannah says "Come on. Your a far better magician than, I. What do you need me for."

At your table, Jurt attempts, "I need you for /you/. I'm breaking new ground here. I don't want some old hack who is just gonna sit there and raise a flag and call out /point/. I'm judging on the whole package, baby."

At your table, Yosannah looks to the boy and back to Jurt, "New ground. What's that got to do with me?"

At your table, Nikirez comments in his rough voice, "I imagine you would make a lovely judge, Yosannah. And if there is any question about the victor, go with the one left standing."

At your table, Yosannah smiles at the boy again, "Good advice."

At your table, Jurt tells Yo, "You're impartial, you're objective. And I'm really mixing it up - swordmasters, mages, logrus users. No simple mercenary will do as a judge. And so you're really just as qualified as say ... mmm ... Benedict, if not more so."

Armand leaves something that passes for currency on his table, offering over to Niemand, "Fine food as usual."

At your table, Yosannah considers and seems satisfied, "Well, alright then." She nods.

Sarah pushes her chair back. She gets up, graceless and overbalanced. And she's nowhere near term yet, by the looks of her.

At your table, Jurt looks pleasant himself. "Excellent." He kills his beer, and moves to rise. "We're on a tour, Nike, and this is just the first stop. Take it easy - go find yourself some trouble." He extends a hand for Yosannah's.

At your table, Yosannah does the same and pushes her beer away. She rises and slides near Jurt, taking his hand.

Nikirez says "It was nice to meet you Yosannah. be well, both of you."

Yosannah nods, "Likewise, take care..."

Jurt wastes no time...