Roleplaying
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Seminars
| When: | 18 April 2005 |
| Who: | Edward, Kacela, Nicodemus, Soludarius, Tymel |
| What: | Kacela's performance of a loud but unidentified, song, catches the attention of others in the area of the pond where she is swimming, although larger plans arranged for a personal pickup from Lyman. |
West - Austin
The part of Austin west of the Colorado River is somewhat more open then the eastern Downtown, especially through the West Lake Hills, and tends toward clustered housing developments to the northwest and southwest. Many smaller townships have slowly become part of the main sprawl of Austin, providing suburban areas, and the area grows rapidly - especially in the nearby 360 area, but really all over.
There's a faint tinge of bluish-purple at the edge of the horizon, while Venus blazes in her saffron glory midway up in the sky. A few glimmers of light from candles set on a rock outcropping that extends out into one of the local ponds can be seen, the pale blue and green wax scented softly in a floral aroma. A cooler and a few towels sit nearby. A ripple in the water nearby sounds out, as a slim, dark figure slips through the pond. Kacela's hair glimmers faintly against the light as she cruises through the liquid.
Edward has parked a mile or so down the road in a gravel turn out and is just out walking and enjoying the spring evening. His feet cruch softly on the road and he tilts his head up to gaze the bright evening stars, visable in this less densly populated area of the city. Then as he lowers his eyes the glimer of candleligt catches his eyes. Looking a little suprised he turns his feet in that direction.
Kacela lolls around in the water, enjoying the lingering warmth. The scent of algae is thick on the still waters, and a few slicks of pond scum are visible several dozen yards away from the picnic spot and the lounging Kacela. She bobs back toward the rock, slim arms extending to check the glowing blue screen of a cell phone, checking the time. A laugh escapes her, before she begins humming to herself, a few snatches of words occasionally escaping from her. The tone is intense, and soon, it rises in volume, carrying with it a martial tone, and perhaps a few supernaturally influenced stanzas.
Roll by Kacela: (1) (1) (5)
Edward head jerks up and his footsteps speed up as he approches the pond. His eyes are imediatly drawn to the woman swiming in the pond. His eyes narrow as he tries to figure out who she is. Out loud he asks "Having a nice swim?"
Kacela gives a faint start, and turns her eyes upwards toward Edward as he approaches, still leaning on the rock shelf, the gloss of water on her skin balancing the softness of the yellow light from the candles. Not immediately recognizing Edward, she gives an easy enough smile. "Oh, you startled me. I usually come out here so I don't have to worry about being watched. No offense or anything, of course. The water's warm, and the air not too cool. So... yes." She raises hands, but remains submerged up to her shoulders. "Are you enjoying the evening yourself?"
Edward smiles slighly, although his eyes dart around the pond and surrounding area, looking for other people "Yes, thank you. I was just out for a walk enjoying the spring."
Kacela's lips part into another wide, generous smile. "Yes, spring is wonderful A reawakening of the world and all its wonders." Her legs occasionally kick out in the water, but she's happy enough to chat, done with her labor for the night, as far as she was concerned. "There's watermelon Smirnoff in the cooler, if you want one," she invites.
Edward pauses for a moment then shrugs. He helps himself to a drink and settles down on one of the benches near the pond and close enough to chat without having to shout "So, do you come swimming here often Miss...?"
Speaking of other people...on the road, a Mazda RX8 streaks into view, its silver exterior still battered from its owner's last indulgence with speed. By the sound of its engine, the sports car means to zip on by. But, at the last moment, the rumbling gears down to a low hum and the RX8 pulls onto the gravel next to the pond. Apparently, Kacela isn't the only one that knows about this quaint swimming hole.
Kacela finally hauls herself out of the water, the black one piece swimsuit shimmering on its teal and cobalt side panels. She twists to seat herself on the rock, and reaches out for the towel, patting her braids dry. "It's a recent habit. This is the first season I've done thid, come out here every other day. Usually most people don't bother me." A moment passes, and she tilts her head to the side, as she tries to place his features. However, the sound of the engine catches her attention, and Kacela hmms to herself as she sets the towel aside, and collects the sarong to tie it about her hips. Casting her glance down to Edward, she deadpans. "USUALLY, most people don't bother me. This is probably the most I've seen here this time of night in, well... months." She shrugs slightly, and laughs. "But it is getting warmer, I suppose it couldn't last."
Kacela ahems, and rocks backwards on her heels, as she leans down to scoop up one of the twist-top bottles. "Miss Kacela Howard, actually," she says in a clarion alto.
Edward eyes are also drawn to the roaring motor and he runs admiring eyes over the nice car for a moment before turning back to the woman "Well I'm sorry I bothered you Miss Howard. I know how hard it can get to find some time alone."
Nicholas Lyman emerges from the RX8, having already shed the day's business attire for khaki slacks, sandals, and collared Polo shirt. Casually flicking the keys about, he locks the car and struts toward the water, his lips easing into a gentle smile at the sight of the woman. "Have a good swim?" he asks as he nears the cooler.
Afterward, Lyman's gaze slides to Edward, and, though his features remain quite cheerful, his tone drops, "Who's your friend?"
Kacela considers the favored driving toy for a long moment, almost pointedly ignoring the other two present. Draping the towel over her shoulders, she says to Edward, "Well, I can't really complain, I don't own the water here, although I may be inclined to find another spot now that I've been found out," she says in a teasing lilt to Lyman. "And yes, yes I did. Managed to get in the number of laps I wanted to. It's a bit... draining though, you can understand. I think I will be turning in soon." She practically glows with personal smugness over the matter, although the blunt inquiry does cause her to return her gaze to Edward as she takes a speculative swig of the malt beverage. "You know, I think we HAVE met before, although I still don't know his name. Nicholas, you remember -- the last time you went to church? The song service was wonderful, wasn't it? And I actually had someone suggest that you should go more often, it'd help with your popularity with the local God-fearing power holders here in the Lone Star State."
Edward rises politly to his feet at Nicolas walks "Mr. Lyman right? I've seen you on TV before. You own the Dupoint plant if I remember right. I'm afraid I haven't introduced myself to either of you. I'm Edward Mcmillian." He glances over at Kacela, his eyes flickering briefly "I seem to remember that brief meeting yes."
Yet another person wanders by the little lake.. though without anywhere near as much fanfare as Mister Lyman. Ty's been writing and wandering without paying very much attention to precisely where he's going, and seems to have ended up on a path straight through the group already here. He's closing at a slow walk but doesn't appear to have actually noticed anyone here.
If anything is loaded in those smug words, Lyman does not seem to react. He is actually enthused, chuckling mildly through a deep breath out. In fact, he seems to share in Kacela's success, the same combination of confidence and amusement echoed in his own voice, "Well, exercise is important these days. My own...training...has been progressing well." Here, Lyman's word selection is suspect, as if he meant something else entirely. Then, as he is called to reflect on his last church visit, Lyman's eyes brighten in realisation..."Oh yes." Now, Lyman seems much more receptive to the stranger, though Edward earns a quick evaluation under Lyman's blue eyes, "Well, Mr. McMillan, nice to finally meet you. May I ask you what you do for work?"
Edward gives Nickolas a searching glance, clearly trying to ferret out his meaning for the training, but he asnwers politly enough "I'm a laywer Mr. Lyman. I work for a local law firm. We do mostly criminal law."
Kacela paces, bare-foot, around Lyman as he addresses Edward, drawing close enough to the businessman to nudge him with one shoulder in passing, the motion affectionate in the same way a Doberman Pinscher may seek attention from its master. She steps back toward the collection of items she had brought with herself, snuffing the candles, and plunking them in a ziploc bag before she puts the entire set in the cooler. Sauntering back towards the silver RX8, her shoulders stiffen as she sees another figure drawing closer. A stiff nod is sent to Tymel, as she sets the personal cooler, and herself, on the hood still-warmed by the recently cut off engine.
Tymel manages a few more paces before he pauses and glances up. The youth blinks a few times, glancing between the three others and then blushing slightly, "Oh.. beg pardon. I think I was looking for something here, but I got distracted." He offers an apologetic smile and a little shrug before stepping back out of the way.
"Oh, I see. Criminal law," Lyman replies, his expression creasing as if that side of the law was foreign to him. But Kacela seems to remind him of something in his confusion, her touch evoking an immediate smile. "So, you are a defence attorney then?" he asks more firmly. With this question, Lyman begins to drift, back pedalling slowly toward his car. Still, he quite interested in the answer it would appear, his gaze remaining fixed to Edward.
Edward shakes his head even as he glances over at newcomer and gives him a polite nod of greeting "No sir, Procution actualy." He returns his gaze to the factory owner and asks "And you, how's busisness?"
The skittishness of Tymel immediately catches Kacela's interest. As she continues to sit Indian-styled on the hood, she takes another swig of her watermelon-flavored Smirnoff, and sizes up the gawky youth. "It was a free country, complete with trails that beckon the foot to wander, last time I looked," she offers to calm Tymel. "You've got a name?" It seems that she's having a personal party of sorts, judging by her casual behavior. However, the back of her mind races with some irritation at the number of observers present tonight. Still, she politely turns her attention Edward, giving a faint 'ah' to herself. "Some of my girls from my prior position may have appreciated having you around, Mr. McMillian, given their abusive husbands and boyfriends."
The youth smiles warmly to Edward, apparently responding well even to a nod. Ty ahhs faintly at Kacela's comment and relaxes visibly, "Mm.. thank you. Name? Oh, right. Erm, people usually call me Ty or Tymie... erm.. I prefer Ty, though, really." A momentary grin, and Tymel hums softly, looking curiously to the two others for a few moments.
Edward turns his attention to Kacela looking interested "Oh really, Miss Howard? What was your prior position if you don't mind me asking?"
A Horned owl sits comfortable in a tree above the groups head. It cocks its head sideways and peers down at the humanoids below. Curious at what it might see, it sits patiently.
For a moment, Lyman completely turns his back, walking to catch up with Kacela. But, reaching the vehicle, he turns, and leaning against the hood, says to Edward shortly after his associate speaks, "Oh. So the crown contracts work out to your firm? Interesting." Afterward, a side glance goes to Tymel, before Lyman's eyes settle on Kacela. "It seems another has stumbled on your swimming spot," he teases playfully, though his eyes widen, stressing some point through their bold, blue pupils.
Kacela laces hands together and rests them on one knee as she raises it to her chest, still happily parked upon the metallic warmth of the vehicle under her. "Tie? As in a bowtie?", she asks of the newly arrived youth. Fixing Edward with a winning smile, she coos out, "Why, helping people help themselves, of course. I was a social worker in one of the women's shelters on the east side of town. It was a mess getting those people organized, but I got a good number of people to fight back, and be smart about it, too. I learned how to organize things, though, and it proved useful in a more general management sense. To the point that Nich... Mister Lyman here decided to spur me to greater things by placing me in charge of his new endeavor with the University." The glance from Lyman is caught, and she casts him a barbed glance in return. "I know, I /KNOW/", she rasps back toward him through gritted teeth.
A knewt crawls up Tymels shoe and scurries into his pants leg in the shadows of the night.
Edward nods at Mr. Lyman's words "Yes, we do do a lot of work for the city and Attorney General for the state." He smiles at Kacela's words "I'm sure it must have been rewarding work, alas, I know that it often doesn't pay very well, I can't blame you for going to work for Mr. Lyman here." He glances back at the man "I had heard about you joining forces with the Univerity. I hope it turns out well."
Tymel listens curiously.. then coughs softly, blushing again, "My apologies for disturbing, certainly." He shrugs for a few moments and humms, then meeps faintly when a newt climbs up his leg. The youth squirms before emitting a strangled yelp, "Newt!" Ty twists a little bit, trying to discretely reach into his pants and removes the lizard.
Disengaging himself from his conversation with Kacela, Lyman abruptly straightens, getting off the hood. Looking between the other two present, he bows his head in parting and marches to the driver's side of the RX8. "I'm afraid we have to be going," he asserts, his voice suddenly quite chilly. Perhaps a disagreement between he and his associate have cut short an evening of picnicking at the pond?
"Thank you," Lyman adds gruffly to Edward, just before he disappears into the interior of the vehicle.
The Newt hits the ground scurrying into the brush.
Edward waves farewell and grins suddenly at Ty's rather amusing perdicament "Err, you alright?
Kacela tilts her head to the side as yet another male appears to perform for her, complete with shoving hands down pants. "It should go well," she says to Edward. However, the words of Lyman catch her attention, particularly the 'we' part. Twisting her limber back to pointedly peer at him through the car's windshield, Kacela dismounts, and gathers her items before popping the passenger side door for herself, the edges of the sarong whisking about her feet. One last look is given towards the visiting pair, before she joins him in the sports car.
Another knewt secretly hides itself within the trunk of the vehicle. Silently it awaits a hitchhike.
Tymel erfs faintly and looks around suspiciously, "Erm. Sorry, there was a newt in my pants." He fishes in his pockets for a few moments before retrieving a small packet of saltines. "What do newts eat? Probably not crackers.. not sure what it was looking for." Ty offers Kacela a moderately graceful bow when she goes into the car, then looks to Edward in an appeal for understanding.
Kacela turns toward Lyman, and snaps out the towel to keep the upholstery intact. "Think it's time for a new spot. The north side of town might be nice. I swear, this is the first time anyone's come, other than that time when Butch was already here." She scowls fiercely toward the upper edge of the moonroof, arms crossed over her chest.
Edward laughs softly and watches the two drive away "A newt in your pants, thats an ecuse you don't hear often enough I feel." He holds out his hand to the young man "I'm Edward McMillian by the way."
Lyman slams his door and from the inside of the car allows his frustration to flow more freely. He scowls, his pointed gaze switching rapidly from Edward to Tymel...the true sources of his discontent, "Well, they were able to hear you this time." A brow raises questioningly, "How many times have you been here? Perhaps, this is how long it has taken for them to centre on the disturbance." Lyman's jaw tightens and his words become laboured, syllables unpacked by a low snarl at those outside the car, "That our friend appeared at the church was suspicious enough. Well, Mr. Edward McMillan...whom do you work for?" Of course, not able to answer that question for himself, Lyman turns the keys, ripping away and onto the road moments later.
In the trunk, only a seat is between itself and the cab. The newt crawls closer to the conversation listening closely.
Kacela replies lackadaisically, the regular Essence expenditure finally catching up with her. A long, drawn out sigh escapes her as she rests one elbow on the windowsill, while extending one finger to toy with the CD-changer. "I didn't tell you? Shame on me, then. This was my fifth time. Given how /LOUD/ it was, I'm surprised it didn't happen sooner. I need a hot shower." At that point, she's quite happy to listen to any information offered, although her own responses are quite subdued, emphasizing the fatigue totally unrelated to swimming laps.
Tymel looks at Edward blankly for a few moments, "Excuse...?" He shrugs lightly and glances at the ground suspiciously before stepping forward to take the offered hand, shaking it firmly, "Pleasure t'meet you, Mister McMillian. Tymel Sheolansaen."
Edward says, "A pleaure to meet you sir. What brings you out all this way?"
Driving along, Lyman hums at this, the news actually turning his sneer back into a smile. He grunts, "Perhaps, they are not as organized as we first suspected. Tyrr has not found the same structure we have..."
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