March 5 , 2004

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World's End Bar ...

Yosannah crosses her arms over her chest, beer bottle in her left hand, and strolls toward the bar - or more particularly, in Crimson's direction.

Crimson sits quietly, watching the mirror. His eyes find Yosannah there and track her movements.

Yosannah slides up to the bar beside Crimson. She doesn't sit, rather, she turns to face the barroom and rests her elbows behind her and atop the bar. Leaning his way she greets him softly.

Yosannah whispers, "How goes darl'n.

Crimson smiles at Yosannah, talking to her quietly.He whispers "S'alright, I guess. Things have settled down quite a bit. How goes with you?"

Yosannah shrugs her shoulders lightly and sips her beer.

Yosannah whispers, "Scott tried to kill me." And then, "You given any more thought about your feelings for the Church." to Crimson.

Crimson considers Yosannah for a moment, "Wanna sit at a more private locale?"

Yosannah offers Crimson a single nod and a smile. She lifts her bottle indicating that he lead.

Crimson nods. As he stands he looks to Riva and Barbossa. He takes a step backward and then turns to follow Yosannah. They sit at the table at the far end of the room.

Crimson looks away from Riva and Barbossa to look at Yosannah, "I have."

Yosannah crosses her arms atop the table and nods at Crimson, pensive.

Yosannah says "Magnus sent him, you know."

Crimson says "Sent who?"

Yosannah says "Scott."

Crimson hmms, "Is Scott alive?"

Yosannah flicks a glance in the direction of the bar though she continues her muted conversation with Crimson.

Yosannah says "Yeah. We... I could have killed him." A pause as she runs a finger around the lip of her bottle, "I don't want that."

Crimson hmms, "Nor do I, to be honest. He's married to my... niece.... or something like that."

Yosannah exhales, cheeks billowing, "Jesus. Everybody's got a tie somewhere. 'Cept me it seems."

Crimson says "It's a distant tie, but a tie nonetheless. I don't like Scott. Never have. I tolerate him simply because he's the father to my kin."

Yosannah adjust in her chair so that she might get a full view of the activity at the bar. There is no lull in the conversation at her table, however.

Yosannah says "I suspect this really has less to do with Scott then with Magnus and Chaos." Her gaze slides in his direction, "Your decision regarding the Church. Where are you on that, Crimson."

Crimson says "I've been watching the church and I've decided I don't like what's going on... however, I'm not going to leave it." He smirks, "Past training has taught me that my position may be of some value in the future."

Riva rolls her eyes, "To say the least. Keep your nose clean, Barbossa." she laughs.

Yosannah says "And what if I decide not to sit back waiting for the next time Magnus sends someone else my way."

Crimson says "That would depend on what you have planned."

Yosannah says "My issues are with Magnus only."

Crimson says "I'm sworn to the church, not to Magnus."

Yosannah says "They are one in the same as far as he is concerned. Yet you claim to distinguish between the two. I'm not sure I know where you stand, Crimson."

Crimson shakes his head, "They are not one in the same. One is a man, one is a belief structure. I believe and trust in my faith... I do not believe in Magnus.

Yosannah studies him for a long moment. Her green gaze intent, "Help me get rid of him."

Crimson says "How do you propose we do such a thing?"

Yosannah reaches a hand to her back pocket. She withdraws what appears to be a card and slides it toward Crimson. "Take it. Tell me what you see."

Crimson looks down at the card, squints even. He looks up before it may activate, "Looks like some mountains."

Yosannah shakes her head at Crimson."No."

Crimson shrugs, "I give. What should I have seen?"

Yosannah says "It's what you can't see that is important. The image is false. But only a skilled artist would be able to tell. Magnus is not a skilled artist. That much I know. I doubt he can even draw a tarot."

Crimson nods slowly, "A trap."

"Corey spoke to me once of a place." She studies his expression, searching, "You can get in, but you can't get out. A crystal cave."

Crimson says "Magnus has walked the logrus..."

Yosannah says "Supposedly it does't matter. Corey was trapped in this place for weeks."

Crimson scratches the back of his neck as he reclines in the chair, "A crystal cave that the logrus can't get through... Hmm."

Yosannah says "It'll buy time. For you to restructure the Church." She leans in, "Because I'm not up for killing the man.""

Crimson says "For me to restructure the church? I'm just a squire."

Joshua steps in the main door, letting you catch a glimpse of a forest clearing outside.

Yosannah nods, "That's why we need others."

Crimson shakes his head, "I doubt I could get anyone else from the church to go along with this. They're all rather trusting."

Yosannah says "What if I can. Do you think you're the only one I've..." Her voice trails off at the sight of Joshua. Her gaze narrows. "Lovely."

Joshua walks in and lingers just inside the door, his hand-cannon held in a hanging arm near the hip.

Yosannah notes Joshua's arrival, her gaze narrows slightly.

Riva looks down and wonders something aside to Paul.

Crimson follows her gaze to find Joshua.

Joshua sniffs, as though something stunk, staring at Crimson.

Riva says "Hello Joshua. Long time no see."

Crimson glances at Joshua then double takes when he notices the man is staring. He lifts a brow.

Yosannah senses Riva's glance then Crimson, then Joshua. She's watching Very intently.

Yosannah's gaze goes distant and the corners of her eyes tighten

Joshua taps his gun against an armored hip. The sign of the Pattern flares before him, blue and visible as it hangs in the air.

Yosannah says "This could be coming our way."

Riva rises and stands with her hands on the rail, watching.

Crimson now squints as if looking into a bright light. His tendrils grow visible around him like liquid fire, wavering. "Won't touch you if you don't touch me."

Yosannah offers something inaudible in Crimson's direction.

Joshua mutters in a bland tone, "Guess who'll come out worse."

At your table, Yosannah says "One of your fancy schmancy shields would be nice."

Riva gives Yo a questioning look.

At your table, Crimson says softly, "Would get me killed, Yo. If he touches me or any of my manifestation with that... that... thing I'm dead."

Crimson tilts his head slightly, "I thought we were on amicable terms, Joshua? Have I done something to offend you since last we spoke?"

At your table, Crimson says "I'll try and buy you some time though."

Joshua's expression is changed by recognition then. The Pattern flares and disappears quite suddenly. "I remember you now. You did the tattoos on me and my little girl." He holsters his obscene weapon in his belt.

Crimson smiles slightly, "Ja. The same day I had a hole blown through my chest by Rya."

Riva sinks back into her chair and reclaims her beer.

Yosannah sits silently, jaw working lightly. Her gaze is still intent, distant. The palm of her right hand rests atop the table. The other is draped atop the arm of her chair.

Joshua nods tightly, "I'm glad you recovered." He then turns his head to the side and up, "Riva. Paul. Nice to see you as well."

Crimson's tendrils fade from view as he turns his attention back to Yosannah.

At your table, Crimson says "What was that all about?"

At your table, Yosannah says "I wouldn't let your guard down If I were you."

At your table, Yosannah clearly continues to remain focused. "He'll have me dead if he can."

Joshua says "Give your mother my regards, would you?"

Paul says "Sure thing."

Joshua sits down at the bar.

At your table, Crimson smirks, "I'm a Cragvale. My guard is never down." He glances toward Joshua, "Though my logrus is useless against him as long as he uses the pattern powers he has." He looks back at Yo, "You, or pestilence? Or both?"

At your table, Yosannah says "Both."

At your table, Crimson says "Then perhaps we should leave? We're ill prepared to engage with him at the moment."

Miriya inclines her head towards Jack as he rises and takes his leave. Her attention drifts across the bar as she sips from her glass.

At your table, Yosannah says "A moment... I'm not running from him..."

At your table, Crimson says "Tis better to retreat and live to fight another day than to stand proud and die in vain."

Riva pulls out a cigarette and digs for a light, feet in Paulk's lap as she ponders something.

Reality begins to shimmer before Crimson and Yosannah and an image begins to form of a foreign landscape. For those who take note, multiple shadows begin to appear, moving, as if they mean to pass through the gateway into the bar.

Crimson leans back as he sees the shimmering, watching it curiously.

Five creatures pass through the gate and immediately take up positions near the far table, pacing. They stand approximately three feet in height and have mottled looking gray-green fur. One might note the resemblance their forms take to a racing greyhound and, save for the imposing yellow feline-like eyes, tall spiked ears and clawed feet, they might easy be mistaken as such.

Riva blinks and looks down with suprise. Absently she offers Paul a pack of cigarettes, trying to figure out what's going on down below.

Crimson lifts a brow, looking at the beasts.

The window flickers for a time. With a crackle it fizzles and dissipates in a rainbow sparkle.

Miriya places her wine glass down, and removes a deck of cards from her pocket. She shuffles easily, watching the creatures instead of the cards.

Octavian looks over at the creatures and sile "Nice cats."

At your table, Yosannah says "Insurance."

Yosannah offers Octavian a light smirk. She reaches a hand across the table and withdraws a tarot that rests before Crimson. She move to tuck it away in her rear pocket, fumbling a bit.

At your table, Crimson says "Are they strong and smart enough to buy enough time to cast a spell?"

Riva continues to peer down curiously, ashing her cigarette.

Miriya flips three cards over before her, studying each of them for seconds before tucking them back within the deck. The cards are placed away, and her cane taken up once more. She gathers her cloak and stands, using the table for a bit of leverage against her slight weight.

At your table, Yosannah says "I'm a mage, aren't I." She winks, "What other point would there be for me to keep them around. It aint their looks."

At your table, Crimson shrugs, "Food?"

Yosannah keeps an eye on the patrons at the bar as she converses with Crimson.

Arashi enters from the outside. The sounds of the market place filter in behind him.

Yosannah withdraws her hand from her pocket and sets it atop the table.

Sarah appears suddenly.

Crimson turns sideways in his chair and leans back against the wall, sprawling slightly. He nods to Sarah as she appears.

At your table, Yosannah says "And this," she opens her palm and reveals a tiny irridecant globe. "Just in case."

Yosannah follows Crimson's gaze to the woman. She offers a nod as well as she looks over the woman.

Sarah appears with a sword in her hand. Not very near the furry beasties, but near enough to be a threat to them. Which she makes it very clear she is.

At your table, Crimson glances at the globe, "What's it do?"

Arashi pauses by the door then steps to the side to watch what is going on now.

Joshua takes no real notice of Yosannah's conjurings beyond an annoyed squint. He keeps to himself at the side of the bar.

Yosannah seems about to comment to Crimson but notes Sarah's gesture. She shakes her head rather then respond to him. Her fingers close around a tiny orb and her brow furrows, curious. THe creatures, however, stir, deep rumblings in their throats.

Miriya starts towards the door, using her cane for support.

Arashi politely opens the door for Miriya, as he's by it.

Crimson watches Sarah curiously.

At your table, Yosannah mutters, "What the hell now."

At your table, Crimson says "Beats me."

Sarah makes squeaky-kissy sounds at the 'dogs'. Though her sword says something else entirely. "Come on, pups. Let's see what you can do."

Clearly the creatures have no intent to initiate action at Sarah's request. Rather, they prance, anxious, eyeing the woman as move before Crimson and Yosannah.

Yosannah rises, "They serve me, Sarah. So, unless you have business with me..."

Crimson remains seated.

Miriya's departure is far from hasty. Yet when she does make it to the door, she inclines her head towards Arashi in thanks, before stepping out.

Sarah makes a poke at the nearest 'dog'. If it won't start the fight, she will. This about the time Yosannah speaks.

Sarah mutters, "I don't like you, either."

Joshua remains seated at the far end of the bar, not looking, not moving. But he does say "And you better believe anything that harms Sarah dies painfully by my hand."

Sarah mutters, "I can handle myself."

Yosannah lifts her hands, "Wait a minute, who the hell is doing the instigating here."

Riva says "Yosannah, why are they here?"

Crimson glances at Joshua, to Sarah and finally to Yosannah, "I haven't any plans to die today."

Joshua digs out a cigarette "Of course you can, hon."

Octavian pulls out a card and stares at it.

Yosannah slides her gaze to Riva, her expression curious. She mouths, 'Are you kidding me?'

Sarah runs the flat of her blade under the jaw of one of the 'dogs', lifting its head to stare it in the eye.

Arashi orders a bowl of pop corn and a large coke in a togo cup, with a straw. The bartender pushes it across the bar and it slides to a stop in front of him.

Riva sighs, "Nevermind."

Octavian moves forward and vanishes, leaving behind a rapidly fading afterimage.

Yosannah snaps a finger with her left hand and the creature before Sarah backs off, nearing Yosannah, "There's no point in this Sarah. Whatever is pissing you off it has absolutely nothing to do with me."

Sarah licks her teeth. No fight forthcoming. She stands silent, blade lowering until the tip touches the floor. Then she turns on a heel and stalks away. Three or four steps and she's gone.

The creatures stand erect, deep rumbling from their throats continues thought he woman has vanished.

Riva heaves a soft sigh and leans back into her chair.

Crimson says "That was... interesting..."

Yosannah rolls the spherical object between the fingers of her right hand. She peers after the image of the woman. Her jaw works, curious and she nods at Crimson.

Arashi hmmmms and leans back against the wall, munching his popcorn and sipping his soda.

Crimson glances at Yosannah, "Never seen her do something like that before."

Joshua lights his cigarette as he rises from the bar. "One threat a night is my limit. You all have a good night now."

Riva says "Take Care, Joshua."

Yosannah lets her gaze drift to Joshua and she nods again at Crimson.

Yosannah whisperw, "Do what? Back off. Cuz I've seen her act like a bitch before, that's for certain."

Crimson nods slightly to what Yosannah said.

Joshua opens the door and leaves the bar.

Riva nods to Yosannah and notes, "We should chat sometime."

Yosannah crosses her arms over her chest, her gaze lingers after Joshua when she comments to Riva, "Yeah. Sure." She looks back over her shoulder at Crimson and smiles, "He always said I made him fearful. Either he's incredible disinterested, or he still is. Either way, I want to get the hell out of here."

Crimson nods, "Want company?"

Riva sighs and abandons her beer. Her frown carving her features as she pulls out a trump.

Yosannah motions the creatures about her. They mirror their mistress' temperment and seem suddenly more at ease. Yosannah holds out her hand to Crimson.

Riva moves forward and vanishes, leaving behind a rapidly fading afterimage.

Crimson stands up, placing his hand in Yosannah's...

Pasture behind Webbers...

The two appear amidst a pasture. A white mare grazes behind a fence. The dogs dispurse. She concenrates again, clutching Crimson's hand. With a Shimmer they arrive at...

Shoreline Outside Vrokk City...

Crimson looks around, "Vrokk, right?"

Yosannah nods and slides her fingers from his, "Yes."

Crimson says "Haven't been here in a while...."

Yosannah moves nearer the shoreline, arms cross over her chest again. There is a light breeze coming off the dark emerald waters, "My thinking spot." She looks back over her shoulder to regard him, "I got this friend, Jurt, we hang here sometimes."

Crimson steps to the position beside her, fingertips in his pockets. As he looks out over the sea he says, "I know of Jurt... haven't had much interaction with him though."

"You do?" A pause, "Right. Of course you do."

Crimson nods, "Jurt's quite famous, actually. Who else do you know that can fill the WEB with lava on a whim?"

Yosannah offers, almost absent mindedly, "Or a mile wide crater with feathers..."

Crimson lifts a brow, "Haven't heard of that one."

"Heh." Her hair flutters across her face, "Well, you never know," she seems to be mimicking someone else's voice, "when you're gonna get thrown out of a plane and need a place like that."

Crimson chuckles softly.

"You know what I want, Crimson?"

Crimson shakes his head slightly, "What you want?"

Yosannah looks to him, "To be left alone." Then back over the surf, "Just to be left alone."

Crimson draws in a deep breath and exhales slowly, "I'd imagine that's difficult to do when you're a host to one of the horsemen."

"Yep." She stands quietly for a long moment before offering, "Hey, thanks for sticking with me. You might not think so, but half the reason Joshua let me be is because you were there."

Crimson lifts a brow, "Why you say that? He'd mop the floor with me."

Yosannah shakes her head, doubtful, "Nah. Joshua's brash and stupid. While he's mopping the floor with you, I'd rot him from the inside out." She offers you a smile, "He's just one person. No matter the power he wields or the size of the gun he carries." She shakes her head before she goes on, "That's the problem. Folks seem to forget that he's just one man and let him run all over them. Same with Magnus."

"They're two of a kind."

Crimson says "A couple years ago I would have dove at him head first and to hell with the consequences. I guess in my old age I'm getting wiser..."

"Wise is good. Just don't get lazy and complacent, you know?"

Crimson says "I'm far from lazy and rarely complacent. I'm just a little more picky about how often I have to rebuild my body."

Yosannah chuckles, a single short exhileration of breath, "Touche."

Crimson smiles, "You ever had to do that?"

Yosannah shakes her head, "I'm not a shifter. I can't do that."

Crimson hmms, "It's no fun at all." He takes a breath, "Helpless."

Yosannah nods. Obviously in understanding, "It's better then the alternative, Crimson."

Crimson considers the sea silent for a moment before saying, "Sometimes I have to try really hard to remember that."

Yosannah lets her gaze slide to him, subtle, such that he might not notice. She studies him, quiet.

Crimson keeps his gaze out over the sea. He smirks, "But then I eventually remember that I cannot get revenge if I'm dead."

Yosannah offers, "I don't know what loss you've experiences that leads you to say this but I know that in my darkest and most lonely moments I can always come up with a reason to wake up one more day. Even if it's nothing more then a promise."

Crimson hmms, "My kids."

Yosannah gives him a meek smile and a nod, "Yeah." Her tone is bittersweet.

Crimson glances over at Yosannah then back out over the sea, "I can see why you come here."

Yosannah nods, slowly and agreeable as surf washes onto the shore. Rythmic and steady is the ocean's melancholy relic.