Chapter 1: Greenleaf
*candles flicker slightly in the night wind as the shadow of a petite member of the Seeq race passes along the walls of a secluded bar in downtown Carvahall; the full moon shines brightly down on the town, in an almost foreboding manner*
Seeq: *pushes open the door of the Black Crow*
*the bar is nearly silent except for murmers of its few inhabitants; their dark gazes follow the Seeq as he heads towards the bartender*
Bartender: *looks up* Baku, I haven't seen you around these parts in quite some time. How have you been? *polishes a glass*
Baku: *sits himself down in front of the bartender* *heavy sigh* Well, William, my business has carried me elsewhere. I haven't been to this region since that whole incident with the... *lowers voice* Amulet of Samarkand went down. *highers voice* But I've been well, and you?
William: Oh, so so. Business has been slow, but my health is good. And Aiden, Mosco, Garnet... are they all well too?
Baku: *a little distracted, seemingly looking around for something...* Yes yes, all well and good. Garnet's trouble as usual, but she's a clever girl, so we manage.
William: Yes, I still haven't fixed that wall she damaged when she was last here. *motions over to a burned and broken hole in the wall, covered up with pieces of wood nailed into it* *shakes head, then looks at Baku* What is your business here, anyway?
Baku: *nervously clears throat* I-I'm just here meeting someone... *looks around*
William: *peers at Baku* Are you alright?
Baku: *sighs* Yes... just a long day's travel, that's all. I'm not as young as I used to be.
William: *chuckles* Ah, yes, aren't we all?
Baku: *looks at William* Has anyone asked for me this evening?
William: No, not that I know of.
Baku: Oh... alright. *turns around to look at a clock with a tower printed on its face, hanging above the door*
*in a small, quiet village, the lights inside Luminescense dim; along one side of the small bar little flecks of light start shining like fireflies, growing brighter and brighter until the flash of a spotlight overpowers their glow*
Medda: *begins singing as several men in the bar start cheering wildly* My lovey dovey baaaaby... I boo hoo hoo for you...
Callie: *walks into the place with some new travellers* This is the best place for a drink around here, and the music is amazing too!
Traveller: That's to say nothing of the source of the music I see... *gazes off at Medda as she sings*
Callie: *smiles* Indeed, Medda is the most beautiful woman in town, in both appearance and with her voice.
Medda: *teases her audience with the oversized feather she holds*
Callie: *leads the travellers to the bar* Jillian, will you please serve these fine gentlemen the best drink you have? *winks*
Jillian: Certainly, Miss Callie. *sets several glasses on the bar, looking at the travellers* Welcome to Greenleaf. Where are you travelling from?
Traveller: We've come from the north, near Granseal. We're on our way to Ribble, but what we thought was a three-day journey is turning into much more.
Jillian: Ahh, indeed. Many people underestimate the distance along the shore until they've travelled it at least twice. *smiles at them*
Callie: Oh, stop it Jilly, you're just trying to make them believe they should drink all night, stay at the inn, and then travel in the morning.
Traveller: *laughs* Well, with drinks like these and a voice like that-- *motions towards Medda with his glass* I can't see any reason not to stay!
Jillian: *smiles* There's an inn just down the road as well, if you're looking for a room. Although I'm sure Callie here showed you every establishment along the way.
Callie: *smiles and shrugs* Perhaps! If you'll excuse me, gentlemen... *floats off in the direction of a table full of young men*
*the clock on the wall strikes midnight, a crow pops out of the tower's window to signal the coming of the new hour; a black-hooded man walks slowly into the bar, the man's face is dark, but his shadow seems to envelop everything around him, the room falls silent as eyes watch him move towards Baku*
William: *looks at the black-hooded man* M-May I help you, sir?
Black-Hooded Man: *eyes fall only on Baku, remains silent*
Baku: *stands up slowly* Shall we move over here, then? *moves towards a table in the back corner*
Black-Hooded Man: *follows Baku silently towards the table*
Baku: *sits down at the table, watching as the black-hooded man sits down in the chair next to him*
Black-Hooded Man: *props feet upon the table and lights a cigarette, his face been illuminated only briefly*
Baku: *shifts nervously* S-So Azrael... I hear you just came back from business with Ambrose Covenant?
Azrael: *breathes out smoke* Best not to mention that name around here. Get straight to business, old man.
Baku: Yes, right... *look at Azrael* I need you in Luca in three days time.
Azrael: She will be there? *taps cigarrette ash*
Baku: She is there now.
Azrael: And her orders?
Baku: I have given to them to her. She leaves tomorrow for Greenleaf. She works quickly, so she'll return when you arrive.
Azrael: *drops cigarette onto the floor, and steps on it to put it out* Good. I shall be there. *stands up*
Baku: *stands up as well* I'm trusting you, Azrael.
Azrael: *walking towards the door, heavy chains are heard moving from underneath his hooded coat* *remains silent and seemingly disappears from the bar*
Baku: *sighs* *softly* Oh please... let me have made the right decision...
Medda: *finishes her song and floats off the stage*
Jillian: *motions to one of the barmaids to cover the bar and walks into a back room; follows a narrow hallway and enters the room backstage* We have quite a crowd out there tonight.
Medda: Ohh, I see that! Help me with this skirt, dear, I can never get it to lay just right.
Jillian: *moves over to help* Callie's been bringing in people left and right. I don't know where she finds all of them, but it definitely helps business.
Medda: *playfully spins* You mean to tell me your mother's sweet voice is not enough to bring in the crowds?
Jillian: *laughs* You're definitely what keeps them here. I tell you, we need to put more windows on the front wall so people can see in from the outside!
Medda: Someday, perhaps. *kisses her forehead* Excuse me darling, but *dramatic pose* my public awaits. *waltzes back onto the stage, beginning another song*
Jillian: *slips out into the main room, walking towards a man smoking a cigarette in the corner* So Jack, can you handle everyone that's in here tonight? Or will I need to get down one of the weapons again to help you.. *grins playfully*
Jack: *smiles slightly, breathing out smoke* You only use those weapons when you need to, Miss Jillian.
Jillian: Are you going to be the big strong man and protect me? *punches at him playfully*
Jack: *easily blocks her swings* I'll do what I need to. *smirks* Get back to the bar now, you know Julianna is more interested in serving the men personally rather than professionally.
Jillian: Ohh, something I bet you know all too well! *pokes at him then skirts away, heading back to the bar*
Julianna: *leaning very far over the bar top, whispering something to a man*
Male Customer: Hey, I want a drink here!
Jillian: *quickly moves behind the bar, getting the other customers their drinks* Don't mind Julianna, gentlemen, she can't help but play favorites to the man that gives her the biggest tip.
Julianna: *stands and dances a little behind the bar* Who shall my next favorite be?
*several men hold out coins towards her*
Callie: *walks up to the bar with a boy on each side of her* Jilly, this is Geoffrey, and his friend Thomas. They were hoping to take two young ladies out on the water later tonight to look at the stars, but unfortunately they've only been able to find me... *pouts slightly*
Jillian: *laughs* Callie, you know I can't leave work.
Callie: But what about after work? You can't stay open all night, you know.
Jillian: *shrugs* After work we have to clean everything. And by the time we're done with that, we nearly feel like passing out ourselves.
Callie: *pouts* But Jilly..
Thomas: *leans onto the bar looking directly at Jillian* *speaks with a very heavy accent* M'lady, how can you refuse a night away from all your work?
Jillian: Quite easily in fact. *grabs a rag and begins to wipe the counter where the man is leaning*
Thomas: *stands up straight*
Callie: Jilly, you ruin all my fun. *pouts even more* *spies a young girl walk into the bar* Isabel! *scurries off, looking back to make sure Thomas and Geoffrey follow*
*a tall blonde walks down a tree-lined path, she wears a green layered skirt, a pink top, a variety of unique jewelry, and a green scarf is used as a headband; her strappy sandals click as she continues walking*
Brown-Haired Man: *breathes heavily* Garnet, why do I have to carry all your stuff?
Garnet: *turns to him* But Aiden, you're supposed to be pretending to be my boyfriend! Isn't that what boyfriends do?
Aiden: *lets out a big sigh* If I knew I had to do this, I would have refused Baku.
Garnet: Why, you can't refuse the boss! I'll buy you a drink to make up for it, okay? *looks at a map* We're practically in Greenleaf anyway.
White Husky: *barks and jumps around Aiden's legs* =D
Aiden: *kicks a little* Roxas, behave! I can't walk straight with you jumping around like that.
Roxas: *runs up through Garnet's legs and straight into a town, a large signs read "Welcome to Greenleaf!"*
Garnet: *smiles* We're here! *turns to Aiden* Hear that? There's music playing!
Isabel: *laughing, walking arm in arm with Thomas*
Callie: *walking with Geoffrey a few paces ahead, spots a young man and a young woman entering the town* Ohh.. *turns to Geoffrey* Excuse me for one minute! *quickly walks up to them* Hello there! You look like you've travelled a long way.
Roxas: *has head in a spilled over garbage can*
Garnet: ROXAS! Get out of there! *pulls him out by the green bandana tied around his neck* Now, stay here while I ask the bartender if dogs are allowed.
Roxas: *whimpers* =(
Garnet: Don't give me that look! It'll just be a second! *stands up to be face to face with Callie* *jumps a little* Oh! Hello! Yes, yes, we have... we came all the way from... *looks at Aiden*
Aiden: Bevelle.
Garnet: Yes, Bevelle!
Callie: Ohh, wonderful! Did you see the festival of lights there? Isn't it amazing? *hold out hand* I'm Callie!
Aiden: Yes, it's beautiful there! *takes her hand* I'm Jonathan.
Garnet: *smiles* Lilica.
Callie: I won't keep you, but you look somewhat tired *looking directly at "Jonathan"* *points down the road* That building there is the inn, you can find a room there, and then that one is Luminescense, the best place in town to sit back, relax, have a drink, and enjoy some music. *smiles*
Garnet: Oh, miss? Are dogs allowed in the bar? *motions to Roxas*
Roxas: =(
Callie: Hmm.. I'm not too sure actually! But if you go to the brown-haired bartender.. the only one not throwing herself at every guy that walks in.. and tell her that Callie sent you, she might just let him in!
Garnet: Alright, thank you! *turns to Roxas* Stay, boy.
Roxas: =(
Aiden: *boosts bags up on his back again and puts arm around Garnet's waist, leading her into the bar* C'mon now, honey.
Callie: *runs off to Geoffrey, Thomas, and Isabel* Sorry about that, let's go watch the stars!
Jillian: *sighs, finally getting a quiet moment at the bar after a rush* *grabs several empty glasses from the bar top and sets them in a water-filled bucket*
Garnet: *walks up to her with Aiden* Excuse me miss, are dogs allowed in this bar?
Jillian: *looks up at her* Depends on the type of dog, miss.
Garnet: Oh, he's really gentle. A Husky.
Jillian: *raises eyebrows some* That's on the large side of the animal.. *implying only small animals that don't leave their owner's grasp are allowed*
Garnet: *sighs* Alright, I suppose he is a little big.
Roxas: *peeks his nose inside the bar* =(
Garnet: *shakes head no to Roxas, and waves hands, giving him the signal to run off and explore*
Roxas: =( *disappears*
Garnet: *smiles to Jillian* May I have two rounds of the best rum you got please?
Jillian: Coming right up. *sets out two clean glasses, filling them up with the drink* What brings you to Greenleaf?
Aiden: It's our anniversary! *smiles and pulls his "fiance" into a kiss*
Garnet: *kisses Aiden, then pulls away, gives him fiery eyes* *harshly* Honey, you know how I don't like public displays of our love...
Aiden: Oh, don't be so modest!
Jillian: *laughs* Looks like you'll be having an interesting anniversary. How long has it been? One year, two?
Garnet: Oh, it's been two years. We're here in Greenleaf because this town is known for its lovely jewelry. *nudges Aiden* My sweetie here is gonna buy me something nice.
Aiden: Yes, I am. A pendant, actually. *looks at Garnet deeply*
Garnet: *smirks*
Jillian: Ohh, yes, there are some gorgeous things in The Sparkling Gem. Very expensive though! I've been trying to save to buy a pendant of my own.
Garnet: *looks around at the people in the bar* *a little distracted* Y-yeah...
Aiden: *quickly finishes his drink* *follows his partner's eyes then pats her on the shoulder* Well, luv, we should be getting to the inn to you know... *nudges her* celebrate.
Garnet: *snaps back into focus and playfully punches Aiden* Oh, you naughty boy, you! *finishes drink*
Jillian: *smiles* You two go have fun now. We serve a breakfast here that seems to be favored among the townsfolk, so perhaps I'll see you in the morning.
Garnet: *smiles* Perhaps! *after putting some coins down for the drink, gives a little wave, and heads out the door with Aiden* *softly* That Callie girl is our target, right? I mean, she looks just like Baku described! And who else would dress that fancy on a weekeday?
Aiden: *pulls her along towards the inn* Yeah, but we should wait until tomorrow evening to make our move. We're both tired from the day's travels, so it's in our best interest to rest up.
Garnet: *sighs* I suppose you are right. *thinks to self - I hope Roxas is okay...*
This chat was completed on Friday, August 26, 2006.