Heritage

Grim bowed deeply. "It cannot be soon enough, your majesty, and thank you." Wow, did she really say that out loud? Suck up! The shapeshifter nodded as she vigorously rubbed her arms, as though to knock off invisible faerie cooties. "Yeah, let's, before she changes her fickle faerie mind again." She looked at the rest of her 'band' and smiled with appreciation. "Nice work, guys; good hustle and all that." Then she singled out Gabriel with a pointed finger. "And you! Wow, quite the little BS'er at the end there; you were so full of it your eyes turned brown! You sooo wanted to beat her head in with a cold iron crucifix; I practically had to bite my tongue when you started slingin' it."

Quote, I'm fine with moving to the first dance, but I think it might be best doing that via a bit of a time jump, since dinner is just starting. Everyone okay with that? If so, maybe you could split you post in half with a dotted line down the middle, Q?

Karl was clearly stunned by the Valkyrie's presence and considerable drinking prowess, but he did manage to tear his eyes are from her long enough to accept Dynamo's surprising compliment. "Really, you think so? Me, I just see myself as a screw-up who was just smart enough to keep away from the drugs, but not smart enough to hold a real job on the outisde. But, y'know, thanks for your support, I guess." Then he turned back to watch Thrude a bit more. "Wow, do you immortal chicks know how to party or what?" He playfully jabbed an elbow into the marshal's ribs. "Guess we really lucked out, huh?" The lovely lawwoman sniffed. "Lucky you, you don't have to drive; I just need to be able to get you in the van by 9 pm.". She sighed and addressed the two immortals directly for the first time. "Sorry, ladies, I have to keep him on a short leash; I know, a shame that such a specimen of manhood has to be kept off the market." Karl laughed and shook his head. "Nah, I can see it, I'm gettin' to ya." He poked the speedster in the chest a few times. "Just you watch, she'll be in love with me before the night is out." Deputy Marshal Steele just rolled her eyes.

Hmm, I better talk to Lone_Star about this; on the one hand, I know he wants to get MD into more threads, but on the other Gossamer has a public identity and MD doesn't. Either way, Goss is a sure thing ;)

This is a natural for Gossamer, and possibly her boyfriend Mad Dog!

Lynn's face flickered through a rapid series of expressions before settling on deeply embarrassed. "Hmm? Oh God, just...girly stuff." She waved a dismissive hand. "It's like, just because the four of us, y'know, the 'hardcore bridal party', were in this together, there's supposed to be like a special bond now? Forever? I was just being silly." Then she looked back at the three amazing young women at her side, and her eyes went a little misty. "But I dunno, maybe there is..." She squeezed her big sister's hand. "I'm so glad you guys are here. All of you, you made this special. Special-er." Eddi just smiled and squeezed back. "You'll always be my baby sis, Sher, no matter what shape your ears are." She raised a glass to the happy cowboy. "You're a very lucky guy, Bill." Lynn positively beamed as she looked at her husband. "Ain't he just". But then she looked past him to her brother Ben, who looked like he was a little light-headed. "What's up, Benj, you okay?" He finally managed to sputter a few words out. "You were shot...in the neck?" The shapeshifter's eyes went wide. "Oh my God, what did you guys say to him? We talked about this, remember? About how there were some things my family doesn't have to know, as in ever?" She got out of her seat and crouched at her big brother's side, taking his hand in both of her's. "It was nothing, Benj; it was a tiny bullet, just a graze." She held up her fingers with maybe a quarter inch gap between them. "It was little, practically a BB." She reached under the table and produced a glass of scotch. "Here, drink this, it's the good stuff." Ben feebly accepted the glass and drank, as his little sister rubbed his back and gave her male teammates an exasperated look. - - - - Butch squinted up at the big table, then cocked his head slightly to one side. "Oh, well...wow, she's very pretty. Congratz, you know, to both of you..."

Lynn frowned slightly, then looked rather alarmed as she grabbed a handful of her own dress. "Wait, you guys think I glamored this up? No way, this is the real deal!" She leaned forward so only the bridesmaids could hear her next words. "Yes, I am wearing actual real human clothing on my wedding day, and believe me, after not wearing anything for four years, you better believe it feels weird." Then the full implications of what she just said slowly sunk in, and she hurriedly poured herself another glass of champagne. It took a few seconds for her big sis to catch on, but when she did, her eyes got simply huge. "So you've been naked-?" In an instant, Lynn's tiny hand was over her mouth; looking from bridesmaid to bridemaid, she muttered, "We take this to the grave." - - - - Karl nodded sagely. "Oh, I get it. Lucky guy! Or, y'know, girl, don't wanna assume..." He pointed at the top of his ear. "So I see you got the pointy ears, too, just like Sheri's got now. What's with that? Is that like some new kinda thing for all the superheroes?" - - - - Ben nodded half-heartedly. "Yeah, absolutely, right on it." Carefully examining some of the odder-looking guests, the young lawyer's tone became more serious. "So let me ask you something, Jack. All this superhero stuff: just how dangerous is it?" His voice cracked just a bit as a strained smile spread across his face. "I mean, this is my baby sister we're talking about here." - - - - "Yeah, they're real good." Butch seemed to have a bit of trouble focusing, his somewhat bloodshot eyes darting between Dragonfly, his wife having a stilted conversation with Dr Archeville and the bread basket; putting down his butter knife, he unlocked the wheels on his wheelchair and expertly maneuvered it closer to the brilliant young technician. "I don't think we've met, I'm Sheri's father...the bride, my daughter." He carefully wiped his hand on a napkin and extended it. "Butch Epstein." His handshake was firm, if very slightly sweaty. "It's a hell of a thing, to see your daughter on a day like this; my God, she's so beautiful. Isn't she?" His proud eyes linger on Lynn at the big table, and they go all moist. "My little girl and her cowboy; she married a god***n cowboy, and I love it." He turned to Dragonfly, a sentimental smile on his face. "You gotta guy, kid? Someone special?"

Grim snorted as she resumed her proper size and appearance. "Who, me? I'm a pussycat." The shapeshifter slowly smiled. "Yeah, it kinda grows on ya." At the mention of the queen, however, she felt butterflies in her stomach. Was she really ready to meet her, this fey woman who had so changed her life for reasons she still didn't understand? But before she had a chance to respond, the woman herself appeared, silencing her traitorous subject. Lynn unconsciously bowed her head in deference, not something she was used to doing. "I...yes, milady." But now her curiosity overtook her, and she raised her head to meet those cold eyes. "Although, to be honest, I have no memory of the first time I was in your realm. I know the blood of Silver ran in my veins as a mortal, and I even met the lord who put it there, but to this day I've never understood why you plucked me from the brink of death, and formed this body for me." Then she looked back down to her feet. "So I was hoping you could explain that..."

The tips of Lynn's ears went a bit pink as she cleared her throat. "Ah yes, the 'birthing-bed'; we'll have to get back to you on how that all, y'know, works out." Then she shrugs. "And who knows, you might be right about the 'not a coincidence' part; celestial entities work in mysterious ways." She extended her small hand in friendship. "I welcome you to our fellowship, Thrude; I may be an outgoing member with a lot on her plate, what with wedding and all, but anything I can do to help out, let me know." She laughed. "Heck, you can even come to the wedding, if you like; I invited all the Interceptors, so it wouldn't be right to exclude a team member just because you're new." The shapeshifter smiled and gratefully took the good doctor's hand. "Oh, you can count on that, Dok; we'll try to keep the panicky phone calls to a minimum." Lynn nodded and sighed. "Oh yeah, humans are definitely worth it." She looked up at Billy and smiled. "Take it from someone else with her feet in two different worlds."

Oh crap, I'm so sorry to hear that! Of course we'll work around him, and I hope his life gets less complicated soon :(

"Of course!" Estelle was happy to oblige her Lab-mate, and set up the beach furniture as she directed, but it did appear that as it must come to all snack foods, crushing had come to the chips. She then attended to the various ice cream requests, sending two Creamsicles Dragonfly's way and delivering a Fudgesicle to Nick. "Alright, that seems to be- hurrr." The sight of Supercape ingesting the jellied eel nearly made her gag on her Bombpop, but luckily she just managed to keep it together and focus on the normal human food that was available. "Oh, I'd love a burger, please; just onions and mustard for me, thanks."

That was all Grim heard, because as soon as she heard the creepy tone in the fae's voice, she shut her ears...literally, since they folded over and sealed shut. Looking all innocent, the changeling stepped forward, pointing at her chest. "Oh I'm sorry, are you talking to me? I guess I can't hear you over the sound of you pissing your pants!" And at that point, she shot up seven feet tall into a terrifying gangly apparition, with bone white skin, blood red hair that boiled around her face in an invisible breeze, and eyes that burned like blue coals. Pointing a long crooked finger at the last remaining knight, Grimalkin howled. "You're all alone now, little snow elf! Your precious lady's light has been snuffed out!"

Okay, just to throw it back in his face (or more specifically, his eyes), Grim's gonna switch her Morph to FEAR ME, PUNY ELF KNIGHT! DC 25 Reflex and Will saves. (If it doesn't work, sic 'em, Jack!)

Two saves coming right up! Reflex! 1d20+12=22 Will! 1d20+10=21

The Big Table Lynn couldn't help but laugh at her husband's (her husband!) enthusiasm; she was pretty sure she'd never seen him this boisterous, and the night was still young. Her sister Eddi had been pretty much staring at her little sister all day, displaying the endearing lack of tact she was known for in the family. Finally the bride turned to face her big sis. "What? It's the ears, right?" "It's the everything, hon; I can't get over how great you look." "Well thanks; I mean, the whole pixie thing means I'm cheating like a thousand different ways." She ran her fingers through her hair, which she had made extra long and impossibly curly for the day. "I could have looked way hotter if I wanted to, but that would've been just plain mean and selfish." "Believe me, Sher, you look dangerously fantastic now; doesn't she, Ben?" "Hmm?" For his part, Lynn's older brother, who was far more tactful and reserved than either of his sisters, was trying not to stare at Mona. "Oh yeah, she looks great, amazing, all that." Desperate to find something else to focus his attention on, he turned to the best man. "So, ah, Jack, is it? You're the swordfighter Sheri was talking about. That's pretty cool." He mimed holding a foil, rather awkwardly. "I did a little fencing myself, back in college. Not that I was any good at it." Table 1 Butch Epstein was eating bread like it was going out of style; there was a mild hint of a certain...herbal quality drifting off of him. Elaine Epstein was eyeing him with cold disgust, barely picking at her salad; not taking her eyes of her spouse, she cleared her throat. "So, Doctor Viktor Archeville." She finally faced the good doctor, a tight smile on her face. "This is an honor. I've been following your research for several years; having all that money must open a lot of avenues of exploration that would otherwise remain closed." The was no malice in her voice, in fact very little inflection at all; her body language was also rather stiff and hard to read. "Oh man, Lainey, you should try this bread, it's fantastic!" Table 2 Karl Epstein, a short, affable fellow with flecks of gray in his dark hair, was bouncing up and down in his seat like a ten-year old; his suit didn't quite fit him, and he periodically reached down to scratch his ankle where the monitor cuff chaffed a bit. Deputy US Marshal Annabel Steele drank her water and surveyed the room; her red dress was lovely, even though it was cut to conceal a discrete bulletproff vest. Karl took turns looking at the two nigh-immortal women seated across from him, drumming his fingers on the table. Finally he cleared his throat. "Sorry, ladies, but I hate awkward silences. My name's Karl Epstein; I'm one of Sheri's uncles." He shrugged. "Though I guess, from the looks of you, you might know her by her nom de plume or whatever, Grim...Grimmelkin?" He peered inquisitively at his 'date'. "Grimalkin, she stated in a bored voice. "She's one of the Interceptors." "Right, right. How crazy is that?"

Grim frowned; boy, she sure wished she knew as much about this Queen as seemingly everybody else did! Still, maybe she could trick a little more out of her ladyship with a few more clumsy, rusted blows. Adopting the tone of a bored, spoiled brat, she sighed as she continued talking. "Y'know what, all I'm hearing is a lot of sour grapes, lady. 'Ooh, I wish I could have a kingdom of my own! Ooh, I wish the Queen favored me the way she does Grimalkin!' Why don't you stop whining and actually do something about it? As evil ice ladies go, you're actually pretty damn pathetic." She followed this verbal strike with a quick slash directed right at the Lady's face!

Grim's still working her Enhanced Charisma, so her Bluff check for Taunting is a 38 with Skill Mastery. Let's she if she draws blood (or ice water) this time! Attack with Claws; 1d20+14=32

Seating arrangements! Check out Grim's Guide to Her Crazy Relatives for more info. The Big Table Eli East Ben Epstein Jack of All Blades Billy Reynolds Lynn Epstein-Reynolds Eddi Epstein Mona Teymourian Jill O' Cure Table 1 Dr Viktor Archeville Dragonfly Elaine Epstein Harold 'Butch' Epstein Table 2 Karl Epstein Deputy US Marshal Annabel Steele Thrude Willow The other tables are various members of Lynn's extended family, and thus not very important for our purposes. Lynn left it up to the individual guests if the want to use secret or street identities; she's essentially 'outing' herself to her family, but she won't force anyone else to do so. The cards at the tables would list whatever name people want to go by for the day, and other than the groomsmen and bridesmaids (who can wear masks if the want, as long as they're coordinated!), folks can appear in or out of uniform.

Okay, now people can post away!

Despite Lynn's many and largely baseless fears, the ceremony held at Silbermann's Books went off without a hitch. There was an excellent turnout, though there were a few notable no-shows, all of whom had good reasons. Stesha had responded to her invite with a lovely letter, explaining she was rather late in her pregnancy (When did that happen? Lynn felt so out of touch!), but would be delighted to provide some wonderful floral arrangements for both the ceremony and reception, and true to her word, the arrangements were spectacular, drawing many ooh's and ahh's from Lynn's relatives. Jack and Taylor also begged off, due to Jack's discomfort at religious rituals and the increasing challenges of Jack Jr's toddlerhood, but they promised to send something nice (and absolutely no heads). Sadly Aunt Deb had sent a note that since Billy was not converting, she and Uncle Jerry didn't feel it was right for their family to attend the service, though she hoped they would be happy together; that stung quite a bit, and Lynn's mom had some very harsh words for her sister, but the bride-to-be merely waved a hand to quiet her. Perhaps it was for the best; as the only Orthodox members of the extended Epstein-Silbermann clan, they were the most likely to take issue with some of the guests, namely the Interceptors crowd, and Lynn would rather have a harmonious day than have the Plotkins in attendance. With Uncle Abe's standard 'sorry-too-busy' response (did he have that saved as a Word document?), there were still plenty of people to cram into the funky little bookstore: Grampa Bernie and Grandma Maria, Uncle Sid and Aunt Clara, Uncle Joe and Aunt Lucille, plus a whole lotta nieces, nephews and cousins, some grown with kids of their own and others darting through the chairs and playing hide-and-seek. Lynn was particularly happy to see Uncle Karl in attendance, with his date, a lovely and extremely fit young woman from the US Marshals Service. The wedding party looked very smart in their tuxes and sky-blue dresses, the rabbi recited the Hebrew in a rich sonorous voice and the Seven Blessings were tackled in style by the gentiles (yes, she'd given Erik the longest one, and no, there was special reason for that). Billy, in his black vest and Stetson, was devilishly handsome, and Lynn, in a lovely lacy dress that was entirely glamour free, took the blessed cup of wine from him and drained it in a gulp, leading to much laughter and applause. Then Billy brought his boot down on the glass, and with a hearty 'Mozel Tov!' from everyone in the bookstore, they were man and wife at last. Then the newly married couple was allowed a little alone time during the yechud, to catch their breath and allow Lynn to feed Billy some cheese and fruit (the poor guy had been fasting all day, which was no problem for the changeling!), and then everyone piled into cars, limos and taxis on their way to the reception. The night of dining, dancing and general mischief was to be held at the West End Hebrew Cultural Center, and if Lynn's relatives were impressed by the floral arrangements at the bookstore, they were stunned speechless by Stesha's designs for the reception! Centerpieces of exquisite beauty that 'floated like clouds', someone said. Lynn made sure that anyone who asked got one of Stesha's business cards; in fact, she gave away so many she had to conjure up more! Sitting at the big table, with all her friends nearby, the changeling, her pointed ears very much in evidence, finally allowed herself a chance to breath. "My God, we really did it, didn't we? We're frickin' hitched!"

Saw X-Men: First Class yesterday, and I liked it but was not blown away. January Jones was badly miscast for Emma Frost, and had no fun whatsoever playing a sexy villainess, which pretty much defeats the point, the X-Babies were not fleshed out and I didn't laugh enough, with to me is actually the key to a good superhero film. I hate to be one of those linky guys, but I did a review I'm fairly proud of over here.

Lynn wrinkled her nose a bit over that. "Oh didn't I tell you? It's pronounced 'Lynn Esptein-Reynolds', but it's spelled more like a Nike 'swoosh'. Plus I only sign it in bright purple ink that smells like gumdrops." She lightly jabbed an elbow into his ribs. She shook her head. "Oh, you'll fall alright, but I'm gonna catch you...right before you hit the ground." She wriggled around a bit so she could face Billy, and kiss him on the nose. "That's the deal, right? We always catch each other, right when it looks like all hope is lost."

Lynn snorted and rolled her eyes. "Yeah, right. And technically-" She lifted herself up to see the clock. "It's our big day today; six hours and counting." She flopped back on the bed, kissed both of Billy's hands and then wrapped his arms more tightly around her, like a suit of armor. "And I think you better get used to calling me 'Lynn', William Reynolds, because that's who I'm gonna be for the rest of our lives: Lynn Epstein-Reynolds, Esquire." She'd gone back and forth about taking his name full-on and becoming 'Mrs. Lynn Reynolds', which did have a certain ring to it, but she was reluctant to give up her past entirely. Their kids, assuming they were lucky enough to have any, could go by 'Reynolds', she didn't have a problem with that; she didn't want to saddle them with a hyphenate just because their mom couldn't let her last name go. "It's all gonna be fine, right? Our weird friends and my weird family are gonna hit if off, and the ceremony will be perfect, and then we'll all get drunk and sing 'Hava Nagila'. It'll all be fine...right? Just tell me it will all be fine, and I'll try my damnedest to believe you." The poor thing was shaking all over.

And we're off! Though it starts out with the lovely couple alone, we will soon have a 'boxed text' ceremony followed by fully interactive reception.

The Brownstone. May 22nd, 2011, 2:05 am In the bedroom shared by the laconic cowboy and his changeling bride-to-be, Lynn Epstein laid in bed next to her fiancee, who somehow managed to be a sleep, on this of all nights. For her part, Lynn had polished off nearly half a bottle of Segal's Cabernet Sauvignon Special Reserve and still couldn't sleep. Tomorrow (hell, today!) her two families would meet for the first time, and the possibilities for disaster seemed endless. What if people stared at Mona due to her...Mona-ness? What if Jack's new dryad girlfriend got bored of her dress and went au natural? What if her own head exploded from excessive worrying? Lynn looked down at the man she loved and decided it was wrong for her to be awake all by herself; she leaned over, gently shook his shoulder and murmured in his ear. "Honey? I'm sorry, I can't sleep. C'mon, wake up; talk to me or I'll go insane."