I had known pain before. I have never had a quiet life after high school. I entered the corrections academy at 18 brutal lessons never ending. Combat training. Pepper spray, tasers, rubber bullets, CS gas. Every imaginable weapon used against us. I had fought convicts in a whole variety of situations. Been cut, stabbed, beaten with a whole slew of objects. I had thought pain an old friend. A familiar reminder that no matter what shit storm i was in, that I was still alive. Pain is for the living had been my mantra.
Now though. Every cell of my body felt like it was simultaneously being electrocuted, microwaved, and lit on fire. I wished for death. To be anything, anywhere else. Spasming I started to fall but Hades caught me. Easily lifting me into a gentle princess carry. If i could have seen it i would have died of embarrassment.
Hades said a word in greek and a bone archway rose up out of the ground. No visible portal opened from it, instead casting a shadow on the wall. Hades moved through the shadow taking me I knew not where.
I woke slightly. Floating weightlessly in a grey and white void. Panicking at first. Then calming. I could see but there was a pressure. Like i had opened my eyes under water, actually it felt like i was floating in water. But instead of blue it was a grey foggy white liquid. I was in a tube looking out into a medical bay. A grey tube hooked to a face mask allowed me to breathe. I looked down and saw a small ritual circle, somehow knowing that to be instinctual and unerringly correct.
As I watched the ritual circle lit up. Bathing me in a fluorescent white light. Then a cylinder opened up and more of the milky white water seeped out into my tank. Immediately I felt drowsy again. I somehow knew Lethe water. Drifting off to a blissfully peaceful sleep again. I couldn't remember the last time I had a restful sleep untarnished by nightmares. Of blood and battle. Of the eyes of the people I had failed to protect. Staring at me pleading for answers.
A glowing blue status screen appeared in front of me. And an ephemeral voice could be heard.
Greetings Lord.
As you are a new rebirth into the world of
Myth and Legend, as you wait for your bodies reconstruction you will need to select a new name, proper identification and paperwork
Will be provided unto you.
A white box with a blinking cursor line appeared. No discernible keyboard was found so i just said out loud, if you can talk out loud in a dream.
"Uh, new name?" I mumbled in a drowsy haze.
I guess it made sense. New life as a lord of some magic civilization living alongside the mortal world. Why didn't they just coexist
The cool ephemeral voice sounded off in my head again, surprisingly with an answer to my question.
There are several peace treatises and accords in place to prevent such an occurrence. For many reasons.
First humans outnumber the magical beings by a great margin. By and large mortals procreate and multiply by a far greater margin than magical beings. As you will find out magical beings' strong magical abilities makes creating a lineage very, shall we say labor intensive.
Second, not knowing keeps humans by and large safer on individual levels. Mortals that know of our world. Whether non magical children, or who stumble upon it accidently fall prey to all manner of magical bargains, or political games they have no hope of understanding or participating fairly in.
Third, Mortals have a very strong natural ability to ignore the things they don't understand, or fit into their niche boxes. May I say Lord, that your acceptance of the magical world was one of a kind. Otherwise humans either tend to willfully and blatantly ignore it. Explaining it or rationalizing it away. Or they simply break down.
"I suppose that makes sense. It would be like a color blind person trying to explain yellow. They just couldn't fathom it properly and they would give up. As for me, I have always loved fantasy and fiction. Maybe part of me knew it was real. Hades said my sperm donor was blessed by Ares?"
I figured whatever the voice was it could answer a few more questions.
Close. Your biological father was a second or third generation blessed of Mars. Although the Greek and Roman pantheons worked more closely than others, both parties are very stringent on their separation. It could cause issues if their own blessed used their names interchangeably.
I am Tarterus. The god in control of the the lower reaches of the underworld. Now i function much the same as an artificial intelligence of your mortal realm. If that is easier for you to understand.
"It is. Thank you Tartarus. Can I call you T for short? Tartarus is a mouthful in casual conversation."
You may call me whatever you wish lord. I serve the rulers of the underworld.
"Whoa, whoa I don't rule over anyone. Do I? The Lord thing is just like for shits and giggles? Right?" I said mild panic in my voice. I had never liked being in charge at any level. Hell, I had been forced to be the graveyard Sergeant. Much less all of the underworld.
No. You are the first lord of the underworld on the Greek side. It is in a very real way your kingdom. The chain of command is Hades, then you. Then the vassals that serve under you. And whatever vassals you take into your court. Pluto usually keeps all his Lords, and vassals in the underworld to help contain the wandering dead and keep out intruders and are rarely seen above ground. Hades has other plans for you however, searching out and killing monsters that pose a great threat to weaker, often neglected members of both the Mythical and Mortal domains.
"Um, how do I take vassals into my court?" Immediately thinking of signing into indeed.com to set up some hiring ads. Or hitting the underworld pavement with fliers.
You will find suitable females to breed with. That is the labor intensive part. You will need to inseminate multiple magic capable women to conceive the next generations of your court. Until such a time you will be able to take on vassals who pledge to serve you from the unclaimed masses of magical beings not belonging or beholden to any other court. Once you have finished here Hades will introduce you to Panacea shareholders. Otherwise known as the Grecio Olympic pantheon. You will not be advised to speak to any of them. Do not draw their attention. Then you will be allowed to go to a few of the local clubs to meet potential mates, vassals, or do as you wish Lord. In Albuquerque's domain you will be the highest ranked member in the Panacea around. Some local gangs or trouble makers may be in attendance. But no one you need to worry about upsetting should that require a firm hand.
"Well that was a lot to take in." I said numbly. My mind reeling. Already I would have to get my batman on at a club no less. "Did you say multiple mates?"
Yes lord. It will take time to adjust. Pick your mates and vassals wisely. You will need them to populate your new house. Get to inseminating as quickly as possible though. The house of Hades has been undermanned for far too long. Do you still require time to select a name? Why not view your stats while you wait. They are arranged in a familiar style to you. On a scale from one to twenty.
* Constitution. 18
* Strength. 16
* Dexterity. 12
* Intelligence. 12
* Wisdom. 14
* Charisma. 15
Over all Lord. Very impressive. That constitution is impeccable. Most people only ever get that high with ritual scarification. It takes receiving and healing damage to your body naturally without the aid of magic. It will give you a great deal of health and immunity to diseases.
"Why is my charisma so high? I'm not a people person at all. Like most people hate me"
The information provided by the Source of magic is never wrong. I would assume that you are a highly charismatic person. You just have low self esteem.
"Thanks T that will definitely help with my self esteem!" I said blandly. But my stats weren't bad if we were gong by the DnD standard that ten was average. I was excited, this was real, it was happening
I'm sure you will be fine lord. You also start off with quite a few skills and synergies. As a. Mortal you had high earth and dark affinity both of which were included in your lordship mantle so they will be given bonuses,As well as a few bonuses thrown in from being the first lord. Having a familiar. And having a 20 in constitutions even though two points were eaten to change your body you still reap the benefits for having reached that threshold. Also you received skill mastery in all weapons of war from your Mars bloodline.
SKILLS
* Dark, Earth, Death, Fire and Ice affinity magic unlocked. . Dark and Earth magics are accelerated growth and stronger due to heavy affinity in mortal life, spells of these affinities have reduced effect on you.
* Martial weapon proficiency. Can effectively use all martial weapons as though a basic skill has been obtained.
* Souls familiar. Your bonded familiar can not die while you live. Will be reconstituted in your shadow space 24 hours after death. While bonded and fully formed resistant to Cold. Immune to lightning damage up to light threshold.
* Constitution beyond mortal threshold-may expend mana or stamina to heal all wounds at a faster rate than usual. Requires protein.
* Shadow space, your shadow constitutes an extrademensional storage space of up to a 6 foot cube. No living matter besides soul familiar will survive storage. No sentient beings beyond familiar may enter.
* First Lord of the underworld, mana regeneration is doubled. Spells you are proficient in cost less mana to cast. You may strike non corporeal beings as though they are fully corporeal.
* Dark Vision. Reborn in the underworld there is no true dark to you any longer. Simply deeper shades of shadows.
* Wealth, you will always get additional rewards and treasures.
SPELL LIST
* Command/control undead
* Move through shadow
* Cone of cold
* Commune with dead
* Bone shield
* Earth disk
* Darkness
* Chill weapon
* Shocking weapon
* Flame weapon
"NICE!" I exclaimed. Im magic as fuck boi!" I shouted to no one in particular. "T how do I learn more spells?"
You may buy books or scrolls then download them to your brain so to speak. Hopefully they will be complete books. Don't use too many at a time as brain damage can and will occur, you can learn spells from affinities you are proficient in or try to invent some yourself.
"Cool T. Let's get this party started. New name. Christian Guard, you can call me Chris."
Blinding light. Padding slowly I stood feeling naked. Hades standing next to me. An office meeting room of simple brick and stainless steel. People cloaked in shadow sat at a U shaped table. A blue box full of question marks floated above each one. I was nude with a simple white toga rimmed in black, covering my right arm and chest, barely keeping me decent. Amethyst brooch pinning the shoulder of the toga is the only decoration. I could feel my hair somehow long falling to my shoulders. I hated it. Never having grown my hair beyond my ears.
Hades wearing a black toga with a similar saffire broach pinning it in place. The same smokey grey figures moving through the black fabric. He put a hand on my shoulder and I knew what to do. I kneeled, bowing my head to the figures.
Hades spoke an echoing deep voice that gave feelings of peace and beautiful secrets buried beneath the earth waiting to be found.
"I present to the shareholders. My brethren, family, and friends. Christian Guard. Lord of the house of the Unseen. First of his line. Defender of not only the Underworld but all mortals and mythic beings who can not protect themselves!"
A rumbling from the crowd at the tables. I could feel the eyes of a dozen beings more powerful than I could fathom pining me in place. The pressure of those gazes a physical weight like a ton of weight slowly bowing my shoulders. I braced myself. Pushing back with my considerable strength. Not even able to halt it. It slowed minimally if at all. After an eternity my body shivering, sweat plastering the toga to my muscular frame. Finally the pressure broke. I gasped and stumbled to my hands and knees forhead to the floor.
Hades' tanned hand reached down to steady me. Helping me to my feet. Beside him, facing the Panacea shareholders. Slowly a single clap echoed. Then more. Then for several seconds multiple of the unseen figures clapped. Then stopped as one as a figure stood. Shadow except for bright storm grey eyes the same ovoid pupils as Hades
In a loud rumbling baritone that brought images of both the beauty of a lighting storm viewed from afar, and the abject terror of a lone sailor lost adrift in that same violent storm.
"An excellent choice brother. He has some backbone and a fighting spirit. We the shareholders approve and confirm your selection."
He clapped once more and a bright burst of actinic blue light burst out from between his palms. And we were standing in a small but luxurious clothing store, occupied by one salesman. Oddly no registers were to be seen.
"Go get a suit picked out for tonight. I have to go for now, Duty calls." Hades said jovially as he was suddenly consumed by shadow. Leaving only his grin in an impeccable impression of the cheshire cat. "Ill be in touch, i cant wait to see the amazing things you accomplish." Before disappearing completely.
I looked around the clothing store filled with clothing of all sorts from suits more expensive than my first car to tactical clothing from BDU's to full body armor of the most current and up to date material, gym clothes, and casual though designer jeans and T-shirts .
I was escorted to the suits and an older Indian man dressed in his own charcoal suit, holding a measuring tape and I noticed his wrist had a blue fuzzy ball filled with needles.
"Hello Lord. My name is Daksh Kabir. I will be measuring you and adjusting your suits for the party at club Fae tonight and all the other suits if it pleases you" he said in a clipped oxford english tone.
"It does please me Dak. First I gotta do one thing." I said watching his lips twitch in a smile at my familiar shortening of his name. I reached down and shaped my shadow. My hand glowing a lighter amethyst version of Hades deep but bright purple. Greek script flowed out of my palm in smokey black dancing font. Spreading out into a circle. A liquid black roiled up out of my shadow. Titans quadrupedal form solidifying up from liquid shadow. His chocolate eyes locked on to my own dark brown. That same burning intelligence I knew and adored.
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"It worked," I shouted in absolute and unabashed glee." Holding out my arms, Titan rushed over. Putting his front paws on my shoulders. Forehead to forhead head in a familiar and welcome gesture. We stood there for a long moment.
When I finally let go and returned my attention to Dak, two extra people were standing next to him. A large six foot five man with a sun weathered face and dark blue eyes. A scar running from the temple down one eyebrow barely missing the eye and down to his upper lip on the left side of his face. He was wearing a simple black suit and white shirt with a black and white striped tie. A gladius sheathed at an angle on his left hip and a sig sauer pistol on his right. His hair was a salt and pepper mix cut close and even like he simply shaved his head with a number three guard himself instead of worrying about style. I liked him immediately his no nonsense aura of doing your job and going home exuding from him. A blue floating box named him
* Lucius Cincinatus
Str 16
Con 16
A small hispanic woman wearing a simple but elegant black dress, it showed off her ample cleavage and her smooth dark legs. She had short dark black hair cut short framing her face to just below her jaw, thick full lips. She was smiling and holding her hands clasped together at her chest. Her warm brown eyes softened my display of affection for my dog. A blue box identified her.
* Dorinda Montoya
Wis 16
Cha 16
"That was just too cute!" She exclaimed in a sweet low voice. "He is such a big boy!"
"Uh hello Luc and Dora." I said completely nonplussed nodding at each showing I did know their names and was shortening them. What was with all these wild names? I wasn't going to be ashamed of my reunion with my best friend. "Are you guys here to buy some clothes too? I asked. You can go on ahead with Dak while i pet my dog." I said gesturing "don't worry he is a service animal. He can be in the store."
Luc looked me up and down with a grimace and I remembered I was pretty much nude except for a toga. Oh now I feel awkward.
"This is your closet kid, i mean sir. Nothing in here would fit us. We are Hades chief of staff, and head of security here in the mortal world to welcome you into the house." He growled. Gesturing to Dora and himself to indicate their respective titles.
"My closet?" I spluttered looking around. The place was bigger than my first apartment
"Yeah silly." Dorinda said in a cheery voice. "This is your house. 5 bedroom 4 bath. Through there is your bedroom. Fully furnished of course. If you need to purchase anything these will be ready to use by tonight." She said holding up a samsung cell phone and a kydex front pocket wallet that had an identification card for Raven's Hollow security services that named me as a Deputy Chief. A drivers license in my new name. A New Mexico private investigators license. Four metal bank cards, two blue with Ravens on hollow logs, two purple with black the same Black shield with a darker purple Cerberus on it. Each having different numbers.
"These two are for businesses credit and a debit." She said, indicating the Ravens. "These are personal." She said, indicating Cerberus.
"How much do they go up to." I asked.
"All of it, '' she said seriously. "Hades is king of everything beneath the earth. Minerals. Ore. Stones. All of it. As his Lord you have access to his wealth. As well as a diverse trading portfolio with many ETF's…"
"Ok i get it. Lots of money. Sorry mam. Im not much for higher finance"
"Got it." She said winking. "Well we better go. Underworld doesn't run itself. "
I was measured and left the closet with Dak. Marveling at my room. California king bed. Large black dressers, and bedside tables, and dressers. Probably real Ebony.
I was led into a bathroom with a real stone floor. One of the fancy shower heads that felt like rain. A petite purple haired young woman with lightly tanned skin waited. She was maybe four foot eleven. Her hair a neat bob cut, shaved on the left side and swooped over to the other side, Hazel eyes somehow sad. A small beauty mark over her lip. Her blue name tag advising her name was Miranda. I grabbed a towel and covered my nakedness having taken off my toga after being told I was hitting the shower.
"Hello, don't worry i've seen it all." She said waving at the towel. I'm here to help cut your hair if you would like. Or any other stylist things I can do? Shave, eyebrows cleaned up?"
I looked at the mirror and I did indeed have a scruff of a beard. My hair was way longer than I liked it. "Shave and a five on top zero on the side high and tight fade, I'll leave the rest up to your professional opinion."
She smiled, it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Really? You would trust me."
I shrugged "Sure. My boss trusts Dora so I trust that she trusts you."
After Miranda's careful ministrations. I was looking at myself in the mirror. The rebirth process had reversed my age to about my 20's. I was now a bit taller at about six foot four inches. My black hair had no grey in it and was thicker and fuller than in my forties. My eyebrows were proportionate and evenly shaped. My high and tight haircut had been left a little longer on top and groomed with some kind of cream miranda had put it in and tutored me in its use. It was combed forward from the back. The front combed up and to the right. My lightning bolt scar still there on the right side of my head. A reminder of my first fight with an inmate early in my corrections career
An hour later I was shaved, showered and groomed. Dressed in a dark purple three piece suit. Amethyst cufflinks in my black dress shirt sleeves. A black tie with the now familiar purple crest up under the knot. I was escorted to the front of the house. I used the cell phone to mark the location as home. Might have to uber back or something. A black hummer with the Raven crest rolled up. A thuggish looking brown haired bodyguard type got out and opened the back door for me. I didn't exchange pleasantries. I knew the deal. This was work for him. Just a casual nod and got in. Surprised to find a black cherry bang energy drink in the cup holder.
"I was told they were a favorite of yours."
An older woman, maybe early fifties, had long dirty blond hair captured in a tight braided plait down below her shoulder. A modest purple silk party dress covered her from neck to ankle. Black high heels on her feet, and gloves adorned her hands. A cerberus crest pendant hung at her neck with matching purple earrings.
* Charlene Mclane
Int 14
Wis 16
"Im Charlene my daughter and I will be your escorts to your first night in the town. We have been vassals of Hades for many years. My daughter will be joining us shortly."
"Awesome. What exactly do vassals do?" I asked bluntly.
"For Hades it can be anything. From accountants to warriors to quell undead uprisings or keep out fools who would enter the underworld for any reason. For you they will be much the same as bodyguards or wives and concubines."
"Uh, is that part mandatory? I am not so great with the fairer sex." I said. I was forty four and had like three girlfriends. Not much for casual sex either."
She laughed clear and bell like but somehow still cruelly
"Hades said you were a sweet boy. You will die quickly. I have never known a Lord who disliked violence and sex." Shaking her head "I don't think you will last long at all."
I had to send soothing calming emotions to Titan in my shadow space. I had thick skin and could handle insults. My doggo however was very upset at her. Growling menacingly in my shadow.
"Mother!" a sharp voice cracked. A girl with bright red hair and two plaited braids from her temples ran back keeping all her hair behind her ears and down her neck, brown eyes wide in shock. She appeared out of nowhere, her hands glowing a cyan blue. He white skin was lightly freckled.
"Please excuse my mother Lord. She has not had any good experiences with Lords of other houses. We joined Hades because he did not have a Lord and she is very upset that he chose one. Even though he promised you were different." A name tag popped up naming her.
* Kelly McLane
Wis 12
Char 12
Probably an illusionist of some sort I thought. Maybe here to stop me if her mother offended me into attacking her. Good call getting the measure of the new Lord. Not liking the idea of other Lords abusing power and women.
"It's Ok, Kelly. I understand. Some wounds heal harder than others." I said shrugging. "I'm not going to sit here and tell you that I am better or worse than anyone. Words matter little to me. You can judge my actions. Hopefully they will tell you what you need to know."
Kelly's mother snorted. Kelly smiled softly. "Thank you lord. We look forward to learning about you."
I leaned back, drinking my bang energy drink slowly. Not saying anything the rest of the ride.
Once the hummer arrived at the glowing sign of a strip club of all things. Club Fae where all deliciously wicked beings come to have fun. A neaon sign of a dancing blue haired elf girl in green body thong and high heels spun on a pole beneath the purple lettering.
"Are they expecting me here?" I asked.
"No, this is an observe and report mission for you." Charlene said. "You will be known soon enough. This is a chance for you to check things out without all the power hungry whores throwing themselves at you, Hades said not to stop you from using your title should you decide to do so. Probably so you can use it to get out of trouble, or into someone's pants."
I raised my eyebrows at the vehemence in her voice. Chalking it up to her past trauma and not saying anything. I did notice Kelly's nervous glance and slightly widened eyes. Damn, some Lord had done a number on these girls. Maybe he could get them to tell him some day, and do something about it.
"Do they do formal challenges or anything here?" I asked suddenly. As the idea popped into my head.
"Yes. It's a formal duel. Any magic you have or any weapons. Bonded and soul familiars are allowed should you be lucky enough to find one, the Source provides a ritual circle that only lets the chosen combatants enter, and prevents interference. So if you accept a challenge we or the security team can't help you." Charlotte said, again a bit aggressive.
"Fair enough" I said simply. Seeing Kelly's nervous glance between us. "Charlotte, May I ask why are you so angry with me? I can read the room. It's obvious you have been hurt by a titled noble, But i am not them. At least do me the courtesy of allowing me to prove myself or fail."
Charlotte glowered but lowered her eyes. "As my lord demands." She sighed.
"It wasn't a demand. Lord or not, I can't make or demand you to feel anything. I'm simply asking for a chance. Weather to fuck up, or show you i'm different." I said, shrugging my shoulders.
She simply nodded, as Kelly reached out to gently touch her hand. Giving her mother a soft look. Glancing at me from the corner. Of her eyes. I looked away not wanting to make the skittish women any more upset.
I pulled out the new phone Dorinda had given me. It was a newer model LG phone with verizon service. It had a screen that flipped up and sideways with a smaller screen underneath to have a keyboard. It was neat but technology was never my thing. Usually using pay as you go plans from wally world. I set up my phone background and lock screen. A Punisher symbol, and a Captain America shield that was slightly broken.
I finished my Bang and threw the empty can in a small trashcan between my seat and Kelly's. She startled at my motion, flinching her leg away. My shoulders fell. Someone had done a number on these women. A story I had seen one to many times in the mortal world. I didn't comment on it. Leaning back in my seat.
Titan, feeling my mild anger at the unknown trauma of the women, sent me calm feelings of love and happiness. I got a strong sense of a hound laying at his master's feet, next to the dying embers of a hearth. Contentment and happiness and an almost overwhelming sense of love.
"Thanks buddy. I love you too." I whispered out loud. Before I could stop myself. Surprised at the feelings sent through the bond. I hadn't known he could do that. But it was awesome.
I looked at both women. Who were both looking at me. Concern plain in their faces. "What? I miss my dog." I said. Before I could explain that I was talking about my Familiar and our new bond. The driver spoke up.
"We are here sir, mam." He said matter of factly. Pulling up at the front door of the club. A line of people stretched out a mile back. A large bull of a man behind a green velvet rope. A large black skinned man. Bald, pure black eyes, his wide nostrils perpetually flared, an actual brass ring septum piercing all giving him a menacing look, but was contradicted by his casual stance and easy smile. He laughed as a male in the front of the line joked with him.
We walked up to the front of the line two women in front, me slightly behind both feet on the ground head on a swivel. The bouncer glanced at me. We exchanged casual professional nods. True career bouncers and security always recognized their own kind. Sized each other up. He gave me an easy grin.
* Jackson Sable
Con 16
Str 16
"Charlotte, Kelly, long time no see. How is the underwood treating you? This handsome guy is your new beau kelly?" His familiar attitude and joking manner made his size more comfortable to people much smaller. Yup, definitely my type of guy.
I walked up to him. Head up. Shoulders back. Held out a hand. "A guy could only wish,'' I said, grinning. Returning his joking tone. "Christian Guard new hire for the big guy down under, blessed with beautiful company to show me around. You can call me Chris though."
He accepted my hand; he wasn't much bigger than me physically. But I got the sense he was hiding more somehow. I guessed at a magic disguise, but it didn't bother me. His secret to share or not.
"Pretty fancy duds. Security team I'm guessing. Probably management." He said casually "Welcome to club Fairy Mr. Guard" waving us in with his left hand while moving the velvet rope with his right.
We walked in and I was immediately assaulted by the blaring sounds of music and thumping of base so low it made my throat vibrate. I had bounced in my fair share of clubs. Strip, dance, rave. I had grown accustomed to it, but hadn't missed it.
For a couple of hours Charlotte walked me around pointing out different mythic creature varieties. Pretty much all the urban fantasy standouts. She explained that while inside the club or in line no hostile actions should be taken, without serious repercussions from Panacea and I would likely be called upon for that or to send a team to do so. I already knew i'd be hands on in that regard.
She explained how there were sentient, and non sentient creatures, the sentient being almost human except for various powers. That again i would be called on to deal with both varieties should they prey on mortals, or break Pantheon Covenant. The treaty that was in place between the pantheons. Id have to read it some day. She said it was surprisingly simple and equated to dont do dumb stuff to expose magic to mortals. There were very few laws protecting the mythic races from each other, or from members of the pantheons. Standard laws like no murder and no rape were more. Don't get caught than actual laws.
After a time Charlotte excused herself to a private meeting room for business she had scheduled with some other pantheon. Leaving me to mingle and Kelly to have a bit of fun. Dancing with friends. Apparently a rare treat for the young girl. I guessed the trauma in the unknown backstory made for an overprotective mother. A scared and understanding daughter old enough to understand but young enough to be ecstatic to have a chance to cut loose she disappeared into the crowd almost immediately. Followed closely by a male and female security duo.
Left to my own devices I headed to a quieter blocked off bar section. Claiming a section of bar moving the stool to sit with my back to the wall. Right elbow resting on the stainless steel of the bar propping my head on my fist, slouching and sitting low in the stool to appear smaller. Then turned to my favorite pastime. People watching, and was suddenly inundated with floating blue boxes. Shaking my head and willing them away.
The bartender, a tall Hispanic woman brown skin dusted with blue glitter, matching her blue eye makeup and black top with blue sequins sewn about it showing off the top of her modest cleavage. Open back to show off her muscular shoulders, Brown eyes taking all of me in that psychoanalytical way bartenders and FBI agents share.
No blue box. Hmm it was supposed to be an incredibly comprehensive system. I thought identify at the athletic dark haired woman.
* Thalia Rascon
Cha 16
Str 15.
"You looked overwhelmed. What can I do for you? To you?" She asked grinning mischievously.
"I'm kinda new to this club scene." I admitted. Not really lying. This magical club was a new experience. Though i was a bouncer for almost 7 years while security contracts were slow. "I am on duty though, so how is the coffee selection?"
"Oh bummer for you,'' she said. "I happen to like a man of duty, soldier of fortune though." She said winking. "Coffee, tea, or me, for you it's all free."
"Oh? Some of those seem a bit too hot for me to handle, ill work my way up with a coffee to start, and see where the night takes me." I said easily. Returning her polite flirtation. I knew it was her job and not any real interest. But it was fun. And she was good! I'd give her a nice tip. Maybe become a regular here.
She returned with the coffee. A stainless steel set of coffee and creamer carafes, and a bowl of sugar cubes.
"Here you go Mr. Mysterious stranger." She said easily. Again eyeing me. Hand playing with an errant strand of her thick black hair that had fallen over her shoulder.
"Oh where are my manners?" I rebuffed myself. Standing up, her eyes widening as she follows my eyes up, and up, and up. "Christian Guard" i said , extending a hand. "Deputy chief of Ravens hollow security, in charge of night time operations, but you may call me Chris. Since we aren't strangers anymore." I said.
She instinctively took my hand, all she could stammer out was "Ta.. ta..Talll..Thalia" she said, shaking her head sending her thick mane of hair flying about. Her dark skin was flushed. "You are very tall." She breathed out. Flushing darker.
"Uh yeah, six foot four I believe the last time i measured, Pleasure to meet you Thalia. I quite like it here, I hope to see you around." I picked up the dark coffee and napkin.
"Uh yeah, yes, definitely." She said turning and rushing over to other customers who had been trying to get her attention, so fast her shoulder length hair flew out behind her. She was good at this professional flirting stuff. It was fun going back and forth with her.