1/19/2003
11:31
PM
Logfile
from Sebastian.
Starbuck's
---------------------------------==========---------------------------------
The
heady aromas of ground coffee permeates the air and seeps through every corner
of the room. The counter takes up the entire lower level of the cafe, a line
forming past the glass case filled with cakes, cookies, and pastries. The
customers list and pay for their orders at the cashier's end while the drinks
are prepared at the other. Everything from your basic house blend to venti
decaf caramel expresso. The menu at the back depicts just about any imaginable
flavor and blend of drinks as well as different roasted beans for home brewing. In this particular establishment, all the
items are to go only, though you can bring them up the winding staircase at the
side to the upper lounge.
On the
second floor, there are clusters of rather comfortable sofas, loveseats, and
armchairs around low coffee tables. They are often filled with people sitting
around just chatting quietly over their drinks and treats. In the far corner
where there happens to be a trio of single seaters, a cluster of giggling girls
seem to be rather engaged in enthusiastic conversation about some anime game
while drinking coffee or caramel apple cider and munching on several boxes of
chocolates.
Malachai(#306)
is here.
Just
another day in NYC, at least that's what it looks like from the outset. The man
up at the counter however is perhaps one of the more colorful looking in this
particular neighborhood. On the outskirts of Chinatown, it is rare to see those
of mixed asian and european ethnicity as opposed to other sections, but then
again, this is a Starbucks and as yuppy-trendy as it can get. Malachai is
waiting for his order, some combination that undoubtedly is composed of
primarily sugar and caffeine, yet such a normal action might be viewed with
curiousity given the rather eclectic choice of clothing he's wearing. He would
not seem out of place, or rather he would look more native in the Village or
maybe SoHo.
Reclining
in a plush chair upon the second floor of the establishment is Sebastian.
Actually deigning to appear once more in such a place, he is currently involved
in a bit of a discussion with one of the many employees here. "No,
really..." his voice drawling with that cultured South African accent of
his, "I had nothing whatsoever to do with that. Clearly you are
mistaken." Head shakes slowly from side to side at the young woman,
"Perhaps I can ease your concerns, miss..." A brief flicker of money
changing hands and he is nearly cooing at the woman, "But if she should
come here again, it will only be as a customer and should naturally be treated
with the respect she is do."
Malachai
retrieves his order and climbs the stairs to the upper floor lounge, one hand
with a steaming cup, the other carrying a portfolio bag many artists have been
known to use to transport their work. Certainly this young man is colorful
enough to be one. Another server in passing asks if he is in need of assistance
and he shakes his head, replying in a surprisingly British accent. "No,
that will not be necessary." Jade eyes search the lounge, gauging it
carefully before he selects the empty seat near Sebastien. The scene there is
given a cursory look, but etiquette demands that he not interfere.
Sebastian
gives the employee another bob of his head to make sure the point is well
understood before he is releasing her hand, "Thank you for your discretion.
Our dearest Lexie shouldn't be a problem for you anymore." He flashes the
woman a wink before sending her off with a negligent wave. Only then does the
young man draw back in the seat, shifting in his position, hand reaching over
to take up his mug once more. As he does so, Malachai's presence is noted with
a tight smile, "Good day."
"Good
day." Malachai replies over the rim of his own mug, reclining back in the
stuffed seat with a look of pleasure as the heat from the beverage sinks in.
"Pardon me, but I was a mite curious about the little chat you were having
with the serving girl there. Bit of an aggro there, eh chap? Couldn't help but
notice that you mentioned some bit named Lexie? I don't suppose you mean a lady
who's got her hands on a mech's lot down by the docks?"
Sebastian
refuses to look startled. No, that simply wouldn't do. Instead, a rather tight
smirk addresses his features as he turns his head to the side to plainly regard
Malachai. Rather unamused at this new turn of events as the almost annoyed
glare of his eyes show, he still manages that smile, "I'm sorry, and you
are...?"
Sebastian
settles his coffee back down, reaching over to take the offered hand, "A
pleasure. Sebastian Davis, formerly of Cape Town." There is a moment of
fading grinning. "Really? How odd. Whyever would you be looking for
this... Lexie?" A touch of actual protectiveness imbues his voice as he
speaks, surprising even him.
If
anything, that answer only makes Malachai smile once again, firm grip on
Sebastian's letting go after a moment. "Oh I was told to give whatever
assistance I could to this young woman. It might sound somewhat peculiar to
some, but..." His voice trails off, returning in a far more hushed tone
that aught not to carry beyond the two of them. "It was something of a
dream. I just know that I have to meet her. Isn't that odd? Now I have had the
odd vision now and again, particularly when it comes to my art, but this
particular quest of mine has a certain urgency to it. Now again, might this
Lexie you mentioned fit the description I gave?"
Sebastian
didn't get where he is in life without knowing how to protect his interests,
and protect them he shall. "Amazing how that just happens." Although,
he doesn't sound all that amazed about it. He really could do with Reese about
now, just to make sure. Doing his best to sound negligent, "It is entirely
possible, then again there are so many women with that name. Actually, I'm
rather interested in this quest of yours. You wouldn't happen to have an actual...
physical evidence of this, would you?" he shrugs his shoulders, "I'm
sure you would know what I'm talking about if we are on the same page."
Briefly the possibility of watching this Malachai drop his trous to show off a
pretty glowing symbol on his rear or something flashes through his mind. Now,
wouldn't that be entertaining.
Malachai
is was fairly certain before, though the question now has confirmed it. "I
can't believe this has come down to a matter of I'll show you mine if you show
me yours, but if that is what it will take to prove myself." It does not
take him much effort to do so anyway and his otherly senses have already hinted
at something similar in the man before him. Raising a hand, he lightly lifts up
some of the fly away tendrils of black hair away from his forehead and for a
moment a flicker of something red and black appears. 'Yang' for brightness and
sun. Then his hand drops away and the glow dies away. The jade green eyes
narrow and his grin turns feral. "And you?"
Sebastian
isn't quite so trusting though. Instead, he seems to bob his head in
understanding, casually flickering a glance about. "Enchanting," he
drawls. " You must be one of those corruption, people. That makes three
represented. It's simply amazing how we just manage to find each other like
this." Starbucks must be some kind of onisenshi calling grounds. "The
Lexie you were referring to... is more than likely the same Lexie that I know.
And she is quite the character as well."
Malachai
is an artist, he lives to be flashy and attention getting. Screw that whole
arcane bit, he's into fame and accolades. A nod is directed at Sebastian as he
finishes off his mug. "That would fit the bill. I am not as surprised
however, we are being drawn here and our numbers are bound to grow." He is
pleased to hear that this particular quest is nearly over though. "From
what I was told and from what I envisioned, I am not surprised to hear that she
is. Intriguing at least, though I suspect that she not exactly the genteel thing
that I had hoped if what I overheard is correct."
Sebastian's
smile is slight. Never mind that he has asked Reese, many times, whether or not
they have the right miko and if it would be possible to get a different one.
Alas, that apparently isn't the case, "She is certainly unique, and quaint
in her own way -as I'm sure everyone is. Alas, her story isn't mine to tell.
You should meet her yourself."
Malachai
nods agreeably. "I'm sure I should. In due time, it is getting late and it
would not be polite to drop in unexpectedly at such an hour. If you could
provide me an address or contact number, it would be of great assistance."
Don't make him look it up in the phone book that means. "Out of curiosity
though, might I ask.. what you were marked with?" Looking into the mirror
one morning and seeing something on his forehead was a real trip and he was
sure he wasn't even drugged that time.
Sebastian
is still not quite so forthcoming. "I'm Ichijin," he murmurs, bending
over to scratch a quick note on the back of one of his business cards. One one
side is the embossed symbol of Davis Industries, with the little note of
Sebastian Davis being the CEO. "Here... is her number and address. I'm
sure she will know right off who you are. But, if you have a problem, mention
me." He then hands the card over, "She is quite eccentric, but seems
to actually know something of what she is about."
Malachai
gives the card a quick scrutiny then tucks it away inside of his outer jacket
and nods. "It was a pleasure to meet you. Undoubtedly we will meet again.
If you are inclined, please drop by my gallery." He reaches into a
different pocket and comes up with a card of his own, one that indicates the
Illusions art gallery in the De Courtenay building that's ironically on the
same street as this coffee shop. The building had recently changed hands and
redecorated, it's new owner having gone to great expense to do so. "In the
end, that is what matters. That she can accomplish what she was chosen to
do."
Sebastian
nods his head to Malachai, grin tickling at the corner of his lip, "Oh,
I've no doubt that we will." With that, the young man draws forward,
moving to stand to his full length. "And the pleasure was all mine...
Malachai. Its always nice to see more people of like interests." Chin
drops at a bit of a nod to him, before he moves to start away.
Malachai
lifts a hand in farewell, smiling as he's undoubtedly pleased at the timeliness
of this meeting. "Till next time then Sebastian." With that he'll
linger for a bit yet in the warmth of the cafe before venturing out into the
cold.