Log Date: 1/8/99 Log Cast: Chantinelle, Drake, Jairen, Shenner, Ariani (NPC), Laryssa, Zia Log Intro: Shenner might have just started classes at the University of Caspar, but this hasn't stopped Caspar's Imperial ambassador, Chantinelle Thistleborn, from trying to assure the young musician's presence at a diplomatic ball she wants to hold. The mere notion of attending a formal event is disturbing enough for Shen -- but all the more disturbing is the idea of attending a formal event being put on by the Empire. Only the knowledge that their boss Avy Laarken specifically wants her and Rekkie's band to perform at this event has convinced Shenner to go along with the idea... ... but this doesn't mean she likes it. ---------- You enter the Sandbar. The Sandbar A large circular room creates the main part of Caspar's infamous SandBar. Dark wood paneled walls adorned with all sorts of paraphanalia set the relaxed athmosphere of the bar. Photographs and holovids are pinned randomly around, seemingly with no order at all. Posters from years past hang proudly, displaying obscure bits of Plaxton's recent history. Several windows made from a deep blue glass allow light in from outside, while still keeping the appearance of the bar rather dark. Along one curved wall a marble bar stands proudly, where Ariani busies herself making drinks and cleaning occational spots of the bar. There is an abundant amount of seating in here. You notice quite a few booths and tables, as well as a loft which protrudes out over the bar. A popular local band plays smooth jazz in the background. ----For help with tables, type "PLACE HELP" ----For help with drinks, type "BAR HELP" -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => Jairen => Laryssa => Chantinelle => Zia => Drake => Ariani => Emma -=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=- leads to Fountain Square - Plaxton City. Chantinelle looks at you for a moment. Drake doesn't protests the gesture, and nods in agreement, indicating a seat opposite their own... "We would be honoured Lady." Jairen glances over at Chantinelle as her adivce is offered to Laryssa, then turns back and wait for the marine to answer. Chantinelle looks at you for a moment. A brief swirl of cold air heralds the arrival of a slim redheaded figure wrapped up in winter garb, green and gray scarf's ends dangling down from her neck. Shenner tromps into the place and aims herself for the bar, calling out, "'Ani! Lemme have a shakla, will ya?" The bartender calls back an acknowledgement, and Shen drops down onto a stool at the bar, undoing her scarf and coat, and fishing into a pocket to bring out her little datapad. Laryssa, now sitting at the table, stroking the kitten, smiles slightly at the woman's saying. "It appears there's a feline over there." She motions to Zia. "Perhaps she could nurse the young kitten? Wild idea, I know, but worth a shot." Chantinelle just wanted to agree to Zia and join her table as she sees somebody entering the bar. She says softly, "Oh please, just excuse me for a second!" she says and turns around to arrived woman. "Excuse me Miss?" Jairen glances over at the Horansi, then back at Laryssa. "I do not know if that would be wise." Shen's not gotten her shakla yet, but she's shed the heavy outer layers of her clothing. The datapad, resting open on the bartop, obediently displays a screen of text now that it's been prodded into life. And its owner blinks, looking up and frowning distractedly. "Talkin' to me?" Seeing Chantinelle, she blinks again. Chantinelle nods and smiles polite to Shenner, "Yes, I do. I hope I do not disturb you at anything?" she says friendly and curiously peeks over your shoulder to look at your datapad. Laryssa cocks her head once more, "How so?" Drake looks at you for a moment. Jairen smiles slightly. "It would at first, probably be taken as an insult. Second, the Horansi to which you refer is still young." Something about musical theory on the little computer screen, it would seem -- the words "duodecimal scales" might be noted, and there's a menu of chapter headings listed on the left. Shenner, though, is now looking at Chantinelle rather than her small device. She says gruffly, "I'm just in here for a drink before my next class." Laryssa grins, "Shows you how much knowledge I have of alien cultures, eh?" Zia smiles over at Drake for a moment. "You okay, Drake-ail?" her voice soft and barely carrying past the table. Drake turns and speaks quietly... Chantinelle shakes her head in terror as she looks at the screen, thinking to herself that she doesn't understand _one_ word. She grins and looks at Shenner, "I was curiously what you decided, since I wanted to announce the ball for next weekend!" Jairen smiles again. "One cannot be an expert in everything..." Shenner blinks. Twice. "Oh," she blurts, then after a moment she regains her hold on her composure. "So you're still havin' the thing, er, Ambassador?" Laryssa nods, "Very true." Jairen says, "Still, what did you wish to drink?" Laryssa chuckles, "Same as you." Chantinelle smile sosftly, "Please say just Chanti... " she rolls in played frustration her eyes murmuring "today really everybody does it..." she smiles and replies to Shenner, "Well yes.. Why should I not? The Catering service is ordered, my men prepare the embassy....only one thing is missing: You!" Jairen bows slightly, then heads to the bar where his spiced wine is ready for him when he gets there. He speaks to the 'tender quietly for a moment, then returns to the table, two goblets balaced between fingers in one hand, a saucer of milk for the kitten in the other. Setting them on the table, he slips into a chair. Shenner shifts on her stool, looking a touch uncomfortable as she catches Ariani's bringing her her requested hot drink, just after her murmured exchange with Jairen. "Miz Laarken asked the band to come and play," she answers, a bit more gruff now. "I play with the band, for now. I'll be there, I guess." Chantinelle oohs and beams obvisiously, happy about the news, " Oh I am so glad to hear this, Miss. You know we all are really waiting for performance by you!" she says friendly. Laryssa stands quickly, getting a major sense of foreboding. "I'm sorry, I must go." She begins to walk away, then stops, retreats, grabs the kitten, and heads out the door. Jairen arches a brow curiously, then stands and bows. "As you wish, m'lady..." Zia bites her lip and looks from Chanti and then back towards Drake again... obviously torn. Laryssa walks out of the Sandbar and the door closes automatically. Laryssa has left. Chantinelle blinks only as she marine pass quickly the bar table and heads out with the small kitten. Zia sighs quietly at Drake's words and impulsively leans up to nip his cheek gently. "Thank you..." Jairen sits back down at his table, now alone, and sips his wine quietly. Drake dips his head, not flinching but displaying a reaction somewhat akin to a blush... his reply is inaudible... As Chanti waits for any reply by the young muscian she lets her glance move around and watchs the Horanis and Sithkassi at their table. Zia blushes as wely but smiles, her voice soft. Jairen finishes his wine and stands, moving quietly towards the exit, raising his hood as he exit the door. Jairen walks out of the Sandbar and the door closes automatically. Jairen has left. Drake is speaking softly to the young lady (and oocly waiting for someone to go 'bang' Zia smiles and leans close to Drake, laughing. "Maybe it won't be so bad. Chantinelle sips slowly on her drink smiling over to the table. Drake smiles back at Zia, nodding wryly... his own commentary slightly less than audible... '...something... now.' Zia blinks and looks up, looking over towards where Chanti is looking back and instantly blushes a darker shade of crimson about her nose, her whiskers twitching just a bit as she tries to smile back. Drake follows Zia's gaze, and, to cover subtle discomfort, sips of his glass. How eagerly any diplomats and governmental personnel are going to await her performance, Shenner doesn't want to speculate -- after all, diplomats and governmental personnel do not comprise the majority of Sandbar patrons. "Uh, yeah, sure," she mutters roughly to the Ambassador, looking a touch relieved when the woman's attention diverts, and keeping to herself the musing that she'll have to avoid at least a third of her personal repetoire if she's going to sing at an Imperial function. Chantinelle hmms and raises an eyebrow as she watches the two, a smile slowly coming on her lips as she thinks about the two. She opies as Shenner breaks her thoughts and turns abck to her, "Um sorry, what you said?" she apoligizes blushing. Drake exchanges a slightly puzzled look with Zia... Zia blinks quietly and looks over at Drake as well.... "Ummmm?" Drake replies quietly... "Nothin' much, don't worry about it," says the musician, poking at her datapad with a slender fingertip and scrolling the display down a little further. Chantinelle nods and looks at Shenner, not sure whether she missed something or not, she says to Shenner, "So I am lucky to be able to announce you there?" Quarrel slowly makes his way in from the street, his bulky frame blockinng the doorway for a moment as he glances about at the Sandbars patrons before meandering across the floor. Taking a seat ob one of the bars empty stools the Aqualish grunts loudly, gaining the attention of the barstaff, and orders a drink from them. "Lomin Ale, Mug. Not tast goat piss like brand. Good tastin' brand." Quarrel sits down at the bar. Drake seems a little unsettled... Zia blinks and looks over at Drake, concerned... With one hand, Shenner takes up her shakla, drinking it down in large gulps; no dainty sipping for this young singer. With her other, she periodically keeps poking at the keys of her tiny computer. "Don't see that there's too much luck involved with it," she replies. "I'm a bar singer, lady; I ain't exactly famous to anybody who doesn't come here five nights a week to get plastered and hear the band." Chantinelle baahs and removes any doubts with a gesture of her hand, "Oh forget it, dear! If you just would have had one great eveinng they all would and accept your professional style." Drake shakes his head, answering... Dark red eyebrows up, Shenner gives Chantinelle a level look, but her voice is tense as she replies as politely as she can manage, "Look, Ambassador, let me explain somethin' to you. I ain't exactly the kind of singer that goes to pretty, formal parties and sings pretty, formal songs. No offense, but I'll be goin' because Miz Laarken asked me to, and Rekkie needs me to sing harmony on some of our new stuff. It's gonna be a job for me. Nothin' more." Zia's eyes seem intense as her hand presses down on Drakes, her teeth in a tense smile. Drake blinkblinkblinks? Chantinelle hmms and shrugs, not caring for the reason why Shenner comes as long as she comes at all. She nods at her, "Well no problem to me... I will tell the guards at the embassy to let you in to let you check the room and sound there." she says softly.. Drake freezes... then speaks quietly, if urgently... Zia's eyes narrow at Drake as her long tail lashes a bit. Chantinelle throws from time to time a carefully glance at the table with Zia and Drake. Drake raises both his hands placatingly, releasing Zia's to do so... Shenner's only reply to Chantinelle's last words is a grunt of acknowledgement; what's a street rat turned bar singer going to know of embassies and getting into them, anyway? Half of her attention has diverted to her datapad, though she's at least paying some shreds of attention to the woman who's still beside her, in a distant cousin of politeness. Zia's ears swivel towards the sound of footsteps approaching... her pale eyes bright and fiery as she looks away from Drake. Chantinelle seeing that Shenner is finsihed with her she nods polite to her and says friendly, "Well thank you Miss!" she smiles and leaves the bar table picking up her mug and moving back to the table with Zia and Drake. Drake is about to reply to Zia... as Chantinelle moves over... he turns, words falling away to be replaced by a curious expectancy. Another affirmative grunt, and Shenner doesn't watch Chantinelle go. One might conclude that the woman makes her nervous, or perhaps angry somehow, though whatever sentiments the redheaded girl is feeling don't make it past a taut set of her features and tension in her eyes. Chantinelle stops before sitting down at the table and looks down at the two, "May I?" she smiles at you. Zia smiles, something in her smile a bit odd for her as she nods. "Please" Drake nods, "Of course..." Chantinelle dissapears among the patrons. It doesn't take too long, either, before Shenner finishes her hot drink and yields the cup back up to Ariani. Back into the coat and scarf she goes, and her face remains tense as she eventually goes tromping out of the Sandbar again, pocketing the datapad to keep it safe from the cold, the mysteries of duodecimal scales insufficient distraction from the unease that has now gripped her. [End log.]