Nov 03 17:29:55 106 PA - Haunts, Hotties, Horses, and Hangovers

From Chronicles

Nov 03 17:29:55 106 PA - Haunts, Hotties, Horses, and Hangovers Kingsdale - Steel Street North

Erica nods her head as she looks at the building you waved at. "Yah I don't know much about any of that. Although I can fix a toaster I guess. Yah I just wanted to see if I could help where I could. I hate to see people in trouble like that." She says to Alistair as she keeps idly kicking her feet back and forth on a makeshift bench. She is wearing a beat up baseball cap tilted on her head as she smiles and nods at people passing by.

"I think money always helps, I mean, people need to buy food and things ... " Alistair replies, smiling sheepishly. He's got a backpack on his back, though it doesn't appear to have much in it at this time. "I'm sure there's plenty of others things that could be done too I guess."

Erica is sitting around on a make shift bench humming a soft tune to herself. She is wearing a beaten up baseball cap slightly tilted to one side on her head as idly kicks her feet back and foth. Every time someone passes by she flashes them a warm smile and nods her head in greeting, interupting her humming for just a moment. She is currently talking to Alistair.

One more possible passerby meanders in from the south, to the tune of casual bootfalls. Duster and hat shelter Brady from rain or shine, and so he's not found without either. The third indispensable accessory is the lit cigarette beneath the brim, with the remainder of his mandatory fashion items not-quite concealed by his coat.

"Yah I would like to set up a soup kitchen or something, but that takes more money then I have. So I best try to find some work." She nods her head to herself. Looking up she spots Brady and give a high pitched squeal of recognition as she waves at him before turning back to Alistair. "Know of any work? And you never did tell me your name."

"I said I'm Alistair" he blinks, wondering if his brain is running in slow motion today or not. That and the squeal must have done a thing or two. "Ohh ... " another couple blinks, "I'll be back" he says, and bolts into the building.

She was walking up behind Alistair with a casual smiles as she appeared to be needing to relate to the man for a bit. But then Alistair bolts back into his house leaving Tirzah to contemplate waiting for him or trying another time. "Well can't hurt to wait a bit." She says to herself with a light sigh before looking over the girl he was talking with. "Hello." She says with a small wave.

Brady grows a grin at the incoming squeal and wave, and his hat dips with a nod in acknowledgement. Alistair's sudden departure doesn't appear to disturb him more than a slightly raised brow. "Good to see you, too, Freckles. Making new friends?" Another tip of his head as he nears, this time to the Alistair that is no longer there. Or maybe it's to the Tirzah that was behind him, since he bends his brim to her. "Howdy, Red."

Erica giggles and shrugs her shoulder as Alistair runs off. She turns to the girl who is newly arrived and she offers her a warm smile in greeting. "Hello. I guess he had to use the bathroom or something right away." She says with another light giggle. My name is Erica by the way. You know that Alistair fellow?" She asks Tirzah before turning to Brady. "Hiya Brady. Yah it is always nice to met new people don't cha know?" Turning back to Tirzah she smiles again. "Oh I love your hair it is awesome. I wish I had hair like that."

Tirzah turns her gaze to Brady with a slight nod. "Hellow again Brady." She greets, albeit in a still slightly suspicious tone. Turning back to Erica she nods again. "We're friends most days." She confirms before reaching up to pull some of her hair before her eyes and make sure there is nothing odd to draw the notice. "Oh its just how it is every morning after the shower. Nothing special to get it like this really."

"Course it is." Brady confirms Erica's opinion, then arches a brow at Tirzah. "Before you two start sharing beauty secrets, any word on that bit of travel, yet?" He's still grinning, but he'd better get in a word before they go from hair, to clothes to lacy things. Then again, maybe he could tolerate a little girl talk, afterall.

Erica turns her ball cap around on her head making the brim face the wrong way. She sticks out her tongue childishly at Brady. "Just because I like her hair doesn't mean we are going to talk about clothes. Jeez what a man..." She brings up her legs and hugs her knees to her chest. "What traveling?"

Tirzah shrugs off the allegations of impending gossip with little bother. The gesture also suits her lack of knowledge on departure times. "Well I told Alistair to give me at least a weeks notice for the guiding preparations, and I have gotten know notice. He's quite good at those things so i would say it is safe to assume it is more than a week away." She deduces for Brady. before smiling at him. "Which gives you atleast a week to get that armor for me." She adds before looking to Erica. "Alistair is going on a trip to a dangerous place in the near future."

Brady's grin nearly pinches off his source of nicotine as it flattens to a sly smile. "Already workin' on it. You'll get it with time to spare, don't you worry none." Now Erica gets a curious glance. "Yep. Always been. Gonna hurt my feelings if ya expected different."

"Well I've seen strager things I guess then a man changing into a woman." Erica flashes Brady a sly grin before turning back to the other woman. "Is this place far off? If it ain't too far I could help out. I make it around pretty quick with my jetpack and all. And wouldn't even charge too much if it's for a good reason. See I'm trying to make some pocket change..." She offers another shrug as she releases her legs and looks up at the sky, while shielding her eyes from the sun.

Alistair emerges from the building again, dusting one shoulder off with a hand - the backpack now contains a few nerf swords that are sticking out, too. He stops as he looks up, a bit surprised. "Hello Miss Tirzah, Mr. Brady" he greets, nodding his head politely and smiling.

Tirzah nods to Erican, taking a moment to do some quicjk counting on her fingers. "Over 500 miles if we could go strait. So that would be a yes. It is on the planet and in this dimension though." She adds with a smirk. Alistair's return then brings out her smile as she nods in return to the greeting. "Hello Alistair. I mentioned Sage coming as well on the street, but we did not speak of it the other day. She and I talked some more about it and she wants to come. That and I do believe her abilities could be invaluable against the ghosts and the environment. That is, if you have the room for a sixth person."

"Howdy. I see you found your... whatever those are." A hand is waved to Alistair's return and the things protruding from his pack. He promptly refocuses on the conversation at hand with a low whistle. "That's a ride, there. Too far for you, Freckles?" It's a mildly taunting question for Erica, complete with curiously quirked brow.

"Well that is pretty far out there but I could make the trip in under three hours assuming it was safe flying and all. But I think that far of a flight might be kinda dangerous." She gnaws on her lower lip for a moment as she thinks. "But I mean I just got into town. I wouldn't want to leave right away. I just unpacked and everything." She pouts slightly as she looks at the three of you a little undecided.

"Oh, okay Miss Tirzah - I think Cali wouldn't mind" Alistair replies with a nod tot hat, and then looking to Brady for a moment, his cheeks color; that's followed by a look of confusion as more talk of trips starts taking place. "Going somewhere already?"

"Erica was just inquiring about the trip Alistair, and brady too. He was wondering when the departure time is." Tirzah explains to the man before looking to Erica again. "Honestly Erica you don't want to go. Its haunted and dangerous, few come out alive sort of thing. Such adventure is available much closer at hand in Dregtown." She advises with a smile.

Brady chuckles at Tirzah's advisory. "Now you're just making it sound all the more interesting. Maybe you oughtta tell everyone it's boring, there's no credits in it, that sort of thing. Might work better."

Erica listens to what is on the trip and shakes her head. "Yah that doesn't sounds like my sort of thing. I'm not sure if I would be of any use against a ghost or what not. I prefer things to you know be solid." She giggles softly as she shrugs her shoulders as she starts idly kicking her feet back and forth. "Why are you heading there in the first place?"

Being afternoon and all, Caliopa is normally at work but today, she is heading down the street. Wearing work clothes and her mind definitely on the job, she is carrying a parcel, her steps lively and her plait swinging as she moves. A glance across and her face lights up as her gaze lands on Alistair. A bright, sunny smile curves her lips and she turns her footsteps towards him. "Ali..." Her greeting is soft, tilting her head back as she offers him a kiss, a faint blush in her cheeks. "Tirzah." Another greeting, polite this time, and a nod of the woman's head.

"Aaaah ... " Alistair blinks hiseyes, and looks from Tirzah to Erica for a few moments, then to Cali when she arrives. He smiles ather and takes the offer, cupping her cheeks with his hands as he leans in for that kiss. He blushes too, because it wouldn't be Ali if he didn't, and then he looks to Tirzah as well.

Tirzah turns and nods her head in return to Cali at her arrival and greeting. "Caliopa, you are well?" She asks, returning the politeness openly. Then looking to alistair she appears to consider him. pondering something before looking to Brady. "Well if I described it like that people would know I'm lying because I don't guide for trips that don't need my special repertoire."

Brady isn't sure what Alistair planned to say, but he doesn't blame him for getting sidetracked. The gal doing the distracting might be smudged like a greasemonkey, dress like a wrench warrior, but sure doesn't resemble the type, otherwise, to his recollection. A second, full look is taken just to be sure, before he looks to the redhead that is less... well, less. "Uh... what specialty might that be, Red?"

Erica giggles happily as she watches the two lovers kiss. She raises up a hand and gives Cali a quick wave in greeting. "Hello there. I'm Erica." She giggles out before turning back to listen in on the conversation about the trip. She idly adjusts her belt as she tries hard to understand what everyone is talking about. "You have a special repertoire?"

Caliopa glances between the little group, blushing slightly as she leans into Alistair. "I ain't got long, got to get back." She gives a momentary glance at the two newcomers and a questioning look at Alistair, but her smile is warm and sunny. "Ali said you were like to come with us, Tirzah. I'm real appreciative of it but I'll pay you, right and proper. Ain't takin' no favours on this trip. Seems a piece of crazy to be goin' at all." The manner is blunt and she gives Tirzah a nod, friendly like.

Alistair slips an arm about Cali's waist, looking to Cali for a moment with a smile and then back; he glances to Erica as well, then to Tirzah and Brady. "Miss Tirzah did some homework" he looks to Cali, "It's all rumours but they are as you heard" he explains. "And also Miss Sage wants to come along now as well."

Tirzah shakes her head without and hesitation to agree with Caliopa. "I wasn't planning it to be a freebee. But I also understand you are no private organization with a large wallet. Your payment should compensate my efforts for preparation and protection. From what the rumors tell many go to this Madhaven looking for things and fail. My payday then is to succeed." She explains with a content smile before looking back to Brady and Erica. "I am a warlock of air and fire, and a guide. I take people to strange and dangerous places, and bring them back alive."

"So, you're the one leading this little ride, then?" It's both question and statement as Brady bends his hat brim to Caliopa. "Sounds to me that the reward's in what gets found there, not deep pockets." With Erica introducing herself, he turns his slight grin back to Trizah. "How many you planning to guide? Getting there might be the easier part of the two, if it's as bad as you say."

"I would hope you would bring them back alive otherwise you wouldn't get much in the way of repeat buisness." Erica offers Tirzah with a grin. "Isn't Madhaven by the coast somewhere? Yah I don't think that is quite my bag. But maybe with a bunch of you taking a trip there will be more work for me." She giggles and straightens her ball cap back around as she starts to kick her feet back and forth again idly.

The smile dims a little, Caliopa's forehead wrinkling in concern. "I ain't sure... I mean, them rumours, they sound like somethin' that ain't right for them that sense things." She glances at Alistair, her teeth worrying her lower lip, her brown eyes deeply concerned. Each thought shows clearly on an expressive face. "I'll pay you before we go, jus' in case somethin' happens." She assures Tirzah quietly but her arm around Alistair tightens, the tension obvious. "I ain't overly sure we met." She speaks to the two strangers, offering her free hand. "I'm Caliopa, ...well, Cali really. Only my pa calls me Caliopa. I'm goin' there. It ain't a pleasure trip, 'n' I've no real choice in goin'. Plannin' on takin' maybe five folks with us. I ain't got the money to cover more. If it ain't enough, well..." She shrugs. "I only got so much cash, 'n' I ain't sellin' the garage up for no honour debt."

"We'll be coming back just fine" Alistair chimes in. At the same time he gives Cali a little encouraging squeeze, and listens as the introductions begin, blushing faintly. Such a horrible lack of manners! "Miss Tirzah also offered to prepare us some very powerful handgrenades for the trip" he adds, "And she just needs a week's or two notice before we leave to prepare things."

The soft clopping of hooves sounds approaching from Main street. Too slow for a gallop or even a trop. Just a slow ambling walk. For those looking towards the sound they might spot Vadania leading LightFeather down the street. Her voice soft as she speaks to the horse. "I know you don't like town anymore than I do. But I saw some forrage down this way." LightFeather for all her good looks just snorts at the woman as if she's mad or something.

Tirzah nods in acceptance of all the terms, her expression agreeable. She nods at Alistair's contribution as well, smirking slightly. "And an hour with everyone before we go, to get them acquainted with the fire globes and conduct in general for the trip." She reminds him before looking to Brady with confidence. Getting there and back will be the easy part, through the magic zone, enough deterrent on my person to deal with any nasties. Madhaven itself will be the difficult area, for what we have heard the location can be just as adverse as the residents."

"Beasties don't bother me none." Brady assures Tirzah before promptly tipping his hat to Cali to complete introductions. "Name's Brady, nd I'm one of those five you're looking for. I guarantee you don't need to worry yer pretty little head about me gettin back in one piece."

"Hi Cali. I'm Erica. It is wonderful to meet you. I really hope your trip goes well and you don't have any problems." Hearing the horse she raises her head up quickly in interest. "Horsie!" She giggles out and jumps up on her bench. She gets up on her tiptoes to look at the horse walking down the street and claps her hands together happily. She hops over past all the people who are planning the trip and watches the beautiful horse walk by.

Caliopa frowns slightly, biting her lip, her face thoughtful. "Ain't sure there are conduct rules, not for sure. I mean, folk'll behave as they do." The pretty little head comment earns Brady a blank stare, Caliopa's eyes widening slightly. "I ...ain't never had noone say that to me before. Looks ain't got nothin' to do with thinkin' or ability to survive." She shakes her head, touching Alistair lightly. "I got to get back to work. Reckon we best draw a list of them comin' 'n' have some form of meetin' to work things out." A troubled glance at Brady, her forehead wrinkled and she offers Alistair another kiss. "Garage won't wait though."

"That ... " Alistair starts, and looks from person to person as they speak; naturally the offer of a kiss is taken, and then he waves to Cali as he heads off to the garage. "I'll see you later then, Cali - I'll get some food" he smiles and then turns to the others once Cali has headed off. "I will see if there's more information on madhaven as well. But I think just about everyone is informed now, only I think Miss Cel might not have met with Cali yet."

Vadania's reaction mimics LightFeather's as they both blink at the obvious glee from Erica. One brow quirking upwards as she offers a small smil in return. "No, she is LightFeather." The smile deepening into a grin as seh lifts her free hand to wave to Alistair. "I see you are still gathering the women to yourself, sir." Then Tirzah gets a wave as well.

Tirzah returns the wave to Vadania before taking a moment to nod and consider Caliopa And Alistair's words. "Well not strict rules of conduct by any means. But if we can get people avoiding unwise reactions to encounters that would be best." She clarifies with a knowing smirk. She then takes a moment to consider Brady once more with his confidence but does nothing save shrug and look back to the others.

"Well hello there Miss Lightfeather" Erica says with a giggle and gives the horse a little wave. She keeps her distance not wanting to offend but she studies the horse and Vadania with wide eys obviously delighting in the noble animal. "Hi there I am Erica." She squeaks out as she offers the rider a wave as well. "Your Miss Lightfeather is very beautiful."

Alistair smiles at Vadania and waves to her as well. To Tirzah then he nods, tilting his head a little. "I believe you should write a poem about that" he smiles, brows hiking up a touch now. He looks to Brady as well, "So you shoot well?" he inquires, looking curious.

Vadania chuckles softly as her gaze focuses back on Erica. "LightFeather is beautiful, yes." Her hand releasing the halter as she turns to look at the horse, "I'm afraid she knows that fact far too well though." Then turning back to Erica she offers, "I am Vadania. She doesn't bite hard or often."

Tirzah shakes her head, electing to start heading out. "Sage is the truly artistic one. I will present that challenge to her." She says to Alistair, sidestepping her own minute spotlight. "Until the meeting." She wishes before offering everyone waves and heading out.

Erica takes a couple steps closer to the horse and slowly reaches out a hand to touch its neck. She giggles happily as she strokes the horse neck gently and affectionately. Erica turns around and waves to Tirzah. "Bye Tirzah." She calls out while still petting the horse. She smiles up at Vadania before asking. "How long have you owned her."

Brady observes the horse, rider, and Erica's apparent interest in both. Alistair's question doesn't go unanswered, though, and a bit of show and tell is provided with Brady briskly drawing the pistol from the hip nearest him. Only after it's pointed at the other man's chest does he turn his face that way, wielding a smirk. "Quick, too. Have to be both, since one don't matter much without the other." Then the iron is reholstered just as promptly.

Vadania blinks at Erica. "Own her? I don't. She carries me of her own choice. But I have known her since she was foaled. As I knew her mother and grandmother." LightFeather for her part just seems to bask in the attention. A soft whinney answering something.

Alistair waves to Tirzah, and looks to Brady. "You shouldn't be pointing guns at people" he comments, "We've had enough tragic accidents" he adds, and tilts his head a little. "Interesting. So how fast would you say you draw?" he smiles, brows hiking up.

Erica smiles at Brady as he looks over at her. She keeps petting and stroking the horse as she reaches into her utility belt and draws out a couple carrot sticks. Holding out the sticks for the horse to eat she looks up again at Vadania. "I've always like horses never really had much to do with them but they sure are very pretty."

"Well, they don't call me Blindin' just for my smile." Brady smirks to Alistair and glances towards Erica and Vadania again. "Might fine animal you got there. Where'd you two ride in from?" The question is for the latter and her horse, of course.

Vadania's answer is simple to Brady's question. "The West." Mirth showing as she glances towards him. Then turns her attention back to Erica. "Where I grew up, they helped us day to day. Kept us warm in the winters, helped us gather in our food in the spring, summer and fall. They are our brothers and sisters."

"Hmmm ... I see" says Alistair - he smiles and waves a hand, "I have to get to work though - see you all later I'm sure" he nods, and starts on his way towards the main street.

"We used to have a couple work horses on the farm. But my sister would always hog them and take care of them. I always had to run stuff between town and the farm. Oh and I knew a guy who looked like a big giant horse in the defense force, but he was bipedal." Erica shrugs and giggles as the horse eats up her carrot sticks. She turns and waves at Alistair. "Bye it was nice meeting you Alistair."

Brady gives Alistair an absent wave while chuckling to Vadania. "Really?! Never woulda guessed it. Whereabouts? Hope? Charity? Silvareno? Everything's west of here."

Vadania waves after Alistair too. A small grin showing as she shakes her head. "I have been to all those, yes. Not quite to the deserts where the night walkers roam. But after the mountains."

Erica keeps stroking and petting the horse as she smiles at Brady and waves him over. "You don't have to stand all the way over there. Wow you guys must have traveled quite a bit. This is the furthest south and the furthest west I have been. I still don't quite why so many refugees headed south to here, but what can you do?"

"Must work your friend there something fierce to get around like that." Brady steps towards the ladies and nods to Erica. "It was a long ride for me, and my gal's got hover jets." His baby blues lift back up to the squaw and his brim is bent to her. "Blindin Billy Brady. Always nice to meet somebody that knows something of dusty trails."

Vadania inclines her head slightly, "Vadania SilverFeather, Shaman of the Pequote People." Mirth dancing in her grin as she winks to Erica. Then offers to Brady. "She had a while to do it all in. The moon rose and fell many, many times in the getting here."

Erica grins as she returns Vadania's wink with a wink of her own. "I hope that it was at least a nice trip. Why did you both come out this ways anyhow? I just came cause I heard about the refugees." She turns around and leans her little body against the horses wiggling a bit to get comfortable.

Brady's shoulders roll beneath his duster as he explains to Erica. "It was just my time to get moving on. Somebody had a laugh naming Charity, since it ain't very charitable-like. When everyone's packing iron, it's great for business, but not so great when someone takes a dislike to ya. I wasn't ready for the boot pasture just yet."

Vadania shrugs slightly, "I was looking for a place to settle at and a people to help. So we came north after meeting a couple of refugees further out. Now it is just a case of getting settled for a bit." LightFeather turns her head to lip at Erica's hair playfully. Vada frowns slightly at that bit about Charity. "Ohh... That was where that sounded familiar. You outfitted the Black Foot party I ran into. They liked the thundersticks you sold them. But the arrows still won the day."

Erica giggles as the horse lips on her hair. She smiles and nuzzles her cheek against the horse's muzzle. "Well I'm glad you all came out here. It sure does seem like a friendly place with everyone that I've met so far. I'm sure that if we all work together we can do some great things for all the refugees and what not." She flashs you both warm and affectionate smile, and even reaches out and gives Vadania's leg a quick pat.

Vadania clucks her tongue at LightFeather and nods back down the street. The horse snorts, then starts ambling down the way Vada nodded. "Please pardon us, she needs to eat before we go back out towards camp. The dinos were being mean earlier and chasing her around." The pat to her leg brings a blink, then a soft laugh. "Yes, they were friendly to me as well. Alistair being hte first I met here."

"Been awhile since I seen a squaw on horseback." Brady chuckles somewhat wistfully as he watches her leave, then turns fully to Erica. "So, Freckles, you still looking to drink 'til your bent on the floor?" A light tone, grin, and wink precede the ignition of a fresh cigarette.

Erica smiles at the horse as it walks away before turning back to face you. "Well I'm kind of curious as to how good you are with those guns. How about a little wager. Your shot against the best of my two? In the junkyard." She gives you a sly grin.

Both of Brady's brows lift over a broad grin. "I'm liking you better and better. You're on, Freckles. What sort of wager did you have in mind?"

Erica giggles and shrugs. "Well best shot gets 200 credits from the loser?" She says as she starts walking towards the junkyard.

Kingsdale - Dregtown Junkyard

Brady chuckles as he follows her lead, amused and intrigued by the challenge. The view isn't discouraging, either. "Two hundred it is. I thought you were trying to earn your creds, and not spend them all?" A wink follows the teasing question before he looks around. "Won't be no loss of targets here, I reckon."

Erica points out a big metal 'O' on a sign about 500 ft away. "That looks good. Person who gets closest to the middle?" She says as she draws her Wilks 330 sniper laser pistol and pulls out the shoulder stock. "I guess I'll shoot first then your shot then my second?" She takes aim carefully before pulling the trigger.

Erica grins to you and gives you a wink. "Your turn."

Brady watches her line up her shot and fire with an absent nod... and the smouldering smoke drops from his lip to the ground at the damned centered hole. He leans forward to peer and glances to her, the weapon, and back to her. "Maybe I oughtta have you show how well that Wilks' handles next time I go to sell some..." He pulls one of his own Wilks, a twin-barreled 227, and lines up his shot. "My turn."

Erica holds up the pistol for you to take a look at. As she holds out her other hand. "Well pay up, but that was a nice shot yourself. I just must of had beginners luck." She gives you a quick wink.

Brady redeems himself by hitting the virtual bull, if just a hair low compared to her burnt holing. "Damn, Freckles." He holsters his pistol to fish out some chits from a pocket. There's no sore losing, here, and he's grinning as he hands them over. "Guess I'll just have to earn them back. You know, only thing more lovely than a fine weapon and a fine woman, is one that can use the other."

Erica pockets your credits and gives you a warm smile before getting up on her tiptoes and giving your cheek a quick peck. She lets you check out her pistol as she hums happily to herself. "Well it is a nice pistol for target shooting. Although I'm just as handy with my rifles. Now how about we get some drinks? What place do you want to go to?"

"Your choice," Brady just grins all the wider, "since I'd say you're buying the round. What tickles your fancy?"

"Of course I'm buying. Well I've only been to two bars in town that Mechanics bar, Nuts and Bolts I think it's called. And the tavern you met me in. Any other bars in town? That I could go into with out getting hassled?" She asks.

Brady nods. "Think I know just the place. Nice, but ain't /too/ nice, got some good music, strong drinks, and shouldn't be no borgs trying to know you down. Best place here in the Dregs, I bet." He waves a hand back towards the street.

Kingsdale - The Alibi

Brady is gentleman enough to grab the door before motioning her inside. "After you, Freckles." Once inside, he points out the doormen that are found just inside. "Only bad thing is, you gotta give up your big hardware when you're here."

Erica looks at the bouncers with a quick eye before looking down at her fatigues. "I don't think I'm dressed well enough for this place, but if you say so." She gives the doorman a quick smile as she pulls out her pistol and hands it over to the doorman in excange for an id tab. "Thank you." She says before walking into the club. She starts bobbing her head in time to the music as she walks in.

Brady hands over his Wilks pistols, and exposes the others for their inspection. With good ol' gunpowder not much threat to military-grade armor, he takes his tab and continues on. "Don't need to be dressed fancy for this place, Freckles. Course, if you want to slide into a dress for another time here, I won't be complaining." His smile suggests he'd do anything but complain.

Erica walks to the bar and orders a bottle of raspberry flavored vodka and a big glass of grape juice before sitting down at a table. "Well I do have a nice dress back in my room, but would take too long to change I think." She pours a generous amount of vodka into the juice and takes a sip. "I bet you wouldn't complain hehe."

Brady keeps his request simple, and snags a beer. His only upgrade is that it is from tap instead of a bottle. Unlike other dives, there isn't the fear of extra additives, here. He moseys on over to the table of Erica's choosing and pulls into a chair. "Don't see a reason I would, but like I said, it's something you can save for next time." After taking a swallow, he asks, "So where'd you follow those raggedy curs in from, anyways? Said you came in with them, right?"

Making his way through the door checks Xander proceeds towards the bar. He nods slightly to Erica, giving the man she is with a brief look over as he takes a seat. As usual he calls for a glass of single malt neat, swirling it a bit as he takes some time to do a thorough scan of everyone about.

Erica smiles at Xander as she spots him and raises up her mixed drink to give him a little salute before taking another drink. She turns back to talk to Brady. "Oh I heard about them as I was walking about. I'm from Lazlo originally." She starts tapping on the table in time to the beat as she talks and drinks.

Brady is faced towards the door by his choice of seat, and notes the exchange of recognition. Still, he quirks a brow at Erica and tips his head towards the man. "Friend of yours?" Another swallow and he nods. "Lazlo... Might've heard about it once, maybe. Little farm town, ain't it?"

His scan not finding anyone else of any interest Xander takes up his glass and casually saunters over to Erica's table. "Greetings Erica. Fancy seeing you again so soon, you must be cycling through the bars much like I do. Feeling better tonight?" He asks, making pleasant conversation with his baritone voice. His gaze is cold though, detached, and often shifts towards Brady.

Erica shrugs her shoulders as she hums along with the music. "A person I met the other night at Nuts and Bolts he seemed kind of nice if a little distant. Well Lazlo has farms around it but the city its self is pretty big. I thought it was a nice place, but you know decided to go out a see a little bit of the world." She looks up as Xander walks over to the table. "Oh Hi Xander. Yah I'm seeing which bar I like best. This is Brady, and yah I'm feeling better. Thank you for asking."

Brady lifts his glass in a half-salute of acknowledgement to Xander. "Howdy." His smile is casual, as is his lean back into his chair. The fall of his duster to reveal most of his holsters remain filled might even be coincidence, too. "Sounds like an interesting place, but I know what you mean about sittin' still. Can't stay stuck in a spot forever."

Xander nods with a polite smile at the introduction. "Nice to meet you Brady." He returns before taking hold of one of the chairs and looking to Erica. "Might I join you once more? Things as they are I see a somewhat familiar face more intriguing than the mass of strangers tonight."

Erica raises her glass and gestures to the chair with it. "Of course have a seat Xander. We are just chatting. I happened to have some good fortune today, so we are celebrating. And it is always good to see a familiar face." She giggles and takes a long sip of her drink as leans back in her chair.

"It was luck," Brady chuckles, "but you've got some right skill, there, Freckles." She gets a full brew salute and a smile. After downing another good portion from the glass, he nods to Xander. "Have a seat. She's buyin."

Xander raises a brow with clear curiosity as he takes his seat. "Oh do please relate the good fortune. Would be nice to here something other than the usual whining of toil and yipping of greed these humans produce." He insists, his tone even through the condescension of the dominant race, like its nothing new.

Erica raises an eyebrow at the humans comment. "Well I bet the gunslinger here." She gestures with her glass to Brady. "His shot against the best of my two for some credits, and I managed to take him down with my first shot." She giggles and winks at Brady before taking another sip. Turning to Xander she asks curiously. "Are you not human good Xander?"

Brady empties his glass with an unintelligible mumble, but a good-natured one. "Something tells me this tale ain't gonna get old for her anytime soon, neither." A brow arches up at Xander, then, following his comment and Erica's question.

Xander nods, chuckling slightly at the contest. "Even the best gunslinger can have a bit of sour luck on an even playing field. It is rather the unlikely situations where such experience shines." He remarks before nodding to Erica. "I am indeed, in the strictest of senses. But I am not one to include myself with them. Most humans are quite deluded with the marvel of society. They think their laws and structure set them apart from the beasts. Yet often a simple push from fate and they are feral animals once more. An overconfidence that has cost them dearly, and will continue to do so."

Erica grins at Brady at his comment. "Well depends on if I can win more money off you." She says before turning to Xander and listening to him. "You sound like a villain from a movie I watched a while back. Dark Knight I think it was called." She shrugs her shoulders. "I don't know I think people are basicly good. They come together fairly frequently."

"They get together when they need something," Brady offers his insight, "the way I figure. Hungry, lonely, need protection... they pile in. Course, it's the strongest, smartest, or quickest that wind up on top of the pile."

Xander grins at Brady as he catches on to the view Xander was describing. His expression is a bit confused at Erica's interpretation though. "Oh I'm not saying people are inherently good or bad. Rather Brady has the right of it. People come together simply because it makes sense to do so in every respect. But unlike other herds that see nothing special in the instinct to gather humans insist that their actions are not instinct, that society brings them together under the united cause."

Erica shrugs her shoulders as she rolls her green eyes at both of you. "Well I think most sentients are good and many of them are kind. I have seen little to discount that. There are those that are greedy and nasty, but it is amazing the acts of kindness and selfsacrifice people are capable of." She takes a long drink of her mixed drink before pouring more grape juice and flavored vodka into her glass.

Brady dips his head in a nod to Xander. "Hate to break it to you, Freckles, but most folks ain't so nice. Sure, there's some out there, and maybe you met alot of 'em around Lazlo. That's good, but it's a far cry from everywhere." His shoulders roll beneath his Branaghan and he flags down a server for a refill. "Don't make nobody bad, but havin most of the world blown to smithereens and the rest of it filled with something trying to eat ya... well, that don't usually make for real neighborly folk."

Xander shrugs with a small sigh as his explanation exceeds Erica put decides not to push it further for now. He nods to Brady though as his points are valid. Swirling his scotch before a long sip, Xander just leans back, observing the debate he started with a content smile. He apparently waits to see if a good moment to come back into it will arrive.

Erica shakes her head slowly. "Well you've got your opion and I've got mine. No point for me just to survive I've got to help those in need as well. You want to live for youself that's you, but it isn't me. I think the more people help each other out the more others follow that lead. Oh well not really the best debate for a club anyhow."

"Not spitting on ya," Brady turns a grin to Erica, "just telling it like I seen it. Get enough people thinking like you, and maybe things'll change." His glass finds the appropriate opportunity to be refilled, and her begins to empty it all over again, looking to Xander. "So, what is it you do, when you ain't speaking about human animals?"

"Generally for now I just go to bars and other such places where they converge and interact with them. I like watching them play their social games thinking they are something else. And when opportunity arises I like to remind them they are not. It is but one facet of interest for the independently wealthy like myself." Xander explains with a content smile.

Erica takes another long drink from her mixed drink as she smiles at both you and shakes her head again. "Well I'm glad I don't see the world like either one of you would make me depressed and then I wouldn't be able to have nearly as much fun." She giggles at that last bit. She kicks back in her chair and watches some of the people dance with interest before turning back to the table.

Brady lets out a short laugh. "Don;t worry, Freckles, I like you just as fun as you are. Even if you think I'm getting you down. Now, just sitting around watching people all day..." He turns a bemused smirk to Xander. "/That/ might get me down."

Xander shrugs taking no offense to the difference in preference. "It is not all I do. Rather one of my more frequent activities. I also practice falconry, spend time with my girl friend, and am considering breeding dogs or training horses at the stables."

Erica sits up straight at the mention of a girlfriend. "Oh you have a girlfriend Xander? What's her name? What is she like? You don't seem like the dating type to me, but never can judge people by their appearance." She giggles as she takes another long drink and leans forward, leaning on her elbows which are planted on the table. "How about you Brady you have anyone special in your life?"

"Not yet," Brady shakes his head with a chuckle, "but maybe some of your luck'll rub off." His remaining brew is drained with some speed before he asks, "You got somebody waiting back in that room of yours, keeping your rifles warm for you?"

Xander nods, swirling his scotch a bit. "Her name is Flare. She is special like me but with an affinity to fire. We live together in Coventry place. Currently I'm working to help her start a performance career as a fire dancer." He volunteers, if he has any qualms to revealing so much about himself to people, he does not show it.

"Hard to date when you've travel several hundred miles across Coalition territory." She says with a grin and a shrug. "Ooo firedancing now there is something I would love to see. Got to be pretty graceful for that I imagine. I once knew a girl in my class who could do things with electricity. She found out one day when she fried my computer and erased my homework."

Brady can't help but smirk. "I'd warn you about playing with fire, but maybe you've got that all figured out already." He begins to laugh at Erica's tale, but the sound is stopped short at a sight in the doorway. Large, armored, and not advancing past the weapons check. Potentially a familiar form to Freckles. "/Now/ what... Wheels of commerce never stop turning..." At least he was able to finish his beer. He rises, bending his brim to Erica before departing from the table to tend to whatever hangup is hung up, this time.

Xander nods at the interesting in fire dancing. "Well in a few months she should be performing and you can both see her play with fire." He offers before finishing his scotch with a large swallow. He nods at Bday's departure ebfore sighing and rsing himself. "I should be off as well Erica, do take care." He bids before slipiing off