Mouse walks out.... (1)

to the table with a mirror in one hand, and a cue in the other. She's looking pretty serious, as is Kahvi. Mouse feels a little anxiety, introducing a competitive aspect into the calm setting of the ballroom. But she knows everyone here is a good sport, so she thinks she better lay a few ground rules.

2) No poking each other - RAE - I said NO poking each other with the cues. Breaks off the tips, and leaves those blue chalk marks that are impossible to get off.

You don't have to _let_ me win ladies, I wouldn't want that. I just figure with what lovely distractions you beautiful ladies make, I could use all the advantage I can get! :)

And of course I really don't play all that well. Maybe you gals can adopt me an keep me out of trouble down here.I'm afraid I'd make prime shark bait when it comes to pool.

You can put that mirror here on the wall (Mouse points to a hook with the words "put mirror here" under it). You know how vain we ladies are - always checking our faces...

If you want to learn, just watch Raven and Kahvi. I'm sure they won't steer you wrong. I, however, will teach you all the wrong ways to win i.e. distracting the other players, bumping the table, showing a little leg, (well, I'm not sure that would work for you)...

Now mouse, that grin you're wearing, it's supposed to resemble the Cat that ate the preverbial mouse not the mouse that swallowed the cat! (no pun intended Rae!) :)

Ragnar looks down at his fish belly white legs and decides that wouldn't be fare either! Oh for the embarrassment we are about to recieve......

"Just lean against the table like so..." Rae wraps her arms around Ragnar and shows him how to old the cue(sorry man, saw it in a movie once, always wanted to try it). "You be on my team, so try to knock one of the solids into the hole. If you can knock more than one in, great. If you knock the cue-ball in, not great."

...you know Mouse you might have a point. We all might get rich if we were to come up with a version of pool that involved three types of ball patterns instead of two. Just think, the game could be played either way, with nobody ever being left out!

Maybe you should give me some pointers too mouse. You gals can take turns. I'm sure the two of you can help me get it worked out in no time. :)

TickTick laughs. "Let's just say I know what pool is... Santa has a table; sometimes we elves play... I'm good but inconsistent and usually play without regards to rules... I can, however, shoot without hitting the table."

"...Uh Hi Tick, I didn't notice you come in. " He puts on his best innocent smile for his elven friend. "Rae and Mouse were just trying to save me from myself and teach me a little about pool. I'm such an erratic player ya know."

"Actually Rae is trying to teach him what to do." Mouse interjected, chalking up her cue. She glanced up at Ragnar and smiled her own grin. "I'm teaching him what _not_ to do."

Ticker found a good spot to watch from, never loosing her smile. And just when did she figure the smiling thing out Ragnar wonders.

Cutthroat, which can be a three person game, but I was waiting for Kahvi to join as my partner. I haven't seen her around so we can start this game, then start a new one when she come in.

Cutthroat is played where you have to protect your balls, and put the others in. 1-5, 6-10, and 11-15. Since Rae and I are more familiar with pool that you are Ragnar, we'll each take a handicap and play with 4. Rae put in the 1, so she will have 1-5. I put in the 12, so I will have 11-15. Ragnar gets 6-10 to protect. Ragnar will try to put in 1-5 and/or 11-15 before we put in his 6-10. But we will also try to protect our balls too. Once your set is off the table, you are out and the remaining players continue. TickTick, if you want to help Ragnar, feel free. Everyone understand? Or do you just want to shoot and see what goes in?

Mouse winces as she sees Ragnar's cue get too close to the felt. Again. She slides over and takes advantage of the big guy paying attention to his favorite elf to slide her arms around him and show him how to bridge his fingers so he doesn't have that problem. She stays there for a moment, and winks at Raven. Now she knows why Rae tried this move in the first place!

Ragnar purses his lips a little and takes a breath. Beautiful Ticker sitting on a stool grinning her wicked grin, eyes qlistening with knowing mirth, daring him not to understand. Adorable Rae winking that oh so devistating wink and trying for all she's worth to supress a grin as she goes for a petulent look. And the lovely mouse, having no problem at all grinning as she tries to position Ragnar's hands, all the while doing her best to exude total innocence. :)

...but I seem to have forgotten which Bell....I mean Lady...I mean pool ball! I'm supposed to be dancing...I mean er playing with...NO!... I mean aiming for...I mean....oh brother! :)

Rae, my dearest sister in the ballroom, yes, I do have one but he's not here, is he? And you yourself can't resist the Viking as much I can't - he's too much Viking for one woman!

Ragnar, I'd enjoy it while it lasts. And no playing us off each other! You should know the pies can come out as fast as the group hugs, so I'd watch the flirting, if I were you. Luckily we all know each other well enough to play these little games, and enjoy them.

Mouse lines up a combination shot, 4 into the 7 into the corner, which just misses. Jeez, that would have been nice. It seems the game has turned into "see what you can hit in" which is one of my favorites.

Mouse and Ticker pick up cues. "Okay, Mouse... now you DO understand that I only know how to make shots... I have very little understanding of the rules..."

a big flat package under her arm. The others stare at her, for 6th is wearing faded holey jeans and a cut-off t-shirt (Which reads "you're twisted and sick...I like that in a person.")

"Hey guys! A little bird told me some of you were hanging donw here, and you know I just can't resist!" 6th calls out. She looks around at the faces and spies Mouse.

"Mouse, I'm so glad to see you! I've got an early x-mas present for you." She hands the startled Mouse the box, and smiles gleefully as Mouse tears into the package.

"Oh, what is it?" Mouse cries, all thoughts of pool momentarily forgotten. She opens the lid of the box, removes the tissue paper, and gasps at what she sees inside.

"Bet you thought I didn't hear you! I went out and got you one, and for future reference, I get all my clothes custom designed by online costume shops. They have such good imaginations!" 6th said.

"But why are you wearing...um...that?" Ragnar points at 6th's not quite so elegant garb, knowing he really shouldn't ask such a thing, but too overcome with curiosity not to.

"Hey, I can have a day off, too, can't I?" she grins, and rubs her hands together gleefully. "Pool, huh? Can I play the winner? I'm not too shabby at it."

She grabs 6th in a BIG hug, grabs the suit, and runs to the fort to change. As she emerges, Mouse is glowing like the New Year's Eve ball, and only partly due to the silver lame catsuit.

Ragnar watchs as 6th and Mouse hug in appreciation of the gift. A certain part of him wants to smirk and snicker at the idea of a Mouse in a cat suit but hey, he hangs out down here mostly just to watch the others smile! There enjoyment brings certin warmth to his heart as well.

He'll be certain not to tell them though. It probably wouldn't pay to give them anymore advantages over him then they already have. He cann't be certain but just one of these ladies is probably enough to outnumber him! :)

Nevertheless, I'm keeping my suit on - you never know who you might meet down here and I like to look my best (looks are SO important, don't you think, hehe?)

6th says "Ok, I get to pick huh? Well, I say since you've already got the game set up for straight pool, play that. And as for teams, I have no clue who is really dying to play. I can sit out the first game, I'm exhausted from all the messes I've been in around here lately. So I think I'll just sit here, sip some cocoa, and make snide remarks about Ragnar's terrible pool skills, if it's all the same. Besides I LIKE to watch." 6th sits on one of the stools near the wall, crossing her legs. How she can sit, perched on the stool like that, is anyone's guess.

Rae, no poking with the cues! Oh, ok, you can have a little fun. Mouse resumes the shot, but it goes wide thanks to Rae poking her in the side. I guess the best players can play with distraction, but not me!

Sizing a possibility up he cautiously makes sure all the ladies are in front of him and leans over to give it another go. He strikes with the pool stick, hits the funny white ball and....

Tick. But if Rae is going all out, I think we ALL sould invest in some padding. Ragnar, that was a beauty shot. He goes again after sinking that last one. Tick you can trade in with me if you want to play....

Holding the tip of his tongue between his lips in concentration Ragnar eye the table. Hmmm so which ball should it be this time?

(Mouse is confident enought in her pool ability to keep MOST of her clothes on, but you never know, especially after some Punch!)

Now if Ragnar was ever to agree with that idea you'd have to be VERY drunk on punch or in a bikini better yet both! just to make it fair. I'm a bad pool player to begin with. Surround me with all you lovely ladies and I'm a gonner!

6th says "Well, if not strip pool, how about strip poker? I don't think I'd have much chance of keeping my clothes on with the pool thing, but I know I'd fare better with cards!"

We'd really need to start at some kind of handicap to make it fair." Rae pulls off her jacket and shoes. "Mouse, how'd you know it was my game? Sixth, we can play the poker after the pool. Ragnar, more punch?" Rae grinns and chalks up her cue...

"Fine!" Rae starts to take off her new collar and pauses. "Throw another log on the fire, Ragnar." Rae mutters as she pulls off her blouse. "Or several."

(Now don't ya'll get upset, he IS the only guy around right now, I'm NOT hitting on him! Besides, I have someone else on my mind...)

Ragnar averts his eyes from Rae and the other ladies as the first round of shots is exchanged and clothing hits the floor. It's not the nakedness that bothers him, quite the contrary, a thing of beauty such as these ladies was meant to be admired...it's just that he PROMISED he'd BEHAVE!!!

Hastilly he adds a couple of logs to the fire as requested. Cann't have these sweethearts getting cold. He lets these jumbled thoughts swirl around his head.He just had to go and promise! What to do, what to do?

Ticker's now pink ears twitched nervously. "Not so much modesty... umm... as weather. It's far too cold in here for me," she replied, wrapping her gray coat around her and shivering. "I think I'd rather stay fully clothed, if you don't mind."

Breathing deeply he glances at Tick, noting her observation, and then back at the others...he trys not to let his eyes linger to long upon...

"Well ladies as much as I'd love to"...he glances back at Tick who isn't helping with her lear. "I did promise I would behave...and you wouldn't want me to break a promise would you? I mean it would be like promising any of you something and then renigging." Ragnar shakes his head not believing he's about to say this but..." I think I'll have to sit this one out as well."

He looks up at 6thy, "Let me give SWORD a call maybe he can fill in for me 6th. I'm sure he'd try EXTRA hard if your offer remains the same."

She takes another swig off her bottle, knowing she's going to need the warmth that whiskey will give, if and when SWORD gets here. It's freezing in here!

"But, maybe I'll get lucky, and distract SWORD from making too many good shots. On the other hand...and then...Gol'durn it!" 6th begins to blush, "Oh those thoughts that infest my po' lil'ole brain! I guess I just confused myself as to whether I want him to win now, or not, and geez, he ain't even here yet!"

"...but you still want him to suffer for the Christmas present, don't you?" Ragnar grimaces, knowing full well that he has just suckered his friend. He then shrugs thinking that SWORD will just have to "suffer" it out.

The sound of boots echoing in the hall herald the approach of the swashbuckler. He walks in clad in his typical black leather and denim. He looks at the assembled group and winces. All four of these ladies have contributed to the pounding ache within his skull, and he suspects that there will be more of the same coming his way when least expected. He tugs at his goatee, a tired expression on his face.

SWORD nods. "Rack em up," he says and turns towards the stereo. "...a little music to put me in the mood..." He pulls a CD from his pocket and pops it into the CD player and then programs some selections. Raven_Kat racks the balls and motions for Mouse to get her "pool atire." SWORD returns to the table as a loud bass rhythm begins playing. He begins chalking his poolstick while tapping his foot and singing along with the music.

SWORD accomplishes a solid break and sinks the 3 ball in the lower right hand corner pocket. "Solids," he says and sets up for another shot but misses. Raven_Kat takes over and sinks the 9 ball in the left corner pocket.

SWORD takes over again. He sets up a shot and sinks the 5 ball in the left side pocket. He banks a shot and sinks the 2 ball in upper left corner. He follows this with the 1 ball in the upper right but scratches. Rae takes over.

Rae takes a straight shot at 10 ball and sinks in the lower right corner. She follows with this a banking shot but accidentally sinks the 8 ball.

SWORD nods as he sniffs the liquor and makes an unpleasantly quizzical expression. "Yeah, Ragnar was..." He takes a shot and grimaces. "Uggh! What is that, Southern Comfort???"

"What's that? Moonshine?" 6th asks looking at the clear liquid. She sniffs it. It reminds her of whisky but seems so much more pure.

"...and you were playing pool," he replies to Ragnar. "Bey Royale Scotch--fine and pure," he answers 6th. He takes a small drink and swallows slowly, a smile on his face. "Ahhh, that clears the sinuses!

SWORD nods and begins to eyeball the setup. As he looks at the table, Mouse begins to walk around the bar. "Want to make the game more interesting?" she asks.

SWORD stands beat red and in shock. He's not smiling but looks mortified. 6th pulls his jacket off of him, chuckling, to leave him in his black Tasmanian devil t-shirt.

Half feeling sorry for SWORD, Ragnar busts up laughing when he sees the "Oh boy, I'm screwed!" look come over SWORD. Hearing the guffaws, his buddy just glares at him.

He steps up, chalks his cue, and drives the 12 ball home in the near pocket. He grins at Mouse and raises his eyebrows. Mouse tries valiantly to protest that she only said SWORD had to strip when she made a shot, but in all fairness, one high heel comes off. She holds her breath for the next shot and he sinks the 10 with a florish in the side. Ragnar chuckles at the expression on Mouse's face as she relinquishes the heel's mate. "At least I'm level again" pouts Mouse. "And I need a BEER! If I'm going to win this game, I'm going to have to loosen up!" Mouse declares.

Sword waits until Mouse gets her Yuengling Lager and calls the 15 in the far right pocket. Mouse leans over the table, just a little, and asks Sword if he's getting hot, being so close to the fire. Sword replies that he's just fine, but misses the 15. YES!

Mouse chalks up her cue, powders her hand, and sinks the one in a long shot across the table into the corner. Rae laughs as Sword tries to balance himself enough to get the other boot off. 6th is watching the proceedings like a hawk. Ticker helps to soothe (or perhaps tease) Sword by remarking on what lovely socks he has.

With one hip on the table, and one foot on the floor, (and the labcoat snaps straining), Mouse proceedes to send the seven into the near corner. She looks expectantly at Sword.

He groans, and take off his shirt. The girls ohhh and ahhhh at the sight. 6th's eyes are looking kind of glazed - is it all that SoCo? Rae and Tick take turns pointing out how his muscles flex and turn with every move, making Sword even more uncomfortable. What a good sport!

Mouse finishes her beer, shoots at the six, and it hangs in front of the pocket. "NO - she was robbed!" shouts Ragnar. "Who's side are you on?" asks Sword?

Sword gives Mouse an evil grin, and proceeds to pocket the nine in the side. All eyes turn to Mouse, as she slowly unsnaps the labcoat.

Sword puts the 8 ball in and declares the game over. Always the gentleman, he would rather lose than cause Mouse too much discomfort. Mouse decides she REALLY likes Sword, and gives him a peck on the cheek.