Sacramento Cocktail Cruise!

[Circe]

Circe nods in approval as Seraphina tells her story of success. She lost the part about the buildings thing, but she did recall something about finally figuring out Roman concrete, so that was something she could add if asked.


"Ya do realize some of the DIY engineering stuff is fer my car, tinkering, and fixing machines at the places a volunteer," she didn't specify the where. Funderland the mundies didn't need to know about. "That last is pretty much call me dusty and blow me down. With the hose. The metalurgy is boring, I mean, chemistry isn't hard," she says defensively to no one, squaring her shoulders, "Ya just hafta mix the stuff correctly."


And Reggie was trying to up sell her reading preferences? Circe was mostly going on, how do I make the metal not snap? Or how the many expletives do you put metal plates inside a trench coat? She'd figured it out eventually, but not Hedgespinning it was pretty much hard mode.


"Such a variety, I can hardly Barrett. I could joke around with a pun gun," she inhales then sighs, "But folks think I mean a punt gun. That doesn't turn my crank fer that era, any cow poke that thinks so has best gatling on along." As for her firearms interst, she had a very non-violent excuse she could use, "I've actually done restoration work as a side gig. You see a place with a Tommy Gun on the walls in town? It is probably my work after I off loaded a bad dozen of them," it was a good cover as well. "Did it in summer, not inta spring cleaning so, so I was a lot rusty, hard ta get a pin in the projct, what with them having been so salty fer a spell."


Nonfunctional. That was clear in her paper trail.


Effects bullets have on bodies? They hurt oh wait! She remembers something from Archer! "Hey Reggie? Ya ever consider the not-killy bullets affects on the body? I mean, bean bags make folks think beanie baby not internal bleeding. Might even be able ta find some masochists ta help with testing, could be very theratrix for 'em."


"Yeah, I can't cough up much, not down with the sickness. So I won't try ta hack inta that topic," she smirks, "I'll wash my hands of that topic, which is useful ta do."


Maosn has her attention, turning her advice against her? Hardly. "Don't bash the method, just it seems ta be on in foam ground." She has to think, the gun talk is distracting her. "Give me a second, I don't use juvenile puns. Only full groan ones," she giggles, "And it ain't like I'm endorsing taking instruments from the bar band ta enforce violin-ce. I ain't got this past the pint of no return," she has it now, "I could advise the Thai technique, but most fellas consider it ta be too brewed a tactic to use. Fer after using that, it is never ice enough."

[Seraphina]

Laughing, “Sure, it’s Garden Grounds, and I recently revamped the whole place, redoing a lot of the interior.” She was quite proud of it to be honest. “Great! Here’s my number as well. This is going to be a blast! We all might have to grab lunch after or something.” She liked making whole days out things. His number was entered and a similar text was sent with her name.

There was a groan, and another laugh, “Now everyone is jumping on the whole pun thing.” An amused shake of her head, “I just can’t win.” But she was clearly entertained by the whole thing, her smile giving her away.

A look of interest as he talks about his interests, “I find it fascinating how different viruses share similar things, similar signs. Even on a completely different continent, different country, they have similarities. Quite a fun topic to dive into.” Not that she ever planned on becoming an expert. She just knew what she enjoyed reading.

Another shake of her head, “Traveling isn’t cheap, and I have many responsibilities here in Sacramento. So when I do travel, it’s a treat. But I will keep that in mind and let you know.”

Not sure if the question was directed to her as well, she keeps quiet.

“Oh, I’d love another beer, thank you! I have a tab going if you want to add the drinks to that.” She offers, not assuming he was buying everyone drinks.

[Philip Crosen]

Philip was surprised Chambers showed interest in his rambling. But it was turning into a conversation on viruses with Sarah contributing as well, so he was pleased with that result, although he was surprised his rambling had found purchase.

"I wouldn`t say I`ve a favorite Mason, if there can even be such a thing. Recently, I`ve been looking into Zika-virus though. Although technically that is a central-African disease."

And, like earlier with the appetizers, he jumped when Chambers mentioned drinks, so be briefly turned to Chambers."Yes please. That`s very thoughtful."
He didn`t get around to thinking about how he was going to pay for the drinks because he was eager to continue the conversation with Sarah.
"Yeah, if it has the same general DNA template, it`s the same virus regarless of where it is, and if it`s a virus it shares certain similarities with other viruses. Curious how so tiny organisms can cause such problems for us humans."

He`d also by now accepted that Chambers and Mary would just be trading puns all evening happy as two clams that found each other. But he could also tell Sarah was quite happy to get the chance to talk about her establishment. And he was happy she had taken his statement as a sign of interest, and not one of being overly hasty. Inwardly, he was almost tripping in excitement over getting her number. But he managed to compose himself and not let his inward bouncing and screaming show.

"Sounds interesting Sarah, I might drop by sometime to see that for myself, if it`s ok with you."

Meanwhile, Mary was persistent in her refusal to show the same enthusiasm for the metallurgy conversation he`d hoped, though he was making some progress on the gun conversation.

"Aww, I was all set to talk about metallurgy, but ok. But, forgive me, but I couldn`t imagine your majesty calling herself dusty and mixing chemicals." he said with a playful grin, playing with her expression. "I`m pretty sure I`ve seen your work though now you mention it, quite nice from what I`ve seen. And yeah, I find non-lethal bullet damage ballistics is quite interesting too."

[Chambers]

Mary’s return fire antics move right past the usual polite chuckle into full laughter, despite his penchant for humour a rare reaction for the necromancer. Even as he begins to understand just how outclassed he is. ‘It seems I am in need of more Pract- uce, before I can reach your revel of prowess, majesty.’ Speaking of boats.

‘I’ve got net to no experience with cars, but know how to keep a boat afloat, I doubt outboards have much cross over but some gun-on electric motors.’ The mention of volunteer work was something he hadn’t been expecting and adds an undertone of genuine respect. ‘Anything is difficult if you don’t know how.’ Unless you’re awakened and know better. ‘So, if you find it easy you must be very talented.’ Posture open, earnest.

To Sarah. ‘What ascetic did you go for; with the revamp I mean? Dracula to buffy?’ Okay not my best. A little shock shows at the mention of adding lunch to the plans. surely she could spend her time with literally anyone of her choosing yet, she’s giving more of it to us. ‘Lunch sounds amazing. Are you thinking picnic by the river? pub grub? restaurant?’ She had so many interests, so much grace and humility he was having a very hard time knowing what to pitch as a solid suggestion. ‘Will we be seeing you there Mary?’ Everyone else was going it seemed, and besides he’d like to see her again.

‘I’ll have to take your word for its Reggie, basic first aid is about as far as I get.’ Reggie spoke with confidence and Sarah agreed so he’d take it for the moment, But the mystagogue did seem generally curious. So how does Pancryptia manifest around diseases and medical knowledge?

‘But something I do know a thing or two about…’’
‘Beer.’ Gesturing to Sarah. Polite nod.
‘Drink, unspecified, so dealers’ choice.’ To Philip, slightly mischievous grin.
‘And a sword if I can find one.’ Slight bow. Mary hadn’t requested a drink but he wasn’t going to leave her out.

With some internal effort he tears himself away from the group, heading to the bar, a minute or two away might do him the world of good.

[Circe]

Were the giving up on the metallurgy? Good. Circe did shit with the forge, then looked it up when she made Hedgespun instead of mundane. Turns out having a Hedgespun Forge meant automatic filler oft happened. Which would be good, if not doing it properly made the result fragile and temporary. She sighs and gives Reggie a smile, "I'm a totes novice on chemistry of mixing of bronze and such," she assures him, "Just follow my nose, I already know I'm book ignorant," on the technical side if not the practical, "So I'd rather not demonstrate it too much."


As for the not killy bullets, "Well it can be funny ta watch, but ya gotta watch out fer a Stickmin style ricochet with those things. Not funny shooting yerself like that, but hilarious ta watch. I think that's why folks prefer rock salt or beanies over rubbers." She giggles before groaning, "I'd advise investing in Kevlar, bruises better than bullet holes." After a momentary thought she adds, "And never try to use a really, really old gun. Ya find 'em at a storage auction, sell 'em ta collectors."


"Ha!" SHe laughs at Masons puns and compliment, "Emu-sing enough ta quack me up. Oh wait, if ya don't know cars, ya must know that the only weather worst then rainin' cats and dogs is hailing taxis, oh ho ho ho! Really annoying when a brew-rick sized chunk of ice-san comes down that ya Audi Dodge so ya don't end up Bently." She'd drive away from that series for now to other fun. Other fun, "Well, when I anything I work my hands with, finishes off fast," lewd. Intentionally so. "Which talents," she folds her arms at her midrift. Empphasizing certain talent, "Are ya thinking I have, hmm?"


Hey, she was hanging with a Spring. And barring a Die Hard moment, Summer activities were frowned upon at this venue.


When Mason says Dracula to Buffy, that makes Circe scuff as she explains it to him, "It was a stake. Twice."


Did they need a chaperone whilst he visited? She wasn't going to make that joke on Seraphina's account. "I am a coffee addict, that is true," she nods, "Like, if Sarah brews it, box and stick trap, I'd fall fer it! So it is possible.."


"Ah Mason, yer so leveled with good ideas," she cheers, "I'm feel like I'm bubbling off ta the main stream. So fizzy water if ya can find it, thank you."

[Seraphina]

Looking thoughtful, “Would it be weird if someone had a favorite?” head slightly tilted, continuing to think. Because she had a favorite, it was what that part of her library was dedicated to. "You know, the whole asking for a friend thing." smirking the whole time.

Laughing, “Of course it’s ok! I love having new people to my coffee shop!” she was quite proud of what she had built it to be.

Sounded like Circe had someone who shared her interests…which as far as Sera knew, was rare.

“Only thing I knew about cars is that when my SUV makes noise I bring it to the mechanic and pay a ridiculous amount of money to fix it."

The question surprised her, “Oh, I kept it pretty much like it had been. But brought in some different furniture, threw some new upholstery on it and spaced it differently. I believe it’s created a more cozy, warm and relaxing atmosphere for my customers. I know I’ve gotten lots of compliments on them, especially from the college kids who love sitting there for hours studying. Also repainted, redid the hardwood floors, the whole thing.” The pride in her voice hard to hide. “But still one hundred percent live flowers and plants.” That was important to her. “Uhhh, I would say more like Dracula to, hmmm.” Seeming stumped, “What do you think Mary? I can’t think of a cozy vampire.” Laughing once again.

“Now that’s a hard one, each option has its benefits and drawbacks. Picnic means the weather has to behave, and with it being Fall, it’s a tossup. But I’d personally go for pub grub! They always seem to make the best burgers and fries.” Yup, she loved her junk and greasy food. Sapphires look to Circe, “I hope so! I’d love to hear your take on some of the history.” Especially with what they found in the tunnels.

To Mason, “First aide is such a valuable skill to know, and so few know it.” She had taken a couple medical classes, seeing if she wanted to follow Titania into the medical field. But the mundane aspect wasn’t her thing as much.

“I would hardly call you book ignorant.” leveling a look on the Summer. “You’re quite intelligent with or without books.” And Circe knew she was.

A knowing sly smile was offered to Circe as sapphires look to the guys. “I could probably help with that, but this is more fun.” And she was here for fun.

“While that is true, I prefer to just call you or show up with it. Then promise there is more in my Tahoe and it’s all for you.” A shrug, “It’s worked thus far so why mess with a good thing?” an innocent look to her.

[Philip Crosen]

He put on a deadpan serious expression with a tiny flicker of compassion first, for Mary, mock-indignation at Chambers, and no trace of an expression after:

"I agree. You can't be book-ignorant with that many purr-fect puns and with the things you admitted to knowing about. I'd say you've a talent for juggling complex idea-ds. Yer runnin circles around me. And speaking of circles and first aid, what are you dealing me, Chambers? Just please don'add too much alcohol. I need to get myself home later in my Volks-wagon, unless you want to carry me home in a cart. And speaking of cars, that's the way they are, they car-ry over into the wallet. Just gotta curry' em everywhere, as we Americans do. And speaking of curry, how did you like the appetizers, wayyy too spicy for my taste."

He chuckled inwardly although maintained a semi- deadpan expression throughout, and he also wasn't sure if Chambers had heard him.

"Pub grub sounds great, minus the carts, unless they're carrying cheese or anything except me. Tell me where and when and I'm in! But as far as vampires go, Buff-et is cozy although she's a slayer."

On the subject of Sarah's shop he chimed in, becoming genuinely serious but still somewhat cordial as appropriate:

"If your customers say it's nice, you have a right to be proud and you should be. That sounds awesome. Now I'm definitely checking that out later even if we hadn't talked about it."

[Chambers]

With naught to cover Philips address but the relaxing piano music and quite murmurs of other conversations, yes, he had heard.

He could only have timed the brief intermission better if he had actually used magic, the chance to recover from Mary’s next playful attempt to fluster him, and to smooth the itch of irritation at Philip’s blunder. While he himself had come close to much worse it had been caught in time. The letter C doesn’t actually give anything away. This, rightly or wrongly, felt a little more deliberate.

Returning tray in hand:
‘Beers for us.’ Handing one off to Sarah, with a nod to a woman of good taste.

‘For you Reggie, they call this a A Shadow Boxer. Get the hint.

‘And for you Mary when I ordered fizzy water the bartender asked if I meant sparking or champagne … so I got both.’ Pointing out which is which.

‘And of course … your.’ Pull back a hastily draped napkin to reveal. 'sword complete with skewered heads of your foes.’ Okay they are only cherries.

Short flourishing bow to finish the presentation. He hadn’t used Sarah’s tab, she had after all already given them such a great show. Whether she notices or not would depend on if she’s the type to check her tab before paying it.

The conversation not seeming to have moved to far ahead. ‘Your many talents, majesty, would take all evening to list I am beyond certain.’ Evasion doesn’t seem to work but he’d settled on a new tactic by the bar … ‘Such as turning my face red, you’re a natural.’ … Grabbing the bull by the horns. It does however, come with the grantee of blushing.

It’s like Sarah can read minds. ‘Pub grub would be perfect.’ Varied, casual, flexible price range, least akward to leave if needed. she had it right.

‘Right, you are Reggie, my mis-stake.’ The set up had been so obvious he was sure no one would fall for it. Turning to Sarah 'I must get some tips from you than, I have a very hard time keeping flowers alive.' Although I think that might be something beyond any advise of the fallen world.

‘On the topic of natural talents, did you go to school for singing?’ He was almost ready to believe she had simply been blessed with gift.

[Circe]

"Cozy vamps?" Circe hums in thought as she thinks on theat. "Well, anything CAN koozie up ta yer drink, but ya mean from books? Kids shows have lots, but books? Uuuuuuuh, oh!" She bounces in places. "Bunnicula!" She emphasizes with her hand in a bunny hopping motion, "He got a mon-hop-oly on cuddly suckers. Come on, that is a lil bit bunny, ya should laugh."


Seraphina continues to be kindly, "Thank you, but I'm not nearly as scholarly as you Sarah." And Reggie wasn't letting up either. Flatterers. "Uuuuh," she doesn't get that one chambers pun, oh. Her next expression demands a lightbulb be above her head. "Commerce!" she claps her hands and points at Reggie, "I get that one now. Most chamber jokes tend ta suck, shoot, or be shit, so props Reggie," she gives him a thumbs up. "And if it is too spicy, you'll just hafta pepper up ta a higher pain of existence, increasing yer cappacin fer culinary stuffering."


And Mason comes back with the drink, "Fizzy choice, ya have managed to bubble up ta be chamagn-ion of drink delivery Mason." She accepts both. And shoots the champagne down so that she could more easily grab the cherry, "A cherry-fic success to yer quest Soon Sir Mason. You are as unexpected as Sir Prise, though you've less gravitas then Sir Cumference, but I will pop yer gift," she does eat the cherry. And laughs as Mason admits to his vulnerablity to flirting.


"Shrooms are easier ta raise if ya have trouble with flowers," she smirks as Mason requests advice for botany from Sera, "If yer shitty at gardening, they're a great option, oh ho ho ho!"


And laughs, loudly, as Sera plays along with her coffee addiction. "Ya want a horde of giant spiders removed, tell me their between me and the only coffee around. Problem solved."

[Seraphina]

Did he call Mason Chambers? Maybe a nickname? It certainly sounded like a nickname, so she just shrugs it away.

“Oh, I live for spicy! I love em!” she then points to a dish, “Those ones aren’t spicy at all.” Not everyone liked spice, she got it.

“You seem to have some aversion to carts? Bad experience?” puns weren’t her thing, but she could try and add some humor.

“Well, if open mic nights are your thing, I host them every Friday, with the proceeds going to a local women’s shelter.” Might as well throw that out there.

As Mason returned with the drinks, she smiles, “Thank you!” grateful for the refill.

When he reveals the swords and cherries, she laughed, “That’s awesome!” a nice touch.

“I don’t have many pointers, it’s been all trial and error,” and a little help from a Contract, “most of what I have doesn’t require too much care. I was never good at keeping plants alive, but I had to learn to go with the vision I had. So, I can try and give tips, but no promises.” a green thumb she did not have.

A brief look of confusion, “School for singing?” thinking, then shaking her head, “No, though my parents did put me in vocal lessons to learn the full range of my voice, but no actual school.” Did they have schools for singing? Either way, her voice had been enhanced by her Keeper, and she could enhance it more if she needed to.

Circe’s description of a vampire bunny did get her to laugh, “I confess, I’d fall for the cuteness.” True story.

“You don’t need to be scholarly to be smart.” There were different kinds of intelligence.

“I just might take you up on that Mary, simply for the entertainment factor of it.” Plus she didn’t like spiders.