Arabella Redux

Arabella Eberstark

Sun 05:37PM CST
It was almost by accident that she found out Claddagh was reopened. She'd been going past in her car and happened to notice construction had become an open sign and some people filtering in and out. Calling for her driver to stop, she told them she'd call when she neded to go home and climbed out. Still in her blue jeans and a baby tee she'd worn to the stable, she still faintly smelled of sweet hay. She could just never shake that at the showers out there, though thankfully, did not smell like her horse. Just soap and hay.

Chestnut hair was still in a softly curly ponytail, dangling around her face as she walked up to the door and went inside, curious to see what it was like now.

Billy McCann

Sun 05:43PM CST
Hard to tell whether Billy knew that it was the first day for reopening the Irish public by plan or just some instinct. One or the other of 'em was it, though. Sunday afternoon - pretty day, not too hot, sun a-breakin' through the clouds now and then like, well, like a glimpse of someone fine-lookin' in a peep show, enough to make you grin a little, enough to keep you wantin'. The tall McCann's parked his old truck up the street somewhere aways, not carin' whether or not it gets broken up. Beat up old thang no one would give two damns about. He's walkin' down the street admirin' a pretty ass in blue jeans, the way its own moves, not really takin' his eyes off her rear end to see if he knows the rest of her.

Coincidence, ain't it, that they both turn into the same place? Naw. Ain't no such thang. Billy walks in behind the blue-jeans-rear-end girl and finally looks up when he's done got hisself inside. Pub, bet they had Guinness on top. The girl's reflection in the mirror behind the bar, and his reflection behind her. The pony tail, faint scent of soap and hay beneath the yeasty scent of a good brew. He reaches out and wraps his hand in the end of her ponytail, the strands catching on the calloused hand. Tugs back but doesn't really pull. Smirks, steps closer. Low-voiced at her ear. "Fancy meeting you here, Miss Arabella."

Arabella Eberstark

Sun 05:50PM CST
Bella didn't really drink, not that she was of an age to be in the States. She came on curiousity, and perhaps a break with something non alcoholic fresh from her riding lesson and workout. So it was a surprise to find Billy... directly behind her when she'd gone up to the bar to order something.

The low voice, hand in her hair and she started, chuckling as she dispensed with nervousness in recognition. She didn't turn her head though... not with a ahnd in the end of the ponytail. She knew from experience that hurt if pulled too hard or wrong. Looking up at the reflection of herself with him behind and smiling more. "Billy McCann, you scared years off my life. Where did you come from?" She hadn't been looking closely but she had looked and not seen anyone she knew, until this present moment. The voice was amused, lending a warmth to the cultured sound.

Billy McCann

Sun 05:58PM CST
"Depends on whether you mean that di-rectly, long term, or philosophically, Miss Arabella." He looks up, meets her reflected gaze, and serves up one of his unexpected smiles. It splits his long, dour face wide-open. Briefly, the impression of white teeth in a face so deeply tanned (or burned up) that its got the reddish undertone of georgia clay soil. "You want an answer that my momma would approve of, or you want the real version?" Fingers loosen in her ponytail, but he doesn't let go. Not entirely, just leaves his left hand a bit tangled, smoothing out the strands as he leans around her and sets his right hand on the bar, gestures for the bartender. Lifting his chin and his voice to order, "Two pints." Order given, he lets go of her hair at last and eases his left hand into his pocket, pulling out a wallet. Drops his head so his mouth's behind her ear. Waiting forthe bartender to return with their drinks. "Now, it's my turn t'ask what a pretty girl like you's doin' in a place like this. They a side to you I ain't guessed on, yet?"

Arabella Eberstark

Sun 06:04PM CST
"The truth, Billy, always the truth." She smiled, that touch of the impish to her, which had exasperated older brothers for years and made her seem more human and less like the noble figurehead she could have been. She swished that ponytail a bit as he let it go and wondered why anyone would start off with two pints... he must be thirsty.

"I saw it was reopened and came to see... Aurich never wanted to come before, and well, now I figured I would peek. Besides, I was looking for a soda to relax with after the stables." Ah, the explanation of hay and soap then... and such an innocent answer for what appeared to be the innocently intening young woman. She tilted her head some to look at him from the corner of her eyes, rather then in the reflection.

Billy McCann

Sun 06:10PM CST
Close up, she can see the half-day's growth of beard. The beginnings of one, anyway, blonde scritchy whiskers on the hard jaw. Always looks like he's about a half-day behind on his shaving, does Billy. "Now, I don't know that I kin tell y'th'truth Miss Arabella. Sometimes, like my momma said, the truth'll jest gitcha in bigger troubl'n'a lie. Like right about now." Bartender comes back with a pair of pints and Billy reaches around Arabella again, tucks in close, to push a ten dollar bill across the bar at the tender. Grabs the two foaming pints in one large hand and pulls 'em back across the bar. Steps not back but at least to the side, freein' Arabella up for the first time since she stepped up to the bar. "Think you kin handle th'truth if'n I see fit t'tell you?" His left hand drifts across a few stray strands of her ponytail, then settles three fingers in the front pocket. "Booth's yours t'pick."

Arabella Eberstark

Sun 06:15PM CST
"Ohhh... a challenge?" She cuckles as one dark brow lifts. It wasn't as if it was one of those challenges. This was friendly sort of jesting and play. She was generally amused. "And I haven't gotten my soda yet Billy."

Which she waves to the bartender for, whether Billy waited or not. "The booth about 3 from the door on the right's open... I'll join you in a moment when they come back with my drink." Its up to him to wonder if she was playing or serious. She glanced over her shoulder, where he no longer obscured all her view and pointed at the one which was free she'd glimpsed in the mirror.

Jodi Lynn McCann

Sun 06:15PM CST
In the parking lot a rusted, and mud caked 1985 Ford pickup comes to a halt, the windows rolled down, and twanging country music spilling out from within. The deisel engine is choppy and loud, and when it finally cuts off, it is a blessing. Movement inside the trucks cab draws the eye as the vehicles occupant moves about, reaching across the seat to shove discarded articles aside so that she can reach into the glove box for her wallet, which she slips into the rear pocket of her cut off denim jeans before pushing the drivers side door open and sliding out. Faded tan cowboy boots hit the ground with a thwack of sound before she turns and gives the truck door a shove, sending it home on its rusted hinges. The thud of the door sends caked mud flecking away all along the trucks side, and a hunk of dried dirt falls away from the rear bumper to land on the ground just beneath the Indiana license plate. Clear blue eyes peer up at the sign over the pubs door, and her lips press into a line as her brow furrows slightly, hitching dark blonde brows together.

"Claw-dag's. Hrmph."

Then she is moving toward the pubs door, her worn boots clacking over the paved ground as she walks. Curved hips swaying in her cut of short as she pulls the hem of her crocheted tank down to where it should rest just above her belly button.

Billy McCann

Sun 06:22PM CST
"Yes ma'am, a challenge." Pretty near expressionless as usual. Standing close, the pair of pints still to hand. Foam spilling over the thick glass and over the sides. Over the fingers of his right hand, just a bit. One's dark brown - Guiness - and the other's a black and tan, mixture of Guiness and Harp. Glances over at the bartender as he's off after Arabella's soda. Looks back, pale eyes hooded, laconic. "He'll be back with it here'n a minute, but you ain't gon' do me wrong here, are you, Miss Arabella? Tradition n' all, to toast to someone's health with a good pint, an' not some fizzy syrupy mess." Lifting the foaming mugs as demonstration.

Arabella Eberstark

Sun 06:27PM CST
"Well... I think I could handle the truth then.... should you see fit to give it." She laughs lightly and glances at the pints. That uncertainity plain. It wasn't as if she's not ever had drinks before. She was German afterall... and some events called for it. She'd just never had that. "I don't tend to make a practice, drinking away from home, or at least without some form of appropriate chaperone." What? Billy wasn't appropriate?

Giving the bartender some cash for her soda she took it and turned back to him. "I might but you have to convince me..." Heading for the booth she'd indicated.

Jodi Lynn McCann

Sun 06:28PM CST
Pulling the door to the pub open, she steps inside, a hand reaching up to tug dark blonde hair away from her features. Long, and shining, it sways over her mostly bare shoulders, and back as she stands just inside the pubs door. The door swinging shut behind her, as she looks over the interior with clear blue eyes. One hand settling on a hip that hitches drastically to the right. Standing there, peering into the celtic surroundings of the pub, she looks just a bit out of place. One would be more likely to find her 'type' in a country and western bar. Some saloon, called the Lucky Horseshoe, or Cowboyz. The slow slide of her gaze over the tables, and booths is particular, as she searches for familiar faces. What better place to find one of her rambunctious cousins than a pub? Finally, she spots Billy with his fists full of brew and a slow and bright grin spreads across her youthfully pretty features.

"Hey y'all!"

Her tones are boisterous and undeniable. Almost everyone in the pub glances in her direction, though its obvious who she meant by "y'all" as she saunters toward Billy with a beaming smile, her boots clattering over the hardwood floors of the pub.

"Billy McCann ain't you a sight fer sore eyes."

Her gaze travels over the pub again, as though she were staring at a page in "Where's Waldo" seeking out the other brothers McCann with a smile.

"Where's th'boys at Billy, ain't never known y'all t'be too far apart b'fore. Don't tell me y'all done and went city on me!"

Billy McCann

Sun 06:35PM CST
Arabella starts walkin'. Billy falls inna step behind her. Not too close, this time. Not so close as last time. Naw, this time, he's gittin' himself an eyefull of Arabella's rear end, displayed so nicely in her jeans. Near all the way to the booth - just as Arabella's fixin' to sit down and ruin his view - Jodi Lynn comes on in, scannin' and spotting. Billy glances up and another rare grin splits his hard set mouth. Lifting the two pints in greeting to Jodi, like a toast, he opens his other arm to sweep her into deep, bone-crushing hug. "Boys is back at th' boat we's rentin', Jodi. Far's I know. An' we ain't gon' city on you, so much as we're branging the city round the right way of thangs."

Master of many things, he sets down his brews on the table before finishing the hug, frees her with a shadow of that fond grin still on his hard features. Sweeps her around to face Arabella. "Miss Arabella, my cousin Jodi Lynn McCann. Jodi Lynn, this is Miss Arabella Eberstark von Doenhoff." Funny how he gets it all right. Funny thing about Galliards, that.

Tommy McCann

Sun 06:36PM CST
Right about then a hat drops over Jodi's eyes. Straw. When she pushes it off, she'll find the middle brother of the McCanns behind her. Tommy-boy, built big and broad like a bull, with his furry blacksmith's arms and slow smile dashed with equal parts shyness and toothiness.

"Heya girlie," he says, holding out his arms like he expected a flying tackle hug. "Whatchoo doin' in the big city anyhow?"

Arabella Eberstark

Sun 06:40PM CST
She'd just set her soda down, ready to sit, when Jodi Lynn appeared. A blink and that smile still pressed there, and from behind her, Tommy... well it was a reunion of sorts for them. She chuckled a little as they chatted amongst themselves.

"A pleasure ot meet you, Miss McCann... and Billy, I'm astonished. You remembered it all." Right down to the last, and she was a bit impressed by that since she'd only told it to him once. Her voice lacks drawl or twang, instead carrying a cultured sound that is best described as European. Very softly German for those with the trained ear. She pulled herself up to her willowy 5'7" and smiled a touch more. Even in blue jeans and a baby tee she somehow had that elegance to her. Must be the breeding... or maybe the training.

Tommy McCann

Sun 06:43PM CST
"Miss Arabella," Tommy, having given his hat away, mimics touching the brim of an invisible one instead.

Jodi Lynn McCann

Sun 06:45PM CST
"Tommy boy!"

Shrill and hickish, her voice is sometimes grating on the nerves. Unless you're used to it. Jodi Lynn is a redneck woman, loud and abrassive, without meaning or trying to be. It's a part of her raisin is all. As expected she flings her arms around Tommy's neck and plants a kiss on his scarred cheek without so much as a thought to the discomfort it might cause anyone at all. His straw hat is deposited back atop his head, but not before she ruffles his hair with a quick and ruthless hand. That done, she leans in toward Billy and plants a similar smooch on his cheek, and a solid swat on his backside. Friendly, and familiar, but not drastic enough to spill the beer in his hands. Bright and sparkling blue eyes turn toward Arabella, and she looks the girl over with a lopsided grin.

"Y'can do without th'misses with me Ara-bella."

On Jodi Lynn's lips Arabella sounds like a cows name. Country. Like Betty, or MaryLou. Her grin is genuine and warm, with a healthy dose of redneck rawness.

"Heck, ain't nobody called me Miss anythin in a dogs age."

Her laughter is like her voice, harsh and loud, but genuine and honest. Sparkling blues settle on the brews in Billy's paws and she licks her lips teasingly and nods toward them.

"Hope ye brought 'nough t'share with th'whole herd Billy."

Danielle

Sun 06:47PM CST
*It's Sunday. Just another day of the week so far as she's concerned. Entering the pub from off the street, the dark haired, black eyed woman makes a quick study of her surroundings before striding over to the bar, heavy boots making a satifying clomp as she does so. Nothing special to look at, this lady (if one used the term loosely), dressed in old jeans, a blue tee shirt and a black leather jacket. A bruise graces one cheek, and one of her eyebrows sports an old, thin line of a scar.*

Cliona Murran

Sun 06:48PM CST
Blood. Sweat. Tears.

It all went into rebuilding the pub. She put her hours in two, swinging a hammer with the rest of ‘the boys’ even gaining a grudging respect from a couple of the oldsters that didn’t think she looked big enough to lift a hammer, let alone swing it with any accuracy. She helped polish and clean and generally put in whatever time she could, especially with the finishing touches after Aoife’s death and Logan’s leaving. All the better to keep the mind occupied with something other then mourning, hm?

And now, the door opens, the bell above announces her presence, and the little Irish lass who doesn’t look old enough to frequent such places, let alone consume the amount of alcohol she does right here at the bar.

The bar she promptly hops up to sit on. “Ey Mac! M’lad, set up a gell will ye?” There’s a yelp as he snaps her arse with the towel in an attempt to get her off his bar – an attempt they both know is in fun because she’s gonna sit there until she’s damn good and ready to get off and he doesn’t really mind, before he pours her a pint and pops a light kiss on her cheek as well before he moves right on off to attend to his other customers.

Billy McCann

Sun 06:48PM CST
Glances at Arabella, watching her stand. Watching the way she stands, the way she seems to pull herself up like they was some invisible fishin' line running from the ceilin' right through her slender body. Somethin' she called on times like this. Makin' jeans and a baby t-shirt look like some kinda ballgown. Pale eyes near flat, unreadable, but greedy on the sight. Jaw set, something working in his cheek. "You'd be surprised at the things I remember 'bout you, Miss Arabella." Quiet and near expressionless, voice a low cipher. He sends a glance over to Tommy as Jodi Lynn makes her request. Hooks a thumb off to the bar. "Tommy'll grab a couple more so they's some fer everone."

Tommy McCann

Sun 06:52PM CST
Tommy chuckles, a low sound gruff in his barrel chest. One arm's more'n enough for catching Jodi up, and he even suffers the hair ruffling with good grace. After Jodi hops back down and keeps up her chatter, Tommy takes off the hat, smooths down his hair, and sets puts it back on. Set a little lower over his eyes, this time, only a glint of his blue eyes showing under the brim. Maybe he didn't like showing too much of the scar that pulls his face into a permanent sneer on the left side. Maybe he just liked to keep the sun outta his eyes.

Casting Billy a disgruntled look, Tommy nevertheless ambles off toward the bar to fetch the drinks. The Theurge was easily the biggest of the brothers, but he wasn't the top dawg, or even the second.

Arabella Eberstark

Sun 06:52PM CST
Jodi seemed like a nice girl despite how voice and attitude could grate a bit. She nodded a touch, chestnut curls swishing behind her. "Jodi Lynn then?" Making sure she had that properly, used to more formality in some things, especially names.

Eyes had darted away during the kissing hugging displays, to glance around before they came back to Billy at his reply. "Now why is that?" Could she truly be as naive as she acted?

"Its a good thing we got a large booth Billy... room for everyone.

Jodi Lynn McCann

Sun 06:54PM CST
Amused and none too ashamed of it, she looks between Billy and Arabella with a knowing gaze and a chuckle. Her thumbs hitching into the worn belt loops on her cut off jeans as she glances over her shoulder at Tommy with a grin.

"Looks like ol'Billy done gone and got hisself a crush."

There isn't an ounce of hostility in her country drawl as she grins her wide and pretty grin down at Arabella, then winks a long lashed eye.

"Think Tommy boy could use a hand with them drinks maybe. Back in two shakes of a lambs tail y'all."

Turning on the heel of a cowboy boot, she saunters after Tommy, catching up with him and slinging a familiar tanned arm about his waist. Boots clattering over the floor as she walks.

Danielle

Sun 06:58PM CST
*Most people don't consider the woman a much of a threat, or consider her at all. Average hight, dusky complexion, nothing that stands out . Save that she has eyes that could make an ice cube shiver. A smile softens Danielle's glacial gaze as she claims one of the seats at the bar. She didn't frequent here often, but she was glad to see the place open again.*

Billy McCann

Sun 07:00PM CST
Ain't unusual to find Billy with a crush. One way or the other. Jodi Lynn's good-natured announcement of his likely intentions, though, is met with the same sort of flat staring gaze Billy gives to near about everthang when he's sober. Takes the booze to bring out the rest of him, or something else entire. He watches, gaze settled and strong, strands of ghosting affection settling back into his usual serious mein as Jodi Lynn and Tommy saunter off toward the bar together. Doesn't bother moving, not to set, not yet. "That ain't a reason I'm prepared to give yet, Miss Arabella. But I'll tell you now why I come in here, if'n you've a real desire to know."

Evelyn 'Evie' Bryant

Sun 07:03PM CST
Full circle.

This is where it all began.

She stands before the door, staring upward at the sky, the honey blonde hair sliding over her shoulders, licking down her spine like golden flame as she arches and just stares upward for a long moment. She takes in a deep […IcantgointhereaoifeworkedhereImetherheretheydontwantmehereletmegohomepleaseohgodpleaseno…] breath.

[…No regrets…Evelyn-Called-Evie then…because you could?…]

She lets it go in a shudder and a roll of the shoulders. Straightening the spine, striding into the Pub. Feeling the warmth and the heady smell of polished wood, of varnish and beer and a thousand other tiny little variables to the oxygen as she lets out another slow propulsion of breath.

The heels pause in the doorway. The legs stretch upward, golden flesh finally sliding from view beneath the hem of a light blue sundress about mid thigh. The contours of her body tease and tempt, defined as they are by the material. The tiny waist and the swell of the breasts as she stands, hands smoothing over the fabric a moment as she stands—golden haired ballerina with the darkest eyes and the soft pink lips and so much god damned poise, that classic dancer’s physique- and finally blinks away the cobwebs of memory to gaze around.

Cliona Murran

Sun 07:04PM CST
She swings her legs from her perch on the bar, hands wrapped around her pint as she takes several swallows and sighs delightedly. “Now if’n that inna a taste worth waitin for...” chuckled, as she looks around, catching the heavy accents that are decidedly more southern then her own taste of home as it’s bantered about the bar. Listen, watch, learn. and drink. ooooh the life o’th’Alpha o’th’Crows....

Arabella Eberstark

Sun 07:04PM CST
Jodi's announcement gets a blinked look of surprise from Bella and she looks back at Billy. No... they just talked. He was charming, and did a lot to pull her out of the melancholy she'd found herself in at the Raptor's parting. Living vicariously through someone else's family, if even a bit. She'd come from a large one too.

Finally, swallowing a touch and moving to sit. They could sort things out when the others returned. "Why wouldn't I?"

Tommy McCann

Sun 07:06PM CST
"Course he done gone an' got hisself a crush," Tommy says, draping a heavy arm over Cousin Jodi's tanned, or sunburned, shoulders as he heads for the bar. "It's Billy. Our very own hardcore troubadour." He raps on the bartop with his knuckles and held up three fingers for three pints. Strong silent type, Tommy. Most the time, anyway. "How you been, Jode? Uncle Fred still tryin' to plant them orange cauliflowers?"

Jodi Lynn McCann

Sun 07:09PM CST
At the bar, she untangles herself from her burly cousin and runs the fingers of one hand through her dark blonde tumble of wavy hair. Casting a light blue gaze down the bar in either direction before turning sideways to lean a denim clad hip against it. Peering up at Tommy, she looks more her age than she has since walking through the door (not quite legal) a grin on her plainly pretty features.

"Y'all are rentin a houseboat? I'da never thought the lot of y'all to be the sailin sort."

A mild, but still blunt and loud chuckle sounds in her throat as she settles her hand back on her hip, hitching her thumb through a belt loop.

"Heck! Y'all fit on a boat t'gether?"

With a grin and a mild chuckle she shakes her head, sending her dark blonde hair swaying across her tanned shoulders, tugging beneath Tommy's heavy arm.

"Naw, Pops gave up on th'cauliflowers a few months back, he's taken t'raisin pigs now. Smells fer shit, but the eatins good. I been fixin t'get off the ranch fer ages, and figured now that y'all is out here in the city..."

She trails off with a knowing grin, and a sparkle in her cornflower blue eyes. Batting her long dark blonde lashes... smooth tanned features, unadourned by make up.

Billy McCann

Sun 07:12PM CST
Billy could slide in beside her. Invade her space. It's pretty easy when you are what he is, with the confidence that comes from it. He stands there a moment at the edge of the booth, then swings his lean body onto the seat opposite Arabella. Slides across, and pulls his pair of pints to follow. Pushes the black and tan at her, tipping his scarred knuckles up, foam drying on the calloused brown flesh. He doesn't answer her question directly. He sets there, leaning over his pint a moment. Looking into the dark surface. Breath spilling over the remnants of the head there, stirring the dirty, dying bubbles. Looks up again, pale blue eyes like the sky's been split with fire. Bands of sunburn beneath them. Blonde hair shorn short, needing another cut. "I seen this girl, see. Walkin' down the street. Pretty ass in a pair of jeans, loved the way she done walked. Not like some hip-swangin' hooker. Jest natural. Followed her inna the bar, found myself lookin' at you."

Danielle

Sun 07:13PM CST
*As the country cousins siddle up to the bar a dark brow raises slightly, her lips curving into a smirk of amusment. A crook of her hand to the barkeeper.*"Give me what ya got, shug." *Letting a hint of a twang seep into her otherwise accentless voice.*

Tommy McCann

Sun 07:13PM CST
"We ain't sailin' nowhere. We jus' livin' on the houseboat 'cause the cairn's a watery place, y'know -- thanks."

He nods to Macinnis as the three brews are served up. Handing one to Jodi, he bears the other two back toward the booth. Why five drinks total for four people? 'Cause Billy gets two, that's why.

"Oh no ya don't." Tommy finally catches on to the thread of conversation. Witness, ladies and gentlemen, the persuasive powers of ye olde Jodi Lynn McCann. Notice how subtly she introduces the subject of houseboats, then ties in her roots and aspirations, and finally nudges the hint forward. "I ain't takin' no responsibility fer my cousin indulgin' no big-city dreams. 'Sides a boat o' bachelors ain't no place fer a little lady."

All of which generally meant, she still needed to badger some more.

Evelyn 'Evie' Bryant

Sun 07:15PM CST
Cliona’s looking around…

…Evie meets her eyes. Then hers skirt away as if frightened to meet that gaze for too long. But, it’s another deep breath as she walks across. Firm set to the jaw. Spine rigid. Standing tall. Proud. She is not afraid of the ghosts that haunt the bar. She does not still stare at the kitchen floor where Aoife lay. She does not hold Cat just a little too tightly and murmur that she’ll take of her. It’s not memories that have left her gaunter than usual, her usually slender build verging on too thin. She’s precarious. She could go either way here.

Evie’s bones seem to ache as she moves. She knows she should eat more. Talk more. Not drink away her miseries at night. She knows somewhere where logic still exists in her brain that she cannot go on dancing every day and not eating. Already she struggles. Already the bruises come easier. The shadows aren’t beneath her eyes as much as they are circling her aura. She’s trying. But how much can you break a person before they just quit mending? What is the point where you quit being alive and just start…being…

Cliona Murran

Sun 07:17PM CST
Brow hitches as she hears about a watery Caern – or rather, cairn. and with a glance toward Mac, she nods. But before she heads over to introduce herself right proper, she catches Evie’s gaze. Her own, pale blue, rest steady on the lass, and waits as she moves over. Tipping back her pint, she arches that brow again, and nods. “Slainte, Evie. How ye holdin up, lass?”

Arabella Eberstark

Sun 07:18PM CST
She looked over the pint he'd placed in front of her, dubious as to what it might taste like. That is -not- wine, champagne, or any sort of the expensive liquors that she would find still stocked in the codno from before Aurich and pack departed. It was becoming a woman's place slowly now, as only her and Genevieve were there regularly, and that was sporadic too. Her soda is beside it and she takes a sip of that first, letting fizzy sweet sprite douse the tongue and slake the throat.

And coughed. Blinked at Billy, covering her mouth trying not to choke on carbonation at his explantion. Bad timing, that sip. Her blush rolled in afterwards, the charming pink that actually looked cute, rather then embarrassing. It must be because enough liked to make her blush. Napkin to blot her lips, and catching ehr breath she finally looked back at Billy. "I suppose I asked for that one... " And if Aurich had still been around this one would be hurting like the last Fianna to have taken an interest in her. No brother meant her honor was her own problem, since Tucker was rarely around at these moments.

Jodi Lynn McCann

Sun 07:20PM CST
Taking the mug of brew, she sips from it, long and slow before following Tommy back toward the booth. Licking foam off her upper lip, and then running the back of one hand over her mouth to clear away any missed liquid.

"Heck cuz, I don't wanna impose any on y'all anyhow."

Boots clack over the hard floors of the pub as she smoothly joins the others at the booth, sliding in next to Arabella and leaving the seat beside Billy for Tommy to sit in. She takes another swallow from her beer, before glancing between the pair she and Tommy left behind, and grinning.

"Jes, if my pa happens t'call y'all up and ask.. I'd be obliged if y'all told him I was stayin there on yer boat."

Her grin is somewhat sheepish and pleading as she looks between the two McCann brothers. Long dark blonde lashes bat again as she casts them a lopsided grin.

Evelyn 'Evie' Bryant

Sun 07:22PM CST
“Oh you know. Holding. Hi Mac..” A brief, falsely bright imitation of a smile. “Could I get one of those?” Nod at the pint held in Cliona’s hands.

Where would she put that much alcohol? Seems impossible a little thing like her could drink even that much. Maybe it was all the drinking with James.

Evie casts the strangers a vague, slightly disconnected look as if she saw them but they were not really there. She hops up onto a bar stool, balancing herself with the palms of her hands on the counter.

“The place looks good. You almost couldn’t tell…”

She smoothes her hands over the bartop. A little smile. Memories come again. Not so harsh these ones. Happier.

“Almost.”

Tommy McCann

Sun 07:24PM CST
There's a sense that Tommy thinks this idea's even worse. He slides in beside Billy, folding his thick arms across his thick chest and frowning like a patriarch at Jodi Lynn. "An' where's you really stayin'?" Oh, he's heard ALL them stories 'bout good girls goin' to the big bad city and turning into streetwalkers and harlots.

Billy McCann

Sun 07:26PM CST
He stares through the whole thing. The sip. The choke. The blush and the blotting, and it don't seem like he's seen anything from the way he don't react, just keeps starin', until he wads up the edge of a napkin and levers hisself up from the negligent slouch he usually affects and daubs at three droplets of fizzy soda on Arabella's pink cheek. Hard to imagine how fingers that blunt could be that careful. "Ain't a matter of askin' fer nothing, Miss Arabella. Cept you asked fer th'truth, so I done give it. You don't wanna hear about it none, you give me that word." His voice is real quiet, low enough that it hardly stirs the senses. Got a range, does Billy. Glances up as Jodi Lynn slides in beside Arabella. Looks at Tommy, picks up the thread of the conversating they got goin on and fixes a near-hard look at Jodi.

Cliona Murran

Sun 07:28PM CST
She nods, and waves for Mac to put it on her tab, as well as grab her a refill as well as she finishes off the one in hand. “Holdin tis better then th’alternative, inna it, now..” an easy wink, and she nods. “Aye, th’lads an’lasses did a right fine job o’fixin th’place up. Feels good t’be here in th’bar again.

However” A pause, and a grin and pat on Evie’s shoulder. “If’n ye’ll excuse me, I’ve a wee bit o’business t’do. I’ll be right back.” And with that, she gather’s her pint, and hops off the bar, heading across the way to the McCann clan’s booth.

Arabella Eberstark

Sun 07:30PM CST
Jodi and Tommy became a pleasant distraction as she regathered shreds of that composure. Her response to Billy had been a nod. She'd give him the word when she didn't want to hear the truth. Even as embarrassing as it was, it was preferable to concocted tales.

She took another sip of the soda, which went down smoothly this time waitinf ro this toast Billy had mentioned. There was no way she'd be drinking a pint of anything, at best a few small drinks to go along with things. Hands smoothing silky shiny hair, like a shampoo commerical model's hair [don't you just hate her?] and settling back down. A bit curious about this cousin that had appeared.

Jodi Lynn McCann

Sun 07:30PM CST
"Ain't they got camp grounds out around these parts? I got my tent in the back'a the pickup. Wouldn't be much diff'ernt than sleepin in the trailer out on th'ranch."

Again, her smile is a touch sheepish as she lifts her pint and takes a long sip. Her gaze trailing silently between Billy and Arabella, and noticably avoiding the frowning stare of Tommy.

"Y'all don't have te worry none about me. I cin take care'a myself once I get me a good job in th'city somewheres. I worked check out at the market fer the last few summers while school was out, and I cin do it again here to get settled in."

Color rises in her tanned cheeks as Billy levels an equally steady gaze on her, and she opts for casting a grin toward Arabella. Arabella, who has just become her commrade... they do look about the same age afterall.

"Y'all think I could get a good job as a check out clerk, don't ye Ara-bella."

Tommy McCann

Sun 07:33PM CST
"Uh-huh." Tommy refolds his arms the other way and leans back, giving Billy a what-do-you-think? look.

That's called passing the ball.

Evelyn 'Evie' Bryant

Sun 07:35PM CST
“Sure.” She turns, watches Cliona head toward the table where most [all] the conversation is steaming from before her casts her attention back to the foamy beverage before her. Staring down at it she feels her stomach muscles clench at the concept of drinking that entire pint. Lifting her eyes she catches Mac’s raised brows and offers up a slightly sheepish smile. Lifting the pint and murmuring. “Bottoms up.” Before swallowing a mouthful.

Feels the bitter liquid on her tongue, sliding down her throat. A shudder. She really hates beer. Perhaps if she drank it more she’d find her enjoyment levels rising but a mouthful is about all the Ballerina can handle. She rests an elbow on the counter and distracts herself from the burning sensation in her belly by engaging Mac in conversation. Their voices a soft low murmur to the louder speak of the McCann’s.

Billy McCann

Sun 07:36PM CST
Catches the edge of Tommy's glance. Looks down at his hands, spread wide on the table. The surface of his beer. Then: "We ain't lyin' t'yer pa, Jodi Lynn McCann. Ain't lyin' t'yer ma, neither." Speaks up near about over Jodi Lynn as she looks to Arabella for support. Face still expressionless, pale eyes hard, staring down at the surface of his Guiness like he was some old fashioned divinator lookin' for scraps of truth in the well of souls or something like it. "You gonna be married, or berthed in with family. Which means you gonna be livin' with us 'til we figure out somethin' better t'do with you."

Arabella Eberstark

Sun 07:39PM CST
"Oh...Jodi Lynn, I'm sure you would do just lovely as a clerk. I'm not much of a nexpert." Arabella has never had a job... and the only time she interacted with clerks was when she was shopping. "But the city's not exactly safe for young women, or so I've been told...repeatedly."

She glances around at the McCann brothers and lets that lie. her own brother had had fits when she went off on her own for things, though he hadn't had the gall to cage her up. "You might want to stay with them until some other arrangements can be made."

Cliona Murran

Sun 07:40PM CST
She moves easily, winding way through tables with the grace of one well used to the layout, before she pauses by the table. Free hand tucks into the pocket of her jeans, tugging already low slung denim a bit lower, hint of scars over formally smooth belly seen beneath the edge of tank top.

She clears her throat then. “Slainte, all. I dinna mean t’inturrupt...” of course she did.

Jodi Lynn McCann

Sun 07:42PM CST
Her plainly pretty features light up into a wide and excited grin as she glances across the table at Billy and Tommy.

"Yee Haw!"

Her excitement is authentic, and the gleeful shout isn't hokey in the least. Her feet kick beneath the table, and the heels of her boots clack against the floor as she slings a friendly arm over Arabella's shoulder and laughs.

"Thought y'all would never ask."

She turns her gaze on Arabella and gives the girl a conspiratorial wink as she takes a sip of her beer with her free hand. Jodi Lynn is the sort of girl who makes friends, and enemies very quickly. You either like her... or you hate her. With smile, she turns her head, and looks at Cliona with pale blue eyes, the excitement of the moment passing, as she allows her arm to lift from Arabella's shoulders, and settle at her side.

"Hey!"

To Jodi Lynn, 'hey' is an official greeting.

Billy McCann

Sun 07:47PM CST
Seems like Jodi Lynn's near about the life of the party. Get Jodi Lynn and Cody together and there ain't nothing to do but have one, what with all the bright energy they throw off like sparks from a broken down 'lecric line cut up in a storm. Billy just stares at Jodi Lynn as she erupts into celebration. Moves his feet so's not to get kicked, and near about runs his right foot over Arabella's left. He looks up over the surface of his beer and gives her a look. It could be a look of apology, or near it, but its just flat and pale, the same look he give Jodi Lynn when he was being righteous about not lying to her folks. Near the same look he turns on Cliona as she approaches. "But yer gonna do it anyway. Whatcha need?"

Cliona Murran

Sun 07:50PM CST
There’s a good-natured chuckle as she nods. “Aye, I am at that. Couldna’elp but over’ear what ye lad there said about th’Cairn bein a watery place, and figured I should come introduce meself right proper. Cliona Murran...” Holds out a hand to shake even. Friendly little lass, she is, Jody and Arabella get a warm grin, and th’other McCann a nod as well.

Arabella Eberstark

Sun 07:50PM CST
She can't help but chuckle some at Jodi's exuberance. As grating as it can be and the utter lack of mannerly regard different, she's still brightly exuberant and friendly. Its a good thing Bella's open minded and prone to times of impishness. As she catches Billy's eyes on her, foot hitting hers, she braves that pint for a sip. The taste would have twisted her features but she swallowed and took a breath. That had not been anything like what she usually drank and twitched her lips a little deciding if it was good or bad. Fortunately, Cliona provides a distraction so few to no eyes see the tiny display.

Tommy McCann

Sun 07:52PM CST
Yee haw: and Tommy grins behind the mug he lifts to his lips, before tipping back his head to look at Cliona from under his hat-brim. Now there's four sets of eyes in varying shades of blue fixed on the little Fianna. All the faces around the table had their share of charm and attractiveness, 'cept maybe Tommy's. His is rather ruined by the scar that pulls the left side of his face into a permanent smirking sneer, the eyelid drooping, the edge of mouth arcing up. And he just watches.

Evelyn 'Evie' Bryant

Sun 07:54PM CST
A soft utterance to Mac and he's moving away to continue serving. Evie slips from her stool and moves into the bathroom. The lithe figure barely glimpsed as any more than a slip of blue sundress and long blonde hair.

Sophia

Sun 07:56PM CST
*having got the message from Cliona that the place is open, she leaves a note for Will to join her here later and heads down. She opens the door and enters the pub.*

Billy McCann

Sun 07:56PM CST
Sets back in the booth, straightens his broad shoulders. Pulls his half-finished pint back with him, to the edge of the booth's table, then levers himself up and near over his brother - bigger, but not near older - to take that hand in his own. Larger, blunt-fingered, calloused too. "My brother Ryan left a message fer you, askin' fer a meet an' greet. I'm Billy McCann. This," gestures toward Tommy. "is my brother Tommy McCann. Pretty little thang a'grinnin' atcha is my cousin Jodi Lynn McCann. And our guest over here is Miss Arabella Eberstark von Doenhoff. Right nice to make yer acquaintance." Still expressionless, even when his voice shades affectionate or otherwise. Has a face, does Billy, made fer starin' long distances, squint-eyed.

Jodi Lynn McCann

Sun 07:56PM CST
"Jodi Lynn McCann, nice ta meet ya."

Jodi extends a tanned hand with calloused digits toward Cliona. More so... thrusts the hand, than extends as she shifts in the booth to do so, her wavy blonde locks fall across her face, and her other hand lifts to brush them away.

"Y'all got yerself one heckuva accent there Clee-ona."

Her grin is wide and genuine as she shakes the womans hand roughly, and then releases to grip her pint and take a long swallow. Peering across the table over the rim of the mug at Billy and Tommy, her dark blonde brows arched.

Arabella Eberstark

Sun 08:00PM CST
"A pleasure to meet you, Miss Murran." She knew the face, vaguely, from a dinner in Nookies some time back. She shifted back to her soda for the moment, whether to clear the taste of the drink, or just because she like dit left to everyone's imagination. Her smile was softly polite, a trace warm. It was the smile one used in public when meeting someone, not the one between friends, or that reflected camaderie. her voice, was clearly enunciated, cultured, and she carried herself with an elegant demeanor despite who she was with, where she was and dressed in jeans and baby tee.

Sophia

Sun 08:02PM CST
*heads towards the bar. She has shoulder length straight blonde hair and blue eyes. Dressed in jeans and a white t-shirt, she has a gentle and easy going expression.*

Cliona Murran

Sun 08:02PM CST
She shakes his hand easily, with a strength hidden in fine bones and small stature. Her grin spreads, warming as he gives the introductions. “Ah, I had wondered if’n ye be them. Tis a pleasure, a right pleasure t’make ye aquaintence, then, it is. I received and returned th’message just this morn. Ye here on th’turf o’me and m’lads, th’Crows. Tis a foine day t’be here too, with th’pub reopenin. Next rounds on me.”

Arabella perhaps gets a second glance... Fang, by the sound (and scent) of it, but not one she places right off... can’t remember if they’ve met before, though after a moment she realizes there was a brief meeting. A nod. “Nae, easy on th’Miss Murran stuff, lass, make me old before me time. Cliona works jus foine.”

Hand easily shifts to shake Jodi’s hands too as she chuckles. “Aye, speak f’yerself lass, a foine accent ye’ave as well..”

Evelyn 'Evie' Bryant

Sun 08:04PM CST
She emerges after a minute or so. Hand still resting upon the door as she catches sight of Sophia entering. The brows lift a little and she lets the door shut behind her. Heels making soft sounds as she moves back to her seat and her beverage at the bar. Picks up her drink, and with brief, polite smile cast Mac’s way, moves to find a table somewhere in a corner. Preferably uninhabited. She’s not in the frame of mind for anything resembling a fight right now. Last time she was there was broken kitchenware involved.

Finding a booth, she slides her slender frame into it and palms her beer between her hands, the dark gaze shifting from Sophia, to Cliona and the others and then back to her drink. She leans back, crosses her legs and rests her head back against the booth, letting the lashes fall shut across the flushed cheeks.

Sophia

Sun 08:07PM CST
*rests her elbows on the bar and smiles* A pint of your best. You do have Guinness, right?

Billy McCann

Sun 08:10PM CST
Tips his head, swinging back to his seat beside his brother. That might be gratitude for Cliona's generosity since he accompanies the nod with a mild, "'preciate it." For the round and the welcome, one supposes. If the fabled Irish charm wended its war around into Billy McCann's genes, it was a round about trip over many generations. "Ryan'll wanna git with you on the other stuff. Ain't gon' be a problem, us being here?" Real direct, he says it. Grabbing the pint and holding it, hand wrapped around the glass. Drinking it back and draining it all, entire, without coming fer a breath. Grabs the second one that's there for him and takes a swallow of that, too.

Cliona Murran

Sun 08:14PM CST
There’s a chuckle as she glances around the Pub, seeing who’s entered, watching Sophia get an appalled look at the suggestion an Irish pub might not carry Guinness from Mac, before her direct gaze returns to Billy, grin easily at home on the pretty Irish lass. “O’course not! If’n there were, I’d surely nae be plyin ye with me alcohol.”

She waves off the concern with flick of slender fingers. “Nae atall. Jus keep ye nose clean, an us apprised if’n there’s need. Mac there b’hind th’bar knows how teh find me most always if’n ye have need o’me and me lads. Tween here and E-Sixx downtown, ye’ll be likely t’find one o’us.”

Arabella Eberstark

Sun 08:15PM CST
"Cliona then." She nods a tad and smiles more. Greetings done and she reaxes to look around the table where they'd gathered. This was certainly an expereince for her, of which she's not had a similar one. She couldn't say she wasn't having fun though... part of that process of loosening up which she may never fully achieve but only managed in parts.

Take two on her pint as she lifted it for another small drink, tasting more of it this time around. Not entirely bad, just...stronger, and different. Listening as those around the table talked, without much to offer the conversation for the moment.

Tommy McCann

Sun 08:15PM CST
When appropriate, Tommy had touched the brim of his floppy straw hat and nodded to Cliona. Other'n that, he pretty much sits there quiet-like, a mug cradled between his big hands.

Sophia

Sun 08:16PM CST
*laughs* I never thought otherwise ... *waiting for him to pour the drink, she slips on to a bar stool and plays aimlessly with her engagement ring*

Billy McCann

Sun 08:22PM CST
"Got it. Here and E-Sixx downtown." Billy nods his head, wrapping his mind around whatever she was talking. Territory in the city has different meanings than in the country, it's gotta, but he ain't sure of the difference yet. Ain't sure how to voice it, at least, and ain't likely to voice it even if he is sure. The table needs Jodi Lynn back to stir up some conversating, or Cody and his antics to breeze in and breathe the life back into the place. The dour brother lifts his second pint and comes near to draining it in another long swallow. Adams apple working steadily at pushing all that down. Drinking like he ain't never had nothing to drink before, and ain't likely to have nothing again. Sets it down with about 1/3 of the liquid left and looks at his brother, nudging him with an elbow to vacate long enough for Billy to get up.

Cliona Murran

Sun 08:26PM CST
She grins. “I sent th’message with me number for ye brother, but here tis again. Cell, carried wit’me always. Right now I’ve others I need teh speak with as well. Ever th’good hostess ye know.” Friendly enough nod, as she waves to th’waitress. “Anne? Put th’next round here on me tab, will ye? And dinna let Mac bitch about ‘it, he knows I’ll be payin before I leave. Thank’ee.”

And with another nod to the Table McCann, she turns and moves back toward the bar, and Sophie. “Lass! Quit teasin me with th’ring flashes and show a lass, will ye?”

Tommy McCann

Sun 08:27PM CST
Obligingly, Tommy slides out and stands up. A boy that big and tall had to be careful how he moved, lest he looked like a dancing bear. There's none of that awkwardness with Tommy, though. There's a few things he's dead sure of in this world. One's himself, his body: he lives firmly in his skin, no doubt. Another's the spirit world. And the last, well... best not to mention that one.

Touching his hat again as Cliona moves off, he sits back down after Billy gets up.

Sophia

Sun 08:27PM CST
*smiles at Mac when he gives her the pint and she slips money across the bar.* Thanks ... *turns and smiles* Cliona! I didn't see you there. *she pratically beams. The ring is shiny, as Will would choose. A diamond surrounded with emeralds*

Billy McCann

Sun 08:30PM CST
Plainspoken, Billy accepts the cell number as he rises. Looks at the numbers written on the paper, folds his hand around it and pushes it deep into his pocket as he straightens fully. Near about as expected, he hitches his jeans up, tugging the worn loops. There's a big-ass belt buckle proclaiming the name of his home state, and depicting some of its dubious charms that rattles sullenly. "Miss Arabella." Looks at her as he stands up, then looks at his hands. The left one's clean, but the right one's damp from condensation on the pint glasses. He passes that hand over the thigh of his worn jeans, then tucks both hands into his back pockets, undoing some of the hitching work from moments before. "It's gettin' dark outside. I would be much obliged if I could walk you to your car so's I know yer gettin' home safe and sound." Ain't so plainspoken when he's got a good reason, either.

Arabella Eberstark

Sun 08:33PM CST
"She was very friendly." Was the polite comment Bella had to maek after Cliona had left, green eyes darting around th table at McCanns, McCanns everywhere. A glance at her watch had told her she should be leaving soon, so soaking up the ambience for a while longer yet. That melancholy in her again, remembeing times like this with her brother and her friends, his pack. She glanced down at the pint and the brew within as she fell silent again.

Billy's offer brought her out of her thoughts and she smiled a touch again. "That would be nice. I have to call for them to pick me up... so I may be waiting outside a bit." She moves to stand herself, most of a pint left and her soda half gone and unbothered by it.

Jodi Lynn McCann

Sun 08:33PM CST
She comes back from the bathrooms with that seemingly everpresent smile on her plainly pretty face. Her long dark blonde hair pulled back and slung into a quick ponytail to keep it from getting into her eyes. As she arrrives at the booth, she glances between Billy and Arabella with a raised brow.

"Y'all leavin so soon?"

Disappointment shadows her pretty features as she waits to sit, not wanting to block Arabella in if she's leaving.

Cliona Murran

Sun 08:34PM CST
The McCanns certainly tower over the little lass, but she carries herself with an easy confidence that makes her seem a little larger then life – but in a good way. She hugs Sophia warmly and examines the ring. “Aye, he did well, he did. Now, ye just be sure that me favored featherbrain treats ye right, understand? Or I’ll be kickin his wee arse all over town...”

She hugs her friend tightly, and then grins. “Ye bring ye resume, lass? Mac there is th’one teh give it too. I gave him me suggestion and put a wee bug in his ear already.”

Billy McCann

Sun 08:37PM CST
"Miss Arabella needs to be gettin' home. Relations, you know how they kin be." Looks to Jodi Lynn as she comes back, fixes her with a look, really, that just might mean there was a joke or a teasing something buried in the flat statement. Relations. Pale eyes slide to Arabella. "You got a phone t'call or you want me to ask the bartender to call fer you?"

Arabella Eberstark

Sun 08:40PM CST
"I have my cellphone with me." She almost always did, that trusty little flipphone. She pulled it out, hitting the memory set speedial of her driver and listening to teh ring and answer. "Yes... yes I'm ready. Out front... that sounds fine."

She smiles a touch at Jodi as she slid the little device away and nodded. "perhaps we'll see each other again soon. I do know where their houseboat is." her own address not given for the time being as she moved to slide out of the booth and join up with Billy.

Cliona Murran

Sun 08:41PM CST
She laughs then and nods, following that gaze toward Evie. A nod, and a squeeze of Sophia’s shoulder. “Well then, lass, I’ll be lettin ye two talk, and likely seen ye behind th’bar soon enough. good luck!”

And grabbing a refill, she winks at Mac, and – the Irish Lass’s job never done – she heads to rejoin Evie at her booth and sliding in to sit across from her.

Tommy McCann

Sun 08:41PM CST
"'Salright, Jodi Lynn, I ain't goin' nowhere." Tommy sits his ass down again, flashing his eyebrows and making little pointed glances at Billy, and then Arabella, to convey his brother's dire need to get alone and mack on Arabella at the moment. He ends with a little grin that almost abolishes the sneer on the left side of his face, but falls just short. "Anyhow, I just bet this's yar first time in a real live Irish pub. All we got back in Indiana is them pitstops with them country star hopefuls an' all."

Jodi Lynn McCann

Sun 08:41PM CST
With a loud and jovial laugh Jodi Lynn claps Billy between the shoulder blades and grins over his shoulder toward Arabella.

"Ain't nothin funner'n stayin out past her curfew Ara-bella. You'n me should hook up sometime. Y'cin show me where y'bought them jeans yer wearin or somethin."

Instead of sliding into the booth beside Arabella, she nudged Tommy with an elbow and motions for him to shift over and make room for her. Stretching across the table to grab her half drunk pint of beer. A nudge of the elbow seems to be redneck etiquette for please stand aside... or something of the sort.

Evelyn 'Evie' Bryant

Sun 08:44PM CST
She’s been watching. The eyes opened at the faint exclamations about a ring. And the flashes as Sophia extended an arm. It doesn’t take two guesses to understand what’s going on. There’s a stirring, like her hands are going to reach for the beer, but instead she curls her fingers inward, fingernails biting into the soft flesh of her palm.

[…"Lass, ye canna drown th'pain away in th'bottom of a whiskey glass."…]

She quivers a little at the memory of James’s words. Damn it she knew the Fianna was right but the temptation to loose herself to oblivion was so strong. A bead of sweat dots her forehead and she lifts one hand, wiping it away.

[…slow, deep breathes Evie…easy does it…]

She seems to startle so easily nowadays. Cliona’s appearance making her breath snag a moment before she settles, directing a slightly sheepish smile the Alpha’s way.

“I thought I’d hidden myself well over here.” A glance slides Sophia’s way. “Something happening?”

Jodi Lynn McCann

Sun 08:46PM CST
"No shit!"

With a slight cringe and mildly appologetic look in Arabella's direction, she smiles sheepishly.

"Pard'n ma french."

Then she turns toward Tommy again and grins damn near from ear to ear, taking a quick sip of beer before she starts up where she left off.

"Speakin'a wanna be country stars, did y'hear bout Mary Beth Johnson? Some old boy from Texas told her she was fan-fuckin-tastic and she believed him. Stupid cow."

She chuckles, but not maliciously. More so as though she felt sorry for poor Mary Beth.

"Knocked her up and left her on her own, cin y'believe th'nerve a some men?!?"

Cliona Murran

Sun 08:49PM CST
She chuckles and shrugs. “I told ye I’d be back.” She follows that glance toward Sophia as she talks with Mac, before her gaze returns to Evie, knowing full well the past she had with her feathered friend, as well as the folly concerning the iijit Vast. “Sophia an Will are t’be wed soon.”

Pulls no punches, Cliona.

Billy McCann

Sun 08:49PM CST
Tommy's making near about eyes at Billy, but the older McCann pretty near ignores the looks except for one sharp and pointed glance back when Arabella's on the phone. The ghost of a familiar but rare sort of grin, and the jut of an elbow. Watchit. I'm'a kick yer ass, you mess this up. Ain't that what he always says? Steps out of the way as Jodi Lynn figures out where she's gon' set her pretty ass down, and that's about the only interruptions in his steady gaze, which is entirely on Arabella. Watching the way she opens the phone and slips it between her shoulder and her ear, watching her mouth move as she talks. Watching her as she looks back at him when she finishes talking. "C'mon." Steps up to her side as she slides outta the booth, hand a hovering heat near but not touching the small of her back. Guidin'. Shoots an unreadable glance over Arabella's shoulder, toward Jodi Lynn at the story, but soon enough has her threading through the pub, out of earshot, toward the door. His voice is low again, near raw. "Hope I didn't offend you with my plain talkin' earlier."

Tommy McCann

Sun 08:53PM CST
Tommy shakes his head mournful-like, brooding into his mug for a second before draining the last of it. "Hell, I done told her she cain't sing worth a cow-shit. Not quite in them words, but." He bangs the mug down loudly enough to catch the attention of one of the waitresses, and signals for a refill with a rueful twist of his lips that softens the blow, so to speak.

"Hope Bubba Johnson whooped his ass but good?"

He watches Billy move off with Arabella for a sec, and then returns his gaze to the empty seat on the other side of the booth -- since Jodi Lynn squeezed in next to him. "So what happened to yer fella -- whatsit -- Bobby-Ray? Bucktoothed l'il pimplesquit?" Tommy does a brief impression, rabbit-faced, but it's startlingly good. One of Tommy's hidden talents, that: impressions. Should see the one he does of Auntie Jean.

Arabella Eberstark

Sun 08:54PM CST
Her eyes go a tad b ig, not at Jodi's cussing, because, truthfully, she's done it once or twice, when she was truly angry, but for the story... a bit glad to be escaping the tale of woe with Billy's intervention. Moving along with him easily, that grace a subtle thing, from dancing and too much finishing school.

Mary Beth was point and case as to why Bella waited. Like a good proper Silver Fang...

"No, I wasn't offended. A bit... well surprised I suppose." She glances over at him and smiles to show no hard feelings. Its a strange thing for her that any man seems to look at her like that. Too many years sheltered by hulking Garou will do that.

Evelyn 'Evie' Bryant

Sun 08:56PM CST
The brows do lift at that comment.

“I…see.” She breathes. Hand reaching for and closing around the glass this time. Not drinking. Just nursing. Squeezing too tightly. The skin pulled tight over the knuckles. Does it hurt? Does it sting? Of course it does. But beneath foolish pride and hurt feelings there is genuine hope for his happiness. The man she had wronged.

No forgiveness Evie. None.

“Well, she’s a lucky woman then isn’t she?”

A lop-sided grin that slides away too soon. Fades.

“Mick brought me Aoife’s cat. I almost forgot I promised to keep her.” A pained smile. It still hurts too. That wound is so fresh.

Jodi Lynn McCann

Sun 08:59PM CST
For seemingly the first time, her mouth forms a frown, that for its briefness couldn't have been all that serious. Her free hand balling into a fist as she turns and wollops Tommy in the bulky shoulder. Playful, but stinging (fer a girl) all the same.

"His name was Robert John act'ully, and if y'gotta know he hooked hisself up with Jo Ellen McCullen from down the road."

Cornflower blue eyes sparkle briefly with hurt, and then the look is gone, replaced by a slight smile.

"D'n matter none to me. Robby John was gettin fat anyway, I done took th'best he had, and Jo Ellen got m'sloppy seconds."

Her smirk is only half genuine... Robby John stung her, thats for sure, but she isn't about to let that get her down.

"How bout you Tommy, y'ain't found no l'il filly ta take a roll in th'hay with?"

Cliona Murran

Sun 09:00PM CST
She nods, slightly. “Aye, she is.” Translation: Ye fooked up good, there, lass. But it fades away quickly enough as she arches a brow, and nods. “Aye, good. I’m glad ye have it... was nae sure who would take care o’her.” understandably, the cat always hid when Cliona and Bren were about.

She steadies a direct gaze on Evie, and while they’re on painful subjects. “Ye tell him t’fook off yet, lass?” that would be Vast, of course.

Sophia

Sun 09:02PM CST
*continues to make conversation with Mac, discussing her experience. The conversation turns to Will and she assures him that Will is in completely support of her career as a bartender. He tests her knowledge - ingredients that go into a particular drink and she passes.*

Tommy McCann

Sun 09:04PM CST
"Ow," Tommy rubs his shoulder ruefully. "That done stang, it did. Who taughtcha ta hit like that? Ain't ladylike."

He's quiet as Jodi Lynn relates her tale of woe. Don't they all have a million? They were Fianna. It was in their genes and in their blood, even if the accent and the Gaelic was long gone.

"Aw well. Robby John 'r Bobby Ray, he still got hisself a mouth full'a buck teeth. Though if'n ya want I kin put 'em out an' he kin buy hisself a mouth full'a dentures." Tommy leans back while the waitress refills him, and then offers up a thankful smile.

When she's moved off, he continues, "Hell no, you know me. I don't go fer nothin' but the wrong sortsa wimmin, so I don't go fer nothin' a-tall." The grin is lopsided by nature and by scar. "Done met this smokin' Slavic type though. Hoo-whee." Then he goes glum. "Ain't the right type though, if ya know what I mean."

Evelyn 'Evie' Bryant

Sun 09:06PM CST
Direct and to the point. That’d be Cliona. Although Aoife had been quite the same, although she perhaps would not have termed the question quite so…bluntly. Either way the question results in two actions.

First, a little quiver and secondly, the raising of the pint to the lips. Eyes shut. Swallowing a large mouthful of the bitter drink. Burning a trail down to her belly. Her ribs seem to be pressing down upon her heart. Beating so fiercely as she struggles with the formation of words a minute. The sable eyes flickering upward after a moment.

“I-..it’s not an issue anymore. He walked away.”

Billy McCann

Sun 09:07PM CST
"I ain't doubtin' yer word, but it's hard fer me to believe that a pretty thang like you don't know it the way most girls do. Most girls - cept the good ones like Jodi Lynn - it's near about a weapon. Yer different, though. Ain't hardly seen the like afore." The front door. Billy slings it open and leans forward, holding the door open for Arabella, but from behind. His forearm is hard, corded. Veins wrap around muscle like rope beneath his skin. His knuckles have been split and broken more times than a person can near about figure and they bulge like knots in the backsurface of his hand spread out against the wood door. He follows her outside then. The night's already cooler, feels like it'll be even near cold, a rare thing this time of year. Billy looks up, face to the night sky, for just a moment. That's the only time his pale gaze ain't a hot flat thing on the Silver Fang girl. Greedy, even, if she were the kind to look for such things. Except for the hand near the small of her back, though, he don't touch her an' even than ain't really touching so much as a presence. He walks silently just to her right and almost just behind her, waiting on her car. When the headlights flash across the pair of them, he breaks his silence at last and puts a hand on her shoulder, turning her toward him and leaning down near to her ear. Murmuring.

Billy McCann

Sun 09:08PM CST
to Arabella Eberstark: "All things uncomely and broken,
all things worn-out and old,
Are wronging your image that blossoms
a rose in the deeps of my heart.

The wrong of unshapely things
is a wrong too great to be told,
I hunger to build them anew
and sit on a green knoll apart,

With the earth and the sky and the water,
remade, like a casket of gold
For my dreams of your image that blossoms
a rose in the deeps of my heart."


Jodi Lynn McCann

Sun 09:09PM CST
"Ya done lived in Indiana too long Tommy boy. It's in yer blood now, y'll always fall fer the wrong kinda wimmin. Either us blood kin, what no man could ever get enough'a."

She bats her lashes at him again, this time playfully and coyly as she lifts her pint and takes a long swallow, reaching out to hook the waitress' apron before she moves off, waving her empty pint with a grin.

"And the kind what could tear ye limb fer limb. Either way, ye get yerself some fucked up childrin."

Once the waitress has topped off her pint, she looks back at Tommy, her head canting to one side as she chews her lower lip in thought. Then a slow grin spreads across her features.

"Yain't gonna stay free fer long Tommy Boy. Mark m'words, some filly's gonna come along and sweep y'off yer feet. T'won't be th'other way around fer ya. I cin tell."

Cliona Murran

Sun 09:11PM CST
Snorts. “that’d be a no then, wouldn’t it lass. And now ye gone go and play hurt and wronged when ye know damn well it proves th’rest o’us knew what we were talkin about when it came to th’fookin fang.”

Chin lifts, and she studies her a long moment. “Ye won’t find happiness at th’bottom o’yer glass either, lass. Ye need t’find yeself a right nice Fianna boy.” Glances toward the Table that still holds a couple of McCanns, chuckles. “Seems t’me they’re coming out o’th’woodwork.”

And then a pointed look as she leans forward. “Dinna give away ye’eart so easily, lass. Ye’ll only choose th’wrong man if’n ye dinna take th’time t’get t’know him first. Just like Vast. Mind what I say now.” For all of her 17 years of age, Cliona certainly seems to have a good head on her shoulders when it comes to the opposite sex. Good breeding, and all that.

Arabella Eberstark

Sun 09:14PM CST
She wasn't really sure how to respond to that, since, to a degree, she was confused by exactly what he was referring to. She listens though, before pasing out of the pub, and he knows she is, her eyes following him, attentive, friendly. She'd rarely anything but friendly, congenial, at least as far as he's seen. Much like Jodi, she made friends easily or didn't at all.

Outside she shivered a moment glad her car would be there any minute. Or sooner, as she walked with Billy, wrapped in the quiet for the time being. His words echoed something like the note she still ahd in her room at home. Listened, blushed softly and smiled. Glanced at the car waiting with headlights illuminating them partilally and wondered how exactly.. because things were more complicated then she'd realized, as they tangled more and more. "A silver tongue and a charming personality, Billy... thank you. I;m flattered." She smiles more, still blushing in the semi darkness and headlights. Looking at him a long moment again before she simply went to her car and slid into the backseat, disppearing from view behind tinted windows which pulled away.

Tommy McCann

Sun 09:17PM CST
"Thanks fer yer blessin's on the fruit'a my loins, Jodi," he mutters, sardonic.

Tommy leans back, turning sideways in the booth. It's a bit awkward for him. He's built like a blacksmith, wide through the shoulders and chest, thick through the ribs with barely a taper to the hips. Drawing one leg up to make room for the other, he squeezes his one arm up on the back of the booth and the other up on the table. The strain this puts on his shirt makes the buttons look fit to pop right off his chest and ricochet off the bottles stacked behind the bar, halfway across the room.

All the same, it's an indolent sorta smirk he tosses her, relaxed. "Oh, that what you think, i'sit? You been readin' too many'a those loveydovey Harlequin novels again. Thought yer momma done confiscated all that smut from ya."

Sophia

Sun 09:20PM CST
*smiles at Mac, they talk a little more. She thinks the interview is going well. She drinks from her pint.*

Evelyn 'Evie' Bryant

Sun 09:21PM CST
You don’t get it. She wants to say, looking over at the Fianna. Taking her in as well as the words. Feeling them settle like weights upon her shoulders. I’m not even sure I get it. The whole thing is just..

She shakes her head. Looks down into her drink. Lets the blonde strands settle against her warming cheeks. A few more sips and she won’t feel so bad.

“Don’t worry Cliona, I can guarantee I won’t be giving my heart away time soon.” A deeper, longer sip of the alcohol. A shiver.

[…feel it burn…]

“I miss her.”

She says it so quietly it’s barely audible. Her chest hurts and the beer has left a sour taste on her tongue.

James Wagner

Sun 09:21PM CST
It was about goddamn time these doors were once again open to James, now bake me my damn pie woman! Err.. Wait. Different story. Anyway, James couldn't of been more delighted to see that Claddagh's was up and running again. So much so that he burst through the door in the rowdy manner only a Fianna can possess.

"'Ere, lads, th'next rounds on me! Goddamn its good t'be home!" And with a jovial, loud laugh he plunked himself down on a stool to order a pint of mead.

Sophia

Sun 09:23PM CST
*looks over at James and smiles as she is also at a bar stool*

Billy McCann

Sun 09:24PM CST
Billy McCann stands outside the Claddagh Irish Pub for quite some time. He watches the Arabella get herself into the car, and watches the car drive off. Watches until the taillights are less than nothing and he's probably watching some other set of taillights thinkin' they's hers. S'the way he is. After a time, he chafes his hands on his arms to warm himself up and heads back into the pub.

Jodi Lynn McCann

Sun 09:25PM CST
Cornflower blue eyes roll in amused mirth as she shifts over on the bench seat a bit, to allow him more room to move.

"My smut ain't nonna yer business Tommy."

A slight blush rises in her tan cheeks as she lifts her pint and takes a long swallow before setting it down, and taking up a similar pose to Tommy's. Turning toward him and hiking one of her bare legs up onto the bench seat. Her bare knee pressed to his denim clad knee. Familiar, and friendly. She slings an arm over the back of the seat as well and grins across at her bulky cousin.

"'sides, yer the one what said y'alway fall fer the wrong wimmin, I was jes sayin what'd happen if ye'end up bumpin uglies with one a'em."

A hand lifts, and she twists a strand of dark blonde hair around a fingertip... the call of "th'next rounds on me!" drawing her attention with a wide grin.

"Y'hear that cuz?"

Cliona Murran

Sun 09:25PM CST
She wears the look of one saying try me but she doesn’t. She understands far more then Evie would ever give anyone credit for. It’s the self-pitying kind that really get to a lass, it is.

And then she changes the subject back. again. Cliona just nods. “Aye lass, we all do.”

And then James makes his entrance and she grins, over blackened totem wings. Bout time ye got here, lad! Been open since th’wee hours.. just rollin out o’bed?