Nov 18 04:18:37 106 PA - Brady, Alistair, and ladies getting wet

From Chronicles

Kingsdale - Plaza Park

It's late, it's cold, it's windy, and there's an ever-present freezing rain being whipped into the occasional stinging volley. The few people who are about the Park are here because they've nowhere better to go, and the occasional hobo can be seen huddled around a makeshift fire, or curled into the lee of the larger trees. Celaeno is a fair ways inside the gates, her coat pulled tight around her as she puffs obstinately on a damp cigar, refusing to let it go out. Seated against the trunk of a tree, her eyes burn with the reflected light of the ember, looking out unfocused into the dark.

Some have nowhere good to go, others have nothing good to do, which is not to say that those others are doing nothing. Brady steps into the park as little more than a shortcut, and one that is probably less observed than the street or the plaza. He's not trying to be completely inconspicuous, though, since he's also toting a burning ember beneath his brim, which is attached to a cigaretted that is, in turn, held by his lips.

Strangely enough, Alistair has picked this time for a run, breath puffing into the cold air with each step as he goes around the park. Eventually he comes around to where Celaeno is at, and Alistair stops forward motion, running in place instead - yes, pretty much looking like a wet cat, except withou the fur. "Hello miss Cel, how are you today?"

Her hair matted and stringy, her eyeliner smudged, and the cigar sputtering and popping, Celaeno stares blankly at Alistair for several moments, unseeing. "Cold. Wet," comes the eventual reply, the slightest tremor making its way into her voice as she huddles. "About what you'd expect."

Brady first notices the jogging Alistair, with his wet bouncing that takes him nowhere. Then, there's the smoldering cigar and soaked Celaeno. It seems the one with the hat and duster is the only one dressed for the weather. This means there's no hurry to his strides, even if they bring him towards the two. "Howdy, Sunsine. Enjoying the weather?" A grin and greet to Cel is first, then Alistair gets a nod. "Grand fine night, ain't it?"

"Well ... would you ... like to go somewhere warmer then?" Alistair asks, brows hiking up, his expression one of confustion. He looks to Brady then and smiles, "Of course. Sort of" he replies, his expression sheepish for a moment.

"Not particularly," Celaeno says with a muted shrug, the cold keeping her words clipped and matter-of-fact. Turning her head only the slightest bit to bring Brady into view, a slight grunt is given, followed by, "It's cold. And wet." The words aren't particularly hostile, but there's a slight bitterness underneath them as she returns to tending the flagging cigar.

"Yeah, kinda thing can happen when it rains and it ain't warm." Brady quirks a brow. "Since even bugs know to get out of the rain, and I know you're smarter than that, what's got you sitting out here?" His ember flases brighter with a last partaking before he casts the butt aside. A sidelong tip of his head is given to Alistair. "Looks like he's got a reason. What's yours? You didn't wager the roof over your head on something, did you?"

"Hm ... " Alistair blinks his eyes, staring at Cel for a moment, but then Brady asks what he wanted to know anyway - and so Alistair turns his head to look at Brady. "No, I'm just keeping in shape" he smiles, nodding his head. "And what about you?"

"Nope. Apartment's still there," Celaeno says, giving an answer without getting to the heart of the question. Shifting slightly, she begins shaking some of the damp off of herself - just in time for another burst of wind and stinging rain - before ineffectually making an attempt at wiping away some of the eyeliner.

The shoulders of his duster roll to Alistair's question, and the rest of his answer comes as Brady fishes out a fresh smoke and lights it. "Just out and bout, and down the middle of the road at night ain't always the best way to do it. Keeps me in shape, too. The kind I want to stay in." His arched brow never really sinks, nor quite leaves Celaeno. "Ah... One of those things you ain't wanting to talk about? Let me guess, somebody made you cry, and you're sulking. Hides the running makeup, good, too." Yes, he's being nosy, and a little taunting, while pulling a possible scenario out of his hat.

Alistair looks from one to the other, frowning faintly at the exchange. "That isn't very polite" he comments, "If she doesn't want to talk about it isn't nice to prod" which might be funny coming from him, given that usually he doesn't tend to have a firm character.

Celaeno finally loses the fight as her cigar sputters to nothing, eliciting a rather more energetic, "Shit," followed by a sudden and quick move to throw the stub far, far away. With the cigar out, she moves to begin standing, dragging the sheathe of the sword through the mud as she picks it up. Turning to face the man, she says evenly, "Look, asshole, I didn't roll up on you and start talking shit. If I feel like sitting out in the rain and being cold, that's my fucking business. And if anybody made me cry? You'd best believe they'd come out of it a hell of a lot worse than me." Briefly wiping the mud off the sheathe, she clips it to her belt before patting down pockets - looking for something. "And you," she states, annoyed at Alistair, "I don't need you stepping in telling people to fuck off. Either of you got a decent light? I think mine might be soaked through," she says, producing another slightly damp cigar.

Brady lifts his hands to placate, or defend himself, depending on whom he's looking at, but he's still grinning. "Just guessing. Ain't used to folks bitching about sitting in the rain and keep sitting in the rain. Maybe yer a little warmer, now?" Hands lower and he digs into a vest pocket to offer her up a light of the sort with wick that isn't thrown away. A shrug is given to Alistair. "Weren't nice, but she stood up, didn't she?"

"I do not know if that is possible; it's a package deal" Alistair replies, eyes widening a little after a short time considering Celaeno's statement. He looks to Brady then and exhales softly, "I'm sure there are nicer ways to do so - but anyway, now that it is done" he smiles, shrugging his shoulders. He looks to Cel then, "Miss Cel, have you decided if you're coming to Madhaven?"

"Wasn't complaining. Just stating the facts," Celaeno says, returning to her more clipped responses now that her rant is done with. A blank stare is given to Brady before she leans in to light the cigar, taking a good ten seconds to get it properly aflame in the weather, before turning to savouring the smoke. "Never got around to talking to your friend. Don't know enough to commit, but it could be fun."

"It is difficult to get good information on the place, but we are trying" Alistair explains, smiling sheepishly. "Apparently the rumours are true and the place is indeed haunted by things. But getting more specific information than that has been difficult unfortunately. Anyway I will ask Cali and check when she is free."

Celaeno nods at it, "If I can get in and rub elbows, I should be up," she says, taking a little more time to enjoy the lingering smoke. "Who knows, the pay-off could be decent," she grins as she folds her arm, huddling up again against the cold and wind.

There aren't many people around, given that it's late; those who are tend to be huddled about a fire or otherwise trying to protect themselves from the elements. By contrast, the dynamic trio are deep in the park, standing under a tree as they converse, braving the cold, the wind, and the occasional furious rainfall. "Cali can afford twenty, twenty-five a head or so" he offers.

Brady snaps closed the offered light after its taken, then lets out a chuckle. "Can always rub on mine, s'more..." His smirking sort-of innuendo rides off as he looks to Alistair. "She's still wanting me to go, right?" Not that she ever did, for sure, but it can't hurt to remind.

Celaeno shrugs at it all, with a nod, "Set up a meet and greet, and we'll see where it goes from there," before turning away from the two. A few steps are taken into the wind - her cigar burning brighter as she takes a draw on it. Peering into the sky, a sigh is lost to the weather as she tries to pick out which cloud the moon might be hiding behind.

"I'll do that Miss Cel" Alistair replies, nodding his head, and then watching the woman curiously. He looks to Brady then, "Cali hasn't said no so it is alright. But as I mentioned, I have no idea what we will encounter there. Speaking of encounters, how many girlfriends do you have now?"

Sometimes on late nights Tirzah wanders the park. Not often, though. Usually after she does a funeral she'll linger for a while to let the powerful emotions settle within her. Such is as she is now, walking the path aimlessly, her eyes on the clouded sky.

Brady nods to Alistair, only glancing once at Celaeno's flank when she steps away. Maybe twice. Half of his mouth curls into a grin at the question. "Not sure. Sounds like you might be counting for me. How many you figure, so far?"

Celaeno's gaze travels from the sky to the ground as she moves into a squat, pulling her coat tighter as she does - this is a surefire way to get pneumonia, really, but that doesn't seem to stop her from doing it. With her cigar clenched between her teeth to stop any chattering, she begins drawing in the dirt, frequently stopping to look at the trees rustling in the wind.

"Ummm ... " Alistair brings up his hands and starts ticking figers off, quite straight-faced, muttering as if he was recalling names. Then he runs out of fingers, and huffs. "Well, that makes it more difficult to keep track I suppose."

Even from afar the cigar smoke is quite clear to Tirzah and draws her from her reverie. Turning about she spots the trio and starts walking towards them. Smiling causally she comfortably clasps her hands behind her back.

The other source of smoke would be Brady, who has to laugh at Alistair's math. Then he peers. "Damn, you been folowing me everywhere? I think you counted Sunshine, there, twice." His chin tips towards Celaeno." Course, she's probably worth double, anyhow." He doesn't yet spot Tirzah, or he might have added her in, somewhere, too.

Celaeno's reverie continues, though she rises from the dirt, her arms folding themselves. Her gaze shifts downfield, now, flitting from distant light to huddled figure to lamp, shaking her head as she thinks.

Alistair sighs and then looks towards Brady, smiling sheepishly at the accusation of stalking. Then, glancing to Celaeno and back to Brady he says, "I don't think I'd mess that up" he comments, smoothly going from that statement to waving at Tirzah. "Hello Miss Tirzah!"

Tirzah nods, bringing her hand up to return the wave. "Hello to you Alistair. Most observant of our little band so far. How are Sir Brady and Celeano?" She asks, looking to each in turn. the sarcasm in the sir for Brady is quite clear and she smirks along with it.

"Howdy, Red." Brady turns a grin to Tirzah, now that he's aware, taking a long inhale from his cigarette. "Guess everyone likes the rain and wind, tonight." A sidelong glance is shot to Alistair, with a thumb to Tirzah. "Let me gues, you counted her, too?"

Celaeno turns back to the group, one eyebrow quirking upward at the addition of another person, but so it goes. "You ever thought just how much work goes into one of those metal barrels?" she asks, queen of the non sequitor. "What with having to dig up the metal, refine it, and whatever the hell they do?" A single hand goes up in greeting to Tirzah before she huddles back down.

"No, Miss Tizah has a girlfriend and I assumed that you do not qualify" Alistair replies to Brady innocently. Looking to Celaeno then he nods and smles, "Yes! Um - why?" he inauires, brows hiking up curiously.

Her arm returning to clasp her other behind her back Tirzah wanders between the three with a slight nod. "Yes myself and my partner Sage are coming on the venture to madhaven. I am looking forward to it with some anticipation, a real test." She confirms with a smirk before considering Celaeno's abstract review. "If the process is not automated or done magicly a great deal of effort is required."

Brady quirks brows, eyeing Tirzah a moment. The saddle or spurs debate, maybe. Then Cel speaks, and he turns towards to out-of-the-blue question. "Course it takes alot of work. That's the most important part. Won't shoot true if it's screwed up."

"Just a thought. Everything's just a goddamn marvel," Celaeno states flatly and without any real mirth. "And I meant just a regular one, like you'd start a fire in." A quick puff of smoke quickly dissipates in the bitter cold wind of the park. The night waxing late - indeed, even moving to the point of morning, now - leaves the largest group of people not huddled around a barrel of burning trash conversing under a tree, one or two hundred meters from the entrance. "So, Madhaven, hm?"

Erica walks through the cold night with a heavy coat around her. Her smile though is quite warm as she walks around. She looks at the small groups as she passes by and finally recognizes some people. Her smile widens as she walks up quickly to you all, giving you a friendly wave. "Hello everyone. Nice to see some friendly people on a cold night."

Alistair tilts his head a little. "Even the little things, and the bread we eat" he smiles, and nods. "Yes, Madhaven. A place of madness, so they say" he comments. "Do dangerous places often have valuable things within?" he asks, curious. Looking aside for a moment he smiles again, "Hello Miss Erica!"

Tirzah shakes her head, still smirking with apparent ambivalent mirth. "Dangerous places usually dont have valuable items no. However valuable items are usually found in dangerous places." She offers in reply to Alistair's question before looking to the arrival of Erica. Some must think her nuts to be out in the late night wind and rain in just her formal gown, but those who know her well know she takes elements lightly, in a way.

Brady is corrected on the barrels issue, annd shakes his head even as it turns back to Alistair and Tirzah. Just in time for Erica, too. A grin sprouts back up. "Howdy there, Fre..rica. Beginning to look like it's raining women and water both."

Celaeno gives another little wave to the newcomer, turning to the circle of people out at all hours. "Whelp, it seems like things have turned into a bit of a party," she says dryly, "Anybody think to bring booze?" Another sigh is almost lost to the wind as she turns to face Tirzah, "It's right there in the name, really. I'm not so worried about the crazy, personally, but I don't know anything about any of the other local baddies - not to mention the ones you'll be passing by. Feeling chatty?"

Erica rubs her hands together for warmth as she looks around at you all, her smile taking you all in. Her eyes linger on Tirzah for a moment. "You always look so good Tirzah. I wish I could wear clothes like you do in this weather." She stops and thinks for a moment, before taking a step closer to Tirzah hoping to steal some warmth. She grins at Brady and shakes her head ever so slightly as she grins at him.

"I'll bring some" says Alistair, "But then I must go, unfortunately" he smiles and nods his head, then starts on his way towards home, splashing in puddles as he runs through them.

Unclasping her hands Tirzah crouches down to retrieve a flask from where it was tied to her calf and offer it to Celaeno. "Here, some midnight frost." (Blackberry brandy and something extra to give a very strong sense of euphoria) She offers freely before shrugging innocently at Erica, just a perk of the job. It has its downsides." She assures.

Brady slipped a little. He knows it, and Erica's shaking head means she must have, too. Maybe he can make it up to her. "If you're cold, Erica, there's more of my Branaghan to share than her dress." A wink while a hand flaps his coat a little. Not to leave anyone out, he glances to Celaeno. "I've got some in my..." Then Tirzah has to go and ruin a perfectly good excuse by having a flask under her dress.

Celaeno starts grinning at the offered flask, taking it for only a slight nip as she goes back to puffing her cigar down. "Not that the nip's not appreciated, that a 'no' on talking about what you might know about Madhaven? Outside of it driving you crazy, and all." The flask is then lifted to anybody other takers as she bits down on an upcoming shiver. A flat stare is offered Brady, her grin freezing into a mocking sneer.

Erica's eys widen at Brady's offer and she blushes ever so slightly. "Don't be silly Brady." She reaches out with a small hand and takes the offered flask. Raiseing it up to her lips she takes a small sip and her eyes widen as she starts to cough a bit. Her skin flushes from the liquor and she holds the flask back out. "Um anyone else?"

Tirzah shakes her head, her smirk looking more devious. "No I just though a sip might help prepare you. Word is ghosts, lots of ghosts. Enough to drive almost all that venture there stark raving mad." She describes as she retrieves the flask to take a good swallow for herself. Then handing it to Erica she shakes her head slightly. "And you, are overdoing it with the flattery, I really need a bust to perfect my look or atleast compensate for my boyish muscles."

Brady takes up the flask when it comes around. After the ladies get their turn, since he's such a gentlman. As he steals one nip, he looks questioningly at Cel's sneer. "What? Ain't nothing wrong with a little booze in my room..." His eyes shift to Erica. "Who said I was joshing?" Then he takes another swallow, considers Tirzah her comment on curves, and his eyes drop. They then make the circuit twice more between the ladies, without rising, to be thorough. Red gets a nod as he hands the flask over. "Yeah, it'd help."

Celaeno glances between the two other women, and then over at Brady. Practically sniggering to herself, she shakes her head before continuing to ignore the man. "And ghosts don't concern me too much. I tend to be more concerned about the things that are solid and shooting at me. Which I imagine there will be plenty of, what with crossing Coalition turf."

Erica takes the flask back and takes another sip. This one makes her cough again a little but once she is done coughing she makes a little 'Mmm' sound. She holds on to the flask as she looks between Brady and Tirzah. "I think she looks fabulous." She shrugs her shoulders before taking another sip from the flask, and holds it out. "Ghosts huh? I don't think my energy guns can do much against ghosts." She says as a shiver runs up and down her spine.

Shaking her head Tirzah dismisses the notion of crossing Coalition territory with a simple gesture. "I told Alistair crossing CS borders is unadvisable. Rather we should make our way through the magic zone. I'll be bringing adequate deterrent for the nasties there." She assures before smirking at Erica. "Well thank you, I'm taken though." She informs the young one with a smirk before taking another free swallow from her flask.

"Ghosts, magic, nasties, going insane..." Brady somehow manages to join the topic he all but ignored to date. "Anything else we gotta worry about? Don't sound like much, so far." He offers some smirking advice to Erica. "If it don't fall down when you shoot it, shoot it again. If that don't work, shoot it with something bigger."

Celaeno shakes her head at everything, her smirk growing as the... drink begins kicking in in earnest. "Y'know, we need to get some sort of proper sit down together for all this," she says. "But I think I've had enough of the cold tonight. We'll see where it all goes from here," she finishes, spiting out the stub of her cigar, "I'm sure I'll see you lot around." With that, she turns to walk away, giving a solitary wave back at the group as she lets go a full bodied shiver.

Erica shrugs her shoulders and shakes her head. "I only have so many weapons Brady. I'm sure you have an impressive array." Turning her head to Celaeno she gives her a wave goodbye. "Have a lovely night, well morning nowish." She rubs her hands together as she looks up at the sky to judge the time.

Tirzah eyes Brady critically, not appearing to approve of his outlook for adversity. "Sounds like a good way to run out of ammunition to me." Is her reply before capping her flask and giving Celaeno a wave. The she takes a moment to retie the flask to her calf, eyeing Brady for his retort.

Brady bends his brim to Celaeno in farewell. "I reckon you will. Have fun, Sunshine." Erica gets a wink. "You can always come take a look." Last, and not least, is a smirk to Tirzah. "Nah, I don't every run out."

"You don't ever run out? Well not me. I only got so many shots, so I don't think I'll be trying to run into ghosts anytime soon." Erica says with a shake of her head. "I prefer not to get into too many problems where I need giant guns." She nods to both of you. "But I think I'm going to get some breakfast for this early morning."

Tirzah smirks devilishly at Brady as she nods to rise. "I look foarward to witnessing that." is her own reply before she makes off as well.