Steam and Steel Options

[Rohirrim]

Jonah stepped into the morning sun from the darkness of the tailor shop. He carefully situated his goggles on his face, hitched up the rifle strap on his shoulder, and went to find some lunch. This was the slaughterhouse district, so a broiled beefsteak or kidney and some drink wouldn't be too hard to find. Spotting the double doors of a saloon, he stepped in and grabbed a seat at the bar. He held up his flask and dropped a penny on the bar. "Refill, please. Whiskey." The bartender silently obliged him, and Jonah took a swig. He winced. Rye, always rye, he thought, what I wouldn't do for some good old bourbon. He let the whiskey coat his mouth then put down a nickel. "Two kidney chops, my good man." The barkeep went into the kitchen to place Jonah's order. Satisfied it was being taken care of, Jonah looked around. The synth-piano played a gay tune, and some women of questionable virtue, as well as several other patrons, were around. He hiked up his bowler hat, letting his bangs fall down, and removed his goggles, putting them on his forehead. He cast a glance at the bounty board hanging at the end of the bar. Maybe, he thought, maybe.

This post has been edited by Rohirrim: Oct 26 2013, 05:33 PM

[Colonel Mustard]

"I believe we do. Ten dollars should adequately cover what I have in mind," Lucius said, producing the note and laying it on the counter by the bed. In a movement halfway between a simple spin and the rotation of a waltz, he turned her around so her back was facing him. "Now, my dear, as exquisite a sight as you are, I can certainly think of a way to improve such a view."

With deft fingers both organic and mechanical, he set about unlacing the back of the black dress that Betty wore, loosening the garment off. He placed a kiss on her neck as Betty obligingly shucked it off (he was surprised at how easily it was removed, but then again it may well have been tailored for such a thing, considering her line of work).

For a few moments he halted at what he saw. Betty's skin was far from unblemished, as he had suspected, instead decorated with an extensive web of tattoos. Across her arms were a multitude of designs, leaping fish and a desert oasis among other things, but the most impressive were the pair of mechanical wings stretching down her back, inked canvas stretching between faux-metallic struts.

"My word," Lucius said after an appreciative intake of breath. "You are a walking work of art."

He placed her down on the bed and stripped off his own jacket. A few undone buttons was enough to remove his shirt, exposing his bare chest and the ornamented metal plating over his right shoulder, moving above Betty, and devoted some time and energy towards the appreciation of art.