"Hey, hey, alright. They are bringing in a big shipment of drugs, you know the hard stuff, some from heroin from Afghanistan, coming via Africa. Then they are going to distribute around." the man speaks hurriedly seeing the knives out for him. "This stuff is so pure it'll kill thousands, a slow lingering death. The Poppy Court and Marionette are creating some new variant, I haven't really done too much research into it, she wants to try and set up some distribution channels I think, that's why she is meeting the others." his words become a run-on sentence. The dark waters seem to be calling to him.
"And you don't want to see that happen? Understandable. But your willing to kill the same people with a bomb?!? Not so clear." Danny says with a frown.
"Do you know where they are meeting?" He asks. leaning in a little closer despite himself.
The man bites his tongue against justifying any more of his actions, finally getting some sense at last he realises the group won't tolerate any more of his hypocrisy. Though in his mind he put's it down to them being freaks.
"Not exactly where they are meeting. I'll be in a few weeks yet..." He pauses; "You could talk to Lord Lawrence, he is dealing with the arrival of his Mistress. But our plan was to grab the werewolves; as they are dealing with the actual outer security. So we were going to grab a young pup called Bunny and extract the information from her."
"Well. I think that maybe, just maybe, you don't have to swim with the fishes." Danny says magnanimously.
"But don't think for a second that gets you a 'get out of jail free' card." He adds with a growl.
"I know that nothing I say is going to change your mind. It's made up. I won't even try. But think about this. Only one person in this tub was willing to kill thousands, maybe even millions, of innocent people. And trying to stage a silent coup using blackmail. From where I'm sitting, there's only monster in this boat."
Danny sighs. "Axe, would you be so kind as to tie up Mr. 'I'm only trying to help humanity' here? Use his belt." Danny looks sideways at the ROAB man, almost managing to hide a smirk. "And gag him with his tie. We don't the cops to find him until we're out of sight."
Danny pulls out his little notebook, and, using his left hand (so the handwriting can't possibly be traced back to him) he scribbles a short note. As Axe and Ken and Sal tie and gag the man, Danny pins the note to the front of his shirt with the tie clip.
"That should do it. Now, let's leave him where they're sure to find him, and get out of here." Danny grins, self-satisfied.
Sal listens for a few moments in stunned silence and finally breaks in, still covering the man with her pistol. "I don't know who this Bunny or Lord Lawrence or Marionette are - he's not telling the whole truth about Bunny, by the way. My guess is that interrogation is not all they intended with a 'werewolf freak'. But I have reason to believe he is not lying about the Poppy Court. And lingering death is not exactly right. If the stuff's really pure, it'll kill quickly. Those victims will be the lucky ones. The rest will be all docile and ready for the Poppy Court to use at their leisure."
She waits until Danny finishes his note and squints in the firelight to read it. "The information he's given us is huge, maybe bigger than you know. But I doubt they can convict him on force of your note, and I don't want to let the guy who put a nuke in Soho walk free. I wish we had some hard evidence we could give the authorities." She looks inquiringly at Letitia and Kenneth. "Did you find anything inside that can tie this guy to the bomb, or to blackmail?"
"Not that we have our hands on. But I'm sure there's plenty for a competent investigator to find, once they know where to start looking." Danny nods at his note.
Danny sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose.
"Did I just say 'competent' and 'police' in the same sentence? Day-um. I am too tired. " He grumps, looking at the twins with a wink.
Kenneth laughs, "Aye, ye did."
He turns to Sal and says, "Normally I'd agree with you about proof, but I dinnae think these are normal circumstances, ye ken. The burden of proof may be a wee mite lighter considering just who they were trying to blackmail."
"You're probably right," Sal replies heavily, "The system usually manages to find whatever 'justice' it wants to, depending on its political agenda."
She slumps into the bow, still cradling her firearm. "Let's get out of here. I need rest. My head is killing me. Whatever is coming, we need to prepare. Do you know folks know this 'Lord Lawrence'?"
Danny smirks. He doesn't even try to hide it.
"We've,... met." He grins smugly.
"Let's just say, his ego is big enough to make Godzilla look like a gecko. And coming from me, that's saying something!"
The boat slowly pulls towards the shore, drifting gently upon the inky lake.
Letitia adds; "Jericho & I went down to his shop in the Shambles. He's a Red-Court Vampire, seems to believe he's the Lord of the City." the Warden looks away slightly; "We haven't the resources to disusade him."
"His second is a tall African, Mr Aggoggo. And a black court punk, with a blue Mohawk Becca..." the Warden adds. "Usually, he's found at his antique shop, or on an evening at the "Gentlemen's club". Vamp's so predictable..." she shakes her head, but her words have held certain recrimination and hatred.
"Bunny? Not sure about her..." Letitia adds.
"Bunny? She's alright." Danny grins. Then quickly coughs and resumes a neutral expression when he realizes that both of the twins are looking at him, with identical raised eyebrows, their arms crossed, and lacquered nails tapping their elbows.
"If it's the girl I met at that interrupted party, shes a werewolf. She was protecting an older gentleman during the attack. 'Blond' I guess would describe her pretty well. She seems,... nice." He finishes carefully.
Letitia nods; "Yes, I can ensure that he will receive justice. And I am sure the Prime Minister and the entire government will be looking very closely at this organisation." she adds as they moor up and leave the man stranded & bound upon the dockside.
The darkness enfolds them all, "Shall we meet up soon to discuss what to do? There's an Art Exhibition Thursday, or we could meet at the Unicorn Bookshop - Neutral Accords territory; elsewise there is always Sara's Cocktail bar?"
Danny shrugs, putting his arms around the shivering twins.
"Any of the above is good with me. Let's just get out of here before they stop worrying about the house and start checking the rest of grounds!" he says with a hint of urgency, and a glance at the tent and house.
"Whatever works for me. Call my cell and we can make arrangements. The Spartan has my number. I'll be at Trip's house," Sal mumbles as she holsters her firearm and hauls herself from the boat. "I need to sleep for a week first. And some aspirin. Or something. Can you drop me there, Warden?"
Thus with the darkness clinging to the our hero's leave the Headquarters of the ROAB. Driving away from the manor, you see the Firemen and police questioning the suited members of the ROAB. To one side Saraya is talking with her call-girls and arranging to move them away. Whilst the politicians sheepishly talk to senior policemen.
Whilst down at the bottom of the hill, lit by the burning boat upon the lake, lies bound and awaiting the long arm of the law - a confession upon his gagged lips.
Thus the Heroes rush off into the night having saved both England and the West.
Danny
As the next couple of weeks pass, a strange video is featured on youtube. The Prime Minister dancing wildly to a rock song, the man on stage has a black demonic guitar. Danny playing his magnificent
This is widely scorned and after a brief playing upon all the major news channels. For an instant it seems that Danny might become famous, but the video is suppressed. Everyone in the local scene, sees it and Danny does have some more regular offers coming in. The band even start actually practising...
He finds himself at the twins mansion, the high walls topped with ornamental spikes which in reality are much more dangerous than merely ornamental. The summons from the Twins father, is very officious and the man is lead by a couple of burly thugs into the musty study.
Sat in a high-backed chair the leader of the local triads smiles at the musician; "So Danny, it appears you saved my flowers once more." In one hand is a tumbler of Scotch and the other he's breaking walnuts, with a cracker. "I suppose I should approve of you, you have the correct heritage to make something of yourself; I suppose. Especially if you stop slacking..." his tone low and gruff.
"But as a gesture to our new found friendship I offer you this, # 432." He hands Danny a straw sandal as a gesture, a present to the handsome young man.
"Of course, do anything to upset them and...." he leaves the threat hanging. The calm and collected manner of his speech is more sinister than the implications of his words.
Aximeus
His work progresses mundanely for a while, the everyday life slowly he can see the changes of the mortals around him. Inspired by his hard-working attitude and knowledge, they endeavour harder and are rewarded respectively. The pub he chef's at improves becoming more popular and thus the conditions improve. His friend, Brian, from the cafe, goes on a training course and the food improves beyond all expectations.
Training and friendship with Officer Ramsbottom grows. Whilst he spends select evenings with Dora. Long talks over a cup of tea or glass of wine. Soft music coupled with lingering looks by candle-light; make for some truly special evenings.
Dora is, of course running the art exhibition.
Then a few days later he receives a note: Crisp envelop with fine calligraphy lettering
Greetings Child of Demeter,
We have seen your strands upon our spinning wheel, your Fate is strong. Having stopped the machinations of the Dragon Emperor and released hope into the world. We see that your star is upon the rise, that you may quell the returning darkness.
If you require advice contact our emissary, the child Adrianna Salazar - she knows our locale.The Fates
Kenneth
Kenneth spends time with Sara and Timothy, as well as with the police woman Laura. Although Laura cannot spend as much time with him as she would like, her work keeps her busy. However Laura does privately start investigating into the supernatural and realisation of this strange world dawns on her.
Kenneth's sister starts to become more lucid and feeling better. However upon occasion she drifts into a trance. 'She is coming, bringing with her death and the poison. I hunger...' Sara is bewildered by these outbursts, but with the loving Hearth of Brigid peace gently returns to the household.
Upon the night of the 31st, Laura phones about a strange drug smuggler they have arrested. It appears she will have to work late tonight, she may not be able to make their date at the gallery.
Sal
Sal moves into Trips mansion, there are lots of expensive object d'art, a house-keeper, a butler and a cook. Though they have their over quarters or live in out-buildings.
Trip recovers in London, however he has much work to do and is happy for Sal to look after his Holdings up north.
A few days Letitia asks Sal if she could keep an eye upon Saraya, "There's something more about her than meets the eye. I don't trust her." she says darkly. "Maybe in a few weeks time I could get you a job at the university? Or enrolled there? As the red-haired sorceress is a lecturer there."
But the next few weeks Sal spends quietly.
It has been a month since the destruction of the Dragon-Emperor. The ROAB has been subtly closed down, with no ceremony and no pictures being leaked out. In the underground of the supernatural community, you have gained some significant renown for your actions.
Jericho has taken Alicia and is protecting her from the world. Though he remains in city and has made up with the White Council.
The art gallery is full of wide open spaces. Sporadically throughout the area are pieces of art, a sculpture here, a landscape watercolour there. Spotted around the gallery are a whole cross-section of humanity; the bohemian artists, prim critics, mature viewers, rich patrons mix with random public members just wanting to see and be seen.
To one side stands Dora, the manageress of the gallery - she's talking to a nervous man.
Letitia is pondering the meaning of a statue, it's obscure curves and shape belying no specific imagery.
A beautiful woman in a long white coat carefully watches the nervous man and Dora, an enigmatic expression upon her visage.
Bunny and Andrew, a pair of handsome werewolves stand admiring the art. Him pointing out some subtleties to a particularly exotic piece.
In the pale illumination upon the open spaces of the gallery, contrasting starkly with the darkness of the evening. By no means crowded the turn out is good for this event; young artists selling their work, whilst older artwork and a famous musicians are displayed.
Murmured discussions of the patrons are barely audible over the incessant background music. There's a slow circulation, whilst platters of food & wine are placed upon pedestals for consumption.
Letitia's request seems to baffle her. "I don't mind keeping an eye on the redhead, but... I, uh, I've never been to college. Didn't even graduate from high school. Got my GED, though. I wouldn't know what to do at a University and most of them don't need somebody shot. Still, if you think you can get me a job..." She looks a bit nervous at the thought. "It will be on the books though, right? I'll have to check with some people. Won't be in any shape to work for a while, either. Maybe after the gallery opening. I'll think about it. I wouldn't mind making some money. Don't want to rely on Trip's goodwill forever, right? But for now, I'm gonna take advantage of swank country living."
Sal sleeps for a couple of days, then spends the rest of the week investigating the town and making a few purchase (gotta replace those torn-up fishnets). After that, she pretty much retreats to the estate for a couple of weeks barely even seeing the help, who make her nervous as she is definitely unaccustomed to being waited on. She gives the cook a bunch of protein powder to make smoothies or shakes and asks for them to be brought to her room a couple of times each day, then locks herself in with only the Internet for company. During the last five or six days before the gallery date, she begins to spend time walking and running the borders of the estate, gradually expanding her range to the country roads. She always runs with her backpack, which looks fairly heavy.
Sal arrives early to the gallery opening, slouching in the door slowly wearing a rather odd patchwork outfit with a choker and dark glasses, despite the darkness outside. She wanders to the back of the room and looks at a statue on a pedestal, which gives her a good view of people arriving. She ignores the platters of food and drink, preferring to stroll slowly about the room alone, keeping an eye on people behind the cover of the sunglasses.
Her hair is not wildly colored or styled today; she opts instead for a mass of loose curls, obviously natural, which soften the angles of her thin, almost gaunt, face.
Spotting Letitia, she drifts over to look at the same objet d'art, and speaks softly. "Good to see another early bird here. How have things been? Who are all these folks? Any of them people I should know?"
Sal has prepared for trouble with a pistol in a shoulder holster under her jacket, and her knife in a thigh holster. She makes sure the skirt is long enough to conceal it. Also, if GM allows, she'd have on a lightweight Kevlar vest under her shirt.
After Sal reassures her of her health; The Warden adds. "I can keep it off the books, the Vice Chancellor... well she is one of the Order of St John - a religious mortal order. They know about the supernatural world."
"I'm sure you could study the performing arts?" Letitia winks; "But there are some nice jobs on campus, and under the radar."
Wearing a charcoal suit with an azure scoop necked shirt underneath, which brings out her eyes; Letitia smiles softly as Sal approaches. "First here and you're looking... good." she pauses slightly. "Been up in Scotland, I brought back some whiskey. We should have some later..."
She glances around the room, seemingly her eyes suck in all the culture. "The mature lady over there, she's Dora. The new manageress of the gallery - the last one was a Necromancer, sacrificing children. Anyway she's talking to a new artist, he's very talented." she points out the greasy haired young man with a starving haunted countenance.
"Over there is Andrew." she points out a young man with a strong jaw, handsome countenance and warm chocolate eyes. Next to him is a young lady who can merely be described as voluptuous.
Letitia adds; "That's Bunny, they're lycanthropes. But he's a photographer and organises the local artists into a collective."
Sal nods as Letitia defines the people in the room, pointing at various features of the sculpture they stand before as if they discuss the fine points of the piece. The 'sacrificing children' part makes her head snap around so she can look at Letitia's face to see if she's serious about such a horror.
Once the remote introductions are finished, she shakes her head as if disagreeing and motions at another section of the sculpture, black-nailed finger tracing the line of the work while she follows up quietly. "What does Bunny do? Believe me, I'm not assuming anything from her appearance. I'm never going to make that kind of mistake again. And what about the Ice Queen in her white coat, and Baldy over there who is watching everyone? Do you know them?" She jams her hands in her pockets and rocks back on her heels, looking up at Letitia as if she'd just scored some points in an artistic debate.
Interim:
Danny kept up a steady stream of inane chatter during the ride back. (The kind he's best at.) The girls hardly seemed to notice. After all, it wasn't the first time they had come face to face with the 'weird' side of the street while with Danny. (And he had long suspected that they had known about the Spooky Side before they met Danny.) But being kidnapped and held for,... whatever, was just good old fashioned trauma. The girls would need time to recover. But for now they seemed to be coping well enough, resting with their eyes closed and elbowing Danny when he made a particularly bad pun.
Although during the ride Min did seem to cling to his arm with more than the usual coy flirtatiousness, as if actually drawing strength from the contact. And the farewell kiss that Lin gave him when they dropped the girls off was anything but chaste and friendly, and was carefully categorized by Danny later as 'Intense'.
When Danny got the summons from the twins father, he was surprised to say the least. But figured that perhaps the dad was finally warming up to his charms. Although with what he had discovered the last day or two, it took all of his not inconsiderable acting skills not to give the slightest indication that he was aware the girls' dad had been involved with the mysterious 'Dragon'.
When he was presented with the straw sandal, Danny gave an unfeigned look of gratitude, sprinkled liberally with confusion. HE decided to accept the gift in the spirit in which he hoped it had been given, and bowed over it as he accepted it just like the girls had shown him. He would have to ask the twins later what it was all about. Danny demurely denied having done anything overly helpful in getting the twins away from an armed gunman, claiming that at worst he had been a bystander, and at best merely a distraction so that Axe could deal with the felon. He was pretty sure that the dad didn't believe a word of it. No, he supposed that he wouldn't have either.
Later, alone in his tiny apartment, Danny hummed a few bars, and brought butterflies into flickering existence. He waved his hand through them with no visible effect. They were merely images, projections, illusions. Insubstantial, immaterial and incapable of affecting or interacting with the world at large.
SO WHAT had happened on the boat?!? He knew all about ectoplasm, (You don't get to discover your a half-fae, and become Summer's Envoy to Winter without learning the basics along the way.) But HOW had his images turned semi-substantial, created from ectoplasm? And HOW THE HOLY H@!! HAD THE DRAGON_GUY TURNED THEM REAL?
Looks like Danny has a few questions the next time he saw a certain norse'man'-turned-mechanic. But until he saw him again,... he had party to get ready for,...
Party:
Danny sauntered in the door of the gallery. He was wearing a stylish, if casual, dark suit with a tie. He looked professional. His collar was unbuttoned and his tie loosened just enough to let everyone know that he wasn't a stiff. He appropriated a passing flute of champagne (his favorite part of attending these kinds of events, as compared to playing them) and sipped it as he looked around the room. HE spotted Letitia talking to that new bad-@$$, Sal, he remembered her name was. Flashing back to her dancing, and her subsequent kicking of @$$, he made a note to keep on her good side. For a variety of reasons.
His gaze finds Bunny in the room, looking,... Bunny, and he gets distracted for a few moments,...
;P
Inclining her head at Sal's 'good point', Letitia responds softly. "Oh Bunny, she works at a strip-club. The Vampire Lord" the Warden rolls her eyes at the title and cannot keep the scorn from her voice; "he is often to be found there. He doesn't own it but..."
"There's some photographs of Bunny, over in the gallery." Letita waves a hand to a far area.
The motion moves her eye-line to the lady in white, one side of her hair has a severe under-cut - emphasizing a natural beauty to her features. "I've seen her around, she is very visible - always in white. But as for what or who she is..."
The Bald man appears to be leaning against a wall, uncaring of the exhibition around him. Not even making a pretense of interest, he reaches into his pocket and produces a cigarette.
The Warden shakes her head, but spots Danny's entry. However so does Bunny; who gives him a vigorous wave.
Danny, upon seeing Bunny's various bunny-parts jiggle energetically while she waved a silent 'HELLO!' across the gallery, smiled like a kid in a candy store.
'One day, those things are going to get me killed.' Danny thought wryly, his gaze lingering on Bunny's form as her dress slowly re-assumed control over what it (barely) contained. He strode over to where where Bunny and her friend were standing, so blinded by what he was staring at that he almost didn't see Bunny's friend until the fellows shadow loomed over him as he stepped in between Danny and Bunny.
Danny leaned slightly sideways, until he had a clear view of Bunny once more.
"Hiya Bunny. Nice to see you again. Whose your friend?" Danny asks, smiling.
Danny transfers his champagne flute to his left hand and takes the man's hand in a firm, friendly handshake. "Hi. I don't think we've been properly introduced. I'm Danny. Nice to meet you." Danny says with a sincere, friendly smile, and all in one breath.
"You do look familiar, did I see you at one of my band gigs? I'm bad at names, but I almost never forget a face!" He continues with friendly chatter.
Sal listens quietly to Letitia as she watches Danny enter and Bunny demonstrate the modes of oscillation of spherical objects. She hides a smile at Danny's obvious fascination with the pneumatic blonde.
"His romance with the two girls we rescued must be off if he's on the prowl again," she says to Letitia with a chuckle, "He knows what she is, right?"
Danny
With a flick of his hair the man responds taking Danny's hand. "Andrew." he introduces himself. "Yeah, we met at the 'Three-legged Mare'. Also I saw you perform at the Duchess club you were very good." Shaking Danny's hand firmly and friendly.
The man exudes a vibrancy and confidence, "So you've come to see our work?" Bunny grabs Danny's arm interrupting; ♥ "Andy took some photo's of me...they are real classy! ♥" she says exuberantly.
With a simple shrug that conveys a certain pride in his work and slight embarrassment at Bunny's words.
Sal
"I believe so." there is a wry tone to her voice, as Letitia is reminded how easy it is to befuddle some males.
"I wonder where the other two are," Sal wonders, giving Danny a nod if he looks her way, "They should be here by now. Is lateness fashionable in England the way it is in the States?"
Danny
With a flick of his hair the man responds taking Danny's hand. "Andrew." he introduces himself. "Yeah, we met at the 'Three-legged Mare'. Also I saw you perform at the Duchess club you were very good." Shaking Danny's hand firmly and friendly.
"Oh good, you caught us after we practiced." Danny replies with mostly feigned relief.
The man exudes a vibrancy and confidence, "So you've come to see our work?" Bunny grabs Danny's arm interrupting; ♥ "Andy took some photo's of me...they are real classy! ♥" she says exuberantly.
With a simple shrug that conveys a certain pride in his work and slight embarrassment at Bunny's words.
Danny grins at both Bunny's exuberance and Andrew's embarrassment.
"Of course they're classy. Look at what he's got to work with! How they NOT be classy?" Danny grins, indicating Bunny with a wave of his hand.
"And I can't wait to see them. Lead the way." Danny finishes his flute of champagne and deposits the empty smoothly on a passing tray. He briskly rubs his hands together, then puts a hand on both Bunny's and Andrew's shoulders, obsequiously following them to the display.
Letitia smiles; "Punctuality is good, but this way I get to enjoy your company some more." Then thinks, "Well, Aximeus hails most recently from America, and Kenneth is Scottish. call him English." she winks a jovial warning.
The group move off to one side of the gallery, the pair being very warm to the touch. Almost giving off a glow, whilst Bunny's yielding curves brush against the musician. To one open wall of the gallery there are a host of photographs, mainly in black and white.
Looking at the central ones, it is barely noticeable that Bunny is naked in them. Instead that are very evocative bringing out her natural beauty and vibrancy. Andrew stands back a touch bashful, but there is some pride in his stance.
Surrounding these are a host of landscapes, bringing out the amazing natural elegance of the dales and local moors. Many of them concentrate upon a creature, who seems to be posed naturally - as if a the photographer is not there at all. These hold Andrews attention as he is still critical of their composition. "Here you are Danny, some of my photo's."
Bunny smiles pointing to the ones of her.
Bunny's exuberance is contagious, and Danny grins back happily. He raises the expected eyebrow at the photos featuring Bunny, but stifles the flood of tacky, if humorous, comments that crowd his brain. Instead he takes a step back and gazes at the pictures thoughtfully. His look soon fades from his usual smirk to one of thoughtful contemplation.
"These are,... really good Andrew." He offers at last.
"I Mean, I'm no art critic. But I know what I like. And I like this! Even if you discount the fact that you cheated by using a subject it's impossible to take bad pictures of,..." Danny grins, winking at Bunny and basking momentarily in the glow of her smile.
",... I still like what you've done. I really like these black and white ones here, very evocative, but the shadows blend everything together, the elements all belong. It's almost as if you were taking pictures of the shadows and Bunny just happened to be in the shot. (I don't know which drives me crazier, what I can see or what I can't!) And these others, half of them you don't even notice the animal in the shot until you take a second look. Again, it's like you were taking a shot of the scenery and just happened to catch the critter."
"And, How DID you get so close in some of these?" Danny asks, peering closer at one that almost looks as if you could reach out and touch the animal in it. "Was that a really good lens, or did you sneak up on it? Or, is that one of those 'trade secrets' kind of things?" He asks looking up from the photograph with a 'I know the answer, but I'm willing to pretend I don't if you wish" kind of smile.
Danny continues to examine the pictures, trying his best not to focus TOO much on the Bunny-flavored ones.
"Yeah, it's easy to take good pictures of her." Andrew adds softly.
"Even if she won't sit still!" He teases pinching her arm, extracting a playful squeak from her.
Answering Danny's query; "Keep down wind of your target, slowly advance on it. Wait for the right light and blend in with nature, there's nothing like a cool breeze upon your skin." He says softly; "But most of all patience. If I have to wait all night just for one good shot; then it's worth it."
Almost drifting into a reverie, he shakes his head free from the thoughts. "So, I saw that video of you on youtube. Were you really playing for that wazzock Prime Minister?"
If I have to wait all night just for one good shot; then it's worth it."[/b]
"Judging by these, I'd have to agree with you. Even if patience is not my best virtue." He adds wryly.
Almost drifting into a reverie, he shakes his head free from the thoughts. "So, I saw that video of you on youtube. Were you really playing for that wazzock Prime Minister?"
It's Danny's turn to look bashful and gratified at the same time. Although he quickly assumes his usual 'I'm always this cool' expression.
"Naw. I was playing a small private party, filling in for a last minute cancellation. Things got crazy, some kind of problem with the smoke alarms or fireworks I think. That video was obviously Photoshopped to heck. I wish I could draw those kind of crowds! I could charge more!" Danny says with a Scrooge McDuck grin.
"If the PM was there, they didn't tell me. Probably afraid that I'd tell them to add a few more zeros to the check. Which I'm still waiting on." He adds petulantly.
Andrew shakes his head, another artist he sympathises with Danny's plight. Then Bunny obviously enjoying the attention and her usual vibrant self adds; "Danny you should model for some photo's. They'd be super-lovely. ♥"
Danny smiles, but shakes his head.
"Aw I don't know Bunny. I don't lack self-confidence or anything, but I'm pretty sure that next to you I'm still the ugly duckling!" He grins.
"So, you two are full of surprises. Very cool photos of all kinds of wildlife,..." He winks at Bunny, ",...Helping elderly men during robberies at parties, anything else I should know about?" He asks with an innocent grin.
"Bunny?" Andrew turns with a querying gaze, slightly annoyed.
With a mollifying rub of his bicep, Bunny starts. "We-ell, G asked me to escort Councillor Fairweather to a party." her tone is wheedling and she bats her eye-lids. Whilst Andrew looks slightly angry. "There was a little fight, some ninja's or something attacked the party. So I had to go-all doggie on them... no-one got hurt."
Andrew looks darkly, "Subtlety!" his eyes glance to Danny with a warning glint.
Then Bunny whimpers softly, which instantly calms his anger; "I'm not annoyed at you but G. He shouldn't be putting you in those situations, he's getting old." he sighs softly, trying to cheer her up.
With a shift of tone; Andrew turns back to Danny. "Sorry, didn't mean to involve you in pack-business." There is still a slight defensiveness to his eyes.
"Time for recon," Sal tells Letitia quietly, "Maybe you should go rescue Chuck Berry there from the wolves. Talk to you later."
With a roll of her eyes, she turns on her heel and stalks away from the conservatively-attired Warden, stopping at a few of the nearby exhibits to stare at them for a few moments before moving on. Her path brings near her to the white-coated lady. She examines a nearby sculpture before whirling to face the leather-coated woman, staring at her rudely.
"Are you an artist? You look like an artist in that fabulous coat. Which of these are yours? Are you good?" Sal sniffs, looking the woman up and down.
"Bunny?" Andrew turns with a querying gaze, slightly annoyed.
,...
With a shift of tone; Andrew turns back to Danny. "Sorry, didn't mean to involve you in pack-business." There is still a slight defensiveness to his eyes.
Danny waves dismissively. "Please, Don't apologize to me! I'm darn grateful she was there! We, sort of helped each other out. I was darn glad she did, and glad to return the favor! Although, she DOES still owe me a tux jacket,..." Danny adds with a mischievous gleam in his eye.
"I'm not exactly 'vanilla mortal' myself. Your secret is safe with me." Danny smiles his warmest, friendliest smile.
:)
"Yeah, well G is always putting you in these situations." he looks to Bunny "Like this new security one, keep by me. Don't accept anything from anyone - even if they seem nice. Vampires and the Fey aren't..." Andrew's tone is authorative and concerned, these events seem to be unnerving him slightly and apparently his leader G is not in the mans good graces.
After Danny mentions the tux Andrew shrugs, as if he has to deal with the bouncy lady losing tons of borrowed clothes. "You know how many times have a told you Bunny, you cannot go running around naked."
"Most people don't mind. Danny didn't, did you? ♥" she says winsomely, smiling at Danny.
Letitia approaches, with a courteous nod; "Danny, so good to see you again. And you have found a couple of friends?"
The woman rubs a hand through her rough platinum locks, a glint of metal in her eyebrow enhances the womans cool eyes. "An artist? You might say so. I take it you are a critic?" she smiles slightly; "You have the cynical gaze of just such a person."
She returns Sal's critical examination; "As for what is mine... well I have a small piece or two scattered around the gallery. I hope I have improved their original form."
The low buzz in the gallery continues, fighting with a soft muzak.
After Danny mentions the tux Andrew shrugs, as if he has to deal with the bouncy lady losing tons of borrowed clothes. "You know how many times have a told you Bunny, you cannot go running around naked."
"Most people don't mind. Danny didn't, did you? ♥" she says winsomely, smiling at Danny.
Danny grins, unable to help himself at Bunny's 'Marylin Monroe' act.
"No, I can't say I minded in the least. But you must admit, it brings down productivity in the work place. Even if it DOES raise morale!" The singer waggles his eyebrows, then gives an (almost) sheepish look to Andrew, as if apologizing for oogling his girl.
Danny licks his lips, unusually serious when Andrew mentions 'security'.
"Actually, I had heard about,..." WHen Letitia walks up.
Letitia approaches, with a courteous nod; "Danny, so good to see you again. And you have found a couple of friends?"
Danny breaks off what he had been about to say, and smiles at the Warden.
"Yes actually. Well, acquaintances first I suppose, friends soon I hope!" He says cheerfully.
"Letitia, this is Andrew and Bunny. Andrew is one of the displaying photographers. He cheats though, Bunny is his primary model. Although his other stuff is good too." He says with a smile and a wink to let Andrew know he is teasing.
Sal watches the white woman for a moment, then grins up at her. "A critic? Isn't everyone? Which works are yours, or would you rather not say?" She shrugs one shoulder, the smile sliding away. "Say or not, I'm always impartial in my critiques. I don't ask for anything, and wouldn't accept anything if it were offered."
The womans' eyes flick to Dora and the nervous man, Sal's sharp eye notices a light bandage to his hand. "Maya Anjou, my creations well there's a few about. But I think of them as refinements, trying to push the forms in the right direction." the words slip of the tongue softly.
"Come, here is a sculpture of mine." she leads Sal towards a carving in wood, it's got a definite feeling of vibrancy. "Crafting things and releasing their potential is satisfying. Don't you find?" She looks meaningfully at Sal.
Letitia nods to Andrew with a pleasant smile, with a glance at Bunny.
♥ "Yes, I like making new friends." Bunny bounces forward interrupting and grasps the Wardens hand firmly, then shakes it. "Danny's great isn't he?" ♥
Pushing her hair away from her eyes, to cover a laugh. "He is certainly interesting."
Sal cocks her head curiously at the artist. "Sometimes. Some things are better left alone. It's better for the world if their potential is unrealized." Her hand slowly drifts towards the smooth wooden surface and she strokes it gently, fingertips barely a feather touch.