the halcyon. (walk-in/casual. ipc) 7/28. noon. windy.

Favorite Album From the HST (So far)?

Halcyon Years	22.2%	[ 12 ]
Land of the Lost	5.6%	[ 3 ]
Hellfire	9.3%	[ 5 ]
HST DEMO 4	3.7%	[ 2 ]
Poll Whore Option	59.3%	[ 32 ]
Total Votes:			[ 54 ]

[BlackWind1.1]

location: halcyon.2f.kitchen_ with: leria.echo_ mind.state: normal_ feeling: working.like.a.restaurant_

It was almost like a synchronized operation. As soon as Echo was finished with handing him the lemons, Black was soon working on the aioli. For some people people thought aioli was simply flavored mayonnaise, they were right...sort of?

For one, mayo's neutral, a bit more open for interpretation due to being so vanilla. (Never tried vanilla mayonnaise. Don't know if someone would try that).

But Aioli is the loudmouth. Starting with a lot of garlic for starters. Black grabbed several cloves of the star while walking towards the cabinet. Taking a glance at the patties and they were just about done. So, he took a plate and quickly took the meat off the pan. While getting his mortar and pestle, he asked Echo to, "Place the buns in the pan. They'll toast right up."

The bread caramelizing while soaking in some of that fat (which would be welcome, all of this beef is the healthy grass-fed stuff) makes for an overall flavorful sandwich. Which was always the goal. Back on the island, Black placed the peeled garlic cloves in the bowl and started pounding away. The oils were exposed by every crushing blow, the rawness of the garlic really showing by putting off that enticing scent in the air. This wouldn't take long, he just needed it to be a paste. "And...there!"

Now to make the 'Oli. Black was contemplating on what kind to make. He thought of going a bit smoky with some chipotle, or maybe brighten it up with cilantro or lemon. But, he decided to keep it simple, just a bit more garlic than usual. He had good ingredients, no use for overcomplicating things. Besides, garlic, bacon, beef and cheese could see anything through. Black looked around the island to pick out some eggs. They had a brown shell and it took a couple of tries to crack these babies open. The sign of a strong, nutritious baby at that. When the yolk fell, the component was as orange as a tangerine, the other one just as vibrant. Good, good. Now for another bowl.

One mixing bowl: egg yolks, garlic paste, mustard and lemon juice for acidity and brightness, and some olive oil. Obviously, this aioli was going to be both savory and a great condiment for balancing flavors out. It's the act of balancing salt and acidity to really take food to another level, and Black knew there was something he wanted to do that was beyond a swirl of French's. Nevertheless. Time to whisk!

Ultrim Mass

DemonOfBeauty21

[Jen-Til]

Location: distant rooftop, with Echo Prime

Jez had managed to calm down enough with Echo's assistance though she still wouldn't dish details of what she'd done. It wasn't just her child lost, it was also Black's. She wanted to respect his privacy, knowing he wasn't as open as she was.

Jez took a deep breath and leaned against Echo's shoulder, her large wings casually draping behind the two of them. "Thank you, I...I'm sorry I'm not very chatty, at the moment, but...I do appreciate the company. Truly." Jez closed her eyes and remained nestled against his side. Now that she was composed, she wasn't sure what to do with herself. She was still, technically, employed at the bar but she didn't think she could face Black again just yet. Maybe she'd run a few errands by checking the markets for supplies...

[Ultrim Mass]

// Who: Echo Prime
|| Location: Distant Rooftop
|| With: Jez
\ Status: Concerned, Quiet

Echo looked in her eyes, smiling warmly as he sensed her deliberating over something. "Listen, whatever it is...nothing is beyond repair if you don't want it to be...whether it was you or someone else, all I can tell is that something is messed up and you wish it wasn't...and I'll do whatever I can to help...just let me know." After her apology, he couldn't help but chuckle a little. "You've got nothing to apologize for! I came to help, not the other way around. You don't owe me anything, not a word, not nothing." He ran his hand along her back comfortingly, allowing her to lean against him. "If you want company, I can work and go with somewhere simultaneously." He surmised her distance from the Halcyon was no coincidence, and even if she didn't want to talk about it, he could assume that calming down wasn't going to be accomplished back at the bar. "Guild business has been pathetically bad anyways, and I could use an outing to take my mind off of it." Another warm smile flashed. Echo was going to extensive measures to stay friendly and nothing more. He knew that some people could take this kind of help as one way of...well, getting the foot in the door. He was there as a friend to help, and wanted to make sure that it didn't look like anything else.




// Who: Echo (Shell1)
|| Location: Kitchen
|| With: Black, Leria
\ Status: Hungry, Excited

Echo picked things up fast, and cooking with Black was most definitely a learning experience. It was clear that the man had a passion for food prep, and there was much to be learned from someone in their element. They were pretty systematic, Echo and Black, and just as Black was asking, the shaper could tell it was time to toast the bun, and layed them out evenly on the surface. Echo would continue to observe, eyes darting around, taking in every consideration an action. "I think the scents coming from in here could turn a starving man to murder for the source!"

[BlackWind1.1]

location: halcyon.2f.kitchen_ with: leria.echo.shell_ mind.state: normal_ feeling: order.up_

"They won't have to look far." Black smirked as the aioli was starting to form. The combination of the flavors seemed to be under control which was good. But things were picking up. Now that the condiment was made, Black grabbed a rag and opened the door. Now, the smokiness from the Applewood and the malty quality from the Black Forest bacon were stronger than ever. The crispy blankets of pork strips were going to go perfect with the sandwich. But now it's time for the number one thing, the assembly.

Black looked at the vegetables which were a good variety. The typical romaine lettuce, heirloom tomato, yellow and red onion (Not cooked, the bite was more appreciated for the contrast), nothing too far off. Those were looking good, and with that Black carefully started to set the bacon on the island. One at a time, each ingredient was centered on the kitchen, all entering that workstation in the middle. He even brought some condiments in case people did have a preference, some ketchup and mustard, homemade of course.

The buns were last to get on the island, which was appropriate, now to load up the bread boats for saving. Black would assemble the first burger, and as usual, it was a hearty meal. Bun, patty, bacon, lettuce, tomato, salt, pepper, onion, aioli, bun. He made another burger the same way and passed it to his helpers. "There...and there."

They were complete. Usually Black would stand back and admire what he did, but with some help, it'd be prety awkward to do so. At least that's what he thought. But for now, the scent alone was good enough for him. This time, he could make a burger of his own, sans bread, and just enjoy it.

DemonOfBeauty21

Ultrim Mass

[BlackWind1.1]

location: towards.halcyon_ with: food_ mind.state: not.sure_ feeling: ..._

Time, it's funny how long things can move in a matter of days. Black still wasn't sure what to think about how his life was at this point, it made him more uneasy than usual. He thought about plenty of things, his comrades for one. They nearly all vanished, which was the lightest thing to take. The Halcyon was a spot in the middle of nowhere, in a place that was stricken with negligence and as much abandon as any ghost town would have. Maybe it was like what it was essentially, a stop. This bar had a random train that seemed to come out of nowhere and leading the same way. These guys were always on the move, whether it was from a certain crowd or overall bad times. The Halcyon gave them a refuge, a calm, and for some it gave them a rejuvenation that was desperately needed for them. Was Black disappointed at their absence? Sure, but at the same time, if they left a happier person, then that's all he could ask for.

The second plight in his mind was the death of his baby still. He had plenty of time to think about it, and it was funny how things have changed. For one, he was a kid that didn't want a kid in the first place. He eseentially had what he wanted, but it was the way that his "wish" was granted that bothered him. Not only that, but he was coming to terms with being a father, looking forward to it, even. This was something that should've been great, but one certain woman messed all of this up.

The heaviest thought in Black's mind was the impact that Jezebel Sumire gave in his mind. The girl was a case to be sure. To be honest, he didn't know what to think about her, part of him was starting to show some slight resentment. Maybe the sting was still as fresh as before, but he felt like the cut was deeper than that.

The fatal flaw in Jez was her selfishness, and it bothered Black. It was a trait by succubi, but the extent of all of this was more than anticipated. The more he thought about his relationship, the more Black realized how much of a dog he was to her. Who was the person that was blamed the most in this relationship? He was? Who had to put in the most work outright? Him. What was the basis of this relationship about? Him apologizing to her.

That fateful time, she shouted at him about her being who she was. Black could've went with this a different way, sure. He could've simply said not to pick him as her choice. What stopped him? She made this massive rant about her being who she was and in reality...it shouldn't have been a big deal. She could've picked someone else, any rational person would go and do so. Did strippers stick with a person that didn't pay? No, they found some other sucker. But Black, not wanting to make her upset conceded in her desires.

It's been about her this entire time. Her, her, her, Jez, Jez, Jez and Black was beginning to have some hate. Whether it was towards her for being this way or him allowing this to happen, he didn't know. She was talking about having partners that tamed her, but Black didn't do that at all. Taming requires some sort of leash but now he was sure he was the one with the choker. All those years spent on being resilient, being strong, tossed out the window, and it was a shame.

It also made him question the nice things she would do while she stayed. Was it all an act? Was she doing all this just so Black could pet her like a pet and give her a treat now and then? Or was it for some sort of ego stroke? After doing everything he could to make her happy, to be by her side, literally splitting his brain apart in the process, she still chose her own interest. Black wasn't sure about who Jez was anymore, and he wasn't sure if he even liked her at this point. To the level that they were anyway. However, he wasn't cruel enough to ban her. Much to his mental dismay, he kept the doors open but sleeping in that room of his wasn't something he favored. The place smelled like her, he had marks all over his body by the succubus as well. He couldn't run from her, she made sure of this and more. Eventually, they would have to talk again, but not of the child. That was done, it was better to leave that alone. But, their relationship had definitely changed, and where do they go from here? He felt like he was too soft and she exploited that throughout the entire time they were together. He knew that with the conversation, the Egos might rise their heads about this, but he had to make this conversation as open as possible. Black wasn't sure when this would happen, but it was of the highest priority, he couldn't back down from it.

But for now, Black decided to take the scenic route towards his bar. Sure, he had a vendor for food but there was something about picking up your own kit. He had a casual stroll as a bundle of bags swung from his wrist. His eyes weren't as vibrant as they were before. Not a surprise, he was thinking a lot more lately. He was going to be alone, in his bar, cooking a meal for himself and just wait. But, Black wasn't angry, after all, this was his home. That was something no one could take from him.

As he walked towards the bridge, he saw Ivan by the front of his Inn and gave a quick wave before beginning his crossing. The stench of the chemically fragrant air drawing him closer to that small bar with that trusted Halcyon Head sign hanging by. The drone of the ambience was a pleasant noise, calming even. It wasn't the chugs of a train trotting towards but it was good enough for Black to relax, he needed it right now.

He entered the Halcyon, which was as clean as ever. Black had enough time to wipe the bar top to bottom. If Minerva ever came back he'd have to buy her a drink, or at least a coffee with some Everclear. This bar for being so small had a lot of small spots around. But, now wasn't the time for a drink, it was time to eat. Well, cook, then eat. He hopped towards the express lane, landing in the kitchen. Setting his groceries on the island, he would start to unbag them, all the while thinking about what to create for the night.

Jen-Til

[DragonMistress]

Ҫɦąѓąċϯεɽ: Lia the Disconnected
βσɖȳ: Golem (dressed as geisha)
Ļσҁᾀϯįση: Halcyon 1f (bar area)
ωΐϯɧ: Solu Rivenus (wyrmling); anyone else present in the bar area

"ꅘꅚꅛꅟꅦꅮ ꅰꅵ; ꅶꅻꆪꊖ... ꊗꍻꎯ."

"ꈛꋘꌔꌗ."

"No, really, I promise," the first voice resorted to the common tongue, pushing open the door to Halcyon and standing aside. "Step in. You'll see."

"ꉃꋏꌏ ꍐꍾ ꎐ," which apparently translated to something like 'I'll keep an open mind', because a bronze-scaled wyrmling of indeterminate draconian subspecies approximately the size of a greyhound paraded with impressive dignity into the bar and paused, immediately inside, looking around the dingy dive with an opaquely disinterested look within glittering green eyes.

"ꅛꆉꇢ!"

"No, trust me, she's all into the whole 'dive' scene. It has to do with her fetish for humans." The geisha who had pushed the door open nudged the wyrmling's tail out of the way, calmly stepping past into the bar. Even for a trans-dimensional, she was a bit off the beaten path as appearances went, a living doll the size of a human, appearing to have been assembled from carved ivory pieces, the joints of which had been rimmed in fine gold and inlaid with a variety of tiny jewel chips. The doll's wig was the same material as her robe, and the exact same colors of black, blue, and gold to boot; obviously they had been crafted at the same time with silk thread taken from the same spool. Although the doll's eyes were blank spheres of polished topaz, something clearly motivated the thing to move and approach the bar counter...and there, on the back of the neck, a rune that did not quite match the workmanship of the rest. Mostly obscured by the silky strands of wig...but something had been engraved into the doll; and that was the source of what made it move and act alive. It was actually little more than a marionette on aetheric strings; and anyone at all could have been pulling the strings...then again, draconic senses were far more keen and wide-spread; so it was likely the wyrmling felt no more unsure of the animator's identity than a person on a cell phone worries about who is on the other end of the line.

"Sit down at the bar, make friends with the locals. You know I can't be here when she shows up."

[BlackWind1.1]

location: halcyon.2f.to.1f_ with: new.guests_ mind.state: normal_ feeling: steak.has.to.wait_

As Black finally set the unbagged groceries on the items, he was beginning to have a decent idea on what to have for his dinner. He was thinking about making burgers as usual, but for now, he could have something a bit more rustic. With a couple packs of protein in various forms and some vegetables to add some variety, he was about to give a good ol' fashioned steak. Who doesn't love steak? With that in mind, he was on his way to pull out some salt and pepper, both in grinding mills of course.

Unfortunately, such prep would have to wait. There was a stir downstairs, a new guest? Or is it guests? It definitely sounded like a couple were on the bar, one speaking some different language that he couldn't quite understand. It didn't matter for black, they were new. These voices weren't familiar to him at all, a disturbing sound to some was quite the invitation for the owner. It was time to play owner, but now before storing everything to the fridge. Well, the things that needed the cool air, anyway. Meat in the fridge, some cool veggies in there, while some hung out. Take the bags and toss them in the trash, boom, the kitchen was spotless again.

As Black went to the stairs, he saw the patrons making themselves at home. One sported reptilian features, as a person of her kind would and one live doll. Really. It was a surprise, but not a threat. Of course it wasn't, they came here for a drink, or some casual talk. Either way, Black could provide both for this pair.

"Yo! New guests. How are you two?" The warmth in his voice lingered in each word as he made his way towards the back of the bar. He went to his usual spot, next to the Wall of Spirits so the real showstoppers wouldn't have their spotlights blocked. Whatever they wanted, Black was sure to provide, even if they had a desire for something a bit...exotic.

DragonMistress

[DragonMistress]

Ҫɦąѓąċϯεɽ: Lia the Disconnected
βσɖȳ: Golem (dressed as geisha)
Ļσҁᾀϯįση: Halcyon 1f (bar area)
ωΐϯɧ: Solu Rivenus (wyrmling); anyone else present in the bar area

The wyrmling jumped easily up onto one of the stools and sat there, crouched like a cat, scenting in the human's direction. Up this close, small fleshy barbs could be seen at the corners of the mouth and around the jawline, and a smaller secondary prong at the base of each horn.

"Do you have the little one present?" he demanded, abruptly.

"Your Common could be better, my dear," the doll replied mildly, and then to Black, "Forgive us. This is Rivenus, and we are looking for...my sister." A momentary pause, and then, "She carries the mark of skulls on her back. Otherwise I am not sure how to describe her."

"The little one," Rivenus insisted. "She grew to a thousand fathoms long and her wings burn the sky. Also she can shoot lightening from her arse."

"That is a collage of legends, not an accurate factual description in any way." The doll, with a face almost humanly expressive despite being carved from ivory and stones, gave Black a look as much as to say 'Kids...what can you do.'

BlackWind1.1

[Mel Reynolds]

Location: Train
State of Mind: Unknown.
Life: weak

Mel was laying unconscious in the Train car against the window seat. Her long black coat was draped over her like a blanket covering he wrinkled black shirt which would have showed her bell however a long bloody bandage covered this aswell as her eyes and her arms had some one covering her head.
Her cloths were cleaned thou almost new. this also showed that she had help finding her way on this train but nobody was around her so the mystery was how did she get here and why was she sent to this place.

[BlackWind1.1]

location: halcyon.1f_ with: rivenus.geisha.new.guest_ mind.state: normal_ feeling: time.for.an.adventure_

Heh, take it that the doll would be the translator to Draconian like creature. But, it was welcome. Black nodded towards both of them, "Nice to meet you guys." With that gone, he went to listen to what the doll had to say about their search. A female with a mark of skulls...it was pretty vague. Vague, but when it came to what to look for, at least that was descriptive enough to be considered "unique". Well, unless you count those kids down by Spencers of Hot Topic, then it'd be back to square one.

The further descriptions from Rivenus made Black arch an eyebrow. It almost sounded like this sister was a Phoenix with sparking flatulence. Never a good sign. Though the last description almost made him think of a certain trans-dimensinal that probably had that feature. Probably by a symptom of eating some foreign food, something a Pepto couldn't solve.

"Can't say I've seen a person like that around here. But if you want, we can look for her here."

Black's been in this area enough to gain some familiarity of it. Who knows? There might be a new guest that's unconscious in a train nearby.

Well, that person might be closer than one thought. A familiar sound was heard, an echo of an arrival. Black's eyes widened before looking towards the front door. He knew that the two of them didn't answer their question but he was excited just to get out there and see who it was. This, was the perfect excuse. So, Black walked out of his bar and immediately towards the subway. Then, something strange happened, the train simply stopped. No one walked out, nor did anyone go in. Its doors were open as if coaxing any curiosity to come a bit closer. Black was a sucker for this kind of stuff, so he would comply. He leaped over the railway and landed towards the train, the only noise at this point being the thud on his footsteps. The platform was quiet, the buzz of the dying lights around and inside the train offering the only sound. The dimming luminescence only revealing so much. He had to see what was going on. His steps crept towards the train, a window was slowly showing the person of interest and she did not look too good.

"s**t..."

Now the delay was severed. Black rushed inside and saw the woman out cold. This was bad, was this what this train wanted him to see? It seemed that way, no one else was around. Was this true? Look to the left, the right, yep, no one. Just the promise of florescent hues and worn out advertisements inside. Either way, this girl needed some sort of attention. Black made sure that he took care of handling her, making sure that his actions didn't injure her any more. Though he was ginger with his hands, it almost looked like his footwork was rushed. That was, until you could the fact that Black had a control on his body that many people did not have. His speed was quick, but his steps almost didn't register any impact. This was necessary from the exit to the dismount back towards the Halcyon. He took a jump from the platform to the main road, the woman still in his arms.

DragonMistress

Mel Reynolds

[flaming fluffy guns]

Location: Street to bar
With: Herself

A woman from time's past appeared from around a corner, her face still dirty from the sweat and dried blood of her enemies that have failed. Her short, multi colored hair was pulled up in a quick ponytail, though it was hard to tell she even had white locks considering all the soot that covered her hair. Beatrix was in desperate need of a shower, and she was so grateful to have a break from her busy schedual. Her duffle bag carried her tools of the trade, all in desperate need of cleaning. With her on the move, it was always hard to find a place where she could sit long enough to take care of her knives, guns, ect.

Bea rounded another corner, the soles of her leather boots crunching from the loose concrete of the sidewalk. A smile spread on her face when she saw a familiar bar, and she felt her legs move a little faster to reach the front door. She entered the place and took a long inhale, reveling in a scent that she had grown to miss. A mixture of quality liquor, hopes, and dreams.

[Jen-Til]

Location: the playground, alone

Jez hadn't returned to the bar since her conversation with Black. Maybe she was being a chicken but she really couldn't face him again, yet. No other had managed to stir her this much. It was unsettling. That didn't mean she'd ignore the bar, however. In fact, a special package of unique, expensive alcoholic beverages should be arriving to the bar any minute.

The drinks she found at the market should really up the variety behind the counter but she couldn't bring herself to deliver them personally. Thankfully, this delivery service was under her personal employ and far more reliable than the last idiots they dealt with. They also weren't human and didn't speak much but they did their jobs well.

Jez rocked herself back and forth on the swing idly, lost in thought. At least she was certain it was for the best to stay away for a little while. The portal was still open to her mansion as a sign he was welcome. She just doubted he'd use it. Still...

[BlackWind1.1]

location: outside.halcyon_ with: mel.beatrix.rivenus.geisha.doll_ mind.state: normal_ feeling: oh.hello_

As Black was looking over the injured individual, a familiar sight flashed around the corner of his eye. One that had characters of a certain job that only a certain Nightshade would have. This was going to be busy, for a while anyway. Black decided to set the woman somewhere safe, the bar itself. He entered the bar and saw Beatrix, in the flesh. As much as he wanted to greet her, this guest was in danger. Instead, he gave her a quick nod as he leaped towards the express lane, landing on the second floor afterwards. Relief marked his face as soon as the stranger was on the couch. He didn't want to touch any of the bandages from this woman, maybe some rest would do her well. That, and he couldn't stay with her for too long, footsteps were heard downstairs. The shuffling was a sound of interest, so Black quickly rushed downstairs to see who was there.

Besides Beatrix and the two conscious strangers, were these vendors of supernatural origin. They had crates, noisy ones at that. Glass clanking like a windchime medley. The deliverers simply did their job, talking amongst themselves as they dropped the parcel on the bar top. They even shared some laughs as they looked at the patrons in the bar. Jokes, probably, given their lilts and mannerisms in saying such dialects. Regardless, the job was done and they left without a hitch.

Black walked towards the back of the bar and started to check what exactly was in these crates and barrels. It wasn't hard to see what it was. Spirits, tons of them. A great number of them of a high premium, even a number that Black never even saw. He knew one person that had a taste of things like this. So...she still had this place in mind still, huh? He held a bottle in his hand, staring at it for a while as that succubus was still stirring in his head. However, Black wasn't sure whether this was a peace offering or just another ruse. Even if it was, these were too good to not use. Let's peg this as another vending transaction and nothing more. Time to stock.

As he did so, Black looked at Beatrix and smiled at his favorite mrec. "Bea! Long time no see! What's up with you?"

DragonMistress

flaming fluffy guns

Mel Reynolds

Jen-Til

[DragonMistress]

Ҫɦąѓąċϯεɽ: Lia the Disconnected
βσɖȳ: Golem (dressed as geisha)
Ļσҁᾀϯįση: Halcyon 1f (bar area)
ωΐϯɧ: Solu Rivenus (wyrmling), Black, Bea, Bloody-Stranger; anyone else present in the bar area


Rivenus gave the doll a reproachful look; but the animated thing merely tapped on the bar lightly with her fan; not an impatient gesture; merely an indicator that...as soon as the owner was done with other things...she was ready to place an order. Not for the doll; of course; she planned to set the wyrmling up with an expense account on the grounds that he might need to be kept in the area, waiting for Lia's sister, for some time. The 'Little One' was an elusive creature, doubly hard for Lia to track down because...while she was the only one ABLE to always recognize her sister...she couldn't ever actually be in the same place at the same time. Neither of them was entirely sure if anything bad would happen; but why risk it when the post office still operated?

[BlackWind1.1]

location: halcyon.1f_ with: geisha.doll.rivenus.bea_ mind.state: normal_ feeling: you.need.something_

While Black was waiting for a response from Beatrix, he looked to the two guests and slowed his stocking as soon as he heard the sound from the doll. Does, she want anything? Might as well ask. Guess the search will have to wait.

"So, do you guys need anything? A drink, bite to eat?"

With that, Black went back to stocking. Only a few more left, and most of this was going to the top shelf anyway, with the exception of the more exotic stuff. That'd go to the special drawer below. But it was strange asking a doll if she wanted some service. Weird, but not too out there, after all, Black did serve a cat a cocktail of all things. She took it like a champ, too.

DragonMistress

Mel Reynolds

flaming fluffy guns