Glassdell Session 2C: The Velvet Room 3

[20:29:22] [~castfromhp] January 6th, it's the first Saturday of 2007, and things have finally calmed down a bit in the city after the hectic events of the new year. On the bustling streets near Konungswiche University, students are chattering about the English cricket team's recent loss in Sydney or about the start of classes on Monday.
[20:29:22] [~castfromhp] The snow covering the sidewalk is still thick from the previous day, and the Royal Raven stands out with its front steps still coated with a deep layer of white compared to the worn paths up to the other bars. As you wander into view of its aged wooden sign, you see a few drunken students stumble in for a look and quickly peek back out, eager to seek less quiet and more energetic venues for their last Saturday of freedom.
[20:29:22] [~castfromhp] BGM: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dHSWlj88mA
[20:34:05] * Basil Stares at the Raven, rubbing his hands together, the cold sweat making his fingers numb. Breathing some warmth into his closed fists, trying to work the courage to go in he finally starts to take the first steps towards it, blindly walking.
[20:36:04] * Cassie arrives a minute or two later, bundled up in a big puffy winter coat. She checks her invitation again, as if to double check the name, before walking in.
[20:36:05] [~castfromhp] Your feet sink deep into the snow as you trod up to a heavy wooden door with a worn curled handle. A carving of a raven holding a key dangling from a string stares at you from head height.
[20:38:37] [~castfromhp] It takes a bit of effort to push the door open. You're greeted by a small, dimly lit bar. Most of the lighting comes from a large backlit liquor shelf, in front of which stands a blond haired woman, her hair flowing down around her shoulders. She's wearing a blue dress shirt and a vest, and she's busy making cocktails for the handful of students who've chosen to make this place their haunt for the last Saturday before classes.
[20:42:26] * Basil Mumbles to himself about ravens and being posh little shits and takes a seat away from the other kids. Slipping his card out of a pocket it slides it back and forth his small length of bar.
[20:44:36] * Cassie looks for a place to sit on the bar upon coming in, away from the entrance and away from any tables or other people, if possible.
[20:46:12] [~castfromhp] "Welcome to the Royal Raven." The woman glides over to Basil, with a glance at his card. She takes out a martini glass. "You seem rather troubled tonight, sir. Shall I make you the house special?" She brushes the card with her finger and gives you a knowing glance.
[20:48:41] [Basil] "Uh, yeah, Er, yes please. That's exactly why I am here, House Special. Yes." He tries to keep his composure but flushes slightly.
[20:48:55] [~castfromhp] She also slides a menu your way and one to Cassie as well. There are the usual cocktails with a note that requests for off-menu items are accepted, some fancy eats like oysters and bruschetta and the like, and a decent selection of beers.
[20:50:25] [~castfromhp] "I'm Alexandra, by the way. Pleased to meet you." She grabs a shaker and twirls it in the air before beginning to pour and mix a drink from about a half dozen different bottles. It's finished rather quickly, and she slides it in front of you before gliding over to Cassie.
[20:51:17] [Cassie] "Oh hum. Okay, I'd like the bruschetta, and a glass of red wine."
[20:51:28] [Cassie] "Also, do you know anything about this?"
[20:51:33] [Cassie] Cassie puts the card on the counter
[20:53:02] [~castfromhp] "May I see some ID ma'am?" Alexandra says, then sees your card and stops. "Ah, nevermind that will do of course. Would you like to try our house special drink while I fetch the wine menu? It's rather exensive."
[20:53:06] [~castfromhp] *extensive
[20:54:03] * Basil Stares at the drink, and then at Cassie, and finally the card. "Uh, thank you." Swiiiiig.
[20:54:18] [Cassie] "Oh uh. Sure."
[20:54:35] [Basil] "Oh,  I'm Basil"
[20:54:47] [~castfromhp] (give me a moment Beard)
[20:56:12] [~castfromhp] As you set the glass down after taking a swig Basil, the room swirls and shifts around you. Superficially, it looks much the same, but like everything has been run through a deep blue filter. The tables all around the bar are gone now, and everyone at them as well as everyone at the bar seems to have disappeared, save for you and Alexandra.
[20:56:58] [~castfromhp] The wooden floor of the bar has been replaced by grey and black tiles that stretch off into the horizon, past where the walls of the bar used to be. Off to the side is a player piano at which is seated an elderly man with the longest nose you've ever seen.
[20:57:27] [~castfromhp] Alexandra quickly mixes up a complex drink in a martini glass for you, Cassie, and sets it down as she goes to fetch a heavy book from the back of the bar.
[20:58:55] [~castfromhp] Velvet Room BGM: http://www.listenonrepeat.com/watch/?v=0JAXfUKb30k
[21:00:45] [Cassie] "Well, I hope this drink is free."
[21:00:54] * Cassie takes a delicate sip from the martini glass.
[21:01:51] * Basil Looks around, then back to his drink then at Alexandra. "God Damn it."
[21:02:06] [~castfromhp] A blue tint falls over your eyes as you sip, and you find yourself suddenly sitting in the changed room as well.
[21:03:02] [Cassie] "Well then."
[21:03:23] [~castfromhp] "My apologies for the lack of warning." Alexandra says with a slight bow toward the two of you. "You've come on a busy night, and it can be difficult to meet our special guests with discretion in such situations."
[21:04:57] * Cassie is still looking around, a bit bewildered.
[21:05:53] * You are now known as Igor
[21:06:00] [Cassie] "I suppose after New Year's, this oughtn't be MUCH of a shock but... I was beginning to think there were shrooms in that soup Alicia brought."
[21:07:20] [Cassie] "So uh, what's the ... you know, could you make some explainy noises for me?"
[21:07:24] [~Igor] "Ah, our last two guests have arrived then. It will take some getting used to having so many of you at once." The old man speaks up in a slow, creaky voice. "I am Igor, and I am delighted to make your acquaintance."
[21:07:39] [Basil] "Wish I could have blamed drugs on what I saw and did. But no, damn bir-"
[21:08:02] [Basil] "Uh. Hello."
[21:08:18] [~Igor] "Certainly. You are in the Velvet Room, a sanctuary for those who have been struck by a most peculiar destiny at the beginning of this new year."
[21:08:25] [Cassie] "Oh, a pleasure to meet you sir."
[21:09:30] [~Igor] "You are the last two to arrive, so you must be..." Igor slides a leather-bound book out of the top of the piano and opens it up. "Cassandra Husher and Basil Cartwright?"
[21:09:45] [Cassie] "Yes that's right sir."
[21:09:59] [Cassie] "I mean, for my part. I'm Cassandra Husher, at your service."
[21:10:01] [~Igor] Alexandra looks to Basil. "So you've met Poe then, our mascot and namesake? You must be the boy he was talking about."
[21:11:12] * Basil Shakes his head "You got the name right, but I dunno about any destiny. Just wrong pla-" and then groans mid sentence.
[21:11:31] [Basil] "Yeah I met him. We talked."
[21:11:35] [Cassie] "Poe?"
[21:11:40] * Cassie thinks of the ghosts from Zelda
[21:13:18] [~Igor] "Poe is, like me, an assistant to the Velvet Room." Alexandra explains. "He's a raven and where this establishment gets its name. But that isn't what you came here for, is it?"
[21:13:18] [Basil] "A raven. A bit of a shit. He fights monsters. Er, shadows i guess they are."
[21:14:18] [Cassie] "The Velvet Room? That's the name of this place then?"
[21:14:37] [Cassie] "And you said it was a Sanctuary; does that mean we'll NEED a Sanctuary now, now that we're... whatever we are? Peculiarly destined?"
[21:14:51] [Cassie] "And you said there were a lot of us! Ramita, and myself, and this guy?"
[21:14:56] [Cassie] "Or are there more?"
[21:15:07] * Cassie MACHINE GUN QUESTION POW POW POW POW
[21:16:04] * Igor grins widely. "Do you feel as if you need a sanctuary? One at a time. There are eight of you, and Ramita Patel is among those of this peculiar destiny."
[21:16:54] [Cassie] "Eight huh? Well, I see then..."
[21:17:55] * Basil Rubs the back of his neck. "Huh. S'more than usual? Er what ever th'usual is for here?"
[21:18:11] [~Igor] "You have a set of keys, yes? And you have awakened to a power within yourself calling itself Persona." Igor asks as if processing applicants for passage through a checkpoint or at an office.
[21:19:01] [Cassie] "Yeah, that's right. Coyote."
[21:19:21] [Basil] "Yeah...Mannan  Mac Lir..."
[21:19:48] [Cassie] "Though frankly I'm offended, it seems very Colonial and my family's always been proper about the Royals."
[21:20:43] [~Igor] "Even so, it must reflect something about you if it is the Persona you have awakened to. But that is something you will have to think about on your time."
[21:22:12] [~Igor] "Persona is a power born of your inner strength, a mask with which to face life's difficulties." Igor recites. "And just as humanity is capable of calling upon great inner strength, it is capable of great darkness as well. That is what you confronted on new year's day, and that is what we of the Velvet Room are empowered to aid you in fighting, in a limited manner."
[21:23:17] [Basil] "So. They're us, the inner us? Or something. And we need to fight peoples...Shadows? The mirrored side of a persona? Or some bollocks?"
[21:23:41] [~Igor] "Normally, only one individual is guest to our Velvet Room at a time, and they are bound by a contract before entering. This time, there are eight, and it seems you have not willingly entered a contract. It is a new situation for us as well." Igor slides over the leather-bound book.
[21:24:47] [Cassie] "Oh, perfect!"
[21:25:05] [Cassie] "So we can opt out of all of this? Not I'm plan to, but, it's an option?"
[21:25:20] [Cassie] "Or... are you saying just the opposite?"
[21:25:21] [~Igor] "I see Poe has explained a little to you already. That is the simple way to put it. There is a reason why another world has started to appear in the cracks and fissures of this city, and if it is not discovered and resolved...I do believe if you are the individual with Poe at that time, you have seen the consequences."
[21:26:05] [~Igor] "You seem to have inherited the burdens of another." Igor opens the book and taps at the page.
[21:26:38] * Cassie leans over to look at the page.
[21:26:53] * Basil Shakes his head as he looks at the book.
[21:27:04] [~Igor] There's a certificate drafted up in fancy calligraphy. "I, the undersigned, do agree to take responsibility for all my actions, past, present, and future." Underneath is an x'd line to sign on, with a signature that you make out as saying 'Czeslaw Maltsev' after a bit of scrutiny.
[21:27:23] [~Igor] Underneath that, in the same handwriting as the signature, is the folllowing: "Finding myself unable to fulfill the terms of my contract, I have passed on my responsibilities to the following: Basil Cartwright, Cassandra Husher, Jeffrey Miller, Kimi Miyama, Nicholas Blackfield, Poe, Ramita Patel, Ryoko Shimizu."
[21:27:50] [Cassie] "ONE person passed it on to all of us? Wow, rude."
[21:28:17] [Basil] "Who the bloody hell is Ceslamaltsef?"
[21:30:50] [~Igor] Alexandra speaks up. "He was the last guest to the Velvet Room. This is the third visit we've had of individuals from the eight chosen here, so we've pieced together some of what's happened." She slides over some paper. "First of all, here's the contact info for some of the others. I was told to pass it on." You get the emails, phone numbers, etc for a Ryoko Shimizu and a Kimi Miyama on there. The latter has a note saying to text on
[21:30:50] [~Igor] ly, not call.
[21:33:02] [Basil] "So. This is why the bird thought is so funny."
[21:33:53] [~Igor] "May I see your keys for a second?" Alexandra says as she takes out some Italian bread and starts cutting it up.
[21:34:52] * Basil Offers the keys "I wont' lie I've been to afraid to use 'em"
[21:35:43] [Cassie] "Sure...."
[21:36:01] * Cassie takes out her keys, and hands 'em over.
[21:38:04] [~Igor] "Each of these rings of keys represents a Persona." Alexandra picks up each ring in a hand, though she pauses for a second to stare at Basil's ring before continuing.
[21:39:50] [~Igor] "Typically, our guests will gain many of these keys over their visit here, manifesting many Personas, many different masks. Our guests tend to be those moving to a new home or changing their lives in a big way. Their futures are filled with uncertainties. To strengthen themselves and form more Personas, they must seek out others and form strong bonds of trust and friendship that empower them to face their new lives."
[21:41:33] [~Igor] "As for you, you have quite situated lives here and while you may develop your powers further, you will likely never form additional Personas." Alexandra continues to explain. "But that's not the main point here. Czeslaw failed to seek out others and shouldered the burden himself for months before deciding to bring others in to help him. I believe that may be why he found himself unable to handle the situation in the end and perhaps
[21:41:33] [~Igor]  why he disappeared."
[21:42:16] [~Igor] "We don't know what happened to those he may have chosen to help him, but regardless after speaking with the other guests, it seems like he must have chosen to bequeath his powers among so many at once so they would be forced to work together and avoid his mistake."
[21:42:33] [Cassie] "Poor guy."
[21:42:43] * Cassie looks genuinely sad :<
[21:43:02] [~Igor] "I'm sorry if this is a lot to take in at once." Alexandra slides forward a plate of bruschetta. "Your food? This place lies between dream and reality, so you won't get full off eating this, but you can still taste it."
[21:43:28] [Cassie] "What."
[21:43:59] [Cassie] "You mean I can eat here as much as I want and I won't ever get full or get fat!?!?!?"
[21:44:37] [~Igor] "That's...correct. Here at least." Alexandra raises an eyebrow, taken aback by your reaction.
[21:46:35] * Cassie reverently picks up a piece of bruschetta, raising it level with her mouth. She just stares at it.
[21:47:45] [Cassie] "Alright. So.. these burdens Czeslaw passed on..."
[21:48:17] [Cassie] "What are they exactly? Just to fight ... shadow... thingies... as they appear? Or do we have a more specific mission?"
[21:51:01] * Igor explains in his raspy voice. "Part of your burden is simply to discover what it is you must do. There is some reason why this world has crept between the cracks in your city and taken residence, and you will have to delve deep into it to discover the reason or source. We in the Velvet Room are limited, both in our knowledge of the situation and the extent to which we can aid you or answer you."
[21:52:42] * Basil Just stares at both Igor and Alexandra. "So the guy who had this job before us, fucked royaly off and left it to some random folks and a bird? And we don't even know what we 'ave to do?"
[21:52:50] [Basil] "Right."
[21:53:27] [Basil] "Will we end up like him?"
[21:54:25] [~Igor] "That is up to you and your actions. You have the advantage of others to work with but the disadvantage of this situation having been left to fester in Czeslaw's absence."
[21:57:15] * Cassie suddenly bites the bruschetta, after having just held it in front of her face during Igor's entire explanation.
[21:57:51] * Cassie swallows loudly, looking pleased. "Alright. Well, I guess we better find out whatever it is we're supposed to do."
[21:58:38] [~Igor] "The Velvet Room will always be open as a meeting place for you and your companions if you should wish to use it."
[22:00:53] [Cassie] "But surely there's a little more you can tell us! I mean, where do we even start here?"
[22:01:20] * Cassie takes another bite of bruschetta. omnom
[22:03:50] * Basil Rubs the back of his neck "Yeah... I mean thank you. Igor. Alexandra. But what do we do know? Get together and 'ope to find shadows? Do any of know where to start even? Did he leave anything other than that book?" He nods jerkily to the contract his face getting flush as he starts to talk in lounder bursts
[22:03:55] [~Igor] Alexandra speaks up this time, returning your rings of keys. "You should be able to reopen doors into this realm - Czes called it the Durance - using any of your keys. I'd suggest exploring, in safe groups of course. Igor here can forge new Keys that will help you develop the powers of your Persona if you can form strong bonds with others."
[22:04:34] [Cassie] "Strong bonds, huh?"
[22:04:55] [Cassie] "Including our own team-mates?"
[22:05:08] [~Igor] She continues, nodding at Basil. "Czes likely left notes and other items in the Durance. He..." She reaches out and taps one of your keys, the one with various cogs and gears on the inside of the bobber, "was rather fond of this Key, from the few personal conversations I had with him."
[22:05:16] * Cassie is already thinking of all them as team mates, even though she hasn't met anyone besides Ramita or Basil!
[22:05:27] [~Igor] "Yes, exactly."
[22:05:46] [~Igor] "Not this specific Key I mean," Alexandra clarifies quickly, "but one quite like it."
[22:06:13] [Cassie] "I see, I see..."
[22:06:14] * Basil Looked terrified for a moment "Oh...That might explain the door I guess..."
[22:06:23] [~Igor] "This one gives you a measure of power over machines, right? I guess if there's one thing I might look out for, it's devices he might have made and left around."
[22:07:12] [Cassie] "Well, is there anything else you need to tell us, or is that pretty much it?"
[22:09:32] [~Igor] Alexandra glances to Igor with an uncharacteristically nervous expression. The old man begins to speak. "Aside from crafting new Keys for you, the other service the Velvet Room provides is divination." He waves his hand, and a deck of cards appears in it, with the same back as your invitations. "However..."
[22:10:26] [Basil] "Divination? Fortune Telling?"
[22:12:37] [~Igor] "The others who visited yesterday asked me to perform a reading for them all, but I could only handle one at the time. I later attempted to perform another reading regarding one of them and also for the two guests who had not yet arrived and found..." He flips up a card revealing a Tower.
[22:13:17] [~Igor] "The Tower represents a change in direction, an upheaval or revelation."
[22:13:48] [Cassie] "Like that we're all Magic Keywizards?"
[22:13:54] [~Igor] "But," And you both see the card begin to slowly blacken, "in this case it is unmistakably tied to ruin and catastrophe."
[22:14:08] [Cassie] "Oh, that's a bit more ominous."
[22:14:38] [Cassie] "Do a reading of Basil!"
[22:14:55] [~Igor] "And it is also unmistakably tied to what you have experienced." Igor levels a gnarled finger at Basil. "Along with Poe, but he has not been by here again since I attempted the reading. Perhaps you can explain just what you experienced on the turning of the new year?"
[22:15:10] [Basil] "nono I am fine really."
[22:15:44] [Cassie] "Okay, do a reading of ME then!"
[22:15:59] * Cassie scoots her bar stool up to Igor.
[22:18:12] [Basil] "We, well Poe fought a giant eel monster. And...I closed a giant door. It was controlled with gears and levers. And...it left a lock. A black thing that looked old and nealry broke. I think. Its a bit of a haze. But I remember that door. And how it made the eel shrank"
[22:19:30] [Basil] "Yeah. That's what happened."
[22:19:36] * Basil shakes his head.
[22:19:56] [~Igor] "Very well." Igor begins to shuffle the cards back as Alexandra listens thoughtfully to Basil's explanation.
[22:23:16] [~Igor] Alexandra speaks up after a moment. "My closest guess would be to say the reading Igor performed has to do with securing Shadows behind that door. You were lucky to encounter one outside the Durance without worse consequences than what you suffered."
[22:23:36] * Maya is now known as Kain
[22:25:06] [Basil] "Yeah...So there are more of those things in there? And we need to 'secure' them?"
[22:25:08] [~Igor] Meanwhile, Igor pulls up three cards from the deck, facing Cassie. The first flips to show an angelic figure blowing a trumpet with a flag hanging from it. A crowd stares up at his form. "Judgment. Your past has been defined by a decisive choice that has brought you where you are now."
[22:26:23] [~Igor] Alexandra taps her fingers on the bar. "That's likely. You'd have to go see for yourself to be sure."
[22:28:21] [Cassie] "Well okay, sure."
[22:29:38] * Basil Sighs "Locking them up won't do anything I guess...So me and poe and some others. Oy."
[22:30:14] [Cassie] "What, you're not thrilled to be working with the likes of me?"
[22:30:16] * Cassie winks at Basil
[22:30:18] [~Igor] Igor pulls a second card, showing a set of three stars in an archway overlooking a group of people. "The three of pentacles. Your present is defined by creativity and artistry." And then he reaches for the last card, which is a heart pierced by three swords. "...The three of swords is your future. It represents the coming of painful revelations. You should prepare yourself accordingly."
[22:31:11] [Cassie] "Well, how vague. Thank you all the same."
[22:31:55] [~Igor] "Of course. It is what we are here to do." Igor nods as he puts his cards away.
[22:33:01] * Basil Flushes and sputters "Oh well I don't not want to I just don't know what all we are doing and who."
[22:33:20] [~Igor] "I have also performed a reading for the eight of you as a whole. You should speak with the others if you want to learn the details of that one."
[22:33:36] [Cassie] "Alright, thanks!"
[22:33:51] [Cassie] "That's just what we'll do. Right ... uh, Basil, right?"
[22:35:31] [Basil] "Uh, yeah. Basil, Basil Cartwright...er, Cass?"
[22:36:12] [Cassie] "Cass works, Cassandra will do, Cassie's better, and a nickname is best!"
[22:36:37] * Cassie steals Basil's hand and shakes it.
[22:37:24] * Aori_Radidjiu is now known as Aori_Radisleep
[22:37:27] * Basil Is shook. "Er, right. Cassie. You are taking this well."
[22:37:28] [Cassie] "Looks like we're going to adventuring together so... why don't we got get some ice cream? I need dairy to deal with this level of revelations. And we can invite these girls... Ryoko and Kimi."
[22:37:48] * Corrine is now known as Poe
[22:37:50] [Cassie] "You aren't? I'm sorry, I guess I should be more considerate."
[22:37:58] [Cassie] "It's just that..."
[22:38:09] [Cassie] "It's so Thrilling!"
[22:39:23] [Basil] "Uh. Sure. Just not used to it I guess. Just. Not what I expected from the year. Y'know?"
[22:39:27] [Poe] suddenly, IT'S POE! He pops in with a velvet room card clutched in his claws. "Hello, everyone, I brought - Oh."
[22:40:35] [~Igor] "Just being sure everyone is accounted for, this is the young man you mentioned earlier, Poe?" Alexandra asks with a nod toward Basil.
[22:40:36] * Cassie is startled by the sudden appearance of a talking bird.
[22:41:04] [Poe] "It is indeed him. Good evening, Basil. How are you?"
[22:42:07] * Basil Waves "Hello, Poe. I am better than I was. We are getting icecream."
[22:42:30] [Poe] :>? "In this weather?"
[22:42:37] [~Igor] "You should introduce yourself properly to our last guest, Poe." Alexandra sets out the usual tray of bread and olive oil.
[22:43:36] * Basil Shrugs
[22:43:38] [Poe] "Oh, of course. My apologies. Madam, I am Poe, envoy of the Velvet Room. I handle terrestial affairs for this area of the world."
[22:45:27] * Poe birdbows.
[22:46:42] [Cassie] "My pleasure to meet you, Poe! I'm Cassandra Husher, uhm, I'm not an envoy to anything I don't think. I do music and stuff. You don't have to call me Madam, you can just call me Cassie!"
[22:46:46] * Cassie curtsies
[22:47:55] [Poe] "This one, at least, seems enthusiastic," Poe comments to Alexandra.
[22:48:39] [~Igor] "Quite so. That's a relief given how recalcitrant some of our guests have been." She replies.
[22:49:11] * Basil flushes
[22:49:16] [Cassie] "Recalcitrance? Oh no. I hope they're not scared. I mean, they have the right, it's all... very strange, and dangerous, it seems like."
[22:49:22] [Cassie] "But how can you just...."
[22:49:26] [Poe] "In any matter, due to a strange quirk of fate, I, too, have been chosen as a user of Persona, as have the rest of you."
[22:49:41] [Cassie] "I mean, doesn't everyone kind of ... wish for something like this?"
[22:49:50] * Poe birdshrugs.
[22:50:02] [Poe] "I don't think I am in a position to guess."
[22:50:14] [Cassie] "Like, to be secretly actually special? To be powerful? To be chosen for some greater good?"
[22:50:28] [Cassie] "I mean, heck, that's half of our escapism. I should know."
[22:50:52] [~Igor] Alexandra shrugs along with Poe. "For some, it is harder to accept a fate like this however special, and not all among you seemed ready to place great trust in one another."
[22:51:27] [~Igor] "It's true though," She continues. "You can think of yourselves as representatives for humanity now, essentially. It's a great blessing and a terrible burden."
[22:51:46] * Cassie nods gravely.
[22:52:18] * Basil Nods. "Right right, representatives for all of everyone."
[22:52:38] [Cassie] "I haven't met the others yet, so I don't know what they're like... whether they've kind, or clever, or brave, but... I for my part will try and do as much as I can."
[22:53:00] [Poe] "And that, of course, is all we could possibly ask, my dear."
[22:53:12] [Cassie] "Because like I said, this sort of thing, it's like ... a dream. And I'd be spitting in the face of everyone who ever dreamed that dream if I didn't! And that'd be basically everyone!"
[22:53:30] [Cassie] "And a proper British lady would never spit in literally everyone's face."
[22:53:44] [Cassie] "... Okay that got away from me, but you get my point."
[22:54:52] * Basil cracks a grin for the first time. "Just a bit."
[22:55:12] [~Igor] Alexandra smiles a little at Cassie's little speech too. "I have high hopes for you all then."
[22:55:19] * Poe privately changes his judgement from 'enthusiastic' to 'way too enthusiastic'
[22:55:50] [Cassie] "I guess first thing is we should meet with everyone and see how they all feel about this...."
[22:55:57] [Cassie] "Uhm, what about you Basil?"
[22:56:14] [Poe] "That would not be a bad idea - perhaps a meet-up could be decided upon."
[22:56:26] [Poe] "As messenger, it would be my honor to facilitate."
[22:58:03] [Basil] "What about me? Uh. Well. I didn't ask none for this. But I won't back out I guess. That thing I saw on new years, I don't want any more out in the world. S'all I know. So yeah, I'll do my best." He sort of mumbles the last bit.
[22:59:17] * Poe pats Basil on the back. "Well said, my good man."
[23:00:38] * Basil Grins "And yeah, If y'don't mind Poe if you could talk to the others that'd be grand. We onlt got the mobile numbers for two of 'em."
[23:00:39] * Cassie gives Basil a VERY CHASTE kiss on the cheek!
[23:00:49] [Cassie] "I'm glad to hear it!"
[23:01:26] * Poe bird nods. "Shall I tell them to gather here?"
[23:01:41] [~Igor] "It sounded like you know Ramita already." Alexandra says, turning to Cassie. "She met with a few of the others - Nick and Jeff - so you could ask her for their contact info too."
[23:02:13] [Cassie] "Oh, that's convenient!"
[23:03:15] * Basil Has turned red. But not any normal shade, the shade of red reserved for tomatoes who have achived the status of devine fruits of the land. Those succulent fruits made only to sate the gods, or to go in VERY expensive salads.
[23:04:34] * Cassie does not even notice, or least doesn't SEEM to.
[23:05:10] [Poe] "May I ask you a terribly rude question, the both of you?"
[23:05:14] [Cassie] "Well, Mr. Poe, I guess we could arrange a meeting here for ... uhm, tonight? Is that enough time? A few hours?"
[23:05:35] [Cassie] "Oh, if you like Mr. Poe."
[23:05:38] * Basil Manshrugs at Poe.
[23:06:18] [Poe] "I should like to see the cards that you procured - the ones bearing the invitation to the Royal Raven."
[23:06:27] [Poe] "It is, of course, fine if you refuse!"
[23:08:31] [Basil] "Uh, can, can I think about that for a bit?"
[23:08:49] [Cassie] "I ...."
[23:08:59] [Cassie] "I didn't even know that was a rude question."
[23:09:09] [Cassie] "Among.... hey, what are we now? Is there like, a name for us?"
[23:09:19] [Poe] "You'll have to make one up~"
[23:09:25] [Poe] "In any case, here is mine."
[23:09:41] [Poe] http://i.imgur.com/etBvgXx.jpg
[23:09:47] [Poe] He nudges the card over with his beak.
[23:09:49] * Basil mumbles "With all these cards we're like a deck."
[23:10:30] [~Igor] "Eight is rather few for a deck," Alexandra remarks as she sets out a few shot glasses, "but it is catchy I suppose."
[23:11:17] [Cassie] "A deck! That's just what we are. It's very clever of you to see it, Basil!"
[23:11:42] [Cassie] "Oh, and here's mine Mr. Poe."
[23:11:44] [Cassie] http://i.imgur.com/pCFxm8R.jpg
[23:12:14] [Poe] "Fascinating. Thank you very much."
[23:12:15] [Basil] "What? I wasn't-alright then"
[23:13:49] * Basil refrains from looking.
[23:14:32] [Cassie] "So everyone's card is different, huh?"
[23:14:58] [Cassie] "Strength... me? Well how about that."
[23:15:10] [Poe] "Yes. Are you aware of the Tarot, Miss Cassie?"
[23:15:28] [Cassie] "I know of it, yes."
[23:16:30] [Cassie] "An old one-toothed gypsy crone in a dark tent, shuffling odd, long cards, and looking into a crystal ball!"
[23:16:48] [Cassie] "All that sparkle and drama."
[23:17:08] [Basil] "I. Don't think its quite liek that."
[23:17:20] [Cassie] "Well apparently not."
[23:17:31] [Cassie] "But that's the common notion."
[23:17:58] [Poe] Poe puffs out his chest. "Simply put, the major arcana are used as a archetypical shorthand to categorize both Personae and the people who call upon them. You are Strength, I am the Hierophant, these all mean certain things. It is, of course, up to you if you shall live to your archetype or blaze your own trail."
[23:18:23] * Poe deflates a bit as Cassie BADLY MANGLES the importance of the Tarot >:
[23:18:53] * Cassie is just saying that's the COMMON NOTION GEEZ!
[23:19:43] [Cassie] "And what are you, Basil? If uh, you don't mind me asking?"
[23:20:31] [Basil] "Uh, Temperance."
[23:24:04] [Poe] "Fascinating! Good sense and moderation in all things. But don't be afraid to break out of your rut and shine, lad!"
[23:24:08] * Poe gestures GRANDLY
[23:25:03] [~Igor] Alexandra begins to fill up the shot glasses with a blue liqueur. "If you're looking to find the others tonight, then you may go ahead and take one of these drinks to leave the Velvet Room. You're always welcome to gather here, of course. Just let me know when you come in."
[23:27:00] [Cassie] "Well alright."
[23:27:11] [Cassie] "Meet here in three hours then, Basil?"
[23:27:25] [Cassie] "That should give everyone enough time, right? We'll see who shows up I guess...."
[23:27:27] * Basil Nods taking the shot glass in hand. "Right. Three hours."
[23:28:41] * Basil Swirlswilr chug
[23:29:32] * Cassie noswirl sip sip
[23:29:36] [~Igor] When you finish downing your drink, Basil, you find yourself back in the Royal Raven, your hand empty of the shot glass you held just a second ago.
[23:29:53] [Basil] "Oy."
[23:30:08] [~Igor] You as well Cassie. A brief glance around tells you some time has passed, as there are fewer people around at the tables now. It's lucky you chose a relatively isolated spot.
[23:31:29] [~Igor] Alexandra scoots over, this time with a plate of real bruschetta. "Would you like me to bag this for you?" She then whispers a bit more quietly. "Business here is slow most of the time, but if you're meeting as a group here I'd suggest taking a table at one of the booths for privacy."
[23:32:39] * Saryx has quit (Ping timeout)
[23:34:38] [Poe] "I have some things I need to do here, so I shan't be joining you for now. Farewell, both of you~"
[23:37:28] [Cassie] "Uh, right. G'bye!"
[23:37:35] [Cassie] "And yeah, will do Alexandra."
[23:38:03] * Basil waves to poe