DIR Return Create A Forum - Home
---------------------------------------------------------
Highlander: the RPG
HTML https://hlrpg.createaforum.com
---------------------------------------------------------
*****************************************************
DIR Return to: CHRONICLES
*****************************************************
#Post#: 73--------------------------------------------------
HALF MOON RISING Part 11
By: Cyberfox277 Date: September 30, 2011, 10:15 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[center]***Next Day***[/center]
Annie looks around her suite after she finished breakfast
wondering what to do today. She'd called her employee at the
antique store but what she'd asked for would take a few days to
arrive. She frowns when she remembers Gemini, it was late
morning and she still didn't feel her? She hoped Gemini didn't
sneak out through to stairs just to avoid being felt. Maybe she
should check it out, she thinks as she stands up, picks up her
coat with the sword in it and moves to the door. Annie checks if
she has the key card when she gets to the corridor, then closes
the door and walks to Gemini's room.
Gemini freezes as she feels the buzz of another Immortal and
looks towards her door, freezing.
Annie feels the buzz of another Immortal, apparently Gemini was
in her room. A couple of steps and Annie reaches her room door
and knocks on it.
[Annie] Gemini, are you in there?
Gemini sighs in relief when she hears Annie's voice. Getting up
she moves over to the door and peaks through the peephole.
Satisfied that it was indeed Annie, Gemini unlocks the door and
pulls it open.
[Gemini] Hi.
Gemini says softly greeting Annie.
[Annie] Hello, you're quiet this morning. Anything wrong?
Annie asks Gemini with a slight frown.
Gemini shrugs.
[Gemini] Nothing more than usual.
[Annie] Fine, I was just wondering if you were still here, you
might have used the stairs or something.
Annie shrugs and turns to go back to her suite.
[Gemini] No. I'm just looking over lists.
Gemini says holding the door opening, offering to let Annie in.
Annie frowns and turns back again.
[Annie] Lists? What lists?
[Gemini] Potential umm.... yeah.
Gemini says looking at the floor.
[Annie] Potential what?
Annie encourages her to go on, wondering what this was all
about.
[Gemini] Coaches.
Gemini lets out in a huff and turns to go into her room, letting
her fingers trail along the door, in case Annie wants to come
in.
[Annie] Coaches?
Annie asks following her inside her room.
[Annie] Swimming coaches?
[Gemini] Yeah.
Gemini says plopping down at the desk chair again, five sheets
of paper before. Each sheet with 2 names on them, and
information under the names.
Annie looks down at Gemini and the papers for a moment.
[Annie] But weren't you supposed to have one already? You sound
like you take swimming seriously.
[Gemini] I have umm... water and some juice in the fridge if you
want.
Gemini gestures absently.
[Annie] No thanks, I just had breakfast.
[Gemini] I had one back in Fargo. But we both agreed I needed a
better coach to train me for the Olympics... given the accident.
Gemini shrugs.
[Annie] But how come you don't have one here? How long are you
here?
Annie asks Gemini still frowning slightly.
[Gemini] I've been here awhile.
Gemini shrugs, not saying anything about the coach.
Annie shrugs as she moves to the window to take a look outside.
[Annie] I'm just surprised that's all, like I've said you seem
to take swimming seriously.
[Gemini] Came here to talk to a coach.
Gemini says with a shrug.
[Annie] And?
Annie asks turning her head to look back at Gemini.
[Gemini] And what?
Gemini shrugs.
[Annie] Decided not to take him once you talked to him? Failed
the test? What?
Annie asks hoping to get her to talk about it.
[Gemini] Didn't want me.
Gemini sighs looking at the papers, but not seeing them, as
tears filled her eyes as she remembered the events of that
night.
[Annie] Why not? Your time wasn't good enough?
Annie frowns turning her back to the window and looking at
Gemini.
[Gemini] No. He said, I'd lost too much time because of the
accident. And that he didn't waste his time on people who didn't
stand a chance. Found out about being immortal, later that
night.
Gemini explains softly, as a tear slipped out and down her
cheeks.
[Annie] Hmm, maybe I should have a talk with him, I bet I'd make
him change his mind.
Annie grumbles threateningly, whether by fear or greed she would
convince him.
[Gemini] Don't know that I even want him anymore.
Gemini sighs.
[Annie] Well, you decide, if you still want that coach I'll give
it a try.
Annie shrugs unconcerned.
[Gemini] I don't know.
Gemini sighs, another couple of tears trickling down.
Annie moves closer to Gemini to lightly pat her shoulder, she
knew the kid was upset. It felt weird, after all this time she
wasn't used to comfort anyone anymore.
[Annie] Hmm, don't cry because that asshole turned you down, I'm
sure he doesn't deserve it.
[Gemini] I'm not crying for him!
Gemini cries turning to stare at Annie.
Annie raises an eyebrow looking down at Gemini.
[Annie] Then why are you crying? Looks a lot like you're crying
for him.
[Gemini] I'm crying because I'm frustrated! But Dammit, I'll
prove him! I'll make to the Olympics without him!
Gemini says determinedly.
[Annie] You better find another way to ease your frustration or
you're going to cry the rest of your life.
Annie shrugs as she moves to sit on a chair.
[Annie] Next time someone treats you like that punch him, you'll
feel better.
[Gemini] Oh yeah, that would have been smart to do in the middle
of the restaurant downstairs.
Gemini says sarcastically.
[Gemini] No, I went for a walk, and...
Gemini trails off slightly, glancing over at Annie.
[Annie] And? Punched someone else instead?
Annie offers with a smirk.
[Gemini] No... walked into a bar, to call a cab to take me back
here... met three other Immortals...
Gemini shrugs.
[Gemini] It was when I found out... about being immortal.
[Annie] A bar? It wouldn't be Joe's, right?
Annie asks thinking about Adam Pierson and Judge Everson, maybe
they were there all the time.
[Gemini] Yeah... I think that was the name of it... How'd you
know?
Gemini says, blinking in surprise.
[Annie] That's where I was yesterday night, apparently that's
where Immortals meet around here.
Annie shrugs with a smile considering the irony they chose a
Watcher's place.
[Gemini] Oh.
Gemini murmurs softly.
[Annie] Let me guess one of them was named Adam, right?
Annie says still smiling.
[Gemini] Aah... No.
Gemini says shaking her head.
[Gemini] There was... Craig, and his student David came in just
after they started telling me... Oh, and Craig was obviously on
a date with... Nikki. You've met David.
Gemini says with a shrug.
[Annie] Nikki? It wouldn't be a red haired Immortal, right?
Annie asks slightly surprised.
[Gemini] Uh... yeah. Actually. Why?
Gemini asks cocking her head slightly in confusion.
[Annie] We've met.
Annie says with a shrug, leaving out the argument part.
[Gemini] Well... the way you put that, "We've met" doesn't sound
like it was a good meeting.
Gemini says still looking at Annie.
[Annie] Hmm, it couldn't be, she was jealous I was talking to
Adam.
Annie shrugs unconcerned smiling amused.
[Gemini] Adam is... is he umm... good looking... dark hair, but
with a beak of a nose?
Gemini asks slowly.
[Annie] Yes, that's Adam.
Annie nods.
[Gemini] When, I met the guy who first volunteered to teach me,
it was at lunch at Joe's with Nikki... and Adam came in. She
said she thinks he's really old. Older than her teacher who...
was over a thousand.
Gemini says slowly in memory.
[Annie] Yeah, I know. Have you felt his Quickening?
Annie asks as she nods again.
[Gemini] What's feeling his Quickening got to do with it?
Gemini asks a little confused.
[Annie] The older you are, or the more heads you take, or both,
the stronger the Quickening.
Annie answers slightly surprised Gemini didn't know that.
[Gemini] Oh... everyone's Quickening feels really strong to me.
Gemini shrugs.
Annie shakes her head with a sigh.
[Annie] You'll get used to it, and you'll learn how to tell the
difference.
[Gemini] I know you haven't agreed to be my teacher yet, but...
can you tell me more? About being immortal? I've kind of
gathered from a few things David has said that well.. parts got
skipped or glossed over. It wasn't for nearly a week, before
David, accidently let it slip that Holy Ground was safe. And if
he hadn't made that random comment.. I probably wouldn't have
found it until you had mentioned it the other night.
Gemini says softly.
Annie frowns slightly.
[Annie] What exactly do you want to know? You know the rules of
the Game, right?
[Gemini] Umm... there can be only one, right?
Gemini asks, then adds.
[Gemini] And everything or as much as I can, I guess.
Annie stares at Gemini, speechless for a moment.
[Annie] That's it?
[Gemini] Something about not using a gun...
Gemini adds after a moment of hard thinking.
[Gemini] But yeah... that's about it.
[Annie] Not using a gun?
Annie shakes her head again.
[Annie] That's not on the rules.
[Gemini] So... tell me then. What are the rules? Besides, the
"There can be only one" crap.
Gemini asks.
[Annie] Honorable Immortals consider cheating using a gun but
that's not exactly on the rules. All it says is to meet in a
one-on-one combat. It doesn't mention swords or guns or any type
of weapon.
Annie explains with a shrug.
[Annie] I don't usually cheat but if someone cheats first I'd be
a damn fool not to cheat back.
[Gemini] What else?
Gemini asks, turning in her chair to better watch Annie. Her
face intent.
[Annie] Immortals don't fight on Holy Ground but that doesn't
apply to mortals so some use mortals to get other Immortals out
of Holy Ground.
Annie shakes her head with a sigh.
[Gemini] What else?
Gemini asks, she'd known that much about Holy Ground... but most
of this information was new.
[Annie] Well, it's not a rule, just common sense but try not to
die in public. Every ten years or something, never more than
twenty, you have to move on and get a new identity but if you
die in public you have to move right away.
Annie remembers to tell her before she did just that.
[Gemini] Suppose that makes sense... I mean if everyone knows
you're dead... wonder if that's why they asked if I woke up in a
strange place... they were thinking the morgue?
Gemini says, the last bit more to herself than to Annie.
[Annie] Yes, we all end up in there sooner or later.
Annie nods with a chuckle.
[Annie] And the best way to get out of there is to steal some
doctors clothes and get out in disguise, by the way.
Annie adds figuring out Gemini didn't know that.
[Gemini] I didn't. I ended up in a hospital bed.
Gemini smiles slightly.
[Annie] You were damn lucky they didn't realize you were dead or
you would have a lot of explaining to do. Worse, they'd treat
you like a Guinea pig.
Annie says as she makes up a face, falling in the hands of
science was every Immortal's worse nightmare.
[Gemini] I realize that, NOW. Then, I just assumed what everyone
else did. That I passed from the pain or something, and that I
was lucky to be alive.
Gemini shrugs.
[Annie] Oh, another thing, if it's still not obvious, we protect
each other's secret, we don't go around telling this or that guy
is Immortal unless you really trust that person. And if you try
to come public with that a lot of Immortals would try to kill
you just to shut you up.
Annie explains with a shrug, thinking she'd probably be one of
them.
[Gemini] By that... you mean mortals right?
Gemini asks cautiously.
[Annie] Yes, mortals fear what they don't understand, they'd
hunt us down if they knew.
Annie nods with a sigh.
[Annie] And you might find out that even people you trust might
not take the information well.
[Gemini] I can understand people not taking it well, but... do
you really think there'd be like... a witch hunt? In this day
and age?
Gemini asks.
[Annie] Oh no, they'd do it in the name of science or something
but the end result would be the same.
Annie shrugs, she seriously doubted most people who killed
alleged witches really believed they were witches.
[Gemini] Medical research... ick.
Gemini says with a shudder.
Annie nods looking at Gemini.
[Annie] Yes, they must never catch one of us alive.
[Gemini] And by that, I'm assuming you mean, anything less than
decapitated?
Gemini asks softly.
Annie nods again.
[Annie] Yes, that's the only way to kill one of us.
[Gemini] Yeah... I've learned that one.
Gemini sighs.
[Annie] I'd be surprised if you didn't.
Annie shrugs indifferently.
[Gemini] Yeah well... after the other night, it's sunk in pretty
well.
Gemini mutters.
Annie chuckles softly.
[Annie] I bet it did.
[Gemini] I'd wish that I wasn't immortal... but if I wasn't
immortal, I'd be dead.
Gemini murmurs softly to herself.
[Annie] Yeah, so would be all of us, we only get immortal after
we die, before that we have no idea.
Annie shrugs unconcerned.
[Annie] Even if Kronos didn't kill me I'd be dead a long time
ago.
[Gemini] A lot longer than the couple of years I'd have been
dead.
Gemini sighs.
[Gemini] But two years is a long time.
[Annie] I suppose, though years seem to shorten over time.
Annie shrugs, thinking if it was that or the fact that Kronos
was no longer with her when she noticed that.
[Gemini] Oh, I know that. It's simple... well would it be math
or physics? But the whole, each year you live, one year becomes
a smaller percentage of your life, so it goes by quicker. Like
for me, one year is 1/19th of my life and for you it's less than
1/700th of your life.
Gemini says absently putting out the explanation that goes with
it.
[Annie] And my odds were greater to begin with, I was 25 when I
died.
Annie comments with a smile.
[Gemini] Seventeen.
Gemini mutters.
[Gemini] I'll be seventeen forever.
[Annie] Yeah, can't say I envy you, you'll be always treated
like a kid even though you don't feel like one anymore.
Annie shakes her head with a sad sigh.
[Annie] You shouldn't have died so young.
[Gemini] You think?
Gemini asks with an angry glare at Annie before quickly looking
away.
[Gemini] Sorry, it's not like it's your fault.
[Annie] No, I wasn't the one who killed you.
Annie shrugs preparing to stand up.
[Annie] Well, I should be going.
Annie says wondering what she's going to do now, take a walk
probably.
[Gemini] You don't... don't have to go. If you don't want to.
Gemini murmurs looking up at Annie, honestly desperate for some
company.
[Annie] Hmm, it's not you, but I need some air. I'm still not
used being indoors all the time, maybe that's why I need so much
room around me.
Annie says as she jumps to her feet and moves to the window.
[Annie] And prison didn't help at all.
Annie murmurs to herself.
[Gemini] Prison?
Gemini asks, suddenly wondering if she should be worried.
[Annie] Yeah, prison.
Annie grumbles angrily.
[Gemini] You were in prison?
Gemini asks.
[Gemini] Why?
[Annie] Some asshole tried to rape me, we fought, I ended up
killing him by accident and I was the one they arrested.
Annie turns her back to the window and looks at Gemini.
[Annie] This bastard was hunting women and when I defend myself
I'm the one who ends up in jail.
[Gemini] That completely sucks.
Gemini says empathizing.
[Annie] It didn't help that I was carrying a sword, no time to
hide it.
Annie shakes her head smiling despite herself.
[Annie] Cops! Never show up when they're needed and when they're
not needed that's when they decide to show up.
[Gemini] Yeah...
Gemini sighs, thinking how her life would have been different if
there had been just a few more cops out that fourth of July and
had pulled those two different drunks over BEFORE they had hit
and killed her.
[Annie] I bet that's how the damn Watchers found out about me,
because I was carrying a sword.
Annie murmurs absentmindedly thinking about Kronos' visit when
she was in prison.
[Gemini] Watchers?
Gemini asks curiously.
[Annie] Hmm, I don't think I should have said that.
Annie murmurs then shrugs and says in a louder voice.
[Annie] Then again, why not? It's not like I promised I wouldn't
tell anyone.
[Gemini] Would you? Explain? 'Cause you're not making any sense.
Gemini asks.
[Annie] There are some mortals watching us, called the Watchers,
they observe and record but never interfere.
Annie explains wondering if it was really the case, she doubted
that, they were human so they had the same flaws as everyone
else.
[Gemini] Why?
Gemini asks not seeing the point why they would do so.
[Annie] I have no idea, makes no sense to me, unless they want
to manipulate the end result.
Annie shrugs unconcerned.
[Annie] It's a great way for an Immortal to find their enemies,
and I try to stay away from them as much as possible.
[Gemini] I'm just going to hope the end result never comes...
Gemini mutters, then frowns...
[Gemini] So... how closely DO they watch? They're not like
spying on us all the time are they?
[Annie] Yes, I think so. Not that I have one at the moment. Some
guy tried to follow me when I got out of prison but he lost me.
Annie chuckles softly, like she'd let a stupid Watcher follow
her and make it easier for Kronos to find her again.
[Gemini] So, they spy on us in the shower and everything? That's
just... perverted and gross.
Gemini says frowning.
[Annie] I have no idea if it goes that far, but like I've said I
don't have a Watcher so...
Annie shrugs unconcerned.
[Gemini] Do... do I?
Gemini asks.
[Annie] I don't think so, I didn't see anyone yet and I think I
would.
Annie shrugs again turning her head to look out the window.
[Gemini] Good.
Gemini sighs.
Annie smiles when she remembers something she was intending to
do, since she had nothing to do today, why not now?
[Annie] I know what I'm going to do, I was planning to go to the
Art Gallery to see the exhibition they have there at the moment
from the Musée d'Orsay. I want to see Degas' ballerinas.
Annie says as she turns to the door.
[Gemini] Okay.
Gemini says, and sighs again.
[Annie] If I wasn't so tall I might have a try at that.
[Gemini] At what? Doing art, or a ballerina?
Gemini asks.
[Annie] Ballerina of course, doing art wouldn't be an issue.
Annie stops by the door and looks back at Gemini.
[Annie] So? Want to come along? The lists can wait for tomorrow.
[Gemini] Umm... yes? But.. only if you're sure. I don't want to
intrude.
Gemini says hesitantly.
[Annie] Oh, I'm sure or I wouldn't have invited you. Meet me in
10 minutes?
Annie asks as she opens the door.
[Gemini] Okay.
Gemini says with a smile, standing up and moving to get ready.
[Annie] Alright.
Annie nods as she exits Gemini's room, then she closes the door
and walks back to her suite.
#Post#: 74--------------------------------------------------
HALF MOON RISING Part 12
By: Cyberfox277 Date: September 30, 2011, 10:27 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[center]***Joe's Bar - 5:30 PM***[/center]
Methos exits Joe's office and thanks Mike while he passes the
bar. He grabs the beer Mike already got the moment he saw him
and walks to Aldria's table.
[Methos] Back.
Methos says as he pulls a chair, then sits down and takes a sip
of beer.
[Ally] And? You find him?
Ally asks.
Methos nods with a sigh.
[Methos] Yeah, Steven Robert Lee. A really charming guy, he used
to be in the Ku Klux Klan. Probably helped founding it.
[Ally] That alone doesn't make a person a charming guy. What
else?
Ally asks.
[Methos] Likes to hunt newbies, Ash suspects he's a Quickening
addict.
Methos says before he picks up his glass and drinks again.
[Ally] You're right... charming fellow.
Ally says frowning in disgust.
[Ally] Steven Robert Lee... he's not the Immortal that was
General Lee's nephew, is he?
Ally asks.
[Methos] Oh, heard of him?
Methos looks at Aldria surprised.
[Methos] I never had the pleasure before. Luckily I managed to
get away the moment I felt his buzz, I'm not in the mood to
fight.
[Ally] Vaguely... didn't pay much attention... just someone I
looked up back when I was a Watcher... it's the name that caught
me.
Ally shrugs.
[Ally] Not that you're his preferred type of prey anyway.
Ally points out.
[Ally] What else did his Watcher have to say?
Ally asks.
[Methos] Hmm, Methos isn't but Adam Pierson is.
Methos shrugs chuckling amused.
[Ally] Yes, I suppose Adam Pierson is more his taste.
Ally chuckles also.
[Methos] Probably.
Methos shakes his head smiling amused.
[Methos] The fool challenged Annie, only left when she pointed
out the girl could take the winner's head.
[Ally] Really? And how'd he come across Annie anyway?
Ally asks.
[Methos] He was chasing an unarmed newbie and she showed up at
the other side of the alley.
[Ally] Lucky newbie.
Methos shrugs, then smirks about the situation.
Ally chuckles.
[Methos] I bet the newbie thought she was going to die.
[Ally] So, what did his Watcher know about the newbie?
Ally asks curiously.
[Methos] Nothing, only found out about her when she saw him
chasing her with a sword.
Methos shakes his head amused.
[Methos] Even complained the North American Watchers aren't
doing their work, no wonder they call her Miss By-the-book.
[Ally] Complained they aren't doing their work? Why?
Ally asks with an amused chuckle.
[Methos] Apparently she also tried to find Annie's Watcher and
found out she doesn't have one.
Methos says with a smirk.
[Ally] So... she's pissed, because neither Annie or the newbie
have Watchers?
Ally laughs softly.
[Methos] She could let pass a newbie didn't have a Watcher but a
seasoned Immortal? Ash? No way!
Methos shakes his head amused, he knew the woman after all.
[Ally] What'd Joe say?
Ally asks curiously.
Methos shrugs.
[Methos] Why should I care? He's the boss, let him handle that.
Methos chuckles, reminding himself to be around when Joe got
back from his journey.
[Methos] I bet he's going to love the fact that she wrote that
on an official report.
[Ally] I was just curious.
Ally laughs.
[Ally] So, how do you know this Steven's watcher? What'd you
call her? Ash?
Ally asks.
[Methos] Oh, she was in research for a while before she tried
the field.
Methos shrugs before he drinks some beer.
[Methos] Managed to become one of the best.
[Ally] Good for her.
Ally grins.
[Ally] So why do they call her Miss By-the-book?
[Methos] She always follows the rules.
Methos chuckles softly.
[Methos] Thinks Immortals and Watchers shouldn't mix.
[Ally] Well, they shouldn't.
Ally chuckles.
[Ally] Immortals should most definitely NOT join the Watchers...
Ally grins.
[Ally] Oops.
Ally laughs.
[Methos] I should watch out, if she finds out about me she'll
kill me.
Methos chuckles amused.
[Methos] Me? One of the few who call her Ash?
[Ally] I don't know!
Ally laughs.
[Ally] I don't know her! You tell me!
[Methos] Hmm, I don't know. Maybe not, that would be
interfering.
Methos shrugs, he doesn't expect Ashley to find out anyway.
[Ally] She would, unlike Mr. Dawson, see to it, that you were no
longer a Watcher yourself though.
Ally laughs softly.
[Ally] Because, "That's interfering."
[Methos] Oh yeah, she'd report me right away, no doubt about
that.
Methos nods as he picks up his glass and empties it. He waves at
Mike to get him another beer. Mike sighs and moves to the tap.
[Ally] You know... maybe we should have sat at the bar today.
Ally chuckles as Mike rather gloomily makes his way over to
their table with two more beers.
Methos thanks Mike and waits he walks away to answer.
[Methos] Yeah, sure, how would I know there's a new Immortal in
town, if the Watchers don't know it yet?
Methos says still looking at Mike as he walks to behind the bar.
[Ally] Hey, you just said, his Watcher did make a report so...
But yeah, you knew before you went searching through the
rollo-dex.
Ally chuckles.
[Ally] Besides, I wasn't serious.
[Methos] I don't think Mike knows about it yet, he'd be pissed
if he knew.
Methos smirks side glancing at Mike for a moment.
[Methos] Maybe I should tell him, so he'd be pissed at her
instead of us?
[Ally] You know... I don't think Mike cares WHY we sit so far
away. Just that we do.
Ally chuckles.
[Methos] Probably, but I'd have to be Adam Pierson sitting at
the bar.
Methos shrugs unconcerned.
[Methos] Besides it's his job.
Ally laughs.
[Ally] Yeah... that it is.
A cab stops in front of Joe's Annie pays for the race and opens
the door to exit the car. She looks around when she gets outside
and waits for Gemini before she goes inside of Joe's bar.
Gemini gets out the cab, and moves to follow Annie, then freezes
as an exceptionally strong buzz washes over her. Her eyes widen
at the feeling.
Annie stops and looks back when she realizes Gemini isn't
following her anymore. She frowns for a moment, before she
realizes what's going on.
[Annie] I bet it's Adam and Judge Everson, those two together...
Annie shakes her head as she resumes walking.
[Gemini] It's... it's alright?
Methos looks at the door when he feels a buzz hoping it's not
the guy he saw earlier that day. He really wasn't in the mood to
fight.
Gemini asks softly, and very nervously.
[Ally] Bet it's Annie.
Ally murmurs, as she feels the buzz.
Annie looks back and nods at Gemini.
[Annie] Yes, it's alright, just come with me.
[Gemini] Alright.
Gemini says taking a deep breath and stepping up.
[Methos] Probably, women don't know how to wait.
Methos smirks still looking at the door.
[Methos] Told her it might take a couple of days.
[Ally] Although if it's that Steven guy... I bet he challenges
me, before he challenges you.
Ally smirks.
[Methos] Probably, you being a woman and all that...
Methos nods side glancing at Aldria for a moment before turning
his gaze back to the door.
[Ally] And therefore, my head is easier to take off.
Ally sighs, then looks at Methos.
[Ally] Why are most men complete morons?
Ally asks him.
[Methos] How should I know what a moron thinks? I've never been
one of them.
Methos asks with a chuckle.
[Ally] No... but you are a man. Which makes you the right gender
and species.
Ally chuckles.
Annie opens the bar door and sees the Immortals she was
expecting to be there, after that buzz there couldn't be anyone
else.
Gemini cautiously follows Annie as she enters the bar.
Methos sighs in relief when he sees it's Annie, the last thing
he wanted was to meet that guy today, he's hoping for some peace
and quiet on his day off.
[Methos] Yeah, and being a man is the only thing I share with
those morons, so it's not close enough.
Ally chuckles amused.
[Ally] How much you wanna bet, they're gonna ask to sit with us?
Ally asks noting the young Immortal behind Annie.
[Methos] Hey, I've seen that girl before, she was here with
Nikki, I thought she already had a teacher.
Methos murmurs to Aldria when he recognizes Gemini.
[Ally] Wonder what happened then.
Ally murmurs.
[Annie] Back at the same table or haven't moved yet?
Annie asks with a smile as she stops in front of them.
[Ally] Does it matter?
Ally asks with a chuckle.
[Annie] Not really.
Annie shrugs unconcerned.
[Methos] We look like we've spent the night at the bar I take
it.
Methos smirks looking up at Annie.
[Methos] Not so much for a compliment.
[Ally] Compliment or not... it should be impressive. After all,
how many can drink for over 24 hours?
Ally asks with a chuckle.
[Gemini] Why would you want to?
Gemini asks softly, looking between the two Immortals.
[Methos] Why not?
Methos shrugs looking at the girl, he doesn't expect she'd
understand anyway.
[Annie] Well, we'll sit at another table, I don't want to
intrude, might interrupt something.
Annie says preparing to move to another table.
[Annie] Unless you have some news for me?
[Methos] No, not yet, sorry.
Methos answers, hiding the fact that he still didn't have the
time to look.
[Methos] But have a seat, I saw your guy today.
Annie hesitates for a minute then pulls a chair and sits with
them.
[Annie] Really?
[Methos] Yeah, I think so. Over 6 feet, dark brown hair, carries
a cavalry saber I think, only had a glimpse of that.
Methos frowns slightly when Mike walks to their table and puts a
drink in front of Annie, and walks back to the bar.
[Methos] Hmm, that's interesting.
Methos smirks looking at the retreating mortal.
[Annie] He remembers, so what?
Annie shrugs picking up the drink.
[Ally] He glowers at us whenever he brings us drinks.
Ally says with a shrug.
[Methos] And he didn't bother to take her order.
Methos nods at Gemini with a smile.
Gemini shrugs.
[Gemini] Just want water anyway.
[Annie] Yeah, you're under age here, if you want some alcohol at
a bar you'll have to go to Europe.
Annie shakes her head, that law never made sense to her.
[Gemini] Wouldn't drink it anyway.
Gemini shrugs.
[Methos] Oh, another Immortal that always does the right thing,
great.
Methos chuckles amused, just where did all these boy scouts and
girl scouts come from?
[Gemini] I don't always do the right thing.
Gemini says frowning at... Adam was his name if she remembered
correctly.
[Gemini] I won't drink alcohol for the same reason I don't drink
carbonated beverages.
[Methos] Fine, why should I care?
Methos shrugs with a smirk.
[Annie] So that Immortal where did you see him?
Annie asks trying to change back to the Immortal he'd seen.
[Gemini] Just trying to point out I'm not a complete goodie
too-shoo.
Gemini murmurs, but perks up at Annie's question.
[Methos] Downtown, West Georgia I think.
Methos says as he picks up his glass to take a sip.
[Annie] Let me guess, near that cathedral, don't remember the
name now.
Annie says thinking it's the cathedral near their hotel, she
isn't going to mention where she's staying.
[Methos] Yes, but he's wasting his time, you're not the type to
hide on Holy Ground.
Methos nods, he didn't think that guy was looking at the people
that were going inside the cathedral but let her think he does.
[Gemini] Does he have a name?
Gemini asks softly.
[Methos] Sure he does, don't we all?
Methos shrugs smiling amused.
[Gemini] Do... do you know it? Do you know anything about him?
Do you know why he's after me?
Gemini asks desperately.
Methos frowns slightly looking at Gemini.
[Methos] What makes you think I know more about him than you do?
I walked away as soon as I felt him, I'm not in the mood to
fight.
Methos shrugs looking at his beer.
[Methos] Besides it's my day off.
[Annie] Yeah, heavens forbid he got between you and your beer.
Annie shakes her head, she can't help to smile though.
Ally laughs.
[Ally] You've got that right!
Gemini frowns, not sure what his day off had to do anything
with.
[Gemini] I was just wondering.
Gemini says softly.
[Annie] And we both know, you know more about him than she does,
so might want to share it?
Annie says hoping to convince him to say something.
[Methos] Charming fellow, apparently he's a Quickening addict.
Methos says with a shrug.
[Gemini] I didn't know that was possible.
Gemini whispers.
[Annie] Aren't most of the head hunters?
Annie shrugs unconcerned.
[Annie] So that's why he's hunting newbies, they're easier to
kill.
[Gemini] Oh swell...
Gemini mutters. That was helpful for her.
[Methos] Yes, but he's also killed the teachers who challenged
him, so he can't be so bad.
Methos comments so Annie wouldn't underestimate the guy though
he doubted she would.
Annie frowns looking at Methos.
[Annie] How old is he?
[Methos] Ah, come on, you don't expect me to tell you that, now
do you? That would be interfering.
Methos answers with a smirk.
[Gemini] Why would that be interfering?
Gemini asks.
[Gemini] If you're an Immortal, and we're Immortals...
[Annie] I'm sure it never crossed your mind, to interfere would
be against your oath, right?
Annie shakes her head smiling amused.
[Methos] Absolutely.
Methos nods vigorously.
Gemini frowns confused.
[Methos] Didn't know you knew about the oath though. Who have
you been talking to?
Methos asks hoping to find out how she knows about the Watchers.
[Annie] Oh, it was in London, 1830, so he's beyond punishment
now.
Annie chuckles amused.
[Methos] I was just curious, I wasn't going to report him.
Methos shrugs unconcerned.
[Ally] Yeah, 'cause then you'd have to report Joe and you'd lose
your best source for beer.
Ally murmurs softly with a chuckle.
[Methos] Yeah, and he'd make me pay my tab, can you imagine
that?
Methos chuckles amused.
[Ally] Good thing you've got more money than Midas, then, isn't
it?
Ally says, laughing softly.
[Methos] Me? You're mistaking me for someone else, I'm just a
guy.
Methos shrugs frowning slightly at Aldria.
[Annie] You're just a guy now, who knows who you could have been
in the past? Maybe Midas himself?
Annie smiles amused, who did that guy think he was fooling?
[Ally] Oh, he wasn't Midas. I can attest to that.
Ally chuckles.
[Methos] Oh you knew the guy?
Methos asks amused.
[Ally] Yeah.
Ally sighs.
[Ally] I slept with his brother.
Ally frowns.
[Ally] It was just the once... he was horrible in bed... drop
dead gorgeous, but... horrible in bed.
Methos shakes his head with a smile.
[Methos] You never cease to surprise me.
[Ally] Good, I wouldn't want to be predictable.
Ally laughs.
[Annie] Yeah, I've noticed most of the good looking guys are
awful in bed, maybe they think their looks do all the work.
Annie chuckles shaking her head.
[Ally] Hmm...
Ally says noncommittally... After all, she had grown up with
many men, who were gorgeous and wonderful in bed... Anath saw to
that.
[Methos] If you want a guy's opinion the looks have nothing to
do with it, whether you want to give pleasure to your partner or
you don't give a damn.
Methos shrugs before he drinks the rest of his beer and waves at
Mike for a refill.
Gemini blushes slightly. That was the most blunt opinion she'd
ever heard from a man on the subject.
[Ally] You would know, wouldn't you?
Ally chuckles amused, thinking of Methos' old life as hard tough
hitting, Mr. Death on a horse.
[Methos] Yeah, I've tried both, and the first option is a lot
better.
[Ally] For both parties involved.
Ally chuckles.
Methos shrugs unconcerned as Mike puts another beer in front of
him. To save time Mike asks the other people sitting on the
table if they want a refill.
[Ally] Yes, please.
Ally says.
[Gemini] Can I get a water, please?
Gemini asks softly.
[Annie] And another one of these, please.
Annie says indicating her drink.
[Methos] And might as well bring another beer while you're at
it.
Methos says with a smile, looking up. Mike nods and moves to the
bar to get the drinks.
[Ally] Maybe we should see if we can't just get Mike to bring us
a couple pitchers of beer.
Ally suggests once Mike got back to the bar.
[Methos] If he was smart he'd already done that, but I'm not
complaining, the beer is cooler this way.
Methos shrugs side glancing at Aldria.
[Methos] And it's not my legs.
Ally just grins broadly at Methos.
[Annie] But if you had a better idea weren't you supposed to
help your... 'buddy'?
Annie says instead of colleague.
[Methos] If he wants to do it the hard way, I say let him.
Methos shrugs unconcerned.
Gemini coughs at the word 'buddy' After the sex talk, that
wasn't the word she would have used to describe the bartender.
Annie shakes her head with a sigh, trying not to show her
amusement.
[Annie] And I thought you were a nice guy.
Methos smirks mischieviously.
[Methos] Sorry to disappoint you.
Ally chortles slightly.
Annie shakes her head, a smile playing on her lips.
[Annie] No, you're not.
Methos chuckles softly.
[Methos] Hmm, actually no.
[Annie] But see, to be really disappointed I had to be expecting
something different and since I wasn't...
Annie shrugs before she takes a sip of her drink.
[Gemini] Umm... sorry to interrupt, but... what about the guy
that was chasing me?
Gemini asks looking to Adam.
Methos side glances at Gemini with a slight frown.
[Methos] What about him?
[Gemini] Well... if... if you know he's an addict... don't you
know more about him? Like his name? How he finds new Immortals?
Anything?
Gemini asks hurriedly and worriedly.
[Annie] And you were about to tell me how old he is.
Annie says smacking herself mentally, that guy had managed to
distract her from it.
Methos shakes his head with a smirk.
[Methos] No, I wasn't.
Annie sighs impatiently.
[Annie] Come on, Adam, is he your best friend or something?
[Methos] Hmm, good point.
Methos hesitates to tell them or not, after all he wasn't
supposed to say what was in the Chronicles.
[Ally] Good Gods.. since when do you have a conscience?
Ally murmurs to Methos leaning over to say it so neither Annie
or Gemini would hear.
Methos side glances at Aldria with a frown, pretending to be
offended when in fact he was amused.
[Methos] Excuse me?
[Ally] You heard me.
Ally laughs.
[Ally] And don't pretend to be offended. I've known you too
long!
Methos shakes his head keeping his frown for a while.
[Methos] I've always wondered how it would be like to have one
of those though.
Gemini gapes at Adam in surprise.
[Gemini] What does that have to do with the guy?
Methos turns his head to look at Gemini, the kid looked
confused.
[Methos] Hmm, I bet he also doesn't have one.
[Gemini] Umm... if you're talking about what I'm thinking of...
I'd hope not.
Gemini murmurs softly.
Annie raises an eyebrow looking at Methos.
[Annie] One what? Care to enlighten us?
[Methos] Conscience.
Methos shrugs unconcerned as he picks up his glass.
[Methos] Most of us lost it along the way, if we ever had one to
begin with.
[Gemini] Oh.
Gemini sighs relieved.
[Annie] Hmm yes, I bet some of us never had one.
Annie nods thinking about Kronos.
[Annie] And it would be stupid to keep torturing ourselves for
all the people we killed, most of them deserved it anyway.
[Gemini] So glad it's not what I was thinking of.
Gemini murmurs to herself, under her breath.
Methos frowns a little reading Gemini's lips.
[Methos] So what were you thinking?
[Gemini] Uh... nothing.
Gemini says defensively.
Methos nods at Gemini understandingly.
[Methos] Yes, you have the right to keep your secrets.
Methos frowns slightly as thinking to himself.
[Methos] Hmm, but so do I.
[Annie] In other words, if you don't tell him he's not telling
you anything either.
Annie explains figuring out Gemini wouldn't get what he meant.
[Annie] Right, Adam?
Methos side glances at Annie with a smirk.
[Methos] You're fast.
Annie chuckles softly.
[Annie] You have no idea.
[Gemini] Well... umm... 'cause I didn't hear the whispered
comment... I was thinking that you all were... still on the
sexual conversation.
Gemini says hesitantly.
[Methos] Yes, so?
Methos asks looking back at Gemini, so far he didn't get what
she was thinking.
[Gemini] Well... then you made the comment, you'd always
wondering what it would be like to have one, and that you knew
HE didn't have one, and since you're both men...
Gemini says feeling her face growing hot.
Methos chuckles softly finally understanding.
[Methos] You think I want to be a woman?
Methos shakes his head amused.
[Gemini] No... not exactly.
Gemini says.
[Gemini] My thought was that you... were just wondering what
it's like to... to have - have a vagina.
Gemini says finally spitting it out.
Methos shakes his head again, kids were too much.
[Methos] And why would I do that? I'm perfectly satisfied with
what I have.
[Gemini] You did say you were curious...
Gemini says blushing.
[Methos] I get curious about a lot of things.
Methos shrugs unconcerned.
[Annie] Besides being a woman sucks, for centuries men treated
us like a piece of furniture.
Annie sighs remembering how it used to be like.
[Annie] It's improving but we still get twice the challenges men
do.
Ally snorts.
[Ally] Child, you obviously weren't doing it right, if they
treated you like furniture.
Ally laughs.
[Annie] Yeah? It was my first husband, I was 15. He was twice my
age, what was I supposed to do?
Annie says looking coldly at Aldria.
Ally shrugs.
[Ally] I would have been 12 with my first husband, who would
have been three times my age, IF I had let them marry me off.
[Methos] Yeah, but most people don't get a chance like you did,
Xena.
Methos tells Aldria teasingly.
[Ally] Excuse me!!
Ally cries offended.
[Ally] That woman barely knew which end of the sword was the
pointy one!
Ally protests.
[Methos] Oh, not a fan? She was also an Amazon. Or what they
think it was an Amazon.
Methos chuckles amused.
[Ally] That woman was no Amazon. Giving her a TV show is a joke.
Ally grumbles.
[Ally] You know which character on the TV show the REAL Xena
resembled most?
Ally asks.
[Methos] Alright, a kindergarten Amazon then.
Methos shrugs ignoring her question, he knew she didn't need
encouragement when that subject came along.
[Gemini] Who?
Gemini asks curiously. Gemini had always liked the show.
[Ally] Joxer.
Ally says.
[Ally] That addle-brained idiot who was always tripping over his
own feet.
Gemini's jaw drops.
Annie looks at Aldria surprised.
[Annie] You knew the real Xena? I thought she was just a TV
character.
[Ally] I wish that's all it were.
Ally grumbles.
[Gemini] What about Hercules?
Gemini asks with curious excitement.
[Methos] Silas without the pet obsession from what I've heard.
Methos shrugs unconcerned.
[Methos] Silas was one of Kronos buddies by the way, I read
about him in the Chronicles.
Methos adds fast so Annie wouldn't suspect anything, he's not
going to start to underestimate that woman.
[Annie] I know that now, Kronos never mentioned his name.
Annie nods looking at Adam.
[Ally] Yeah, I think I mentioned that name, didn't I?
Ally says with an unconcerned shrug of her own.
[Annie] Yes, you did. I've heard about his brothers before, but
Methos was the only one Kronos mentioned.
Annie nods at Aldria.
Methos frowns a little trying to decide if he should be honored
or not.
[Methos] So what did he tell you about him?
Methos can't help to ask, he obviously didn't tell her much but
still...
[Ally] Silas wasn't bad... fairly mild actually... and not the
brightest bulb on the tree. But outside of battle, kind...
unless you were Caspian.
Ally adds the last as an afterthought.
[Annie] Hmm, actually the only thing I remember was Kronos
complaining about everybody else's plans, especially when they
went sore.
Annie shrugs trying to remember.
[Annie] He'd say something like, if Methos was here this would
never happen or something like that.
Methos smirks amused, it's good to feel appreciated.
[Ally] I always wondered why Kronos never bothered to make the
plans himself... It's not as if he were stupid.
Ally mutters to herself.
[Methos] So have any idea why?
Methos asks Annie, he knows why of course, but he can't exactly
tell that in front of Annie and Gemini, it would blow his cover.
Annie shrugs indifferently.
[Annie] Why should he bother with details, all he wanted was to
get on a horse and start killing. He didn't mind leaving to
others how it would start.
[Methos] And like you said if the plan went sore he'd have
someone to blame. To plan a raid would be to take responsibility
for it.
Methos nods, then looks up when Mike comes to their table to
give them the drinks murmuring something about being too busy.
[Ally] Sounds like him.
Ally says with a chuckle and a carefully raised eyebrow at
Methos.
Annie shakes her head disbelievingly after Mike went away.
[Annie] Why would he mind to take responsibility for it? It's
not like he cared who lived or died.
[Methos] Hmm, maybe there was a time he did?
Methos says before he empties his glass and pulls the one Mike
just brought to him.
[Annie] Kronos? Yeah, right.
Annie shakes her head again.
[Gemini] So, what's this got to do with the guy who's after me?
Gemini asks.
Methos side glances at Gemini with a smile playing on his lips.
[Methos] Hmm, nothing?
[Annie] Managed to change subject again, huh?
Annie can't help to smile amused.
[Annie] Getting you to talk is like pulling teeth.
[Gemini] Umm... in my experience, pulling teeth is a lot easier.
Gemini mutters.
[Methos] In your experience?
Methos chuckles softly.
[Methos] Yeah, I can tell you're really old.
[Annie] That's besides the point, you said that if she told you
what she was thinking you'd tell us about this guy.
[Gemini] What? I've had my share fair of teeth pulled.
Gemini protests, then frowns.
[Gemini] My wisdom teeth aren't gonna grow back are they? 'Cause
like, they were removed after the accident.
Methos looks at Gemini disbelievingly.
[Methos] What do you think we are? Some sort of gecko that gets
an extra tail? No, whatever we lose it's lost forever, if you
lose an arm or a leg you better learn to live without it.
[Annie] It won't kill you, at least not directly, but you don't
get them back.
Annie explains looking at Gemini.
[Gemini] Oh, that's good.
Gemini sighs in relief.
[Gemini] I didn't want to deal with having them out again.
[Annie] Hmm, I wouldn't mind. You realize that if you lose
something which is essential to fight you're dead?
Annie tells Gemini with a frown, she looked too relieved so
Annie doubted she'd thought about the consequences.
[Ally] Don't you mean, 'Again, and again, and again?'
Ally asks amused.
[Gemini] Uh... yeah.
Gemini sighs.
[Gemini] But what about the guy?
Methos takes a deep breath and frowns at Gemini.
[Methos] You're turning out to be quite a nuisance, you know
that kid?
Gemini feels herself pale, suddenly worried. Would he get mad
and come after her, now?
[Gemini] Sorry.
Gemini murmurs not taking her eyes off him.
[Annie] So one more reason to end it, quit stalling and tell us
what we want to know.
Annie smirks looking at Adam.
Methos side glances at Gemini, he'd managed to scare the kid,
that was a first coming from Adam Pierson, or maybe he forgot to
act like him. He takes a deep breath, he couldn't let that
happen in front of strangers.
[Methos] Fine, his name is Steven Robert Lee, he was General's
Lee nephew, he fought in the Civil War and he's 168 years old.
Maybe now I can drink my beer in peace?
Gemini doesn't say anything, just stares still wide eyed at
Adam.
[Annie] I don't think it's Mr. Lee she's worried about at the
moment.
Annie says looking between Gemini and Adam.
[Annie] I think she's worried about you.
[Methos] Me?
Methos opens his eyes wide giving them the Adam Pierson
patterned look, he knows Annie won't fall for it but Gemini
will.
[Methos] I don't like fighting, you think I'm going after you?
Methos asks shaking his head.
[Gemini] Yes, but we all know I wouldn't be much of a fight. Not
when I don't even have a sword.
Gemini whispers, still wide eyed.
[Methos] Hmm, I don't think it's wise to tell that to every
Immortal you find, some of us might not even be looking for a
fight, but if you present yourself as easy prey...
Methos shrugs not bothering to finish the sentence.
Gemini just shivers, and if anything pales more.
Methos stares at Gemini for a moment and then rolls his eyes.
[Methos] I wasn't talking about me, I just told you I don't like
fighting.
[Ally] Yeah, and in the next sentence you did imply that her
virtual helplessness made her head much more appealing.
Ally points out and raises her glass to signal to Mike to bring
more beer.
[Methos] Yes, but in that case I wouldn't advise her not to keep
saying it, now would I?
Methos grumbles before he empties his glass, knowing Mike would
bring more beer soon.
[Ally] Wouldn't be the first to offer sound advise than take one
out back and make them a head shorter.
Ally reminds Methos.
[Methos] No, but I'm not one of them.
Methos shrugs unconcerned.
[Annie] One thing I don't get, Gemini, is why you keep just
looking at Adam and didn't even look at her once.
Annie indicates Aldria.
[Annie] You think only male are dangerous?
[Ally] Of course you're not. But I am pointing out, that the
girl does have good reason to still be wary of you... and
actually considering how young she is, shows a decent wariness
that your comment didn't immediately put her at ease.
Ally murmurs to Methos.
Gemini shakes her head.
[Gemini] No... but being a woman, I do know how women think... I
don't know how men think.
[Annie] Oh, you think a woman would feel sorry for you because
you're young?
Annie shakes her head.
[Annie] Sorry to disappoint you.
[Gemini] No. I never said that.
Gemini says frowning.
[Gemini] I just mean, I understand women.
Gemini shrugs.
[Gemini] Men are a foreign language.
Methos chuckles softly, laughing at his own stupidity.
[Methos] I had the same pretension when I was younger and now I
recognize I didn't know what I was talking about.
[Ally] Of course you don't. You're a man. But women, do
generally understand other women. She does have that much right.
Ally chuckles softly to Methos.
[Methos] Nah, it's the fact that the more you know about
something, the more you realize you don't know. A fool thinks he
knows everything and never has any doubts.
Methos shrugs with a smile.
[Ally] Good point.
Ally chuckles.
[Annie] Oh following Socrates on this one, I know that I know
nothing.
Annie says raising an eyebrow at him.
Methos looks at Annie slightly surprised that came from Kronos'
student.
[Methos] Yes, exactly, he was right.
Annie smirks she can tell he's surprised.
[Annie] And don't look so surprised I wasn't a raider all my
life, I did get an education after I left Kronos.
Ally chuckles.
[Ally] You got an education WITH Kronos.... just not necessarily
the one you'd want.
Methos nods without comments thinking that so did Kronos if he
was able to create a virus.
[Annie] Yeah, I got a graduation from him in killing and
torturing, I don't exactly want to make a career out of that.
Annie shrugs indifferently.
[Ally] That... and you learned the most important lesson for an
Immortal.
Ally says softly.
[Ally] How to survive.
[Annie] Yes, I suppose, I survived him.
Annie nods with a deep sigh.
[Ally] That's not what I meant.
Ally frowns.
[Annie] I know what you meant, to learn to survive at all costs,
but to manage that, first I had to learn how to survive his
lessons.
Annie says looking down at her drink.
[Annie] And the rest...
[Ally] Yes, but you can now probably survive anything... that's
a lot more than most Immortals can say. Especially at your age,
girl.
Ally says with a smile at Annie.
[Annie] That's what I meant when I said I survived him, if I
survived Kronos I think I can survive anything.
Annie shrugs before she picks up her glass and takes a sip.
Methos almost nods but manages to stop himself, yes to survive
Kronos would be the ultimate test.
[Ally] Mike you're not working real hard for tips tonight, are
you?
Ally asks as Mike finally brings more drinks all around. Mike
mumbles something incomprehensible as he walks back to the bar.
#Post#: 75--------------------------------------------------
HALF MOON RISING Part 13
By: Cyberfox277 Date: September 30, 2011, 10:35 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[Gemini] So, umm... can you tell us anything more about, umm...
Steven? Was that his name?
Gemini asks softly.
Methos looks at Gemini and shrugs.
[Methos] There's nothing more to say.
Methos frowns as he remembers something.
[Methos] Hmm... he was in the Ku-Klux-Klan, probably helped to
found it if that helps.
[Annie] Oh on top of all he's a racist pig, how nice...
Annie shakes her head in disgust.
[Methos] He only went after ex-slaves for a while, but now he
goes after anyone he can get, black or white.
Methos shrugs as he picks up his glass to drink some beer.
[Ally] Yeah, sounds like an addict.
Ally mutters.
[Gemini] Do... do you know how he finds umm...
Gemini hesitates not remembering what term they had used for new
Immortals.
[Methos] Finds what? Other Immortals? Isn't that obvious?
Methos asks frowning puzzled.
[Annie] Gemini, he just wanders around until he feels a buzz.
Annie explains since the obvious to Adam might not be the
obvious to Gemini.
[Gemini] Umm... new Immortals?
Gemini says trying to specify.
[Methos] Hmm, it's not really hard to tell a newbie from a
trained Immortal.
Methos shrugs as he picks up his glass again.
[Methos] They react differently.
Methos says before he takes a sip.
[Gemini] Meaning, we act scared, right?
Gemini states.
Methos nods with a smirk.
[Methos] Right.
Annie smiles coldly.
[Annie] Not really, I took my first head when I was a newbie.
[Methos] Oh really? Care to enlighten us?
Methos asks curiously, maybe that was the reason Kronos took her
as a student.
[Gemini] Yeah... still having problems with that.
Gemini says frowning over Annie.
[Gemini] The thought of killing anybody.
Gemini mutters and shudders at the thought.
[Annie] You will, Gemini, once it comes down to living or dying.
Annie tells Gemini with a shrug.
[Annie] You better or I'm not going to waste my time teaching
you. You think I'm going to teach you if it's to die at your
first fight?
[Gemini] You think I want to die? I assure you I don't. If it
comes down to it. I'll do what I have to do, I just don't like
the idea of having to kill.
Gemini says firmly, her eyes flashing with an inner fire.
[Annie] I think if we had a choice most of us wouldn't, but
since we don't...
Annie shrugs unconcerned.
Ally smiles slightly, liking the fire she sees in Gemini's eyes.
[Ally] She's got spunk. I like it.
Ally says in Italian to Annie.
[Methos] Most of us wouldn't if there was nothing to gain from
it, but there is, remember?
Methos points out looking at Annie.
[Annie] Yes, I've noticed, let's see if it lasts once she gets a
sword in her hand.
Annie answers back in Italian while she nods at Aldria.
[Methos] Oh, you're going to put a sword in her hand and see how
she reacts? It's not what I'd call fair.
Methos frowns at Annie using the same language.
[Methos] She probably only knows how to pick it up because it
has a hilt.
Gemini sighs, rolling eyes slightly. She knows enough to
recognize Italian when she hears it, but not enough to
understand it.
[Annie] And since when is the Game fair? Only some boy scouts
bother to follow all the rules anyway.
Annie frowns back at Adam.
[Annie] Besides I'm not going to kill her, I only want to see if
she has what it takes so I can teach her.
Ally coughs, half choking as she laughs at that comment from
Annie.
[Methos] Fine, but that kid is going to be terrified if she
thinks you're going to kill her.
Methos says with a shrug, after all Adam Pierson managed to
scare her.
[Annie] For her sake I hope she shows some courage, I'm not
about to spend two years with a coward.
Annie shrugs as she picks up her glass to take a sip.
[Methos] I wonder how you'd react if Kronos did that to you.
Methos murmurs in Russian as he looks down to play with his
glass.
[Annie] He didn't need to.
Annie answers with a cold smile.
[Methos] Oh, you speak Russian?
Methos is so surprised he comes back to English.
[Methos] I should have used another language, huh?
[Annie] I was married to a Russian. I lived in Russia for over
20 years.
Annie answers with a shrug hoping he didn't ask anything else.
[Methos] I'll keep that in mind next time I want to say
something I don't want you to understand.
Methos smirks thinking he should have used a dead language but
maybe that would give him away.
[Methos] So how come he didn't need to?
Gemini perks up, curious.
Methos asks puzzled remembering her comment, then he frowns when
he puts two and two together.
[Methos] It had something to do with that head you took when you
were a newbie?
Annie nods with a smirk.
[Annie] I saved his head, if I knew then what I know now.
Methos stares at her genuinely surprised, he never expected such
a thing.
[Methos] You saved his life?
Annie nods with a sigh.
[Annie] I knew I was dead, I didn't know anything about
Immortals and the Game, I thought he was the one keeping me
alive.
[Methos] You've mistaken him for some demon, understandable.
Methos nods amused.
[Methos] So?
[Annie] So Kronos took a Quickening and then this guy's student
shows up, he would have killed him if I didn't pick the dead
Immortal's sword and fought him.
Annie explains with a shrug, needless to say she wouldn't do it
if she knew Kronos dying wouldn't kill her.
[Methos] So you knew how to fight with a sword all along?
Methos asks puzzled, he didn't know Scottish women at that time
had the chance to learn how to fight.
[Annie] No, but I'd watched him fight, he fought all the time.
Annie shrugs unconcerned.
Methos stares at Annie for a moment studying her in silence,
that was something he'd never heard before, unless she got
really really lucky.
[Methos] Let me get this straight, you fought an Immortal's
student without any training and took his head?
[Annie] So? I was used to pain by then, I can assure you.
Annie shrugs before she takes a sip of her drink.
[Annie] Besides it was Kronos who told me to cut off his head, I
had no idea that was the way to kill him.
Methos nods with a smile, no Kronos wouldn't volunteer that
information.
[Methos] No wonder he chose to teach you.
Methos says absentmindedly after a moment.
[Methos] So would I, so would her.
Methos points at Aldria.
[Ally] Yeah, that's Kronos alright.
Ally says, but nods in confirmation to Methos' comment.
[Ally] Except I don't take students anymore so...
Ally shrugs.
[Methos] Neither do I, but I would have taken her. It shows a
real talent there.
Methos tells Aldria with a shrug.
[Annie] Talent? I'm not going to ask.
Annie shakes her head.
[Annie] Since when taking a head is a talent?
[Methos] Annie, most Immortals don't learn how to fight without
proper training. You know that.
Methos points out with a frown.
[Annie] It's not like that guy didn't cut me, he did.
Annie shakes her head, she can't see what's the big deal anyway.
[Methos] So? You're the one who ended up cutting his head.
Methos says looking her.
[Methos] It couldn't have been all luck.
[Annie] You think that's why Kronos took me as student, because
he sensed my... potential?
Annie asks disbelievingly, she'd always wondered why he did that
when he killed most of the Immortals he found, but the fact it
was because of that first fight had never crossed her mind.
[Methos] More like watched it beforehand.
Methos smirks as he picks up his glass.
[Gemini] Wow...
Gemini says softly, in response to Annie's story.
Methos empties his glass again and looks at the bar to order
another beer, then thinks better and looks at Annie.
[Methos] Why don't you order some drinks, it seems the service
is faster when you order.
Methos suggests with a smirk.
[Annie] I can't believe you're out again.
Annie shakes her head but waves at Mike anyway gesturing they
wanted another round. Mike nods with a sigh and starts moving.
[Methos] Didn't I tell you this is my day off?
Methos asks with a slight frown side glancing at Annie.
[Annie] Not on beer.
Annie shakes her head smiling amused.
Ally chuckles.
[Ally] Good thing you can't get drunk.
Ally says as she tosses back the last of her beer.
Annie tenses while she watches Mike walking to their table with
their drinks, there is an Immortal approaching.
Methos turns to the door slightly, when he feels the buzz of
another Immortal, trying not to be too obvious, Adam Pierson is
supposed to be mortal and Mike is coming to their table.
Ally yawns and looks towards the door.
Gemini feels the buzz and jumps, then looks quickly at the other
three, wondering if she should be worried.
Methos almost curses under his breath when Mike blocks his view
of the door when he starts putting their drinks on the table, he
can see the door opening but not who's coming inside.
[Ally] Thanks, Mike.
Ally thanks him as he sets their drinks around.
Gemini twists around to see who is coming through the door.
#Post#: 76--------------------------------------------------
HALF MOON RISING Part 14
By: Cyberfox277 Date: September 30, 2011, 10:47 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
David opens the bar door resisting the temptation to rub his
forehead, that buzz had been too strong, he's betting that there
are more than two Immortals inside. He stops by the door for a
moment trying to see in the darker interior.
Gemini sighs and relaxes when she sees David walk into the bar.
Methos frowns as Mike finally moves back to the bar and he can
see who just came in.
[Methos] And who the hell is that guy?
[Annie] Gemini's friend.
Annie answers with a shrug as she recognizes the man from
yesterday.
[Ally] Another child, by the feel of him.
Ally grins slightly.
Annie smiles coldly.
[Annie] Oh yes, called him kid yesterday and he was really
offended.
David is finally able to see the Immortals, he smiles at Gemini,
frowns at the woman who called him kid yesterday, studies the
male Immortal for a moment and gasps in surprise when he looks
at the fourth, could it be her? He hesitates for a moment and
begins to walk slowly to their table.
[Methos] He's coming here.
Methos grumbles watching the unknown Immortal.
[Methos] Why do all Immortals that come in have to come to our
table?
Ally grins slightly.
[Ally] The boy looks familiar.
[Methos] Oh really? Don't tell me you also slept with him.
Methos comments while he chuckles amused.
[Ally] No... Too young for that...
Ally says with a shrug.
[Ally] But, I think I might have been a judge in a case
involving him.
David says hello to Gemini and hesitates again before he makes
up his mind and decides to ask anyway.
[Gemini] Hi.
Gemini replies softly to David.
[David] Excuse me, aren't you Judge Everson?
[Ally] Yes.
Ally replies, with a quirky smile.
[Ally] And how are you... David isn't it?
[David] You remember me?
David asks slightly surprised, he almost didn't recognize her,
she looked younger than when he met her in New York.
[Ally] Vaguely... It's not like your case was all that out of
the ordinary, but... a pre-Immortal... that stands out.
Ally says with a small smile.
[David] Oh, you knew...
David nods with a sigh.
[Ally] Of course. I knew the moment I first saw you.
Ally chuckles softly.
[David] Apparently I was the last one to know, like the husbands
who go to the agency.
David sighs again, he hated when people didn't tell him the
truth.
[Ally] That's the way it always is. Especially for
pre-Immortals.
Ally explains, her eyes hardening.
[Ally] You would have ruined your life, one way or another if
you'd been told.
[David] Ruined my life? Why? How can you know?
David asks Ally frowning puzzled.
Methos almost rolls his eyes as he picks up the beer glass, as
if it wasn't obvious.
[Ally] I've seen it, more than once. Heard tell of it... dozens
of more times than what I've seen. And if a pre-Immortal finds
out, BEFORE they die their first death, it always goes one of
two ways.
Ally explains.
[Ally] Either you would have decided you wanted nothing to do
with being immortal, and turned practically into a recluse and
not even living life. Everyone of those always regrets that they
didn't live what they had. The second is that they take risks
that they shouldn't. You would have ended up dead before your
time. And as you were a police officer, the chances for that
were all over the place, and, by taking risks you shouldn't have
and wouldn't have if you hadn't known yourself to be a
pre-Immortal, you would have more than likely ended up killing
more than just yourself. And you would never have forgiven
yourself for something like that. Now would you?
Ally asks flatly at the end of the explanation.
David rubs his eyes tiredly while he shakes his head.
[David] I don't know what to think anymore.
Methos almost asks him if he's thinking at all but shrugs and
decides not to say anything.
[Ally] Keep what I told you in mind. And I've never seen or
heard of it going any way other than those two. There's a reason
pre-Immortals aren't told. Now... are you going to leave? Or sit
down? I'm tired of looking up at you.
Ally says frowning at David.
[David] Hmm, you two don't mind?
David asks Annie and the male Immortal, he knew Gemini wouldn't.
Annie shakes her head saying no, looking coldly at him, if he
wants to keep talking to the judge let him.
[Methos] Hmm, it's either let you sit, or kick those two out,
and since I wouldn't try to do that to Annie.
Methos grumbles before he shrugs.
[Annie] And why wouldn't you?
Annie frowns slightly at Adam hoping he's not going to mention
her looks.
[Methos] Still didn't figure out where you're hiding it.
Methos shrugs again as he plays with his glass.
Annie side glances at Adam, her frown deepening, the man's
making no sense at all.
[Annie] Hiding what?
[Methos] Dagger? Only boy scouts don't carry one and since
you're not one of them.
Methos answers shrugging still looking down at his glass. He
could have added that as Kronos' student she'd have one for sure
but decided to skip that part.
David keeps side glancing at them as he pulls a chair and sits
at their table. He wonders who the male Immortal is and if he
ever heard of him.
[Gemini] I thought you had a date with Sarah tonight?
Gemini asks softly.
David shakes his head.
[David] No, that was yesterday.
[Gemini] And you didn't go again tonight?
Gemini asks, raising an eyebrow.
[David] Hmm, no, it's not a good idea with that guy in town. I
might end up shooting him or something and how would I explain
that to Sarah?
David says as he gets to his feet again.
[David] I'm getting a beer at the bar, faster that way.
Gemini shrugs indifferently and watches David knowingly. She
knows he's just got a thing for Annie.
[Methos] So it is if you're in a hurry.
Methos murmurs as he shakes his head amused.
[Methos] Newbies are so impatient.
[Annie] They only settle down after the first hundred years or
something, when they realize they have time.
Annie nods thinking that it was around then she started to
believe she was going to make it.
[Ally] Around the time where if they'd been mortal, their life
expectancy would beyond all doubt be over.
Ally nods agreeing.
[Methos] If they get to be a hundred years, most of them don't
get to be a hundred, it's the most critical time.
Methos nods with a sigh thinking about some of his students.
[Ally] Now, see I always thought the first five to seven hundred
years were the most telling.
Ally says with a shrug.
[Methos] The world changes a lot in a hundred years, some
newbies can't handle it, they give up completely.
Methos explains with a shrug.
[Methos] Whether they get sloppy and someone takes their head or
they bury themselves on a remote place, or Holy Ground. And I
wouldn't call that living anyway.
[Annie] You never spent some time on Holy Ground?
Annie asks Adam with a puzzled frown, she thought almost all
Immortals did it eventually.
[Methos] Of course, but that was in the Middle Ages, all
knowledge was at the monasteries, and guess what? They had beer.
Methos smirks amused.
[Methos] What more could you ask?
Ally laughs at Methos' comment.
[Ally] I don't know about you all, but I spend a lot of time on
Holy Ground. Always have... and always will.
Ally smirks.
Annie nods.
[Annie] My refuge back where I came from is on Holy Ground, it
used to be a convent.
Ally shrugs.
[Ally] I just sanctify the grounds around my house.
Ally smirks.
David walks back to their table with a beer in his hand, and
sits back at his chair.
[David] They're busy tonight.
David says before he takes a sip, remembering the trouble he had
to get a beer.
Gemini glances over at David, eyeing him slightly.
[Annie] You sanctify the ground?
Annie asks Ally with a frown, ignoring David's comment.
[Annie] How? Only a priest can do that.
[Methos] She was a priestess, there are more religions than
Christianity, you know?
Methos reminds her with an amused smile.
Ally nods in agreement with Methos.
[Ally] Besides the fact Christianity is a... relatively recent
development.
[Annie] Yes, but all of them are dominated by men.
Annie says glaring at Adam, did he think she was stupid?
[Ally] Besides, that...
Ally adds slowly.
[Ally] What makes you think all religions were dominated by men?
[Annie] I'm not sure about old religions, I wasn't there to see,
now was I?
Annie shrugs unconcerned, it's not like she really cares anyway.
[Methos] The head of the church is generally a man, but there
were some religions where they allowed women in.
Methos explains as he picks up his glass.
[Ally] Besides the priestesshoods which didn't allow MEN in.
Ally adds.
[Ally] Hathor, and Isis where women only. Ma'at was a mix of men
and women.
Ally says absently listing some of the Ancient Egyptian
priestesshoods.
[Ally] Oh, don't get me wrong, I am WELL aware that the men and
PRIESThoods well out numbered the women and the priestesshoods,
let alone the mixed priesthoods.
[Annie] Shouldn't be too surprised, just remembered the Vestals
in ancient Rome and that wasn't such a long time ago.
Annie nods looking at Ally.
[Methos] Hmm, yes, but those had to be virgin. You wouldn't like
that one.
Methos tells Aldria teasingly, smiling amused.
[Ally] Well, besides the fact they don't have sex.
Ally frowns.
[Ally] Part of my initiation into Anath's priesthood involved
HAVING sex.
[Gemini] You had to have sex, to even join?
Gemini asks astounded.
[Ally] That's how I lost my virginity.
Ally smirks.
[David] And who's Anath?
David asks with a frown wondering what kind of religion was
that.
[Ally] Anath was the Babylonian Goddess of Love, war and
fertility.
Ally smiles at the boy.
David frowns for a moment trying to make sense of what he heard,
then it dawns on him remembering History lessons.
[David] Babylon in Sumeria?
David asks with his eyes open wide in surprise.
[Ally] Yes and no.
Ally says with a shrug.
[Ally] Babylon was once it's own nation, before it was conquered
by the Sumerians.
[Gemini] As in the hanging gardens of Babylon? That's supposed
to be one of the wonders of the ancient world.
Gemini says awed.
[David] But that was a long time ago...
David manages to drag out, he's almost speechless by surprise,
can she be THAT old?
[Ally] Yes, it was.
Ally agrees simply with a smile.
Methos looks back at his glass shaking his head slightly, kids
were so amusing, he wondered how the kid was going to react if
he told him he was older that Aldria?
[Gemini] How... how old are you?
Gemini asks, eyes wide, then blushes, "I'm sorry, that's rude."
[Annie] Yes, it is, I've told you we don't go around asking
that.
Annie warns Gemini with a slight frown.
[Gemini] Sorry.
Gemini murmurs softly.
[Methos] Besides it might get you into trouble, some Immortals
might take that as an offense.
Methos points out, thinking he's not one of them.
[Annie] Adam, some Immortals take Good Morning as an offense.
Annie chuckles softly.
[Methos] That's why I don't stop to even say goodbye.
Methos shrugs indifferently.
Ally snorts amused by Methos' comment.
[Ally] To tell you the truth... I'm not even sure exactly how
old I am.
[Methos] Yes, the mess they did with the calendars also doesn't
help.
Methos nods with a sigh.
[Methos] It would be so much easier without BC's and AD's and
all that.
[Ally] Well, that and the way the calendars kept changing! There
wasn't a reliable calendar until Julius Caesar introduced the
modern calendar.
Ally points out.
[Methos] Besides who cares? Counting the time it's mortal stuff
we can live above that.
Methos shrugs while he thinks that's why he keeps mentioning
5000 years, it's a nice round number, why should he care if he
was 5100 or more?
[Ally] You would know.
Ally chuckles, softly, for Methos' ears only.
[Annie] And without the information there is nowadays, days tend
to blur together anyway. And the years...
Annie says taking a deep breath and thinking about the time she
raided Europe with Kronos.
[Ally] And the centuries...
Ally adds in a mutter.
David shakes his head trying to clear his thoughts, he has no
idea what they're talking about. He's beginning to feel really
young near those three.
[Ally] Mike! More beer please!
Ally calls holding up her empty glass. Mike sighs, nods and
starts filling.
[Methos] Hmm, you know...
Methos smirks side glancing at Annie.
[Methos] Mike is not usually this shy, I bet he's getting ready
to ask for your phone number or something.
Annie rolls her eyes while she shakes her head.
[Annie] Like I'd go out with a you-know-what.
[David] Are you going to turn down all the men who ask you out?
David grumbles still upset she called him kid.
[Gemini] What's a You-know-what?
Gemini asks, having the feeling it maybe, meant mortal.
[Methos] It's a guy you two are not supposed to know about or
she would have explained better. Get it?
Methos points out with a soft chuckle.
Annie glares coldly at David.
[Annie] And what makes you think I go out with just about
anybody?
[David] I'm not just about anybody.
David grumbles looking down at his glass.
Methos raises an eyebrow and looks from David to Annie and back
again.
[Methos] Oh, asked her out?
Methos smiles amused, wondering if he should tell the kid he's
wasting his time.
[David] Hmm, not really.
David shakes his head, remembering he'd just presented an
hypothesis.
[Gemini] Yes you did.
Gemini mutters to David.
[David] No, I didn't!
David tells Gemini with a slight frown.
[David] I only asked what she'd answer if I asked her out.
[Methos] Sounds like you asked her out.
Methos chuckles amused.
[Gemini] That's the way I've always been asked out.
Gemini says with a shrug.
[David] Hmm, and I didn't get your name.
David tells the male Immortal hoping he'd introduce himself.
[Methos] Guess not, I didn't tell you what it was.
Methos shrugs with a smirk.
Ally smirks with a laugh.
[David] Is that supposed to be funny?
David frowns at the male Immortal.
Annie shakes her head with a smile playing across her lips.
[Annie] Trust me, kid, you don't want to mess up with him.
[Methos] Oh really?
Methos frowns puzzled at Annie, trying to hide his amusement.
[Annie] You're not fooling everybody you know?
Annie says rolling her eyes.
[David] I'm not a kid, I'm 36 years old.
David grumbles under his breath in a bad mood, that woman did it
again.
[Ally] You're not helping yourself, boy.
Ally says with a chuckle looking at the boy.
[Methos] Yeah, 36 years old is... old.
Methos nods gravely.
David takes a deep breath side glancing at the judge, not her
too!
[Ally] Don't look at me like that! I'm nearly 5000 years old,
and to my knowledge only Methos is older than I am. Think about
that for a moment, 5000 versus 36.
Ally says frowning at David.
[Annie] He's too young to realize that.
Annie tells Aldria while she turns her head to look at her.
[Annie] He'll have to be older to realize an Immortal doesn't
live that long by mere chance.
[David] I realize that now!
David grumbles irritated.
[David] It's not like I'm a fool!
David takes a deep breath and looks at Ally.
[David] I'm sorry, Judge, I realize I owe you my freedom.
[Ally] You're cute enough.
Ally smiles.
David manages not to let his mouth fall open as he blinks in
surprise.
[David] Excuse me?
David asks hoping she'd repeat what she said, he's not sure he
heard her right.
[Ally] So apology accepted. But you don't owe me for your
freedom. You got your freedom because you deserved it.
Ally explains.
[David] Yes, but there was no way I was going to prove my
innocence in jail.
David sighs remembering how the bad cops managed to frame him,
he was one step away from prison.
Ally shrugs.
[Ally] Again, you got your freedom because you deserved it. A
few extra centuries does usually give one a few advantages.
Ally chuckles.
[David] Hmm, I was thinking...and I think I owe you some dinner
at least... would you be interested?
David hesitates looking at the judge.
[David] As a way of thanking you for what you did?
[Methos] Now it's your turn. I think that kid wants to get laid
tonight.
Methos murmurs in ancient Greek, and hoping Annie wouldn't
surprise him again.
Ally laughs at Methos' comment.
[Ally] I wouldn't mind getting laid tonight, either!
Ally says in the same language.
[Methos] Oh, didn't realize you liked them so young.
Methos sniffs so he doesn't start laughing as he picks his beer
glass.
[Ally] Thanks Mike.
Ally sighs as Mike finally brings them their drinks.
[Ally] Why not bring Adam and I each a pitcher? It'll save you a
few trips.
Ally states, tired of waiting on Mike for her beer. Mike nods
and walks away.
Annie nods coldly when Mike puts a drink in front of her, after
what Adam said she wants to save him the embarrassment of
hearing a no.
[Ally] I told you. You don't owe me anything.
Ally shrugs at David.
[David] I know, but what if I want to anyway?
David asks frowning at Adam and wondering what he'd told her in
a language he didn't understand.
[Methos] Don't tell me he's jealous already? This is going fast.
If he only knew where he's getting himself into.
Methos comments in Greek, not impressed by David's frown.
[Ally] Is he trying to scare you?
Ally asks glancing over at Methos.
Methos side glances at Aldria, a puzzled frown on his face.
[Methos] Can't you find out for yourself?
[Ally] As if we both don't know.
Ally chuckles.
[Gemini] This is getting old.
Gemini mutters, referring to the other Immortals speaking in
languages she can't understand.
[Annie] Yeah, but this time I'm on your side, I knew I should
have studied more Greek but I never thought I'd need it anyway.
Annie nods at Gemini with a smile.
Gemini shrugs.
[Gemini] Something tells me, if you knew Greek, they'd just find
a different language... like ancient Egyptian or something.
[David] Oh, that's Greek?
David asks looking at Annie.
[David] Can you make out anything they're saying?
[Annie] A word here and there, it's not enough to understand it.
Annie shrugs unconcerned.
[Gemini] Swell...
Gemini sighs, resting her head on her hands.
[Annie] Besides why should I care? If they want to have a
private conversation you think I'm going to sulk like a baby?
Annie points out with an indifferent shrug.
[Gemini] Oh, I'm just tired.
Gemini sighs.
[Annie] Yes, we should get going, I only wanted a drink and
ended up drinking more than a few.
Annie turns her head to order her check.
[David] So is that a yes or a no?
David interrupts the older Immortals, then he turns to the male
Immortal when a suspicion comes to his mind.
[David] I want no trouble. She's not your woman, is she?
Methos looks at the kid amused.
[Methos] If you knew her better you'd realize she's nobody's
woman, she's her own woman.
[Ally] Excuse me?!
Ally glares at the young man.
[Ally] Well, you just fucked yourself over, child. No.
[David] Oh come on, I didn't mean it that way. I was trying to
ask if you two were involved or something.
David says with an exasperated sigh, it seems he couldn't say
the right thing near those two.
[Ally] You know part of the reason I chose to join a priesthood?
To get over being owned by someone. I grew up in a harem. I
haven't put up with it since I joined the priesthood and I'm not
about to put up with it from you or anyone else.
Ally says flatly.
[David] I didn't want it to sound that way. Sorry, I had no idea
you'd take it so hard.
David says shaking his head.
[David] That's what I get from not going straight to the point.
[Methos] Too late to worry if we're involved or not, you asked
her out before that, remember? If it would upset me then I'd
already be upset.
Methos points out looking at the kid, he can't help to be amused
though, kids are so amusing.
Ally shrugs.
[Ally] I'm not one to hold grudges, boy. I'll get over it.
Annie shakes her head looking at David.
[Annie] I don't give a damn if you live or die, but if I was
your teacher, I'd start to worry about your 'health' if that's
the way you usually talk around other Immortals.
[Ally] Especially older ones.
Ally put in with a smirk.
[Methos] Do you even have a teacher?
Methos asks wondering who it was if he had one.
[David] Craig Bower, you know him?
David grumbles in a bad mood, they were treating him like a kid
again.
[Methos] Yeah, I've seen him around, he's Nikki's friend.
Methos nods thinking Craig couldn't be that old himself, which
somehow explained some of his student's manners.
Ally shrugs.
[Ally] We've met.
Ally leans over to Methos and murmurs softly in ancient
Egyptian.
[Ally] Boy scouts. All of them.
[Methos] Hmm, I'd say that girl over there is not in danger of
becoming that if she takes her as student.
Methos replies in the same language, avoiding to mention names
so they wouldn't know what he's talking about.
[Methos] Though she was a campfire girl, they didn't have the
good deed of the day.
[Ally] True... no student of Kronos, or even twice removed of
Kronos is going to end up a girl scout or boy scout.
Ally chuckles.
[Methos] Hmm, no, impossible. Not when Kronos probably had the
bad deed of the day.
Methos chuckles amused.
Ally joins Methos in amused laughter.
Gemini sighs.
[Gemini] Any idea what language it is now? Sounds different than
before.
[Annie] No, it's not Greek anymore, but I have no idea what it
is.
Annie shrugs unconcerned wondering why it was taking so long to
bring her the check.
[David] You don't know?
David frowns at the other two Immortals wondering what language
is that.
[Annie] It's not like I know everything, kid.
Annie says as she turns to look back, she wants to pay and get
out of there.
[David] I wish you'd stop calling me that.
David grumbles looking at Annie.
[Annie] Then stop acting like a kid.
Annie shrugs unconcerned.
[Methos] So you're not taking the kid out anymore?
Methos asks still in ancient Egyptian while he picks up his beer
glass to take a sip.
[Ally] No... he screwed himself by asking if I was your woman...
that's a comment I'd expect from the likes of Kronos, not
someone who's 36 years old.
Ally says shaking her head.
[Methos] Yeah, even Kronos knew better than to ask you that.
Methos chuckles softly.
[Methos] OK, maybe the reason was because he didn't give a damn
but still he didn't ask.
Ally shrugs.
[Ally] Could be.
[Methos] Oh, I'm sure it was, when he wanted a woman he didn't
care if she was married to some guy or not.
Methos frowns then adds remembering his time as a Horseman.
[Methos] Hmm, neither did I actually.
Ally chuckles.
[Ally] I'm sure you didn't.
[Methos] Yeah, most of the times when they got to camp they
didn't have a husband anymore anyway.
Methos shrugs indifferently, it was a long time ago.
[Ally] And if they did, either they, or the husbands or both
didn't last long.
Ally chuckles.
[Ally] Thanks Mike.
Ally says as Mike brings two pitchers and Annie's check.
[Annie] At last.
Annie grumbles under her breath as she looks in her pockets for
some money.
[Methos] I'll probably have some news for you Monday or Tuesday,
so show up.
Methos tells Annie remembering what she'd asked him to do.
[Ally] More like Tuesday.
Ally puts in with a grin.
[Ally] I can just about guarantee he won't do any looking
tomorrow.
[Annie] Alright.
Annie nods as she puts some money near her check.
[Annie] Thanks, Adam, I appreciate what you're doing.
Annie nods again before she stands up.
[Methos] No problem, got me curious enough to take a look
anyway, so...
Methos shrugs with a smile.
Gemini quickly stands up when Annie does, not wanting to be left
behind.
[Gemini] See you later, David.
Gemini murmurs softly.
[David] Yeah, see you later.
David says with an unhappy sigh, he didn't want to be left alone
with those two.
[Annie] Well, see you around.
Annie says looking at Adam Pierson and Judge Everson, and
ignoring David, before she turns to leave.
[Gemini] Bye all.
Gemini murmurs to the table.
[Methos] Bye girls.
Methos says after them with a smirk, Annie would probably think
he was teasing, so it was safe.
David watches Annie and Gemini go then turns back to the table.
[David] So where were we?
[Ally] We're drinking. That's where we are.
Ally shrugs.
[David] Hmm, so dinner?
David asks hoping to get an answer this time.
Methos raises an eyebrow and looks at Aldria to see how she's
going to react.
[Ally] Nope. I'm full.
Ally says taking a drink.
[Methos] Don't you get it...
Methos stops himself in time, refraining himself from calling
him kid.
[Methos] She's already having dinner.
Methos smirks as he adds to Aldria in Greek.
[Methos] And dessert after the way he behaved is out of the
question.
[Ally] Yup.
Ally agrees with Methos in Greek.
David frowns, they're going to do it again?
[David] Hey, if you two are starting with that again I'm
leaving.
Methos looks around with a puzzled frown.
[Methos] I don't think anyone is trying to hold you up.
Ally shrugs.
[Ally] We're going to drink. You can stay or go.
Ally shrugs.
Methos frowns at the kid, he's acting like he's doing them a
favor by staying when they didn't even invite him to sit?
[Methos] You know what? You bug me. Go away.
Methos tells David resisting the temptation to shoo him.
[David] Fine.
David grumbles offended as he stands up and moves to the bar.
Methos sighs watching the kid go.
[Methos] Just remembered a reason I don't take students anymore.
[Ally] You know... with that attitude he sure isn't proving
himself to be anything other than the child we named him.
Ally points out to Methos amused.
[Ally] I mean, seriously? Throwing a temper-tantrum?
[Methos] Who cares?
Methos shrugs as he picks his pitcher and clicks it against
Aldria's.
[Methos] Bottoms up.
#Post#: 77--------------------------------------------------
HALF MOON RISING Part 15
By: Cyberfox277 Date: September 30, 2011, 10:51 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[center]***4th of July***[/center]
Ashley frowns as she steps into the small changing room. That
was the only issue with places like this. The attendants never
shut up. Oh, the masseurs did wonderful job, generally weren't
too talkative, but the young women who lead you from place to
place didn't know how to hold their mouths. With a mental shake
of her head, Ashley strips down and takes on of the towels in
the room, there were several and she'd need them, she wrapped
herself in the towel and opened the door to the room. Only to be
greeted by the incessant chatter of the attendant who lead her
towards the coed sauna. If a spa offered a choice, Ashley always
took coed. Because it involved being naked besides the towel, it
was generally the most empty of the sauna's offered. The same
for the steam rooms.
Methos puts his clothes inside the locker and checks his towel,
wrapping it better around his waist, before he locks it and
moves away. This year no fireworks for him thank you very much,
he think while he walks to the sauna, he still missed the Roman
baths after all these centuries and before Nikki or MacLeod
showed up and dragged him to one of those, he decided to
disappear and hide himself in a spa for a couple of hours.
[Methos] I'll find my way to the sauna, thanks.
Methos tells the disappointed attendant with a smile as he moves
past her, the last thing he wanted was to have to listen to an
empty head girl who didn't know how to keep her month shut. He
opens the door and sighs in satisfaction as he feels the heat.
Then he moves to a wooden bench and stretches against the wooden
wall.
[Ashley] Thanks.
Ashley says shortly as she arrives at the sauna.
[Ashley] I can certainly find my way back to dressing room
without you, and will summon you from there when I'm done and
ready for my massage.
Methos opens his eyes and turns his head to the door with a
sigh, apparently he was having company, he was hoping he'd be
alone in here so he could relax.
Ashley sighs gratefully, as she opens to the door to her
pleasure there was only one other person in the sauna. She stars
towards a bench opposite the man, when she freezes, recognizing
him.
[Ashley] Adam?
Ashley asks astonished.
Methos gasps in surprise when he recognizes the woman in front
of him.
[Methos] Ashley?
Methos asks still slightly surprised, this was the last place he
was expecting to find her.
[Ashley] What... What are you doing here?
Ashley gapes. A spa was the last place on earth she would have
expected to find Adam Pierson.
Methos smiles glad he'd decided to cover his track just in case,
Adam Pierson wouldn't be able to pay for this after all.
[Methos] I got a gift certificate, can you believe it? I thought
it was a joke but then I decided to use it anyway.
Methos shrugs still smiling.
[Methos] Can't hurt and it's free, so...
Ashley grins as she moves and sits down in her original choice
spot.
[Ashley] Personally I don't see why more men don't pamper
themselves. Even if it's only with sauna, steam-room and
massage.
[Methos] Yeah, had some sauna when I was in Finland on business.
Methos nods giving her a look so she'd know what business he's
talking about.
[Methos] Decided to skip the ice part though.
Ashley laughs.
[Ashley] Can't say I blame you on that!! Though I'm sure the
sauna itself was WONDERFUL.
[Methos] Oh yeah, I was there with a couple of Finnish
colleagues.
Methos nods with an amused smirk as he mentally corrects it to
female Finnish colleagues.
[Ashley] Nice.
Ashley nods appreciatively.
[Ashley] Though I have to admit I'm surprised to see you here.
Last I had heard from you, you were in Paris.
[Methos] Yeah, but after Don died I had no reason to stay there
anyway.
Methos shrugs with a sigh.
[Methos] And I like working with Joe Dawson, even though you
don't, I've read your report.
Methos smiles amused, wondering what will be Joe's reaction when
he comes back from his trip.
[Ashley] Oh... well, I don't have anything against Joe
personally...
Ashley says slowly.
[Methos] Yeah, I know, you just don't approve his methods.
Methos shrugs with an amused smile, Ashley's idea that mortals
and Immortals shouldn't mix never failed to amuse him when he
considered what he was.
[Ashley] I don't approve of him breaking centuries of tradition
with that... Duncan MacLeod.
Ashley shrugs.
[Ashley] However, I also don't approve of the way the Watchers
council handled it either. After all, it is the 20th, well now
21st century. Their way was a bit barbaric.
Ashley adds.
[Methos] Yes, but dead men don't talk.
Methos shakes his head with a sigh, as he thinks he was the one
you had to fix him up after that.
[Methos] I suppose you'd have a better idea?
[Ashley] The Watchers is an employer. Joe broke his employer's
rules. He should have been fired. End of story.
Ashley shrugs.
[Methos] That's it?
Methos side glances at Ashley smiling amused.
[Methos] Don't you think he knows too much to be left to his own
devices?
[Ashley] Far as I can tell, Joe respects the Watchers too
much... even given what they've done to him. He certainly isn't
likely to go telling the media, or even every Immortal he can
find. We have spouses that have known. And even fired, it's not
like he wouldn't be watched, and if he was going to tell, or
associate with Immortals outside of Duncan MacLeod and HIS
Immortal associates, whom he more than likely has told about us
anyway. I see no reason why Joe couldn't be left to his own
devices.
Ashley shrugs.
[Methos] I think Shapiro took it personal after Galati killed
his son, and blamed Joe for something that wasn't his fault.
Methos tells Ashley while he moves on the bench to get a better
position and leans against the wall closing his eyes.
[Ashley] Yeah, well, that's the other reason why Joe would have
needed to have been monitored, but...
Ashley shrugs leaning back herself.
[Methos] That judgment wasn't about justice but revenge, and he
ended up having the Watchers kill Galati as if it would bring
his son back.
Methos sighs keeping his eyes closed.
[Methos] Apparently that was his idea of not interfering.
[Ashley] Which was stupid.
Ashley says flatly.
[Ashley] And, has no bearing on what SHOULD have happened to
Joe, from the beginning.
[Methos] You realize it was all Horton's fault, right? Joe going
to talk with MacLeod, Galati coming after Watchers, it all began
when Horton started killing.
Methos says side glancing at Ashley for a moment, then he closes
his eyes again.
[Ashley] Yes. And Horton got what he deserved... even if MacLeod
was the one to see to it... but that doesn't mean Joe should
have been forgiven of HIS rule breaking, even if it was much a
lesser degree than Horton's.
Ashley says with firm conviction.
[Methos] What? Be expelled just because he talked to MacLeod?
Methos opens his eyes and stares at Ashley with a frown.
[Methos] I think you take things a little bit too seriously.
Immortals are just like us, not better or worse.
Ashley shrugs.
[Ashley] That doesn't make us any less peeping toms into their
lives... and more so. Besides, is there something wrong with
following the rules?
Ashley asks.
[Methos] No, but why can't a Watcher and an Immortal be friends?
Personally I don't see a problem with that.
Methos shrugs before he leans his head back and closes his eyes
again.
[Ashley] But befriending an Immortal, betrays the oath. If you
want to keep a friendship with an Immortal, over your oath,
fine. But then leave the Watchers.
Ashley shrugs.
[Ashley] Then you can't interfere with your knowledge.
Ashley adds after a moment.
Methos tries not to smile when he thinks what would she say of
an Immortal inside the Watchers writing his own chronicle and
looking for himself, but he has no idea what would be her first
reaction. Then he shrugs.
[Methos] I guess we'll never agree in this so we might as well
drop it.
[Ashley] Oh come on Adam. This is me, you're talking too. I'm
not stupid, I'm well aware of what I'm called behind my back. I
am also well aware that I've earned that title.
Ashley says with a half grin on her face.
[Methos] Oh you know the others call you Miss By-the-book, huh?
Methos asks with an amused smile.
[Methos] Not me, at least not behind your back. I think
everybody is entitled to their own opinion.
Methos shrugs unconcerned.
[Ashley] Yes. Some fool, who'd been out of the Academy for all
of week, called me that, to my face.
Ashley says with a shrug.
[Ashley] Not that I didn't suspect it before that... The idiot
just confirmed it... Got him sent back to research indefinitely.
He was obviously not cut out for being a field Watcher.
Ashley smirks slightly.
Methos chuckles softly.
[Methos] No, not at all, too dumb for that.
[Ashley] Hence why I got him sent to research... book smart, no
common sense.
Ashley smiles.
[Methos] Hmm, come to think of it it's not very flattering, he
wasn't good enough for the field but he's good enough for
research?
Methos opens his eyes and side glanced at Ashley suspiciously.
[Methos] You're not trying to call me dumb, are you? Miss
By-the-book?
Methos asks teasingly.
[Ashley] The man was brilliant... I will give him that... But
absolutely no street sense.
Ashley explains.
[Ashley] And as for you... I think you'd make a wonderful field
Watcher. You've more street sense, than just about anybody I
know, besides being brilliant.
Ashley shrugs indifferently.
[Methos] Maybe, but I like what I'm doing.
Methos shrugs, while he thinks he'd be a lousy field Watcher,
all the people he was supposed to watch would notice him, and
wouldn't it be great that he even got challenged?
[Ashley] I know you do. Which is why I don't mention it, but in
passing. I know nothing will drag you out of research. I'm just
grateful you helped ME get out.
Ashley shrugs, eyes still closed as she sweated.
Methos shakes his head chuckling softly.
[Methos] Ash, you never needed my help for that.
Ashley shrugs.
[Ashley] I thought I did... which when it comes down to it, is
all that really matters.
Methos nods side glancing at Ashley and seeing a younger and
more vulnerable woman than the woman in front of him, this
Ashley wouldn't need anyone's help to make up her mind.
[Methos] Yes, you didn't know your own strength.
[Ashley] No. And we can thank my aunt and uncle for that.
Ashley spat out.
[Methos] Well, I assume they only want what they think it's best
for you, but that's a decision they can't make for you, you have
to live your own life, not theirs.
Methos shrugs as he sighs in pleasure, he loved to be in a
sauna, too bad Adam Pierson couldn't afford it.
[Ashley] Isn't this great?
Ashley asks recognizing the sigh for what it was, and echoing it
herself.
[Ashley] I just wish I could do this more often.
[Methos] Yeah, so do I, I should get a raise.
Methos smirks, thinking Joe would never give him one even if he
asked.
[Ashley] Ask. You'll never get one if you don't ask, and what's
the worst they'll say? No?
Ashley smiles, relaxing even further.
[Methos] Hmm, no such luck with my beer tab at the bar.
Methos chuckles softly.
[Ashley] Well... maybe he could take your raise have it go
directly to your tab?
Ashley suggests with a laugh.
[Methos] But then, why should I bother to ask for a raise?
Methos points out still chuckling.
[Ashley] Wouldn't hurt to ask for a raise anyway. Maybe you'll
even get one without having to pay the bar tab. Only one person
is going to be able to answer that for you.
Ashley grins.
[Methos] I suppose. I'll think about it later.
Methos shrugs unconcerned, maybe he could find a way Adam got
another gift certificate, maybe another one of his alias paying
for it?
Ashley shrugs. It wasn't her decision.
Methos stays in silence for a few minutes just enjoying the
heat, then he smiles when he thinks of something.
[Methos] You know? When I found out your guy was in town I
assumed we'd meet at Joe's sooner or later, but never in a sauna
wrapped in towels.
Ashley chuckles.
[Ashley] This is much more preferable... though actually, I'm
surprised I haven't heard from Joe, since I posted that last
report.
[Methos] He's out of town, I'm sure you will as soon as he gets
back.
Methos chuckles softly.
[Ashley] Probably.
Ashley agrees shaking her head ruefully.
[Methos] You just had to write that, didn't you? Couldn't stop
yourself.
Methos shakes his head amused.
[Methos] He's not going to like it a bit, I tell you that.
[Ashley] It's the truth!
Ashley says flatly.
[Ashley] And I don't care if he likes it or not.
[Methos] I took a look at your guy's chronicle and if he goes
after newbies I'm not surprised they don't have a Watcher, most
newbies don't until someone takes them as student.
Methos points out, pretending he didn't know Annie was no newbie
at all.
[Ashley] Yes, but the other Immortal woman there was no newbie.
She didn't have their... lack of presence, their way of moving.
She was experienced.
Ashley says with firm conviction.
[Methos] Hmm, there are some Immortals not even you guys dare to
take anymore, they keep killing Watchers until we give up on
them, maybe she's one of them.
Methos shrugs unconcerned, he's sure Kronos was one of those
anyway.
[Methos] Like your guy would be if he knew about the Watchers.
[Ashley] Yes, but we have records of all of those Immortals and
last time I checked, they were all male!
Ashley points out.
[Methos] Yeah, talk about too much testosterone.
Methos chuckles amused.
[Ashley] Thanks to him though... I've really learned to hate the
4th of July.
Ashley sighs absently.
[Methos] Yeah, I was wondering why you were hiding in here
instead of watching the fireworks. He's too patriotic for you?
Methos asks with a frown, maybe he had a special way of
celebrating the 4th of July.
[Ashley] Hell yes. For the scum bag that he is... He figures
himself a war hero, and celebrates independence day with gusto.
Ashley spits disgustedly.
[Methos] How long are you following him? I think I saw 7 years.
Don't know how you have the stomach for it.
Methos says making a face like he knows Adam Pierson would in
this situation.
[Ashley] Closer to seven and a half years. And I hate it. I keep
hoping one of these newbies is going to get lucky and come out
on top. But... the only way they can replace me for anything
other than short term is to have someone as good as me... and
well...
Ashley hesitates not wanting to sound like she's bragging, when
it's just the facts of what she's been told.
[Methos] And we don't have enough experienced Watchers,
sometimes we have to send a rookie into the field and they end
up dead.
Methos finishes up for her.
[Methos] And to that Lee guy, it needs to be someone white or
he'd notice them right away, so it's even harder to find a
replacement.
[Ashley] Exactly.
Ashley agrees with a sigh and a nod.
[Ashley] And being a woman helps too, believe it or not.
[Methos] Oh yeah, he'll never see one as a threat, remember old
Southern women?
Methos points out with a smile.
[Ashley] Well, not personally.
Ashley laughs.
[Ashley] But, yes. I do... they were pretty much helpless.
[Methos] Is it just me or it would be amusing if a woman was the
one who ended up taking his head?
Methos asks with a smirk, while he thinks that guy should watch
out if Annie decided to take Gemini as student and he kept
harassing them.
[Ashley] A black woman would make it the perfect irony.
Ashley says with a grin.
[Methos] Oh yeah.
Methos nods chuckling softly.
[Methos] A black female newbie would be great.
[Ashley] Well... one that's a newbie would make the irony even
perfect but... have to say, I won't be complaining at any time
if he loses in the game.
Ashley sighs.
[Ashley] No matter WHO does it.
[Methos] I've read he took a lot of heads, is he that good or he
just got lucky?
Methos asks with a frown, of all Watchers Ashley would know.
Ashley sighs.
[Ashley] It's a bit of both.
Ashley says slowly.
[Methos] Figured he wasn't that bad because he didn't just kill
newbies, but also their teachers when they had one.
[Ashley] He has, the devil's own luck when it comes to finding
newbies. But, he is fairly skilled, when he gets challenged by
or challenges a non-newbie. He's by no means the best I've ever
seen. I've seen much better, but... he does have skill.
Ashley sighs.
[Methos] Yeah, if he didn't have some skill he'd be dead
already.
Methos nods with a sigh, as he thinks that wouldn't be such a
bad thing.
[Ashley] He, sadly, has more than just some skill. He's probably
comparable to oh....
Ashley pauses thinking.
[Ashley] Hugh Fitzcairn, maybe?
Ashley suggests.
[Methos] Oh really?
Methos raises an eyebrow, then Lee was better than he expected,
not that he was planning to fight him anyway.
[Methos] Heard of him, MacLeod's friend I think.
[Ashley] Yeah, before Kalas got him.
Ashley shrugs.
[Methos] I suppose all Watchers have heard of Kalas after that
mess with the CD.
Methos says while he picks an extra towel to wipe the sweat of
his forehead.
[Ashley] Yeah...
Ashley sighs, then frowns.
[Ashley] Personally I think the project you and Don were working
on was a great idea... especially as it's pretty much what we've
got now, but... you should have gotten permission from head of
research before starting.
[Methos] There weren't supposed to be copies laying around where
anyone could find them.
Methos answers with a shrug.
[Methos] I didn't even know Don knew how to make one, he hated
computers.
Ashley grins.
[Ashley] That sounds like Don alright. Why use a computer when a
book was available. Why use the phone when you could write a
letter.
Ashley chuckles.
[Methos] Yeah, if everybody was like him we'd still be living in
caves.
Methos chuckles softly.
[Methos] He hated changes and starting to live in huts was a big
change.
[Ashley] Or at least as it was around the turn of the 17th
century.
Ashley chuckles.
Methos sobers up and sighs unhappily.
[Methos] I miss Don, he was a good friend.
[Ashley] A good mentor too.
Ashley agrees.
[Methos] He deserved better luck than to be killed by that
creep.
Methos shakes his head as he thinks about what happened next.
[Methos] I had no idea his wife had such grudge against us.
[Ashley] I think that had, at least in part to do with the way
he died...
Ashley says slowly thinking.
[Ashley] Though... he did spend a lot of time on the Watchers
that maybe should have been spent on her. I mean... he canceled
how many vacations the two of them had planned?
[Methos] Too many I think.
Methos sighs remembering how Don Salzer was like.
[Methos] But she just wanted to blow his life's work, and then
all that sacrifice would have been in vain.
[Ashley] She didn't care anymore.
Ashley points out with a shrug.
[Ashley] Her husband had been taken from her and any chance to
gain those missed times together, gone for ever.
[Methos] You know, letting friends and family know about us
isn't one of the safest things. I can understand why it's
allowed but still it's a security risk.
Methos points out as he wipes the sweat on his forehead again.
[Ashley] Not so much an issue for me.
Ashley shrugs, thinking that her only living relatives WERE
Watchers, and the few friends she had were Watchers themselves.
[Methos] Yes, I know, you were practically raised in the
Watchers.
Methos nods with a smile.
[Ashley] Yeah. I barely know anything else... Just the little
bit from before my parents had died.
Ashley shrugs.
[Methos] Yes, wasn't it you who saw a man coming back to live
when you were a child?
Methos asks with a frown like he didn't remember anymore.
[Ashley] Oh, yes... same ferry accident that killed my parents.
Some man who could swim jumped overboard with myself and several
other children. We were pulled aboard some fishing vessel. They
pulled some bodies aboard too... one was a man, whom they
covered over and then when their backs were turned got up and
jumped back over... They all just assumed the body rolled off
the deck... There wasn't any railing there, and the Watcher was
rather choppy.
Ashley says softly the memory of that horrific day replaying
before her eyes.
[Methos] I bet it scared the hell out of you, unless you didn't
realize he was dead.
Methos nods understandingly.
[Ashley] I was old enough to understand what was meant when they
talked about the 'poor bastard' and covered him with a blanket.
Kept telling them he was alive, and had jumped back in... nobody
believed me, until my aunt and uncle got to the hospital and
told me to hold my tongue.
Ashley sighs.
[Methos] Yes, people coming back from the dead and carrying
concealed swords, it's a little hard to believe.
Methos nods chuckling softly.
[Ashley] Well... at that time I didn't see any sword but...
makes you wonder some how Watchers found Immortals in the
past... given the sword is one of the most tell tail signs NOW.
Ashley says chuckling herself.
[Methos] Yeah, also puzzles me.
Methos says with a smile, he wasn't going to point out the not
aging part since he was one of them. People would start noticing
that sooner or later without him pointing at it.
[Ashley] I would have added the lack of aging, but... the way
they're always moving around that's harder to notice.
Ashley adds absently.
[Methos] I guess they'd know for sure if someone came back from
the dead in front of witnesses.
Methos shrugs unconcerned.
[Ashley] Oh yes... that does explain a lot of the witch hunts of
the past.
Ashley points out.
[Methos] Yeah, we always needed an excuse to kill other people,
whether it's a political or a religious one. We'd never admit
that we do it because it's in our nature.
Methos sighs while he wipes the sweat on his face again.
[Ashley] That's humanity for you.
Ashley murmurs.
[Methos] The only difference I see through the years it's the
type of weapon, nothing else.
Methos shrugs before he picks up his watch to check the time.
[Ashley] More and more sophisticated, but not necessarily
better.
Ashley says, allowing the historian in her speak out.
[Methos] Shouldn't we be leaving? I'm not sure how long we're
supposed to be in here.
Methos asked with what he hoped to be an embarrassed smile,
remembering that it was supposed to be Adam Pierson's first try
on the sauna.
[Ashley] You leave when you get too hot.
Ashley says with a shrug.
[Ashley] But I suppose I should be going. I have a massage when
I'm done here, then the whole mani, pedi and facial after that.
Ashley smiles standing up and approaches the door then pauses
and turns back to Adam.
[Ashley] Would you like to have dinner sometime? Just to catch
up?
Ashley asks.
[Methos] Sure.
Methos nods with a smile as he stands up to walk to the door.
[Methos] I'll probably be ready before you so I'll wait for you
at the bar.
[Ashley] You and beer... does not surprise me THAT hasn't
changed for you. Alright, I'll catch you in the bar later.
Ashley grins and heads back to the changing room.
[Methos] Yeah, a massage sounds good, probably not as good as
the ones from wife 47 but passable.
Methos murmurs with a shrug as he exits the sauna.
#Post#: 78--------------------------------------------------
HALF MOON RISING Part 16
By: Cyberfox277 Date: September 30, 2011, 10:54 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[center]***Next day - 5 PM***[/center]
Annie sighs looking at her watch wondering where Gemini was, the
swords she had asked her employee at the antique store had
arrived and no sign of Gemini. It was typical, she thinks to
herself, she was always passing her suite and disturbing her
with the buzz and when she's waiting for her she doesn't show
up.
After a couple of minutes, she looks at her watch and sighs
impatiently again. She stands up and begins pacing murmuring
under her breath, "If that kid spends more time in the water
she's going to turn into a fish."
Another couple of minutes and she considers going down to the
pool to ask Gemini to come to her suite, until she feels an
Immortal buzz. "At last." Annie murmurs under her breath, and
walks to the door, picking her coat with the sword in it just in
case. She opens the door and looks outside to see it was really
Gemini, then calls her when she sees her about to enter her
room.
Gemini comes out of the elevator humming absently to herself, as
she heads towards her room. She feels the buzz as she passes by
Annie's room, and was just reaching her room, when she hears
Annie calling her name. Pausing she turns around and half waves
at Annie.
[Gemini] Hi, Annie.
[Annie] Hello. Can you come here for a minute? I've got
something to show you.
Annie says before she goes back inside her suite.
[Gemini] Alright.
Gemini says more to herself than to Annie as Annie had already
disappeared back into the suite.
Annie stops near the table where she had put the cases with the
swords and waits for Gemini to get there.
[Annie] Take a look at these.
[Gemini] Swords.
Gemini says stating the obvious, but not sure what to say about
it beyond that.
[Annie] I asked Jean to send me some swords, take your pick.
Annie says pointing at the swords on the table.
[Gemini] How am I supposed to pick?
Gemini asks utterly confused.
[Annie] Pick it up and see how it feels in your hand.
Annie says as she indicates a sword on the case.
[img width=150
height=88]
HTML http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg16/Cyberfox277/Weapons/Swords/Sword001.jpg[/img]
[Annie] That's a katana, Japanese sword, strong and light but
with only one cutting edge.
[Gemini] And what should I expect to feel?
Gemini asks as she awkwardly picks up the black hilt wrapped
katana.
[Annie] A sword should be an extension from your arm, if you
feel awkward with it pick another.
Annie shrugs as she indicates the next.
[img width=150
height=17]
HTML http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg16/Cyberfox277/Weapons/Swords/Sword002.jpg[/img]
[Annie] This one is an authentic gladius sword, like the ones
the Romans used, I only sent this one because you're short and
maybe you'd like a smaller sword.
[Gemini] Gee, thanks.
Gemini mutters and sets the katana down, not liking the way it
feels. She moves over to the gladius and picks it, up, moving it
around some.
[Annie] I'm not trying to insult you or anything, but a big
sword wouldn't work for you.
Annie shrugs as she moves to the next.
[img width=150
height=34]
HTML http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg16/Cyberfox277/Weapons/Swords/Sword003.jpg[/img]
[Annie] This is a rapier, narrow blade but extremely sharp. The
good ones are made with reinforced steel so it's not as weak as
it seems.
Annie explains as she moves to get her sword and pulls it out.
[Annie] I've been using this one for quite some time and it has
never let me down.
Gemini shrugs and sets the gladius down and moves to the rapier.
The gladius had felt awkward in a different way from the katana.
Taking a deep breath she picks up the rapier and then set it
down almost immediately shaking her head.
[Annie] Take your time, you don't have to rush to decide.
Annie says slightly amused.
[Annie] Or is it the fact that they're swords?
[Gemini] Well, that one, the rapier, just really didn't feel
right, and... partly 'cause they're swords. I know I'm going to
have to pick one, but...
Gemini shrugs slightly.
[Annie] Yeah, figured that.
Annie nods understandingly.
[Annie] But it's not the swords that are dangerous, it's people
using them and you're touching them like they could bite you.
[Gemini] I know... same concept as a gun, but...
Gemini says slowly then moves to the next sword.
[Gemini] What's this one?
Gemini asks.
Annie wrinkles her nose looking at the case.
[img width=150
height=100]
HTML http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg16/Cyberfox277/Weapons/Swords/Sword004.jpg[/img]
[Annie] That's a scimitar, Turkish sword with a curved blade, I
think Jean figured it would look good hanging on a wall.
Annie explains with a smile.
[Annie] He has no idea we're planning to use it.
[Gemini] I see.
Gemini says, but picks it up anyway, moving it about
experimentally.
[Annie] I don't recommend it for beginners, the curved blade
might fool you if you don't have enough experience.
Annie warns looking at Gemini and the sword.
[Gemini] But doesn't the katana also have a curved blade?
Gemini asks, but sets the sword down anyway. She figures she
might as well try them all, after all, she's going to have to
pay for it, so it might as well be the best for her.
[Annie] Yes, but not to such degree.
Annie nods pointing at the scimitar.
[Annie] This one is more curved, so it might give you trouble
blocking someone if you don't place the blade correctly.
[Gemini] Can't disagree with that.
Gemini sighs.
[Annie] Alright, try the last one, it's a light cavalry saber,
you might like that one.
Annie points at it with a smile.
[img width=150
height=112]
HTML http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg16/Cyberfox277/Weapons/Swords/Sword005.jpg[/img]
[Annie] It has a modern design.
Gemini shrugs and moves to the last sword, she hesitates a
moment before slowly reaching for it. Gemini picks it up, and
then freezes. Somehow she knows, this one, is the one for her.
[Annie] Remember there's nothing wrong with swords, just the use
people make of it.
Annie says with a slight frown, the kid looks almost horrified
as she holds it in her hand.
[Gemini] It's... it's not that.
Gemini says slowly.
[Gemini] I... I think that this is the one.
[Annie] Well, don't stand there, move it around, see how it
feels.
Annie says as she moves out of the way, the kid looked too naive
to try something but you could never be too careful.
Gemini carefully swings the blade around, feeling more confident
about it as she goes, other than being sure of the fact she
looks like an idiot swinging it around.
[Annie] Hmm, you might want to try moving your feet as you go.
Annie advises with a smile.
[Annie] But try to keep your balance.
[Gemini] Not like I know anything about it.
Gemini mutters to herself, moving around the room, but
concentrating on making sure she doesn't hit anything.
[Annie] Yes, there is a way to move your feet, but try to get
used to move the sword around for now.
Annie says as she keeps looking at Gemini, and hesitating if she
should go ahead with her plan or not.
[Gemini] How... how much am I going to owe you for the sword?
Gemini asks softly still moving with the sword, but not
expecting anything for free.
[Annie] Owe me? You think I'm going to make you pay for it?
Annie frowns puzzled still looking at Gemini.
[Gemini] Well... I know swords are expensive. And I know better
than to expect a free lunch.
Gemini says, remembering the time her friend Jason had decided
he wanted a sword and the prices they had found for them on the
Internet.
[Annie] It's not like I paid for them.
Annie shrugs unconcerned.
[Annie] Oh, and that reminds me, don't leave the swords near the
bodies, no point in making it easy on the police.
[Gemini] You mean... rob the bodies?
Gemini asks aghast, setting the sword down absently.
[Annie] Why not? They don't need it anymore anyway.
Annie shrugs again.
[Annie] And you'd leave a headless body and a sword? I don't
think so.
[Gemini] It just seams... wrong.
Gemini says with a shrug.
[Annie] I've told you we're supposed to protect the secret,
mortals aren't supposed to know about the Game. Don't you think
they'd suspect something if swords started to show up near the
bodies?
Annie says while she shakes her head at Gemini's comment, the
kid was beginning to sound like a girl scout.
[Gemini] You don't think a headless body in and of itself is
suspicious enough? Regardless of whether a sword is there or
not?
Gemini asks.
[Annie] That's why you also need to hide the body if possible,
if it's too risky leave it, better leave a body behind than to
be caught trying to hide it.
Annie explains remembering she also forgot the mention that.
Gemini wrinkles her nose in disgust.
[Gemini] As if it's not enough that I have to now kill people,
but now I need to hide their bodies when I'm done? Eww....
Gemini frowns.
[Annie] You do whatever it takes to protect the secret.
Annie shrugs indifferently.
[Annie] Really old Immortals hate sloppy younger Immortals and
trust me you don't want to mess with them.
Gemini just sighs deeply, not seeing it being worth it to argue.
Not that she wanted anything to do with it.
[Annie] I mean it, Gemini, maybe you think I'm exaggerating but
we get some sort of natural selection here, the older ones are
obviously the ones harder to beat. The strongest and the
smartest.
Annie explains in case that's not obvious enough.
[Gemini] Or the really, really, really, really, damn lucky...
Gemini mutters, but nods, none the less.
[Gemini] And to say the least, I haven't proven anything to
anyone at this point.
Gemini sighs.
[Annie] I don't think you can't complain too much about luck.
Annie points out with a smile.
[Annie] After all you're still here.
[Gemini] Suppose. But it's not something to rely on either. I
know that.
Gemini sighs.
[Annie] Yes, the more you rely on luck the less lucky you get.
Annie nods in agreement.
[Gemini] Success is 90% hard work 10% talent and 5% luck.
Gemini quotes absently.
[Annie] Exactly, in our case it's practice, practice, practice.
Annie says as she moves away from Gemini, giving up to go ahead
with her plan today.
[Annie] So take the sword, get used to it and we'll talk again
tomorrow.
[Gemini] Are... are you sure?
Gemini asks hesitantly.
[Annie] Yes, just don't show it around, get a coat or something
and hide it in there.
Annie shrugs as she picks up her sword to follow her own advice.
[Gemini] And umm... How exactly am I supposed to get it back to
my room?
Gemini asks flatly staring at Annie.
Annie shakes her head, she looks at Gemini and rolls her eyes.
[Annie] Use that towel around your waist, you only have to go a
little down the corridor.
Gemini pulls the towel from around her waist with her left hand
and picks the sword up again with her right then carefully
drapes the towel over the sword and positions it in the crook of
her arm, and then stuffed her swim cap and goggles into the
crook of the arm on top of the sword.
[Gemini] Well...
Gemini says hesitantly...
[Gemini] I'll see you tomorrow then.
Annie nods absentmindedly wondering if she should go to Joe's
today or wait for tomorrow.
[Annie] See you tomorrow.
[Gemini] Bye.
Gemini says pulling the door open and turning down the hallway
towards her room.
[center]To be continued[/center]
#Post#: 79--------------------------------------------------
HALF MOON RISING Part 17
By: Cyberfox277 Date: September 30, 2011, 11:00 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[center]***Joe's Bar – Next day – 11.58 AM***[/center]
Ally sighs, putting her feet up on one of the spare chairs at
the table she was at. She had arrived at Joe's for lunch just a
few minutes ago, and had placed her lunch order almost
immediately. After all, she only had about an hour before she
had to get back to her office, and the quicker the the food got
here, the more leisurely speed she'd be able to enjoy it. Ally
sighs again, she was getting to the point, where she was
beginning to get tired of being a judge. After all, she'd been
Ally Everson for over 30 years. It was getting time to move
on... especially given her age. People in Seacouver knew that
Ally Everson had been practicing for a while, and was older than
she looked, but generally humanity in general didn't look beyond
what was in front of their noses... But given that if someone
did look into it, Ally Everson should be at least nearing 50, if
not older, it was definitely time to see about moving on.
[Ally] The question is how to arrange it.
Ally mutters to herself. How to arrange for Ally Everson to
die... the easiest would a plane crash, but well... Aldria
really didn't want to destroy any of her babies...
David parks his car in front of Joe's deciding to have an early
lunch before going back to the Bower Agency. He rubs his eyes
tiredly before he opens the door to exit his car. It had been a
long morning in that boring meeting with one of their clients.
"We should charge an extra from boring costumers." He murmurs
under his breath as he locks his car. Then he moves to the door,
when he's almost there he feels an Immortal buzz and walks
inside looking around and wondering who's there.
Ally yawns covering her mouth and casually glances at the door
as it opens, wondering who the source of the buzz she'd felt
was.
David smiles when he sees Judge Everson, then remembering her
friend, he looks around to see if he's around, when he doesn't
see him he walks to her table.
[David] Hello Judge Everson.
David says as he stops in front of her.
[Ally] Good morning.
Ally says with a glance at the clock to prove that it was still
morning, if just barely at 11:58am.
[David] Are you alone? Mind if I sit down?
David asks looking around again.
[David] It seems your friend isn't around today.
Ally shrugs, to indicate she was indifferent to him sitting or
not.
[Ally] It's a bit early yet for Adam.
[David] Is he always that nice or I hit the jackpot the other
night?
David asks as he pulls a chair and sits at her table.
Ally shrugs.
[Ally] I don't know. We've known each other for so long we treat
each other a bit different.
[David] Annie seems to think he's dangerous, told me and Gemini
not to mess with him or something like that, but I don't know if
I share the same opinion.
David shrugs as he looks back and waves at the waitress to order
some food.
Ally chuckles.
[Ally] Let me give you a bit of advice, alright?
David turns his head and looks at Ally disbelievingly for a
moment.
[David] Please, tell me you're not going to start treating me
like a kid again.
[Ally] No, this is just friendly advice, from one to another.
Ally says with a half smirk, half smile.
David takes a deep breath.
[David] Fine. What's the advice?
[Ally] With the exception of the very young, often the more
unassuming a person seems, the more dangerous they are. And many
cultivate appearances like that.
Ally says softly, meaning not just Immortals, but unsure as to
whether the boy would realize that or not.
[David] Yeah, I suppose you're right, same goes for murders, a
cop's job would be a lot easier if all murders looked like
murders.
David nods with a smile.
[David] I just never thought about Immortals that way.
[Ally] All Immortals are dangerous. One way or another. But the
truth about the unassuming holds true.
Ally shrugs.
[David] Yeah, I of all people should know, Immortals are
dangerous, one of them stabbed me to death.
David sighs looking down at the table.
[Ally] That means very little. With the life you live, it could
easily have been a mortal or an accident that ended your mortal
existence.
Ally shrugs again.
[David] Yeah, I wasn't one of those cops who never had to fire
their weapon on duty. Actually I was under fire more than a
couple of times.
David sighs thinking what it was like to be a cop in New York.
[David] I could have died one of those times, but no, it had to
be a crazy Immortal in Seacouver.
Ally shrugs.
[Ally] Very few of us are truly proud of our first deaths.
Ally chuckles remembering her first death. Had to die saving a
spoilt brat.
[David] Really? I'm not that embarrassed about it, I was trying
to arrest a murder that should be in jail. Of course I didn't
know about Immortals at the time.
David says raising an eyebrow at her.
[David] What about you?
[Ally] It was war... The last battle nonetheless, and I spotted
an archer who had aim at the crown prince and heir to the
throne. And like an idiot I threw myself between that arrow and
my fool cousin...
Ally sighs shaking her absently.
[Ally] I did get one hell of a funeral procession though... that
was kind of fun to watch.
[David] That's what you get to die in front of everybody.
David laughs amused.
[David] I was lucky only Craig witnessed it.
[Ally] Not like it changed my life any. Just couldn't show
myself in the royal court for a generation.
Ally says indifferently.
[Ally] It just would have been better for the country if my fool
cousin had died, rather than taking the throne.
[David] Your cousin was a king? But that makes you a princess or
something, right?
David asks while he frowns puzzled at her.
[Ally] More or less, I guess. My father was the first king's
brother and military advisor. It was upon his death, several
years after that battle that my cousin took the throne becoming
king.
Ally shrugs... it was not wanting the life of a princess, living
in harem that had taken her to the priesthood in the first
place.
[David] I had no idea I was about to have lunch with a princess,
I'm honored.
David smiles and tells the approaching waitress he only wants a
burger and a beer.
[Ally] Don't be.
Ally snorts.
[Ally] Besides that, it was so long ago, only myself and a
handful of other Immortals even remember the name of that
dynasty, let alone the rulers in.
Ally says once the waitress was gone.
[David] Don't worry I'm not going to ask, my mom taught me to
never ask a lady's age.
David nods with a smile.
[David] Well, outside of work that is.
Ally grins amused.
[Ally] Uh huh.
[David] Yeah, apparently that's a question you don't appreciate
at all.
David chuckles with another nod.
[Ally] Well, if you really want to know....
Ally reaches down and pulls out her driver's license.
[Ally] I am 52 years old.
David shakes his head smiling amused.
[David] It's amazing what beauty products can do nowadays,
though I admit you look older at the court room, maybe it's the
toga.
Ally shrugs.
[Ally] It's amazing what a little adjustment in clothes,
attitude and posture will do.
[David] Yes, fooled me completely.
David nods in agreement.
[David] Well it was also seven years ago.
[Ally] Yeah... it's getting close to time to retire.
Ally sighs.
[David] Any idea what you're going to do next?
David asks while he looks at Ally with an interested look on his
face.
[David] I suppose you've tried a few jobs.
[Ally] A few.
Ally chuckles.
[Ally] Given the power women have today, I'd try the military...
but given the advances in medical science... I'll have to pass
on that.
David makes a face while he watches the waitress come to their
table with their orders.
[David] Yes, if you're shot when you're not supposed to and they
decide to study you...
David shuts up abruptly when the waitress get to their table and
puts their orders in front of them.
[Ally] And in the military we don't have the choice to say 'no'.
Ally sighs, but nods at the woman who puts her sandwich before
her.
David thanks the waitress as he picks up his beer to take a sip.
[David] Yes, they'd held you prisoner or something.
[Ally] Can't say I fancy being experimented on... Saw enough of
that at different times in history wouldn't want to deal with it
now.
Ally sighs.
[David] Really? On people like us?
David asks speaking louder now that the waitress had moved away
from them.
[Ally] Yeah, well, were do you think the idea of witches came
from?
Ally asks bluntly.
David shakes his head with a sigh.
[David] And I thought older Immortals where exaggerating when I
heard something like that.
Ally just snorts and takes a bite of her sandwich.
[David] Yeah I know I still have a lot to learn.
David nods with a sigh looking down at his food.
[David] Part of the reason why I got in trouble with you
yesterday, the last thing I want is a jealous Immortal chasing
me with a sword.
Ally can't help it and starts to laugh.
[Ally] Let me give you another piece of advice, and this one is
simply woman to man.
[David] Yes?
David asks with a puzzled frown wondering what he said wrong
this time.
[Ally] No woman, is going to want you asking another man if it's
okay if you and she go out. Regardless of whether they're dating
or not.
Ally says with a smile.
[David] Yeah, at least I shouldn't have said that in front of
you.
David nods as he makes a face at his own stupidity.
[David] Not very smart of me.
[Ally] You've just dug the hole a little deeper.
Ally warns with a chuckle.
[David] Not really, it was really unpolite of me saying that on
your face, my mother taught me better manners in front of a
lady.
David says with a sigh.
[David] And I think I owe you an apology.
[Ally] You don't owe me anything.
Ally chuckles.
[Ally] Just learn to watch your mouth.
[David] Yeah, more like starting to watch my head, if I do this
to every Immortal next time I might not be so lucky.
David nods as he picks up his burger and begins to eat.
[Ally] The next time you do it to a woman you might not be so
lucky.
Ally chuckles.
[David] I didn't mean to offend anyone.
David says with an unhappy sigh.
Ally laughs amused by David's sigh.
David turns his head and side glances at Ally for a moment,
apparently she was finding it amusing now.
[David] Hmm, so can I invite you to have dinner one of these
days?
David asks unsure of what the answer might be.
[Ally] Well, you can try.
Ally says with a chuckle.
[David] OK, I'll take it as a yes then.
David nods with a smile.
[David] A yes, you can invite I'm not sure if I'll accept
though, right?
[Ally] That's a pretty good summation.
Ally says with a merry twinkle in her eyes as she takes another
bite of her sandwich.
[David] Alright.
David smiles as he picks up his glass.
[David] Some other time though, I have a bunch of meetings in
the afternoon and I have no idea what time I'll be free, so...
David shrugs slightly as he continues.
[David] What's the point of trying if I'm not going to make
anyway?
[Ally] What's the point indeed.
Ally says with a smile.
[David] I only hope none of the meetings are so boring as the
one I had this morning, drank too much coffee already, trying to
stay awake.
David chuckles despite the fact he was bored to death in the
morning.
[Ally] Speaking of meetings...
Ally sighs...
[Ally] I have my own I need to head off to.
[David] Alright, I'll see you around, Judge Everson. I'm glad
you're not angry with me anymore.
David nods in goodbye.
[Ally] Never really was, boy.
Ally chuckles and stand, hands some cash waitress to pay for her
meal, and David's and walks out.
David makes a face at the word 'boy' but manages not to say
anything, then when Ally walks out frowns at the door.
[center]To be continued[/center]
#Post#: 80--------------------------------------------------
HALF MOON RISING Part 18
By: Cyberfox277 Date: September 30, 2011, 11:17 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[center]***Joe's Bar – Tuesday evening***[/center]
Annie takes a deep breath when she turns the corner and she sees
Joe's bar. She had been waiting for this moment all day and now
that it was finally here she's afraid of what she's going to
find out. One thing was imagining what happened, another one was
knowing it for sure. She stops for a moment just staring at the
door and hesitating if she should go inside or turn away and
leave town for good. She takes another deep breath as she
decides to move in and find out what really happened. If she
does maybe the nightmares will stop. When she feels an Immortal
buzz she realizes it's too late to go back anyway and slowly
opens the door to go inside.
Methos is about to raise his glass to his lips when he feels the
buzz, he puts it on the table without drinking and looks at the
door while he whispers to Aldria.
[Methos] We're having company, let's hope it's Annie.
[Ally] So you can go back to not caring?
Ally chuckles.
Methos sighs in relief when he sees Annie walking inside, one of
these days it might be that Lee guy and then it wouldn't be so
nice.
[Methos] And who says I do to begin with?
Methos murmurs with a shrug picking up his beer glass again.
Ally shrugs.
[Ally] Then why are you so relieved? It's not like you have to
worry about your brothers showing up.
Ally says, careful to pitch her voice so just Methos would hear
her.
[Methos] Because if it's some unknown Immortal he'd probably
make a scene and the Watchers don't know I'm an Immortal?
Methos murmurs back while he makes a face at the thought, he'd
probably have to leave town the same day.
Annie stops near the door while her eyes adjust to the dim
interior, trying to find out where Adam and Judge Everson,
judging by the intensity of the buzz, are sitting.
[Ally] Oh, come on, you don't think they suspect? Why else would
you spend so much time with the amazing boy scout, unless you
were his student?
Ally asks.
[Methos] His student?
Methos looks at Aldria surprised.
[Methos] And I hope they don't suspect a thing. Why do you think
they do?
Methos asks Aldria with a puzzled frown, wondering if he's
missing something.
[Ally] I KNOW some of them do.
Ally shrugs.
[Ally] They just can't prove it.... and aren't high enough to
force it to be proved.
Ally adds.
[Methos] I hope you're not talking about Joe, he doesn't suspect
he knows.
Methos says looking at Aldria suspiciously.
[Ally] No. I know HE knows.... who doesn't?
Ally chuckles.
[Methos] How do you know? Forgot to mention something?
Ally looks over at Methos and shrugs.
[Ally] What? Like Watchers personal files are hard to hack?
[Methos] Oh great.
Methos grumbles while he thinks to himself he really needs to
take a look at this, wondering how serious the suspicions were
and if he needs to do something about it.
Annie finally sees them and walks slowly to their table, giving
them time to notice she's getting closer.
[Annie] Am I interrupting? I can always go to the bar and wait
until you're ready to talk.
Annie suggests as she stops in front of them.
[Ally] Oh, don't worry too much. The only ones who suspect are
Watchers fresh out of the academy... they're also too stupid to
use anything more than a generic firewall and password to
protect their stuff.
Ally smirks, but gestures to Annie to sit.
[Methos] Still don't like it though, I need to take a look at
that.
Methos grumbles as he gestures Annie to take a chair.
Annie raises an eyebrow at them but decides not to ask what they
were talking about as she pulls a chair and sits down at their
table.
[Methos] So what took you so long?
Methos asks Annie, surprised she didn't show up earlier.
[Methos] I thought you'd be impatient to know what happened to
the girls.
[Annie] Time teaches you the need to be patient.
Annie shrugs coldly, then thanks Mike with a slight smile when
he shows up with her usual drink.
Ally snorts amused.Methos nods in agreement, even Kronos had
learnt to be patient when he had to.
[Methos] Yes, if time doesn't teach you that nothing will.
[Annie] Besides, I figured you'd be in a better mood after a
couple of beers.
Annie adds with a smirk.
Ally laughs.
[Ally] She reads you like a book, Adam.
[Methos] Yeah, I'm getting predictable.
Methos nods with a smile, while he thinks he doesn't mind Adam
Pierson is predictable, since Methos isn't.
[Methos] And that one isn't hard to figure out anyway.
Methos adds with a shrug.
[Annie] So... did you manage to find anything? Did Kronos had a
Watcher back then?
Annie asks eagerly, unable to wait anymore.
[Methos] Well, he had a guy trying to watch him but he traveled
a couple of days behind him.
Methos explains while he picks up his glass.
[Methos] I assume he thought it would be safer that way.
Methos adds before he takes a sip.
[Annie] Oh yes, knowing Kronos.
Annie nods in agreement.
[Annie] Safer than that would be not following him at all.
[Ally] Paid, for that assumption, didn't he?
Ally asks taking a swallow of her beer.
[Methos] Yes, he showed up dead a couple of weeks after Kronos
attacked her village.
Methos says playing with his glass on the table.
[Methos] I assume Kronos got him in the end.
[Annie] Really?
Annie frowns puzzled thinking who could have been the Watcher on
Kronos.
[Annie] I don't see who it was, Kronos killed a lot of people as
he moved along, you know?
[Methos] He was dressed as a monk, pretending to be traveling to
another monastery.
Methos shakes his head smiling amused.
[Ally] Now... was he actually a monk?
Ally asks.
[Ally] Monk and Watcher? Or just Watcher?
[Methos] It's in his reports that he noticed Kronos avoided holy
men, what he didn't know was that it was only Immortal holy men.
Methos says looking up at Aldria.
[Methos] Does that answer your question?
[Ally] More or less.
Ally chuckles, grinning.
[Annie] A guy dressed as a monk...
Annie frowns deep in thought.
[Annie] I think I remember something like that.
[Methos] Then maybe you know how he caught Kronos, he was making
a point to stay behind him.
Methos says looking at Annie, while he thinks about the
Watcher's stupidity, he should have imagined that could happen.
[Ally] Trying to fill in some record gaps are you?
Ally asks with a chuckle.
[Methos] Yes, can't hurt to make that clear.
Methos tells Aldria with a shrug.
Ally just chuckles amused.
[Annie] There was a city he wanted to attack and he needed a few
days to get a decent plan.
Annie explains while she still frowns trying to remember.
[Annie] I think that was the first time he mentioned Methos, I'm
not sure.
[Methos] Because no one could come up with a plan?
Methos asks smiling amused.
[Annie] Yes, I'm not sure if he mentioned his name or just
mentioned his brother though.
Annie shrugs giving up trying to remember.
[Annie] That's not that important, is it?
[Methos] No, the important part is that if he caught the Watcher
trying to see something.
Methos points out, maybe she knew something about it.
[Annie] Yes, I think one of his men caught a monk trying to spy
them. He totally denied it of course, he insisted he was just
passing by but Kronos didn't believe him.
Annie explains with a sigh, remembering how shocked she was they
killed a monk.
[Methos] I don't know what that guy was thinking, if he caught
up on them, he should have stayed hidden or something.
Methos shakes his head at the man's stupidity.
[Ally] Obviously, he wasn't thinking.
Ally points out snickering.
Annie shrugs indifferently, that was one dead in the thousand
she had seen.
[Annie] What I'm concerned about is what he'd seen before he got
himself killed.
[Methos] Oh yes, I ended up not telling you.
Methos looks at Annie again, taking the hint.
[Methos] The girls lived, when he got there he heard the story.
Apparently one of your husband's brothers took them to his home.
[Annie] Are you sure about this?
Annie asks looking at Adam intently as a weight seems to lift
from her shoulders.
[Methos] Yes, he mentioned a Samuel Fraser?
Methos looks at Annie questioningly.
Annie nods with a sigh of relief.
[Annie] That was Daniel's younger brother.
Annie explains while she looks for her drink.
[Annie] I liked him and his wife, I'm glad the girls found a
good home.
[Methos] Oh they did more that that.
Methos smirks amused at what he'd found out.
[Methos] I've looked for the church records.
Annie frowns puzzled wondering what's so amusing.
[Annie] And?
[Methos] The girls married after a couple of years, guess what
was the name of one of her daughters.
Methos says still smiling, she probably wouldn't find it so
amusing, but...
[Annie] Caitlin? Their mother's name?
Annie asks still failing to see what was so funny.
[Methos] Hmm, no. They also called one daughter that but the
first was Glenna.
Methos says looking at her reaction.
[Annie] Glenna?
Annie stares a moment at Adam in surprise.
[Methos] That's right, the name you told us the other day you
hated.
Methos nods with a soft chuckle.
[Annie] Poor kids.
Annie murmurs while she shakes her head, but inside she can't
help to be touched.
[Methos] No need to worry about them anymore, they lived a long
life and apparently got to see their grandchildren.
Methos says before he empties his glass and orders Mike another
beer.
[Ally] And how'd you find THAT information?
Ally asks.
[Annie] So I was right not to mention the girls, I was always
afraid Kronos would go after them just to hurt me.
Annie says as she takes a deep sigh of relief.
Methos looks at Aldria surprised with her question.
[Methos] Internet? You've got to live according to the times,
you know?
Methos smiles teasingly at her.
[Methos] You've heard of Internet, right?
[Ally] Yeah. It's highly overrated though. I mean seriously
trying to find information out there is like finding a needle in
a haystack.
Ally chuckles back.
[Methos] Not really if you know how to look. Research is so much
easier nowadays, no need to go through dusty old books most of
the time.
Methos shrugs before he looks up to thank Mike for the beer.
[Ally] Yeah, 'cause usually someone else has already done THAT
work.
Ally laughs.
[Methos] Yeah, better them than ME.
Methos nods with a soft chuckle.
[Ally] Considering half of it is wrong anyway.
Ally mutters.
[Annie] So what else did you manage to find out?
Annie asks as Mike moves back to the bar.
[Methos] Deirdre married in 1307 with an Alasdair Fraser,
whoever he is. I don't suppose you knew him.
Methos says with a shrug as he picks the beer glass.
Annie nods with an amused smile.
[Annie] Oh yes I did, he was our neighbor and Deirdre and him
were always arguing, she said he'd be the last man she'd marry
with.
[Methos] Oh really?
Methos smiles amused.
[Methos] Apparently she changed her mind, they had seven
children.
Annie shakes her head amused, she should have known there was
something there besides Deirdre's dislike on Alasdair.
[Annie] And Morag?
[Methos] She married a Thomas Fraser in 1311.
Methos looks at Annie wondering if she also knew him.
[Annie] Thomas?
Annie thinks for a moment.
[Annie] No, I don't see who could he have been. Probably one of
Samuel's neighbors?
[Methos] Maybe, I have no idea. I didn't think you'd also want
to know about them.
Methos shrugs unconcerned before he takes a sip of beer.
[Annie] No, that's not important. Thanks for what you found out.
Annie smiles at Adam gratefully.
[Ally] If you want more information, try searching the Internet
yourself... or ask the girl to search for you. I'm sure she's
quite familiar with the Internet.
Ally chuckles.
[Ally] Speaking of, have you decided if you're going to teach
her?
Annie makes a face thinking about Gemini and whether she should
teach her or not.
[Annie] Hmm, no. I already gave her a sword but I couldn't bring
myself to attack her, I knew it would scare the hell out of her.
[Methos] A real sword? No practice swords for you, huh?
Methos asks Annie slightly surprised.
[Annie] Never used one, you think Kronos would?
Annie answers with a shrug.
[Methos] No, I don't see him doing that, from what I've heard
from him.
Methos tries to sound like he's not sure about what he's saying
when in fact he is.
[Ally] Oh, come, we both know she's right. He wouldn't do that.
Ally murmurs in ancient Egyptian.
[Methos] But just because he didn't do that, doesn't mean you
have to. You're not Kronos and Gemini isn't you.
Methos tells Annie, nodding at Aldria with a slight smile.
[Annie] Hmm, can't say I feel sorry for that.
Annie murmurs under her breath, she never wanted to be like
Kronos to begin with.
[Ally] And I'm sure Gemini will be grateful for that.
Ally chuckles.
[Annie] Maybe she's tougher than she seems, I don't really know
her that well, but I don't think she'd get a chance with Kronos.
Annie says as she makes a face imagining the scene.
[Ally] Most untrained women, wouldn't.
Ally points out.
[Methos] I think she means Gemini wouldn't get a chance of
becoming his student.
Methos explains with a smile, and he couldn't blame Kronos for
it, he also wouldn't take Gemini as student.
Annie nods in agreement.
[Annie] Yes, that's what I meant, most Immortals wouldn't get a
chance with him, untrained or not.
[Ally] Who would get a chance of being his student?
Ally points out.
[Methos] Come on, it was hard but not impossible, your sister
made it and she was mortal.
Methos grumbles in ancient Greek, then he pauses thinking.
[Methos] Hmm, she actually accomplished more than that, she got
him to marry her.
[Ally] True love, truly does conquer all. Even Kronos.
Ally chuckles in ancient Sumerian, using the language perversely
just to keep the ancient tongues changing.
[Methos] It's the love part that was absolutely surprising, as
far as I know she was the only one he ever loved.
Methos says still in Greek, not bothering to change language.
[Ally] I know it for truth, up to just a few weeks prior to his
death.
Ally replies, still in Sumerian.
Methos frowns puzzled looking at Aldria.
[Methos] How do you know it? He told you that?
Ally shrugs.
[Ally] Essentially.
Annie shakes her head slightly amused by the mix of languages,
she could tell one of them was Greek even if she didn't
understand it.
[Annie] You know, if you want to talk in private, I can go to
the bar, it's not like I'm going to sulk like an idiot.
Annie tells Adam and Judge Everson with a smirk.
Ally just grins and smirks back at Annie.
[Methos] Nah, we need to practice, mainly because dead languages
are... dead?
Methos says smiling at Annie while he picks up his glass.
[Ally] Which makes them all the more fun to converse in...
especially when one holds a conversation in two, or three or
even four different languages.
Ally laughs.
[Annie] If you say so.
Annie shrugs still failing to see the fun in that.
[Ally] It keeps one in practice of more languages.
Ally shrugs.
[Ally] Well, more at one time anyway.
Ally adds chuckling.
[Annie] But why would you want to practice a language no one
speaks anymore?
Annie asks raising an eyebrow.
[Ally] It's better than speaking in code.
Ally smiles.
Methos smirks seeing the face Annie makes at that.
[Methos] I think she also doesn't understand your need to speak
in code.
Ally just shrugs chuckling.
Annie shakes her head smiling amused.
[Annie] And I thought the older you'd get the more serious you'd
be.
[Methos] Hmm, like Kronos you mean?
Methos asks looking down at his glass and moving it on the
table.
[Ally] You do. And then when you get really old you rediscover
your sense of humor.... or you die.
Ally shrugs.
[Annie] Yeah, like Kronos, and I guess the second option
happened to him.
Annie sighs before she takes a sip.
[Ally] Pretty much.
Ally says with a sigh.
[Methos] Actually I think he also lost that with your sister.
Methos murmurs to Aldria in ancient Greek.
Ally looks over at Methos and nods.
[Ally] Probably.
Ally agrees in English.
[Annie] Right, I think I'm going back to the hotel, and
hopefully relax at last.
Annie says moving her chair away from the table and preparing to
stand up.
[Annie] Besides I don't want you to speak in code again because
of me.
Annie adds with a smirk as she gets to her feet.
[Ally] Who said we did it because of you?
Ally asks with a laugh.
[Annie] Apparently you do it for the fun.
Annie says with a smile, still failing to see what was so
amusing but...
[Annie] Oh and Adam, thanks again.
[Ally] Oh, the reactions we get are amusing.
Ally smiles.
[Methos] No problem, I'll send the bill later.
Methos answers with a smirk.
[Ally] Let me guess, your beer tab?
Ally asks in Greek.
[Annie] Yeah, you do that, as long as it's not your beer tab...
Annie nods before she walks to the bar to pay for her drink.
[Methos] It wasn't a bad idea, but I think that's out.
Methos chuckles softly looking at Annie at the bar.
[Methos] I bet she didn't even pay for our drinks, she's
Scottish remember?
[Ally] So don't tell her it's your beer tab...
Ally pauses.
[Ally] Better yet, considering the size of your tab, send PART
of it to her.
[Methos] Nah, because Joe would expect me to pay for the rest.
Methos explains as he waves Annie goodbye as she passes their
table.
[Ally] Tell him you're doing a payment plan... the plan being
getting everyone else to pay for it, when you can.
Ally chuckles.
[Methos] Have you ever heard, that if I owe you one hundred
bucks it's my problem but if I owe you a million it's your
problem?
Methos asks chuckling amused.
[Methos] So for now it's still Joe's problem.
Ally laughs.
[Ally] Until he forces you to pay it, or you won't be served
anymore.
Methos shrugs unconcerned.
[Methos] Yeah, but until then, bottoms up.
Methos clicks his glass in hers before he takes a sip of beer.
#Post#: 296--------------------------------------------------
HALF MOON RISING Part 19
By: Cyberfox277 Date: February 9, 2012, 10:48 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[center]***One hour later***[/center]
Gemini pulls the door open to her room and looks out in the
hallway for the umpteenth time. She'd heard the elevator and was
anxiously waiting for Annie to come back. Looking down the
hallway, Gemini sees a man and woman, who had to be in their
70's or 80's. Obviously, not Annie. With a sigh, she shuts her
door with a sigh.
Annie suppresses a yawn as she waits for the elevator, with all
the concern of what she was going to hear today, she barely was
able to sleep last night. She feels tired but she knows she's
too excited about the news to be able to sleep right away. The
elevator door opens and she goes inside pressing the button to
her floor. She yawns again as the elevator goes up.
Gemini hears the ding of the elevator and races to the door of
her room.
Annie slowly exits the elevator and walks to her suite, while
she looks for the key card in her pockets.
Gemini opens the door and looks out into the hallway. To her
relief it's Annie.
[Gemini] You're back.
Gemini sighs stepping out into the hallway, and checking her
pocket to make sure the key card was present.
Annie stops by her door looking at Gemini surprised.
[Annie] You're waiting for me?
[Gemini] Yeah. I uh... must have left my goggles in your room
yesterday.
Gemini says hesitantly.
[Annie] Well, I didn't see anything but you're welcome to come
in and take a look.
Annie shrugs as she opens the door and steps inside.
Gemini carefully follows Annie into her room and goes over to
where she had set her stuff down yesterday. And looked down on
the floor, under the table, and sure enough, there were her
goggles. Gemini grabs them and stands up.
[Gemini] They must have fallen out of my swim cap when I was
looking at the swords yesterday.
[Annie] Probably.
Annie nods walking back and forth too excited to sit down.
[Annie] I feel like celebrating or something.
Annie murmurs to herself as she walks to the window, wondering
how she'd do that.
[Gemini] Why?
Gemini asks over hearing the comment.
[Annie] I just found out my daughters lived to marry and have
children, and grandchildren. I had no idea what happened to
them.
Annie explains with a smile, turning away from the window to
look back at Gemini.
[Gemini] I thought we couldn't have kids...
Gemini says hesitantly.
[Annie] Well, obviously I didn't give birth to them, they were
my husband's children but I raised them, so they were my
children.
[Gemini] Oh, okay.
Gemini says agreeably enough, then frowns still a little
confused.
[Gemini] How'd you NOT know what happened to them, before now?
[Annie] Because my teacher killed me and took me with him. When
I woke up I was away from my village.
Annie says with an unhappy sigh, she really didn't want to
remember it now, not when she was in a good mood.
[Annie] I didn't dare to ask about the girls in case they
managed to get away.
[Gemini] Oh. So... how'd you find out?
Gemini asks.
[Gemini] That they had kids and grandkids?
Gemini clarifies.
[Annie] I just had someone find it for me.
Annie answers vaguely, shrugging unconcerned.
[Gemini] Why didn't you just check it out on the Internet for
yourself?
Gemini asks.
[Annie] Because I had no idea something like that would be on
the Internet?
Annie says with another shrug.
[Gemini] Really?
Gemini asks surprised, to her it was something that was common
knowledge.
[Annie] I didn't grow up using it, remember?
Annie points out slightly amused.
[Annie] You think we had computers back then?
[Gemini] I suppose not...
Gemini says blushing slightly.
[Gemini] It's just I've been using them for as long... err...
longer than I remember.
[Annie] Even if we had computers, we wouldn't be able to use
them, most of us didn't know how to read and write anyway.
Annie reminds Gemini what time she had lived in.
[Annie] And most of the ones who could were priests.
[Gemini] Right.
Gemini mutters, unconsciously making a face. Not being able to
read? She lived for reading... outside of swimming.
[Gemini] That sucks.
[Annie] Hmm, actually not being able to read was pretty common
until last century or something.
Annie says with an unhappy sigh.
[Annie] They didn't bother to teach women and then had the nerve
to call us dumb.
[Gemini] If I couldn't read, my life would totally and
completely suck... instead of only about half sucking.
Gemini sighs.
Annie frowns side glancing at Gemini.
[Annie] And why should your life half suck?
Gemini doesn't say anything, but shrugs.
[Gemini] I'll umm... talk to later. Have fun tonight with...
whatever you do to celebrate.
Gemini says turning towards the door.
[Annie] Hey, Gemini, I asked you a question.
Annie tells her warningly as she turns her head to look after
Gemini. Then she slightly smiles.
[Annie] Come on, it can't be that embarrassing.
[Gemini] It's not embarrassing.
Gemini says, inching closer to the door.
[Gemini] It's just about the coach.
[Annie] Your life half sucks because that fool turned you down?
Annie asks slightly disbelievingly, then she shakes her head.
[Annie] Tell him to go to hell. Get another one.
[Gemini] Don't have a coach... makes it nigh impossible to make
the Olympics without one.
Gemini sighs.
[Annie] So what are you waiting for? Is he the only coach in the
world?
Annie asks Gemini with a frown, remembering something.
[Annie] I seem to recall you had a list or something.
[Gemini] I did... do. Haven't had much luck in that aspect...
Plus considering, that I should probably set the Olympics
aside... at least until I know what to do with...
Gemini trails off, thinking of the sword.
[Annie] Hmm, you know, I think you have about 10 years with that
name, then you'll have to start all over again.
Annie points out looking at Gemini.
[Annie] You'll never make anyone believe that you're 30.
[Gemini] I have figured that one out.
Gemini sighs.
[Annie] And it's not even safe to come back right away, you
should wait a while and then pretend to be your daughter, so you
had a reason why you look so much like Gemini Dunmire.
Annie says realizing Gemini probably wasn't going to follow her
advice but it was worth trying.
[Gemini] So what do I do in the inter midden years?
Gemini asks.
[Annie] Go back to study? You'll be convincing as a student.
Annie answers with a soft chuckle.
Gemini shrugs.
[Annie] Oh well, you'll worry about that later, you have time.
Who knows? Maybe then you'll be interested in something else,
your interests do change with time.
Annie shrugs back, realizing that she wasn't helping to cheer
her up at all.
[Annie] Let's celebrate, dinner downstairs? I'm paying?
[Gemini] Are... are you sure?
Gemini hesitates, knowing her mood isn't exactly the same as
Annie's.
[Annie] Of course I'm sure, celebrating alone is not my idea of
fun.
Annie answers frowning slightly at Gemini.
[Gemini] Alright then.
Gemini says softly.
[Annie] And will you stop asking that? Of all the irritating
things you do, that's the worse.
[Gemini] Sorry.
Gemini blushes.
[Annie] Right, so we need to change clothes, we can't go
downstairs wearing jeans. Do you have a dress or do we need to
get you one?
Annie asks Gemini, glad she had put some dresses in her luggage
just in case.
[Gemini] You talking casual or fancy?
Gemini asks.
[Annie] You've seen the restaurant downstairs, right? Or never
bothered to check anything else but the pool?
Annie asks teasingly with a smile.
[Gemini] Pretty much just the pool. And you didn't say, casual
or fancy dress?
Gemini asks.
[Annie] Fancy I guess.
Annie shrugs indifferently.
[Gemini] Yeah, I've got a dress that should work.
Gemini shrugs.
[Annie] Alright, so go put it on and we'll meet in half hour?
Annie asks wondering if Gemini needed more time to get ready.
[Gemini] Half hour works.
Gemini says moving towards the door again.
[Annie] Alright then.
Annie nods while she walks to the phone to make some dinner
reservations.
Gemini flashed a quick smile at Annie and opened the door,
slipping out and into the hallway to go to her room.
[center]***Half Hour Later***[/center]
Annie sighs as she looks in the mirror, she was already dressed
and had put a light makeup but she still hadn't decided how to
put her hair. She pulls it up for a moment, trying to decide,
then shrugs and lets it fall over her shoulders deciding to wear
it loose. She moves to her coat to get her gun, carrying a sword
was out tonight, no place to hide it.
Gemini sighs fluffing her hair around her shoulders slightly.
Her hair was usually up so this is different. Gemini sighs
glancing at herself in the mirror... this dress had looked so
much better on the stand than it did on her.
HTML http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg16/Cyberfox277/Party%20Dresses/Geminidress1.jpg
Annie sighs unhappily as she straps her dagger to her thigh, she
knows she's going to miss her sword, but she can't wear her
usual raincoat in the restaurant so a gun and a dagger would
have to do. She studies herself in the mirror for a moment,
trying to see the dagger but her dress hides it perfectly. She
nods pleased with herself, before she moves to the living room
to wait for Gemini.
HTML http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg16/Cyberfox277/Party%20Dresses/Green/greendress005.jpg
Gemini sighs unhappily.
[Gemini] Well, this is as good as it's going to get.
Gemini turns and puts her room key in her small handbag then
hesitates... should she wait here, for Annie? Or go to Annie's
room... or what?
Annie moves to the bar to get a drink, but thinks better and
doesn't, she's planning to have some wine at dinner, so she
moves to the window instead looking outside.
Gemini sighs after a few more minutes of indecision and decides
to go knock on Annie's door. Leaving her room she pulls the door
shut behind her and walks down the hallway.
Annie sighs impatiently as she moves away from the window, she's
on her way to the phone when she feels an Immortal buzz, so she
walks to the door instead.
Gemini freezes in front of Annie's door, suddenly feeling
unsure, when she feels the buzz of the older Immortal.
Annie pauses at the door to grab the gun inside her handbag
before she opens the door.
[Annie] Took your time.
Annie says as soon as she sees Gemini.
[Gemini] Sorry... wasn't sure if I was supposed to come back
here, or if you were coming to my room, or what.
Gemini apologizes.
Annie shakes her head for a moment, of course, she should have
figured that one out and call the kid when she was ready.
[Annie] Well, let's go then, I've got dinner reservations.
Annie says looking inside her handbag to see if the key card was
in there.
[Gemini] Okay.
Gemini says agreeing readily enough.
Annie nods when she finds the key card and walks out the door
closing it behind her.
[Annie] Gods, I feel half naked without a sword.
Annie grumbles under her breath as she walks to the elevator.
[Gemini] I feel weird with one.
Gemini says smiling slightly.
[Annie] Yeah, so did I in the beginning but you'll get used to
it and then you'll miss it.
Annie shrugs slightly while she stops to wait for the elevator.
[Gemini] I'd just be happy to get used to the whole immortal
thing.
Gemini mutters while they wait for the elevator.
[Annie] Well, it's not like you have much of a choice now.
Annie shrugs again, looking at Gemini.
[Gemini] I know.
Gemini sighs.
[Gemini] That's why I'm hoping I get used to it sooner, rather
than later.
[Annie] You will.
Annie nods deciding not to mention that it was that or die.
[Gemini] I know.
Gemini sighs, as the elevator door opens.
Annie walks in the elevator and raises an eyebrow as she finally
notices Gemini's dress, the kid looked like she was fifteen.
Gemini steps into the elevator beside Annie, but faces the
window, looking out over the lobby of the hotel.
[Annie] Remember if that guy or another Immortal shows up, don't
panic, just because I'm not carrying a sword it doesn't mean I'm
unarmed.
Annie tells Gemini with a soft chuckle.
Gemini blinks at Annie then nods.
[Gemini] Alright.
Gemini agrees.
Annie is about to add something when the elevator stops for a
couple to enter. The male can't take his eyes of Annie and the
female, by the way she looks at her, is upset with her not her
escort. Typical, Annie thinks to herself. She couldn't care less
so she just glares at them coldly as the elevator goes down
again.
Gemini briefly glances at the couple who entered the elevator
then turned her attention back out the back of the elevator.
Gemini sighs as the elevator arrives on the ground floor. "Did
you have issues getting reservations?" She asks Annie as they
exit behind the couple.
[Annie] Hmm, no, I think most guests prefer the other
restaurant.
Annie answers with a shrug as they walk.
[Annie] No need to dress up and all that.
Gemini shrugs.
[Gemini] I just get room service.
[Annie] Well, we're celebrating we can't do it in the room.
Annie reminds Gemini with a smile.
[Gemini] Yeah.
Gemini says smiling back.
[Annie] Besides it's time you go out and see other people, you
can't stay in your room or the pool all the time.
Annie says as she keeps walking to the restaurant door.
[Gemini] That's what they all say.
Gemini mutters to herself.
Annie sides glances at Gemini when she hears her murmuring
something but doesn't stop to ask, she enters the restaurant
instead.
Gemini follows Annie into the restaurant, not paying much
attention to her surroundings.
The maitre'd bows his head slightly and asks them to follow him
when Annie mentions her name and that she had dinner
reservations. He had time to check and knows she's paying for
the most expensive suite in the hotel, management wants a five
star service to those guests.
Annie side glances at the tables when she enters the dinner
room, no Immortals in the room which was good so she can relax
for once.
Gemini continues to follow Annie, who is following the Maitre'd
to their table. As she sits, she finally looks around the
restaurant.
[Gemini] Wow.
Gemini mutters, the restaurant is very French.
HTML http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg16/Cyberfox277/Real%20Estate/Annies%20Hotel/FairmontHotelSeacouver09.jpg
[Annie] Yes, I know you can't serve alcohol to the young lady.
Annie answers the waiter after she ordered a bottle of
champagne.
[Annie] But I don't need to show my ID, now do I?
Annie asks raising an eyebrow at him. He shakes his head
hurriedly and moves to get her order.
[Gemini] Wouldn't want alcohol anyway, but... jeez. There were
better ways he could have put that.
Gemini murmurs softly once the waiter had moved away.
[Annie] I've been living in America on and off since the 20' and
I still don't understand you guys.
Annie says shaking her head with a sigh.
[Annie] If you reach majority at 18 why can you only buy alcohol
at 21? Makes no sense to me.
[Gemini] Keeps it out of high-schools.
Gemini shrugs.
[Annie] No, just makes it illegal.
Annie says chuckling softly.
[Annie] Or are you going to tell me you don't do it because it's
against the law? Never stopped anyone before.
[Gemini] Well... It's supposed to be in an attempt to keep it
out of the high-schools.
Gemini shrugs again.
[Annie] It made sense when you'd get majority at 21 but not like
this.
Annie shrugs unconcerned.
[Annie] Well, it's not my problem.
[Gemini] I think it's stupid.
Gemini says agreeing.
[Gemini] I mean, you can go and fight and die for the country,
but can't have a drink. And it's supposed to keep it out of the
high-schools, but it sure as heck doesn't.
Gemini explains her feeling.
Annie looks up slightly surprised when the waiter returns with a
bottle of champagne and presents it to her instead of serving
it. "The gentleman on the table near the piano thought the lady
might want a drink." He tells her with a slight smile thinking
she'd be pleased.
Annie side glances in the direction of the piano and a man
sitting on a table raises his glass in toast. She looks back at
the waiter and glares at him coldly.
[Annie] Take it back and tell the gentleman over there the lady
likes to buy her own drinks.
The waiter almost gasps in surprise, she was turning down...
[Annie] Oh and the lady wouldn't like to be bothered with
similar requests, so go away and get what I ordered, will you?
The waiter nods and moves away still too surprised to say
anything.
[Gemini] DO you realize WHO that is?
Gemini asks as soon as the waiter was out of earshot.
[Annie] Oh yeah, I go to cinema you know?
Annie chuckles amused.
[Annie] He might have been tempting 20 years ago but not
anymore.
[Gemini] But... you turned down stuff from... HIM.
Gemini says.
[Annie] What's so surprising? The waiter was also too shocked to
answer, don't you think I've noticed?
Annie asks with a slight frown.
[Annie] What's the big deal? The guy is just an actor.
[Gemini] I suppose that's true...
Gemini says after a moment of thought.
[Gemini] And if, the tabloids are right, he's a moron anyway.
[Annie] Most good looking men are, and apparently they also
don't realize they get old.
Annie smirks shaking her head.
[Gemini] Well... there are some men that just get better looking
as they get older.
Gemini points out.
[Annie] Yeah, but needless to say the gentleman near the piano
isn't one of them.
Annie shakes her head again, then looks up when the waiter
finally show up with her champagne. He serves it and moves away
without a word.
[Gemini] That's true.
Gemini agrees.
[Annie] Besides I came here to celebrate not to get a man, I'm
not interested at the moment.
Annie shrugs as she picks up her glass.
[Gemini] Not that you'd have problems getting a man if that's
what you wanted.
Gemini shrugs with a sigh.
[Annie] Only if I find anyone interesting, And most men don't
get it, they keep harassing you even if you're not interested
until you're ready to kill them just to get them off your back.
Annie grumbles before she empties her glass and refills it
again.
[Annie] All they see is a piece of meat.
[Gemini] Well... that describes most high-schoolers. Male OR
female.
Gemini says with a small giggle.
[Annie] Yes, but men never grow up, they'll do it all their
lives.
Annie chuckles softly as she puts the bottle in the ice again.
[Annie] Like the gentleman near the piano.
[Gemini] Yeah...
Gemini agrees with a sidelong glance at said actor.
Annie smiles when she thinks about something looking down at her
champagne glass.
[Annie] Hmm, of course the real William Wallace was a hero, if
it was him I wouldn't turn him down. I'd do it in the name of
Scotland.
[Gemini] Yeah... And the real William Wallace has been dead how
long?
Gemini asks.
[Annie] Oh, he was executed a year after Kronos found me, in
1305, so 705 years?
Annie says unsure of the exact day it happened.
[Gemini] SO...
Gemini says slowly and softly...
[Gemini] Where you alive then? When he was?
[Annie] Yes, I was, and my clansmen fought with him during the
Scottish Wars of Independence.
Annie nods with a sigh.
[Gemini] Cool.
Gemini says after a moment of silence.
[Annie] No, it's not, I've been to countless wars and I can
assure you wars are not cool.
Annie answers rolling her eyes.
[Annie] Most wars are just a blood bath.
[Gemini] Oh... that's not what I meant.... I meant that's cool,
you were alive then.
Gemini says softly.
[Annie] I don't think I ever saw him, I lived in a small place
and women didn't go to war. I think I would remember if I did.
Annie shrugs before she takes a sip of champagne.
[Gemini] I thought Celtic women sometimes did go to war?
Gemini asks.
Annie nods with a smile.
[Annie] They did, but it was way before my time.
[Gemini] Oh. Sorry.
Gemini murmurs.
[Annie] Well, I've been to a lot of wars where women weren't
supposed to be, disguised as a man, but it would be hard to do
it with a kilt.
Annie chuckles softly.
Gemini clears her throat blushing slightly.
[Gemini] Yeah... special given unexpected gusts of wind.
[Annie] Yes that and the fact that women's legs are different.
Annie nods with a smirk.
[Gemini] Yeah... though no few women hid and fought as men
during the Civil War... with extremely real looking mustaches
and everything.
Gemini points out.
[Annie] You wouldn't need a mustache just the right attitude, I
played Kronos' little brother and no one ever suspected a thing.
Annie thinks for a moment looking at her champagne glass
absentmindedly.
[Annie] Hmm, maybe the fact that it would take a very brave man
to question HIM helped.
[Gemini] Yeah, stuff like that usually does.
Gemini says with a small smile.
[Annie] He was such an efficient killer that sooner or later he
was in command, but he never needed rank to make other men fear
him.
Annie shakes her head with a soft chuckle.
[Annie] Compared to him that guy in the back alley is just a
bully.
[Gemini] That makes me feel better about him.
Gemini mutters thinking of the Immortal who is after her head.
[Annie] Hmm, not really, he's been too quiet, he's up to
something.
Annie sighs before she takes a sip of champagne.
[Annie] I don't suppose he gives up so easily.
[Gemini] Yeah... that was supposed to be sarcastic.
Gemini sighs.
[Annie] Oh really? Well, you should, if it was Kronos after you,
the only reasonable thing to do was to order your coffin, so you
should feel better alright.
Annie says shaking her head, the kid had no idea who she was
talking about.
[Annie] Not to mention the fact I wouldn't dream to stand on his
way.
[Gemini] Yeah... maybe I should just move to Antarctica.
Gemini sighs again.
[Annie] If you want to spend the rest of your very long life
among penguins be my guest.
Annie comments shaking her head again.
[Annie] But you'll end up getting tired of it.
[Gemini] I've already had my share of snow.
Gemini says flatly.
[Gemini] And wind....
Gemini adds after a moment.
[Annie] Then you better start practicing ski or snow-board, not
even an Immortal would survive long in that cold water.
Annie says as she looks up the waiter is coming to ask them
about the hors d'oeuvres.
[Annie] Just paté de foie gras on toast for me, thanks.
[Gemini] I know how to ski. All three types.
Gemini says bluntly.
The waiter nods as he presents them the main course menus. "And
Mademoiselle?" He asks Gemini.
[Gemini] No hors d'oeuvres for me. Merci.
Gemini says softly.
[Annie] No drinking, no hors d'oeuvres, what's next? Worried
about your diet?
Annie says, after the waiter walks away, studying her menu and
wondering what to order.
[Gemini] Sort of.
Gemini says smiling.
[Annie] Hmm, here's something you might like, Escargot à la
bourguignonne.
Annie manages to keep a straight face while she suggests it.
[Gemini] Umm... Yeah. Even if I didn't speak fluent French, I
don't know if there's an American out there that doesn't know
what snails are.
Gemini says with a roll of her eyes.
[Annie] Yes, most people have learnt that so they can avoid it.
Annie nods chuckling softly.
[Gemini] Oh, and I'm not interested in having caviar either.
Gemini adds.
[Annie] You can choose whatever you want.
Annie shrugs while she goes through the menu.
[Annie] You should try that with cold vodka though.
[Gemini] Yeah... maybe when I'm legally of age to drink.
Gemini says grinning.
[Annie] You are legally of age to drink in Europe.
Annie shrugs again.
[Gemini] We're not in Europe.
Gemini says stating the obvious.
[Annie] Oh, that's one of the things I wanted to ask you.
Annie says looking up from her menu.
[Annie] If I take you as a student do we need to stay here? Or
are you willing to travel to Europe?
[Gemini] Well... travel to Europe yes. Move to Europe... not
right away.
Gemini says honestly.
Annie frowns slightly looking at Gemini.
[Annie] Any particular reason keeping you here?
[Gemini] Define here.
Gemini says.
[Annie] Seacouver? Hmm, also America really.
Annie says still frowning, as far as she knew Gemini had lost
her family.
[Gemini] Well, nothing is holding me in Seacouver, but my
friends are in the US, as are my grandparents.
Gemini says with a shrug.
[Annie] There are phones, you know? Letters, e-mails, postcards?
Being in Europe would be almost like being here.
Annie shrugs smiling amused.
[Annie] The days it took weeks, even months to travel to the New
World are long gone.
[Gemini] Yeah, but I mean, it's still the other side of the
world... if it was just my friends I'd be less concerned about
it, but... my grandparents are the only family I have left
and... it's not like they're getting any younger.
Gemini points out softly.
[Annie] Fine, I just wanted to know, not that it's a major
problem, I like Seacouver.
Annie says looking back at the menu.
[Gemini] It is pretty.
Gemini nods in agreement.
[Annie] Not very quiet to us though, a lot of Immortals around.
Annie sighs remembering her meetings in here.
[Annie] Almost as busy as New York.
[Gemini] You could always try Fargo.
Gemini snorts.
[Annie] Thanks, but no thanks, I wouldn't go to Fargo not even
to stay out of the Game.
Annie smiles shaking her head. The waiter approaches with the
hors d'oeuvres, and she handles the menu to him.
[Annie] I'd like the Coq au vin, please.
[Gemini] Sweet crepes, s'il vous plait?
Gemini asks.
Annie sighs but doesn't say anything, she's lived in the United
States long enough to know that was pretty common. She looks up
when the sommelier shows up with the wine cart.
[Annie] Don't bother, I'd like a Burgundy, Chambertin-Clos de
Bèze if it's available.
The sommelier bows his head slightly, and says, "Oui, Madame."
Before he moves away to get her order.
Gemini raises an eyebrow.
[Gemini] That's an expensive wine.
Gemini says softly.
Annie looks at Gemini surprised.
[Annie] Oh, you know wines?
Gemini shrugs.
[Gemini] Some anyway. That's my grandmother's favorite. I prefer
Rieslings myself.
[Annie] You never cease to surprise me.
Annie shakes her head smiling amused.
[Annie] Just when I thought I'd figured you out.
[Gemini] What?
Gemini asks ****ing her head to her side.
[Annie] Yeah, I was beginning to think you'd never touched a
drop of liquor in your life. Not even to find out how it was
like.
Annie shrugs chuckling softly.
[Gemini] Well, my dad let me have a sip of beer when I was like
5. And at the time it was the grossest thing ever. So I went
YEARS calling all alcohol "Icky beer." When I turned 15 grandma
decided it was time I start drinking wine "like a normal person"
she put it, at least at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. If
she had her way, it would have been champagne at New Years, but
we always went to New Years eve parties, so it was sparkling
cider instead.
Gemini explains shrugging.
[Annie] Hmm, and I bet your grandmother wasn't American.
Annie nods with a smile.
[Annie] I'm betting she's from Europe?
[Gemini] That Grandma is French.
Gemini says with a smile.
[Gemini] Other Grandma was German.
[Annie] I knew it, in Europe most kids above 15-16 are allowed
to drink on special occasions.
Annie nods and adds with a smile.
[Annie] Just as common as ordering breakfast for dinner here.
[Gemini] I thought in Europe most kids were legal to drink by
16.
Gemini says flatly.
[Annie] It's 18 now in most countries, I think.
Annie answers with a shrug.
[Annie] I'm not sure. I look old enough not to be asked for an
ID.
[Gemini] Whereas I will always be asked for ID.
Gemini sighs.
[Annie] Hmm, you could look a little older depending on how you
dress. To look like 21 at least.
Annie says looking at Gemini's dress.
[Annie] Not today though, you look like you're 16.
Gemini blinks a little in surprise then looks down at her dress.
[Gemini] I do?
Gemini asks surprised.
[Annie] Yes, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, you could take
some by surprise if you were fighting.
Annie says before she takes a sip of champagne.
[Annie] I bet your opponent would underestimate you no matter
what.
[Gemini] Which wouldn't be all bad.
Gemini sighs.
[Annie] Yeah, they'd only see a kid and wouldn't pay attention
to your skill with a blade, not in the beginning anyway.
Annie nods chuckling softly.
[Gemini] Only when it's too late... for them?
Gemini asks hopefully.
[Annie] Yes, that's why we have so many Immortals pretending to
be younger than they really are.
Annie says thinking Mr. Adam Pierson or whatever his name was,
was trying to be one of them.
[Gemini] Oh.
Gemini says. Not that she has a clue as to what other Immortals
do.
[Annie] I'm glad alcohol doesn't work with us like it does with
mortals, I'm about to drink a bottle of champagne alone.
Annie chuckles softly while she puts some paté de foie gras on a
toast to eat it.
[Annie] Better put something else in my stomach though.
Gemini quirks a smile.
[Gemini] Probably smart.
Gemini agrees.
[Annie] Yes, since I ordered a bottle of wine to go with the
chicken.
Annie agrees with a smile.
[Gemini] Are you going to be okay tomorrow?
Gemini asks, thinking about the last time she'd seen her parents
consume a couple bottles of wine between the two of them.
[Annie] Oh yes, I'll be as good as new tomorrow, no hangover. We
don't get hangovers, nice huh?
Annie asks while she takes the bottle of champagne from the ice
to fill her glass again.
[Gemini] I'll say.
Gemini mutters.
[Annie] Also drugs don't work with us like they do with mortals,
we don't get addicted to them physically, psychologically that's
another story.
Annie explains while she fills her glass, then puts the almost
empty bottle in the ice again.
[Gemini] In others, still stay away from drugs, gotcha.
Gemini says with a roll of her eyes, and a smile.
[Annie] Actually I have no idea if they have the same effect on
us period, obviously I never tried them before I died the first
time around, so...
Annie still frowns thinking about it as she shrugs.
[Annie] No such thing back in Scotland when I lived there.
[Gemini] Just booze.
Gemini says with a grin.
[Annie] Oh yeah, I used to drink some with my cousins when I was
a kid, it tasted like remedy but it was the idea that counted.
Annie nods chuckling softly remembering those times.
[Annie] They were unhappy with the idea of a girl drinking with
them but I used to punch them so they'd shut up.
Gemini grins.
[Gemini] Can't say I ever had that issue. I was always better at
sports... well, swimming, than any of the boys, so...
Gemini shrugs.
[Annie] Yeah, but back them women weren't supposed to do such
things, only take care of the house and have children, that sort
of thing.
Annie shrugs still smiling.
[Annie] They certainly weren't supposed to punch clansmen.
Gemini shrugs.
[Gemini] I suppose.
[Annie] Talk about punching.
Annie says side glancing in the direction of the piano when she
heard raised voices.
[Annie] Mr. Famous actor just got drunk, let's hope I don't need
to punch him in the end.
[Gemini] He'd deserve it.
Gemini smiles.
Annie shakes her head and looks back to heir table, she sighs
looking down at her glass.
[Annie] I've learnt not to believe everything I read in
newspapers but this time I think it was true.
[Gemini] Apparently.
Gemini mutters.
[Gemini] Jeez, what an idiot he is.
Gemini says watching him.
[Annie] What did he do now?
Annie asks before she sips her champagne not bothering to look
that way.
[Gemini] Tripped over his chair.
Gemini says with a shrug, turning back to Annie.
[Annie] And that was the guy who wanted to offer me a drink, I'd
rather turn a nun.
Annie shakes her head with a sigh.
[Annie] Actually if all men were like that I probably would.
Annie adds smiling, thinking she already owns a convent.
[Gemini] You wouldn't have to worry about the Game that way.
Gemini acknowledges.
[Annie] No, but I'd be bored to death instead, already had a try
of staying indoors and avoiding being seen, thank you very much.
Annie says wrinkling her nose.
[Annie] Two tries actually.
[Gemini] I couldn't do it.
Gemini sighs.
[Annie] Oh yes, you would, if Kronos told you to do it,
considering the alternative.
Annie shrugs picking the bottle to drink the rest of the
champagne.
[Gemini] I suppose.
Gemini says agreeing hesitantly.
[Annie] Let's put it this way, the people he killed right away
were the lucky ones.
Annie tries to explain without going into details, she doesn't
want to think about it anyway.
[Gemini] I believe you. Honestly.
Gemini says holding up her hands.
[Annie] It's surprising how many vicious Immortals there are, or
were.
Annie murmurs with an unhappy sigh. She shakes her head as she
thinks further into it.
[Annie] I suppose we can all be like that, given the right
reason.
[Gemini] I hope not.
Gemini says softly.
[Annie] Usually revenge does the trick.
Annie shrugs not bothering to tell Gemini, they all had it in
them.
[Gemini] Revenge hurts you as much as it hurts whoever you get
it on.
Gemini murmurs.
[Annie] Maybe, but it sure feels good while it lasts.
Annie chuckles softly remembering how it was like in her time.
[Annie] The idea of not having revenge it out of the question to
a Scot, you know?
Annie frowns thinking, trying to remember the exact words.
[Annie] Cha togar m' fhearg gun dìoladh, in Scottish Gaelic,
which means in English, 'None shall provoke/injure me with
impunity', was our motto.
[Gemini] That explains more than it doesn't.
Gemini says, fighting a grin.
[Annie] Yeah. life in the clans was all about honor, and they
managed to fight every other clan for it.
Annie shakes her head, smiling amused, thinking about the
worthlessness of it, looking back from afar.
[Gemini] And honor is so... fluid. I mean, the most any person
can hold onto is their own personal sense of honor.
Gemini says shrugging.
[Annie] And after a few centuries who cares who insulted who?
They're all dead.
Annie chuckles softly.
[Annie] I even go to MacDonald's sometimes.
[Gemini] Yeah... but their food is gross.
Gemini laughs.
[Annie] Maybe a little greasy but we don't have to worry about
cholesterol, so...
Annie shrugs unconcerned.
[Annie] It's good for a change.
[Gemini] I guess... always makes me feel bloated though.
Gemini says with an indifferent shrug of her own.
Annie frowns at Gemini slightly surprised.
[Annie] Just how long haven't you been to a MacDonald's?
[Gemini] Umm... two and a half, to three years, I guess.
Gemini says slowly after a moment.
[Annie] Yeah, thought so, not after you died, right?
Annie asks with a smile.
[Gemini] No.
Gemini agrees.
[Annie] You'll see the next time you go there, you'll feel
better.
Annie say before she drinks the rest of her champagne.
Gemini shrugs.
[Gemini] Maybe.
Annie shakes her head chuckling softly.
[Annie] Of course you will, you think we get heartburn?
[Gemini] Hey, I never said anything about heartburn!
Gemini protests.
[Annie] No, I did. Just as an example...
Annie shrugs indifferently.
[Gemini] I suppose.
Gemini says smiling.
[Annie] If the Black Plague didn't kill me, I think you'll be
safe at MacDonald's.
Annie chuckles softly as she sees the waiter approach with their
orders.
Gemini chuckles softly.
[Gemini] That is one way to look at it.
#Post#: 297--------------------------------------------------
HALF MOON RISING Part 20
By: Cyberfox277 Date: February 9, 2012, 11:23 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Gemini smiles up at the waiter as he places her and Annie's
orders in front of them.
[Gemini] Merci.
The sommelier arrives when the waiter is leaving bringing the
bottle of wine, he puts a little in Annie's glass so she can
taste it. Annie picks her glass and tries it, the wine is
excellent, she puts her glass down and tells the sommelier with
a smile.
[Annie] Very good, you can serve it.
The sommelier gives her a small nod and puts some wine in her
glass, then he puts the bottle on the table, gives them a slight
bow and leaves.
Gemini waits until the waiter and sommelier leave, before taking
a bite of her crepes.
[Gemini] Hmm...
Gemini sighs enjoying the flavors in her mouth.
Annie shakes her head smiling amused while she picks up her fork
and knife to start eating, the kid really liked crepes.
[Annie] So much for your diet.
Annie can't help to tease Gemini.
[Gemini] Yeah... my "diet" consists of making sure I eat enough
calories over the corse of the day. YOU exercise for five hours
a day and see how YOU do.
Gemini says with a touch of sarcasm and a smile.
[Annie] It's good you like to exercise so much, if I decide to
be your teacher I don't need to force you to do it.
Annie nods with an amused smile.
[Annie] Saves time and patience.
[Gemini] Ha. You should come swim with me sometime. I'll show
you what a REAL work out is.
Gemini chuckles.
Annie makes a face, then shrugs.
[Annie] I don't like to swim that much, only do it when I need
it.
[Gemini] I take it you don't know how to swim? At least not real
well?
Gemini asks.
[Annie] I do, finally learnt when I lived in California in the
60'.
Annie shrugs again unconcerned.
[Gemini] But not real well?
Gemini asks again, suspecting that was a good chunk of it... and
that fear was the other part.
[Annie] Well, I went to a swimming school, how do you think I've
learnt?
Annie asks with a smile.
Gemini shrugs.
[Gemini] Why'd you wait until the sixties to learn?
Gemini asks.
[Annie] Seemed like a good idea to learn how to swim properly,
it's not like I'd drown before but I wouldn't call that
swimming.
Annie answers with another shrug.
[Gemini] I love swimming... obviously.
Gemini says with a blush.
[Annie] No surprise there.
Annie says while she slowly shakes her fork in the air.
[Annie] And we don't all have to like the same, diversity is
good.
[Gemini] Yeah... wouldn't want to live in a world where everyone
liked the same. It'd be boring.
Gemini says smiling.
[Annie] Yes, pretty boring, imagine if everyone liked yellow.
Annie chuckles softly before trying the chicken.
[Annie] Hmm, they have a good French chef, not really surprised
though.
Gemini just chuckles a little amused. The crepes were good, but
her grandmother's were better. Then again, she had yet to have
crepes that were as good or better than her grandmother's.
[Gemini] Yeah... not a fan of yellow. Makes me look jaundicy.
[Annie] No, I wouldn't recommend yellow for you, but maybe you'd
look good in red, me on the other hand...
Annie shrugs unconcerned, she'd passed the point when she cared
about what other people think.
[Gemini] Yeah... red heads tend to have issues with reds and
pinks... greens on the other hand...
Gemini smiles slightly.
[Annie] Which is pretty convenient since green is my favorite
color.
Annie chuckles amused as she sets down the knife to take a sip
of wine.
[Gemini] I suppose it is.
Gemini smiles, as she eats some for of her crepes.
Annie stiffens for a moment but relaxes again recognizing a
pre-Immortal buzz. She looks around with a puzzled frown, all
she can see is an elderly couple approaching, is it possible it
is one of them?
Gemini jumps feeling a buzz and looks to Annie worriedly.
[Gemini] That doesn't feel quite... like the others I've felt.
Gemini whispers softly.
[Annie] No, it's a pre-Immortal, someone who hasn't died yet.
Annie says studying the surroundings, she almost gasps in
surprise when she realizes it's the old man with the walking
stick.
[Gemini] Oh... Who is it?
Gemini asks confused, not seeing anyone other than herself, much
younger, appearance wise, than Annie.
Annie nods in the direction of the elderly couple who were now
about to sit on a nearby table.
[Annie] It's him.
Annie says with a sigh as she picks her glass.
[Gemini] He's like... really old though.
Gemini says softly.
[Annie] Too old.
Annie murmurs before she takes a sip of wine.
[Annie] Even if I went there and did something about it there's
no way he could survive.
[Gemini] Why would you want to do something about it? He looks
happy... He and his wife make a cute old couple.
Gemini says with a smile.
[Annie] Because he could have been immortal and like this he's
just an old man.
Annie sighs as she puts the glass on the table and looks at it
absentmindedly, the idea the same could have happened to her if
Kronos didn't find her just crossed her mind.
[Gemini] What's wrong?
Gemini asks, sensing the diminished mood Annie suddenly had.
[Annie] It's almost like watching a reflection of what could
have happened to me.
Annie takes a deep breath before she puts down her fork, her
hunger suddenly gone. She picks the wine glass again.
[Gemini] And... would that be a good thing or no?
Gemini asks.
Annie looks at Gemini for a moment in silence, then she shrugs.
[Annie] You tell me, a lot of people died that day so I could be
here today.
[Gemini] Good thing.
Gemini sighs.
[Annie] Well, the problem is I think it would be a bad thing,
gives me the creeps just to think about it.
Annie shrugs again looking down at her glass.
[Annie] And it makes me feel incredibly selfish.
[Gemini] I suppose I can see that too. I mean... who wants to
die?
Gemini asks.
[Annie] I don't see how I could get a violent death to trigger
immortality there, we lived in the middle of nowhere. I would
have gotten old, living a dull life, with a husband I didn't
love and would finally die. That's not living.
Annie murmurs moving the glass on the table while she speaks.
Gemini sighs.
[Gemini] There are a lot of people who, even now, would long for
a life like that... assuming the husband was kind.
Gemini points out softly.
[Annie] Yes, but they never tried anything different, and now
that I have I don't long for a life like that anymore.
Annie sighs, deciding not to try to explain how it was like
riding with Kronos, she wouldn't be able to and the kid wouldn't
understand anyway.
[Gemini] Can't say I'd like a life like that either.
Gemini says softly.
[Annie] There's also the possibility I'd die too late and
wouldn't have a chance to survive in the Game, like that
gentleman over there.
Annie says side glancing at the elderly couple again.
[Annie] There aren't many Immortals below 18 and above 40 for
obvious reasons.
[Gemini] I guess.
Gemini sighs.
[Annie] And yes I realize you were 17 when you died, but you're
stronger than most 17-year-old girls.
Annie shrugs as she picks up the bottle to fill her glass again.
[Gemini] Don't I know that....
Gemini mutters in agreement.
Annie fills her glass and puts the bottle back on the table. She
sighs as she decides to try to eat a little more.
[Annie] Well, most 17-year-old girls don't exercise for so long,
so...
[Gemini] Most aren't rated as one of the top swimmer's in the
country.
Gemini says with a smile.
[Annie] Yes, but that doesn't count in the Game. Here we have
another rating.
Annie says while she picks her fork and knife.
[Annie] Last one standing wins.
[Gemini] Aah. I was going to ask if it was alive or dead.
Gemini says with a shrug.
[Annie] Not that I give a damn about the Prize, whatever it is,
but I'm not going to let myself get killed because some fool
believes it.
Annie shrugs while she forces herself to eat even though she's
not hungry anymore, she needs to keep up her strength.
[Gemini] Yeah... Can't say I blame you. I know I don't want to
die.
Gemini sighs.
[Annie] I don't think we have suicidal Immortals if that's what
you mean.
Annie says chuckling softly.
[Gemini] Not exactly, but...
Gemini says smiling.
[Annie] Most of us kill whoever stands in their way to live one
more day.
Annie says as she gives up eating and puts her fork and knife
down again.
[Annie] And those who are not willing to kill are inside Holy
Ground.
[Gemini] And what's to stop someone from knocking out someone
who lives on Holy Ground, and dragging them off Holy Ground to
kill them?
Gemini asks.
[Annie] Well, another Immortal wouldn't do that, nothing would
stop mortals though.
Annie shrugs thinking that not her problem, she'd never rely on
Holy Ground to survive.
[Gemini] Does anything really even stop mortals from just
killing us on Holy Ground?
Gemini asks.
[Annie] Does anything stop mortals from killing each other?
Annie asks Gemini raising an eyebrow at her.
[Annie] Holy Ground is no different.
[Gemini] Well... being decent stops a lot of people... though
obviously not all.
Gemini points out.
[Annie] Yes, but it's not the people that are decent enough not
to kill anyone on Holy Ground that you should worry about.
Annie shrugs looking down to get her glass again.
[Annie] Personally I don't rely on Holy Ground for protection,
even though I own a convent.
[Gemini] You OWN a convent?
Gemini asks surprised.
[Annie] Yes, I've often considered making some sort of hotel out
of it, but gave up the idea it's my home after all.
Annie answers smiling at Gemini's surprised look.
[Gemini] What about some kind of vacation rental? Especially for
wedding couples or something?
Gemini suggests.
[Gemini] At least... when you know that you're not going to be
there.
[Annie] That's why I bought a Borgo Toscano in Siena, I'm
planning to make something like that there, but not in my home.
Annie says with a shrug, the last thing she wants is strangers
walking around in her home.
Gemini shrugs. Personally she couldn't see why anyone would want
to run something like that but... each their own.
[Annie] Actually I need to remember to call the person in charge
to see how it's going.
Annie frowns thinking, trying to find out what time it's in
Italy.
[Annie] Probably too early to call after dinner.
Annie murmurs with a shrug, deciding to leave that for tomorrow.
[Gemini] Wouldn't it be too late to call after dinner?
Gemini asks.
[Annie] You mean early, I think it's around 6 am there.
Annie chuckles softly.
[Gemini] 6am? I didn't realize there was a 10 hour difference
from here to there.
Gemini says surprised.
[Annie] It's 9 I think.
Annie corrects with a shrug.
[Annie] Hard to figure out without a map.
[Gemini] Oh... wouldn't that make it five in the morning there
then?
Gemini asks.
Annie checks her watch and shrugs again.
[Annie] OK, 5:30 then, are you going to make a big deal for half
an hour?
Gemini shrugs.
[Gemini] Why not?
Gemini asks impishly.
Annie stares at Gemini for a moment, then looks down to pick her
glass.
[Annie] If you want to waste your time on trifles, be my guest.
[Gemini] Don't you know how to take a joke?
Gemini asks staring at Annie.
[Annie] Oh that was supposed to be a joke? Could have fooled me.
Annie murmurs before she takes a sip of wine.
[Gemini] You don't get sarcasm real well do you?
Gemini asks.
Annie rolls her eyes but can't help to chuckle softly.
[Annie] Oh you think that's sarcasm?
[Gemini] Only minor sarcasm.
Gemini shrugs.
Annie shakes her head disbelievingly.
[Annie] Minor is the key word.
Gemini shrugs.
[Gemini] Never said it wasn't.
[Annie] So you want anything else or can I ask for the check?
Annie asks trying to change subject.
[Gemini] I'm good... unless you're going to get dessert. But...
somehow I think you don't quite feel like that anymore... if you
ever did.
Gemini replies.
[Gemini] Remember...
Gemini adds.
[Gemini] Stressed is just Desserts spelled backwards.
Gemini grins.
[Annie] I don't usually get dessert anyway.
Annie shrugs while she thinks seeing an 80-year-old pre-Immortal
would spoil every Immortal's appetite.
[Gemini] Well... your admirer will miss you.
Gemini smirks.
[Annie] Who? Mr. Famous actor?
Annie asks raising an eyebrow, then she shakes her head.
[Annie] Since he's the last person I'd miss I think I'll be
fine.
[Gemini] Yeah... hasn't been able to take his eyes off of you...
Gemini says, then frowns...
[Gemini] Actually... it's kind of creepy.
[Annie] Oh, you mean he's not so drunk yet that he's sleeping
and drooling over the table?
Annie says not bothering to look at his direction, she couldn't
care less.
[Gemini] Not yet...
Gemini sighs.
[Gemini] Actually, it's more like he's drinking absently because
it's before him... 'cause he ain't looking at it... or his
date... who looks rather annoyed.
[Annie] Serves her well for dating that jerk.
Annie shrugs looking around for the waiter to order her check.
[Gemini] Actually...
Gemini frowns looking at them better.
[Gemini] I think that might be his daughter... jeez he really is
an ass.
[Annie] She still gets what she deserves, going out with dad...
Annie shakes her head disbelievingly.
[Annie] She of all people should know him.
[Gemini] Yeah, but he's still her dad.
Gemini points out a little defensively.
Annie rolls her eyes and shakes her head again.
[Annie] And why should I care what happens between her and her
dad? I couldn't care less.
Annie finally gets the waiter's attention and asks for the check
when he comes closer.
[Gemini] Yeah. Suppose... it's not like it's any of our
business, other than it's creepy.
Gemini sighs.
[Annie] Creepy?
Annie chuckles amused.
[Annie] You obviously didn't know my teacher. That's nothing.
[Gemini] Would... sadistic cover your teacher better? Besides
that, there are varying degrees of creepy.... as well as
different types of creepy.
Gemini asks.
[Annie] I suppose.
Annie shrugs as she looks inside her purse.
[Annie] And where did I put it?
Annie murmurs to herself while she goes through the stuff inside
careful not to let the gun fall.
[Gemini] Put what?
Gemini asks.
[Annie] This.
Annie waves her key card in the air, as it was his cue the
waiter shows up with the bill.
[Annie] Here, add that bill to my hotel bill, please. I rather
pay it all at the same time.
Annie says as she puts the key card on his tray without
bothering to see the bill.
[Annie] Oh and a 20% tip of course.
Annie adds with a smile. The waiter bows his head and replies
"Oui, Madame."
[Gemini] They're such a cute couple.
Gemini sighs, absently watching the older pre-Immortal man, and
his wife.
Annie side glances in the direction Gemini is looking but
quickly turns her head away, she can't stand to see it.
[Annie] Well, cute is that last thing I'd call it, but...
[Gemini] Sorry, I just think old couples who are obviously in
love are a great sight. It's cute to see.
Gemini says with a shrug.
Annie looks up when the waiter comes back with a paper for her
to sign and extends it to her. She quickly signs the paper, and
gets her handbag ready to leave. She can't stand the sight of
that old pre-Immortal right in front of her table.
[Annie] Ready to go?
Annie asks Gemini as she moves her chair away from the table.
[Gemini] Yeah.
Gemini says standing up quickly.
[Annie] Past your bedtime, anyway, right?
Annie teases Gemini with a smile as she walks with her to the
door.
[Gemini] More or less.
Gemini says with a chuckle.
Annie shakes her head amused as she walks to the elevator that
kid is too good to be true.
[Annie] I knew it, all work and no fun.
[Gemini] NO.... That's not true!!
Gemini protests.
[Annie] Now I'm curious, what do you do to have fun?
Annie asks raising an eyebrow at Gemini.
[Annie] Go to a disco?
[Gemini] You'd think I'd swim as much as I do if I didn't think
it was fun?
Gemini asks.
[Gemini] Besides that, you've never been on a lake in the summer
have you? Tubing, kneeboarding, waterskiing, jetskiing, boating,
fishing... all sorts of fun summer stuff?
Annie shakes her head with a sigh.
Gemini pauses for a moment, then continues, "Not to mention both
cross-country and down hill skiing in the winter. And
snowmobiling, and ice fishing, and sledding."
Gemini shrugs as she stops talking.
[Annie] Only a fish spends more time in the water than you.
[Gemini] No... there's a few other things. Like water snakes,
and some lizards.. oh and frogs and toads and... I'll shut up
now.
Gemini says blushing slightly, as she hit the button on the
elevator.
[Annie] If you rather be a water snake I've got no objections.
Annie chuckles softly as she looks up to check on which floor
was the elevator.
[Gemini] No... I'd rather be a dolphin.
Gemini grins.
[Annie] Of course.
Annie nods refraining herself from adding "How predictable."
Gemini glances over at Annie and sees the look on her face and
laughs.
Annie frowns and side glances at Gemini suspiciously.
[Annie] What's so funny?
[Gemini] The look on your face.
Gemini grins.
[Annie] The look on my face?
Annie repeats as her frowns deepens wondering what Gemini was
talking about, as far as she knew she didn't have a special look
on her face.
[Gemini] Well, it's not there any more.
Gemini says, with a sigh.
Annie shrugs and enters the elevator when the doors open in
front of her.
[Annie] Still fail to see what's so amusing, but fine, whatever.
[Gemini] Well, maybe you would have, if you'd seen the look on
your face.
Gemini sighs.
[Annie] Isn't that physically impossible unless you carry a
mirror?
Annie asks before she yawns, all the wine she'd drunk is making
her sleepy. She wonders if she's going to get a good night sleep
for a change.
[Gemini] I guess.
Gemini sighs.
Annie yawns again as the elevator goes up, suddenly she can't
wait to go to bed.
[Gemini] Long day?
Gemini asks as Annie yawns for the third time.
[Annie] Oh yes.
Annie nods deciding not to mention it also had been a long
night, with the nightmares and the apprehension of she was going
to find out about the girls, she was lucky if she'd slept a
couple of hours.
[Gemini] Really?
Gemini asks.
[Annie] Really.
Annie nods again without elaborating.
[Gemini] You gonna elaborate on that, or no?
Gemini asks.
[Annie] I woke up in the middle of the night and couldn't go
back to sleep. Happy now?
Annie says with a shrug.
[Gemini] No. But that's okay.
Gemini shrugs.
Annie is glad when the elevator door opens and she can escape
the conversation, apparently the kid wanted her to confess her
deepest darkest secrets just like that. She exits the elevator
and yawns again as she walks to her suite.
[Annie] Don't think I'll have any trouble sleeping tonight.
[Gemini] That's always good. I think I'll veg before the TV a
bit, then hit the sack.
Gemini grins.
Annie looks for the key card in her purse while she walks, and
takes it out to open the door.
[Annie] Alright, see you tomorrow then.
Annie says when she reaches the door of her suite.
[Gemini] 'Night.
Gemini replies continuing down the hallway to her room.
[center]To be continued[/center]
*****************************************************
DIR Next Page