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Thread: House of the Cat Lady

  1. #21
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    Roxane was oblivious to the discussions and observations made among the band. She went back to the kitchens of the Cafe, and indeed made four pots of coffee, along with a large teapot for herself, or anyone else who might also want some, though she bet she might drink the whole thing by herself. Some thought her crazy for ingesting that much earl grey to calm her anguish, but it did help. She wasn't sure why, and there were no research made on caffeine and Ceilican Bastets, so whatever worked!

    She had made sure to have two extra batches of cupcakes on hand for the band's visit and test run. She had actually baked them herself the previous night when sleep eluded her, and she had already destroyed one scratching post. So the cupcakes of vastly decadents, with one batch of raspberry and dark chocolate and the other vanilla with some chocolate chips.

    She knew she shouldn't feel bad for not having retrieved any relevant journal for Nara yet; but with the imminent stupid pryio change, her anxiety could just spiral up and down, riffing off on anything it could find. Even though the Galliard had given her an oath, the Bastet meant it that she also wanted to make sure that she helped Nara if she could.

    For now it seemed feeding her and her band, and offering lots of coffee.

    Shrugging, she put all the tea and coffee pots on a tray along with a bunch of mugs, and brought it back to the stage area, placing the tray on a large side table against the wall, so it didn't risk getting in the way of setup. Without interrupting the band still setting up, the blonde went back to fetch paper plates and napkins, and return with a second tray with those and all the cupcakes.

    Once everything was set up, she poured a cup of tea for herself, and waved at everyone, not wanting to get in their way.

    "Coffee and cupcakes are ready when you are," she called out.

  2. #22
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    "Cupcakes?!" Paul perked up and abandoned his keyboard for snacks. Then his eyes widened. "Oh my god! She made four pots!"

    "Feeding us before we perform? That's a first," chuckled Kevin as he lowered the guitar onto a stand and joined his boisterous kinsman. Ethan and Vicki followed shortly after because they could really use a pick up.

    Nara was the only one that continued as the drums weren't ready yet as there were a few cymbals left to set up. She screwed the pieces in place as she cast a wary glance towards her kin, praying to Gaia that they behaved.

    "Did you just make these today?" asked Vicki as she broke one of the cupcakes in half. It was so light and fluffy on the inside! "Smells amazing!"

    "You like anything that's got chocolate in it." Ethan's reply was muffled by a quarter of the muffin top being chewed when Nara started testing out the drums.

    It was a simple beat to make sure the kick and bass drum were sounding right with the mics. With a quick twirl of the drumstick in hand, she struck each cymbal to make sure the wing nuts weren't too tight. You wanted the cymbal to move on its own, guided by the drummer. Then she went into seemingly random beats to incorporate the toms before she was pounding away to the music in her head - a fast beat with cymbals crashing in time.

  3. #23
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    Roxane laughed at Paul's reaction.

    "Anything with caffeine is like any liquor, it must be served generously," she retorted with a chuckle.

    While she ran her business to make sure she got good money out of it, she always liked treating employees and customers with a good heart. And really, if she started minimizing how much coffee she provided musicians with, the end would be near.

    And maybe, just maybe, it was a way to make up for the reclusive side of her that was beginning to rear its ugly head.

    "Last night, yes,"
    she answered Vicki.

    At least she didn't have, so far, to explain why she'd spend hours baking in the middle of the night.

    "Well a life without chocolate is not worth living, frankly."

    She grinned and then walked away from the band that was feasting on the snacks and coffee. She carefully and graciously climbed up on the stage and stopped a few feet away from Nara.

    She appreciated that the Galliard was still working on making sure everything was fine. And she enjoyed the music she was playing. She had thought about asking whether she could bring her anything, but she found herself just listening to her new ally's tune. There was something visceral about voice, drums, or a combo of both, that always spoke to the Bastet, bringing her back to older times. As much as she loved rock music, and a vast number of instruments, drums were the ones that had stayed with her soul for centuries.

  4. #24
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    The band happily ate and drank, curiously watching Roxane head on stage to get a better view of Nara banging away. They quartet exchanged knowing looks and quietly debated the pros and cons of anything that may or may not happen and what damage control may be needed to make sure their Garou friend didn't spiral into depression again, and not the kind that affected her during moon shifts. Nara's kin just knew her all too well when it came to women and the Black Fury was clearly smitten with the cat lady.

    For once it would be nice if Nara could pick ones that weren't exotic shifters or Immortals. Like when she used to date kinfolk ...

    When Nara took notice of her audience, she was noticeably surprised but kept the sticks pounding away, happy that her fan of one was Roxane. With a playful smile, she seamlessly switched the tempo that led into No One Like You by the Scorpions, playing off the band that got her the job in the first place ...

    Nara's kin stopped talking, immediately recognizing the song and commented in hushed tones.

    Paul was the first to groan, albeit quietly. "Dude ..."

    "Yeah, this is bad," chimed in Kevin.

    "Could she be more obvious?" asked Ethan.

    "Well ..." Vicki looked between the two - shifts and shrugged. "Appears more of a soft crush than Nara being a lovesick pup?"
    Last edited by Nara McKenna; Aug 18th, 2019 at 07:00:59 PM.

  5. #25
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    Roxane felt color rise to her cheeks when Nara noticed her presence, and she mentally chastised herself for such a childish reaction. That was another perk of living in cat form. Embarrassment wasn't so easily displayed. One would think that after all these centuries, she could have a superb poker face as humans said; but it wasn't always the case. It appeared Nara was good at catching her off guard.

    She folded her hands before her, instinctively taking a step back. Yet she didn't move any further one way or the other, when she recognized the song that Nara played next, bringing a smile to her lips. She very well recalled the Galliard's rendition of "Edge of Time" by the same band a few days ago. And "No One Like You" was yet another favorite, regardless of how famous the song was. After all, big hits and fans favorites didn't necessarily mean lack of talent and quality.

    She couldn't help musing over the choice of songs too, although she refused to see further meaning into it.

    As much as the blonde had been known to develop romantic and sexual interest in other beings with fierce speed, she knew of the oath that had been taken and she didn't want to risk damaging it. She also knew too well how her changing moods made her a difficult partner, which was why monogamy had been off the table for a long time. It wasn't so much that she was against the idea, but that no partner had been able or willing to keep up with the curse plaguing her kind, even though the blonde had been doing steady work to become more stable with her changing pryio and threatening yearly madness.

    She realized she had been spiraling into ruminations shortly before Nara finished the song. She used the pause to clap a little.

    "I look forward to hear you perform together. Should I steal the cupcakes away to make sure the stage is still appealing?"

    She grinned at the rest of the band, winking, before stepping down from the stage.

  6. #26
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    Nara saw Roxane take a step back after the Bastet's seemingly positive initial reaction and felt her heart sink. Her choice was probably subconscious and seeing the smile on Roxane's lips delighted the Garou. But it was a fleeting moment and she didn't want to embarrass either of them any further. It felt more like obligation then anything else now to complete the song for her boss and the woman she promised to protect.

    She placed the drumsticks together in one hand and shrugged. "Probably a good idea. Or we could just wait a a few more minutes and they'll all be gone." The band could wolf food down faster than a pack of Lupus Furies.

    The wink towards the band made her heart flutter with a twinge of jealously, but she stomped it down as quickly as the sticks did onto the now vacated drum seat. "Does our new boss have a song she wants us to play?"

    Vicki's brow arched upwards at Nara's professional tone. Paul remained oblivious as he stuffed another muffin into his mouth. "Wocha wanna hwear? We cwan pway anyting."

    Ethan rolled his eyes. Kevin decided to join Nara on stage as the Garou was testing the mic, who looked tense.
    Last edited by Miranda Tarkin; Aug 19th, 2019 at 07:08:12 PM.

  7. #27
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    Roxane couldn't help chuckling at Nara's remark about the band's voracious appetites.

    "Well, the baked goods are here for you guys. I'm sure you'll all work enough of a sweat to get rid of the sweet, even if I end bringing cupcakes more often in the upcoming weeks."


    With the damn changing pryio it was a probability, especially if she wanted to remain sociable, which was a goal given Nara being in town and her band playing at the Moonstone Cafe.

    The Galliard's question about what she would like to hear made her pause for a moment. She absentmindedly looked at the band as they either kept scarfing cupcakes down, or slowly moved onto the stage.

    "Choices, choices," she mused aloud.

    She had a few ideas, but she forbade herself from risking being obvious. Liking Nara was a bad idea altogether. She blamed her pryio for making her willing to entertaining the thought, so she would have to keep a very tight rein on this mess. And they had only met a few days ago. And the oath shall not be tampered with. She owed it to Nara's bloodline.

    "Are you guys familiar with Halestorm?"


    She guessed so, but it was only polite to ask.

    "If so, I'd love to hear Freak Like Me,"
    she added with a Cheshire Cat smile.

  8. #28
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    Wiping crumbs off his lips with the back of a hand, Paul confirmed with a vigorous head shake what Roxane already knew. "Oh yeah. We totally know them. Hey Nara!"

    The Garou quirked a brow down at the keyboardist. "I should go on rhythm then?"

    "Nah. Why don't you keep on enjoying the food and I'll take care of it this time." Paul beamed and grabbed a chair, parking himself in front of the goody table. Normally Nara would let Paul play but she wanted Roxane to see the full package with her - jamming on the guitar and belting out lyrics, especially with the Bastet's choice. She was being selfish, but at least Paul didn't mind with all the food distractions. The short intro that he could duplicate really wasn't worth his time anyway.

    Ethan and Vicki shared another look as they slipped on their gear. Nara didn't so quickly exclude Paul when the set called for two guitars. She always stepped back for vocals and let him play. This was another curious choice.

    Kevin was aloof, banging a few beats on the drum set with a whistle of appreciation that the Garou not only got the setup done quickly, but she was always meticulous with how to set up his extra sticks and water the way he liked it.

    The three of them continued checking their instruments as Nara pulled the strap of her guitar over her head and strummed a few cords. She turned to address the band.

    "We good?" She eyed her three kin.

    "Just starting on guitar and drums right?" asked Ethan, shifting the guitar strap against his shoulder.

    Kevin played with both of the drumsticks, tapping at the bass drum for kicks. "Yep. On three?"

    They nodded and Kevin brought up the sticks up, smacking them together as he counted. "And a one and a two and a ..."

    The music blasted through the speakers as if Esoterica were the cover band of Halestorm. They played together in perfect harmony, not one note off key, moving with the music as it gave them life. The awkwardness that shrouded over Nara was replaced with eyes alight with intensity as the bass pounded through the floor with guitar notes reverberating straight on to her soul.

    "I'm on the train that's pullin the sick and twisted,
    Makin the most of the ride before we get arrested,
    We're all wasted,
    And we're not going home tonight."

    She was no Lzzy Hale but Nara's stage presence were amplified by natural abilities with the moon she was born under. Coupled with the band, the song Nara had sang with just beating out a rhythm by hand on a table was almost amateurish.

    "Covered in black we lack the social graces,
    Just like an animal we crawl out of our cages,
    They can't tame us,
    So if you're one of us, get on the bus ..."

    She stepped back for a beat, throwing her head forward, hair sliding down to briefly conceal her face before kicking it back, voice strong and clear...

    "If you're a freak like me,
    Wave your flag!
    If you're a freak like me,
    Get off your ass!
    It's our time now,
    To let it all hang out
    So shout if you're a freak like me,
    You were born to burn,
    This is no disease you don't need a cure!
    It's our time now to come out!
    If you're a freak like me!
    If you're a freak like me!"

    Paul had a muffin in the air, waving it like a lighter, while headbanging.

    "We're underground but we will not surrender,
    We're gonna give them something to remember, yeah,
    So write your name in gasoline,
    And set that shit on fire."

    Nara enthusiastically mimed igniting a lighter and tossing it with her guitar pick, flicking it at Roxane with a wink. She always had more on reserve in her pants pocket and retrieved one. Soon she and Vicki were back to back, rocking out as they plucked away at the melody when Ethan was front and center during his solo, eyes closed and completely lost in the music. Nara jumped in again on vocals with perfect timing, passionately repeating the chorus until she was focusing on the title lyrics, winding the band down to finish the song.

    "If you're a freak like me!"

    And they ended in unison - all with a sheen of perspiration and catching their breaths from their animated performance. Nara licked her lips, eying Roxane expectantly with nervous eyes as Paul stood with applause.

    "Whoo!!!"

    *Lyrics - Freak Like Me by Halestorm
    Last edited by Nara McKenna; Aug 24th, 2019 at 07:38:40 PM.

  9. #29
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    Roxane chuckled at Paul's enthusiastic confirmation that the band knew Halestorm. She expected as much, really.

    "Another good reason I hired you,"
    she said with a wink to Nara.

    She took a few steps back from the stage, and went to retrieve her mug of tea that had now gone fairly cold; but she didn't want to miss a moment from the band's performance. Even though her song choice was about as discreet as a neon light in the night, she still loved it anyway. And Halestorm was one of her very favorite bands, so it was a good follow-up from the Scorpions pick a few days ago.

    She noticed how Nara let Paul continue to stuff his face with the baked goods and took her guitar out. From Roxane's observation of the group's body language, it appeared that it wasn't necessarily the norm. It surprised her but she kept that to herself.

    When the music started, she felt it reverberate through her whole body, and had she had any doubt about Esoterica left, they would have vanished on the spot. She had no musical talent herself, but she knew how to recognize it and these guys were mind-fucking-blowing.

    Sure thing Nara wasn't Lzzy, but Roxane didn't know what to make of the fact she mused to herself she might find Nara more magnetic. She just put it on the fact that the Galliard wasn't human. A little voice in the back of her mind was attempting to sneak in a few sarcastic comments; but the music drowned it out.

    Roxane was mouthing all the lyrics, knowing them by heart, like she did most of Halestorm songs. She couldn't resist head bang along some of the lines. She didn't even catch how Paul was using the muffin as lighter to go along. She couldn't take her eyes off of the Galliard.

    Grinning she felt a warmth that normally eluded her by the time of an imminent night pryio. And the fire grew on cue as Nara mimicked a lighter with her guitar pick and soon tossed it into her direction. Without missing a beat, she fetched it, with feline grace. She closed her fist around it. She winked back to the musician, giddy as if she had caught the pick among a crowd of thousands.

    She felt electrified as they ended the song, staring at them, before she eventually joined Paul into fierce applause.

    "Whoah," was all she managed to say for a while.

    "Guys, you're the darnest best band we ever had playing here. I can't wait for the regulars and new patrons to see you perform!"
    Last edited by Roxane McDonnell; Aug 24th, 2019 at 06:22:41 PM.

  10. #30
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    Paul's cheers coaxed a quick chuckle but it was Roxane's fervent applause that drew Nara's fixed gaze. The Garou was still feeling that high from playing, heightened with how Roxane was receptive to the performance and how eagerly she caught the pick purposefully tossed at her. Her cheek twitched, holding back a smile. She wasn't stupid or blind, well aware of how the band was observing her behavior. Nara wanted to be noticed, and she was. Well, the band was. She needed to focus.

    "I'm glad you liked the performance." She laced her fingers together to rest atop the guitar. "Was a good choice. The song, I mean."

    Vicki looked away to hide her disagreement. If it were a good choice, they all would've played.

    Ethan was mindful enough to smile. "Thanks, Roxane. That's a really nice compliment and hope the customers do."

    "We've got original songs that we can play too once we're established. I'm sure the locals would wanna hear a mix of familiar tunes and our own work," Nara added and motioned to Paul. "We can also play another song. Allow Paul the chance he can do more with his fingers than hold a muffin."

    All the band members busted out laughing with that, including Paul. "Fun-ny!"

    Vicki stepped beside Nara and bopped the Garou's side with the bottom of her bass, smiling in approval of including Paul. Nara half smiled in apology before nodding.

  11. #31
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    Roxane smiled to Nara's response; but she caught the way Vicki's behavior appeared at odds with the Galliard's. It unsettled the Bastet, who suddenly felt the need to run or hide. She blamed it on the pryo change; but it was still uncomfortable. She had the urgent need to turn into a cat and just observe from afar.

    She took a deep breath, knowing she might look bizarre to others, but slight embarrassment was the price to pay when she was a Cafe owner and wanted to remain sociable no matter what. After all, she refused to hear she didn't treat artists and employees with due respect.

    She nodded to Ethan, grateful for his calmness.

    "I am sure they will."

    She pondered on what Nara said next.

    "I think a mix of both will indeed be the best choice. This type of venues is also for artists to play their own thing. When I hire artists, I trust them with the lineup of songs. I don't micromanage."


    She was going to have to bloody micromanage herself and that was damn enough.

    She chuckled softly at Nara's offer to include Paul in another song, as well as Vicki's reaction.

    "I'd love to hear one of your own songs, with everyone playing."

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    "Come on up, Paul." Nara tugged her head back with invitation.

    Paul hopped up, then paused, leaning over the table to stuff the last of his muffin into his mouth, before climbing up the stairs onto the stage. He wiped the crumbs off on his pants and got situated behind the keyboards, lacing fingers together and extending his arms out, stretching muscles as the group came in for a huddle between him and Kevin.

    "So, what should we play?" asked Ethan. "Something slower maybe? Just to mix it up."

    "That's a good idea," chimed in Vicki and looked to Nara. "Course, up to you. Since ..." But she bit her lower lip and stopped there.

    "Since what, Vic?" Nara called out the silent accusation quietly.

    "Look, forget it." The bassist shook her head. "Let's show Roxane how good we are." She pleaded with her eyes to drop it for now and smiled reassuringly. "Okay?"

    "Okay ..." Nara said, agreeing quickly to avoid an argument and closed her eyes to really think through a song that would work. She thought of Chicago and moving here, and why, and all the feelings that went with the decision. Even being smitten with Roxane was pushed away.

    "Call Me When You're Sober," she stated, opening her eyes.

    The group looked puzzled at that choice.

    "Ya sure, Nara? I mean, we ... never actually played the song in front of an audience..." Kevin said nervously while scratching the back of his head with a stick. "Which we know why ..."

    It was a private song with the band as Nara worked through her breakup rage.

    Vicki put a hand on Nara's shoulder and stepped close to her. "You sure, hun? Look, I didn't mean to be so pushy. You've got nothing to prove to anyone."

    "Nah, it's cool." Affectionate eyes gazed upon her oldest band member and smiled. "I'm just doing this for me."

    Nara and Vicki had always been close and shared a lot of firsts together and through it all, they always maintained a strong relationship that surpassed kin and Garou, former lovers, friends. They knew each other as well as they knew themselves and after a moment of scrutiny, Vicki nodded seeing that this would be good for the Garou. "Then let's do this."

    The band affirmed the decision with nods and determined looks, going over the basic rhythm and music shifts, the lead into the chorus and confirming notes that wouldn't cause an inadvertent off key moment with being rusty. They broke away and took up their spots, Nara plucking a familiar chord that calmed her nerves. It wasn't anything familiar but a few notes strung together that she kept repeating before a new show. She eventually recognized it was something that bolstered her mettle in playing a new venue. Funny how she didn't do it here at the cafe before playing Halestorm ...

    She didn't say anything, afraid of rambling in front of Roxane and losing her nerve with the song choice. This song was for her and hopefully it would be a cathartic release. She tapped her foot and waited for the lead in and the band fell into this song as if it were part of a regular set.

    Unlike the first song where she paid close attention to Roxane, the Garou sang to the empty room, eyes distant and thoughtful.

    "Don't cry to me, if you loved me
    You would be here with me
    You want me, come find me
    Make up your mind

    Should I let you fall, lose it all
    So maybe you can remember yourself?
    Can't keep believing
    We're only deceiving ourselves
    And I'm sick of the lie
    And you're too late."

    Halestorm was fun but this song was personal. It came through every syllable, her voice raw with emotion that had been unearthed once again.

    "Don't cry to me, if you loved me
    You would be here with me
    You want me, come find me
    Make up your mind

    Couldn't take the blame, sick with shame
    Must be exhausting to lose your own game, selfishly hated
    No wonder you're jaded
    You can't play the victim this time
    And you're too late."

    Her eyes briefly connected with Roxane's as she surveyed the room, remembering when her hot headed Immortal ex would've sat where Roxane was with a shit eating, proud, grin that was only for her.

    "Don't cry to me, if you loved me
    You would be here with me
    You want me, come find me
    Make up your mind

    You never call me when you're sober
    You only want it 'cause it's over, it's over."

    She felt her body shiver, easily covered up with the way she moved while working her guitar, and missed how her lower lip briefly quivered.

    "How could I have burned paradise?
    How could I?
    You were never mine!

    So don't cry to me, if you loved me
    You would be here with me
    Don't lie to me, just get your things
    I've made up your mind!"

    It ended with Nara's eyes closed, feeling raw and reflective, but mostly composed. The band noticed and sensed it too, the shift in Nara since the last time she sang this. That was a dark spill of angry words shouted over the music. This was an insightful ballad.

    With a slow intake of breath, the Garou exhaled and found the will to open her questioning eyes towards Roxane. "So ..." she began cautiously. "What did ya think?"

    *Borrowed Call Me When You're Sober by Evanescence
    Last edited by Miranda Tarkin; Aug 26th, 2019 at 02:50:02 PM.

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    While the band gathered on stage and discussed what to play in more or less hushed voices, Roxane took the opportunity to actually fetch one of the surviving muffins and refill her cup of tea, this time with hot one. She didn't want to be nosy, which was ironic because she was an explorer at heart. Yet eavesdropping on others' conversation was another thing which felt wrong. At least, that was how she viewed it unless the others in question were enemies, which she had had over the years. And in such cases, poking around in cat form was the most efficient way to glean information.

    She took a careful sip from her tea as the band appeared to get ready to begin. The blonde was very curious to see what one of their original songs sounded like, after having heard such great covers. And as much as she had given them space, she had noticed body language cues and concerned behavior, which gave her pause. Yet she was glad to see how close the band was together. Having a family, a tribe, was important. Even though she was a loner by nature and by fate, she valued having allies, even friends. More than that had often been a challenge more than anything else.

    Nara's expression and focus was different this time. Roxane didn't know where, when, or whom, Nara was lost in, but the song was haunting. And the Galliard's unique talent made it even more so.

    The Bastets' accute perceptions and her extra sensitivity due to her current transition into her more solitary self and sometimes extra-lucid skills, she felt the song course through her unquiet soul.

    The brief moment Nara's eyes connected with hers, it hit her like a tidal wave coming to crash against who she really was: a pain in the ass Bastet, one of the last of a kind plagued by a yearly madness, and changing moods, which as much she fought to overcome would always be a problem.

    Whoever had fucked up with Nara in the past, whoever this song was about, was an asshole.

    Roxane didn't want to be the next one, and she feared that her immediate and growing fascination with the Garou might end in such a mess.

    It wasn't just the whole oath thing that made her reluctant now, to pursue romantic entanglement, even when the strength and solemnity of the oath had made it clear there was a connection, passed through bloodline and crystallized in a new way in the Galliard musician.

    As much as Roxane knew her worth, and communicated as best as she could with partners, she remained keenly aware of how complicated she was. And it wasn't as if she really had any other like her to compare notes. Isolation was the price to pay as a survivor from her tribe.

    She had instinctively clutched the mug with both hands, keeping her attention upon Nara, with side glances at the band. She noticed how the Galliard's eyes were closed at the end of the ballad. The time it took her to eventually asked for her opinion gave Roxane the time to keep herself together as well.

    She would honor her side of the oath, she would build a friendship with Nara and her band mates, but that would be all there was.

    "It was powerful," she said calmly.

    "It makes me look forward to hearing more of your original works. Your covers are great, but your own songs are amazing if they're all as good as this one."

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    Nara was ignorant of the thoughts and anxiety that Roxane worked through but she was certain that the song had its impact. She was happy to hear the Bastet's initial response and the smile on her face smoothed away the lingering pain. Though she didn't feel the same warmth and curiosity as before when Roxane hovered close when she set up the drums. Her gut was to play the song, but now she second guessed it despite the praise.

    "Thanks," was all she could quietly muster, but it was genuine. "We like to think so too."

    "Now she's being modest." Vicki smiled. "They're all just as great."

    The guys shared a chuckle but all nodded knowingly.

    "But yeah. We'll make sure to have a couple originals rotating through the sets so you'll get a chance to hear them all." She pulled the strap over her head so she could crouch and set the guitar on its stand. Roxane didn't need to hear anything else and Nara wasn't sure she had it in her for another song right now.

    She was happy with how the song turned out and how they sound. It was pretty epic how good they were for a second run through, and they would probably play it as part of their regular set. Nara was also sure that each time they played it, the difficult memories associated with the birth of the song would subside.

    Ethan and Vicki also moved to put their instruments down but Paul and Kevin were dueling notes with their instruments.

    "So should we talk specifics?" Nara stood upright, rubbing her hands along her jeans to remove the sweat, and approached the edge of the stage where Roxane still sat. "What days we play, how long, getting the word out?"

    Then she jumped off so they were on the same level. "Contract stuff, ya know?"

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    Roxane kept her attention upon the Galliard; but she smiled warmly at Vicki's remark about all the band's song being as good as the one they had just played.

    "I am not surprised,"
    she added with a soft chuckle.

    She watched as everyone put their instruments down, guessing it was time to discuss specifics. As much as she had given her word to Nara; nothing was valid without a contract. And the Bastet liked to do things the right way.

    "We should. I was just thinking that," she replied with a grin.

    "I had already started to put something together in the past few days. I'll be right back."

    She quickly returned with a a printed document, which had the usual details about the cafe; but also the original financial compensation. She sat down at a nearby table and scratched that with the pen she had also made sure to bring along. She upped the number, not caring they could decipher the previous one, which was already generous. The band was very much worth it.

    She then handed it to Nara for review.

    "I was thinking you start this Friday. Then for two weeks you would have Tuesday and Wednesday all by yourselves. Then you would share Fridays and Saturdays with another band we already have scheduled. After that you will have priority to decide whether you want to add either Friday or Saturday as your third solo day."

    She paused for a moment, considering what else needed to be covered.

    "The Cafe does have social media; but we mostly work via word of mouth. News about our line ups are also featured among a local network for smaller and indie venues."


    She absentmindedly tapped the pen on the table, still going through what information she needed to bring up. She was starting to be slightly antsy and felt she would soon need some time out, likely hurled up in kitty form somewhere.

    "For rehearsals, the Cafe is closed every Monday, all day, and Thursday mornings. The other band usually use the Monday morning, which leaves you the rest of the day or Thursday mornings."

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    "Hey, Nara. We'll head up front and get something to drink, kay?" Then Vicki briefly looked at Kevin before talking in conspiratorial tone as Roxane left. "Think someone's a bit taken by certain clerk if ya get what I'm saying..."

    Nara looked up and over her shoulder at Vicki and nodded with a chuckle. She had no idea Kevin was already soft on Lila. "That was super quick. Sounds good tho. But behave. We are working here after all."

    Vicki could not hide the accusatory look as if to say, oh really?

    The Garou lightly bared her teeth with firm warning to not go there, which the bassist did back off. "I'll make sure he's the perfect gentleman."

    She nodded appreciatively and calmed herself. "Thanks. Really."

    "Sure, Nara." She watched as Roxane came back. "And you and I need to talk later."

    Her words held finality that made the Garou sigh, watching the band disperse. She shuffled over to Roxane's table and pulled a chair out, turned it around and sat down trying not to look too eager now that she was alone with the Bastet. Curiously she took the contract and as she skimmed the usual verbiage, her eyes bugged out at the proposed payment.

    "Holy shit ..." The words were out before she could stop them.

    Having four days a week to play and two of those were headliner days to start was insane. Then offering a third day as a priority was unheard of for a new band in the area. They really impressed Roxane. She set the paperwork down, her face stunned. "This is ... well, hell, Roxane. This is a lot more than we're expecting. Thank you. Uh ... wow."

    She hoped she wasn't blushing. "Ethan and Vicki are good with social media and pounding the pavement. They can help if ya want. Also ..."

    Her brain was starting to fry processing all the information and it was moving at a turtle's pace. She was usually savvy with negotiations but there wasn't anything to negotiate! "Thursday mornings would be best I think. We kinda like our evenings free when possible. Did you uh ... did you have room for us to store our stuff here? Or need us to break it down all the time?"

    It all depended on the venue and how much storage was onsite. For the longest of times they had to break down and store their gear with tetris like abilities in the van all the time.

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    Roxane was trying hard not to beat herself up for her darkening mood; but it wasn't working very well. She didn't want to mess things up so early on, and she wanted to do right by Nara and her band.

    At least when the rest of the musicians left to go back to the front of the establishment, she let out of a sigh of relief. She felt a measure of tension disappear. It wasn't much given how much of a ball of nerves she could be when switching to the night Pryio, but it was still better than nothing.

    As she was focusing hard to remain an agreeable being, she missed some of the banter and the news that Kevin was becoming interested in Lila.

    She kept her attention upon the Galliard, and couldn't help cracking the smallest of smiles when the Garou was shocked by the pay and conditions she offered.

    "Glad it works for you," she replied. "You are very welcome."

    She was happy when Nara said that Ethan and Vicki could help with promotion.

    "I always support artists promoting themselves, so by all means, I'm happy for help."


    She mused over the storage of instruments. Her gaze drifted away towards the hallways leading to her office and some storage rooms.

    "I'll check with Hans, because we have some light renovation work planned, nothing that will get in the way of your time here, so I want to make sure of what we can store."

    She looked back at Nara.

    "I know for sure we have a small storage unit you can use, but it wouldn't hold everything. I'll get back to you tomorrow."

    She paused for a moment, frowning as she felt the general antsiness and headache coming to life.

    The blonde gave an apologetic look at the Galliard.

    "I am sorry if... If I look like I am antisocial or just bad company. Most Bastet don't suffer from unpredictable change of moods as I do. Even with centuries behind me, this one is always a pain in the ass to handle."

    She didn't normally disclose so much; but it only seemed fair to let Nara know.

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    The band was going to flip out seeing the pay. It was the most they ever made and there was a sizable chunk of cash in their pockets once split five ways. Nara always split everything evenly because Esoterica was the five of them. Having one person missing wasn't the same, which Vicki reminded her today. They were stronger together. A pack. Family.

    "If you give me all the social media info, I'll pass it along to them to get the word out about our upcoming debut. But I wanna have them hype up your place too. I mean, shit, Roxane. We can say the generous payment is donation to the E&K marketing fund." She smiled, lightly chuckling and still amazed at the Bastet's kindness.

    She waved off any concerns with storage. "We're used to living in a van as the constant worse case scenario. The studio we found has room too so... " she shrugged, "we just get lots of exercise hauling stuff."

    Sacrifices had to be made to enjoy the music and have it be heard. They driven hundreds of miles and hauled speakers, instruments and microphones anywhere over the years that allowed them to play, Garou and human establishments alike. She wouldn't change it for anything because it led her to Michele. And the Immortal led her here. To Roxane. She can't screw up this opportunity, though she tried to say it was for the venue when in reality it went deeper than that. As if it weren't plain where interests lay beyond an oath and curious passages in diaries centuries old.

    When Roxane's face grew long and sorrowful, Nara leaned against the table and was alert for anything and everything the Bastet had to say - watching for nuances of tone and movement, especially her eyes. She looked apologetic. Then she said she was sorry and with the explanation given, relief flooded Nara's senses. She had thought she had done something wrong to upset her, more so her erroneous thoughts driven due to the waning moon.

    Her mouth tightened in thought and gave a short nod of understanding. "I can't grasp how deeply it affects you, but I ... can kinda relate."

    She pointed towards the ceiling. "It's a Galliard moon, but it's going towards a half. When it's waning like this, I get down until the next phase. Not all Garou get that effect but it's not uncommon."

    With a sad chuckle, she lowered her hand. "Probably why I went for the gut wrenching song tonight. So ... yeah." She cleared her throat realizing she was talking way too much about herself when Roxane clearly was suffering more than her, "It's cool, Roxane. Do you, uh ... need us to break stuff down and go so you can relax or ... whatever it is you do?"

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    Roxane enjoyed her comfortable life; but she had also lived on the run long enough that it had made her selective with what she kept as personal belongings. Really she lived in a one bedroom apartment that might be quite full; but for someone who had lived several centuries, it was sparse. Not only was it how she felt comfortable; but it also gave her a sense of comfort, feeling that she had her territory within easy access, especially as a cat. And a side benefit from that was that it allowed her to compensate her employees, contractors, and artists generously. Given how she envisioned the Moonstone, it meant a lot to her.

    She smiled as Nara was still floored by the pay she had offered.

    "It's well-deserved, Nara. You guys are great."


    The Bastet might be very talented at mind games, but she was playing none with the Galliard.

    "That's a good idea," she replied about the social media info, and then proceeded to scribble it down, although in a legible fashion, so the band could have it.

    "I like the idea of the donation to the marketing fund,"
    she added with a soft chuckle.

    Even though she was on edge because of the change of pryio, Nara's presence helped her stay grounded a bit better.

    "I still hope you can store most of your equipment here."


    She suddenly pondered whether it sounded territorial or not.

    "By the way, the contract allows you to do individual gigs, up to two nights somewhere else, while being headliners here."

    There was part of her that disliked the idea of Nara's band playing anywhere else, unless it was a festival; but she understood the need for exposure. She wasn't very possessive by nature; but she knew she just hoped to see Nara around on a regular basis. As much as she hated to read the obvious clues, which came from both the Garou and herself, it was hard to simply ignore them.

    She didn't know how Nara would react to her unexpected confession about her state of mind; but she felt relieved when Nara appeared to relax a bit.

    "Thank you for understanding. I appreciate it a lot. It can be a bit awkward and embarrassing."


    She looked a little sad at the mention of the Galliard moon and how it was also difficult for Nara.

    "I am sorry you have to put up with such things. And that song was beautiful."

    She felt a bit better for having put that out in the open. While she was still secretive by nature as a Bastet, she had been working on opening herself up a little more in the last century. It didn't necessarily make any relationship better or easier; but at least she felt she was making some progress in how she was treating people instead of remaining an ivory tower all by herself.

    "I'd be happy to spend some more time with you; but would that be okay if I did that in cat form? One on one interaction is alright, and just spending a few minutes with you has helped; but I feel that I am hitting the threshold of my human socialization."

    She hoped she didn't blush at the mention that spending some time with Nara had helped. The words had escaped her mouth before she could think twice.

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    Nara looked down at the contract and saw that what Roxane said was true about playing other venues. She curiously tapped at that section and her initial thought was no. If Ethan and Vicki got them enough exposure to get people in and their music kept them coming, along with any write ups on social media, there really was no need for them to seek opportunities elsewhere. Especially as the money they were getting was more than enough to keep them sustained.

    Unfortunately she knew that was her heart talking. She really didn't want to play anywhere else but here at the Moonstone Cafe. She wanted to spend as much time as possible with Roxane that the Bastet could, and would, allow because she wanted to understand her and be an ear for her. Nara could tell that the Bastet was equally parts lonely as she was anxious being around people. That couldn't be easy at all.

    She also wanted to hear about Roxane's life with her ancestor and study those journals if she was lucky enough to visibly look upon one. Right now her head was attuned to Roxane and without realizing it, her fingers were tapping nervously against the paper as her mind fervently went through what ifs and hopes.

    But this was a band decision on where they play. Sure Nara was the head of the band that took care of business, but they needed majority approval. "Me and the band will have to chat on that and see if we wanna do something somewhere else too. But thanks for putting that in."

    Some of the weight of the waning moon effect lifted hearing Roxane call the song she sang beautiful. She had to hold back her glib tongue in responding that the song was no where near as beautiful as the Bastet. Hopefully her eyes didn't betray that thought.

    "I don't want you feeling anxious and awkward around us. I mean, I get it that you can't help feeling that way, right? But we can do whatever we can to help." Far as Nara was concerned, her issues with the moon phases was not significant to what Roxane experienced.

    "Yeah sure!" Nara quickly agreed to what Roxane suggested because at least she'd be around in some form. It was no different than members of a caern did similar, shifting to a comfortable form to think.

    And she really couldn't help feeling warm and fuzzy that she helped Roxane out a little, latching onto the one on one interaction and feeling better quite eagerly in her head, but she only smiled with understanding. "I can get the band in to look over the contract and sign it. Then I can ask about the storage space in the back and after that, we can pack up and go."

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