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NOTE: This scene takes place on January 6th, 2021
Jolene Logan: It was quickly becoming evident that if she had a favorite breakfast food it was french toast. Once again, she'd ordered them with bacon and sausage. One leg tucked under her on her seat, her hair a mess, her jacket zipped up as some sort of compromise to the cold that bothered him so. She was a little more quiet this morning, introspective maybe, and seemed to realize it, and so she did the only logical thing. She slooowly slid a piece of bacon over to his plate in offering.
Darren Lynch: Perhaps the evening had given them both a lot to think about. Darren hadn't spoken much since they left the park, looking introspective, pensive even. He'd agreed to breakfast before he had to go work and had arrived to meet her there just a bit ago, after his training session and a shower. Quick to order black coffee, a large water, and his green forest omelette again. He wasn't so much into the sweet breakfasts like she was.
The bacon was taken, with a tiniest of smirks. "What's on your mind then?" he asked. It was typical of him to be quiet. Her, not so much.
Jolene Logan: She made a thoughtful little sound "I have a thing tonight, it's not my favorite thing, and I think my companion is going to try and pull some shit based off the shit they pulled last night..." She admits holding a sausage link like a little baton that waved in her fingers as she spoke. She gave a little wrinkle of her nose. Speaking of said companion, For the Fallen, was not making his presence known for this little breakfast. But that tiny smirk of his coaxed one out of her, that settled in the corner of her lips.
Darren Lynch: "We jus' goin' to keep referrin' to it as a thing, or are we goin' to give it a name?" he asked before taking a bite and setting his fork down. He often did so between bites, a slow thoughtful eater.
Jolene Logan: She sat back in the seat, the sausage still between her fingers like any minute now she might actually take a bite, before sinking down a little lower. She looked around a moment "Spirits, they have things they need....things that tie into their being..." She eyed her orange juice and reached out for a drink of it as she debated "He balances...life, death. Those who fell and those who went home...and largely it seems remembrance is a thing these days." She explains softly.
"So...twice a month on the half moon, we tell stories. When the moon is going dark, it's sort of on...how people died.....and when it's going light, how they lived...." She caught her lower lip between her teeth, worrying at it.
Darren Lynch: A flat look was sent in her direction. He knew how spirits worked, though it eased as he realized she was likely explaining how hers worked, and he was being an ass for it. "Tell stories to eachother? Or someone else?" he asked. "If this is somein' (something) you do twice a month, whys it worryin' ya now?" reaching to cut another bite of his food, no bigger than bite sized.
Jolene Logan: She finally managed a bit of the sausage as she considered the question. "Each other, though I mean, anyone could join I guess, it's really about him telling the story I think, but we just kind of do a thing of it." Her lips rubbing together as she debated her words. "The shape he took last night ....he hasn't before" She pauses and swallows "... and I'm worried he's intending to tell a story tonight that I'm not...that I don't...." And she's looking at the sausage, sort of glaring at it, like it's done her wrong while she's hunting for words to explain.
Laura Walker: Food. Food is important to hyenas. Or at least the stereotype that she was altered to represent. And the food in Maddy's tends to be on the quality side, which has worked to lure Laura in. Padding into the diner in jeans and black shirt, she also wears a spiked choker about her neck, the imposing woman trudging towards the bar, where coffee can be acquired. The two already present receive a curious look and a polite nod.
Asbolus: The portal into the diner did what portals do as Asbolus made their way inside, the tall blond-haired fellow dressed casually with a jacket to keep off the winter chill. Even with the Mask firmly in place for the pair already present the Darkling called to mind a finely-honed blade, a certain sharpness in his movements that seemed to cut through the air as he walked. Pale eyes scanned the room as he entered, leading to a polite nod as he spotted the two Blooded and a smile to Laura. "Morning."
Darren Lynch: He looked up at her, chewing quietly and swallowing before he'd reply, his fork set down again. "That man looked a lot like you. Was that your brother you'd spoken of?" the question gentle, but still direct. He'd be kind, but he never babied her.
His attention splits after a moment to the newcomers; emerald green eyes too bright for the rest of his features to really stand a chance study them before giving a single solid nod of recognition and then looking back to Jolene for her answer and reaching to sip his coffee. "You're not what?"
Jolene Logan: She watched him process it, the hand not holding a half eaten sausage moved to play with the he of the jacket that was too big for her, and instead of using words she just nodded a little. Oddly his way seemed to have made more progress than most, there was a steadfastness to it. She looked up at the others as they entered, her own eyes, not unlike Darren's. Too bright, damn near glowing, but where his were emerald her own were more of a sea green.
"Ready..." She answered with the singular word. She wasn't ready to sit down with the once totem and talk about what they'd lost in the last year. Who they'd lost. But spirits, and she knew this better than many, didn't always care what you wanted or needed. She gave a little nod to the new entrances, a little smile on her lips.
Darren Lynch: Darren nodded. "Well, we're often more capable than we realize at dealin' with things because we 'ave no choice. It's a good thin' you'll be doin' it alone then. I don't think the spirit cares if yer cryin'. Best to get it all out. It might be therapeutic for you. Deal with some thin's you haven' yet. Focus your priorities." he sets down his coffee. "You're stronger than you give yourself credit for. A walk down memory lane isn't going to fell you, as painful as it may be."
Asbolus: Asbolus' eyes were peculiar in their own way, the pale blue-grey gaze sharp enough that it felt possible to be peeled down to the core by a simple glance. The talk of facing down one's memories earned a small smirk, wry little thing that it was, as he claimed a menu to look over while he stood by the counter. "If you'll pardon the interjection, while it may not be an easy path to walk it's often worth what you find out along the way."
Jolene Logan: She gave a little sound that was something between a whine and a mew. Because she knew he was right, sooner or later she was going to have to start dealing with the shit she'd run away from. Most people might have been surprised by the mans emotional intelligence, she didn't seem to be. She gave a little nod and looked up at the man who spoke. "....can't we just find things moving forward instead of looking back?" The sprite of a girl offered a soft ball of a challenge to the notion, looking between the men, and finally finishing the sausage she'd been using to punctuate her words.
Darren Lynch: Darren looked back to the other voice again, taking in Asbolus anew. He didn't particularly care for eves droppers but this place was small enough it was hard not to, and the advice he'd lent was along the lines of what Jo needed to hear anyhow.
"Whinin's not becomin'." he said, as if it were a motto beaten into him for years. "If you're scared to face it you mos' likely should. Aye? When it doesn't cause a stirrin' in yer gut, you can pack it away and move on."
He'd allow Jolene to be the social one, inviting the other man to the table or not. It was her dilemma after all.
Asbolus: "Precisely." He nodded to Darren at his final comment, looking to Jolene. "The past can chain you down in ways that you may not realize until you properly examine them, and once you push through that fear and face it a multitude of opportunities can be opened to you."
Jolene Logan: She wrinkled her nose at the little chastisement to her whining "...I'll have you know whining is a perfectly useful tactic." She offered back, and huffed, and since it was turning into Jo's therapy hour, she had a sweeping hand motion to the newest arrival to pull up a seat. Not because she intended to continue the therapy, in fact, the man was her exit plan!
Darren Lynch: "For weans, maybe. I thought you's was a grown ass woman?" he asked her before taking another bite. Obviously they were becoming closer. That was a tone he often used on Fiadh. He finished his bite, and moved his food aside to focus on the new tablemate and his coffee. "This one puts it more poetically than I, but he's jus' as right. I don' often say that about Englishmen, so.... take my word for it." he said to Jo and then looked to Absolus and offered his hand. "Darren Lynch. And you are?"
Asbolus: "I'll take the compliment, rare as it may be." Asbolus said with a small smile, taking the offered seat. "Asbolus. Good to meet you both."
Jolene Logan: She sighed and shrugged her shoulders "It was worth a try." She reasons and finally takes a bite of french toast. Popping it into her mouth as Darren handled the first wave of introductions. Clearly deciding the whining tactic wasn't going to work, she didn't offer a hand, not today, not in this moment, with this set of feelings she was downplaying. "Jolene, nice to meet you Asbolus." She offers, nodding as Darren assured her that Englishmen weren't often right!
Darren Lynch: He watched Jolene for another long moment, his gaze giving away nothing as to what he was thinking in regards to her emotional difficulties. He'd set his coffee on the edge of the table for a refill, and look then towards the new man. Arms crossed and resting against the edge of his side. "So you've 'ad some experience then dealing with emotional challenges then, aye?"
Asbolus: Asbolus took a moment to put in an order for a coffee of his own and a home run omlette sans the chicken when the server came by to refill Darren's cup before looking back to the pair, nodding at the question asked. "The threshold that I crossed to join the wider world that allows us access to this place was not a pleasant one, and I've needed time to sort through what happened and what to do going forward."
Jolene Logan: She slowly looked to Darren, hunting his eyes. Had he known she planned to leverage the new company into a subject change. Had he actively worked to prevent just that. Considering him for a long moment before rubbing the tip of her tongue over her canine, a feral little expression as she took the weight of the moment and turned those sharp eyes back to Asbolus, and leaned forward just slightly, like she was suddenly very interested in what he was saying. "And how do you know when it's time to look back? When has it been enough weeks? Months? Years?" There were moments that reminded she had more in common with creatures and spirits than humans and this was edging close to that, there was just something....sharp about her nature. Not quite aggressive, but edgy.
Darren Lynch: Darren didn't shy away from her eye contact, though he remained quiet, allowing the other man to answer her questions.
Asbolus: "It took about a year for me to properly grasp how much I was missing by hiding from what had been. For you it may be different, but it will come if it hasn't already."
Jolene Logan: She made a little curious sound, her head moving just slightly, a little sharp, like a birds. "Did you process alone or with people?" If she wasn't going to change the subject, well, then she was going to research practices and try and stack the deck in her favor damnit. Her hair a wild mane of curls about her face, and her barely touched breakfast completely forgotten, as the little locus of a girl's attention rotated between Darren and Asbolus.
Darren Lynch: Unless a question was sent directly his way, he'd remain quiet while they spoke.
Asbolus: "Alone at first, but with the help of others once I felt comfortable enough asking for it. The latter helped significantly, if only from having reassurances that I was on the right path despite the inner turmoil it was causing."
Jolene Logan: She made a thoughtful, if tiny bit skeptical hmmm of sound as she leaned back a little and considered him. "And now? Your past? Is there some measure of peace or acceptance?" Her hands moving to smooth over her jacket as if assuring the armor was still in place.
Asbolus: "There is, although it is still in flux as more memories of that time come to the fore. Having the proper foundation helps, though, and knowing that facing what occurred before has helped makes continuing the effort easier."
Darren Lynch: Darren was listening thoughtfully as the two went on, watching Jo's reactions to his words more than Asbolus saying them. He did interject shortly after though. "Having people to help you work through it is a luxury. You should be prepared to face thin's alone when you must as well. No one will pick up our pieces but ourselves in the end. No one but us knows how much of us broke in the process."
Jolene Logan: Which was true! But people are people, even feral, spirit touches Jo, and she hears him, but the part about being able to handle things alone is louder than the rest in her mind. She nods a little, making a thoughtful sound and pushes her fork through the buttery syrup on the plate. "That was helpful, thank you, good talk." She offers to both men, but she looks vaguely like a warrior who suddenly has a battle plan, as if plans are how you handle trauma.
Asbolus: "Welcome. I can give you my number if you'd like if you need someone to talk to going forward."
Darren Lynch: Darren's took note of the sudden change in wind, "Is that you actually 'avin' a plan or jus' not wishin' to discuss it further?"
Jolene Logan: "I'd like your number." She wasn't sure she'd use it, but she'd take it! She took every number she could, you never knew when you might need it! She looked over to Darren and considered "It was helpful....I don't think one conversation is going to get me through the whole of it, but I've learned some things." People were a luxury in dealing with trauma! Sometimes you have to go at it alone. Time frames vary, but this Asbolus fellow had taken about a year to get through things, and she being a competitive sort should try and deal with her issues in less than a year.
She did pause and considered things a moment longer "People survive..." And that was maybe an important thing, one she reminded herself frequently.
Asbolus: Asbolus nodded, taking a moment to pull a small notebook from his pocket and write his number on a fresh page to offer to Jolene. "Like I said at the start, it's not a easy path to walk but it's worth it."
Rieko Sato: The door (or maybe portal) opens up at the front of the diner, and a tall, 20-something woman with mane of shaggy white hair steps inside. The temperature seems to swell with humidity -- like, perhaps someone left the door open for too long -- and the Lost in the room would feel the swell of her terrifyingly high wyrd.
Sato Rieko flashes a toothy grin in Asbolus's direction. She's dressed in rather unorthodox fashion, wearing loud-print harem pants, a flowy crop top (shouldn't she be cold???) and a battered old cowboy hat that's filled with holes.
She pauses by the counter to place her order, hand resting on the hilt of a fucking massive bowie knife that's strapped to her hip via a leather holster of sorts. The staff don't seem at all worried by this, though, so she must be a regular.
... oh, yeah. She's also carrying a sword the size of a person. Just a fucking odachi on her back. In broad fucking daylight.
Darren Lynch: Darren set down his coffee at the sight of Sato, leaning forward a touch as if something interesting just came on the television.
Jolene Logan: And where Darren leaned forward, she leaned back. She knew this place was a sort of mystical, in the know, hang out with rules, but there was no denying the force of impression of a chick walking in a sword that was probably bigger than you. "Friend of yours?" Catching the grin the new arrival cast to Asbolus.
Asbolus: A brief flash of something feral passed through Asbolus' eyes as Rieko entered and the Wyrd followed with her, hackles metaphorically raised in a way that might be familiar to the two Blooded he sat with. He looked over the other Darkling for a moment before he relaxed and gave her a nod. "We're of a kind...don't believe we've actually met yet, however."
Rieko Sato: Rieko finishes placing her order over at the counter, dropping a tip -- all coins, for some reason? -- into the tip jar. She wraps her hands 'round the warm mug of coffee and offers a slight bow of her head in thanks before turning towards the other Lost.
"Sorry if I startled you, friend. I'm still getting used to-" She gestures to herself. "All of this. I promise I am friendly. May I join you all to prove it?"
This, of course, might sound utterly batshit to the non-Lost who can't truly see her, or feel her wyrd, but she doesn't seem to care.
Darren Lynch: Darren knew this place meant safety. In any other setting his gun would have been out already. But here he was able to relax a bit, looking to the woman's weapons more than her. "You could sit at another table and we'd still be able t'talk. The place is tiny," he gestured she have a seat, curious of where she were going to lay down her weapon for its own breakfast.
Jolene Logan: She nodded slowly at the mans words. He didn't know her either. But more than that 'of a kind' was a reminder, this place had more than just wolves. More than what she was familiar with. "Of a kind..." She murmured the sentiment, and then looked to Darren, he was better at threat assessment than her, who either was skittish or reckless and not much in between as her sense of self preservation continued to wax and wane.
"He has a point, not quite sure there is room for all of it...." It clearly the sword her eyes were fixed on "But you can sit near, or pull up a couple chairs or something..." Trying to be hospitable, and yet still a little slunk back.
Asbolus: "No harm no foul. I've dippped back into that well recently myself and it does take some getting used to." Asbolus nodded, the apology accepted with aplumb. "Feel free. Asbolus, by the way."
Rieko Sato: Rieko unslings her sword, delicately placing it along the seat of a booth within arm's reach. The bowie knife stays firmly in place, though, and she offers Asbolus a nod. "Call me Eko," there's a brief smile at the table before she pulls up a chair and seats herself. "Summer. Page of High Noon."
Again, more gibberish to the Non-Lost. Maybe someone's a bit out of touch.
"Nice to meet you, Asbolus." She sips her coffee, one hand still on the odachi, and scratching at the leather strap (that clearly used to belong to a guitar at one point) with a ridiculously long thumbnail. "You're both welcome to call me Eko as well. That's what all the cool people call me." She offers a roguish wink.
Darren Lynch: Darren would have risen, allowing her into the booth and moved to sit on the outside of Jolene's side, so as he's able to keep his exit path. "S'quite the shiv you've got there with you, Eko," he said simply, resettling down at the table. "I take it subtlety isn't a factor among the cool people?"
Jolene Logan: Summer Page of High Noon. Sounded like a tarot card. She stored that tidbit away for later. "Eko." She offered the name back to the woman nodded, still trying to get the measure of the woman, and then seeming to remember herself "Jolene." Offering her name in turn, but not much else just yet, though her too bright eyes were active, and flicking this way and that at her three companions, and what ever flitted in twilight.
Asbolus: "Winter, Page of the Long Midnight." Since they were being formal and whatnot. Asbolus took a moment to doctor his coffee and have a sip before continuing. "It is a rather impressive weapon."
Rieko Sato: "I like to remain armed at all times. I feel most comfortable when I'm prepared for war. Even if I don't have to wage it, it's better to be safe than sorry." Rieko tilts her head to the side, making no comment about the subtlety of her choice in weaponry. "Thank you, Asbolus. I stole it from someone very important, and I hope he'll die mad about it."
Her eyes light up with mischief when Jolene gives her name, but she manages the delivery with a deadpan.
"My, what beautiful green eyes you have, Jolene. I could easily understand how you could easily take my man."
... at which point, her lips crack into a smile, and she hums a few bars from the song. "Sorry. I'm sure you've heard that more times than you can count, but I love Dolly Parton, and I couldn't resist."
Oh, and Rieko's humming is not pretty. Her voice cracks when she tries to hit the high note, and she looks rather embarrassed about that.
Darren Lynch: Darren only nodded, still somewhat distracted by the weaponry as the girl swooned over Jolene. Easy to do of course. "Darren Lynch," he said, offering a hand a moment after. His hand shake was firm, but had no agenda.
Jolene Logan: Jolene apparently doesn't hate the song, despite Eko's instincts being correct and breaks out into finishing what the woman started. Well, at least adding to it. Singing about the first thirty seconds of the song in a haunting, ghostly rendition, versus Dolly's more energetic verse. Letting it fade out, but....the girl could sing, with a vaguely shifty look, she took a sip of her orange juice as Darren introduced himself. (5 sux)
Asbolus: Either he wasn't familiar with the song or was being polite enough not to make the reference, but when Jolene continued to sing where Rieko had left off Asbolus looked suitably impressed. "Very well done..."
Rieko Sato: Rieko's eyes are practically heart-shaped, but she finally tears her gaze away from Jolene to focus on Darren. Her eyes move from the offered hand up to his face, and she peers at him for a long, long time before offering her own to shake.
"Well met, Darren Lynch." She brushes the pad of her thumb over a particularly calloused patch on his knuckle, and her eyes slowly drag down towards his torso -- more specifically, the subtle buldge in his coat just at the ribs where a holster might be -- before rising again to meet those piercing green pupils. "How've things been 'round Kensington lately? Quiet, I hope?"
There's a little glimmer in her eye as she retracts her hand, returning both to the warmth of her mug.
"You've met some very exciting people, Asbolus. How did you all come to know one another?"
Darren Lynch: He slowly turned his head back to Jolene as she sang, and even though the man rarely spoke many words, she could clearly tell she'd just shut him up. A slow blink of realization and perhaps only she could see it in his eyes, a touch of wonder at her ever expanding skill set. "I see..." he said quietly, finally allowing himself to look off her and back at the group and Reiko.
He'd note her subtle gestures in the hand shake and his reaction was non-existent besides acknowledgement. His own shake was firm but had no agenda in her grip, holding eye contact for the length of it. "I don't know much 'a quiet." he'd reply, letting the others add on to the conversation about the city itself, reaching for his coffee again when his hand was free.
Jolene Logan: She gave Absolus a little pleased nod at the compliment, but didn't seem to ham up the attention, content with her little corner of the booth. Though the way Darren looked at her, of all the moments....a slow pink creeped from her collar bone to her brow as she blushed under his appreciation of a newly discovered facet of hers. Then...then she had a pleased little grin, preening slightly as she shifted in her seat.
She watched the exchange between him and Eko though, with a sidelong glance, as they took each others measure.
Asbolus: "We just met, in fact. Nothing too exciting." He smiled a touch at Jolene's blush, taking a sip of his coffee.
Rieko Sato: "I imagine you don't, and I'm very sorry to hear that. There used to be a woman that worked here who lived out that way. Perhaps meeting up with her reveal the path to silence." Rieko smiles at Darren, settling her hands in her lap along with the mug of coffee before turning her attention from the wolf, and towards Asbolus and Jolene. "You have a very lovely singing voice, Jolene. You may not believe me after my... misstep earlier, but I do have something of an ear for these sorts of things." A beat. "It's certainly a very delightful coincidence that we've all met up like this, then. Maddy's is such a wonderful place for meeting new people, and discovering new things."
Darren Lynch: "That so?" the man replied, holding his coffee with one hand and leaning back in the booth. The worn rings on his fingers dull even with the light hitting them. "Not sure a man or woman exists that can do tha' but.. I'd be interested in meetin' 'em." he looked then to Jolene as they went back to her voice. "Full of talents this one is."
Jolene Logan: She looked to Eko, a curiosity in her eyes as she considered the woman "I believe you, maybe it was one moment and your voice is tired for a night singing opera, or maybe you have a keen ear. On something like music, I would never write someone off over one moment...beside it was still fun." She offers though there were plenty of situations where she would write someone off. Her eyes shift back to Darren and she nods.
"I'm a creature of many skills." She agrees wholeheartedly, but partly reminding herself of that, she was capable of more than just being what she was.
Darren Lynch: Darren wanted to say something more, but he held back. Best words saved for a moment alone. "Surrounded by women with many skills. Not a bad way to start a mornin'."
Rieko Sato: Rieko offers a little smile, and then her mouth disappears behind the rim of her mug. Eyes dart between Darren and Jolene for a moment, and she offers a nod. "My partner's voice is absolutely breathtaking -- like a siren sweetly singing -- so I've a bit of practice in picking out quality in this field." She of course says nothing about her own music, but the fact that she all but sang that line from Tales of Brave Ulysses implies she's something of an enthusiast.
"Indeed," she nods at Darren. "I always hate to be that breaks the dance, but if the two of you aren't like Asbolus and I -- and I don't recognize you from one of the other communities -- might I ask where your affiliations lie?"
Jolene Logan: She let her foot find Darren's under the table, just so the outsides of their feet were barely touching. Totally an accident! Probably. Not at all. "Like a siren....luring men to rocks and water?" She says curiously, but there's an impish gleam in her eyes. She looked to Darren, letting him decide how to field the question. She trusted his instincts over hers at the moment.
Darren Lynch: "S'not exactly a fair question, seeing as I 'ave no idea what the fuck a Summer, Page a High Noon is," Darren said in reply when it was left to him.
Rieko Sato: "For the sparkling waves are calling you to kiss their white laced lips." Rieko confirms Jolene's question by sticking out her tongue, but quickly sobers as Darren responds. "Perhaps we can have a friendly exchange of information, then? You could tell me about you and yours, and I could tell you about me and mine. Provided that neither party uses this information to harm the other -- or their people -- in the future, I'd be amenable." Rieko's eyes dart back to the holster under Darren's jacket. "I trust that the mutual competence we've managed to suss out of the other would stand as an appropriate deterrent without me needing a promise from you."
Jolene Logan: She made a thoughtful little sound at the confirmation of a siren siren "Careful any wording you use just in case." She murmured to Darren. It wasn't that she knew much about much, and siren wasn't a lot to draw from without more context, it was that she knew a lot about spirits and their ways, and sometimes there could be overlap. Wording was important, how things were offered, sealed, promised. You could trap with words as surely as a snare.
Darren Lynch: There was a glance spared for Jolene at her comment which had quietly sunk its way to realization. Rather than reply to it though, he returned his attention to Reiko, "I don' right care whatcha are unless it allows you to 'andle those weapons better than you should ought to. I have no desire to spread rumors. I don't deal in information among supernaturals as it's a surefire way to end up dead." he said as if he ought to know. Had he killed someone for that? Hard to say but it seemed possible. "That being said, sure. You go first." gesturing with an open hand.
Rieko Sato: "Fair enough," Rieko offers a little shrug -- but she flashes a wink in Jolene's direction. Just a little acknowledgement of the fact that she gets it even if she doesn't quite get it. "My name is Sato Rieko. I'm a member of one of the -- I think -- larger groups of supernatural people here in Philadelphia. We're not quite refugees, but at times I think that's how we're best likened... and while the Summer Court is not quite the court of warriors, many who are, like me, tend to find comfort and normalcy in it's philosophies." She offers an open-handed gesture to Darren. "Now it's your turn."
Darren Lynch: He wasn't nearly so poetic, "Ah.." You're a Lost was left unsaid. "Wolf Kin." he gave in reply, keeping it short and simple. "Plenty of us roaming about the place but I couldn't compare exact numbers, specially given 'ow you guys tend to come and go."
Jolene Logan: It was an answer, but with a good bit of flourish, she canted her head curiously and nodded as Darren spoke. "Both of us....more of us here than most cities from what I've heard." Which was true! though in their circles, so far she'd only met Darren.
Rieko Sato: "Fair enough," Rieko makes no apologies for her dramatics, but she does look pleased at the response. There's a moment of pause, and she turns her head towards the front counter, peering towards the kitchen for a few moments. Something akin to a dog staring at a patch of nothingness. "They'll be finished with my order in a few moments. Is there anything else you'd like to know? I'm an open book for the next two minutes."
Darren Lynch: "A warrior then? How's that apply to Philadelphia?" curious of her day job if she had one. Or what allowed her to walk around with such a weapon out in the open.
Jolene Logan: She gently nudged Darren's shoulder "I should head out, I have some things I need to do for the thing tonight, but I'll text you later?" Tentatively, the truth was, she sort of hated parting ways with Darren. She told herself that it was a ridiculous instinct, and like he said, people were a luxury! But he was her favorite luxury. Her stomach twisted at the little conflict of feelings.
Rieko Sato: "I'm sure you're aware that sometimes things aren't always as they seem," Rieko waves her hand. "Ogres are like onions. Something something. Layers. Warriors are needed everywhere especially when threats can come from within or without -- and even if they weren't, it's far better to be a warrior going for a walk in a garden, than a gardener who finds themselves amidst a warzone."
She offers a kind smile to Jolene. "It was lovely meeting you. I hope you keep singing -- and maybe I'll hear you on the radio someday."
She waits until Jolene excuses herself before continuing. "Why is it that you feel trapped? That no man or woman exists who can lead you from your path?" This is, of course, an assumption on Rieko's part, but she asks it with all the conviction of someone who knows.
Darren Lynch: Darren rises out of the booth at the other blooded's urging so that Jolene can leave. Allowing her to scoot out and then pulling her close and placing a kiss on the top of her head. "You're goin' to walk away from tonight stonger. Remember that goin' in." he said holding her gaze. "Be good." a thumb ran over her jaw before he sent her on her way, retaking his seat and watching her go. It wasn't until she were completely gone that his undivided attention returned to Rieko.
"I wouldn't say trapped. I'd say the world I run is is never endin'. It was created out of peace and peace won't dissolve it." He rolled a shoulder. "Tis what it tis."
Jolene Logan: "It was nice to meet you Eko....no radio's for me I think, but I'm sure you'll catch me humming or singing sometime." She assures the woman, though it really wasn't a frequent thing despite her obvious talent. She turned her attention to Darrekn, letting her eyes close at the kiss to the top of her head giving a little content sigh before looking up at him, nodding slowly at his words of encouragement, pressing ever so slightly into the run of his thumb over her skin. "I'll be good." She promised, though who knew exactly what that meant, before she turned and headed out. (thanks for the rp!)
Rieko Sato: Rieko offers a little wave as Jolene departs, sipping from her cup until the blooded crosses the portal's threshold.
"I understand that entirely. That's an experience all of us also share, I think. The world is violent, and it seemingly acts without care for the safety or well-being of others." She offers a shrug. "For a very long time I did nothing but run when trouble reared it's ugly head, but moving to Philadelphia represents a new chapter in this story for me. One where I will struggle and fight with bull-headed determination rather than flee. I found something worth staying and planting my feet for. Perhaps it'll be similar for you?"
Her eyes dart to the portal once more, and then back.
Darren Lynch: He looks back to the door. "She's not why I'm 'ere. She's a temporary benefit before she moves on to better thin's." he explained. "Truth be told I don' much care about the supernatural way a thin's anymore. My focus is on mortal issues once again. Kensington to be exact. I was raised to do it and so I shall." he said, without any hint of sadness.
Rieko Sato: Rieko begins mouthing something under her breath as she watches the portal. Like a countdown, perhaps? What a fuckin' weird lady. She doesn't really stop, even while nodding at Darren's words.
Ziv: The portal opens and a small, slender person in a pink leather jacket, shaggy hair hanging down to their shoulders, pushes their way in. Ziv's wearing a pair of black jeans, a t-shirt that reads QUEER AS FUCK, and glittery boots with mermaid scale patterns on them. They're absently humming to themself, quite prettily so, and looking down at their phone.
Rieko Sato: "Ziv!" Rieko calls out, waving at the newcomer. "I had a feeling you'd show up sooner or later -- I even ordered to-go for you. Come join us? You can meet my new friend -- though, you just missed his companion. Which is tragic, her singing voice is lovely..."
Darren Lynch: "She's usually the better of us to 'ave met. I apologize." Darren said as the second person arrived. Clearly not a warrior as Reiko was, Darren slipped back a touch into his dormancy, assuming the topic at hand was put away.
Ziv: "Eko!" Still holding their phone in one hand, Ziv runs across the space between themself and the Gargantuan, flinging themself bodily at her. "Oh, lovely!" There's a none-too-subtle wash of the scent of cool air, the smell of cool water, like walking by a river at nighttime. "Hello! You can call me Ziv." Their voice is a lovely contralto, musical in every word.
Rieko Sato: Rieko's aloofness seems to melt the moment her arms wrap around Ziv, and she offers the little Spring a hearty hug in return. "I don't know that you're correct about that, Darren. I quite like you already -- and not just because I've sized you up and found you to be interesting. You played my odd, cryptic game, and that's not to be discounted in the slightest."
Darren Lynch: Darren's emerald green eyes which left the rest of his features pale in comparison studied Ziv in those few moments before a curt nod of recognition and welcome to the table. "Darren Lynch," he said simply. He was comfortable and collected on his side of the booth, not quite spread out in it, but at 6'4 one had to get comfortable. "Not much to me to be 'onest. But that's quite a compliment from a woman with a sword as big as she is."
Ziv: For those who can't see their mien, the loudest and most colorful thing about Ziv is (at least at the moment), their clothing. At least the baby pink leather jacket and sparkly boots. Nearly a foot shorter than Darren, and well over a foot shorter than Eko, they fold comfortably into the booth next to her. Not a warrior at all, nope, totally not dangerous in any way whatsoever. "Yeah, she does have a super massive sword," Ziv sighs winsomely. "What did you order me, Cowboy?"
Rieko Sato: "Tiramisu, and a coffee." She offers them a playful little elbow in the ribs, scooting from her chair to the booth -- and moving her odachi from the booth behind them into the chair she just vacated. As if on queue, the kitchen calls her order, and Rieko moves to fetch the food. She slides Ziv's food in front of them, and then settles with her own plate of sausage, bacon, eggs and hashbrowns.
"I try to make friends with everyone I meet who carries at least three weapons. It just seems like a smart move," she flashes a grin at Darren before starting to vacuum her food up.
Darren Lynch: "I'm not often considered a man to be friends with," he said simply, "You'll 'ave to pardon me while I get used to that." he said, still sipping his coffee, letting them eat. He seemed near the end of his final cup.
Ziv: The Siren seems content to let the conversation flow around them, tipping their chin up toward Rieko when she brings the food and fluttering their eyelashes at her. "It's one of those things, Eko makes friends with nearly everyone," they offer mildly, forking up a chunk of fresh waffle with tiramisu toppings. One hand reaches to absently recenter the catch on the necklace they wear, a small silver Star of David.
Rieko Sato: "People are very friendly here, so long as you mind your manners and what-not." Rieko says, mouth full of food. Wowee. Such manners! Very decorum. "Or at least I am, anyway. People always seem to respond well, even though I'm very odd at times."
There's a beat. "... what did you mean when you told Jolene to stay out of trouble? Is she going to attempt something dangerous this evening?" Rieko's eyes glitter with curiosity. Which is particularly funny, considering her cheeks are puffed out like a cartoon squirrel hoarding food.
Darren Lynch: Darren notes the necklace, but there's not a reaction to it otherwise, seemingly indifferent to the religion despite his own. "Ave you seen that girl? She invites trouble with a smile. Of course I told 'er to be good. She can' 'elp it 'alf the time." he took in a breath. "She's dealin' with sommin' personal. It's nothin' she won' survive. She jus'... needs to 'ave more faith in 'erself."
Ziv: The Siren contentedly fills their mouth with waffles and coffee in alternating bites, and their head tips slightly to the side. Perhaps interestingly, it is the moment where Darren talks about Jolene needing to have more faith in herself when the Joyeux blinks slowly, like a curious cat.
Rieko Sato: "Fair enough," Rieko snorts at the comment. "I won't pry at the moment, but whatever the reason, I wish her well -- and I hope that she finds the faith to overcome whatever troubles her."
She washes down a mouthful of food with a swig of coffee, and leans back in her booth. "Would you like to swap numbers? Maybe we can spar sometime?"
Darren Lynch: He raised a brow at that, but slowly nodded. "Jus' remember, I can't be down for the count too long when you break me in 'alf." he said, pulling out his phone.
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