Glein
Vaigarin Elder
- Joined
- Nov 3, 2021
- Messages
- 55
- Reaction score
- 19
Carmelian Expanse - 009015:5 (Eselberg Station, Kalis System)
"This is the stupidest thing you have ever done." Tarkus muttered to himself, looking around the space. He was sitting less than a hundred feet away from the Equalibria Chapel, and it's where he had been sitting for at least half an hour. The excuse he was currently using was that he was drinking coffee. It's not his fault that this one spot had really good coffee. It absolutely wasn't for the fact that there was a certain Medicae that he was hoping to see.
The doctor hadn't been able to get Bellana the Strike Medicae off his mind since she had barreled through his Trauma Room door. The staff of the medical ward all could tell that the doctor wasn't acting himself. He'd been spacing out, often. The fact that his little secret hadn't made its way across the station already was a testament to how scary Tarkus' reputation was. "If Lotara found out she'd skin me alive." He said to no one in particular as he again tried to talk himself out of going over and asking to see Bellana.
The Nuns did leave the chapel on occasion, but it seemed they kept to themselves for the most part inside. They'd arranged for one of the larger housing chambers of the station to be repurposed into the chapel proper, turning it from a quintet of housing units into a chapel and barracks for themselves.
So most of the people coming and going from the entrance were regular folks, most looking to see what the fuss was about more than anything else. There were a few worshippers of course, but they were by and far the minority. But, and this was important, it seemed the minority was more due to there just not being as many interested in the practice of this particular religious sect than any efforts to turn people away by the station staff.
Tarkus downed the rest of his coffee and sighed. "Come on, you got this." He stood and passed the barista a tip. Taking a deep breath, he walked forward. Forcing himself to take measured steps as he moved towards the chapel. His mind setting off every alarm bell imaginable in his head.
As he neared the front of the building, he paused once more. It was the point of no return, and yet it only seemed to steel his resolve. "It can't go that badly…"
More likely than not he was going to regret those words.
With that said, he attempted to step into the chapel.
As soon as he did, he felt like he had just stepped infront of a star. He had to brace himself against the doorframe as the effects of whatever the Nuns had done hit him. The act of standing upright and moving forward took considerably more effort than it had before.
While there didn't appear to be any of the clergy present as he stepped in, it was clear his entering triggered more than just his own discomfort. As pretty soon several of the nuns were rushing into the room with their weapons in hand.
"HALT!" One called out, raising her shotgun to point it at Tarkus. "What business does a creature of the lower planes have in this place of the higher planes?!" She demanded, keeping a sensible 10 meter distance from Tarkus as she did so.
Tarkus slowly raised his hands. “Easy now, is this how you treat all your guests?” He said, moving slowly so as not to agitate the clearly pissed off nuns. “I promise I mean no harm. I am only here to visit someone.” He replied. Grimacing slightly, he noticed how even holding his arms up felt like he was holding dumb bells over his head. He really did make a mistake by walking in here, though the stubborn doctor would never admit to it.
"And who might that be? You should know better than to step into this place devoted to those which stand opposite of your alignm-" The shotgunner was saying, before Bellana stepped into the main chamber, and walked over, putting a hand on the shotgun and forcibly lowering it. She looked like she had been half asleep when this all started, if the mussed up hair and slightly off make-up were anything to go by.
"What in Equalibria's name made you think trying to come into this place wouldn't cause some kind of trouble Tarkus?" She asked, having to pause mid sentence to yawn widely.
Tarkus smirked sheepishly. “I needed a consult?” He quipped. “I didn’t mean to wake you. Sorry about that.” He said lowering his hands. “So… Um… Wanna maybe talk outside. This many guns pointed in my direction gives me a ‘murdery’ vibe I just don’t have the bandwidth to process at the moment. Cause.. You know…” he said, spinning his index finger in a motion to encompass the cloister.
Bellana yawned and nodded. "Fine. But your paying for the coffee." She said, pointing a finger at Tarkus' chest, while she walked past her shocked Sisters and out of the chapel. "And next time you want to talk... Just send me a message? Last I checked we did have a station network." She pointed out as she stepped past Tarkus himself.
Going straight to the stall that Tarkus had been at before he finally worked up the courage to enter the chapel, she put in an order for a surprisingly simple cup of black coffee with a shot of rum.
Tarkus had a similar order, but with whiskey. Paying the barista, he moved and sat. “Yeah well that would have worked if I had gotten your info last time we spoke. Granted there was a half dead guy on my table, but still…” He said, tapping his mug to her’s. “He’s doing well by the way. Arm’s all healed. Was even nice enough to donate two whole units of blood. No coercing either, honest.” He said, placing a hand over his heart, before his face cracked into a mischievous smirk.
"You did it while they were passed out, didn't you?" She asked straight faced as she began to drink her coffee. Giving a slight shiver at the kick it had, she sighed in relief. "I know, adding booze to the drink is the worst way to wake up, but the alcohol is a sharp kick to the teeth." She pointed out, before leaning back in her chair. "So, what was so important to talk to me about that you were willing to risk your own current tether to this mortal plane for a time?" She finally asked after several quiet moments.
“You give me so little credit… There is a signed waiver and everything.” He replied, whipping his own coffee. He savored the drink as he formulated his next sentence. “Well, uh… you see…” Taking another sip of liquid courage, he cleared his throat. “I actually didn’t come here for anything specific. I just wanted to see my favorite gyrau nun is all.” He teased, hiding his redding cheeks behind his mug once more. Man did this place know how to make a good coffee…
"Uh huh." She said, glancing up at the chrono hanging from the wall. "At 5 in the morning. Have you slept yet?" She asked, now looking closely at Tarkus' face to see if she could spot any signs of exhaustion or the like. "And no, you don't get to shift the subject until you answer my question."
“Wait… It’s 0500?” He asked, looking at the clock, confirming the time. “Well shit, now I’m an asshole…” He replied, putting his mug back down on the table. “Sorry, I’ve done the night shift the past few weeks. And to answer your question, no I haven’t yet. Just got relieved by my sister.” He added.
"Fair enough. So, glad you get to see me now? Normally I'm doing swing shifts. That's when the rest of the Sisters are doing their stupid enough antics to warrant medical work." Bellana replied, nodding slowly. She was slowly working on her cup of coffee as they talked, starting to seem more like herself as Tarkus saw that week ago. She didn't seem nearly as lively, but that was probably because she'd been deep asleep when he'd arrived.
Tarkus smirked. “The swing shift is dreadful. It’s busy from the time you clock in, to the time you clock out. That’s why I prefer the night shift. Less stupid people out and about in the middle of the night.” He replied. As they spoke, Bellana could see Tarkus visibly relax as they spoke about their common issues. Healthcare truly was a universal concept.
"Yes, but when dealing with women who live around the operation of weapons and the training of warfare, Swing is also when they get sloppiest. Thus why I work it." She pointed out. "It's one of those things. Sure, I'd love to work day shift, but they're usually on point then." She stated, sighing. "You'd think most of them would know by now not to do the stupid shit, but they do it anyways. More so now that we're not even a field combat unit anymore."
“I see. You’d be surprised how many idiots the night shift will bring in. Mostly drunken related accidents.” He replied. “But I know how stupid grunts can be when it gets to the twilight hours. Mind if I ask how long you've been with them?” He added, slowly nursing his own coffee.
"I'd say, about 10 years now. We were part of a larger unit, but this posting, fuck it, this missonary duty, was deemed too sensitive to have more than the 10 of us. Most are pretty experienced in combat, but almost none of us were really trained to do the clergy duty thing." Bellana replied, shrugging helplessly. "We've been trying to figure it out without causing trouble. We did put in a request for a proper clergyman or clergywoman to be brought in, if not full time, at least as an instructor, but so far, silence."
Bellana looked like she was speaking with some askance at the whole situation. "Honestly, it's a bit of a miracle that we have as much traffic as we do. But as it is, most of the Nuns still keep their combat training in cycle, but mistakes and accidents happen. Thankfully, nothing so severe yet to need to bring them to you. Yet."
Tarkus had to chuckle. “Oh I know exactly why you are here. Temperance did it in an attempt to piss us off.” He explained. “She wants my sisters to return to the fold. I don’t think I told you. Lotara and Verena are angels, and my elder siblings before they ascended. Lotara was once under the command of Temperance, but there were… disagreements.” He said, his expression growing angry as he explained. “Lotara refuses to give me all the details, but I’m not an idiot. Temperance did something to my elder sister that caused her to leave, and that's reason enough for me to hate the bitch.” Forestalling the coming argument, he added. “I’m not trying to bash your order at all, I’m sure Equilibra is a fine god to worship, it’s only Temperance that I want to run through with my scythe.”
Bellana shrugged. "Some within the Holy Order do... 'question' Temperance's tenets on occasion, but for the most part, we accept it as just how she is." She says, though it was clear they didn't agree or approve. "She's apparently harder on the actual Divines under her than she is the mortal members of her Order. As for Equilbria, well, it's harder to say. He doesn't seem to care how his servants act so long as it is with a defined order and structure to it. It, usually can't be a whimsical thing. Don't get me wrong, he has no issue with whimsy, just, dictates that it not define your life."
Tarkus snorted. “I’m sure if we asked your angel friend, she’d have some qualms with the way Temperance makes her dress.” He said signaling the barista to top off his coffee. He took a long sip and savored the bitter drink. “As informative as this is, it wasn’t the reason I originally wanted to ask you to speak with me.” He said, slowly rotating the mug in his hands. “I had actually wanted to ask if you’d like to get a coffee with me… I guess mission accomplished?” Tarkus said with a small smile, not meeting Bellana’s gaze.
"Yup. Definitely seems like you succeeded. We're sitting, talking, and having coffee." Bellana says, smiling. "And I dunno, at least our little group is fine with it. Sure, gets a bit much at times, but we would have sought to commune with a different Order by this point if we had significant issues." She continued. "Sorry, I know, shift topics. Just, wanted to get that aired out while I could and it was still relevant."
Tarkus smiled, to those who knew him it looked entirely unnatural on the doctor’s face. “Well, if there was one good thing that came out of all this” He said pointing back towards the Nun’s chapel “At least we got a chance to meet.” He said, raising his cup to her before knocking back a healthy swig. “And just to let you know, I don’t mind that your order is here. That’s Lotara and Elenor’s beef. I personally hate everyone equally. I don’t discriminate.” He teased.
Bellana shrugged. "I've not met Lotara myself. I think she's avoiding us on purpose. As for the other one... We avoid causing trouble, and more importantly, aren't seeking her or the demon she's pacted to out. I can't imagine they have many good things to say about us, much as we don't have much good to say about them."
“Lotara isn’t all that bad, though I may be biased.” He replied. It honestly was surprising that she hadn’t confronted Tarkus about all this yet. She had to know…
“TARKUS!”
“Well shit…” Tarkus muttered, downing his drink. “Can I just get straight bourbon this time please?” He asked as he heard the demanding voice of Lotara approaching. “Want to meet my sister? Cause I think she’s coming now…” He deadpanned as loud stomping could be heard from directly behind him.
Behind him, Bellana could make out two angelic forms. One of Lotara, the one who had yelled out his name and the other Verena who was hot on her heels.
“What the hell were you thinking Tarkus??? Walking into a chapel?! Do you have a death wish?! Or are you just that dense?!” Lotara yelled as she came closer.
“Sister calm down, I’m sure… Oh… Hello.” Verena said to Bellana as they approached. “Has Tarkus done something? I’m sorry if he has offended you. We will handle it I promise. We apologize on his behalf.” Verena added.
Bellana shrugged. "Other than as you said, wondering what the hell he was thinking walking into a chapel devoted to Equalibria as he did. Apparently, it was to ask me to coffee." She said, smiling as the two sisters approached. "A pleasure to meet you both however."
The pair stopped right behind Tarkus, Verena putting a hand on Tarkus’s shoulder as Verna moved to stand next to the table. “Nice to meet you, miss?” Lotara asked.
“Her name is Bellana and we met when she wheeled a dead guy through my door. Happy now?” Tarkus informed.
Verena and Lotara looked at each other, then to Bellana, then to Tarkus and back again. “So this isn’t because he wanted to stir shit up?” Lotara asked.
“No it wasn’t, '' Tarkus replied indignantly.
“You weren’t coerced here?” Verena added.
“Now that’s just hurtful.” Tarkus pouted.
“So you walked into a chapel… to ask the Nun out for coffee… and that’s it?” Lotara asked.
“Yes! Is that so unbelievable to you?” He asked, looking back to Bellana. “Would you like to go somewhere else for drinks? Somewhere far away from these two?” He asked, jabbing his thumb in the direction of his sisters.
"I dunno. Kind of curious what kind of things they have to say about this. I mean, a Strike Medicae of the Holy Order of Temperance, and a demon? Having coffee together? The slander!" Bellana replied, grinning. "Then again, even more slanderous is the fact that both of these two Angels are related to said demon!" She continued, swirling her cup around a bit for knocking back a swig.
The sisters looked at each other again then both shrugged, taking seats. “Yes well, that is a… long story.” Verena said, ordering herself and Lotara coffee. “As for the two of you, I’m just curious…” Lotara looked much more suspicious. “As am I. So? Spill Tarkus.”
The doctor sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. “I just wanted to ask Bellana for coffee, that’s all. Can you go now?”
Lotara was unimpressed by his answer. “Obviously, idiot. But why did you ask her to coffee? And if I don’t get a real answer I’ll kick your ass.”
Verena smiled and looked at Bellana. “Might wanna get comfortable, this may go on for a while. They get like that. The eldest sibling versus the youngest, and both are stubborn.”
"No clue on siblings. Only kid. But honestly, this feels like the Cleric and her Angel half the time. Sure, they get along for the most part, but Equalibria give me strength, when those two get into a spat...." Bellana admitted, sighing and shaking her head. "but honestly, I got nothing but time at the moment, since I don't' usually get up for another 6 hours normally anyways."
“We had a big family when we were little. Lotara is the eldest and was always trying to keep us out of trouble. Tarkus would be the one to always find trouble.” Verena explained as Tarkus and Lotara’s argument got more animated. “After we got separated they both changed so much. Tarkus was a fun loving trouble maker, but now he is always annoyed or pissed off at something. When they start arguing I see their younger selves.” She added.
Bellna chuckled as she watched the two trading barbs with each other. "I see. Seems like it is going to be quite the interesting time here. If anything I have experienced thus far is to be gone by." She mused aloud. "As for Tarkus, well, my experience with him thus far has been... neutral at best. He's very good at his field, but he does leave much to be desired in a doctor when it comes to personality."
Verena chuckled softly. “Just give him time. I have never seen him actually show interest in someone like this before. The fact he sought you out at all shows he is interested.” She explained, raising an eyebrow and smirking. “Oh and I’ll handle Lotara, she likes to stick her nose in other people’s business.”
“I heard that Verena!” Lotara called, indignantly.
Verena snickered. “You were supposed to.” She replied
"I suppose I ought consider myself lucky, or unlucky, depending on one's views." Bellana said, chuckling as the three continued to act. "I'll be honest, I have a hard time seeing the three of you as having been, what's the term Heph uses... Ah, right, mortalborns. You just all seem so used to being angel or demon by now."
Tarkus and Lotara stopped their arguing at that and looked to Bellana, then to Verena and back. Finally the silence was broken by Verena. "I can see why you'd think that. A lot can change in the thousands of years we've been alive. But for me, they are still my brother and sister. The three of us were close before turning." She explained.
At this Lotara nodded. "They will always be my little siblings, and it's a big sister's job to watch out for them. Even if one went and became a demon…" She said flicking one of Tarkus's horns.
Tarkus flinched back at the hit even though it didn't harm him in the slightest. "In my case, I didn't become a demon to gain power for myself. I did it to save our brother, so maybe thats why I still get along well with them. But I think it's more what Verena said. They are still both my sisters."
Bellana merely nodded as she listened to them, and focused on her coffee for a few moments. Letting the moment just, hang in the air. "I see." She said, sipping her drink, and giving a small displeasured grunt of noise as she finished it. "Well, I suppose I should leave you three to things. It was... nice, Tarkus." She said, giving a smile and a nod before standing up and heading back to the chapel that housed the clergy.
Tarkus looked as if he had more to say, but thought better of it and simply said. "It was. Wanna do it again sometime?" He asked as she moved to leave.
"We'll see, ya big doof. Maybe if you do things the normal way, instead of just barging into the chapel." She said, turning with a very displeased look in her eyes as she looked at him, before giving a wave to all three and stepping away from the little coffee shop.
"Have to agree with her. You're an idiot." Lotara said as she walked away.
"Screw you." Tarkus replied.
"This is the stupidest thing you have ever done." Tarkus muttered to himself, looking around the space. He was sitting less than a hundred feet away from the Equalibria Chapel, and it's where he had been sitting for at least half an hour. The excuse he was currently using was that he was drinking coffee. It's not his fault that this one spot had really good coffee. It absolutely wasn't for the fact that there was a certain Medicae that he was hoping to see.
The doctor hadn't been able to get Bellana the Strike Medicae off his mind since she had barreled through his Trauma Room door. The staff of the medical ward all could tell that the doctor wasn't acting himself. He'd been spacing out, often. The fact that his little secret hadn't made its way across the station already was a testament to how scary Tarkus' reputation was. "If Lotara found out she'd skin me alive." He said to no one in particular as he again tried to talk himself out of going over and asking to see Bellana.
The Nuns did leave the chapel on occasion, but it seemed they kept to themselves for the most part inside. They'd arranged for one of the larger housing chambers of the station to be repurposed into the chapel proper, turning it from a quintet of housing units into a chapel and barracks for themselves.
So most of the people coming and going from the entrance were regular folks, most looking to see what the fuss was about more than anything else. There were a few worshippers of course, but they were by and far the minority. But, and this was important, it seemed the minority was more due to there just not being as many interested in the practice of this particular religious sect than any efforts to turn people away by the station staff.
Tarkus downed the rest of his coffee and sighed. "Come on, you got this." He stood and passed the barista a tip. Taking a deep breath, he walked forward. Forcing himself to take measured steps as he moved towards the chapel. His mind setting off every alarm bell imaginable in his head.
As he neared the front of the building, he paused once more. It was the point of no return, and yet it only seemed to steel his resolve. "It can't go that badly…"
More likely than not he was going to regret those words.
With that said, he attempted to step into the chapel.
As soon as he did, he felt like he had just stepped infront of a star. He had to brace himself against the doorframe as the effects of whatever the Nuns had done hit him. The act of standing upright and moving forward took considerably more effort than it had before.
While there didn't appear to be any of the clergy present as he stepped in, it was clear his entering triggered more than just his own discomfort. As pretty soon several of the nuns were rushing into the room with their weapons in hand.
"HALT!" One called out, raising her shotgun to point it at Tarkus. "What business does a creature of the lower planes have in this place of the higher planes?!" She demanded, keeping a sensible 10 meter distance from Tarkus as she did so.
Tarkus slowly raised his hands. “Easy now, is this how you treat all your guests?” He said, moving slowly so as not to agitate the clearly pissed off nuns. “I promise I mean no harm. I am only here to visit someone.” He replied. Grimacing slightly, he noticed how even holding his arms up felt like he was holding dumb bells over his head. He really did make a mistake by walking in here, though the stubborn doctor would never admit to it.
"And who might that be? You should know better than to step into this place devoted to those which stand opposite of your alignm-" The shotgunner was saying, before Bellana stepped into the main chamber, and walked over, putting a hand on the shotgun and forcibly lowering it. She looked like she had been half asleep when this all started, if the mussed up hair and slightly off make-up were anything to go by.
"What in Equalibria's name made you think trying to come into this place wouldn't cause some kind of trouble Tarkus?" She asked, having to pause mid sentence to yawn widely.
Tarkus smirked sheepishly. “I needed a consult?” He quipped. “I didn’t mean to wake you. Sorry about that.” He said lowering his hands. “So… Um… Wanna maybe talk outside. This many guns pointed in my direction gives me a ‘murdery’ vibe I just don’t have the bandwidth to process at the moment. Cause.. You know…” he said, spinning his index finger in a motion to encompass the cloister.
Bellana yawned and nodded. "Fine. But your paying for the coffee." She said, pointing a finger at Tarkus' chest, while she walked past her shocked Sisters and out of the chapel. "And next time you want to talk... Just send me a message? Last I checked we did have a station network." She pointed out as she stepped past Tarkus himself.
Going straight to the stall that Tarkus had been at before he finally worked up the courage to enter the chapel, she put in an order for a surprisingly simple cup of black coffee with a shot of rum.
Tarkus had a similar order, but with whiskey. Paying the barista, he moved and sat. “Yeah well that would have worked if I had gotten your info last time we spoke. Granted there was a half dead guy on my table, but still…” He said, tapping his mug to her’s. “He’s doing well by the way. Arm’s all healed. Was even nice enough to donate two whole units of blood. No coercing either, honest.” He said, placing a hand over his heart, before his face cracked into a mischievous smirk.
"You did it while they were passed out, didn't you?" She asked straight faced as she began to drink her coffee. Giving a slight shiver at the kick it had, she sighed in relief. "I know, adding booze to the drink is the worst way to wake up, but the alcohol is a sharp kick to the teeth." She pointed out, before leaning back in her chair. "So, what was so important to talk to me about that you were willing to risk your own current tether to this mortal plane for a time?" She finally asked after several quiet moments.
“You give me so little credit… There is a signed waiver and everything.” He replied, whipping his own coffee. He savored the drink as he formulated his next sentence. “Well, uh… you see…” Taking another sip of liquid courage, he cleared his throat. “I actually didn’t come here for anything specific. I just wanted to see my favorite gyrau nun is all.” He teased, hiding his redding cheeks behind his mug once more. Man did this place know how to make a good coffee…
"Uh huh." She said, glancing up at the chrono hanging from the wall. "At 5 in the morning. Have you slept yet?" She asked, now looking closely at Tarkus' face to see if she could spot any signs of exhaustion or the like. "And no, you don't get to shift the subject until you answer my question."
“Wait… It’s 0500?” He asked, looking at the clock, confirming the time. “Well shit, now I’m an asshole…” He replied, putting his mug back down on the table. “Sorry, I’ve done the night shift the past few weeks. And to answer your question, no I haven’t yet. Just got relieved by my sister.” He added.
"Fair enough. So, glad you get to see me now? Normally I'm doing swing shifts. That's when the rest of the Sisters are doing their stupid enough antics to warrant medical work." Bellana replied, nodding slowly. She was slowly working on her cup of coffee as they talked, starting to seem more like herself as Tarkus saw that week ago. She didn't seem nearly as lively, but that was probably because she'd been deep asleep when he'd arrived.
Tarkus smirked. “The swing shift is dreadful. It’s busy from the time you clock in, to the time you clock out. That’s why I prefer the night shift. Less stupid people out and about in the middle of the night.” He replied. As they spoke, Bellana could see Tarkus visibly relax as they spoke about their common issues. Healthcare truly was a universal concept.
"Yes, but when dealing with women who live around the operation of weapons and the training of warfare, Swing is also when they get sloppiest. Thus why I work it." She pointed out. "It's one of those things. Sure, I'd love to work day shift, but they're usually on point then." She stated, sighing. "You'd think most of them would know by now not to do the stupid shit, but they do it anyways. More so now that we're not even a field combat unit anymore."
“I see. You’d be surprised how many idiots the night shift will bring in. Mostly drunken related accidents.” He replied. “But I know how stupid grunts can be when it gets to the twilight hours. Mind if I ask how long you've been with them?” He added, slowly nursing his own coffee.
"I'd say, about 10 years now. We were part of a larger unit, but this posting, fuck it, this missonary duty, was deemed too sensitive to have more than the 10 of us. Most are pretty experienced in combat, but almost none of us were really trained to do the clergy duty thing." Bellana replied, shrugging helplessly. "We've been trying to figure it out without causing trouble. We did put in a request for a proper clergyman or clergywoman to be brought in, if not full time, at least as an instructor, but so far, silence."
Bellana looked like she was speaking with some askance at the whole situation. "Honestly, it's a bit of a miracle that we have as much traffic as we do. But as it is, most of the Nuns still keep their combat training in cycle, but mistakes and accidents happen. Thankfully, nothing so severe yet to need to bring them to you. Yet."
Tarkus had to chuckle. “Oh I know exactly why you are here. Temperance did it in an attempt to piss us off.” He explained. “She wants my sisters to return to the fold. I don’t think I told you. Lotara and Verena are angels, and my elder siblings before they ascended. Lotara was once under the command of Temperance, but there were… disagreements.” He said, his expression growing angry as he explained. “Lotara refuses to give me all the details, but I’m not an idiot. Temperance did something to my elder sister that caused her to leave, and that's reason enough for me to hate the bitch.” Forestalling the coming argument, he added. “I’m not trying to bash your order at all, I’m sure Equilibra is a fine god to worship, it’s only Temperance that I want to run through with my scythe.”
Bellana shrugged. "Some within the Holy Order do... 'question' Temperance's tenets on occasion, but for the most part, we accept it as just how she is." She says, though it was clear they didn't agree or approve. "She's apparently harder on the actual Divines under her than she is the mortal members of her Order. As for Equilbria, well, it's harder to say. He doesn't seem to care how his servants act so long as it is with a defined order and structure to it. It, usually can't be a whimsical thing. Don't get me wrong, he has no issue with whimsy, just, dictates that it not define your life."
Tarkus snorted. “I’m sure if we asked your angel friend, she’d have some qualms with the way Temperance makes her dress.” He said signaling the barista to top off his coffee. He took a long sip and savored the bitter drink. “As informative as this is, it wasn’t the reason I originally wanted to ask you to speak with me.” He said, slowly rotating the mug in his hands. “I had actually wanted to ask if you’d like to get a coffee with me… I guess mission accomplished?” Tarkus said with a small smile, not meeting Bellana’s gaze.
"Yup. Definitely seems like you succeeded. We're sitting, talking, and having coffee." Bellana says, smiling. "And I dunno, at least our little group is fine with it. Sure, gets a bit much at times, but we would have sought to commune with a different Order by this point if we had significant issues." She continued. "Sorry, I know, shift topics. Just, wanted to get that aired out while I could and it was still relevant."
Tarkus smiled, to those who knew him it looked entirely unnatural on the doctor’s face. “Well, if there was one good thing that came out of all this” He said pointing back towards the Nun’s chapel “At least we got a chance to meet.” He said, raising his cup to her before knocking back a healthy swig. “And just to let you know, I don’t mind that your order is here. That’s Lotara and Elenor’s beef. I personally hate everyone equally. I don’t discriminate.” He teased.
Bellana shrugged. "I've not met Lotara myself. I think she's avoiding us on purpose. As for the other one... We avoid causing trouble, and more importantly, aren't seeking her or the demon she's pacted to out. I can't imagine they have many good things to say about us, much as we don't have much good to say about them."
“Lotara isn’t all that bad, though I may be biased.” He replied. It honestly was surprising that she hadn’t confronted Tarkus about all this yet. She had to know…
“TARKUS!”
“Well shit…” Tarkus muttered, downing his drink. “Can I just get straight bourbon this time please?” He asked as he heard the demanding voice of Lotara approaching. “Want to meet my sister? Cause I think she’s coming now…” He deadpanned as loud stomping could be heard from directly behind him.
Behind him, Bellana could make out two angelic forms. One of Lotara, the one who had yelled out his name and the other Verena who was hot on her heels.
“What the hell were you thinking Tarkus??? Walking into a chapel?! Do you have a death wish?! Or are you just that dense?!” Lotara yelled as she came closer.
“Sister calm down, I’m sure… Oh… Hello.” Verena said to Bellana as they approached. “Has Tarkus done something? I’m sorry if he has offended you. We will handle it I promise. We apologize on his behalf.” Verena added.
Bellana shrugged. "Other than as you said, wondering what the hell he was thinking walking into a chapel devoted to Equalibria as he did. Apparently, it was to ask me to coffee." She said, smiling as the two sisters approached. "A pleasure to meet you both however."
The pair stopped right behind Tarkus, Verena putting a hand on Tarkus’s shoulder as Verna moved to stand next to the table. “Nice to meet you, miss?” Lotara asked.
“Her name is Bellana and we met when she wheeled a dead guy through my door. Happy now?” Tarkus informed.
Verena and Lotara looked at each other, then to Bellana, then to Tarkus and back again. “So this isn’t because he wanted to stir shit up?” Lotara asked.
“No it wasn’t, '' Tarkus replied indignantly.
“You weren’t coerced here?” Verena added.
“Now that’s just hurtful.” Tarkus pouted.
“So you walked into a chapel… to ask the Nun out for coffee… and that’s it?” Lotara asked.
“Yes! Is that so unbelievable to you?” He asked, looking back to Bellana. “Would you like to go somewhere else for drinks? Somewhere far away from these two?” He asked, jabbing his thumb in the direction of his sisters.
"I dunno. Kind of curious what kind of things they have to say about this. I mean, a Strike Medicae of the Holy Order of Temperance, and a demon? Having coffee together? The slander!" Bellana replied, grinning. "Then again, even more slanderous is the fact that both of these two Angels are related to said demon!" She continued, swirling her cup around a bit for knocking back a swig.
The sisters looked at each other again then both shrugged, taking seats. “Yes well, that is a… long story.” Verena said, ordering herself and Lotara coffee. “As for the two of you, I’m just curious…” Lotara looked much more suspicious. “As am I. So? Spill Tarkus.”
The doctor sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. “I just wanted to ask Bellana for coffee, that’s all. Can you go now?”
Lotara was unimpressed by his answer. “Obviously, idiot. But why did you ask her to coffee? And if I don’t get a real answer I’ll kick your ass.”
Verena smiled and looked at Bellana. “Might wanna get comfortable, this may go on for a while. They get like that. The eldest sibling versus the youngest, and both are stubborn.”
"No clue on siblings. Only kid. But honestly, this feels like the Cleric and her Angel half the time. Sure, they get along for the most part, but Equalibria give me strength, when those two get into a spat...." Bellana admitted, sighing and shaking her head. "but honestly, I got nothing but time at the moment, since I don't' usually get up for another 6 hours normally anyways."
“We had a big family when we were little. Lotara is the eldest and was always trying to keep us out of trouble. Tarkus would be the one to always find trouble.” Verena explained as Tarkus and Lotara’s argument got more animated. “After we got separated they both changed so much. Tarkus was a fun loving trouble maker, but now he is always annoyed or pissed off at something. When they start arguing I see their younger selves.” She added.
Bellna chuckled as she watched the two trading barbs with each other. "I see. Seems like it is going to be quite the interesting time here. If anything I have experienced thus far is to be gone by." She mused aloud. "As for Tarkus, well, my experience with him thus far has been... neutral at best. He's very good at his field, but he does leave much to be desired in a doctor when it comes to personality."
Verena chuckled softly. “Just give him time. I have never seen him actually show interest in someone like this before. The fact he sought you out at all shows he is interested.” She explained, raising an eyebrow and smirking. “Oh and I’ll handle Lotara, she likes to stick her nose in other people’s business.”
“I heard that Verena!” Lotara called, indignantly.
Verena snickered. “You were supposed to.” She replied
"I suppose I ought consider myself lucky, or unlucky, depending on one's views." Bellana said, chuckling as the three continued to act. "I'll be honest, I have a hard time seeing the three of you as having been, what's the term Heph uses... Ah, right, mortalborns. You just all seem so used to being angel or demon by now."
Tarkus and Lotara stopped their arguing at that and looked to Bellana, then to Verena and back. Finally the silence was broken by Verena. "I can see why you'd think that. A lot can change in the thousands of years we've been alive. But for me, they are still my brother and sister. The three of us were close before turning." She explained.
At this Lotara nodded. "They will always be my little siblings, and it's a big sister's job to watch out for them. Even if one went and became a demon…" She said flicking one of Tarkus's horns.
Tarkus flinched back at the hit even though it didn't harm him in the slightest. "In my case, I didn't become a demon to gain power for myself. I did it to save our brother, so maybe thats why I still get along well with them. But I think it's more what Verena said. They are still both my sisters."
Bellana merely nodded as she listened to them, and focused on her coffee for a few moments. Letting the moment just, hang in the air. "I see." She said, sipping her drink, and giving a small displeasured grunt of noise as she finished it. "Well, I suppose I should leave you three to things. It was... nice, Tarkus." She said, giving a smile and a nod before standing up and heading back to the chapel that housed the clergy.
Tarkus looked as if he had more to say, but thought better of it and simply said. "It was. Wanna do it again sometime?" He asked as she moved to leave.
"We'll see, ya big doof. Maybe if you do things the normal way, instead of just barging into the chapel." She said, turning with a very displeased look in her eyes as she looked at him, before giving a wave to all three and stepping away from the little coffee shop.
"Have to agree with her. You're an idiot." Lotara said as she walked away.
"Screw you." Tarkus replied.