"Monster Munch? Yes, please!" Tangris grabs a handful and stuffs it in his mouth. "Com'on, Sal. That giraffe was asking for it. He was an a$$hole! You shoulda heard what he said about your parents!"
Sal shakes her head and turns to Bunny, waving away the Monster Munch. "There's your reason for putting some clothes on." She points accusingly at Tangris, shaking her head, then turns to the bard.
"Herald? So you're like some sort of officer? Well, people who prey on any others really get my goat. I'm with you on this, naturally. Besides, I may be able to settle a few scores, if the folks behind this are who I think they are. My question is, do we have one thing going on there, or two? Is the dope-running related to what happened to Marvin?"
Tangris snorts. "Heh. Goat. By the way, dayyyy-ammmm, girl. What's your name?" He says, noticing the Bunny-liciousness for the first time.
After being waved away by the Sal, Bunny replies in her enthusiastic manner; "♥ We're born naked, we die naked - so like why bother? ♥ It's very freeing." her train of thought is de-railed as she looks at Sal's face. "Oh, you have nice skin."
Spinning around to Tangris; "♥ I'm Bunny?! ♥"
Kenneth smiles, "A Herald in th' auld warld sense. I serve as my Lady's emissary, representing her interests and acting her Champion in thes warld. 'Tis a long story, but the cuttie ay it is tha' she saw something in my romantic's soul and dedication tae the auld ways... and she accepted my service, and reforged me in the Flame ay Kildare tae have the power tae act oan her behalf..." ...and tae save Fiona, at least... "...which includes protecting her people. The whole ay Britain was named after her, ye ken?"
He looks over toward Bunny and points at her bottle of ale, raising an eyebrow and then nodding as she notices.
"In any case, I dinnae yet ken the answer tae your second question. There may be a link, but..."
He then turns to Andrew, noting the man's expression, and locking eyes with the man, "...that's what we're here tae find out."
He then raises a hand over his eyes in exasperation and looks over to Danny, and then back to Tangris. He whispers to his fellow musician, "Ye ken, it'd be nice if we still have friends when this is done. Apparently, he's got the manners of a goat nae matter what shape he's wearin'."
***
"Mind? No. I don't mind. Not a bit. Not even a little. Nope. Nuh-uh." Danny says with a vacant stare at Bunny as she flounces nicely towards the cabinet.
Some, small, measure of decorum manages to force it's way back up into Danny's preoccupied frontal cortex. With an almost audible ripping sound he manages to tear his gaze away and look towards Andrew. He still can't manage to get that idiotic grin off of his face though.
"It IS a little, teensy bit distracting though." He admits apologetically. He tries really hard to look sheepish, but the happy grin sort of ruins the effect.
***
Danny rolls his eyes at Tangris' entrance.
"Finally, someone who'll say things out loud even I think twice about." He murmurs to Sal.
Despite his obvious distraction, Danny files away everything that Ken says about his 'job'. It sounds, vaguely familiar, like something he read in a book a long time ago. He makes mental notes to come back and think about it later, then turns his attention back to Bunny.
I mean Andrew. His head almost breaks the sound barrier turning back.
'At this rate, I'm gonna get whiplash,...'
***
He then raises a hand over his eyes in exasperation and looks over to Danny, and then back to Tangris. He whispers to his fellow musician, "Ye ken, it'd be nice if we still have friends when this is done. Apparently, he's got the manners of a goat nae matter what shape he's wearin'."
"Hm? I'm sorry. Did you say something?" Danny replies absentmindedly, staring at Bunny.
"Kidding! Yeah, He's like the brother you love to party with, but you hope don't show up at any of YOUR parties!" The singer grins conspiratorially."Still, Like Bunny's 'freedom of expression', it IS a rather freeing way to live. It won't get us invited back anytime, ever. But very freeing." Danny adds as he takes a sip of his drink.
***
"Thanks Bunny." Danny says sincerely as he accepts the cold drink from her. He does manage to keep his eyes on her face. At least until she is distracted by talking to Sal and Tangris. He gives up pretending, but does turn back to Andrew with a serious expression.
"Andrew, I don't know if you want to know everything that's going on, or if you know more than we do already. So why don't we start at the beginning?" He asks with a friendly smile.
"First, so we don't unduly influence your answers, can you answer a few questions about things that you may have noticed recently? I promise when we're done we'll explain why."
"So first, Bunny already told us that you were concerned for your friend before tonight. So I'm going to assume you noticed something unusual in his behavior recently? What was it exactly? And when did you notice it."
"And, no condemning here, but we need to know if he uses, um, 'illegial medicine' for his artistic mojo? And if so it it something he's always done, or something that started recently?"
Andrew slides into a chair; "Marvin was acting different recently. Withdrawn, frantic. I tried to reach out to him, but he pushed me away." "I just thought he was on the junk, again." he says with disdain, it being obvious his disapproval.
He looks up suddenly at the others; "I tried to help him, but you cannot force someone to accept your help. No matter how hard you try." his words vainly trying to justify his actions, but the haunted shadow in his eyes prove guilt he feels.
"After his hand was broken, he actually came out some more. It didn't seem like he was on anything, but there seemed to be a wraith upon his shoulder.... watching waiting." Andrew tries to shake the chill as goose-bumps break out across his arms.
"Marvins' dabbled in drugs since I've met him, I've tried to get him off it. That's one of the reasons' I formed the collective. But I thought he was clean, well until he had his latest 'inspiration'." he adds thoughtfully.
Danny nods in empathic understanding.
"It's not a crime to try to help someone. It also isn't a crime to fail. Sometimes the best thing you can do is just be a friend. Eventually they will realize they need help. And who they can turn to." Danny says sympathetically.
Danny glances at Ken and the others. (Well, he pretty much ignores Tangris, who is still going all cartoon-wolf-eyed at Bunny.)
"Ok, so he's a user, but casual, not hard-core. At least not until his latest 'inspiration'. But then he started acting, different? How so Andrew? Who, or what, was his latest 'inspiration'?"
Kenneth nods at Danny's comments, hoping that his expression is reassuring.
"From what we've seen so far, lad, there isnae any blame tae lay on your feet... But, what can ye tell us about this wraith 'pon him?"
"So, aside from being born naked, is there anything else fun you like to do naked?" Tangris murmurs to Bunny, smiling wickedly.
Kenneth winces, Wolves prey on goats, lad, it doesnae work t'other way 'round.
Sal glares at Tangris and opens her mouth, then suddenly shuts it with a shrug. We're in a strange apartment with a naked woman and a really burly dude who may or may not be her boyfriend, and he hits on her? Mr. Muscle can stand up for himself, I'm sure.
She turns back to the window, making a quick sweep down the streets and across the river. "Whatever caused him to paint that was more than drugs. I saw it when the woman in white slashed that thing. It hurt him. There was a connection there. Drugs don't do that, believe me."
Danny also looks like he wants to say something, but doesn't.
All he can think of is,... 'Goat. The other white meat.'
Danny nods in agreement with Sal, although from what he's seen today he's fairly certain she has more experience in that than he does. Which obviously upsets her.
'One thing at a time Danny-boy,...'
"So, what did happen when he started that painting Andrew? Don't try to explain it, just tell us what happened." He encourages.
"Wait. Wait a sec. Marvin... you didn't leave him alone, did you? Is he here, resting?" There's almost panic in the normally impassive woman's voice.
Andrew looks up to Danny, a wane smile across his artistic visage. "It seemed like Marvin was inspired, at first I thought it was good. When he's distracted and productive he's one of the best landscape painters I've seen." Andrew continues; "However as the days passed, it turned more into a mania. When I, or Bunny brought him his meals, he barely paid any attention. So concentrated upon his painting."
Andrew tries to shake off this depressed reverie, his shimmering hair forming a curtain around his head. "I didn't see anyone around him, a few times some of the other guys came with me. But this wraith, it was just a feeling - occasionally from the corner of my eye I thought there was a dark figure." he shrugs, knowing that such an insubstantial being would be beyond his abilities.
At Tangris comments, Andrew raises an eyebrow knowing that she has dealt with quite a few similar men.
"♥ Dance, run, make love, shower, hunt prey." She ticks these responses off on her fingers, a look of concentration upon her face. "♥ How about you?" she replies enthusiastically; "That's a bright shirt. ♥" she moves forward a rubs the collar of Tangris shirt.
Andrew nods at Sal's comment; "Yeah, he's in my bedroom, getting some rest. Don't worry, there's no other exit, not even a sky-light." There's a look or respect for her query; "I don't even know where Marvin's dealer is."
Suddenly Bunny cuts in turning her back on Tangris; "Oh I do, helped out Katey when she wanted some 'erb." Andrew looks at her, stopping short of looking disapproving.
Danny grins. (and notices that Tangris seems to appreciate the view Bunny provides, no matter which way she's facing. And Danny can appreciate his appreciation.)
"Never underestimate a blond!" He quips, "That's great Bunny! So, who is this dealer?"
***
"Um, Andrew, just a thought, would you mind checking in on Marvin? Make sure he's resting alright? Just to be safe? Not everything needs a window or a skylight to gain entry to a room."
"Alright." Andrew looks concerned with a hint of trepidation at Danny's request. However he still leaves the huge open-plan living room, with a fluid grace.
Bunny gives Sal a cheeky smile and nods her head at the departing man; "Katey took me with her, she knows I can handle myself that no-one messes with me.♥" before adding enthusiastically; "His names Malcolm, he's a decent bloke. Has a place by the tower.♥ I can show you!♥"
"Do you know much about the woman in white, the one who slashed the painting? It seemed like a horrid thing to do at the time, but she may have saved the day. I also spotted an odd little man and his driver outside the gallery. He was short - shorter'n me, even - and very dark. His driver was.... well, you guys will believe me. His driver was grey with huge black eyes," Sal trails off lamely, rubbing her arms as if cold, "We may have info from their tag number, but if they sound at all familiar to you, it might help more than any name and address."
Bunny taps her lips with an index finger in thought. "Well, Andrew did say lots of rude things about her. She stomped on Marvin's hand at that Valentines' day dance, breaking it - he had to take time off from his horrid painting."
A light-bulb flashes in her mind and Bunny remembers something, she bounces over to Danny and grabs him in a rib-creaking hug. "♥ Thanks ♥ you phoned me about those naughty men in suits who was after me."
Letting him go, she continues to answer Sal; "I might have seen them before, down by the playing fields - he smelt of oak. Not prey. I think they might live near there."
At the 'making love' comment Tangris just about melts. As Bunny turns he gets an admiring look on his face as he watches her bounce. Turning to Sal, "If she follows me home, can I keep her?"
"Anytime,... Bunny,..." Danny wheezes out between rib-creaking hugs. Danny notices that while the padding is pleasant, it doesn't prevent the bubbly blond from being able to crack his spine if she wanted to. Definitely stronger than she looks.
"Just glad I could help." He adds in a normal voice after the nekkid blond releases him. He can't help but return the blond's infectious grin. "I just figured if they wanted a date they could ask like everybody else!" He adds now that he has his breath back.
"So, the drug dealers 'ok', (?) would you mind if we asked him a few questions? I don't think we can promise to like him, but we really are just trying to find answers to what's going on. I promise we won't even threaten him if he'll just talk to us and tell us what he knows. Although,..." He glances to Sal,
"You might want to ask this guy to stay away from your friends in the future. He might be 'an alright guy', but the stuff he's peddling is most definitely not!" Danny jabs a thumb in the direction that Andrew went to check on Marvin for emphasis.
"Smelled of oak?!?" Danny muses, trying to remember if he's dealt with any fae who might be the basis for the 'wood-spirits' stories,...
Kenneth watches Bunny embracing Danny and tries not to laugh, I dinnae ken which is worse, the lad trying tae keep his cool wrapped up in that lovely form or the sheer disappointment on Tangris' face.. and I dae wonder how Min and Lin would feel about that?
Kenneth turns to look at Sal and smiles at the situation before taking a pull of his ale while Danny composes himself, then nodding at Danny's statement, "Aye, though he probably doesnae ken the true nature of his wares. As we learned earlier, it seems someone's tainting the normal supplies, and tha' probably happened up the chain. Still, it'd be good tae have a wee chat and make sure of all that..." ...and "accidentally" ruin his business.... "...but after I take a look at Marvin."
He stops for a moment then looks back at Danny, "Aye, the smell ay oak. Sorry, Bunny, I wasnae thinking about the wonders ay your sense of smell as ye spoke. That may be the best clue yet....."
"You are a one. ♥" Bunny smiles at Tangris, before answering Danny's questions. "Well I meant the dealer wasn't a sleaze, though I'd never do that nasty stuff. ♥ Drugs are bad, ok?" she adds trying to convince you. "But I can take you too him."
The other creature, you are not sure of. With big dark eyes and pale skin it could be something like a Mole-man. A fey creature living under ground. It probably isn't a ghoul, Sal would know the difference after the ROAB manor.
The other creature, with big dark eyes and pale skin it could be something like a Buggane. A fey creature living under ground, that is used to collecting metals underground. The larger and older ones are more akin to Ogres in their ferocity.
As Kenneth walks into the bedroom, it's quite tidy and sparse. Upon the walls are a few landscapes and photographs, beautiful in their composition and content. In one corner is a pile of outdoors' equipment, Andrew looks up from where he is leaning over the bed. In the bed parchment faced Marvin lies, his breathing rough and a sheen of sweat across his brow. "I had a nurse come around, he'll recover. But better here than in a hospital." Andrew adds concerned. "Sorry about the nudity." he has thrown on an old flannel shirt that seems to enhance his swimmers physique rather than conceal it.
"This all jibes with what Maya said at the gallery. She broke Marvin's hand because the painting would.... I dunno - trap his soul or something? She said it would bond with him and corrupt him until at last it would be a way for a demon to come to this world. Through him? Is he turning into something evil? Can you magic men tell that?" She blinks rapidly, trying to understand the unfamiliar mystical components of the puzzle. "But what does this have to do with the Poppy Court trying to come here using tainted heroin?" Sal shakes her head, frowning, making her curls bounce slightly. "I don't get it. The timing seems more than coincidental. But what would the connection be? Devils and vampires... do they work together?"
Kenneth nods, "Aye, I agree. Especially because of the nature of what may be happening to the poor lad."
He turns to look at the sleeping figure, trying to reconcile the pained look on his face with the fevered images from his earlier thaumaturgy. Looks like whatever it were may hae already taken its piece of him...
Kenneth winces, then looks up and shrugs at Andrew with a smile, "Dinnae fret, it doesnae really vex me so much... and it's a wee spot of fun tae see Danny's confidence shaken from time tae time...." Though trying tae focus 'round Bunny is a mite bit harder...
He winces again and adds, "Sorry about the weregoat."
As Kenneth casts his spell, a pale fire burns away a faint residue of darkness - the demonic scourge. The herald can sense that the creature used Marvins weak-will to prey on him. The demon can rarely manifest in this world and do no harm unless invited - this particular creature may have been forced back to it's home plane. Alternatively it's holed up weak as a spaniel, hiding in it's hovel.
Andrew looks on impressed; "He's fun and Bunny can shake anyone." he says in awe.
Danny shrugs at Sal's questions, looking thoughtful.
HE also focusing on Sal's bouncing curls, because, while attractive, they are infinitely less distracting than Bunny's bouncing bits.
"Well,... I don't know a lot about devils or demons, or even if there's a difference. But that lady in white made it sound like the devil needed a way to get into our world, and poor Marvin just happened to be the weak-willed sucker that got suckered into acting as the doorway. The real question on that train of thought is, WHO was that sleaseball at the party? Seems to me he's the one we should be looking for. I doubt that an artist like Marvin went looking for a demon for inspiration. I think Mr. Slimey has some answers for us. If we can find him again."
Danny scratches his chin thoughtfully. He looks like a kid playing at Sherlock Holmes.
"I suspect, that the fact that Marvin used the venom-laced drugs is more of a coincidence. One of those that let us know the new drugs were out now. Like that poorly-advised hit on the police station. In broad daylight." Danny shakes his head, still unable to believe it.
"In THIS case, a happy coincidence that let us help Marvin, but a co-inky-dink all the same." He adds more brightly, trying to suppress a grin at the look on Tangris face as he continues to stare unabashed at Bunny.
"Vampires, yeah, they will work together,... not often, and it never ends pretty, some of those stories are entertainment at Fae parties." Danny says with an odd look.
"More often than not it's just one group trying to kill the others. You know the Dracula novel? Turns out it's actually a 'how-to-kill-black-court-vamps' handbook. Story I heard was that the white court managed to convince Stoker that it would be a best seller if he wrote it. Now the Black Court are the least numerous vamps around. Thank goodness."
"These guys you say outside,... if they're fae, IF, then that short guy could be a gnome of Summer. That would make sense with the seasons. The other guy,... I dunno. Some kind of Mole Man maybe? I haven't actually met any of them yet, so I wouldn't know for sure. But maybe."
Kenneth sits back, squinting against the headache that came from the detailed work he's just done, and says in a quiet voice, "That wasnae an easy.. I'm used tae just unleashing the Fires ay the Hearth tae burn away injuries. This was more delicate, and I had tae weave in the Fires tae Inspiration tae help shore up his spirit, and tae, hopefully, give him enow strength tae resist any further pushes 'gainst his soul...."
He stands, his voice stronger, "Thanks tae Brigid, he should recover... though best keep him away from his dealer friend, ye ken."
He looks over at Andrew and, seeing the man's expression says, "Dinnae look so impressed. I am but the instrument of my goddess, lad..."
"Besides, I havenae have the slightest idea how tae become all wolfy. Ye win," he adds with a wink.
He smiles as he sees Andrew's expression of awe fade and be replaced by a chuckle. He says, more soberly, "Aye, that she can. I just worry he isnae clever enow tae see the difference betwixt a spot of fun and the hunt...."
He smiles again as he motions to the door and says, "Let's go see if we need tae save the lad from his gonads.."
Kenneth enters the room and heads toward the beer he left on the counter, then stops for a moment, "Aye, lad, I think you're right. The description and aspect fits a Svartálfar..a Summer Gnome. In terms ay thinks working together, it all depends 'pon the demon. Some things we call demons are dark denizens ay the Nevernever... Ye can think ay them warped and twisted dark wild fae. They're nothing tae cough at, and they have their own rules tae follow.. but they are quite willing tae make deals for souls and true names -- which give them your souls anyway, ye ken -- or other things they find fun or can use tae gain power for themselves."
He takes a pull of his beer and sighs, then continues, "Others, well, they're from Elsewhere. Sometimes 'tis a private hellscape that borders on the Nevernever. Sometimes 'tis a small pocket prison made tae torture them. Lumped in with these, the trapped and the private hells, are many of the specific demons ye may have learned about from mythology class -- the ones that arenae just fae themselves."
He looks around to see that everyone (save Tangris) is still following, before continuing, "Generally, these tend tae be more powerful than those directly in the Nevernever... especially within their own demense, since they've had centuries or millenia or even aeons, since time may work differently, tae reshape them -- or, at least that's true ay the ones that have the reach tae touch us here.... Also, those kind follow rather different rules, if any at all -- since breaking the rules is likely what sent them where they ended up in the first place... and most ay them are more than willing tae dae anything tae escape... even if it results in their private hell opening a number of new franchises."
He winces, "And because they tend tae be powerful, they often offer perks tae incite their new potential franchisees intae opening the gates, as it were. The willingness tae offer power can lead tae a whole mess ay people willing tae work with them, often resulting in nasty cults and the like... and this could easily include a group of vamps trying tae win or take advantage of a war, ye ken."
He takes another pull and adds, "Worst of all, sometimes, they're from Beyond. Those things are just.... worse. On the plus side, though, they generally dinnae bother working with the locals."
Danny listens to Kenneth, blinks, rolls his head over sideways till he's looking at Sal, and stage-whispers, "Thank goodness for small favors!"
"So, we're still looking at a possible collaboration between the vamps and some 'demon' or dark fae or whatever? Great. As if the vamps looking like they're trying to team up weren't enough." Danny blows a raspberry.
"Well, whatever is going on, we still need to find where they're getting the stuff delivered, so we can interrupt the shipment. Of course, it would be better if we could cut off the supply, but first we have to find where it's getting delivered, THEN find where it's coming from,... Sheesh, no wonder the cops get cranky if you mess up they're long-term surveillance!" Danny grins, then he stands up straight. You can almost see the light bulb go off above his head.
"Heeeyyyyy,.... We DO need to talk to Marvin's dealer. I doubt that the vamps have a delivery service. That means this dealer has to pick up his supply of goods. That means HE knows where they store and distribute it from! It's a good chance that's where your sis,... eer,... the lawyer is gonna meet the new gang of workers to go pick it up from! At the very least, if we can't find them before, we know where they'll end up at after pickup!" Danny looks inordinately pleased with himself, and takes a long pull of his drink. He's so busy congratulating himself, when he smiles at Bunny he isn't distracted by the view. As much.
The mole-men, well you remember watching Clive Barkers' Nightbreed, of a community of people who may have dwelt beneath the ground. Well perhaps this man/thing is one of them?
Tangris clears his throat. "Well, obviously there could be mole-men involved. As the Books of the Nightbreed, that's the Liber Von Auschmonkey to the uninitiated, clearly state, "The mole-men lurk below and steal your garbage while you sleep." Tangis smiles a smug smile. "See, I know $hit, too!"
"Poppy Court isn't black vampires, though. I think Trip called 'em Red Vampires. And I don't know about the Summer Gnome guy being allied with them. He didn't seem unfriendly. They could have grabbed me - or tried - but didn't. Summer seems good, you know? Sunshine, flowers... And wasn't oak sacred to those druid guys? Seems like an oak summer guy would have to be good. Of course, what do I know? Just point me at whatever you want shot." Sal glances out the window again, eyes sweeping the street and river, before roaming around the place a bit, looking everywhere except at other people. "You guys got any coffee? I need some fuel if we're going to keep rolling tonight."
Kenneth nods at Tangris, "Ah, so the blood has returned tae your brain. Welcome back, lad."
He then turns to face Sal and says, "Aye, but it's the reds that are at war with the Wizards... and a faction therein may be looking for power.... However, aye, I dinnae think the Gnome would dae this sort ay thing willingly... though I cannae guess as tae whether he's in the dark or a patsy.... After all, 'tis the way of Summer tae promote growth and I can see a Summer fae being happy tae make mortal artists more productive."
His voice grows a bit more grave and he adds, "But dinnae think that Summer fae are are sunshine and rainbows and goodness... They may be the first bit, but they arenae the last one. 'Tis the way ay summer tae grow... and grow... without consideration ay the consequences... like a tumor or a virus or an overpopulation of predators... So much so that I cannae say a Summer fae wouldnae dae this even if they did know the cost tae the artist... though I cannae see them being willing tae let loose some barren hellscape."
"Yeah, Andrew keeps the good stuff around here somewhere? ♥" Bunny says happily, moving to the kitchen and rummaging through the shelves, cupboards and drawers.
"Fridge." Andrew calls out from the bedroom doorway; Bunny jumps up startled, before looking sheepishly over her shoulder - like a kid caught in a candy shop. She smiles then prepares a carafe of dark stuff.
Kenneth reaches into his satchel and pulls out a bottle. "What's in here should let one ay ye shrug off a sleepless night the same way I dae. Basically, if ye tant it, it'll open a small bit ay yourself tae the Flame of Kildare, so the Sacred Flame will keep ye going for a day or so. When it wears off, though, ye'll suddenly be reminded ay the fact you haven't slept in two days like a skelp tae the face."
He shrugs, "Or you can have coffee. Less effective, but likely tastes better."
"I prefer sex. Sex definitely keeps me up all night. Any takers?" Tangris grins at Bunny and Sal, then shrugs and grins at Ken and Danny.
Sal picks up the bottle and swirls it a bit, then looks Kenneth in the eye. "Is it addictive?" she asks bluntly.
"♥ Do we have time? I always find that my partners are worn out." Bunny says whimsically looking to the others for confirmation.
Andrew coughs trying to change the subject; "So where you going, that you need to be awake all night." he asks avoiding the innuendo.
Kenneth shakes his head, "It isnae addictive, though, as I said, you'll crash when it ends. It may leave you with a need tae compose a wee bit of poetry, though."
Tangris smiles at Bunny. "I assure you, my endurance is quite good. Along with other things..."
Sal stares darkly into the swirling contents of the bottle, oblivious to anything else in the room. Her jaw muscles work as if trying to grind her doubts into digestible chunks. Finally she sighs and looks back to the Herald. "You have the power of healing. I've felt it," she grates roughly, "I trust you." She hurls the compliment like a curse, then takes a deep breath and tosses back a huge swallow of the strange brew.
"♥ That's good to hear, we should take a run sometime." Bunny adds enthusiastically.
The warm liquid is strong and rich, giving Sal a strange sensation of warmth and power. Like a rich port mixed with non-bitter chocolate, it just melts away leaving her feeling revitalised.
Kenneth says, seriously and in a low voice as she drinks, "Dinnae fret, Sal. 'Tis magic ay the sacred kind, the Flame of Kildare itself... As a Bard and Herald ay the Lady, I am a speaker of Truths."
He then steps away slightly, keeping an eye on her as the potion takes effect, granting her the most minute portion of the same vitality his faith grants him. I dinnae ken that she'll even feel it, it wasnae made tae wash exhaustion away, but just tae sustain a body for another day...
Kenneth raises the beer to his lips once more, then grimaces as he realizes that it's empty. He sighs, puts down the empty thing and looks over to Andrew, "Sadly, we have many potential stops on our one-night concert tour.. though I dinnae ken if we've yet picked the next one. I'm thinking that Marvin's dealer may hae leaped tae the top ay the list, but there are just so many others."
Bunny bounces up and down clapping her hands together happily; "♥ Road Trip! ♥" she squeals.
Andrew opens his mouth to protest, "I..." he starts before Bunny cuts him off; "You should stay here, protect Marvin. I'll make sure these guys are good."
"You..." he tries to get a word in, however the happy woman steam-rollers him; "I should get some clothes on, I know - you always say that." she rushes off to a third room. Returning barely a minute later with a skirt and vest-top. "Lets go! ♥" she says.
Sal stares out the window, licking her lips thoughtfully and obviously not really seeing anything. The tension slowly leaves her form until she finally smiles and looks around for Bunny. "Say, Bunny... not to interrupt or anything, but do you have any real food? I'm suddenly hungry. I don't need much, but a bit of meat would be great!" She hands the bottle back to Kenneth with a quick, grateful look, then meanders into the kitchen. "I tend to agree about Marvin's dealer. Let me grab a snack and I'll be ready to go -- all night, if necessary!"
"Yeah, there's some steaks and sausages. Good stuff, Andy is a gourmet cook... you should try his omelette first thing in the morning, it's divine." Bunny says quietly showing Sal around the kitchen, there's a mischievous hint to her voice. The fridge is well stocked with fresh produce and condiments, as well as the aforementioned food.
Sal's face brightens at the mention of steak, then turns dusky pink as she digests the import of Bunny's second statement. Tossing a hunk of leftover steak between two thick slices of bread, she takes a bite and chews contentedly.
"Where is this dealer, anyway? I can eat on the way." She skates past Bunny's suggestion without acknowledging it.