meeting kemp.

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] There's a small cafe about five minutes' walk from the caern: a rundown little hole in the wall that serves barely palatable coffee and pastries. It has a few tiny tables, as well as bar seating that stretches across the front window, facing the sidewalk.

It's a few hours after sunset. The streets are dark between the few sodium lights. Though the inside of the cafe is not well-lit, there's still enough light that its occupants are readily visible from the street. It's easy enough, therefore, to see Lukas inside, absorbed in a newspaper, a cup of coffee and a beef sandwich at his elbow. He appears -- for the moment, anyway -- to be alone.

[Belinda Perry] [bloody door salesmen.]

[Soledad Gutierrez] Wherever the Modernist pack had been staying, whether it was all together or not, was quite impossible to determine. However, one thing was for certain, it was rare that at least one pack member wasn't lingering around the Caern and it's surrounding areas. Today it seemed to be, once again, the pairing of the tall and willowy (part?)Mexican girl and the burlesque redhead. The streets and sidewalks around the Caern were dusty and quite nearly abandoned, reflecting the derelict status of the Caern itself.

Sol's attire hadn't changed one bit, suggesting that she didn't exactly carry a suitcase or rucksack with her in her travels. She still sported jeans, a big black leather coat, and heavy black boots, and the wool gloves as well. The same likely wouldn't be said for Belinda, the fashion diva that she was. The cafe was just up ahead, a dull glow of light, but a sign of food, shelter from the severe Chicago cold, and perhaps a glimmer of life in this all-but-dead portion of the city as well.

Wordlessly, Sol nudged the shorter but older woman's arm with her elbow, then jerked her rounded chin toward the cafe sign up ahead. No words were necessary, it was obvious that she was suggesting a pit stop.

[Kemp Oates] He was in serious need of a drink. Serious enough to shoulder the door of the cafe open without much seeming to pay attention to the guy sitting at the table with his face buried in a paper.

It was cool enough out to bring a flush to his face. The old jacket he wore had seen better days, stained with Gaia only knew what. One shoulder showed stuffing where several tears let it come out.

No hesitating as he headed up to the counter and mumbled something that sounded something like maybe coffee and reached behind for his wallet.

[Belinda Perry] Quite right that she had changed her clothes from last night. Some nice black pants, pretty low heels (maybe the same from yesterday), with a smashing cut waist-coast with white border details and gorgeous buttons, tucked tight over a blouse that was hidden with the tucked in scarf. Hair combed back, leaving her manicured features to the world, she was all eyes forward when Soledad nudged her.

With a barely perceivable annoyed lip purse, she glanced from the Mexican [spic says a Fang] to where she had indicated. She wasn't any further impressed. "You want to eat in there?" Well. It didn't matter what she said, she'd go with it. The woman was hardly fussy. Just because they were heading for this little shanty diner, doesn't mean that Belinda had to order anything. "Very well..."

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] (goddammit, apparently jess is working on her sheet! *goes post*)

[Kemp Oates] A bare lift of his head in thanks given as he tossed a buck on the counter as he took the steaming cup after it was filled and he turned to head to the bar seating where he could watch the street and those that passed or entered. In this position he could see the room behind him in the grimy glass. It was here he sat with his knees wide to get his long legs beneath the counter as he pried the lid off the cup and started dumping sugar packets in the cup. Shoulders hunched forwards with a protective posture around the project he was working on. Long dark shaggy hair hung in his eyes, obscuring the shadowed orbs.

[Soledad Gutierrez] Soledad was used to Belinda's ways, they'd been packed together long enough now to be accustomed to one another at the very least. Belinda was upper-class, often percieved as prissy, but smart (usually) and mellow enough that Soledad had at least some semblence of respect for the Glass Walker. So there wasn't even a note of aggrevation or sarcasm when the Ahroun replied.

"It's warm, probably mostly empty. Better than a crowded restaurant. Besides, I'm interested in drink and shelter more than real food." Cafes usually had sandwiches and pastries at the most, and while that didn't constitute 'real food' in her eyes, Soledad was very rarely picky enough to turn her nose up to food. She knew what it was to go wanting, and understood the concept of 'waste not, want not' as well. So the cafe it was.

Kemp had entered about a minute and a half before the two ladies reached the door. Soledad's long arm reached out to open the door, and held it for Belinda to enter before her. This could be percieved by way of power and respect however anyone pleased, but for Sol it was just easier. She was used to guarding the flank anyways.

[Katerina Ashcrofte] A cafe. Well, that was quaint, wasn't it? It seemed that these people that dragged her along for the ride couldn't find a better place to ensconce themselves for the night. It seemed a good a place as any, to the mind of Katerina. Platinum blond hair fluttered in the wind as she stepped along in her stiletto boots, the heels adding another four inches to her height of 5'7". Piercing green eyes flicked around, to see whom else may be lurking in the dark street.

She wore a tan lambskin coat, the collar pulled up against the wind, the coat's belt tied around her waist loosely. The coat was more of a fashion statement, not holding much in the way of practical use. Loose jeans, tucked into the boots that came to her knee, contrasted nearly sharp with the coat as they were a dark shade of blue. A red leather Coach handbang hung from one shoulder.

Stepping through the door, she looked around. Maybe she'd see a familiar face, and maybe not. Whom would know?

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] The cafe's all but deserted. There's one guy behind the counter. A tinny radio blaring christmas songs in the back. And Lukas at the window bar, rather well incongruously well dressed. Which, in this neighborhood, simply means his jeans aren't ripped, his shirt isn't stained, and the thin, weighty weave of his sweater hangs as it should from his shoulders.

He barely stirs as Kemp takes a seat beside him. A moment later he turns a page on his newspaper -- a rustle. The door opens again. His eyes flicker up, ice blue: he looks at the women, Belinda and Soledad, as they enter. A faint breath out, somewhere between a chuckle and a snort. He gives them a brief nod, perhaps a little ironic, and returns to his paper.

"Are you with them?"

This is spoken low, and so casually that Kemp might not realize he's being spoken to for a moment. Then Lukas' eyes flicker to him. "Are you with them?" he repeats, tilting his head slightly in the direction of the women.

[Katerina Ashcrofte] ( brb phone)

[Belinda Perry] A brief raise of brows is all she had to say on the matter. It said a lot. That she didn't think much of it and that her opinion hadn't changed but she'd indulge anyway. Its not all about the upper crust. Not that at all. Its about culture and dignity and, ... red leather?

Katerina had been glanced at when the women walked through the door. She didn't mind, or even thank Soledad for opening the door for her, simply walked in with a quiet clip of thicker heels. Lukas. Kemp. A quick sweep of each as she stepped out of the way and inspected tables, booths, bar tops, and what have you. Looking for a place she could sit without collecting grime on anything more than the sole of her shoes.

[Kemp Oates] Lukas was right about one thing. Kemp had no idea who Lukas addressed until he repeated the question and it sunk in the guy had spoken. Pausing in the middle of dumping packet number four into the cup to with a lift of his head to the door then give a faint shake.

"Do I look like I am with them? Nope. Ain't me they're here for."

Though the hairs on the back of his neck rose a little higher as the rage increased in the little hole in the wall and he muttered under his breath.

"Heh, maybe it's you?"

[Katerina Ashcrofte] "Or maybe he is here for me?" Katerina said to Kemp as she made her way to the Shadow Lord. Her voice was higher-pitched, and had a slower drawl to it that one couldn't readily place from any region of the world. Her coat was untied and opened, as she slid onto a stool beside Lukas. She wore a shirt with a deep neckline, a darker red than her purse, and beneath that shirt was a white tank to keep things... not so exposed in the chill of winter as well as for modesty's sake. Still, it did nothing to hide the curve of a full bosom.

"Good evening, Lukas," she murmured to the Shadow Lord before turning her attentions to one of the servers behind the bar. It was a cafe, after all. Mocha latte, extra cream was the order given. Handbag set on the counter, she slid her coat off from her shoulders and onto a stool beside her.

[Soledad Gutierrez] Soledad's eyes skimmed the cafe when she followed Belinda in through the door. Though the woman in the low heels with the bright red hair and proper dress walked with dignity, something about the posing between the women suggested that the power lay with the tall girl with the young face. Belinda walked with dignity and grace, while Soledad's stance and leggy stride spoke of power and confidence. Her eyes skimmed the woman in the lambskin coat fist, attention drawn there first due to the bright red handbag, then to the men sitting at the window bar. Kemp was unfamiliar, and therefore dismissed initially, but Lukas held her gaze.

She watched the Shadow Lord for a moment, and when his blue eyes met her dark brown/black ones, he lifted his head in a nod of greeting that could have any sort of meaning under it, and she responded by dipping her chin in a nod instead. No upnods here, but simple recognition, just as he had done. She took a second to look at Kemp a little longer, and upon assuming that the pair were together, she looked to Belinda while she hunted for the cleanest looking table.

Wordless still, the Ahroun moved to the counter and pulled a thin money clip from her back pocket and ordered herself a large glass of coffee with cream. Belinda could order for herself if she decided she wanted anything. Katerina joined Lukas and Kemp, and spoke Lukas's name. While Sol did not turn to stare at her for this, it certainly didn't go unnoticed.

[Kemp Oates] He shrugged, attention seemingly back on dumping sugar packets into his cup.

"Sure, maybe they are here with you. Whatever."

That was weird enough. And the regard of females to these other two strangers told her not everyone here had never seen each other before.

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] There's a fair bit of pure breeding in the air now: Kemp had some, Lukas had a lot. In any case, there's little guessing necessary. The cafe was, for better or worse, now inundated with Garou.

"Evening, Katerina." He doesn't turn to look at this newest arrival, which, given that a) she just approached an Ahroun from behind and b) she is, as they say, a looker, should say something about their mutual familiarity.

"Anyway," to Kemp, this, "I'm just asking because I'm new to town. Getting the strings sorted out and all." The young man's bloodlines are pure slavic: it's there in the cheekbones, the brow. Despite that, there isn't a shred of accent to his tone. He holds his hand out, "Lukas. And this is Katerina." Pause. "We're both with Edward Bellamonte."

[Kemp Oates] His hackles rose beneath the surface with the extended hand. He hated touching, it made his skin crawl. He'd much rather sniff asses as introduction than touch a stranger. It took a great deal of will just to hold down the revulsion as it rose. More will had his Fool's face sliding in place with a wide show of teeth in a smile as sweet as all the sugar he had dumped in the cup by now.

"Well, ya likely know you're in the right area for sorting out and pulling strings. Don't know who the fuck Edward or Bellamonte are, but I'm known as Kemp around here."

[Belinda Perry] Unbuttoning the front of her jacket, she slipped into a chair and got herself comfortable. Legs crossed and her back resting comfortably against the chair, she tugged her scarf until it unfolded, while watching Soledad head over to where the others were milling about and order her beverage. Belinda wanted nothing. Not from here.

Keeping to herself, she listened to the conversations musing around the bar and the gaudy Christmas music playing in the background. Garou in a neglected cafe with merry jingles wasn't something of the usual affair. It bemused her, if only briefly, giving a slight spark to her eyes and nothing more.

[Kemp Oates] Deliberately he reached for the extended hand to shake it. And fuck him if he didn't want to bite it rather than shake it. What the fuck was it with shaking hands anyway? Stick out your hand and it might not come back was his motto. Still all along he kept that big ole friendly smile in place. He'd been the front man for a long time before he was a lone item.

"Nice ta meetcha, and her."

Only just remembering some sort of manners of a sort.

[Kemp Oates] (( Heh, sorry for short chopped posts. Been so long since I interacted, forgotten how. ))
to Belinda Perry, Dylan Swan, Katerina Ashcrofte, Lukas Wyrmbreaker, Soledad Gutierrez

[Katerina Ashcrofte] Peach-colored lips pursed as she inspected Kemp, while Lukas made introductions. This one had a mouth on him, that much Katerina could tell. That he would speak so in front of a lady meant that he was either as brutish as he looked, or merely didn't care. She would assume the latter, for now.

The revulsion painted across the Rotagar's face while he shook hands with Lukas was not lost on the theurge, and she merely nodded to him. A pat on the arm for Lukas, she spoke to Kemp. "Good evening." Indeed, they were with Edward Bellamonte, but for now her counterpart would be the mouthpiece. She watched, and observed as he always did.

[Soledad Gutierrez] With a coffee gained from a human behind the counter that deserved praise of some sort or another for tolerating the presence of so many Garou at once as well as they were, Sol offered a nod and murmer of thanks, then moved to seat herself at the table that Belinda had picked out, large coffee mug in one hand, a couple of little plastic cream containers in the other. Her ankle hooked a leg of the chair across from Belinda, and she pulled it out, then sat down and didn't bother scooting her chair back in properly under the table.

She went about dumping cream in her coffee and stirring it with a somewhat spotty spoon that had been retrieved from the counter as well. For a time Soledad was quiet, content to stick the spoon in her mouth and drag it out through closed lips to clean it of coffee, then set it on the tabletop and bring the mug to her mouth instead to take the first drink. She wasn't too talkative, Belinda would be used to that, and used to the fact that it was often up to her (or others) to start conversation if they wanted to talk with the Ahroun.

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] Lukas' grip is firm and warm; nothing clammy and cold-fish about it.

"Yeah, likewise. I'm sure you'll get to know Ed. He's sort of our ringleader. A good guy, even if he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth." Lukas has a nice smile, which he employs only infrequently. "I'm guessing you're one of the locals. What's the deal with the, uh, -- " he nods in the direction of the caern rather than finishing the sentence. "Seems like there's a lot of positions open."

[Soledad Gutierrez] (( I assume that in this once-deserted cafe with only quiet Christmas music to keep the background noise, that the conversation occurring at the window bar would be overhear-able? ))

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] (sure. lukas is probably pitching it so you'd have to put a bit of effort into eavesdropping to overhear, but oocly i have no problems with it.)

[Kemp Oates] "Folk move on. Ain't many stick to the way, let alone know 'em. Instead, they invent their own and take their toys and go home if things don't go the way they perceive, ya know? And some move on cause they got relatives waiting for 'em when their time here ends. Gotta go sit in line and see if they get to recycle, so to speak."

Slowly his attention shifted towards the two women at the other table then back to take a good look at Katherine and Lukas before he started dumping more sugar packest in the cup. About packet number 11 he took a noisy sip and smacked his lips. Long and lean, his jeans had holes in both knees and one thigh, cuffs were frayed and one shoe had a hole in the toe. Long shaggy hair hung in eyes as green as moss in a pond, set in a face that had been very tanned not two months ago.

"Ya looking ta stay?"

[Belinda Perry] "If only he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth." Says Belinda to her pack-mate, her voice low, mouth quirked in her bemused sort of way. It wasn't said particularly vicious, more like someone would say about someone familiar. She didn't harbor the resentment of others in her pack. She was too new for that. Still, she could play on words. Something about being a Galliard had bad habits of that.

From her jacket pocket she began to remove a slender case that contained a few lined cigarettes within. She wasn't rushed and it distracted her from watching Soledad mess with something that didn't really pass as coffee for Belinda's books.

[Soledad Gutierrez] Of course Soledad was paying attention to the words being spoken behind her. The lanky young man at the counter with Lukas and Katerina (that's what Lukas said her name was, anyways. He'd also said their Galliard was named Dill, so she wasn't certain how accurate his word on identities was) was a local, so it seemed. So he would be telling Lukas information that she and her pack could use. Of course she payed attention.

Belinda made a comment-- naturally-- and Soledad glanced up to her packmate from over the rim of her coffee cup and murmered in that low alto voice of hers, only faintly flavored with the once-exotic but increasingly common accent of the country of Mexico. "You insinuating it was somewhere else?" That there was a touch of Sol's brand of humor.

[Belinda Perry] One cigarette was removed, placed to her lip and was left there while she closed the container and deposited it back in her pocket. She smirked faintly when Soledad added her quip and, giving the other a flick of her blue eyes, reached up to take the cigarette from her mouth between her fingers to speak unobstructed, "Me, insinuate some detail as that, darling?" She shook her head and rummaged in a pocket for her lighter with her other hand, keeping a half eye on the Mexican woman, "That's just your dirty mind talking."

[Katherine Bellamonte] HDY steal my PC's name. Brute! *BEATS UP HUFFILY*
to Katerina Ashcrofte, Lukas Wyrmbreaker

[Katerina Ashcrofte] A slender, platinum eyebrow arched as she glanced around. Her gaze fell upon Soledad and Belinda, the two of them whom seemed intent upon Lukas and she. Those peach-lips pursed again, a hint of a smile spreading on her lips. The watchers are being watched, she thought as she sipped her mocha latte. The baffoon behind the counter didn't know what a mocha latte was at first, and so she had to educate the fool.

A sip was taken, and a napkin used to wipe away the foam on her lip. Low, throaty whisper carried to Lukas' ears. "We're being watched," she said quietly, for her beta's ears alone.

Crossing her legs, she looked over to Kemp. "Things are quiet here, I take it?"

[Katerina Ashcrofte] (There is a difference between Katerina, and Katherine! RAWR! *Paddles!*
to Katherine Bellamonte, Lukas Wyrmbreaker

[Katherine Bellamonte] (STFU, is not not not x one bazillion. I'm going off to emote about this in the emo corner. ;_; )
to Katerina Ashcrofte, Lukas Wyrmbreaker

[Katerina Ashcrofte] ( Make sure to blog about it, emo kid. :D )
to Katherine Bellamonte, Lukas Wyrmbreaker

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] Are they looking to stay?

"Yes."

Straightforward, that. Kemp's a smart guy; he has to have figured out this one's tribe by now -- Shadow Lord, in all its notoriety. His eyes don't shift and dart, though. They're direct, open -- pale as ice.

"Definitely." He breaks his sandwich in half and offers half -- offhandedly -- to Kemp. Whether or not it's accepted, he digs into the other portion. "I'll be straight with you. We don't want to tread on any toes, and we're not here to make pompous asses of ourselves. But we are here because we want to make something of the place. You guys did a great thing, setting it up, and that's never going to be forgotten. Those that've gone on to other things did a great thing in making it safe, too. But it can be so much more than what it is now. It's one thing to have a friendly waypoint on the map, but we can make it a ... a bastion. Of hope, and tradition, and -- " Lukas' mouth slants wryly; he hears himself carrying on, and in public at that -- stops. "Anyway." He shrugs -- Katerina speaks up, and he subsides into quietness.

[Kemp Oates] "Off and on, off and on. Is the world ever quiet? Life moves, the dance contunies like a tango man. One way then the other. Ain't never ending till it all ends."

Slowly his shaggy head turned to regard Belinda as he lifted his voice enough to be clearly heard.

"Sign on the door says no fuckin smokin. I sure hope ya can read. It's that big ole one that's black and orange, in case ya missed it."

His regard returned to Lukas with the offer of half the sandwich and the long winded speech that had him accepting the sandwich quickly to stuff nearly the entire thing in his mouth at once so it would seem a fit of coughing/choking was going on rather than a effort to stiffle a burst of laughter as his eyes started to water and he beat on the counter hard enough to have his cup vibrating across it.

[Soledad Gutierrez] The way that the table was set up, Belinda was facing the window bar while Soledad's chair placed her back to the local Chicagoan and the rival pack of Traditionalists. Not that they were hiding anything, but she trusted Belinda's poker face and calm and smooth mannerisms to keep any unnecessary choppiness and tension from invading the air. It was tense enough as it was, they didn't need to be lighting any matches in a propane-filled room.


Belinda quipped right back, and the most response that Belinda got was a twitch from the corner of Sol's mouth, a hint of a smile that very rarely showed itself, no doubt in response to the term of endearment as well as the accusation of having a dirty mind. Another sip was taken from the mug before she set it on the table, removed her gloves, and shoved them in her coat pockets so that she could now place bare hands on the glass, warming them more effectively on her beverage.

Naturally she listened to all she could overhear. She suspected all this would be useful knowledge.

[Katherine Bellamonte] (O HAI. Where are you all? Please to be informing me so I don't appear lame and off the mark IC. TY! )
to Belinda Perry, , Katerina Ashcrofte, Kemp Oates, Lukas Wyrmbreaker, Soledad Gutierrez

[Katherine Bellamonte] (O HAI. Where are you all? Please to be informing me so I don't appear lame and off the mark IC. TY! )
to Belinda Perry, Dylan Swan, Katerina Ashcrofte, Kemp Oates, Lukas Wyrmbreaker, Soledad Gutierrez

[Kemp Oates] His throat moved as he choked down the sandwich, finally grabbing the cup of sugared coffee to wash it down further as he sniffled, coughed and snickered.

"Damn that was good. Thanks man."

Whether it was to the sandwich, the speak or both, was hard to say at the moment.

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] Lukas glances over his shoulder as Kemp addresses the pair. "That's Belinda and Soledad." He turns back -- his eyes flicker to Katerina, just for a second, then back to Kemp. "They're not with us."

Then, insert longwinded idealistic rant; insert Kemp shoving food in his mouth; insert the Rotagar coughing, or perhaps, laughing. Lukas takes it all in, unruffled, a veritable glass of cool water. After the Rotagar coughs for a while, he passes him his cup of sugared coffee.

Faintly quizzical, with the sort of smile that says he doesn't get the joke: "What, you don't think it can be done?"

[Kemp Oates] "Anything's possible man. Shit, I could grow an extra dick or hell, you could grow tits. And ya just might be able to pull anything off here. I seen things I don't care for. I seen things that make me want to spit fire and fart nails. I seen some good shit too. Always room for growth. Just don't let yourself get tunneled or it might all backwash up your ass, ya know?"

He was wiping at his eyes with the back of his sleeve as he spoke to Lukas with one ear cocked towards the evesdropping women at the table.

"So ya know 'em over there?"

Indicating the pair.

"Butcha sit on a different pot to do the same shit, right?"

[Katerina Ashcrofte] "Hmm." A soft, throaty sound from the blond woman in red-and-blue. Unless Katerina missed her guess, this Kemp fellow as Get of Fenris. There really was no mistaking it, but she couldn't be sure until she had a proper introduction, and that certainly wouldn't be given here.

An eye was cast to the pair of women, when Lukas mentioned that they were not with Edward their lot. That could only mean one thing. Have you ever seen two strange cats in a room together? Much the same, except Katerina let no outward emotion or expression show.

Katerina was brought back to the present as she fully comprehended what Kemp was saying. "If you were to grow breasts, Lukas," she said with a hint of amusement, "I would take you shopping for bras."

[Belinda Perry] Kemp starts barking her way and she looks at him with an arch of a brow and little more. She's still looking at him when he starts shoveling food in his mouth and choking on it. "There's something to be said about karma, Soledad." Says the woman quietly. Her cigarette, having been turned in her hand, was now on its way to being slipped behind her ear where it perches for later use.

".. You're lucky that you've a young body, darling, with that imitation you're drinking. Best be careful though." Her forearm rests on the edge of the table, hand dropped off to the side. She barely leans into it as she's speaking to her packmate, back straight and chin lifted. She's all too cool and smooth. Her regard for the others has been nothing but a glance or two. "Lest you be shitting stains in the wake of something potentially otherwise worthwhile." Unlike a selected few.

[Kemp Oates] He ate like the wolf he was. Or maybe it was all part of the act? Didn't matter, he was getting a good chuckle out of all of this. Two camps in one room, it was great fun and hard to resist stirring the shit. If it got any tighter in here, he'd be looking for sticks up some asses. Just the thought had him chuckling again.

"Damn this coffee is the bomb."

By now he was tipping the cup up to let the sugary mess in the bottom slowly plop out to land on his extended tongue before he chewed the mess with faint crunching sound like chewing sand.

[Soledad Gutierrez] She listened to Kemp bark about cigarettes, watched Belinda comply in putting it away, then listened to Kemp choke/laugh on what was, presumably, part of the sandwich that Lukas had been sitting with. Belinda made a comment about karma, and Sol nodded, then lifted the mug she was warming her hand with to her mouth once again. It tasted mediocre, may as well have come from a teapot and a teaspoon of instant coffee grounds rather than from a pot, but she really didn't care. It was just nice to have a warm beverage. She'd been travelling for a while, don't doubt that, but she still faired from a region of America much further south, and thus much warmer, than Chicago.

Belinda spoke about imitation, young bodies, luck, and shit stains. That last part left Sol a bit confused as to what the Galliard was getting at, sometimes she didn't understand the New Orleans girl's lingo, and this was a fine example of a time when culture barriers came into play. One semi-heavy eyebrow lifted in confusion, but Sol didn't set her mug down when she answered. Just spoke between sips.

"Doubt either you or I have gotta worry about having anything but a young body in our expected lifetimes." Pause, sip. "And what are you talking about shit stains for?"

[Belinda Perry] Without missing a beat, she's answering Soledads confusion, "I'm saying what you're drinking is going to leak out your behind over your twenty dollar jeans. And next you know, you'll be frequenting here for more than foul liquid and lukewarm comfort." Not that it made much sense to what she was getting at in the first place. It was probably more to do with ages as much as anything else. Or that the subtly is often lost on the direct Ahroun.

It didn't matter. It wasn't important. Belinda's attention was drifting across the room again, taking in the details of the cafe. Perhaps it was something, some time. It could be more than it was now, too, with some TLC. She entertained herself with such notions while patiently waiting for Soledad to finish her drink and be done with here and current company.

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] Lukas' face breaks into a grin -- it changes it utterly, dispels the solemnity. He glances up at Katerina, standing to the side, a little behind. "If I grow breasts," he repeats, giving his chest an exaggerated feel, "you won't see me for a few days."

Back to Kemp, then. "I hear you. I don't expect you to fall down and worship Ed just because I'm going on about how we're going to do great things. All I care right now is that you know we're not here to run roughshod over the locals and take what you've been working for. The rest of it, we'll prove to you if we can."

He's been eating this whole time -- he finishes up his sandwich now, dusts his fingers off on a napkin. Glances up at Katerina. "You want to go over there and ask those ladies if they're done listening in on me?"

[Kemp Oates] "Wait, wait, wait. Ya keep mentioning Ed like he's the Wizard of Oz."

This was starting to get under his skin just a little as his territorial alarms started jangling.

"Who the fuck is Ed of the silver spoon? Not that I don't know what the fuck the metal value of the spoon refers to. Just ain't heard of 'em, which in my book means something."

[Soledad Gutierrez] "Oh."

And it's as simple as that. There isn't really a chuckle to answer the harsh criticism of the quality of food and drink here, though the humor didn't go completely unappreciated, not on the inside anyways. Soledad glanced down into the murky beige of her overcreamed coffee, pondered it for a second, then shrugged, took a deeper drink now that the beverage had cooled enough for her to do so, and set it on the table. She'd left about a quarter of the beverage in the mug before sliding it toward the center of the table, which could be perceived as an offer to Belinda or as a simple signal that she was finished.

It was probably the second, considering the fact that she was leaning her lengthy (for her heritage) frame back in her chair and reaching into her coat pockets so she could retrieve and put her wool gloves back on.

[Katerina Ashcrofte] A small smile for Lukas - despite all his bravado and outward display of 'Here I am! Behold!' Katerina really knew him for whom he was. The animosity between their two tribes aside, were Lukas a Silver Fang the theurge might actually get on a touch better with him. Then again, the man had a way of eyeing her up when she wasn't looking. Of course she was used to such male scrutiny. Filthy pigs.

"If you grew breasts, my dear Lukas," she began, "I believe it would be quite the opposite."

With his mention of her going to see what can be done with those two women, she merely gave a nod and a shrug and slid off her stool. Heeled boots clicked on the floor of the cafe as she made her way over, hips swinging in time with her steps. An amused, mischievous light came to her eyes as her full peach-colored lips curved into a smile.

Stopping a few feet short of their table, she stood with one hip cocked and a hand on it, the fingers upturned while the wrist lay on the curve. "Good evening, ladies," she said. "My esteemed colleague wishes to know if you have finished eavesdropping for now."

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] "He's the boss." A beat of pause -- he glances over at the cash register to make sure it was deserted. Quietly, "The Alpha of [insert pack name here]. I'm his beta. But if you want a more formal introduction, we're going to have to find a quieter spot." An apologetic shrug.

[Belinda Perry] Patience is a rewarding thing. Sometimes without adding pressure one really did. Soledad has hurried along with her coffee, or perhaps had been turned off it, and as she was getting her gloves out Belinda rose up and buttoned up her waist-coat with practiced and efficient motion. Her scarf was refolded, slipped in between the lapels of her jacket and smoothed over.

Her gaze turned to Katerina, naturally, when the other approached. Her brows raised with interest with what the other might have to say, before she said it, and afterwards gave the other a warm (parental) smile. "I don't think there's anything worth such a great effort in here, Miss. But do suggest keeping such superior complexes to a minimum. . I'm not sure the locals are quite on par."

[peeky share] (OMFG. Lukas has BIG Balls.)
to Lukas Wyrmbreaker

[Kemp Oates] "Ah, he is your immediate boss."

He nodded, making the distinction between The Boss and Lukas' Boss. He leaned a little closer with that glint of mischief igniting in his eyes.

"Another place and another time and I'll be happy to do the ole tap dance with ya. Meantime, I'll letcha get over there with her."

He jerked his head towards the retreating Katerina's backside.

"And thank ya for the food and chuckle. Ain't laughed hard enough to think about pissing myself for a long time."

With that he rose, chuckling still as he stretched to his full 6'5" and a little bit with a wink.

"Gotta do my thing, make the rounds, piss on a grave all before I sleep."

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] "See you, Kemp." He holds his hand out -- not a handshake but a quick firm grasp of the forearm.

After the tall Rotagar leaves, Lukas does not, after all, get up to join his packmate with assaulting the rivals. He stays where he is, thumbing some crumbs off the bartop, brushing his fingers off over the sandwich wrapper. Then he wraps it all up in a ball and tosses it aside, moves his cooling mug of coffee front and center.

[Katherine Bellamonte] Katherine Isabella d'Albret Bellamonte.
Sister of Edward [of the Silver Spoon].

Daughter of Kings.
Visionary?

Hm. No, perhaps that is taking things a tad too far, too prematurely. But surely her name stirs the ambers of memory. Surely it invokes without your very soul anticipation. I am correct enough in that regard, surely? A new chapter has begun and I am certain -- I am almost one hundred percent certain --

"Miss Bellamonte?"
"Hm?"

A gloved hand paused; a flick drawing an added stroke of ink to a half completed sentence. It was a fine hand that pronounced each letter; curved every line and accent. It was dignified; competent.

"You wanted a coffee?"

The eyes that lifted from the page were blue -- not particularly pale or on the other hand startlingly vivid -- they were simply a certifiable mixture somewhere between the two. It was easy enough to recall them, framed by pale lashes and set into a creamy complexion.

"Oh yes. Yes."

The motion of the car eased; lights reflected off smooth black metal and the soft electronic whirr of the back passenger window being lowered revealed the aforementioned eyes to the world. Miss Bellamonte was a young woman; her face most carefully constructed by centuries of impeccable breeding until it reached this girl. There could be no mistaking that she was lovely -- that her clothing was fine and not to be easily replicated unless you possessed several credit cards and that the instant she set foot outside that car -- destiny, Katherine Bellamonte, is yours to take by right alone -- Chicago would know her name.

[Soledad Gutierrez] Soledad glanced up when Katerina approached the table, but remained seated comfortably enough while she took her time pulling her gloves on, taking care to get her fingers through the proper holes (the gloves were the type that were cut off between the first and second knuckle, with flaps that could cover the bare fingertips when conditions called for it. Belinda did the public affairs, like the Galliard was expected to, and Soledad merely listened and remained quite relaxed.

With posturing now in effect between the two women, both groomed and pretty, the young Mexican girl, with her dark hair left down and bland, her face left without make-up and her clothes functional rather than nice to look at, rose to her feet at a pace that was best described as unhurried.

She would let Belinda speak and posture with this woman (Silver Fang, screams the breeding), and Soledad would simply jam her hands into her pockets and watch the pair almost how a teacher would watch a pair of kids on the playground-- let them play, but if things get out of hand, she could seperate them easily enough.

[Katerina Ashcrofte] It was in Katerina's dominion to see what cannot be readily seen. That slender eyebrow rose again a trifle, as her arms came to rest folded beneath her breasts. A bored expression overcame her, as she tilted her head to the side. "If that were so," she said with a bit of frost, "I cannot imagine why you would still be patronizing an establishment such as this that would readily be sub-par."

The theurge had overheard one of them mentioning the lackluster quality of the place.

An eye was cast to Belina's counterpart, Soledad. She said nothing, and therefore warrented no response.

[Kemp Oates] He grunted, glasping Lukas on the shoulder and cast a look towards the women. Damn he still had problems with women and likely never would trust one fully.

"Another time, watch your back. Many faces around town, ain't all what they seem to be, ya know?"

And then he was out the door and out of sight in a blink.

[Kemp Oates] ((thanks for the play, it's been a long time, but I gotta sleep and besides this kitten won't stay off my damned head. Night! ))
to Belinda Perry, cuddle lumpkins, Katerina Ashcrofte, Katherine Bellamonte, Lukas Wyrmbreaker, peeky share, Soledad Gutierrez

[Soledad Gutierrez] (( Gonna be kinda slow, folding laundry ))

[Belinda Perry] "A shame then, for that inadequacy of yours." Her smile remained and she inclined her head. The others bored expression didn't bother her. Nor did the posturing. Belinda hasn't puffed out anything, made any grand movements other than to prepare herself for the cold outdoors. Katerina's appearance at the table hasn't stopped the Glass Walkers intention of leaving, as she bid, when she bid, not once considering the others desire to make a scene.

There was no intention, either, to bid goodnight. Her smile, polite and pleasant, was enough. As the Galliard walked for the door, she plucked the cigarette from her ear and prepared to light it the moment she was outside. Soledad could stay behind and chat, Belinda would linger outside puffing away while waiting for the other.

[cos player needs to get the kids from school!]

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] A car pulls up outside.

If Lukas is incongruous with his expensive designer jeans, his fine-knit sweater, his tailored wool overcoat, then Katherine Bellamonte was all the more so. For god's sake, the woman just pulled up in a chauffeured car. Who does that?

The coffee is cold by now, but he gulps it down anyway. And when the Philodox enters, he looks at her squarely, mildly. "Evening, Katherine. Where's Ed?"

[Soledad Gutierrez] Soledad didn't linger either. Belinda said her peace, pulled her long thin cigarette from behind her ear, and moved for the door. Soledad eyed the woman that she had yet to be formally introduced to, then glanced to Lukas. If he returned the glance, looked back to her, another nod was offered, this one for the departure, and she turned to carry her lean frame out of the cafe on heavy boots.

Wordless, as usual.

[Katerina Ashcrofte] That Belinda thought to ruffle the feathers of Katerina Ashcrofte, she did not know that it would take much more. A pleasant smile was returned to the woman, although it never reached the eyes of green ice she possessed. A queen in her castle, even if it was as shabby as this. If the other woman thought Katerina's movements to be posturing, she was sadly mistaken.

A glance back to Lukas - Bloody typical man, making me do all the work . A nod to the two, and she moved back to Lukas. Her job was finished, for now.

Katherine entered just then, and Katerina smiled to the woman but said nothing for now. She was merely content to sit and sip her cooling mocha latte.

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] He returns the nod, solemn. You couldn't call it friendly, but at least it wasn't unfriendly. If Lukas were feeling unfriendly, they'd know. They'd be able to count just how unfriendly by the number of heads on the ground.

...what a thought. He must be in a bad mood. Wonder why? -- oh yes, her highness of Bellamonte has graced them with her presence.

And so the Modernists exeunt. Coincidentally, about two minutes after Lukas had finished talking to Kemp. Lukas waits for the door to shut behind them, and then he snorts.

"Not eavesdropping my ass." He gets up from the bar -- they were alone in the cafe now, the pack, except for the counterman who was currently hiding somewhere in the back. There's a change in the Ahroun's demeanor, so slight that it's only noticeable after the fact: some of those iron shackles of control he keeps on himself are loosened. He pulls out a chair at one of the tables, kicks out two more for the Fangs. "I'm sure they'll be bringing every last word back to the top dog."

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] (i'm setting up a private forum for us to plot and plan on *LOL* cuz i don't wanna have us constantly plotting in closed, secret scenes -- kinda destroys the purpose of all this! but we do definitely need SOMEPLACE to touch base and plot, at least oocly.)
to Katerina Ashcrofte, Katherine Bellamonte, peeky share

[Katerina Ashcrofte] ( Sounds good. )
to Lukas Wyrmbreaker, peeky share

[Katerina Ashcrofte] ( brb )

[Katherine Bellamonte] There are some who possess wealth and offer the knowledge to the world with every small motion they make. They announce it gaudily. Distastefully. Flashy watches and priceless jewels threaded into necklaces. Always with this celebrity or that, always at the forefront of newspapers, of gossip rags, of tribal politics. And then there are those that are not disposed to shouting plain truth to an already over stimulated universe and wear their entitlements quite as casually as a pair of well-worn jeans.

It doesn't take effort to appear as though wealth and entitlement belonged to you when it had been wrapped around your name since infancy and was much a part of normality as breathing.

Ah, Lukas.

Katherine, her hair cut stylishly modern to frame her face with a fringe that curved down to barely brush the collar of her coat [cream; woolen with faux fur trim] looked not to the speaker but at the choices of beverage available. Let him make of that what he would.

He most always did.

"My brother's location is up for debate, as usual," the voice seemed equally mild, though there was a trace of reproach. A brief constricting of the muscles around her mouth. "He isn't answering his phone." Katherine looked at Lukas then; her eyes drifting to the female, amusement beginning to sparkle.

It caught in her voice; made it a challenge and her belief all at once.

"I'm surprised you're not with him, not invited?"

[peeky share] (good good!)
to Lukas Wyrmbreaker

[Katerina Ashcrofte] ( Sorry. Dunno if you saw it, but I brb'd. )

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] (no, it's my bad, i was setting up forum :P)

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] http://talons.forumotion.net/

there! there's no registration necessary. i'll put it up if we get tons of spam, but we should be okay.
to Katerina Ashcrofte, Katherine Bellamonte

[Katerina Ashcrofte] ( Actually, it's effin late. I need to get to bed, y'all. We can continue later, if'n ye's want. Thanks for the play! Katerina will sit, quiet and aloof in all her theurge-ness. )

[Katherine Bellamonte] (NIGHT KE--OH FINE THEN.)

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] At the barb, Lukas simply looks at Katherine for a beat, level and cool. Then he glances out the window, casually, reascertaining that they had truly been left alone by the rival pack.

"So I had a chat with one of the locals just now," he says, conversationally. "Tried to make it clear that we're not here to grab what's theirs. I think he thinks we're halfwit idealists now, but." A shrug, "Better that than depraved royalty trying to lord it over the plebs, which is always the image to avoid when a pack of Silver Fangs roll into town. Anyhow." He sits up and tugs his sweater off, unbuttons the cuffs of his shirt, rolls the sleeves up to his elbows -- resettles, tossing the sweater rumpled atop his overcoat behind him. "We are idealists. Just not halfwits."

[Katherine Bellamonte] The Philodox's lips form a rather obvious moue for a moment whist she rests her gloved wrists -- but not her palms (she had a rather strong fear of germs, dearest Katherine and if she was not satisfied about the hygiene, things frequently turned unpleasant as Edward enjoyed recalling when she was truly infuriating him.

Remember the time, Katarina the Great that you refused to enter McDonalds for fear of catching hepatitis?)

It wasn't as if she enjoyed infuriating her brother it was rather more that if she didn't keep his quest at the forefront of his mind, than how on earth would he ever achieve all the things they had to do? Not that Edward cared about any of that, oh no. It was much easier to forget yourself when you were falling half drunk out of taxis at one AM.

"Oh." She turns, and focuses her attention with a crinkle appearing above her nose. "Yes, but it tends to go better if you keep some cards to yourself, Lukas. We don't need to overplay things yet." She moved to settle herself across from him, still warmly dressed as if she would spontaneously declare departure at any moment -- after all, she had instructed her man to keep the engine idling.

"I want to formally examine schools at any rate first, god only knows what Gabriella would enroll herself into if I hadn't taken over it."

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] He watches her settle. Or not settle, but merely perch, as though this place -- this cafe, this land, this entire ensemble of destitution -- might infect her royal privileged-ness. His eyes are blue as arctic ice, and there's callous humor in them. They did not, by any stretch of imagination, like each other.

"A silver fang instructing a shadow lord on the art of subtle war?" There was, of course, the prerequisite glance to make sure the sheep was in the kitchen. "There's a laugh."

She speaks of schools -- Gabriella -- his mouth twists, he looks away on a brutal scoff. "Is that all you care about? School districts for your baby sister? There's something at stake here, Katherine. There's a war to be fought; there's a caern to be had. We came here to make something of Maelstrom, and make something of ourselves. Can you get that through your head, or are you too much of a little bookkeeper? No wonder you're the sister, and I'm the beta."

Mind, he does not speak furiously, does not raise his voice. It is all level, cool; he remains rather sprawled in his seat, his ankle crossed over knee, his sleeves rolled up: somehow more regal, more lordly (or is it Lordly?) for the disarray. In the silence afterward his words hang on the air for a beat; then he looks away, grimacing, suddenly a little ashamed.

"Forgive me. I'm tired and irritable. It was more difficult than I expected -- earlier, having to say the right things for two sets of ears all at once."

[Katherine Bellamonte] Sometimes Lukas was such a representation of his tribe it sickened her; it did, in fact, turn her stomach. Her physical recoil is concealed in all but the slightest flicker of anger in her eye. Katherine turns her countenance [her nose up] away from him and lightly touches a gloved fingertip to a spot above her left eye.

"Of course I forgive you."

The Beta barely.
The sister only.

They rarely raised their voices, which made these moments all the more frequent -- chances were, they could be in battle and still find the time to casually attend to quashing the thoughts and aspirations of one another. Ah, rivalry.

But then Lukas didn't know what she knew.
Lukas didn't have a purpose like she did.

So she could smooth a hand over her coat and tuck hair behind her ears and not be tired and irritable. She could be contained and pleasant; as sickeningly so as her stomach felt. Never allow them to take your dignity, Katherine. Remember, we are above them. Let them have their jibs at our expense.

They'll discover the truth soon enough.

Her Uncle's voice cajoled her, the memory of his guidance was ever strong. "Tell me more of your discoveries." She turns her head, smiles briefly. "I promise my books are tidied away."

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] Lukas eyes the smile -- a touch warily, perhaps. Of all the packmates, save Edward, he's known her the longest; knows her the least. In lieu of a reply, he gets up and knocks loudly on the counter until the barista, or whatever the fuck they called them in a dump like this, emerges from the back.

He orders another coffee, black, a double. After he gets it, he nods the man back into the employee-only areas. "Go on, then. We'll call if we need you."

A gibbous moon night like this, it's little surprise that the escape offered is taken. As the coffee shopkeep disappears, Lukas returns to the table, settling across the the Fang.

"I'm sure you already know the basics. Seems Ed's old friends have turned up, and while they've been closemouthed as clams, it doesn't take a genius to figure out what they're here for. Everyone knows Chicago's got a caern that's ripe for the plucking.

"The two that just left are the Galliard and the Beta. Dumb as bricks. Sampson ran laps around them last night, but boy are they ready to fight." A brief, humorless turn of his mouth: a flash of teeth. "Dyl and I ran into their Alpha last night, after. He's a bit of an ass, but what would you expect, given his track history? He's steady though, which came as a surprise to me. Didn't jump at the bait. On the bright side he seemed to have a heart, or maybe a shred of honor, so maybe this won't degenerate into brutal slaughter after all. Way things stand now, he won't be the one to strike the first blow. Of course we shouldn't either, or we'll look like the worst sort of Royalists.

"Left to me, I'd see if there was a way to work with them. But the way Ed started to foam at the mouth at the very sight of them, I think this is going to turn ugly, fast. So if it's war Ed wants, it's a war I'll win for him. But it's far too early to talk of striking blows. We need to suss out their numbers, figure out just who's playing for them. And get a sense of the natives and where they're likely to fall... if any of them have deigned to stay in Chicago." He pauses to take a sip of coffee. There's a confidence to him when he speaks like this; a cool assurance. "If Edward agrees, we'll offer the Caern offices to the natives -- the first of the proverbial kill, and such. Show of respect. Public fucking relations. After that, we sweep up what remains. If we don't, I'll bet my last dime Taggart's bastards will. And I'd rather they have to challenge us."

[Lukas Wyrmbreaker] (bah! she vanished!)