Lillian opened her eyes to have them meet with Marmaduke. Wha? When did she get home? What happened last night? Ugh...she couldn't really remember.
Everything was fuzzy...but oh her head! That was one thing that actually remained crystal clear. It ached so bad! What had she been up to last night?
"Tyson..." Lillian moaned into the deserted house. When there was no response, relief swelled inside of her. Good. He was still at his friends house. She still had sometime to get herself together before it was pick-up time.
As Lillian began to rub her head, trying to stop the aching that didn't dull, the doorbell rang. It gave the young woman a jump, due to surprise that someone actually got through...as well as the awful noise! Why did their doorbell have to be so loud!?
Slowly and steadily, Lillian began to stand. Her body didn't wish to obey, and it made that clear by wobbly to and fro. "Come on...work with me here!" Lillian hissed to her feeble legs as she began to stalk through the living room. On her way over to the door she noticed her wig and coat were scattered in the foyer.
Since she didn't want to show how messy she could get it to the one standing outside. Lillian quickly scooped up her possessions, dismayed that she had left them out. She nearly gagged at the aroma of her clothing once she held them in her arms. Alcohol! They reeked of alcohol! So THAT's what she was doing last night!
Memories of the night before surged through her brain as she recoverd from her brief memroy loss. Such as her idea of beliving all adults drink, and that since she had to become an adult...she had to drink like them too.
But now, as she suffered from the after effects of what all drinkers like to call the dreaded "Hang Over". Lillian had begun to regret her stupid decision of making that fake id and slipping into the bar. Yes, some interesting things took place between her and three other women....she enjoyed hearing them. Yet, was all this pain something she wanted to keep?
The piercing doorbell rang once more as the visitor grew anxious. Lillian recoiled at the noise and set down her smelly things on the nearest table. When that short task was accomplished, the young woman headed over to the door.
On her way over, sickness made itself known in the pits of her stomach. Thoughts of vomitting up the alcohol had already begun to make itself known to Lil. She knew that she needed a bathroom...but the visitor! She could holed down the sickness for a little longer to answer the door. Atleast, she hoped she could.
Reaching out to the door, she quickly unlocked the door and opened it up. Ahhh...fresh air! That put a smile on Lil's face. Yet....the visiting person did not.
"Cid? What do you want?" Lillian asked gruffily as she grasped the door, ready to shut it in the intruding man's face. Take on step forward bud....I dare ya... Were Lillian's thoughts as her hazel eyes followed the man's movement.
The skinny little character just grinned and leaned into the doorway,"Heya Hun! Just thought I would drop by. My buddy is busy working and I thought I'd take you and your brother out for icecream. How does that sound?" He asked, eyeing Lillian as he hoped she would take the bait.
"Um...how about no? Tyson isn't even here you dimbo. Get out." Lillian told him, a growl making itself known in her voice. She didn't need this man knocking on her door when she felt so sick. The only company she wanted now was that of good old trusty Mr. Toilet. Maybe Mrs. Advil would join in on the party too?
Lillian gasped as she suddenly felt a tingling in the back of her throat. Her salvary glands were on holiday as the sweet feeling entered her mouth. Oh God no....she was gonna-!
The poor girl didn't have time to run to the bathroom. Already she was doubled over and spewing the awful alcohol out. She could hear Cid crying out in agony as Lillian's "attack" hit his beloved crocodile shoes.
Entry :: Thread Link
Title :: "I've Never Seen You Shine so Bright"
Song :: "Lady in Red" by Chris De Burgh
:: Featuring ::
Niksia, Alex (Chrystali), Shuura, and Lillian (Ac.Wings)
Natsuki Yanagitani
Natsuki walked in a daze. She was cold, wet, and smelling of salt water. Finding a bar near the side of the road, she entered and made a bee-line for the bar keeper. Her gray eyes were dark like storm clouds, completely devoid of their usual sparkle and charm. In the dim lighting, her blood splattered clothes made her look like an overzealous painter. Staring at the bartender through her curtain of disheveled hair, she sighed in relief when he handed her a warm hand cloth to wear off the chill.
"I want an Dirty Girl Scout. The strongest you've got," Natsuki said, placing a large bill on the counter. "I want it double tall, light on the ice, and none of the cheap stuff either. I want to get drunk, very fast."
She ignored everything around her, and simply watched the coffee liquer, Irish cream, vodka, and creme de menthe mingle with the ice. Taking her drink and coaster, she found herself an empty corner booth, and took a seat. Taking out her mobile phone, she dialed Alex's number.
"The Crusty Barnacle on Route 53. If you are free," Natsuki said in weak and raspy voice. "I need a friend. It's Natsuki..."
"I want an Dirty Girl Scout. The strongest you've got," Natsuki said, placing a large bill on the counter. "I want it double tall, light on the ice, and none of the cheap stuff either. I want to get drunk, very fast."
She ignored everything around her, and simply watched the coffee liquer, Irish cream, vodka, and creme de menthe mingle with the ice. Taking her drink and coaster, she found herself an empty corner booth, and took a seat. Taking out her mobile phone, she dialed Alex's number.
"The Crusty Barnacle on Route 53. If you are free," Natsuki said in weak and raspy voice. "I need a friend. It's Natsuki..."
Niksia
Niksia had been taking a nightly walk when she got caught in the weather. Rather than force herself home in the pouring rain, which was currently too far away to consider, she nipped into the nearest open business at this hour instead.
A bar, wonderful. At least it was relatively quiet and low key. She took a black cloth from a pocket and wiped her face dry before sliding onto a stool at the bar.
'Hmmm... Just a soda, thank you.'
Passing a bill across the bar she left the change sitting there as she sipped at her drink, watching the weather through unappealing window.
'To you, Mother Nature.'
[[Liberties with weather, bad me! *smack*]]
A bar, wonderful. At least it was relatively quiet and low key. She took a black cloth from a pocket and wiped her face dry before sliding onto a stool at the bar.
'Hmmm... Just a soda, thank you.'
Passing a bill across the bar she left the change sitting there as she sipped at her drink, watching the weather through unappealing window.
'To you, Mother Nature.'
[[Liberties with weather, bad me! *smack*]]
Alex (Chrystali)
There was a 7 minute lapse between Natsuki's call and the moment Alex's boot touched in the inside of the bar's floor. The woman's normally peaceful expression was torn between doubt and worry, the latter of which dominated her face when she saw the familiar but bedraggled form of Natsuki. She'd recognize that hair anywhere.
The woman moved with purpose through the bar, ignoring the other patrons. She extended her hand to Natsuki's back, hesitating a fraction of a second before settling it against the cold clothes of her friend. Alex carefully placed her own slightly damp self next to Natsuki, concern creasing her brow. The other woman seemed well and unhurt, although she did note the strange pattern of...of something on her clothes.
"Natsuki," she said quietly, green eyes dark.
The woman moved with purpose through the bar, ignoring the other patrons. She extended her hand to Natsuki's back, hesitating a fraction of a second before settling it against the cold clothes of her friend. Alex carefully placed her own slightly damp self next to Natsuki, concern creasing her brow. The other woman seemed well and unhurt, although she did note the strange pattern of...of something on her clothes.
"Natsuki," she said quietly, green eyes dark.
Natsuki
Natsuki dropped back the drink like a frat boy, taking large gulps without stopping until she drained the glass. The creamy drink went down easy, and started warming up her system quickly. She slammed the cup back on the table in satisfaction, taking a large sigh as the alcohol coursed through her system.
"Keep these comin', Boss," Natsuki called to a passing waiter, sliding her glass over to the edge of the table. A bemused smiled crossed her face as the waiter picked up the glass, and looked at it. "It's a Dirty Girl Scout. Does good deeds, but is naught at the same time... like me."
Natsuki subconsciously, patted her bag as she talked. Keeping the strap, looped over her leg, so she wouldn't forget it in her drunken state. Crossing on long leg over the other, she ran her fingers through her hair with a twinge of impatience. The bar tender hustled the drink over personally, and Natsuki polished it off like it was child's play. With an empty stomach, the young lady would be getting drunk... and doing it very fast.
Then Alex walked in the door.
"There you are, darling!" Natsuki giggled, waving her hand at her friend. Kicking a chair out with her wet shoe, she smiled. "Pull up a chair, Al! You're never going to believe the story I am about to tell you."
"Keep these comin', Boss," Natsuki called to a passing waiter, sliding her glass over to the edge of the table. A bemused smiled crossed her face as the waiter picked up the glass, and looked at it. "It's a Dirty Girl Scout. Does good deeds, but is naught at the same time... like me."
Natsuki subconsciously, patted her bag as she talked. Keeping the strap, looped over her leg, so she wouldn't forget it in her drunken state. Crossing on long leg over the other, she ran her fingers through her hair with a twinge of impatience. The bar tender hustled the drink over personally, and Natsuki polished it off like it was child's play. With an empty stomach, the young lady would be getting drunk... and doing it very fast.
Then Alex walked in the door.
"There you are, darling!" Natsuki giggled, waving her hand at her friend. Kicking a chair out with her wet shoe, she smiled. "Pull up a chair, Al! You're never going to believe the story I am about to tell you."
Niksia
[[That answered my question. razz ]]
Niksia pondered what she heard over her shoulder, half turning her head to focus more clearly. She wasn't being nosy, far as she liked to think of it, she was in a public place after all. It was just, taking an interest.
It didn't take long to become loud enough for it to pass into the realm of easily overheard conversation. Tilting her head thoughtfully, she felt a strain of familiarity for a moment.
Maybe a little later she'd turn around properly to look at the source, right now she was stuck in her patented habits of lying low. Information was important.
Niksia pondered what she heard over her shoulder, half turning her head to focus more clearly. She wasn't being nosy, far as she liked to think of it, she was in a public place after all. It was just, taking an interest.
It didn't take long to become loud enough for it to pass into the realm of easily overheard conversation. Tilting her head thoughtfully, she felt a strain of familiarity for a moment.
Maybe a little later she'd turn around properly to look at the source, right now she was stuck in her patented habits of lying low. Information was important.
Chrystali
Alex tilted her head, observing Natsuki as she did most people she didn't know. She was smiling like Alex was used to, but that was probably the kiss of the alcohol making her so giddy. There was something dark around her eyes, and judging from her remark about a story, things were going to become clear quite soon. She impatiently waved off a waiter without ever looking at him, still curious as to the condition of Natsuki.
"Tell me a story and we'll see," she replied, offering a wan smile. It was hard to surprise the woman with stories, as she'd read some and lived a few of her own. Especially after the Raevans...she wasn't sure she had the capacity to be shocked anymore. But, she caught herself, every time you think that, you're proven wrong. Keep an open mind this time.
Green eyes turned to the bartender, offering a dark warning due to her friend's fragile condition, before Alex's full attention was on the excited woman before her. She was hoping everything was okay, but the more she looked at the splattered pattern on Natsuki's clothes, the less she believed the story was going to be a happy one.
"Tell me a story and we'll see," she replied, offering a wan smile. It was hard to surprise the woman with stories, as she'd read some and lived a few of her own. Especially after the Raevans...she wasn't sure she had the capacity to be shocked anymore. But, she caught herself, every time you think that, you're proven wrong. Keep an open mind this time.
Green eyes turned to the bartender, offering a dark warning due to her friend's fragile condition, before Alex's full attention was on the excited woman before her. She was hoping everything was okay, but the more she looked at the splattered pattern on Natsuki's clothes, the less she believed the story was going to be a happy one.
Shuura
Shuura straightened up ever so slightly the moment Natsuki had step foot into the bar. The teenager could distinctly sense the smell of blood, although at this point she couldn't really tell or care who was the cause of it. For some reason alcohol heightened her senses instead of dulling it, and the dank bar she was in was so sharply in focus that it was hurting her eyes. She closed them.
Situated near the far shadowed corner of the bar, the dark-haired girl was quickly becoming inebriated, continuing to bum free drinks off one of the bartenders. "Another cossmo......" she demanded, with the slightest hint of a slur. "Heavy on the cranberry syrup....you know how I like it." Ahh, the convenience of a fake I.D.. Shuura was 22 years old to anyone who was concerned, and being ex-coworkers with Timothy, the bartender tending this end of the bar, didn't hurt things either. Sipping down the intoxicating beverage, Shuura leaned forward until she was in danger of falling off her bar stool, an almost-lopsided smile revealing a set of curiously pointed canine teeth.
Ac.Wings
As the occupants of the bar enjoyed their drinking and chattering, it was obvious one wouldn't notice the new customer. Atleast...that's what the newcomer had hoped as she tried to fix her hair. She couldn't afford her make up running or her hair acting fussy. If that occured, her illusion of appearing older would fade as quickly as it had been made.
Lillian couldn't help but curse under her breath at her current conditions. Why did the weather have to get so bad out so quickly? On the night she was actually taking such a high risk too! Well...compared to the things she was already involved in, it was hard to call such a stunt a real risk.
As the teenager pondered about it, she actually begun to wonder if someone up above was telling her that this wasn't a good idea. Bah...she looked the part...no one would know that it was a sixteen year old hiding behind the make up and wig. Many teens forged I.D.'s, and drinking couldn't be that bad since every adult did it.
As Lillian thought it over, her confidence had returned. She could do it! Everyone said it was a piece of cake. You just show them your fake I.D., order a drink, and you're home free. All she had to do was order a drink...
Lillian stared up at the selections, her confidence diminshing as she became utterly confused with the names. What the heck!? How much alcohol did these have in them? Why did they have such odd names...how was she supposed to know which was actually good? Ugh...maybe this was going to be harder than she thought. If she asked about the drinks that would draw attention to herself, and she didn't want that at all.
'M-Maybe I should go...Wait! N-No! I came here to do what adults do! I can't say that I'm an adult if I haven't gotten drunk off my rump before!' Lillian's determined thoughts cried as she clutched her purse that contained her key to a drink.
Lillian couldn't help but curse under her breath at her current conditions. Why did the weather have to get so bad out so quickly? On the night she was actually taking such a high risk too! Well...compared to the things she was already involved in, it was hard to call such a stunt a real risk.
As the teenager pondered about it, she actually begun to wonder if someone up above was telling her that this wasn't a good idea. Bah...she looked the part...no one would know that it was a sixteen year old hiding behind the make up and wig. Many teens forged I.D.'s, and drinking couldn't be that bad since every adult did it.
As Lillian thought it over, her confidence had returned. She could do it! Everyone said it was a piece of cake. You just show them your fake I.D., order a drink, and you're home free. All she had to do was order a drink...
Lillian stared up at the selections, her confidence diminshing as she became utterly confused with the names. What the heck!? How much alcohol did these have in them? Why did they have such odd names...how was she supposed to know which was actually good? Ugh...maybe this was going to be harder than she thought. If she asked about the drinks that would draw attention to herself, and she didn't want that at all.
'M-Maybe I should go...Wait! N-No! I came here to do what adults do! I can't say that I'm an adult if I haven't gotten drunk off my rump before!' Lillian's determined thoughts cried as she clutched her purse that contained her key to a drink.
Natsuki
"So, yesterday I went to the West Barton Bazaar, and bought this tea infuser called 'The Tea Genie'. Guaranteed to make The Best Tea in the world!" Natsuki started, leaning heavily on the table, and beckoning Alex closer with her flapping, drunken hand. "Got home, and sure enough, the Tea Genie was a REAL genie. Rub the lamp. Glittering smoke. Grant ya three wishes GENIE!"
She giggled, and shook her head, having the suspicion that her friend might back away and tell the barkeep to cut her off. Natsuki recounted the tale in long, gory detail. From striking the deal with the djinniyeh, Princess Noor Jawahir, in which Natsuki promised the liberate the cursed woman from her servitude, in exchange for her soul to be used in the creation of her raevan. Toying with the lip of her empty glass while she signaled to the bartender for another, a rosy blush swept her cheeks and her eyes focused.
"I could have wished for anything, Alex. I mean, I had three... one-two-three wishes, that I could have used, but you know, djinn are really tricky. And Noor was a Marid-- one of the most powerful of her kind," Natsuki pouted counting with her fingers and waving them at her friend. "So I had to be careful what I wished for, ya know? Thank ya, handsoooome..." she drawled at the other waiter, who was rather far from being handsome on any scale, unless someone found sweaty, nasty, and unkempt attractive. Clearly, Natsuki's beer goggles were hard at work.
She giggled, and shook her head, having the suspicion that her friend might back away and tell the barkeep to cut her off. Natsuki recounted the tale in long, gory detail. From striking the deal with the djinniyeh, Princess Noor Jawahir, in which Natsuki promised the liberate the cursed woman from her servitude, in exchange for her soul to be used in the creation of her raevan. Toying with the lip of her empty glass while she signaled to the bartender for another, a rosy blush swept her cheeks and her eyes focused.
"I could have wished for anything, Alex. I mean, I had three... one-two-three wishes, that I could have used, but you know, djinn are really tricky. And Noor was a Marid-- one of the most powerful of her kind," Natsuki pouted counting with her fingers and waving them at her friend. "So I had to be careful what I wished for, ya know? Thank ya, handsoooome..." she drawled at the other waiter, who was rather far from being handsome on any scale, unless someone found sweaty, nasty, and unkempt attractive. Clearly, Natsuki's beer goggles were hard at work.
Niksia
With raised brow Niksia listened intently to Natsuki's tale, still not having turned around enough to realise who she was listening to. The fact that she mentioned Raevan sparked her mind though, it hadn't been that long since her first proper contact and the thought of it was still fresh in her mind.
Lowering herself to the bar, head resting on her arms, she glanced around to look at her storyteller. Did she know who that was? It was hard to tell. She had a promise to keep, say sorry to Natsuki about leaving at the Valentine's day events so suddenly.
Something strange going on...
Lowering herself to the bar, head resting on her arms, she glanced around to look at her storyteller. Did she know who that was? It was hard to tell. She had a promise to keep, say sorry to Natsuki about leaving at the Valentine's day events so suddenly.
Something strange going on...
Ac.Wings
"I think I'll have....that one!" Lillian told the bartender as she pointed a finger to the drink she was interested in. She already flashed her forged I.D. to him and he went merrily on his way in getting what she had asked for. When he returned with it, Lil gave him the money and turned away from the counter.
'That was easy enough...' The teenager thought as she picked up her drink and took a wiff of it.
The young woman's face suddenly contorted to one of discomfort and distaste. It smelled awful! Wasn't this supposed to be a sweet drink that she ordered?
Lillian gave a defeated sigh as she turned on her heel, holding the drink close as she looked about for a place to sit. In her search she heard the loud voices...but who couldn't? Whoever was talking could be heard clearly where Lil stood.
Out of curiousity Lillian moved closer to the booth Natsuki was seated at. Lil became bolder as she sneaked a peek at the speakers face. Lil was a girl who never forgot a face, she pinned the face to the woman who had told her where Tyson was during that festival! Boy....was she drunk if she was talking about such odd things. A genie? Bah...she must have been delusional or drunk a lot to be saying she saw a REAL genie.
'That was easy enough...' The teenager thought as she picked up her drink and took a wiff of it.
The young woman's face suddenly contorted to one of discomfort and distaste. It smelled awful! Wasn't this supposed to be a sweet drink that she ordered?
Lillian gave a defeated sigh as she turned on her heel, holding the drink close as she looked about for a place to sit. In her search she heard the loud voices...but who couldn't? Whoever was talking could be heard clearly where Lil stood.
Out of curiousity Lillian moved closer to the booth Natsuki was seated at. Lil became bolder as she sneaked a peek at the speakers face. Lil was a girl who never forgot a face, she pinned the face to the woman who had told her where Tyson was during that festival! Boy....was she drunk if she was talking about such odd things. A genie? Bah...she must have been delusional or drunk a lot to be saying she saw a REAL genie.
Natsuki
Swirling her glass skeptically, Natsuki's eyes narrowed at the formerly attractive server who had the nerve to bring her water of all things. Rolling her eyes in annoyance she, figured the sooner she'd polish off the water, the faster she'd get the hard stuff back. However, she was temporarily in disposed and needed to use the dank facilities. Slinging her heavy bag over her shoulder, she patted Alex heartily on the shoulder before waddling toward the ladies' room.
"Stay tuned, 'Lexi! There's more after this commerical break," Natsuki giggled, dragging herself toward the bathroom. Looking around, she gasped seeing familiar faces. Shuura, Niksia, and the other girl she met briefly at the Partie D'Amour were all in attendance. Thankfully, it seemed that all three ladies were unaccompanied. The perfect makings of a ladies' night!"Shuu-shuu, Niksie, and girl with the really obnoxious little brother--- come over and join us. We're having a riot of a time."
At that, Natsuki dramatically flung herself through the door... of the men's room. With a boisterous cackle, she reemerged, and drove through the door of the ladies' room. "Ooopsieeee!"
"Stay tuned, 'Lexi! There's more after this commerical break," Natsuki giggled, dragging herself toward the bathroom. Looking around, she gasped seeing familiar faces. Shuura, Niksia, and the other girl she met briefly at the Partie D'Amour were all in attendance. Thankfully, it seemed that all three ladies were unaccompanied. The perfect makings of a ladies' night!"Shuu-shuu, Niksie, and girl with the really obnoxious little brother--- come over and join us. We're having a riot of a time."
At that, Natsuki dramatically flung herself through the door... of the men's room. With a boisterous cackle, she reemerged, and drove through the door of the ladies' room. "Ooopsieeee!"
Niksia
Surprised at being recognized, Niksia's eyebrows shot up somewhere in the region of her hairline. It was Natsuki! The voice had been familiar, if rather roughed and slurred by booze, and Niksia was far too good at remembering people.
While Natsuki took the time to depart to at least one restroom, hopefully returning unharmed eventually, Niksia took her drink from the bar with a resigned look on her face. Sliding off the stool she took a chair near the booth and shrugged her jacket onto it. Too warm now, mostly due to embarrassment, and the scarf was in its normal place.
'I didn't expect to be remembered... I don't usually visit bars...'
She managed it as a faint introduction to everyone else being roped into Natsuki's night of... Confession?
'I'm called Niksia. Though she wasn't as far off as I expected.'
While Natsuki took the time to depart to at least one restroom, hopefully returning unharmed eventually, Niksia took her drink from the bar with a resigned look on her face. Sliding off the stool she took a chair near the booth and shrugged her jacket onto it. Too warm now, mostly due to embarrassment, and the scarf was in its normal place.
'I didn't expect to be remembered... I don't usually visit bars...'
She managed it as a faint introduction to everyone else being roped into Natsuki's night of... Confession?
'I'm called Niksia. Though she wasn't as far off as I expected.'
Ac.Wings
Lillian nearly jumped out of her 'disguise' when Natsuki addressed her. The young woman looked utterly confused once more as she watched the other hobble about. This time it wasn't over drinks though. Should she go? Did she REALLY want to spend the night with drunkies?
As she watched Natsuki stumble about, Lillian made up her mind. She might as well join the drinking party. They seemed friendly enough and maybe she could achieve her goal. All she had to do was make sure she didn't get as drunk as that woman and stumble into the....men's bathroom....
When she saw that Natsuki successfullty made it into the ladies bathroom. Lillian headed to the booth were the rest of the woman were. She broke out into a wide smile as her nerves eased while she introduce herself.
"Hello there, I'm Lillian! I hope everyones is enjoying their drinks!" She told them politely as she sat herself down in the booth.
'Just remain cheerful! Take a swig of the drink and be happy. You came to get drunk! You're going to do it! Just....please self don't get so drunk and stumble into the men's room...' Lillian told herself as her eyes fell to the alcoholic beverage which she still hadn't tasted yet.
As she watched Natsuki stumble about, Lillian made up her mind. She might as well join the drinking party. They seemed friendly enough and maybe she could achieve her goal. All she had to do was make sure she didn't get as drunk as that woman and stumble into the....men's bathroom....
When she saw that Natsuki successfullty made it into the ladies bathroom. Lillian headed to the booth were the rest of the woman were. She broke out into a wide smile as her nerves eased while she introduce herself.
"Hello there, I'm Lillian! I hope everyones is enjoying their drinks!" She told them politely as she sat herself down in the booth.
'Just remain cheerful! Take a swig of the drink and be happy. You came to get drunk! You're going to do it! Just....please self don't get so drunk and stumble into the men's room...' Lillian told herself as her eyes fell to the alcoholic beverage which she still hadn't tasted yet.
Natsuki
Natsuki staggered from the bathroom, feeling such relief and elation. After her venture into the men's room, part of her sobered up really quickly. The bright lights in the women's room, clearly showed her what a sight she really was. Using the soap, water, and hand dryer, Natsuki made herself a little more respectable, and less like the waking undead. Though heavily inebriated, she looked much better than when she first entered the bar. Aside from the blood stains gritted into her clothes, she looked more or less like herself again.
"Sorry to keep you all waiting. I had to pay my water bill, and there was a bit of a line," Natsuki snorted, setting her bag back on the bench and plopping herself down. Her strawberry blonde hair was slicked back into a tight bun in a deeper shade of red. "So, I was telling Alex here about this genie I met, and how I set her free. Unfortunately, my story gets much darker from here on out, and it's not for the weak of heart. Are you ready?"
Still heavily drunk, Natsuki's flair for the dramatic took hold, leaving the possibility that everything said could in fact, be false.
"Sorry to keep you all waiting. I had to pay my water bill, and there was a bit of a line," Natsuki snorted, setting her bag back on the bench and plopping herself down. Her strawberry blonde hair was slicked back into a tight bun in a deeper shade of red. "So, I was telling Alex here about this genie I met, and how I set her free. Unfortunately, my story gets much darker from here on out, and it's not for the weak of heart. Are you ready?"
Still heavily drunk, Natsuki's flair for the dramatic took hold, leaving the possibility that everything said could in fact, be false.
Niksia
Niksia tipped her drink to Lillian silently, taking a sip as she waited for Natsuki to return. When she did Niksia listened thoughtfully to what she had to say, smirking slightly at her joke helplessly.
'Weak at heart I'm not. I would like to hear what else happened.'
She tipped her drink a little to Natsuki this time, encouraging her to continue her tale.
'Weak at heart I'm not. I would like to hear what else happened.'
She tipped her drink a little to Natsuki this time, encouraging her to continue her tale.
Chrystali
Alex rubbed her temples, her face half buried in her palms. She had to threaten bodily harm to the bartender and his waiters if they kept giving Natsuki drinks...at least drinks with heavy alcohol content. Apparently her promise of making a fresh batch of wolf food had worked, although it wasn't to the pleasure of her dear friend. It was just as well, since she didn't want to have to force water on the strawberry blonde.
The Italian woman had no doubt in her mind that Natsuki was telling the truth. She had received the phone call before her friend had gotten drunk by the sound of her voice, and she wasn't going to call her a liar anyway. Alex shot one of the passing waiters a death glare before turning her full attention back to Natsuki.
Her eyes shifted to the stains on the other woman's clothes for a moment, before she looked her friend square in her grey eyes. She gave a single nod to encourage Natsuki to get the memory off her chest. Whatever it was must have been what drove her to drink; Alex did not take such things lightly.
The Italian woman had no doubt in her mind that Natsuki was telling the truth. She had received the phone call before her friend had gotten drunk by the sound of her voice, and she wasn't going to call her a liar anyway. Alex shot one of the passing waiters a death glare before turning her full attention back to Natsuki.
Her eyes shifted to the stains on the other woman's clothes for a moment, before she looked her friend square in her grey eyes. She gave a single nod to encourage Natsuki to get the memory off her chest. Whatever it was must have been what drove her to drink; Alex did not take such things lightly.
Lillian
Lillian sat back in the booth, looking Natsuki over now that she had stopped flitting about. The young teen took in her appearance, find the woman very lovely. She knew how to dress too...but...what was that spattered over her clothing?
Lillian squinted her hazel eyes to clear her vision and understand what it was. The young woman's eyes quickly widened as she realized that it BLOOD! What was that woman doing before she came here!? Was she in some kind of fight? D-Did she KILL someone....Oh dear lord what had she stumbled into!?
Frightened, confused, and very curious to find out the cause. Lillian sat up in her seat soaking in each word that came out of Natsuki's mouth. Her nervous expression changed to one of interest as she tried to store away all that Natsuki was saying. Maybe she'd be able to figure out what had been going on lately. All she had to do was keep her ears alert and try to piece everything together when she got home.
Lillian squinted her hazel eyes to clear her vision and understand what it was. The young woman's eyes quickly widened as she realized that it BLOOD! What was that woman doing before she came here!? Was she in some kind of fight? D-Did she KILL someone....Oh dear lord what had she stumbled into!?
Frightened, confused, and very curious to find out the cause. Lillian sat up in her seat soaking in each word that came out of Natsuki's mouth. Her nervous expression changed to one of interest as she tried to store away all that Natsuki was saying. Maybe she'd be able to figure out what had been going on lately. All she had to do was keep her ears alert and try to piece everything together when she got home.
Natsuki
A veil of darkness appeared to fall over Natsuki's eyes. Regaining the stormy gleam of earlier, she leaned back in her chair and tapped her finger on the table. Unfortunately, the idiot server set down a glass of ginger ale. Clearly, Natsuki's night was about to get far worse than it previously had been. She was slowly sobering up, and felt eh giddiness in her system leaving at an alarming rate. Like the happiness was being sucked from her system.
"A djinn can be released from their obligation only if the person they serve wishes for their release. However, in the case of Princess Noor Jawahir, wishing for her freedom wasn't enough. The curse upon her prevented her from ever being truly free, except in death," Natsuki said darkly, taking note that her companions seemed rather fixated on her clothing. Despite using the scented soap in the toilet, she couldn't mask the metallic scent of blood and mingled with the crusting of salt. "For nearly two thousand years, Noor's masters and mistresses were much like her, greedy, wanton, and selfish. Many of them laughed in her face, keeping all their wishes for themselves, and they paid the severe consequences there after."
Reaching into her bag, Natsuki removed the soul bottle from her bag holding it at a height in which only those in her close proximity could see what it was. Inside glittering mist swirled and churned, occasionally catching the dim lighting of the bar. She cradled the bottle from the bottom with both hands, as if it were heavy like a fish bowl. "Knowing that Noor would be trapped forever, was something I was not willing to be a part of. I offered her the chance for rebirth, and she willingly accepted. I wished for her freedom, but that merely wasn't enough. Unfortunately, I needed to make a second wish."
"A djinn can be released from their obligation only if the person they serve wishes for their release. However, in the case of Princess Noor Jawahir, wishing for her freedom wasn't enough. The curse upon her prevented her from ever being truly free, except in death," Natsuki said darkly, taking note that her companions seemed rather fixated on her clothing. Despite using the scented soap in the toilet, she couldn't mask the metallic scent of blood and mingled with the crusting of salt. "For nearly two thousand years, Noor's masters and mistresses were much like her, greedy, wanton, and selfish. Many of them laughed in her face, keeping all their wishes for themselves, and they paid the severe consequences there after."
Reaching into her bag, Natsuki removed the soul bottle from her bag holding it at a height in which only those in her close proximity could see what it was. Inside glittering mist swirled and churned, occasionally catching the dim lighting of the bar. She cradled the bottle from the bottom with both hands, as if it were heavy like a fish bowl. "Knowing that Noor would be trapped forever, was something I was not willing to be a part of. I offered her the chance for rebirth, and she willingly accepted. I wished for her freedom, but that merely wasn't enough. Unfortunately, I needed to make a second wish."
Niksia
Niksia shoved some of her long red hair from her eyes as she watched Natsuki, some of it always managing to get caught and dragged forward in her scarf. Her soda was long since flat, as cheap soda generally went after a very short time, and she grimaced after drinking it.
She listened to the take intently though, eyes slightly narrowed. It wasn't a sort of story she was surprised to hear, it was almost like a child's nighttime tale. With the bits they usually tried to gloss over, left in. The scent of blood didn't seem to bother her, she breathed it in without the slightest change of expression.
It was the soul bottle that took her eye though, she hadn't seen one before but the way Natsuki spoke as she held it told its own story. The mist was confusing to the eye, almost hypnotizing. If you only had a wish...
She listened to the take intently though, eyes slightly narrowed. It wasn't a sort of story she was surprised to hear, it was almost like a child's nighttime tale. With the bits they usually tried to gloss over, left in. The scent of blood didn't seem to bother her, she breathed it in without the slightest change of expression.
It was the soul bottle that took her eye though, she hadn't seen one before but the way Natsuki spoke as she held it told its own story. The mist was confusing to the eye, almost hypnotizing. If you only had a wish...
Lillian
Lillian listened to Natsuki very carefully as she spoke. Her gaze fell to the soul bottle as she thought more on the subject of what would come out of it. One of those annoying things....like that Rivener....
A sudden chill went down Lillian's spine as she thougt of that beast. All she could do was hope that whatever the soul turned into in it's new life, that it would not be like that other...reavan. Atleast, the soul was pretty as it moved about in it's containment. Surely, something so beautiful could not be so rude.
As she listened, keeping track of whatever was said, Lillian lifted her drink up to her lips and finally tasted the alcohol. Sadly, the girl could not contain the coughs that erupted from her mouth right after she tried to swallow. Quickly, the embarrassed miss brought a hand up to cover her mouth as her coughing fit continued.
'What a way to ruin a serious moment...' Lillian thought as she tried to ease herself out of the spell. The whole time trying to say "Sorry" for interrupting but her words not coming out right. They were strangled and odd, as she began sounding like some kind of animal. To be honest, it was a humorous sight to behold.
A sudden chill went down Lillian's spine as she thougt of that beast. All she could do was hope that whatever the soul turned into in it's new life, that it would not be like that other...reavan. Atleast, the soul was pretty as it moved about in it's containment. Surely, something so beautiful could not be so rude.
As she listened, keeping track of whatever was said, Lillian lifted her drink up to her lips and finally tasted the alcohol. Sadly, the girl could not contain the coughs that erupted from her mouth right after she tried to swallow. Quickly, the embarrassed miss brought a hand up to cover her mouth as her coughing fit continued.
'What a way to ruin a serious moment...' Lillian thought as she tried to ease herself out of the spell. The whole time trying to say "Sorry" for interrupting but her words not coming out right. They were strangled and odd, as she began sounding like some kind of animal. To be honest, it was a humorous sight to behold.
Alex
Alex's eyes wandered to the bottle. She remembered the conversations she heard at the event, which seemed like an eternity ago. So Natsuki was an Owner? And this was...a soul bottle? She extended her hand to the distraught woman, resting it on her shoulder, trying to give her some comfort. Alex didn't know what to say...then again, she wasn't certain there was anything that COULD be said. The blood, and the talk of freedom in death...while it was true she was no puzzle solver, even Alex could piece this one together.
Her green gaze flicked momentarily to the bartender. She rolled her eyes in a slightly annoyed fashion, as if giving in to Natsuki's unspoken whims for more alcohol. She just hoped they didn't make it strong enough to get the girl smashed. With the soul of someone who had obviously touched her life in the palm of her hands, Alex didn't really want Natsuki to be inhibited. She squeezed the other woman's shoulder lightly, doing the only thing she could do and listen. It was probably the longest span of time ever that Alex had said nothing while in the company of others.
Her green gaze flicked momentarily to the bartender. She rolled her eyes in a slightly annoyed fashion, as if giving in to Natsuki's unspoken whims for more alcohol. She just hoped they didn't make it strong enough to get the girl smashed. With the soul of someone who had obviously touched her life in the palm of her hands, Alex didn't really want Natsuki to be inhibited. She squeezed the other woman's shoulder lightly, doing the only thing she could do and listen. It was probably the longest span of time ever that Alex had said nothing while in the company of others.
Natsuki
Natsuki slowly, returned the bottle to its sheath within her bag. She found the combination of reactions from her acquaintances a little unsettling. The reception of the fel essence and the soul bottle brought Natsuki a great deal of luck, unfortunately with all the good, came a healthy dose of bad. She felt nauseated from the constant ups and downs her life was taking, like being on a seesaw with the kid who likes to play rough.
"As you all have noticed by now, but were kind enough not to mention, I have blood all over my clothes. Another loophole in Noor's binding is that she could not kill herself, meaning if she and I were to complete our contract," Natsuki paused, taking a long swig of her ginger ale and waving to the barkeep for another. "I would need to be the one to kill her. You might have guessed that I am not exactly one keen on killing things, hence my dilemma. I used my second wish to gain to power to do what was necessary. In Noor's case, it was driving a golden dagger through her diamond-coated heart."
Briefly, she pulled the vial filled with Fragments o' Rainbow out to show them. The fragments glowed brilliantly, catching the light and casting small swatches of color on the table. To the naked eye, it looked like nothing more than a test tube filled with bits of stained glass, but Natsuki stared at it again, feeling refreshed by their calming colors. "Once I get my head back on straight, I am taking Noor's soul and vial of fel essence back to the Lab where we all met," Natsuki said in a softer tone. "I promised Noor a new life. One as rich as these pieces of rainbow, and I won't stop until its finished." At that, she returned her fel essence to the bag, and zipped it tightly shut.
"As you all have noticed by now, but were kind enough not to mention, I have blood all over my clothes. Another loophole in Noor's binding is that she could not kill herself, meaning if she and I were to complete our contract," Natsuki paused, taking a long swig of her ginger ale and waving to the barkeep for another. "I would need to be the one to kill her. You might have guessed that I am not exactly one keen on killing things, hence my dilemma. I used my second wish to gain to power to do what was necessary. In Noor's case, it was driving a golden dagger through her diamond-coated heart."
Briefly, she pulled the vial filled with Fragments o' Rainbow out to show them. The fragments glowed brilliantly, catching the light and casting small swatches of color on the table. To the naked eye, it looked like nothing more than a test tube filled with bits of stained glass, but Natsuki stared at it again, feeling refreshed by their calming colors. "Once I get my head back on straight, I am taking Noor's soul and vial of fel essence back to the Lab where we all met," Natsuki said in a softer tone. "I promised Noor a new life. One as rich as these pieces of rainbow, and I won't stop until its finished." At that, she returned her fel essence to the bag, and zipped it tightly shut.
Niksia
Niksia felt a slight urge to speak, but forced it down after a moment. It was Natsuki's story to tell and while she could guess the outcome, it wasn't kind to speak it before the teller. Such were all stories of any value, a little bittersweet.
When Natsuki explained about having to kill Noor Niksia nodded every so slightly to herself. It became clearer as to why the sweet and bubbly figure she had met would end up in a bar getting herself drunk. Normal people generally did have reactions like that, to death and the causing of it.
The test tube of rainbow fragments was a distraction to look at, though it didn't take away from what had just been said. Niksia looked at it in her careful way, blinking at the colours catching her eye.
As Natsuki put it away again, zipping the bag shut with a note of finality, Niksia found her voice stirring again. So many things she could say about what had happened, some more telling than others.
'To Noor then? Having found the right hands to fall into, finally.'
When Natsuki explained about having to kill Noor Niksia nodded every so slightly to herself. It became clearer as to why the sweet and bubbly figure she had met would end up in a bar getting herself drunk. Normal people generally did have reactions like that, to death and the causing of it.
The test tube of rainbow fragments was a distraction to look at, though it didn't take away from what had just been said. Niksia looked at it in her careful way, blinking at the colours catching her eye.
As Natsuki put it away again, zipping the bag shut with a note of finality, Niksia found her voice stirring again. So many things she could say about what had happened, some more telling than others.
'To Noor then? Having found the right hands to fall into, finally.'
Chrystali
"To Noor," Alex agreed, although she had no drink of her own.
With a heartfelt sigh, Alex leaned over and curled her arm around Natsuki's shoulders, giving her a squeeze that could have darn near been a hug. Sitting back with a smile, she looked to the gathered, who all seemed to be preoccupied with what was just told. Except for Shuura, anyway.
"Tell you what," she said, breaking the silence. "I'm going to be on my way shortly, but..." She paused, then continued, "I'll take anyone home who is heading out of Durem. Otherwise I'll wait until you have a ride." She pointed her last statement at Natsuki. Although she didn't really know the rest of the people at the table, she felt it was the least she could do to extend the same courtesy to those that Natsuki trusted (or otherwise liked enough) to share her tale with.
Alex didn't want to seem as despondent as she felt. To see Natsuki, who seemed to be such a pistol, so serious and drawn, it worried her. She truly hoped that Natsuki could do what she promised, as Alex didn't know how the process of building a Raevan went behind the scenes. Moreover, she didn't know what those two foreign objects were going to create once fused. Would it be like the soul of the cursed genie, or something else all together? Could Natsuki hold her end of the bargain, seeing the face of the magical being she had freed? Alex had seen the haunted look in her friend's eyes, but she had faith in the fiery woman.
Despite her dark thoughts, Alex smiled, staying with Natsuki until she was safely on her way.
With a heartfelt sigh, Alex leaned over and curled her arm around Natsuki's shoulders, giving her a squeeze that could have darn near been a hug. Sitting back with a smile, she looked to the gathered, who all seemed to be preoccupied with what was just told. Except for Shuura, anyway.
"Tell you what," she said, breaking the silence. "I'm going to be on my way shortly, but..." She paused, then continued, "I'll take anyone home who is heading out of Durem. Otherwise I'll wait until you have a ride." She pointed her last statement at Natsuki. Although she didn't really know the rest of the people at the table, she felt it was the least she could do to extend the same courtesy to those that Natsuki trusted (or otherwise liked enough) to share her tale with.
Alex didn't want to seem as despondent as she felt. To see Natsuki, who seemed to be such a pistol, so serious and drawn, it worried her. She truly hoped that Natsuki could do what she promised, as Alex didn't know how the process of building a Raevan went behind the scenes. Moreover, she didn't know what those two foreign objects were going to create once fused. Would it be like the soul of the cursed genie, or something else all together? Could Natsuki hold her end of the bargain, seeing the face of the magical being she had freed? Alex had seen the haunted look in her friend's eyes, but she had faith in the fiery woman.
Despite her dark thoughts, Alex smiled, staying with Natsuki until she was safely on her way.
Ac.Wings
"To Noor." Lillian squeaked as she recovered from embarrassment. She took another swig of her drink, this time able to swallow it without any trouble.
As everyone began departing, she turned to Natsuki when she was free and gave her a gentle smile. She couldn't just stay silent as se watched Natsuki looking so upset. Maybe a few words would help her? Yeah...the least Lil could do was give her her support.
"I wish you, and your friend, a happy and bright future. It'll all turn out well for the both of you, I know you might be thinking what do I know...but being hopeful never hurt anyone." Lillian told her, adding in a weak laugh.
She knew it was hard to stay cheerful when you had to do something you truly wished you could have avoided. Natsuki appeared to be a strong woman with a good head on her shoulders, though. The teenager had a feeling that everything would work out for her. That woman didn't seem like the type to allow herself to be dragged down by anything.
After she said her goodbyes and seperated herself from the group of women. Lillian turned to a waiter and asked for another drink. She still had her goal to accomplish and had to get back on it. Atleast she was distracted thinking about Natsuki and her position to notice the awful taste of the drinks.
As everyone began departing, she turned to Natsuki when she was free and gave her a gentle smile. She couldn't just stay silent as se watched Natsuki looking so upset. Maybe a few words would help her? Yeah...the least Lil could do was give her her support.
"I wish you, and your friend, a happy and bright future. It'll all turn out well for the both of you, I know you might be thinking what do I know...but being hopeful never hurt anyone." Lillian told her, adding in a weak laugh.
She knew it was hard to stay cheerful when you had to do something you truly wished you could have avoided. Natsuki appeared to be a strong woman with a good head on her shoulders, though. The teenager had a feeling that everything would work out for her. That woman didn't seem like the type to allow herself to be dragged down by anything.
After she said her goodbyes and seperated herself from the group of women. Lillian turned to a waiter and asked for another drink. She still had her goal to accomplish and had to get back on it. Atleast she was distracted thinking about Natsuki and her position to notice the awful taste of the drinks.
Natsuki
"Couldn't have said it better myself," Natsuki nodded in appreciation to Niksia's thoughtful toast, tipping her glass of ginger ale back. At times like this, simple truly was the best. She leaned into Alex's embrace, using it as a shied to wipe away the mist gathering in her eyes. She felt reassured and comforted, even if it was merely temporary. "Nah, I'll be fine, Alex. I'll just ring up a taxi. My parents live close to here, and it's a far shorter trip in this tattered state. Thanks though. You all head home, it's a long time to Durem."
Leaning back against the booth, Natsuki called over the server for a heaping pitcher of water and a large cup of ice. She would need to be completely sober, if she were to show up at her parents' house unannounced in the middle of the night. Filling the glass to the brim, she waves to the others as they started going off on their separate ways. "Thanks again, girls. Just do me a favor. Keep tonight's conversation between us, please?"
Leaning back against the booth, Natsuki called over the server for a heaping pitcher of water and a large cup of ice. She would need to be completely sober, if she were to show up at her parents' house unannounced in the middle of the night. Filling the glass to the brim, she waves to the others as they started going off on their separate ways. "Thanks again, girls. Just do me a favor. Keep tonight's conversation between us, please?"
Niksia
Smiling faintly, Niksia gathered her jacket from the back of her chair as she stood and shrugged it on. Her scarf was tightened around the lower half of her face and she grinned behind it, the look appearing to some degree in her eyes.
She felt better about Natsuki and what had happened now, not that it would be any comfort just yet. Whatever came of those two strange items, she would like to see, the process finally making more sense in her own mind.
'I can find my own way home, and I might amuse myself on the way too...'
With a mildly formal nod to Natsuki she responded to the request for secrecy, she understood that quite well. It wasn't a story for second tellings anyway, only Natsuki had that right.
'Don't worry, I don't tell tales. But, it was nice to bump into you again.'
Niksia remained a solemn figure, waving over her shoulder as she left... Right up until the door was nearly shut behind her.
She felt better about Natsuki and what had happened now, not that it would be any comfort just yet. Whatever came of those two strange items, she would like to see, the process finally making more sense in her own mind.
'I can find my own way home, and I might amuse myself on the way too...'
With a mildly formal nod to Natsuki she responded to the request for secrecy, she understood that quite well. It wasn't a story for second tellings anyway, only Natsuki had that right.
'Don't worry, I don't tell tales. But, it was nice to bump into you again.'
Niksia remained a solemn figure, waving over her shoulder as she left... Right up until the door was nearly shut behind her.
'Here muggers, muggers, muggers... I have something for you...'
It was perhaps better not to question what and why.
((thanks Kaleido for letting me use this! *****working on story now, I'll get it done soon.))
