Apr 07 02:47:56 106 PA

From Chronicles

The current game time is: Thu Apr 07 02:47:56 106 PA.

Kingsdale - The Alibi

The club is a liberal mix of modern and classic styles with a dark, warm lean to the hardwood and metal decor, dressed up with velvet and leather. Set up about the stage with attached DJ station and dance floor at the center, the entrance is set to one end of this, the bar to the other. The entrance itself is tightly controlled. There are always two well dressed people at the front, a bouncer to check each person coming in and another watching the drum and closet lockers that hold all patron weapons.

A broad , semi circular stage extends from the center of the widest wall, rising two feet, with lights rimming the edge and hidden in scaffolds high above. A rich red velvet curtain lies ready to sweep about and veil the stage itself from view. The DJ booth is set up right next to the stage, set into the same wall. With a thick window and biometric locks on the two side doors, one to the stage and the other to a set of stairs down, the equipment within is secure. Within a C shaped desk and racks hold the sound equipment, all linked into a central computer. All done up in sleek, dark cases, mixing well with the warm, wood paneling of the booth's exterior.

A dance floor is central to the club, laid out in a broad circle before the stage. Laid out in a semi circle opposite the stage side of the dance floor are a series of round tables, with smaller two person sized ones at the edge, with larger four person tables in the next row and a few grand six to eight person tables on the outer edge. All staggered to make for the best view for all to the dance floor and stage. To one side of this central focus is the bar, a broad affair taking up much of the shorter wall in width. The bar itself is a mix of modern and classic, with the simple, elegant hardwood design of the bar itself mixing with the display of alcohol behind it, opaque plastic shelves lit from within to highlight the wide selection of common and uncommon liquors for sale. The barstools themselves, lined up in a neat row, mix dark metallic stems with comfy red leather seats.

Every Thursday night is amateur night at The Alibi! It's just like.. its just like a mini talent show. Though some m ight think the lesser and unknowns wouldn't get as much of a crowd as professional nights or dance nights, people just like to come out and see who will be next in the line up of prospective talent that's decided to shell over some credits for a space of time on the stage. Mostly, perhaps, to give a proper booing when the horrid ones play or perhaps to see if they can get a first look at potential diamonds in the rough.

Security is a bit tighter, especially around the stage, to make sure no hostility breaks out between the crowd and the acts. It's not common, most times harsh language is all that gets tossed. But now and then..

Desmond is here, of course. Today is one of his work evenings and as such he's standing off to the side, near the bar. His eyes are scanning the room, but he keeps an ear swiveled towards the stage itself and often lets his eyes flit there, checking up on the security personnel there and the current mood of audience and talent. The garage band that's up there now isn't too bad. Some rough talent with music, though nothing too special about their songs. Thus the response is mixed, but largely neutral. Tirzah approaches the bar, considering grabbing a stool and designing new concoctions with the bartender or taking a booth to contemplate other things. The key in that decision is mainly the look of the bartender and how busy he or she is. A few minutes of observation will be more than enough to tell if they have the skill for her interests, and the time. So she lingers, and watches, peripherally taking in the neutral atmosphere as well.

Like a gentle breeze, Sage makes her way into the nightclub and pauses near the entrance. She takes a moment to look around and consider the noises that drift around the place. When the distractions a nightclub offers seem more acceptable than they had when she first arrived in the city, she begins to make her way further into the establishment. It doesn't take long before she begins to find her way snaking towards where Desmond resides. There are enough folk who enjoy or are too inhebriated to care just what music they dance to, others who do their best to ignore the caterwauling of the main singer and competent music of the band. And one or two who shout out at the band members, though not enough to complete with the sound the audio systems put out.

Desmond seems to find matters well in hand as his attention relaxes and he lets himself pay more casual attention to his surroundings. Thus the armored feline comes to notice Tirzah inspecting the bar. He considers the young woman quietly in return for a few moments before he decides to move closer. He's not hard to miss, few in the place having his height or breadth, though he does pause short of looming over her. His voice is deep and smooth rolling with a soft emphasis on his 'r's. "You are seeking something in particular?" His voice lifted just enough to carry over the sound of the music.

Tirzah looks to the address and then up to Desmond's towering height. "Yeah.." She pauses, unsure whether to disclose her passion or meekly blend in to the other patrons. Considering her angle a moment longer she nods. "I was going to see about testing the capabilities of the bar tender, if things aren't too busy. I'm something of a connoisseur of drinks and brews. So when I decide to let loose, I like to see what a good bartender can do."

Between a helpful point and a keen eye, Sage is able to track down Desmond before too long. She seems to be one of those that mostly tries to block out the noise of the performing band. When she approaches, she doesn't initially notice who Desmond is conversing with and simply waits for the time being to interject.

Desmond nods his head once to Tirzah, then looks towards the bar. It's modestly busy at the moment, a bit of a lull having come to be. "I know not what you seek, but those who see to our bar are well trained." He looks back to the young woman and states, "Our stock is not all encompassing, but there is, perhaps, enough to provide something appealing. You need not hesitate to address them as to what you seek." It'll be just as he's saying that last that he picks up on the presence of Sage, though more generally at first. Enough that he turns his head towards her. His head dips and he rumbles, "Sage." The name given an edge of greeting, followed by a casual expectation in his otherwise stoic expression.

Tirzah shrugs at Desmond's stoic description of the capabilities. "Yeah thanks." She half mutters silently considering whether it would have been better to be beneath notice. His attention shifting she takes a seat at the bar, too eager to escape the feline's null zone of empathy to look and see who he would drag down next. Outside his influence she brightens a bit as she looks at the bottles in stock. Nothing extravagant, but a start perhaps. "Let me try your favorite drink." She asks the bartender daringly.

"Desmond." Sage replies, mirroring his tone if not his stoic expression. She adjusts her positioning to stand closer to being in front of him than behind him. "I got the chance to talk with one of the potential performers I mentioned... I believe they would be interested in seeing if there was going to be a free open talent night than paying for the scene." She says, "One of them is to be a business partner of mine in another venture." She adds for explanation. She raises her brow after a moment as if to add the unspoken question of whether that question might be answered at this point. She glances towards the bar briefly to notice Tirzah, and takes a moment to reach out and tap the other woman on the shoulder.

The bartender takes a tick to process the request. Being asked about, rather than being told what to make is, of course, non-standard. But he meets the request without much more pause than that. Giving a moment of thought before he starts to mix. Looks like a little Gin and something a deep, dark red go into the shaker with a dusting of sugar before being mixed, then poured into a glass. "They call it Dawn's Blood where I first heard about it. Not sure what sort of fruit provides the juice, but it's tart and goes well with a little sweet," he tells Tir as he slides the glass up to her. Though he does remain nearby, he starts to fill another order after providing the drink.

Desmond nods his head once to Sage as she addresses him, his arms lifted to casually cross over his chest. Now that Tirzah is seeing to her needs, he lets her alone for now. "We have begun to advertise for a talent show.. gauging interest before we finalized our plans. There will be a prize to the winner, of course. If they are interested, I will relay to you, then you may to them, the date chosen for the show." His gaze does flit towards Tirzah when Sage reaches over to tap her, though.

Tirzah is about to savor a new experience when she gets tapped. Assuming the feline is still near she also holds the bias that the tap was from him. So upon turning to face the damper of the party she scowls, preparing a retort. But all that is derailed when she sees Sage. "Oh, Sage.." She says, her scowl dissolving. "Hi.." She trails off wondering if she can turn back to grab the drink without losing face or must wait longer.

When the feline responds about the free talent night, Sage gives a nod to acknowledge his words. "I'll be sure to let them know that they could win something if they do well..." She pauses briefly as she glances towards the stage, "I'm not sure what I'd do if I had a mind to wander up onto that stage again..." She comments, before looking back to Desmond. "Also, you or Aimee might get a visit from a woman named Isabeau. She'll be looking for employment here. She may be able to help prepare some appealing snack food and other things." When Tirzah reacts to her tap, she raises her brow at first when she gets a scowl at first. A slight smile coming as the woman seems to have thought her to be someone else at first. "Hey... I read that letter." She adds, before pursing her lips. Her gaze shifts to the revealed drink briefly. "You can enjoy your drink, though..." She adds, before looking to the rest of the club. "Maybe meet some other time..." She adds.

Desmond arches a brow at the expression the young woman has when she turns around. Mutely thoughtful on the subject, that much is clear, though he doesn't seem inclined to speak on it. Instead, his attention returns to Sage. "I see. I will expect her then. I have met the woman now and then, though in truth I do not know her too well. As to what you might do, that is your choice. This talent show shall be an open affair.. so long as what you would attempt will do no damage to the Alibi or those who come to observe." Straight, simple guidelines given. "Though if you would end up having any need to be prepared for, the sooner such is known, the better."

Tirzah shrugs, but turns to grab her drink given permission. Savoring a sib she lets the tart and sweet flavors dance over her palette. Turning back, drink in hand she smiles. "Or you could enjoy one with me." She offers, eager to hear Sage's input on the letter. "The fanboys haven't noticed me just yet after all. Deterred by tall dark and gloomy.." She notes gesturing to Desmond.

Sage's attention returns to Desmond at his words, and nods faintly to him. "I imagine most of my interesting talents would either be unsuitable for a stage or ... 'outlawed' by your signs out front." She uses humour in her tone on the last part. "But, I suppose if it comes down to running it or not running it, I may be able to be convinced to trot onto the stage." She shrugs faintly, before looking back to Tirzah. "Perhaps I could have something..." She concedes, before amusement begins to creep into her features. "Perhaps its not me that has too many temptations." She teases lightly, before looking over to Desmond. "Perhaps he has a wild side to him when we're not looking..." Her tone quite amused now.

Desmond frowns faintly, though it is more a thoughtful expression than one denoting displeasure. His attention shifts to Tirzah and he rumbles deeply, "I do not know what gives you such impressions as that, but I am in a balanced mood at this moment," he tells her simply. Not that his presence in general tends to give some pause, though it may have more do to with size than mood. Then to Sage, "We may discuss what you have in mind if you so desire, to see that it is acceptable, though you should feel no obligation to participate if that is not your desire." His head dipped once as he says as much. As to his wild side? He's not telling.

Tirzah nods with a lazy glare at Desmond. "Yes it seems quite stable." She replies with a slight tone of placation. But she notes she's letting the brooding shadow her and decides to let it go. Delving into her cheery red drink she savors some more. As she ponders Sage's comment. "There's nothing wrong with temptation so long as you are at peace with it." She states to her friend. Her confident expression showing she believes herself beyond question.

Taking a moment to consider the exchange between the other woman and the feline, Sage smiles faintly. "I don't think it has anything to do with... your true emotional state, Desmond." She says softly, "I think she means you look more like a caperone than someone looking to have fun... but that goes with your job, I suppose." She decides to leave the topic at that, and gives a nod to the comment about performances. "If I think of something and the desire strikes me to perform, we can have a chat." She keeps her tone mostly neutral on that comment, before she steps up beside Tirzah. "I never said there was anything wrong... you just commented the other day that I might have too much already." She gives the other woman a playful nudge to her side. Not enough to really cause any spillage to the drink, though. She looks to the options available to her behind the counter. She decides to take up a napkin and produces a pen as she scribbles down a quick recipe and slips it to the bartender when she gets her turn. "Can you make that?" She asks, curious to what the reaction will be.

Desmond considers Sage's words quietly for a moment. Brief, thoughtful pauses are common for the big male, but once that moment has passed he responds promptly. "Perhaps. Though this work is favorable, this is not the sort of place I linger when it comes to personal amusements," he rumbles deeply. His eyes shift towards Tirzah. But he seems not inclined to further the issue. He will nod once more to Sage. "As you wish. You know where to seek me, should you wish to speak further."

The bartender will take a look at what's scribbled on the napkin, then give Sage a nod. "Sure, no sweat," he responds, snagging the napkin as he turns and goes to mixing up Sage's drink of choice. Though he doesn't get very flashy with it, as some might, he's quick and efficient, producing the results with a casual flourish. "Try that on for size," he says as he presents it.

Tirzah eyes Sage's drink in curiosity and nods in agreement to Sage's assessment. "Yeah, maybe you're more of a keener in environments where you don't hold responsibility or authority. But here, you're coming off as bland, which is your choice entirely I just came here to not be bland. Or shadowed by it." She explains in a cheerful but tactless tone. She can be heartless at times, but appears oblivious to it. Rather she takes another savoring sip before alternating between considering what could make her drink better, and how Sage's drink compares. "That was in jest Sage." She replies to her friend, her thoughts reminding her of the topic of temptation.

A faint nod is given in acknowledgement to Desmond as Sage's attention is briefly fixed upon the bartender. The easy response of the man draws a small smile. Unsure of whether to be disappointed by the lack of flourish, she merely waits for the drink to be presented. The drink has a reddish gold colour. She smiles a little more as she takes the glass and takes a big enough sip to allow her to taste it properly within her mouth before she ends up swallowing it. "That'll do." She says softly, but pleasantly enough. She glances over to Tirzah, "Then, I guess I wont linger long here... I'm not used to this kind of setting." Her gaze drops as if mildly embarrassed. She nods faintly to the comment as she nurses her drink a little. She gives Desmond a speculative look. "Could be interesting to see what you'd be like at a party of your liking..." She muses.

"I will see to my duties, as I have no desire to impair the enjoyment of our guests," Desmond states, though with that remaining steadiness of tone. If her tactlessness bothers him at all, he doesn't show it. Though when Sage addresses him, he does pause to answer her. "Parties are.. not something that appeal more often than not," he admits. "I prefer reading.. art. I have begun to explore painting, which is quite favorable." Indeed, touching upon the subject of art does seem to soften his stern countenance just a bit. Tirzah cocks her head at Sage, not wanting to be abandoned. Even though she had not come for company she felt more comfortable now that she had it. "Well one of the best ways to get used to something is to immerse yourself in it." She suggests before taking another sip. her swallows getting larger as the taste of the drink is now accepted, no need to analyze it. And she's eager to try more. "Besides, we can hear each other well enough. Why not give me your input on the letter."

A tilting of her head greets the seemingly softening of the feline's stoic nature with the subject of art. Sage purses her lips thoughtfully, "Interesting..." She comments cryptically, "I guess I shall speak with you later." She says, figuring the feline is trying to excuse himself at this point. She turns her attention back towards the other woman and her drink as she settles down instead of standing to be a little more comfortable. She glances to Tirzah at the immersing comment, "How?" She asks, looking embarrassed once more to have to ask such a question. She sighs softly, taking a sip from her drink. When the topic of the letter comes up, she seems to embrace the idea easily enough. "Very well." She comments softly, giving the other woman a considering look. "I thought you had some pretty good points in the letter, but I think you should talk more about yourself than what some other guy can do with a gun... and you never know whether they have people like that already. Could present yourself in a bad light unintentionally that way." She comments, pausing to let the woman react to her comments.

"Whenever you have need," Desmond rumbles simply to Sage. He will nod once to her, then to Tirzah before turning. His arms relax and he strides away at a steady pace, his attention immediately shifting to the tasks at hand. A fortuitous moment to do so as he notices a nearby man cocking his hand back to toss something towards the stage. Two long strides take Desmond up to the man, his big hand wrapping the man's wrist before he can toss. Protesting loudly, he struggles with the big cat, but Desmond largely ignores this as he quietly drags the man out of the club. Later all he'll be seen again, mutely keeping the peace, though for the most part it won't be too bad a day for order.

Tirzah nods, considering the advice openly with another swallow. "Yes, I suppose I could. I do know they hire that sort fairly regularly. But I didn't want to look like another merc eager for a paycheck. I want to be more than that, and thought it important to relay that message. Could you tell my how I might do so better?" She asks as softly as the music permits. Shifting on her seat, Sage adjusts her position to face Tirzah a little more as the woman prompts for potential help. She tilts her head as she considers the woman. She takes the time to consider what she read in the letter and what some of the comments imply about the company she's trying to obtain employment with. "So, you point out that you're as good as ten mercs?" She says, with a little humour. "Think about what you would offer me on a fabulously exotic trip..." She suggests, deciding to skirt the rules posted outside the club unless someone comes to ask her to stop. Her mind reaches out to touch the other woman's surface thoughts. She'll sip from her drink as she waits for the woman to form the ideas from her own perspective. She also takes a moment to snatch up another napkin to scribble on.

Tirzah shakes her head, her mind saying 'Not ten, maybe two or three, depends on the merc and the situation.' "You're exaggerating Sage." She notes with a bit of disdain. "I'm not trying to say I could beat a bunch a thugs in a fight, whether I can or not. I was trying to say that unlike thugs, I'm good for more than a fight." 'Wow what did I right to throw her so off base' She thinks as her brow furrows. "Clearly I'm not too good at presenting myself on paper.." She trails off.

"Perhaps taken literally..." Sage says softly, "But, I recall you using a figure of ten men somewhere in your letter." She frowns faintly at the thoughts that she begins to pick up from the other woman. She sets her drink aside and reaches over to lightly cup the younger woman's cheek - if the other woman will allow the touch. "Focus... please..." She says, brushing aside the comments about not presenting herself well. "Think about why I would want you to show me a fabulously exotic trip..." Her gaze seek to hold the other woman's gaze, hoping to serve as a focal point for the other woman. Her expression has no judgement within it, simply a curiousity and an openess.

Tirzah is finding it hard to focus given her own recollections recalls something of ten men. But in a whole other context. The error nags her consciousness, dissuading Sage's intent. "I cant..." She pauses, is she fighting Sage or herself? She's finding it hard to tell as she looks around in exasperated confusion. Fighting the tether her mind recoils and then unleashes a particularly memorable trip. Undead surround them, and just like before the air starts to crackle with blue and white energy, real as life. "Why." She asks breathlessly apparently of no one. "I'M NOT READY TO FACE YOU YET!" She suddenly shrieks then sobs, oblivious to the crowd and their newfound attention to her an her apparent break down.

A frown begins to form once more as the other woman's mind begins to wander down a completely different trail than Sage had intended. She isn't quite sure what's going on yet, and the unexpected recoil causes her hand to lose touch with the woman. She feels powerless to stop the flood that seems to have occurred within the other woman's mind. The frown deepens a little at the sense of crackling energy. She lets the rest play out as she can think of nothing better for the time being. Once the other woman begins to sob, she rises from her seat and moves close to the other woman. She intends to offer a hug and a shoulder to cry on if necessary. At the same time, she begins to send mental impressions hoping they will take seed and push away the more disturbing thoughts. She has no power to force them away. "You're safe, Tirzah, you're safe." She says softly, her tone full of concern.

The girl stands about 5’6”. No heels so she doesn't feel a need to be at eye level with men. She holds a posture of discipline and confidence. Which can be notable for a scrawny girl like herself, it wouldn’t take too much of a stretch to imagine her in another life and mousy and meek. But she holds herself, like no one else will. The gown probably helps. Its immaculate, a flowing white gown with deep red borders and insignias. She either works tirelessly at keeping it just like new or employs supernatural means to do so. Possibly both. She does have that supernatural air about her, often inspired by the erratic but somewhat controlled long red hair. Though the hair could be easily overlooked with a look at her eyes, also red, most unusual for a human. On her person she keeps a thin sword in a black scabbard, and often a shotgun, either slung at the hip or the shoulder.

In her immediate vicinity is often another presence clearly non human and supernatural. Either a pale shade or a cloaked figure, not taller than herself, though very frail in appearance. The eyes are what make a shout at its nature. The shade’s glow soft blue. The cloaked figure’s glow like embers of a live fire. Neither hold any equipment of note, except perhaps a duffel. And neither portray any behavior or personality besides being there and doing what she tells them.

Tirzah frowns her mood and posture darkening drastically. "Its not me I'm worried for..." She trails off bitterly. Her sweet and tart drink losing its appeal as she crosses her arms and mopes. "I think I see now, why restraint is a good policy Sage. Though clearly its one I have far from mastered." She notes, her voice soft, Sage's closeness the only reason it can be heard. "Its not over Sage. Not by a long shot. that field trip was just a sample, a test of one person's investment. The source remains, and breeds more evil because that's what they do. I look around and everyone's going on with there lives like there's no danger, nothing can touch us here. Its a laughable fallacy. I've been meaning to try and regroup with those who were out there, you, the others. But every meeting is so much more serene than my dark warnings. So I turned to myself, thinking I could be enough. But the resources to give me that strength are beyond what Kingsdale can offer. Then I found Jelani's and hope. But who am I kidding, I burn, I don't protect." She finishes with another sob.

Despite the darkening posture, Sage offers gentle physical contact as her body lightly hugs against the other woman's. "Perhaps you could benefit from something that helped me." She says softly, "A form of meditation." She adds for explanation. She speaks softly for the other woman alone. "I have not forgotten the danger. I still seek to find insight, but it has been hard to grasp so far... but, one can only worry so much before the worry becomes more crippling than the danger itself." She says, "And, there are plans being made to confront it... it just isn't advertised." She pulls her head back to look at Tirzah. "And, flame does not only destroy... I can prove it if you wish." She raises a brow faintly as if to ask if that'll be necessary.

Tirzah nods conceding slightly. "Oh yes, they warm and light, ward and guide. But all those still require fuel..." She pauses thinking about Sage's words. She recognizes her friend's attempt to reassure so it hurts her as she feels more tactless words form, but she is hurt by Sage's words. "You, they, left me out then? Was I of no consequence? Just a foolish civilian in the wrong place at the wrong time. Didn't really contribute but made good fodder. That all I was? hmm?!" Her tone drips with venom though an intuitive mind could see thats more her opinion than an assumption of other's.

Unsure of how fuel or burning rules out the possibility of protection or other positive attributes, Sage gives a quizzical look. "I'm not sure how that matters." She admits after a moment, but the venomous words causes the moment of tender closeness to come to an end as the light auburn haired woman steps back from woman. Her expression slipping towards neutral. She looks at Tirzah for a long moment, before her eyes narrow in displeasure. "By plans, I meannt the idea had been mentioned." She says with a slight edge, "And consider what happened to me out there when you start talking about me holding myself above you."

Tirzah mutters, not liking the way this is going. Just seems to be getting more sour. "Yeah, I guess I was selfish in that regard." She admits after a pause. "But you still know a lot more than me about any 'ideas'. You didnt hint it at all. Which impresses on me that there is a reason. And I want to know the truth of it. I need to know the truth of it." She states firmly, regaining a measure of composure as she grasps more stable strands of thought.

Having utter her words, Sage's expression begins to creep back towards a neutral expression. She takes a calming breath as the woman speaks of her side of the story a bit more civilly than the earlier venomous comments. "It all started with my desire to learn more so that I may be able to gain an insight into what is happening..." She says simply, "And, I have gained other matters to balance since." She purses her lips, "But, it is not the people that we went with that are beginning to form their ideas... and I am not a warrior... but you would do well not to push the tall dark and gloomy one away." She glances towards her drink, before glancing back to Tirzah. "But, this is not the place to be speaking of this."

Letting out a long sigh Tirzah looks at her drink with longing and disdain. "No, we wouldn't want to shatter their fragile belief of safety in the fair city. People knowing of a threat and working to meet it. Can't happen." She says with an air of cynicism. "Kid was right, no one knows each other here. Its why the city is weak. if you could look at any in this crowd and know what their strengths are, that would be power. But hey, I'm just the new girl in town. Can't even write a letter right. How am I supposed to find balance here?" She asks, hypotheticly.

"Balance is a delicate thing..." Sage says, "If no one thought they were safe, you risk greater weakness because there is nothing to protect or fight for..." She reaches over to take her glass and takes one last sip from it before she puts it down with whatever might be left. "But, I do not have the time to debate this right now... although, I suppose my opinion's worth may already be shattered and stepped on already." She shrugs, "Take care, Tirzah." She'll wait long enough to let the woman respond before she will likely begin to make her way towards the exit.

Tirzah shakes her head, looking up to meet Sage's gaze on that. "No if anything your opinion remains enlightened to me. Just my ego got shattered. It.. I dont know what it was. But I'll let you go. The mood is definitely shattered." She then turns back to her drink and downs it in one go. The glaring to the bartender she orders scotch, straight up.

A slow nod is given to Tirzah's words as Sage delays leaving for a brief moment. "Then, when you have the inclination, seek me out... but use some care." She offers, before she departs. Tags: desmond, sage, tirzah