Tiph Nightshade: ::Tiphareth's senses had been set afire, interrupting her thoughts of where her conversation with Lu was going at that moment.. long before she caught sight of Seph. The alien parts of her had sensed his approach and thrown themselves into the usual gale of anticipation. A large crop of goose bumps washed over the entirety of her perfect pallid flesh, and she even shivered minutely, still seated on the bar top, legs crossed neatly before her. She was torn between a smirk and a smile, having missed him as well, and rose to her feet, slipping off the counter and walking the short distance to him after he'd appeared. She moved to embrace him, but thought better of it a short moment later, and simply squeezed his gloved hand in her own instead. Something about being affectionate with him in front of Lu, or anyone for that matter, made her a bit uneasy. They'd always closely guarded who saw them acting so "warm" in regard to the other. She released his hand after a minute and those azure oculars flit up to his face, glowing substantially more brightly than they had been before hand, as they met his emerald, Mako enhanced gaze:: You're looking well, as always. There's no need to be rude to my brother, so let's try and be nice, shall we dear? ::She smirked again and returned to her seat, a concerned eye cast to Lu as she thought up another shot of vodka for herself:: Don't worry bro.. he's not here for the purpose you're no doubt expecting

Sephiroth Enigma: I don't recall ever having spoken to you just now, Lu. What I am doing here has exactly nothing to do with you. ::The tone was unchanging and stony. He spoke his name as if he couldn't care less about him at all, not that he intended him any harm, he just frankly, didn't bother himself to care about him one way or the other. His eerie eyes increased their Mako shine the closer she got, never straying from her as she wandered her way toward him. Tensing a bit but soon after relaxing again as she took his hand, he, in turn, gave hers a gentle squeeze and softened the harsh quality of his voice, only bothering for her, as things had always been with them:: As I could say for yourself as well. But I don't need to mention it now do I? ::He knew better than any the limitless bounds of her conceit, but teased her no more, watching her go back to her seat. He pondered over what must be no doubt going through Lu's mind just then, for all of a millisecond, before figuratively waving it off to something he no longer bothered himself to care about. He would allow Tiphareth to soothe things over, if she saw fit. Likewise, if she requested it, he would let Lu well enough alone. He highly respected her wishes, though he made no such conditions for anyone else. He took the initiative to seat himself next to her, feeling protective to the extreme, and went so far as to lace an arm about her waist. The tell tale sounds of ShinRa armor rubbing up against it's match were somewhat comparable to leather on leather, though with a soft metallic tinge to it in this case. Masamune was nowhere to be seen, and though it was odd for him to be seen without it in hand, he could have it in an instant if he wanted. An amused eye glanced over the katana gripped so vehemently in Lu's hands::

Lu Watchman: ::Lu's buzz was definitely killed by the presence of one evil, demented Sephiroth. He knew Tiph had much respect for this man, and only would he stop if Tiph told him to..:: Very well sis... ::The man grumbled as he slid the Katana back in its sheath, turning on his heel, he retook the seat he had been holding before Sephiroth entered. He allowed his train of thought to wander back into refilling the glass of Southern Comfort before turning his head towards Seph and Tiph, finally giving an appropriate greeting to him...:: Hello Sephiroth... ::He spoke in a low whisper, he had calmed himself for the purpose of keeping his sister happy. His eyes didn't change back into their normal state, but kept themselves neon green, but not glowing as furious as before..:: Tiph, I know that you're different than I am.... but being as he killed you... why are you so "buddy buddy" with him? I am not mad, but that just baffles me. ::He shrugged half-heartedly..:: I suppose it's a warrior thing...

Tiph Nightshade: Hmm well.. Lu have I ever told you about how he and I were raised together? I tried to explain it to Darrian a few times but that turned out to be nothing short of pointless. ::She sighed softly and continued on in her speech:: Firstly, you must understand that the bond between he and I is inherent and unfathomable to most others, our both being spawned of Jenova endears us to each other unspeakably strongly. Things have been this way ever since our creation. We feel each other's thoughts almost without any conscious effort. He was the only kindred soul I had for all of my life until he- ::There she paused and decided to put it a little more delicately:: Until I was sent here, to this realm, about a year ago. It very well may be not a warrior thing, but a Jenova thing, I suppose. When you first met him, way back when, in the wake of all that Drenia bullshit, you weren't aware of all that was going on... I summoned him to me, because I was so miserable and weak that though I longed for the bliss of death so badly, I couldn't bring myself to do it. He knew my anguish, and granted my wish only because of how much he too wanted my pain to end. It's not to be questioned when I ask something like that of him, or when he asks it of me either. This may sound unreasonable or hypocritical, but he loves me so much, he couldn't refuse me. ::She then shut her mouth, pursing her lips together, and allowed him to keep his arm about her tiny waist, though the delicately defined muscles of her sides clenched for a moment. Truthfully she was thankful for the comfort his presence. Swallowing quickly, she awaited Lu's response::

Sephiroth Enigma: I doubt that even I could have worded that better. ::He was making an effort to ensure she remained calm, in his own way of course, but he couldn't resist his next comment for the life of him:: Has your husband always been so stubborn and unreasonable, dearest? I recall a particularly memorable incident in the public tavern, an occasion where I had the misfortune of meeting him personally. He seemed very much to be an angry, rash little man who had no clue as to what I mean to you whatsoever. It was amusing actually, though he did appear to be in possession of a bit of sense, as he didn't do anything so foolish as to attack me. So emotional.. ::He smirked faintly as he shook his head of impossible silver silk:: It was hilarious. He tried so very hard to rile me.. You should have been there. But we can discuss that another time. ::He turned his attention to Lu then:: I assume, or hope rather, that unlike that fool, you are open to reason.

Lu Watchman: ::He nodded slightly, this sounded almost like the bond of the Runic Vampire. Even though they weren't born of the same mother, or father, all Runic Vampires could feel each other's pain, along with the sharing of the thoughts, but it could easily be broken if any sort of hatred was formed between them...:: I understand Tiph, but you do understand why I was so angry right? I mean, first impressions mean everything, and his first impression wasn't exactly a nice one. However, being as I understand, it's all put behind me. I imagine that since you two are of a closer bond than you and I, he wouldn't consider me your brother would he? ::He shrugged yet again, and slid a few slender fingers around the base of his glass, slowly swallowing down a few sips of that Southern Comfort..:: Sephiroth... ::he spoke lowly as he turned his head towards him..:: I do apologize for my irrational behavior, I had no idea of what Tiph just told me, and now I do. I understand it, and I also respect it... ::Lu's eyes seemed to flow back into that calm, cool violet color, showing that he was back to his normal stage of the calm, collected Lu Watchman that everyone knew..:: You're very right about Darrian's temper, he's such a foolish person, very immature as well. I should hope that he grows up a little before the next time I meet him, I'm almost sick of the way he ignores Tiph... and I truly wouldn't mind battling him... not that it would be that much of a battle.. but nonetheless, I'd enjoy beating his body into a little pile of raw, vampire ooze.

Tiph Nightshade: Understand, Lu, that though he no doubt is sure that our Jenova bond is strong enough to transcend all others, I've never given you any reason to believe that I share the same thinking, especially when it comes to you and I. I don't want you misunderstanding, that's all. You're dear to me, and I would be all the more miserable if I didn't have you here with me. You're right.. Darrian neglects me so, but I hate so speak ill of him.. ::She paused and bit her lip, holding back the tears threatening to spill with little difficulty.. as if Sephiroth being there empowered her to deny the ever annoying emotions. She was still saddened, but at least this way she showed it much less. She was a being in turmoil, unsure of what she was meant to be, whether that was wrong or not, and whether she could achieve whatever it was. Constantly confounded by the question of being the soldier, hardass and unfeeling, callous, indifferent, endlessly cold and resolute.. such she had been for a very long while, and she'd been more or less happy, and most importantly of all, SAFE in it, but then Darrian had appeared and in ways made her vulnerable and dependent and such a weakling. Sighing softly, she went back to the exchange between herself, Lu and her partner:: As for whether he would consider you my brother, well, I suppose you would have to ask him to be sure.. but I doubt he would. Look at me, talking about him as if he wasn't sitting right next to me. To what do I owe this pleasure? I really don't mean to be so rude. ::Turning to him, she arched up a slim brow, so deeply brown it was virtually black in slightly concealed curiosity. The Sephiroth visits were always random but never were without purpose.::

Sephiroth Enigma: ::Sephiroth, turning his head to Lu as he was spoken to, spoke in the only slightly less harsh tone, his words rigid and sophisticated, manner of speaking that had defied him as a child.. he'd sounded so much more like an adult, more so than all of the so called "mature" people around him. Now, however, his years matched his manner, at long last, and it didn't seem quite so odd:: The irrationality of other beings is something I am very well accustomed to, so you need not apologize, least of all to me, because chances are I couldn't care less either way. However, apology accepted. I think I may pay you a bit of well earned respect in time, as you don't seem to be nearly so moronic as some others that I've run across in this cess pool of gene filth. ::He fell silent then, and felt acutely his partner's pain, as had always been their shared curse. He so hated to see her upset, more than anything imaginable. He'd always acted in a way that gave the distinct impression that he would literally do anything to spare her any further strifes, even if it took the form of his becoming her deliverance, and easing her suffering through a mercy killing. Why was that so difficult for so many to understand? Not that it particularly bothered him much at any rate. The short comings and ignorances of others were usually an amusement and occasionally a slight annoyance to him, and nothing more whatsoever. Not merely wanting, but needing to comfort her, he pulled her closer, and whispered something into her ear, tip of his nose brushing up against it, both of them made invisible by a thick lock of her hair::

Lu Watchman: ::He almost smirked at the words of Sephiroth, he didn't know whether to be proud, or worried, Sephiroth was a psychotic man, and his respect might be a dangerous thing. He silently nodded to him and took a few more sips of his bourbon, almost enjoying the burning sensation that flowed down his throat with each sip. He then opened his mouth to speak, keeping his voice low...:: Thank you I suppose... Tiph, I do understand, and I am not going to insult him anymore, I have a hard time holding back my comments, I mean, I appreciated the way he helped me with Dauthi, but other than that... I just don't have anything to say to him..

Tiph Nightshade: ::Her eyes squeezed tightly closed, the thin flesh of her eyelids sweeping swiftly down to selfishly conceal the depths of those prussian alien twins, which had turned slightly glassy, still blazing their Mako fire so furiously that even now, as they were hindered, the aura could still be plainly seen.:: Thank you.. ::She whispered so softly, in their shared alien tongue. Soon enough the lids reluctantly released her glowing gaze once more, her eyes flaring up in defiance to the suddenly harsh lights of her tavern. She leaned her head to rest on his chest, indulging herself for a moment, and taking a much needed soothing comfort before sitting upright again and looking over at Lu:: Nothing to say to him, or nothing good to say about him? ::Perceptive, ne?::

Sephiroth Enigma: ::He simply nodded faintly, curious locks of silver bangs bobbing slightly with his rhythmic movement. They could be compared to fraternal twins.. as one was slightly taller than the other, but otherwise they were the same.:: It's nothing. ::Whether that was directed at Lu or Tiphareth was up to the individual to discern. He went back into the comfortable "brooding" silence, content for now to sit back and simply listen to the two of them, forming his own plans as he picked up bits and pieces of information, and threw others out, as he saw fit. He let his mind drift back into meetings past, between himself and his partner, and noted not for the first time that they only happened when she was troubled by something Darrian related. He found this to be a sick little pattern, and contemplated over what could possibly be done to alleviate it. How she could still remain sane and claim to love one who was so callously abusive of her was beyond his reasoning. Why didn't she just leave him and move on to bigger and better things? What or who these better things might be, was only known to himself.::

Lu Watchman: ::He sighed a little at her words and then shook his head, running a few of those thin, pallid fingers through his violet locks..:: I have nothing to say to him, or about him, not since he destroyed my Demon's Bane, nor since I've witnessed how he's treated you, he doesn't deserve my respect, or anyone else's for that matter. Ugh.. forgive me sis... I didn't mean to rant again. ::He shook his head once more, ashamed of going back on his word so fast...:: Eh... okay.. ::Was his response to Sephiroth's words, not really knowing if it was directed towards him, or Tiph. He quickly dumped the rest of the contents of his glass down his throat, swallowing it quickly. Yet again, refilling the glass with no problem, he took a few sips of the curiously strong liquor, and sighed a little...:: I've got to be leaving soon Tiph, I have a few meetings to attend in the next three days, so I must get a move on.. ::Yes, Lu could easily fly, or use a teleportation spell of sorts to get there in a few seconds, but the view of scenery kept his sanity to a normal level..::

Tiph Nightshade: How long will you be away..? ::She trailed off and the most innocent, inquiring look took possession of her glowing eyes as she gazed at her brother.. it was almost childlike, as if a sincere wish went unspoken that he not go. She thought up another shot of vodka and took a long harsh sip, setting the glass back onto the counter with a faint thud, on the side opposite of Sephiroth. Her alien cells were still deliriously excited at his presence, running amuck so to speak. A perpetual tingle had made it's way swiftly up and down her spine ever since he'd arrived, and had she not been so used to things being thus, she would most likely be showing some sign of it happening to her, in lieu of what she was doing now, that being.. betraying absolutely no sign whatsoever that anything out of the ordinary was going on. She knew things were the exact same with him as well. So intricate and complexly they were connected, and in all likelihood it would mystify everyone else for the remainder of time::

Sephiroth Enigma: ::Sephiroth didn't pretend to care about where Lu was off to or when or why, he made no mention of it at all. He himself had somewhere else to be, coincidentally, but he was bringing Tiphareth with him. Furthermore, he wasn't planning on taking no as an answer to what would be his polite request. He broke his silence then, quite suddenly. No sense of urgency was evident in his voice, he was, as always, calm and seemingly indifferent, though with her there could be detected a faint sincerity in his words:: Belatedly, I will answer your question Tiphareth. You owe the pleasure on account of my requiring your company. A trip to the Mako fountain seems to be in order, and I don't think I am so very far off the mark in assuming it will do you even more good than I. You always need a little escape after the Jenova form comes and goes, aren't I right?

Lu Watchman: ::With a little nod of his head, he slowly stood from the wooden chair that he rested in, finishing his glass of Bourbon before slowly walking towards Tiph, and giving her a tight, tight hug..:: I'm off to a town near here, I've got to speak with their ambassador about an allegiance, I don't need it all that much, but it looks like it will do them some good. I will be gone for a few days, I am not sure that I will go to the other two cities, my presence isn't required there. So if you'd like to get back together after I return, I'd be more than happy to do so. ::He stepped back slowly, keeping his distance from Sephiroth as best as he could...:: Nice meeting you on better terms Sephiroth. ::He sighed a little more as he realized how long it had been since he had returned home and shrugged slightly..:: How long do you think you'll be at the Mako fountain with Sephiroth here?

Tiph Nightshade: Quite. You know me too well.. ::She smiled sadly and shook her head. A good portion of her recent "depression" could be blamed on the latest Jenova ordeal.. the other form having wrought havoc and chaos on her comparatively delicate humanoid form. She hugged Lu back tightly, leaning forward and away from Sephiroth to do so:: I see.. only a few days then? I'll still be around when you return, surely. I'd love to continue this then. The Mako fountain usually keeps me for a few weeks, so if it's all right with you, ::She settled back again and shifted her gaze up into her partner's face, welcoming to her but otherwise appearing unnerving and cold:: I'll not depart until after we've finished. ::An amused little thought as to what Lu may be wondering what they actually did at the fountain caused her to softly chuckle her mirth. It tended to give off the wrong impression to many, but if he asked, she'd readily oblige the details. Her eyes flit away from her partners and were cast to Lu again::

Sephiroth Enigma: ::Watching as they hugged, Sephiroth smirked, having removed his arm from confining her just in time, and then smirked again at the words spoken to himself. He couldn't ever recall someone remarking that it had been nice to meet him before. The majority of reason behind that being, most people who "met" him, were ill fated, and soon after were no longer numbered among the living, and so couldn't really give him any feedback on whether the experience had been pleasant or not:: Likewise.. ::Was he speaking sarcastically or were the nonchalant words meant in earnest? None could tell, though he would be civil to this person as long as Tiphareth requested that he do so. He slid the arm back around her waist, absently fingering the soldier medallion and tilting his head toward hers as she spoke to him:: That is fine with me ::He read her thoughts, as always and stifled the laugh with relative ease, after all.. he was nothing short of perfect at denying such displays::

Lu Watchman: ::He smiled slightly and shook his head, not even about to ask what they did at that fountain, for it was none of his business, and secondly, he did NOT want to know..:: That sounds perfect Tiph, I'll be back in a few days for sure. Honestly though, I'd like to stay away from the Palace as long as possible, I'm trying to avoid Dauthi and anyone else there for as long as possible. I am just not really ready to see her right now. So let's meet here in three days, if that's okay with you... ::He spoke with a hint of pain in his voice when he mentioned Dauthi, he wasn't certain of her love, nor was he wanting to question her just yet...:: I pray your time with Sephiroth is well spent, it seems you two need this time together. I am going to be off now sis... I love you, keep that thought in mind always, just in case we never see each other again. ::With that said, he slowly turned on his heel, and made his way towards the door of the Tavern, those boots making a loud thudding sound as he walked across the floor..::

Tiph Nightshade: Three days it is then. I'll be here waiting for you. Lu, I love you too, "in case we never see each other again"...? What does that mean? ::She didn't want to imagine that situation, completely sure that she wouldn't be able to deal with it. Her eyes teared up as she watched his retreating figure, listening to the increasingly faint steps on the well polished floor boards of her quiet tavern. Why was she so prone to worry so suddenly? Why did she have the undeniable impression that her world was going to come to an agonizing end? From whence arose this foreboding of the future? She couldn't explain it for the life of her. Ashamed, she nestled her head into the crook of her partner's oh so inviting neck and let the few tears spill, the thick sapphire saline drippings slid down her cheeks and pooled on his ivory skin, the exact same tone and softness as her own::

Sephiroth Enigma: ::He winced inwardly and was helpless to think of anything more adequate to do as a means of soothing her than to softly stroke her hair with one hand, after shedding the obsidian gloves. With the other, now shamelessly flaunting the Roman numeral of "1", he caressed over her back, somewhat firmly, all qualms as to what Lu saw in reference to the two of them having been dismissed, as soon as he'd received the enlightening and needed insight as to the nature of their bond. He regretted sincerely ever having let her out of his sight, for had he not, she wouldn't be so sensitive and vulnerable, nor so prone to being hurt, as she was now. But the past was irrevocable, as they both very well knew, and all he could manage to do to offset the injustice was resolve himself to making the future seem more livable, by whatever means he'd seek to employ::

Lu Watchman: ::He sighed a little more as he reached the door, opening it slowly, he turned his head back towards Tiph and smiled a bit...:: Don't worry.... it's just a precaution.. you know how I am with fighting.. and I might not make it through one of them... so I just made sure you know sweetheart.. but now I must go... take care.. ::He whispered the last few words as he exited the room..::