Los Angeles: Blood Moon - ❌🌙🟩ch8-an-irish-man-walks-into-a-bar

`Chapter 8 Location: Ash & Daniels Cigar Bar, LA Hills Outskirts Players: @Billy O’Riley (Ash) @Father. Michael O'Brien (Liam) @Andante [Volg] @Diego, Bruiser Rat @Slinar [Alexander Montferrier] ST: None needed Previous Scene Ch.7 I was out for one day (edited)

The night was slow. After the previous day’s escapades, the bar’s wall had a few bullet holes in it, a new, unintended decoration. The wooden counter was brand new, and lacked the ware of the previous one. The small, 5 nothing woman stood, seemingly to pay no mind to her new background. Her bright red hair was tied back tonight. She wore the typically classy white collared shirt, though she made no effort to button it past a respectable V neck, and the sleeves were rolled up to her elbow. The tattoos she had were visible for the rest of her arm and peaked past on the back of her neck. She idly paced by the cabinet of fine cigars, the set of wooden chips and smoker, the fine liquor. This was a higher quality establishment, but most any figure would pass through from time to time.

The door opens to the bar as a man in a dark tan, knee length, very stylish trenchcoat backs in through the door a dark brown leather satchel slung over his shoulder. Under his other arm he carries a cardboard box, typical of those usually used to carry items after one is fired from an office job. His Auburn hair visable in the light of the bar. Not the most impressive of entrances. Not some grand entrance of a socialite swanning in to a high class bar. No this was the entrance of someone clearly having a shitty day and looking to try to find somewhere to rest. His satchel caught on the handle of the door as he continued to back in. He struggled for a few moments, some expletives muttered until the man broke free. Upon turning, his trenchcoat was tied up so what he wore underneath wouldn't have been visable. Slinging the satchel back over his arm and heaving the box up slightly. The man made his way through the tables accidently dumping into some patrons or the odd chair. As he made his way closer to the bar Billy would be able to see he had a half burnt out cigarette lagging from his mouth, his brow furrowed as his struggled to navigate the chair laden obstacle course hell he found himself in. His redheaded mane was wild and unkept. His face unshaven and scruffy looking. He already had a few weeks worth of growth along his chin and jawline as it formed his beard, which completed the rather windswept ginger frame surrounding the man's face. The most striking part of the man's appearance however happened to be the two deep blue eyes that now stared directly at the drinks behind the bar. As he reached the oasis of alcoholic refreshment. The box slipped and some of the contents spilled on the floor just infront of the bar. The man looked at the books now laying on the floor for a couple of minutes with a distain many would think was inhumanly possible for literature. He calmly placed the box up on the bar before proceeding to flip off the ceiling fan in the bar or that's what it would like. But internally, he knew who he was flipping off and it wasn't the fan or the light fixtures, it happened to be the omniscient individual he was blaming for all of his recent misfortune. He bent down to pick up the books from the floor placing them on the bar. Placing his satchel next to the bar seat he intended on sitting at he then just stared at the drinks. (edited)

The small woman glanced up from the bar to watch the man amble closer. “Evenin’ and welcome to the Ash ‘n Daniels. Ya must be new here. I’d remember a handsome face like that” she chimed light heartedly, as if to attempt to lighten the mood. She watched him approach before stepping out and around the bar when the books fell. Once no longer behind it, her short stature become quite evident. She spoke with a heavy Scottish lilt, “Right, let me help ye with tha’ “, shuffling the books into the box. “The name’s Billy. I’ll be takin’ care o’ ya tonight. If ya have any questions, ask em.” She said, attempting not to overwhelm the man.

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The man seemed in a world of his own. He mumbled to himself. The greeting and the compliment seemed to go unanswered. The man only really paying attention when Billy started touching his books at which the man was no longer be staring at the drinks behind the bar but her, there was a even more quizzical eyebrow raise at the accent. The cigarette limply hanging out of his mouth as he watched her place the books back in the box. During her attempts to help and reach the box the man would tilt his head slightly now noticing the high difference, glancing up and down partly wondering if he should make a comment about child labour laws, but he thought better of it. She was evidently a scot and therefore most likely would headbutt him for the comment so he kept his mouth firmly pressed around the cigarette. Once she turned and introduced herself. The man took the cigarette away from his lips. "Well, aren't ya a wee dote. Chance of a light miss?" A thick Ulster accent came from between his parted lips. He held the cigarette up. A slight smile from the corner of his mouth appeared. (edited)

Previous scene:#❌🌙ch7-twenty-minutes-of-empty-words There seemed to be no end to curious visitors tonight. The door opened and your typical shop-raider walked inside. The person with the look of somebody planning to raid the cash register and keep his face hidden from the cameras. He was slightly below average height, but quite stocky in shoulders, made bulkier because of two dark jackets worn together: one with a high collar, one with a lowered hood. Most of the face was hidden, except for the dark eyes. Finally, he had a backpack. Before the other visitor had time to get inquisitive and the rebel-turned-cashier redhead had the time to press panic button or pull out a shotgun or something, the person announced, in a coarse, low voice. - Evening, miss. I'm here for Mister Volg. He around? (edited)

@Billy O’Riley (Ash)

(Billy would know Volg said he's out for a short errand, maybe an hour or two, probably been gone an hour) (edited)

A red headed woman entered the place, going straight to one of the table, and sitting there. She looked at the place, silent, waiting visibly for someone to serve her. Tapping on the table with her fingers, she was impressive with her muscles and her tall figure, almost 6"4. Her green eyes fixed Diego, then the numerous clients. But there was a distinct pause on him.

Billy smiled at the red headed man and replied, “Ah and Irish lad, don’t see many ‘round here!” Before giving a slight scoff as he held out the cigar, dipping behind the counter and pulling out a case filled with different cigars and a smug grin. “Now what kind of service would I be if I let ya have that dinky thing. It’s a cigar bar after all. Go on take one. “ She encouraged motioning over. She glanced over at the man entering and squinted a moment before questioning, “Who’s askin’, Sir? “ Billy’s eyebrow raised as the third person entered and she chuckled to herself, “Right when I though the place was dyin’ down….” Before raising her voice, “I’ll be righ’ with ya mizz”

The guest glanced around the bar, taking a measured look at the new guest, before answering the bartender. - ...Lot of redheads in tonight. Must be a themed party, - his tone was level, observant, rather than humorous. But after a pause he returned to the question at hand: - Mr Volg and I don't know each other. But we might share a problem. Is he in? His gaze stopped at the bullet holes. Fairly novel, he could tell. - ...hectic nights. (edited)

Somewhere at around this moment of the bar becoming more and more crowded the door swings open once more, and the herculean owner steps in. As he looks up and over the situation, maybe recognising some faces as those of Kindred, you see as his eye visibly twitches in annoyance as he grumbles something under his breath "Heya, Billy, everything good here, or does someone need to be escorted out?" Volg almost growls. looking meaningfully first at what seems to be a nosferatu hiding his face and then at the redhead staring the former down

The woman looked at Volg, visibly interested in him, silent, with a soft smile forming on her lips. She didn't said a word.

Billy nods over to Volg, “Evenin’, came at the right time. Our nameless, faceless lad here would like a word with ya, said ya might share some problems.” With a nod to the men she spoke, “I’ll give ya some space. “ before walking over to Balle with a menu that had a list of drink, cigars and food, “Evenin’ Mizz, welcome to Ash n’ Daniels. Name’s Billy and I’ll be takin’ care o’ ya tonight. Can I get anythin’ to get ya started?”

Volg looks at the nameless faceless lad and starts going towards the stairway "Right, you, follow me. We can talk in my study. Better be good." He looks over at the redhead with a staring problem "You'll have to wait your turn if you have business with me" And as though only now noticing the Irish man, his face changes to a more neutral mask "Pardon the interruption, a glass of whisky on the house."

She looked at Volg, with a larger smile. "I'm pretty happy to just discover the place and the inhabitants. That's a really good turf you got there. I appreciate the spirit." Her voice was loud, clear, assertive. She seemed to be honest, and yet a bit mysterious. Her gaze touched Billy and enraptured her. It was a green forest, reminding her of the dark green leaves of Scotland. It was deep, and she was falling slowly into it. Billy found herself blushing. This woman was really beautifull, and she couldn't help to notice the numerous tatoos on her arm, as Balle bite down her lip with a wink. "I more a Ash lover than a Daniel's one." "Would you get me one of you're cigar? The one you prefer ideally?"

@Billy O’Riley (Ash) @Diego, Bruiser Rat @Father. Michael O'Brien (Liam) @Andante [Volg]

(sec had run out on an errand, gonna put away some things)

MOOD MUSIC https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mETSsQ3N8W4&t=1372s

karlos bas

Matt Elliott Drinking Songs FULL ALBUM

Diego nodded, not wanting to drop many words in public. But he once again directed a brief glance at the greet-eyed redhead at the table. As Volg set off in the direction off the stairway, the gunrunner followed him, but asked him quietly as they made their first steps upstairs: - That girl by the cash apt at dealing with degenerates and blue bloods? Asking just in case. (edited)

Volg whispers back "Degenerates, sure, not the latter. Give me a second, I'll be right back with you" As he makes his way towards the woman with a slight detour towards the bar, where he picks out one of the higher end Montecristo cigars, he then leans in close to her, with a smile clearly intended to do nothing but bare his fangs. "Glad you enjoy the ambiance, miss. And you're right, it is good turf that I have, as long as you respect that notion, including my employees and property, not just the land, we'll get along just fine." As he passes her the cigar he picked out, he leans back out and starts heading back towards the stairwell where the Nosferatu is waiting for him. "We can have further pleasantries later, it seems someone has business with me. If you'll excuse me." The last sentence is said with a clear, but not offensive amount of mockery towards the etiquette used in it (edited)

She smiled at Volg, handing toward Billy the cigar to have it light up. Her gaze paused itself on Diego. A shiver ran down the spine of the Nosferatu. The impression of being in the presence of a predator, of a killer, of something profundly inhumane crept in him for a brief moment.

With Diego, half the time it was hard to say where exactly he was looking, with all the layers of clothing. But he was certain the creature at the table took not of him and his attention. His eyes narrowed. And he also noted that this, apparently, wasn't an acquaintance of the gangrel. But he kept silent for now. Until there was a flight of stairs and some locked doors. #❌🌙🟩ch8-an-irish-man-walks-into-a-bar (edited)

Billy smiled and inclined her head, “Why of course Mizz, “ She said before walking back to the bar. Billy quickly flit her fingers along the different whiskeys and plucked a bottle before pulling a glass from a refrigerator bellow the counter and pouring the whisky into it. Billy smiled over at the Irishman and spoke, “Boss has spoken, here’s some whiskey fer yer troubles.” She said before pulling aside a Cigar, “I recommend this beauty for the drink. She’ll last you an hour and half, made with a single malt in mind. This is one of the best pairin’s. Davidoff Winston Churchill The Late Hour. “ The cigar had a black seal and a golden imagery on it as she slid it across the counter.

11:11

Billy walked over to a different section of the bar and pulled a lighter tan cigar and walked back over to Balle. “Righ’ mizz. I got ‘ere is a Punch Rare Corojo El Doble: This sweet and musky smoke has medium-full strength, Dominican/Honduran/Nicaraguan fillers, a good draw, and earthy taste. My favorite. If ya want one fer later.” She said, placing the cigar down

The man would remain silent throughout all of the commotion and conversation. Too busy staring at the cigars he was offered by Billy. "No you don't see too many of my type." He noted the redhead party theme comment in the back of his head making not mention of it and gave a polite nod to the individual that appeared from the back that he suspected was the owner who had offered the free drink. The only movement he made was to pull to box on the bar closer to him as he examined the cigars. He took the whiskey when it was handed to him. "Appreciate the hospitality, such a friendly wee spot."

She smiled at Volg, handing toward Billy the cigar to have it light up. Her gaze paused itself on Diego. A shiver ran down the spine of the Nosferatu. The impression of being in the presence of a predator, of a killer, of something profundly inhumane crept in him for a brief moment.

@Balle (@Slinar [Alexander Montferrier]) - jump The woman smiled and, while shielding the woman from the flame as she was taught, lit the cigar with a fine silver filigreed lighter from an apron pocket. “Enjoy” she chimed

@Slinar [Alexander Montferrier]

Billy stood nearby, watching keenly for the woman’s response, looking to pay more attention to her. Than the rest of the bar, a fascination sparkled in her eye, “Can I have yer name mizz? “ she asked with smile

"It’s Balle, sugar." She looked at the Irish man at the counter, then took notice of Billy’s attention. She pulled a long breath on the cigar before looking back at her. "What about you ?" Michael felt a bad stuff down his throat.. as a memory of past traumas was suddenly coming back. His sweat began to be cold.

@Billy O’Riley (Ash) @Father. Michael O'Brien (Liam)

A short time later, probably 5-7 minutes Volg storms down, and places himself behind the bar, making his presence very noticable, and staring at the "Belle" individual (edited)

“Billy O’Riley. I work the bar ‘ere. Photographer in the off time.” Billy replied, leaning closer to the woman without realizing it. “Pleasure’s mine. So what brought ya ‘ere today?” She asked, her posture at ease, though her eyes were fixed on the woman.

@Slinar [Alexander Montferrier]

"It truly is an interesting place. I wanted to see if it was standing up to its reputation. It is, more than I thought." She nodded toward Volg, before leaning toward Billy.

12:33

"Photographer you’re saying ? What about meeting one of those night to take some pics ?" @Billy O’Riley (Ash)

Volg loudly clears his throat, almost like a cheetah's growl and looks at Balle "I believe I said something about turf earlier, Mrs Balle"

Diego quietly walked down, following shortly behind Volg. His mind was focused on the people on the first floor, to make sure they remained not focused on him. Ignored him entirely, to be honest Obfuscate 2 He watched as the gangrel held the door to the street open, as if catching a breath of fresh air, and then walked to an empty seat at one of the tables. Quietly set down and put his hands on the tabletop. (edited)

12:37

Diego remains unseen and ignored.

"Photographer you’re saying ? What about meeting one of those night to take some pics ?" @Billy O’Riley (Ash)

@Balle (@Slinar [Alexander Montferrier]) - jump Billy gave the woman a wink and quickly scribbled a phone number on the napkin. At hearing Volg clear his throat, Billy glanced over and backed away from the woman, as if shocked back to an acceptable distance.

"Oh, no worries, mate. I'm all about respecting one's turf." It was nice." She stood up, before taking the napkin and walking to the counter. "I'll be back, boss." she said, looking at him straight in the eyes. She let out a little smile, visibly happy of the visit. Balle looked over the place, and began to walk away.

Billy paused, and took in the situation as her mouth got drawn into a tight line with wide eyes as she realized what she had done

Volg walks over to Billy "Kid, i'm not fucking around this time, you're getting a new phone number, I'll pay for it. Also if you ever see that woman again and I'm not around, call me or run away, or both."

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- Waiting for things to happen ensures they will happen, but not on your terms, - said the hooded man at the table once the deadly redhead was gone from the bar. People in the room sort of remembered him walking to that table and sitting down, they just didn't give it any attention. Diego got up, put the backpack on and walked up to Volg and whispered: - If you decide against waiting for your den to be attacked and to go hunting instead - you have my number, - and he went for the exit. (edited)

Billy’s expression turned to a grim one as she stood straight and gave a nod, “Aye, sir.” She shifted a bit, digging in her back pocket and handing over her Nokia, not questioning a thing. She knew this demeanor. She glanced at the bullet holes in the wall and murmured quietly, “Talk about it more later, aye?”

The Gangrel's teeth shine in a tic of irritation, and his next words come somber "Of course, I owe you some answers, depending on how many of those you really want." He hands Billy a wad of cash, more than enough to get a decent phone As Diego leaves Volg calls after him "Funny I was thinking the same thing, I'm starting to think my normal way of sending a message isn't working out anymore. I'll call you." (edited)

With a discreet nod and slipping the cash in nature’s pocket, she quickly cleaned up the table the woman had been at, picking up the unused cigar and returned to the bar as if nothing happened. She looked over to the Irish man and cocked her head with a smile, “Near forgot, would you like a light?”

When Billy would get back to the bar the man would be staring blankly at the bar a small puddle of whiskey under the glass she had given him that he was still holding in his clearly shaking hand as the blank vacant expression he wore stared at the wood grain of the bar. A clear cold sweat coming over the man. His skin alot paler than before, almost sickly looking as he stood there not even being able to take a seat. @Billy O’Riley (Ash) (edited)

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The short woman’s face dropped to an acute focus, quickly tossing her towel onto the counter to stop the mess from spilling onto the floor. She gently took the glass from the man’s shaking hands and placed it on the counter before gently holding either side of him. “Hey hey hey… ‘sall righ’ now. “ She cooed moving support his weight and guide him toward the nearest cushioned seat. She glanced over her shoulder to Volg with a single word, “Shock.”

"Should I call him an ambulance?" Volg seems genuinely confused as to the proper protocol in this situation

Her gaze didn’t leave the Irishman as she dryly said,“Nay, just need to sit him down ‘n keep him warm till he comes to… “ her tongue pressed against her inner cheek as she squinted a moment before adding, “Grab a blanket ‘n some wa’er if ya can. He should be fine, just don’t want him knockin’ his head “

Volg, a tad lost for a blanket, gets a pitcher of water and sets it down, then goes up the stairway and comes down with a spare coat "Best I've got for a blanket"

Billy nodded and smiled to Volg, “Aye, should be good. Thanks” before pulling the additional coat over the man’s shoulders.

The man begins to mutter under his breath the same phrase over and over again. "Not the wee ones, you can't do it, I'll give you anything." He sat in the cushioned seat staring at seemingly nothing, though his eyes widened as though staring at a scene of absolute horror. Though to everyone else in the room he would be just staring at the floor of the bar.

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"In spite of my better judgement I think we should bring him up to the study, he's mumbling something I don't think he wants to be heard" Volg, without waiting for a response picks up the man and starts heading upward

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==END SCENE==

Diego left the bar, intending to bang his head on some wall and think of some new way to tail the rogue gangrel. But once outside he saw a familiar figure turn the corner. Seeing that, Diego felt an urge to follow. - ...baaad idea, lieutenant... - he whispered to himself. He felt how dangerous she was. There was a reason why he offered to Volg to partner up for this. He knew his limits quite well - same reason why he called for backup back in the sewers, when there were two ghouls left. The ghouls he killed and fed on. All good reasons to fall back. They all deserved serious considerations. And Diego continued pondering them as he turned the very same corner. (edited)

16:57

#❌🌙🟩ch8-i-see-bad-times-today

Scene Recap:

17:30

On a slow night Father Michael O'Brien decides to visit the Ash & Daniels bar, where he is met with Billy who was currently attending the bar in the owner's absence, some polite chatter and flirtatious conversation later a figure hiding his face in heavy clothing, Diego a Nosferatu, entered the establishment, looking for it's owner, and in turn was informed of his absent, at about that time a mysterious red-headed woman entered the bar and sat down at it, her name would letter be found out as Balle. As he was asking more deatails about the owner's absence, Volg came back from his visit to the prince, annoyedly surveyed the situation and, after giving a basic instruction and making a point of respecting his territory to the present Kindred invited the Nosferatu to his personal study to find out what the Sewer Rat was seeking him out for. Some time later Volg would storm back down, seemingly holding the door open for the now invisible Diego and he seemed significantly more on guard against Balle than before, interrupting her advances on Billy, but not before the latter gave her phone number. After that Volg told Billy to get a new phone and handed her the money to do so, she did not question it further, deciding to talk abotu the situation later. Diego as he was leaving suggested Volg go on the offensive for once, rather than deal with the constant threats to his turf, Volg agreed with the thought. Soon Billy realizezd that Michael O'Brien was having a shock attack, and muttering things, after providing some water and a coat to substitute a blanket Volg carried him over to thee study, lest the man speak something the public shouldn't hear.

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