A night at the rotunda

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Delilah was wowed as she entered the dining hall. A State dinner at the White House could not have been more elegant. As she took her seat, she complimented her hostess.

"You set a lovely table, Morgan. You can really see your touch around this place."

Things had managed to stay cool so far, to her relief. Perhaps a night of fun for them all would ease the remaining tensions between them.
 
Mike nodded to the others as he and Karen walked up to greet them. He nodded as Alison addressed the earlier meeting during his session. He smiled knowingly.

I understand Alison, I have done the same thing when I trained people before. It is uncomfortable, but necessary. Hopefully I will be better prepared in the future, although I can say I am happy to call you an ally. It would be easier to take you showing me up if you didn't look so great doing it.

Mike chuckled as he spoke to the others, nodding back as Ava complimented them both.

And you look look wonderful yourself, goddess. And you as well Delilah. Comfortable suits you quite well.

As Haleigh walked up with her dogs in tow, Mike smiled widely as he noticed the dogs.

I'll get some steaks for the boys once we go in, alright Haleigh? You look great tonight.

As Morgan and Nicolas entered, he whistled at the couple, pretending to pull out a camera and take a couple of pictures as a joke.

Here is the power couple! You two look sharp as tacks.

Mike gave Nic a pound and kissed Morgan's cheek as they started to turn inside for dinner.

The spread was magnificent, and he could tell that the dishes were very nicely prepared. he pulled out Karen's seat and took the seat beside her.

********************************************

Nicolas was still smiling as he imagined the fun of helping Morgan back out of her outfit as he managed to listen to her concerns about her mother. He replied with confidence.

Ma will be fine, I'm sure. In fact, I would not be surprised if Mike hasn't spoken to her about the thing to help her along. I think that is the best thing about them. She has someone relatively stable to listen to HER for a change.

Nicolas and Morgan emerged as everyone stood at the entrance to the rotunda. He laughed at Mike's joking and gave him a pound before nodding or winking at all of the women in turn save for Karen, who got a hug and kiss on the cheek. As he winked at Alison, he shook his head in a playful "shame, shame , shame" gesture. He wasn't sure what had gotten sand in her vagina, but was not going to play along with her ridiculousness. He was having far to much fun to spoil it going a round with her.

They all entered the dining hall where he seated Morgan and took a seat beside her. The table was immaculately attended and the food looked incredible. He relaxed in his seat as he waited to enjoy good food and great company...
 
:: Following the others into the large dining hall everyone seemed to marvel at the beauty and grandness of it all. She had seen it before and really wasn't all that impressed with it...but then again, it could just be a reflection of her somber mood at that moment. Pulling out her own chair Ava placed the bottle of wine Alison had given her toward the middle of the table before taking a seat. Crossing her legs at the knee she sat back watching the others sit as well. ::
 
Rotunda- the dining hall

<< Morgan thanked Nicolas as he pulled her chair out for her. he sat on her immediate left while Mike sat next to Karen who was on Morgan's right. Delilah was was seated next to Nicolas, Alison next to her; Haleigh and Ava sat across from Delilah and Alison, next to each other. Morgan allowed the dogs into the rotunda, as it was night time and she didnt want them to risk being harmed by the native wild animals in the forests but she insisted that Ava give them a "command" to not bother Tinkerbell or the kitten.>>

<< as Delilah complimented the spread and the dining hall itself, Morgan smiled.>>

Thank you. Well...I can hardly take credit for the look, this place of course has been here for AGES...its the most luxe, sprawling structure i've ever lived in. it's probably only MATCHED by the castle in Limbo- i'm still really adjusting to the fact that this is all for me and my mother with PLENTY of room to spare. as for the table top this evening? My mother arranged the setting and service. Alison and I called in some favors, using her phantom contacts to the "outside" world. all of the food was prepared by Wolfgang Puck and his world famous staff...all fresh and selected personally. I hope there's enough choices here for everyone.

<< looking among the group.>>

Alison arranged for some of her staff, the same staff that attended Barbara Minerva, to attend us this evening.

<< looking to Alison.>>

Speaking of Barbara...i was just thinking. Maybe we should've invited Pandora to join us?

<< Morgan knew how protective of Pandora Alison was, just as Barbara was before her. Pandora was a living secret and was the living key to certain and swift destruction of the world should she OR her legendary box fall into the wrong hands. Alison had to keep her safe, but maybe it wouldnt be so bad for her to visit Aerie now that Alison's friends, FAMILY were here. Pandora was also another link to Persephone's past. >>

<< Alison's staff began to pour drinks. Morgan, Alison and even Karen all opted for goblets of the fresh Hemlock that Persephone had given Alison.>>

I'd like to raise a glass....to us. We've been through so much...good AND bad, but we're here...TOGETHER and we have more chances...more TIME to do right and ENJOY each other.

and also....to the past members of The Six as well as our allies both past and present, namely Barbara Minerva, Sharon Kelly, Alycia Barnett, and most recently Mike without whom we might not be here NOW.
 
Nicolas smiled as he looked out over the others seated at the table. The spread was incredible, and he was glad that Morgan owned up to its TRUE origin.:)

The mystical among them opted for Hemlock while he took juice, as alcohol had no effect on him. As Nicolas watched them drink, he wondered: what concentration of hemlock (if any) could he drink safely? While he was certain that it was deadly to non-mystical beings, he also knew that there was not another poison available that even really HARMED him. So where did HE lie? It was a curiosity that he was sure he would one day satisfy, but not tonight. tonight was for having fun and getting on the same page.

He raised his glass at Morgan's toast.

Cheers!
 
Mike opted for a little Hennessy on the rocks. He did not drink often, but he was a tough drinker and he preferred liquor or beer to wine. He sipped the cognac and raised his glass as Morgan offered a toast. As the witches drank, he wondered...

Can I even KISS Karen now safely? Even so, there are worse ways to go, I suppose...

Mike relaxed, one hand coolly resting on Karen's knee from time to time as he surveyed the scene. He hoped she stayed in such good spirits as the night went on...but with these alpha women, who could tell??
 
:: Pouring herself some of the wine Alison had given her Ava swirled the liquid in her glass, taking in the wonderful aroma. It smelled wonderful, even better than she remembered. Taking a small sip she smiled to herself with satisfation; it had aged beautiful. Looking to Morgan who held up her glass for a toast, Ava lifted hers as well. ::

"Cheers."

:: Taking another sip before putting the glass down on the table, something caughter her attention from the side prompting her to look. Immediately smiling, Ava stood from her seat seeing Pandora standing by the enterance of the dining hall. ::

"Pandora!"

:: Walking over to her, Ava hugged her old friend, welcoming her to the party. ::
 
A large smile appeared on Pandora's lips as one of her oldest friends came over and greeted her with a hug. Laughing softly, it was great to see Persephone again, especially under better circumstances. Pulling away from the hug, she placed both hands on Persephone's arms and leaned back, taking a look at her.

"It's so good to see you again! Look at you, you look beautiful!"

Persephone: "Thank you! You look gorgeous...[picking up a bit of Pandora's hair] and blonde!"

"A bit of Alison's handy work."

Chuckling, compared to how battered she looked when the six had first met her, it would be truly amazing if the six even recognized her. Pandora was wearing a simple white knee length dress; her blonde hair pulled back away from her face. With a natural sunkissed tone to her skin, she looked fabulous and healthy. Smiling at the others, she walked up to the large table along side of Persephone.

"I hope you don't mind me dropping be. Alison invited me earlier knowing Morgan had wanted to...it's great to see you all again."
 
the rotunda

and to Ororo also, for she has been both a guide, a protector and nurturer to us all.

:: Alison admired Ororo for more than one reason and though Ororo's primary duty was to protect the dark trinity in the multiverse she had become a beloved maternal figure by many members of the six, as well as a respected, powerfull ally...just as she had been regarded by many members of the MoE in Persephone's timeline.::

Cheers.

::Alison raised her glass . She thought of the past members of the six. Tempest, Shockwave, Prophet, Bane, Frost, Foxfire....each of them played their part in helping the team to fullfill its destiny against Mystech. Each of them had made a mark on the team in some way and left plenty of memories, some had more in depth connections with the team. Some had moved on to other things, some had disappeared and some had sadly passed on. Gone...but never forgotten, especially with the precog. as Morgan mentioned Barbara Minerva and the rest of the allies of the team, almost on cue, Pandora arrived.::

:: Pandora, the same of myth, was actually a live being and had been guarded for countless years by the mysterious and immortal Barbara Minerva...both of them were holdover's from Persephone's time in the MoE and had come to be in the Six's timeline as well.::




::Alison nodded with approval as Pandora arrived.::

Pandora, I trust that no one saw you during your passage from Minerva's to Aerie?

:: a reminder that they always had to be carefull, Alison just didnt want to see her captured again by anyone nearly on the same path as Circe.::

I think you met everyone here...except Mike. He's a human, like Alycia. A friend of Nicolas' and a recent ally of the Six. He was with them when the sentinels were unleashed.
 
Both men stood out of respect for their new arrival. Mike was absolutely mystified, Pandora was someone he had only read about in myths.

THE Pandora?! WOW. It is an honor to meet you, ma'am. Nic, your father would be absolutely freaking out right now, the mythos buff that he was.

Mike slowly sat as the new guest made herself welcome, but he was clearly a bit starstruck by seeing her here.
 
Nicolas stood along with Mike to welcome Pandora. He nodded to her as Mike gushed out a greeting.

EASY, Mike. Father would be all over her, asking his questions <<makes a perfect baritone Swiss accent imitation>>, "Ma'am if you please, did you marry Prometheus or Epimetheus? Are you a daugter of Noah? Or the first woman? Did you save hope for us? Or did you seal the jar before we were destroyed? Was it a jar or a box?" <<Nicolas' voice returns to normal>> He would be so intrigued. Welcome, Pandora.The pleasure is ours.

Nicolas raised his glass to her before seating himself again.
 
As the others welcomed her, Alison asked her if she had made it safetly over to Aerie without being detected. Nodding, she held up a small green potion bottle.

"Yes, of course. I used one of your transportation potions."

Taking a seat next to Persephone, Pandora smiled at both men as they stood and welcomed her. Nodding to Mike, his enthusuasn made her chuckle...it was flattering to see someone so enthralled with her after so many years. The other young gentleman began a humourous impression of his father asking questions about her 'myth'. Pandora softly laughed.

"Epimetheus. The first woman. A box...and as for your last question, I'll leave that to your own devises."

Smirking, it was the one question mankind had asked for centuries but had no answer to. Did Pandora, the first woman every created by the Gods themsevles, release all the pains into the world but with a glimmer of hope? Close the box before all the plagues known to humanity could destory the world? Or release all the blessings into the world too early creating a far less spectacular society. No one knew for certain...except for those who experienced the situation. ;)

"How is everyone adjusting to Aerie? [taking a sip of wine] It's a beautifully crafted island...it was so unfortunate Circe had control over it for as long as she did."
 
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Nicolas nodded as Pandora spoke. The island WAS beautiful, and HUGE. The variation of flora and fauna was amazing. In fact there even seemed to be some North American megafauna here according to Mike's observations while training.

It truly is beautiful, Pandora. I hope we prove worthy of living in such a place.

Nicolas quipped while glancing playfully among Morgan, Haleigh and Karen.
 
<< raising her glass of Hemlock, Karen heard her daughter's words and looked among the beautifull table at each member, even Haleigh. It was coming on two years now that she'd known and interacted with these young people, and while the roster had changed, the purpose remained the same.>>

<< they had been through alot together and Karen had learned a great deal about TOLERANCE as well as extending compassion.>>

<< she was thankfull that everyone who was here at this moment had made it this far. even Haleigh, though the woman was infuriating, during the silver swan caper Karen had seen the core of Haleigh's being and glimpses to her past. she wasnt ALL bad, was she? the past members of the six, allies, but here and gone, ororo...it was a lovely toast.>>

cheers!

<< she said as she took a drink of the mystical tonic...>>

my....this is about the smoothest tasting Hemlock i've tried!

<< surprsingly she spoke on it before Alison, who was KNOWN for being more than a little "addicted" to Hemlock :D>>

<< Just as Morgan asked about Pandora, the young woman appeared.>>

Pandora, what a lovely surprise. It's good to see you again.

<< even though in physical appearence, Pandora could be young enough to be Karen's daughter, the woman was extremely long lived. well older than Karen, than anyone in the room except perhaps Persephone. she looked as beautifull and radiant as she had ever been portrayed in books and artwork.>>

<< as Nicolas and Mike stood up out of respect and Mike reacted to seeing another living piece of mythology. Karen smiled a bit, much like a mother watching a child being exciting over a new discovery. He handled the many strange, bizarre aspects of being associated with the six with a surprisingly well adjusted attitude.>>

<< Pandora was seated next to Persephone and asked them how they were adjusting. Karen looked at the woman, remembering how she looked the night that Alycia and Karen had come to rescue her from the DUNGEONS of Aerie.>>

well, i dont think i ever imagined that i would end up LIVING here,but of all the places to go...this is definately a top pick. it's a lovely island and the history of it all is just fascinating. though i confess, i feel like i'm still "just visiting" more often than not right now.

<< at the mention of Circe.>>

the rotunda, her show place....even though it was designed by her, she had excellent taste. neither morgan nor i want to change any of it...it would be like changing history itself.

and how are you? It's been several months now since Alison joined you at Minerva's...
 
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Mike listened as Karen spoke on how good the hemlock was, and on her time here. He gently caressed her knee under the table surreptitiously, a little reminder that he had his eye on her. Even though everyone he associated with was absolutely stunning, Mike felt no temptation at all. Karen had an amazing form (and he should know:nod:), and he wondered if her usage of magic in its forms had not served to give her a measure of 'help' in her youthfulness. In fact, he found that the majority of her 'age' was contrived, a by-product of taking care of this group.

He would love to take her to sea one day, spending the days and nights chasing one another, sunning naked, eating what they caught and talking for hours about anything they chose. Mike imagined that in such an environment, Karen would prove the measure of anyone here, as young and virile and perky and fun and sexy and MORE intelligent than any other woman on this island.

He would have to speak to her...and SOON. They deserved some extended couple time. But first, he had some things to do in the forest.

Mike had begun practicing stealth, using the wilderness itself as a judge. He had gotten quite good at it, and imagined that stealth might be where his niche could be found with this group. This group was many things, formidable in its own way, but QUIET they were not. Even the element of surprise was often squandered with them as they went about kicking ass. He imagined that he could help in that regard, along with the arsenal he was acquiring, when the time came.
 
Haleigh approached the others at the entrance, whistling for her pets even as Perse tempered their spirits. Mike offered to feed them and Morgan [though reluctantly] was going to allow them inside, but Haleigh waved them both off.

"Don't worry about it. I've implanted them all with MD chips, I can send them back from whence they came safely."

She said, scratching Delta behind her ears before all three of the dogs faded from view. Haleigh ran her fingers through her hair as she greeted the other, complimenting them each in turn. Karen showed up.... and the temperature noticably dropped... but Haleigh simply nodded at the Doctor politely as Morgan thankfully swept them all away for a tour. Haleigh ordered a Screwdriver, with more vodka than anything else.... she had a feeling she was going to need it. The rotunda was epicly beautiful... and Haleigh was reticent as they walked its halls.... she got enveloped by its breathtaking grandure and did well just to keep up with the group as they made their way to the dining hall. They all sat down... Morgan called for a toast, Haleigh smiled gently and added on.

"Yes.... [playfully] to habitually cheating death.... [quietly] to those who gave their lives for our cause..... [speaking up again] and to making new friends along the way."

She said, finishing off her glass and signalling for another. The food was brought out.... Haleigh recognized the style as Wolfgang Puck, an exceptional chef who was amoung Haleigh's favorites as well. Pandora joined them.... and Haleigh welcomed her warmly.... though not as enthusiastically as the others.

"Well.... the island IS beautiful.... and relaxing.... and calming.... but I must admit... it doesn't have much to offer in the way of staving off loneliness.... one can easily get plagued by boredom. I think I could live here forever.... but it WOULD be nice if we could go back occaisionally.... saving the world.... it kind of gave me a purpose again, you know? I think I.... miss helping people. [chuckling] AS IF. I miss kicking somebody's ASS, that's what I MISS."
 
Nicolas chuckled at Haleigh honest (eventually) admission.

Kick ass indeed, Haleigh. I can think of many things that need doing that may require that very activity. The offshoot vestiges of Mystech STILL exist most likely. I would imagine that there are still metahumans that are paying for our exploits in terms of persecution that could use our help. Last but definitely not least for me, the suffering of the continent of Africa is a great concern. Greedy dictators and criminals are working to keep the masses from climbing out of despair. It was my father's wok, and has been mine for years. That makes three windmills to tilt your lance at, Haleigh.
 
<< as everyone toasted and Pandora arrived, Morgan greeted her.>>


Pandora, welcome. Won't you sit down?

<< Persephone brought her to a seat as Alison made sure she came safely without being seen.>>

<< Morgan waved her hand and requested.>>

More hemlock please.

<< she listened as the others spoke of their experience so far on the island. She couldnt help but to take a moment to absentmindedly primp as she caught sight of her reflection nearby. Pandora looked great, but then again she didnt age, EVER. and while Morgan had remerged from the seige perilous looking noticeably younger, she couldnt help but to be model conscious about her looks. >>

not a hair out of place. no wrinkles either. still, its going to take some time, getting used to entertaining in the halls that once belonged to a mad sorceress that nearly killed me and my friends.


<< dinner was progressing nicely but how soon before her mother grew tired of Haleigh? or before Haleigh did something to provoke her? Morgan felt bad for even THINKING this way...but history served as a great indicator. still, for the moment, Morgan was hopefull for both of them.>>

I'm not exactly sure i'm ready to make any visits to the "outside" world myself. all it will do is allow me to find out who has replaced me as the "most celebrated super model in the world"...fashion was my life...and now that is gone. I'm still at a loss as to what i REALLY want or can do. I NEVER wanted to be a super heroine...not even when Valiant called, I only joined them out of some...misguided notion that i might be able to help those who couldnt help themselves.

Still, one good thing came out of that time with Valiant....I discovered Blaze...Foxfire, my long lost half sister.

<< she paused for a moment. thinking about what Pandora said. She didnt regret being with The Six, but if she had no PRESSING obligation related to what they usually did, then she wasnt about to go LOOKING for something. >>

for the fist time, I'm not sure which way i need to go. but for the moment, getting used to calling this place home will be enough for me, i think.

<< shifting in her seat a bit, Morgan may have sounded more self centered, but she didnt care. she was THROUGH worrying about "humans" for the time being. >>

<< she caught sight of Tinkerbell peering from around a corner nearby. curious as always, the siamese wanted to see who was here and could probably smell the food. Morgan smiled as she watched Tink trying to be covert. With so many people in TINK'S house :D it was only natural for the siamese to come to investigate. >>
 
:: Everyone welcomed Pandora...some more enthusiastically than others. It was honestly a wonderful relief to have her here; a new face among the six. If anyone knew what it was like to be 'hidden' from the world, it was Pandora. For centuries she was passed down from one powerful mystical being to another...almost like a 'heirloom' of sorts. Each new guardian teaching her something useful within the arts of magic. However she was always hidden; the threat of being caught by someone like Circe looming over her. Quite honestly, Ava didn't know how she dealt with it....but then again, this was the life that she had lived and known for years. But hopefully with Alison as her new guide, she would be a frequent guest on Aerie. ::

:: The evening seemed to be going smoothly. Dinner was wonderful of course; Ava deciding to indulge herself by having a fruit salad on top of romaine lettus with mango vinegrette. Wolfgang was obviously informed that Ava didn't eat meat. Picking at her plate as the others conversed about their feelings about being on Aerie, each had their own opinions. Haleigh was happy but felt bored and alone. Ava could relate dramatically to the alone part. Morgan didn't want anything to do with the 'outside' life at the moment. And Nicolas seemed to follow Haleigh's sentements about helping the world. Taking a bite of her salad, Ava decided to remain quite during this particular conversation. ::
 
Pandora greatfully accepted a plate of Duck Al Orange with rice and vegatables. It looked absolutely delicious....the presentation almost too beautiful for Pandora to want to touch. As she ate she listened to Haleigh speak about being bored and wanting to kick ass. Chuckling, Pandora could understand why the mutant would be antsy after years of being thrown into battles. Nicolas also wished to continue to help mortals, expressing his desire to specifically help those in need in Africa.

"I'm sure you both will figure out a way to get back out there and help those in need....or kick ass in your case, Haleigh. [giving Haleigh a smile] Everyone here is incredibly resourceful; you can't keep a tiger in it's cage for long."

Morgan, however, expressed her desire to stay on the island. Pandora could see it was difficult for the former model to think of someone 'replacing' her in the fashion industry. She built her life around it, so of course she would show reservations about venturing back out into the public.

"You don't give yourself enough credit, Morgan; you're an incredibly resilient person. It will get easier with time."

Glancing over to Persephone who was oddly very quiet, Pandora's copper eyes narrowed a bit with curiosity before deciding to not pry. Taking a sip of wine, Pandora changed the subject by gesturing to Alison.

"Alison has been a wonderful guide. I've learned so much just in these few months alone. I'm actually getting quite good at making potions....I was pretty tragic back in the day."
 
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