[Ennui]

I raise my hands a look of concern on my face.  Hold on now that's harsh.  If I'm breaking some kind of etiquette with you guys you should tell me.  This was never about Jezz being good enough but how good she is, and as I said I'm quite impressed.  Clearly I've done something to concern you and if we are going to work together we need to be up front with each other.

[Mercy Merchant]

Wednesday  12 June 2075  0117  Lazy B Bar  Touristville  Seattle


After a pause that extends a few heart beats, Jessica's eyes soften again.  "Sorry.  Just a bit touchy tonight I guess."

Jasmine laughs.  "What's the matter, sis?  Not get laid lately?"

Jessica shrugs.  "That's probably it, yeah.  Been a while."  She looks at you and adds, "Sorry."

[Ennui]

Look I'm sorry if I came off judgemental.  I don't doubt any of your groups talents.  Knowing your situation, I say with wide eyed amazement, and add add to that that your are positioning yourselves to strike back as well, impresses the hell out of me all by itself, but we are supposed to be allies.  You know something of what I can bring to the table and I have some idea of what you all do and working together on things like this help us to better understand our strengths, and maybe even limitations.  You use me for what I can do, I use you for what you can do and we all make more money and solidify our positions.  I'm so used to finding the angles that I might come off as callous, but I hope you can overlook that.

Speaking of using people and angles if you want to get laid, Glinda and I are amazing wing-women.  You just point out what you want.

[Mercy Merchant]

Wednesday  12 June 2075  0119  Lazy B Bar  Touristville  Seattle


Things at the table get a bit quiet for a minute after your speech then Jasmine begins to laugh out loud, followed by Jessica.  Even Jezzebel smiles a bit, which is almost the only emotion you have seen from her so far.  Jasmine slaps the table and hoots. "I like your style, Lizzie.  Might have to make you an honorary J if you keep coming up with things like that.  I am going to go get something from the bar, you want to come with?  We can talk while we walk."  She stands up and wipes her eyes, waiting to see if you will come with her.

[Ennui]

OOC:  I probably should have done this before but can I do like a judge intentions to see if I can determine what Jessica might be upset about, or if I got it right?
Rolled just in case: Judge intentions: 9d6t5 3

I rise and join Jasmine.  What's up?

[Mercy Merchant]

Wednesday  12 June 2075  0120  Lazy B Bar  Touristville  Seattle


Jasmine takes your arm as the two of you walk to the bar. "Nothing you did, Lizzie.  We are all a bit protective of Jezz, just in case you did not see that.  She has lots of skill in her field but very little in the way of personal skills.  In effect, she is very naïve in the way of people and has little defense against what people say."

[Ennui]

No I saw that right away.  Maybe I didn't realize HOW protective you guy were.  I thought I was going out of my way to be especially nice to her.  One of my friends as a kid had Aspergers, I miss that kind of honesty, and some of the greatest minds in history have been on that spectrum.  I do want to use her talents but I don't want to abuse her, or any of your trusts. 

I've heard the word "no" and "but" before.  I say with a grin.  I'm not in the habit of using people and throwing them away.  I certainly use people but I like to think I do so fairly...for the most part at least.

[Mercy Merchant]

Wednesday  12 June 2075  0122  Lazy B Bar  Touristville  Seattle


Jasmine laughs again. "Is there a but at the end of that sentence?" Once at the bar, she orders a drink and looks at you.  "My treat.  What do you and Glinda want?  And I have a good feeling about you, Lizzie, and I believe you when you say that you would not abuse us.  I could even say pretty much the same for Glinda....................and there IS a very big but at the end of that sentence.  She has Jessica frightened almost out of her gourd.  I have never seen her this way and it shows in her words and the way she looks at Glinda.  I gather she is a mage, and a powerful one, but is there any reason we should be afraid or even really concerned about her?"

[Ennui]

Whatever you're having is fine.

That's a loaded question; everyone can be dangerous if you give them reason to be.  Short answer is no, so long as you don't give her a reason to be angry with you.  Glinda, her mentor and I have some common interests.  It's nothing our activities would infringe upon so I don't think you have anything to worry about.

I laugh softly.  You folks want to fight a triple A corp but she's afraid of one mage?  I'm sorry but it almost seems ludicrous and I almost think you are just messing with me.  I mean Jessica's right to be wary of course, but that comes with the territory.

[Mercy Merchant]

Wednesday  12 June 2075  0125  Lazy B Bar  Touristville  Seattle


Jasmine orders the drinks up and indicates the table they are to go to before continuing her conversation with you. "I can understand what you say, and to me, too, it appears a bit ludicrous.  But I am not putting you on about Jessica being scared of Glinda.  I hope that things work out for the best and the she will calm down after getting to know her.  I am certainly willing to give her the benefit of the doubt if you vouch for her and 'nuff said about that."

While walking back to the table, she points to the people dancing on the large floor, all of whom are women at the moment.  "Fancy a turn on the floor?  Line dancing is a lot of fun and you can meet some really nice people out there.  Not all the dances are for women only, and I really have no idea how that grew from the music, but there it is, I guess; habit and tradition.  If you stay in the club long enough, you will start liking the music enough to have it play on your 'link.  Trust me on this.  I used to hate the music but now.................now I really like it."

[Ennui]

No I get it.  I did say "almost" ludicrous.  When I realized just how powerful Glinda was I was a bit taken aback too.

Oh this girl is a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll.  I can't say it's my favorite but I like it just fine.  The line dancing, I'm afraid, I don't know the choreography at all nor am I really dressed for it.  I motion to my biker leathers and combat boots.  Maybe I'll watch for a bit and get the moves down and we can try next time.

[Mercy Merchant]

Wednesday  12 June 2075  0126  Lazy B Bar  Touristville  Seattle


Jasmine looks down at you feet and smiles. "Yes, those might be a bit rough if you are just learning.  Sure, feel free to watch and maybe we can try it next time, like you say." She walks with you back to the table and sits down, looking at Jessica and the others.  "I see everyone is still alive, which is a good sign.  Jessica, dear, stuff your emotions in a sack and lets get to being business partners.  Glinda is not going away and I do not see the need to even dream of that.  She is a friend and partner of our partner and we have to accept her.  I, for one, think she is going to fit in quite well."  She leans over the table and offers a hand to Glinda, who looks at it in some surprise then smiles as she shakes hands.  Jasmine looks around the table and smiles. "Good.  Ahh, here are the drinks.  I offer a toast to our group partnership and a continues success in our endeavors."

She lifts her glass to all of you.  Glinda joins her in the toast.

[Ennui]

To an unlikely and lucrative alliance, I reply toasting with the rest of them.

So what do you ladies do to relax?  Besides blowing off steam at bars and such.  Any interesting hobbies?  Read any good books lately?  Follow sports?  Between chemistry and magic my life is packed solid I love hearing about others interests though...feels like I'm more well rounded when I keep abreast of these things.

[Mercy Merchant]

Wednesday  12 June 2075  0130  Lazy B Bar  Touristville  Seattle


Jasmine laughs out loud.  "Personally, I love my bike and sometimes take off for a day or two and just ride.  Anywhere.....nowhere....somewhere.  Doesn't matter where.  Other than that, I like busting the chops of punk gangers that want to muscle in on my turf.  That sort of action by others just frosts my nipples, you know, and gets me all sorts of cranky."  Jezzabel does not even crack a smile, but Jessica looks a bit amused and smiles for pretty much the first time all night. 

A strange man approaches the table and calls out, "Hey, Jasmine, fancy a twirl?"

Jasmine smiles at the man as she stands then turns back to you and whispers, "I also like sex a lot.  Don't wait up for me.  I will be in touch."

Jessica looks at the two of you. "So, I guess I own you an apology, Glinda.  You have stoked my fears in some way I do not understand.  I am not sure I have ever met a more powerful mage and it makes me wonder why you have thrown in with us."

Glinda nods and smiles.  "I can accept that apology and I am sorry that I affect you that way.  You are more perceptive than most, perhaps.  I assure you that I have no designs against you and can be called on to help."

[Ennui]

I'm glad tensions are being resolved.  I don't want my friends and allies to be antagonistic with each other.