Guessing Games

Bouncing out of her room, Dawn had opted not to simply ask where Mai could be found. Rupert was nice and all, but he probably had some butlering to do. Butt-ling. Ew. Also, he'd said she had free run of the house to any door not locked, so it was all good.

Walking down the hall, she tried a door and found it to be locked. Selecting another door further down at random, she tried again. Locked. A bit further...and was convinced she had discovered the trick in his words - almost EVERYTHING was locked. Sneaky bastard.

Shrugging, she left the main house and walked toward what had been labeled the training facilities on the map. If she were an ultimate badass of the world killing machine huntress lady, she'd probably work out a lot. Maybe Mai was in there.

Nope...no one. But it was really...really nice.

Fuckin a...no one's up in using this shit? WHAT THE HELL! Is it Vampires Drink Free night downtown?

Frowning, she ran through a quick set of routines and walked over to the reinforced heavy bag. Good to see that the place was designed with vampiric strength in mind. Grabbing the bag, she began practicing her knees.

*WHAM*

*WHAM*

*WHAMWHAM*

*WHAMWHAM*

God, she loved that sound. She felt like a juggernaut when she worked on these things!

Dawn Ratana 18 years ago
Having worked herself into a decent sweat, Dawn stopped abruptly. Though the workout was fun, that wasn't what she was trying to do. She needed to find Elder Mai and bow at the feet of the master or something.

Ko hadn't really gone into that part. What the fuck do you say to someone who's been smacking people's shit up since before gunpowder was invented? "Oh hi, I'm the newest in the long line of total fuckups that you'll make into Marines or something. Sorry I'm a little bitch, but I'll try really hard and stuff!"

Hm. Aside from the profanity, that might actually be ok. Working through it as she left the building and walked out into the garden, she tried again. "Greetings Elder. I am Novice Dawn, sent to you by Initiate Ko for further training. I hope that I am worthy of your instruction."

Better...but she felt like she was lying. That wasn't her speaking, that was someone called Decorum just wearing her skin. "Elders can probably smell bullshit miles away. Better keep it real. Oh! Maybe she doesn't know what some of the newer stuff means. Then I'd be all set!"

Lookingg, she'd wandered through a small section of the gardens proximate to the house. Near the Japanese garden, she could see two people meeting, but generally if two people were meeting in a garden near Valentine's it wasn't all about martial training and the weight of ages and shit. Lookin' to score. She'd leave them be. Didn't need to walk in on any intimate moments her first night in town. "Oh, hey, weren't you the guy getting head in the garden my first night here? Yeah! You were! Oh, shit! That wasn't her? So sorry! Nyah!"

Approaching the Manor from another direction, she headed back inside. Maybe this wing would have an open door or two.
Dawn Ratana 18 years ago
"I'm going to have to have a word with Rupe. This locking everything up shit has GOT to go."

Another area explored, and all she had uncovered was the kitchen, dining areas and what seemed to be a linens area. All of the personal rooms were locked, except one. That one had furniture coming in and out of it. Nice stuff done up in reds. Cool.

Being only temporarily entertained by getting in the way of the movers, Dawn continued on. She found her way back to the entry hall, but Rupert was not in evidence for further conversation. Maybe she WOULD go harass those people making out in the garden. As she resigned herself to the trek back to the gardens, she heard a nearby buzzing. Was that an intercom? Maybe someone was coming up the drive. Looking out the window, she double checked.
Ambrose 18 years ago
Ambrose had deliberately put off introducing himself. The idea of just knocking on the door and saying ‘Howdy partner I’m family’. Didn’t exactly fit with his idea of a good time.

Still, he was hear for a reason and finally made his way to the manor. He’d dressed a little nicer, more formal, that his standard dark blue jeans for the introductions.

Walking up to the door he kept a sharp look out for ice. He was very quickly finding out he did not like ice on the ground, it made his life difficult; and the next person who told him to grip with his toes was going to be lunch.

Trying not to lean too heavily on his can he raised his fist and knocked. How bad could this be after all?
Talon 18 years ago
Talon stood admireing his handiwork, the Triumph Rocket III shined even in the faint light of the garage, every piece was clean and polished to a mirror finish. The big man nodded proudly and walked over and shut off the lights.

The trek from the Garage was the manor was peaceful, out here, even in the city it didn't feel that way, it felt peaceful. Working on his motorcycle, even simply cleaning it always helped him find his center, and calmed him. 'The only modern machine worth learning about..' he mused as he crossed over into the manor.

The kitchen was dark and quiet, as it usually was at this time of night. As Talon neared the fridge he caught a scent, it was unfamiliar, he had taken the time to get to know the scents of every person in the manor, at least he thought he had. The fridge vielding his prize easily enough. With a Foster's in hand he started after scent, the trail was plain, whomever it was was making no effort in masking it.
Dawn Ratana 18 years ago
Looking around, Dawn saw no evidence of Rupert and the man was walking to the door. He walked a bit strangely, but was casually dressed and had longish hair. He probably didn't call as much on tradition and propriety as many of the clan did. Smiling briefly, she wondered how long she had before Rupert would come and ruin the fun. Opening the door a crack and sticking her head out, she stated

Hi! Sorry! We don't need any more Books of Mormon here - one for each bedroom, don'tcha know! Have a good mission, though, and smack up some heathen ass for me, too! WAHHH!

Closing the door before the man had a chance to reply, Dawn started laughing. Keeping in mind that pretty much everyone in Anantya was more seasoned than she was and deserving of SOME sort of respect, she opened the door again.

Couldn't resist, sorry. I'm Dawn. Normally Rupert answers the door, I guess, but I was standing right here so no reason for him to stop his buttlings. You gotta pee or something? The bathrooms here are really nice. Who're you?

Reaching a rope tied hand forward to the man in the door, she wondered if he'd shake it or if he'd been shaken.
Ambrose 18 years ago
Holy shit, must have picked the wrong manor. That was Ambrose’s first thought, but he was too stunned to do much but stand there. When she finally settled in he could laugh, no harm done.

“I thought it was a Gideon Bible in each bedroom, but I’m not going to swear to that.”

The door was open, but he hadn’t been invited in. Maybe this would be easier if this Rupert had answered the door, then he wouldn’t have to deal with the rapid-fire questions.

Taking the offered hand, he smiled.


“No I don’t currently have to pee and I’m Ambrose. Nice too meet you...”
Dawn Ratana 18 years ago
Frowning, Dawn wondered what the hell he was talking about, then she remembered the song, and started belting out the slow lyrics at a punk tempo.

Now Rocky Raccoon he fell back in his room
Only to find Gideon's bible
Gideon checked out and he left it no doubt
To help with good Rocky's revival.

Yeah, my mom used to sing that shit sometimes when she got drunk. My dad said it was because the tequila brought out her inner Christian. Oh, and no. We don't get many Bibles or Books of Mormon up here. Maybe in the Cathedral thing over there though if you need one. Ooo, firm grip. So what brings you to Heel Floor if you don't have to avail yourself of our fine facilities? Job applicant? Family visit? Kneeling at the foot of the master? You hungry? The kitchen is well stocked too, but there was a cook already there so you'd better not be here for that job. American cousin I'm guessing, just in from town to get a bite to eat...

At the "bite to eat" comment, she flashed a bit of fang and made little flapping motions with her hands and a somewhat bat-like sound.

...before coming up to check in for your stay. So who are you here to see?

Standing fully in the doorway now, she crossed her arms on her chest like she was some old harem guardian from the movies, except smaller and female instead of just cut. Frowning in mock suspicion, she waited. If he was human he'd freak out over the teeth and she'd get to eat him - if not, he was family and all was good. None of the other clans would be stupid enough to come to the seat of Anantya's power in the city uninvited and unescorted from what she'd heard.
Ambrose 18 years ago
“Tequila does strange things to people.”

And it was possible she was a fine example of that statement. No on second thought that wasn’t a true statement. It was just taking some effort to get a feel for this gal, who’d neglected to introduce herself. He’d been prepared for less frantic conversation, he’d been expecting the folks here to be more like Damaris and less like the music crowd. This was requiring a change of gear.

“Just got into town and thought I’d try out my traveling Mormon disguise on the family. I’m going to chalk it up as a success.”

Kneeling at the foot of a master, well-stocked kitchen… bite too eat and fangs. And to top it off he was blocking the door. If it weren’t for the fangs and what’ he’d heard about the other clans Ambrose would have gone back to his theory that he was in the wrong place.

“I hadn’t made up my mind who I was here to see. If a guy needed a room around here who would you recommend?”
Talon 18 years ago
Talon strolled tword the front of the house, following the unfamiliar scent until he reached the foyer and saw a strange woman flapping her arms and making bat noises.. unconsciencely his head titled to the side a little to try and figure out what was going on.. he walked into the foyer but stopped just beyond the entryway, crossed his arms and spoke in his 'Bouncer' voice.

"who the hell are you two?"
Dawn Ratana 18 years ago
Turning at the new voice, Dawn looked up...and up...and up...at a wall of Euroflesh and hair that smelled a bit like an engine. Eyes widening a bit, her lips spread in a wide grin.

Holy fucking shit man, how much beef did YOU eat as a kid? You're the biggest guy I've seen in the real before. Right on! You live here too? Oh, yeah, I'm Dawn and this is Ambrose. Rupert put me up and Mormon boy was coming to check in oh and I still need to meet Mai. Who're you? Mechanic? House bouncer? Viking overlord? Metal drummer?

Oh, and I already asked if he was looking for anyone. He's just here on general principle. Oh, and he doesn't have to piss and he's not hungry.

Reaching out to touch Talon's bicep, Dawn paused.

Your fucking arms are bigger than my legs, dude! Wow! I bet you curl like motorcycles and shit, huh?

Bouncing back to Ambrose, she said

And Rupert's not around and he needed a room to hole up in. Do we have any pineapples in the kitchen?
Ambrose 18 years ago
The girl had side tracked him enough that Ambrose was startled by the new arrival. This was one damned big dude and, especially considering he had only one leg, there was very little chance of surviving a physical confrontation.

But he’d been the aggressor before and hadn’t let the lack of a limb change his responses. So he stood straighter, less weight on his cane more on the balls of his feet. It wasn’t really aggressive, just alert, ready to react.

All that flew out the window at Dawn’s response. Shit. What was she on? Maybe there was tequila involved. This was not a sane response. Even so Ambrose managed a nod at the mountain.


“Like she said I’m Ambrose. I just got here and though I should introduce myself.”

Mormon boy? Pineapples? Maybe she should just go and come back later. Maybe he should find Evenhet, maybe he should go back to California or Mexico was nice this time of year.
Talon 18 years ago
Talon stood there, trying to look stern.

Dawn
Holy fucking shit man, how much beef did YOU eat as a kid? You're the biggest guy I've seen in the real before. Right on! You live here too? Oh, yeah, I'm Dawn and this is Ambrose. Rupert put me up and Mormon boy was coming to check in oh and I still need to meet Mai. Who're you? Mechanic? House bouncer? Viking overlord? Metal drummer?

Oh, and I already asked if he was looking for anyone. He's just here on general principle. Oh, and he doesn't have to piss and he's not hungry.


The rapid fire information took a second to sink in, he then took a moment to sort it all out 'okay shes Dawn and he's Ambrose..ok'

Ambrose
“Like she said I’m Ambrose. I just got here and though I should introduce myself.”


he took a step closer to them and held out his hand "Names Talon, nice to meet ya"

"Welcome aboard.. both of you" he paused, "I havent seen Mai in a few, but the last time I did she was on the Balcony, that is, if your looking for her" he looked around "Not sure where that butler guy is, I think he creeps outa the woodwork when he's needed" he leaned over to the intercom and pressed the call button "Hey Higgins, turn off your Matlock re-runs we got new arrivals here"

he grinned at Dawn when she made the crack about curling motorcycles, he couldn't help but puff up a little bit.

"I'm not sure about the pineapples.. "
Dawn Ratana 18 years ago
Frowning at Talon, she shook her head.

Talon's a cool name, is that really what your mom called you, though? Poor Ambrose here is the only one who's name doesn't mean something else. We can call you Rose, though, dude. No trouble. Besides, his name is probably something like Einar instead of Talon. But play along because he could rip our arms out of our sockets and beat us to death with them, okay? I don't want to get smacked up on account of your big mouth, fool!

Shaking Talon's hand vigorously, she looked over to Ambrose.

Sorry dude, but this guy's got a way firmer grip. He could definitely curl me. I bet I could pop up on his bicep while he was flexing and he'd barely even notice! It'd be like that pic in X-Factor where Guido has a little groupie sitting on his bicep for the promotional photos! Sweet!

Bouncing back from Talon a bit, she frowned.

Hey! I'm not your fucking groupie, man! So don't get any ideas! Rose, can you believe this guy? Jeez! Oh, shit. Pineapple! Back in a sec!

Running off toward the kitchen, she couldn't believe her luck. So far the guys here were way sexier than Ko. But hell, even Rupert had him beat. And Rupert had class - he hadn't even said anything crude when she flashed her tits! Oh. He was probably gay.

((ooc: Dawn out for a second so that meaningful conversation can occur, but make it quick - she's just swiping a pineapple!))
Dawn Ratana 18 years ago
Skipping back into the room, partially shredded pineapple in her now rubber gloved hands, Dawn smiled. From behind her there were angry sounds about SOMETHING, but whatever. Scooping out the meat of the pineapple from the skin, she offered some to Talon and Ambrose. When both hesitated, she shrugged and tossed it over her shoulder, a trail of pulp behind her running, presumably, back tot he kitchen.

No trouble, guys, I just like the cores. You sure you don't want any? Pineapple makes cum taste better - your girlies will thank me. Well, they'll thank you anyway. Did y'all have a good conversation while I was in the kitchen, get your room all sorted out, or have an awkward manly silence while waiting fro Rupert to do the work?

Her excavation of the pineapple complete, she ripped it out of the husk. Holding out the husk to whomever wanted it, she rotated the core in her hand, making sure that there were no bad spots. Biting into the fibrous core of the pineapple, Dawn smiled. She liked the feel of the thick fibers shredding around her fangs.

Mmm. Sho...yho guyssh geh oon oo k? Shuu.

Finishing her chewing, Dawn swallowed down the lump of fiber.

Shit, sorry. So are you fools gettin' on ok? I'mma go find Mai.
Ambrose 18 years ago
Ambrose cringed at the idea of being called Rose. That was –not- going to be happening. Besides, his name did mean something; it just wasn’t as literal as Dawn or Talon.

Talking to Dawn was like being hit by a bus or something. It was hard to get your thoughts in any sort of logical order; she apparently produced enough energy to disrupt ordinary brain wave activity.


“If you don’t like Ambrose we can go with Isaac. In fact, lets do that.”

Watching her bounce off he couldn’t decide if he should be relived or disappointed. Rather than commit to either he almost asked Talon if she was always like this and how he coped with it, but Dawn was back… with a new toy, a messy one.

Shaking his head in the negative, no he did not want any pineapple.


“If you’re needing to find Mai maybe I should find Rupert.”
Dawn Ratana 18 years ago
Frowning, Dawn shook her head.

That's the kid whose dad wanted to kill for God or something, right? And then God swapped him for a ram or something at the last second? Nevermind. Too much work. We'll just call you Ambrose.

At the refusal of the pineapple, Dawn sighed.

Ah, single then? Fucking sucks, sorry I brought it up. Prolly good if you're new in town - long distance relationships blow when seeing all the new fish, what? S'all your, Talon.

Tossing the pineapple up in the air, not *at* Talon, but close enough that he could catch it if he wanted it, she shrugged.

Yeah, Rupe's prob'ly around somewhere. He was helping me with my clothes earlier, so you might want to try the bathroom.

Biting off another chunk of the core, she smiled. Yum.
Talon 18 years ago
Talon watched Dawn tear apart the fruit with a mixture of puzzlement and amusement.

when she mentioned the....benefits of eating pineapple he thought back to the last time he'd had an oppurtunity to worry about such things 'wow... been a long dry spell' he thought.. 'ahh well'


"I'm uh...single" he said cautiously

"Last time I saw Mai she was on the Balcony, but that was awhile ago" he said, his head tilting in the general direction of the balcony.

he caught the pineapple husk and took a bite out of the sweet pulpy flesh and smiled
Ambrose 18 years ago
“Nothing wrong with being single. It has advantages.”

OK so he’d not looked at Isaac quite that way, but now that Dawn mentioned it, the name was somewhat fitting. But mostly it was just his middle name; he and all his siblings (all told there were seven children) had biblical names. It wasn’t something Ambrose had paid a lot of attention to at the time. Hell even Ambrose was an Irish saint. Well biblical names weren’t that uncommon at the time so why should he have thought about it? Besides, other than the names his family hadn’t been particularly religious.

Mai, if he remembered right she was Elder of the Hunt. Damaris had been part of the Hunt and hand tried to steer him in that direction. He’d managed to resist biased on his missing limb. What kind of huntsman only had one leg?

For no reason at all watching the two of them eat, the pineapple made him laugh, slightly but clearly.


“I’ll go hunt down this Rupert guy if one of you will point me in the right direction then you can go in search of Mai. I sure don’t want to be accused of getting in the way.”

Getting in the way or not he had no idea where the bathroom was. But part of him dearly hoped Rupert was hiding there. He found being in Dawn’s company rather confusing.
Dawn Ratana 18 years ago
Frowning at Ambrose, Dawn shook her head sadly. Some men just didn't understand when you'd explained an important truth to them. At least Talon seemed to be a repentant singleton.

Well, with an outlook like that it is a good thing you enjoy it! Baaaawwwnnnng! See, at least the Berlin Wall here has the sense to prep for the off chance he'll get lucky next time he busts out those fangs. Dirty man. Really, it is a shame to see good pineapple go to waste, but I just don't go in as much for normal food anymore. Except good fibery foods that clean you out good. Still gotta drop the a-bombs from time to time, what!

This Ambrose guy seems a bit skittish...maybe I should stick around until Rupert shows up. Don't want him spooking and running off before he gets his room all set up.

No idea where Rupert could be. Tons of bathrooms in this place. And since I'm wandering aimlessly, we might as well stick together. Strength in numbers and all that shit, y'know? ONWARD!

Without thinking about what she was doing, Dawn wandered up the stairs in the direction of the balcony that Talon had described. At the top, she wondered if the pair would follow her or take off. Either way, she wasn't gonna find Mai standing in the foy yay thingie.
Ambrose 18 years ago
His opinions on Dawn kept fluctuating, one second she was funny as hell the next second he had no idea what to make of her and the second after that getting the hell out of Dodge seemed like the best course of action. It was exhausting, how did she cope being like that and was this her normal state? No, strike that, he didn’t want an answer.

Doing his best to go with the flow he grinned, a little weak, but genuine.


“Save me a piece of the next pineapple. Maybe I’ll get lucky if I hang around town long enough.”

Wondering aimlessly, that was not an encouraging idea. But if they wandered long enough maybe, he’d meet someone that was easier to relate to… or find an escape route and come back tomorrow. That was an option as well.

Shit. Why couldn’t they have wandered around on the ground floor? Ambrose hated stairs and used elevators when ever possible, but this time it didn’t look possible. Gritting his teeth he slowly started up along with Dawn, reminding himself to ask for a room down stairs.

He was about half way up the stairs when he decided small talk to kill the silence, and distract him, was in order.


“Do I get to ask why this mission to find Mai?”