[Len-Len, swaddled in spelled for warmth blankets against the City's late winter, has already been passed thru the door to Jan. A few minutes later, Enyo flies over the threshold to join them.

Although both python and dragonette are very much alive, they are permitted to be in the Afterlife.

Before he too crosses over, Luke takes one final look at the world he spent almost a decade in.]

"Prost!"

[And exit.]

Neither side appeals to me, hence why keeping to the sidelines. Those with similar feelings and wishing to avoid the soon to be conflict, you are welcomed to take refuge at Oh Aces

Should prove to be an interesting match, though. Any bets and or speculations?

[When you're not the least bit tired, all the dozing off left and right quickly makes for dull company. No point in staying at the Square coffee shop. Although the lure of unlimited refills is tempting.

Feels baristas and other patrons' dreams pressing about his person, almost as if begging for attention. But too many disappointing past peeks have curbed his curiosity. Outdoors, more dreams gather around. Freed from inclosed space, they're less invasive. Continuously brush past like breezes.

Takes the long way home instead of Underground shortcuts.]


[Sings as he walks thru the slumbering City.]

I was in another lifetime one of toil and blood
When blackness was a virtue and the road was full of mud
I came in from the wilderness a creature void of form
"Come in" she said
"I'll give you shelter from the storm"...

I'll just leave it to those with vivid imaginations.

Oh Aces Day of the Dead observance cookies are exquisite, maybe too much so. Had no trouble consuming them during their various production stages, but I can't bring myself to sample a finished one. Just too pretty for eating.

Some others appear to feel the same way. I see a few full sets left as offerings.

[Using Underground tunnels to travel unseen, he's revisited the site twice since that day. Doesn't attempt making contact again. Simply watches the place for awhile, wondering whether there's potential allies to be had within or if he's on a fool's errand.]


No nightmares to report.

The mirrors are working normally for me (yes, I do have a reflection). It's in the dark surfaces I see things. Not of me or the immediate setting; feels as though I'm 'looking' at the Shadow City.

[Like the most of the City, Luke's attending the carnival. Unlike some others, he's a bit more relaxed. Unlike its predecessor, this carnival has thus far been harmless.

Orange dragonette Enyo accompanies him.]


Because the question of Halloween has come up several times: Can't speak for everyone's last year's experience, but odd encounter aside, it was a fairly enjoyable gathering.

The City-wide roaming 'bozos' are not affiliated with Circus Carnivore. Please take your complaints to the Police Force.

Thank-you.

[Blood and gore cover the foliage. Pirate pieces litter the ground. Standing in the midst of carnage, is a pristine angel. Although there's not so much as a red drop on his person, the large blade he holds sports a thick fresh coat.

Points dripping tip right at the viewer.] First and last warning: No booty of any sort to be had from me.


(FYI: Wiped out raiding NPC crew of Calypso's Nightmare.)

Damn persistent 'noise'. Be quiet and let me search for it in peace!

Eden and the other suppliers have not raised their prices. Nor have we ever over-diluted/laced and or used shoddy/questionable agents to reduce purity (upon buyer's request). We always disclose cuts and their ingredients before sale. What others do with products after purchase is not our responsibility. You chose to take the easy way and seek relief from them instead of coming directly to us.

In short: Have an issue? Take it up with your damn dealer!!


( (Private to Al Capone) )

Sitting on the sidelines during this drawn out nonsense is making my teeth itch. Been sometime since the last hunt, maybe 'dining out' will alleviate it. Both sides are far too preoccupied to miss one or two of their own.

Hmm.

[Unlike many other buildings within the City, Oh Aces didn't receive any propaganda - not so much as a single flyer. The hotel's policy of all welcomed and none turned away (especially during times of crisis), was most likely the reason. Recognized neutral territory.

The neighboring graveyard was also spared. Although no bodies ever laid there, the leaderless mob may felt plastering their posters a form of desecration.

No matter what personal stance he took, the hotel's would always remain the same. Pity there wasn't currently a 'good' side to choose from. Very disappointing the lack of a 'third party', he did miss being part of a shadow organization. If only Aion, the Lieutenant, Mr. Saxon, and others were still about. Oh the advantages they could have taken during this Citywide upset. Maybe even seize power; pulling puppet rulers' strings from behind the thrones.

Here he was: Jack of many-(and a number of illicit)-trades, military rank carrying, bioweapon who had arsenal caches galore and a mental map of the Tunnels. All dressed-up and nowhere to go.

Oh, well. There's always a next time. Meanwhile, best make an announcement to remind the masses of safe harbor.]


Anyone wanting a break from politics, come to Oh Aces. The hotel is spelled against violence. All are welcomed, even deities and revolutionists. No one is turned away.


( (Private/Unhackable to SHODAN) )

Prison walkout? How novel.

'Escapees', please not to be tramping around my forest property. Those I personally know, you have permission to approach.

( (Filtered to Utsuho) )



( (Filtered to Laruna) )

[In his hotel's office.]

These four were persistent in being viewed:

[Three laid out on his desk; photograph of a laboratory in flames is positioned to cover the right side of two other pictures. They in turn both show only a blue suited bald man.

The fourth is held in his gloved hand.] This one is of little puzzle to me. Dr. Disraeli and I were on friendly terms with one another.

[Sitting in the lounge with perched on his shoulder.]

Those of you who have been here for some time, may remember Menolly. The young lady co-owned Oh Aces back then, and she was accompanied by nine dragonets - 'fire lizards', from her homeworld. They were a common sight here at the hotel.

Roughly two years later after her exit, Oh Aces is once again graced with the presence of little dragons. I just want to reassure future guests that these are pets of staff, not curse holdovers. There's nothing to be alarmed about.



(OOC - Dozen or so NPC dragons hanging around the place 24/7.)