Session Start: Sat Feb 09 21:36:07 2008 Session Ident: #lunar-iog2 * Logging for #lunar-iog2 started * Retrieving #lunar-iog2 modes... >> The party have all had encounters with Niri within the last hour; she has asked everyone to meet at the base of the tower so that they may teleport to New Meribia. The party begins to trickle into the appointed spot... * Trune is the first to arrive at the appointed spot, his large backpack slung over his shoulder as he walks. He parks himself near a wall and slides down into a sitting position, waiting for the others to show up. * Vytor has yet to arrive at the meeting place. He's been somewhat scarce for a while now. * Mikel is slow in coming, making his way to the meeting spot from the outskirts of the city. He's managed to clean up some, though his jacket is starting to look pretty ragged. He ends up mimicing Trune, finding a patch of ground to sit down and lean against a wall as well. ...Hey. * Webbly is now known as Huw * Saki picks her way slowly to the meeting point, escorted - occasionally supported - by Rachel. She doesn't look amazingly hot; actually, she looks beaten up and tired out, but has a grim sense of satisfaction about her. For her part, Rachel looks impressively neutral compared to usual. * Mikel glances up. "'ey." I'd ask how you're doing but that'd be pretty retarded. Better question possibly: How are you in regards to everything? ...Mm. Still here. About all I can say. * Ryllan steps out from the tower silently. * Saki and Rachel take up position alongside the tower door. For one bizarre moment, they both lean against it at precisely the same time and position. Then Rachel starts, irritated, and purposefully shifts to a different angle. Saki studiously ignores it. * Trune nods, "Hopefully in time it'll be more than that. But I'm glad you're here." * Mikel closes his eyes. "Maybe. Thanks though." Don't mention it. As Niri walks down the stairs to meet the group, the Pendant around her neck begins to surge with a familiar warmth and a ghostly projection of Lucia appears before the heroine. * Rachel grits her teeth and starts a sort of constant low growl and raise of hackles; Saki rolls her eyes in response, and turns to face Niri, hand on one hip. * Niri has just reached the bottom of the stairs where the others are gathered when the projection appears. She halts. "Mom?" * Mikel looks up again, frowning. [Lucia] Niri... so you're finally going back to Meribia? I wanted to speak with you before you left... * Radien (zipo@c-67-189-108-88.hsd1.or.comcast.net) has joined #lunar-iog2 [Lucia] The energies here allow me to conserve power and speak like this, but our souls are always connected -- just like mine and Hiro's. Connected...? How? [Lucia] By my Pendant I've given you of course. *smile* * Rachel cuts in, devoid of tact. "More importantly, /where/?" [Lucia] I've already begun to warn Hiro of your arrival... it seems he's found some danger of his own. * Trune speaks for the first time, "Danger?" Is this about those things from Bluetooth? Where is he, Mom? I have to get to him right away! [Lucia] The tunnels he's investigated for the recent days have turned up the invasion forces of Lazarus... as we speak he is hurrying to Meribia to warn them of the Servitors arrival. You've got to organize Meribia's defense before they make it. As fractured as it is now, they might not be able to stand up. We need the sword as soon as possible. * Niri curses under her breath. ...invasion, great. [Lucia] There's still some time to warn the government, or whoever is in control now. I don't really know the situation there after being locked up... * Saki blinks once, takes a moment to process it, then nods. "... fine. We can rouse Haram. Ryllan's got his... whatever it is. Vytor can-- Vytor?" << locked up in the crystal. >> Invasion...tch, Zophar. * Trune spits these words out. * Rachel scans the group, then confirms for Saki. "Big dumb blacksmith go bye-bye." * Mikel ...looks at Rachel, frowning. Bye bye...what are you talking about? ...Wait, what? * Rachel raises one eyebrow. "He's not here yet, of course. Bit stupid to plan the defence of a town without one of the people big in that town." * Trune begins to look concerened now, "Damn...I didn't even realize he wasn't...nrgh, we need to find him, then." * Saki blinks twice, this time. "... don't look at me, I haven't a clue." Didn't he get the message that we were meeting here? * Niri looks concerned. * Vytor hustles in from around the corner of the spire, looking flushed and sweaty, carrying some object under his arm. "Sorry, sorry! Got tied up on some details." * Rachel nods, satisfied. "Big dumb blacksmith come back next day," she notes. Vytor! Are you ready to go? We have to get to New Meribia, now. Nasty stuff is going down. * Trune lets out a sigh of relief, then gives Rachel a look, "You could have, yanno, mentioned that." Mom, can you get a message to Dad for me? I'm all set. Tell him we'll meet him in New Meribia, and we need the sword! Tell him I'll explain everything once we're there! * Rachel looks positively perplexed. "--he was very plainly not here," she decides. "It's hardly my fault if you didn't ow." Enough, Rachel. * Saki withdraws her elbow from Rachel's ribs. [Lucia] Of course * Saki coughs politely. Anything else you can tell us, Lucia? * Vytor blinks at the image of Lucia I assume I've missed something again. * Saki looks across at Vytor, and opts for the short and quiet version. "... Meribia'll be confused and panicky. Our job to rally them, some kind of bluetooth invasion." Yeah, Vytor...Meribia's gonna be invaded by those things from Bluetooth. ...oh. [Lucia] Whoever is in control of the enemy must intend to sneak attack the place and crush our chances of stopping Zophar's revival using that technology... but if we can repel them quickly, there is not enough for a second assault, and that would be your chance. [Lucia] Or that is what Hiro thinks, at least. * Saki moves to the side and continues sotto voce as Lucia speaks. "... might need you to rile up the crafts quarter. We should ... be able to handle the Haram folk." I'll do my best. << it's Horam btw. >> * Niri nods. "Tell Dad we're on it. I'm ready to teleport us there the minute everyone else is ready." * Niri glances at the others. «ooc: stfu I retconned it :( » [Lucia] I'll leave this in your hands, Niri. be safe and embrace your father for me... *smile* * Vytor settles over next to Saki and Rachel, then wags a finger at Rachel, "Blacksmith may be big and dumb, but has good hearing." * Trune stands up, "I'm...ready whenever you are." Trune's voice doesn't exactly make it sound like he truly IS ready, though. The image fades away slowly, the gathered motes of the air returning to their normal haze. * Tanan waits until the projection fades to speak, his voice strained. "That feels so creepy when she does that." * Rachel absolutely didn't hear Vytor. You can tell, because she's looking away with her arms crossed. Hey, Mikel? * Mikel hauls himself up, looking over at Vytor. "Yeah?" * Vytor walks over to the young man, pulling the tarp from the object he was carrying, and presents his latest piece of handiwork. "For you. I made with the last few Star Dragon Diamond shards I had. I just wish I was giving it under better circumstances." * Niri peers curiously at the object. * Saki is still ignoring Vytor. You can tell, because she's looking away with her arms crossed, and also several feet over THERE away from Mikel. ooc crap joke ruined << ... >> * Rachel is still ignoring Vytor. You can tell, because she's looking away with her arms crossed, and also several feet over THERE away from Mikel. * Mikel sets the half dematerialized staff against the wall as he reaches out to take the staff. He spins it about once, examining the diamonds on each end as they glimmer in the light. "...thanks, Vytor." He looks up at the blacksmith, managing a small smile for a moment. * Vytor nods in return. * Mikel grabs the other staff with his free hand, looking over at Ryllan. "'ey, Ryllan." * Ryllan looks up sharptly, as though broken out of deep thought, "Mm?" * Mikel holds out the Prophetess's staff to him. "Seeing as you've got a piece of her in you, here. Put it to good use." Thanks. * Ryllan takes it, tossing it from hand to hand experimentaly. Hah. How does it feel, Vytor, to be making the things that might be the relics of old a thousand years from now? * Niri looks thoughtful at that, then grins! Humbling, actually. So, someday adventurers will be exploring perilous ruins for the lost treasures made by the legendary Vytor? Probably. But we should get moving. Tick-tock. Heh, and our adventures will sung by drunken bards. * Saki nods in satisfaction, then glances over to address the group. "... we may have to split up when we get there. We've each got our own places we can try to help or influence most." Mm. Think you all are still wanted? Probably. I.. seriously if I wind up in a ruin somewhere I am going to be so angry. * Rachel notes with a snort, "/We/ weren't ever wanted." Probably. But Liza should be rational enough presented with our intel. She's not a moron. * Mikel shoots Rachel a rather nasty yet amused look. "Good, you and me can go in first then." * Saki nods. "... it might be best, that way." Then a thought strikes her. "... if I'm going to rally Horam, I might need Yuriko and... maybe what's left of the Misogi." * Niri chuckles. "Don't worry. No ruin for you." Right. So, who's going to go together if we split up? Umm...Saki? Niri HAS what's left of the Misogi. I may pass on meeting Liza. She's probably not going to be so pleased at seeing me. Last we met, I clocked her in the face. * Trune looks slightly embarrased. * Mikel ...looks at Trune, blinking. * Niri raises an eyebrow. "Really? I don't quite remember that." In slow motion too. It was actually pretty awesome. I think I missed that. Which is a shame, because it sounds great. It /was/! * Mikel just shakes his head. "Yuriko's still in the Spire, unless she ran off again." * Saki looks nonplussed at Vytor, then sloooowly twigs on. "... oh." She actually looks a little lost for words, thinks about it for a moment, and concludes: "... I'll leave that bit out if their dojo asks." Good idea. * Rachel snorts. "Maybe the big bad monsters ate it." * Vytor shoulder his belongings, signalling his readiness. * Mikel nods towards Niri, stepping up closer to make sure he's in range. Right. *She pulls out the White Dragon Wings* Ready? * Trune steps towards Niri as well, "Yeah, let's go." * Saki reaches to her side, where the enormous and heavy black gauntlets swing; with infinite care she's slid them on, and carefully does up all the clasps as she steps towards Niri, Rachel half-floating half-stepping behind. Ready. * Ryllan nods to Niri. * Niri summons the Wings' power, teleporting the party to New Meribia! In a flash the wings carry the party to the land of their birth at long last... * TheStoryteller changes topic to '-= Chapter 67: An Element of Danger | Location: Colonial Capital Meribia | Pool: 8 MXP =- http://storen.rpgcafe.net/IoG/' I don't know if I'll ever get used to that. * Trune presses the heel of his hand into his head, as if slightly dizzy, "Yeah, it's disorenting." When the effects of the telkeportation magci wear off, the group finds themselves in a deserted section of the docks, just south of the main square leading to the other boroughs. The sea air is fresh, but something seems palpable -- a tension hang in the ambiance, like a powder keg waiting to explode. * Rachel yelps a curse as they land, then immediately whips around to take in their surroundings. Saki just wobbles unsteadily. * Mikel simply blinks, looking around. * Niri levels a concerned glance at Trune for a moment, then looks around at their surroundings. "...Hmm. Relatively quiet, actually." We may have more time than we thought. Not a good quiet. Looks can be decieving. Don't be so sure. Don't trust it. We'd best find someone in the know. * Saki shakes her head. "... maybe not. Your call, though: how do we do this?" Right. So, are we splitting up, or sticking together? We'd better make a plan. * GMAmy (Amy@c-71-193-216-244.hsd1.or.comcast.net) has joined #lunar-iog2 * ChanServ sets mode: +o GMAmy Let's find out what the actualy situation is, then we can plan our next move. * Niri nods. For my own safety...I'd rather stick together. I'm not sure what my uh...criminal status is here anymore. He's got a point. * Rachel mutters for a moment, then shakes her head. "--tch! Fine. But you know our preferred plan." I'd rather not get in a tussle by myself with a lot of bunny babes, if you catch my drift. They have whips. * Mikel closes his eyes, shaking his head. "Bunny girls versus Xenobia. So, where to?" * Niri nods. "Well, let's head out and see what we can find..." * Vytor nods. Just try and keep a low profile for now, Trune. Yeah...Let's see. For those who are familiar with the city's security, you notice the usual guards are absent from this area they would otherwise be patrolling. Could something have caused a manpower shift? Or is the power structure of Bree indeed faltering without her guidance? If things are getting bad here, looking for you may not be anyone's priority. Huh. /somethings/ changed here, anyway. After Bree's death, I would have expected more patrols, not less. * Trune pulls out his overcoat, shrugging it on. He pulls up the overcoat's hood, concealing part of his face, "Hopefully you're right, but I can't take any chances. We have a mission, after all. Last thing I want is for my past to get in the way." This place was locked down tight when we came through before. * Saki frowns, and turns to Rachel. "... something's off. Can you take a look around? * Rachel looks confused. "What? No--" She blinks in surprise and then anger. "--no! Do your own damn scout work!" >> The sound of running feet and shouts can be heard from off on the other side of the docks. * Trune looks in the direction of the docks, "Did you all hear that?" I did. Yeah. * Vytor heads in the given direction. * Mikel starts off towards the noise. * Saki crosses her arms. "... I would, but there's a body in the way. Go!" "Argh! Fine!" Rachel responds, and her form drifts away to a more ghostly pallor as she releases concentration on it. It's not invisible... but it's impressive at least. She twists to run off in one direction as Saki aims for the noise, following the others. * Trune sighs, checks to see if the hood is indeed concealing his face, and follows behind the others. * Ryllan follows for a short time, then yells, "Take cover, let them come to us!" >> After a few moments, the group can see several figures appearing from the direction of the marketplace. A couple of bunnygirls - apparently Bree's former guards, dressed in leather armor - are laughing and fleeing from an angry shopkeeper wielding a spoon, and also a small group of young men, all in hot pursuit. ...the hell. * Vytor blinks. ...This is the sweetest thing I have ever seen in my life. I don't care if those men are good, evil, or crazy. This is awesome. * Saki places herself directly in the route of one of the girls, one palm back. "--Vy!" Then again, I'm kinda biased towards bunnygirls. One of the bunnygirls looks back as she runs and makes a taunting gesture. "Ha! Just try and catch us, rebels!" ...hm. Rebels? * Vytor responds to Saki's call, and plays roadblock. The shopkeeper slows, panting heavily, but the young men continue to give chase. The bunnygirls are apparently carrying what look like some fancy pastries in their hands. * Ryllan steps out into the middle of the street, twirling the strange, immaterial staff around. * Mikel raises his staff, examining the group. "Should I make them watch where they're going?" There's a crackle of lightning as one of the diamonds on the end of the staff starts glowing yellow. "So /this/ is what Bree's finest find themselves reduced to!? Pathetic." >> The bunny guards skid to a halt, finding their way blocked. Raising their eyebrows in surprise, they stare at Ryllan, then glance back at their pursuers, who are nearly caught up. * Trune sighs, and also steps out as well, "Reduced to common theives. Man, how far can you sink?" Not worth it. We don't need to make enemies over some cakes if w- oh well done. >> Ryllan does not recognize any of these supposed rebels, however; they are really not more than teens, and obviously new, if they are indeed rebels. * Saki steps forward, an aura of malice comparable to Rachel's. Think you forgot the bias we have about the whole situation Tanan. * Vytor stands with Saki and Ryllan, "Hello." * Trune hums to himself as he realizes that his statement is rather hypocritical considering what he's done in the past. Oh well. One the bunnygirls winks slyly and drapes herself on Ryllan's shoulder, batting doe-eyes. "Hey there. What's wrong, sailor?" * Mikel proceeds to bury his face in his free hand with a sigh. * Saki coughs politely, and grabs the scruff of the girl's neck, She raises her eyebrows at Ryllan wordlessly. * Trune bites back a laugh, "Oh...oh wow, just /wow/." The girl looks indignant. "Unhand me! I'm one of the New Meribia city guards, I'll have you know!" You also seem to be a thief. One of the young rebels spits at her, "Outlaw usurpers, you meant!" His two companions nod angrily. The other bunnygirl winks at Mikel. "Just a generous gift to the tireless police, handsome!" * Saki nods. "... I'm a big bad spooky rebel. Note the evil black armor and all." With a twist and a shoulder and a swing, she sends the girl not-so-gracefully arcing into the Meribia sea. As an encore, she rescues the lost pastry on it's way back down. Outlaw...usurpers? * Mikel points the staff at the bunnygirl, the gathered thunder willforce just growing. "You, shut up." Excuse me? But before people start breaking each other in half, can we get a general idea of what's going on? We're new in town. The bunnygirl in Saki's grasp goes flying with a shriek of dismay, followed by a loud splash. She comes up a moment later, sputtering, her mascara running down a face that is a mask of fury. * Ryllan chuckles, "Well, she'll be getting back to shore... eventually, I'd wager." He looks at the other two bunny girls, "Now, would you two care to surrender peacably?" * Saki blinks at Vytor, already taken a bite. "... mmf. Forgot. Sorry." Sorry Vytor...but...can't help it. I'm transfixed. It's like...divine justice. With bunnies. Its OK. * Vytor looks between the Bunny Guards and the Rebels, "Now, can we please get a rundown of the situation with New Meribia?" [Bunnygirl] Surrender? Why should I surrender? By New Meribia law, occasional appropriations as tax of local businesspersons is permissible, as enforced by the Bunny Guard! Who is the leader of your so called 'Bunny Guard'? * Rachel muses audibly, apparently having reappeared at the back of the group. "The Guard's a local business, right? It's not like there's much of a government to back it now." >> "A law that was overturned weeks ago, with Liza's death, Karissa! You should know that!" A new voice, smooth and confident, can be heard coming from the other side of the street. * Vytor blinks, and looks at the new speaker. * Trune suddenly goes stock straight, and from what you can see of his face underneath his hood goes pale in shock. Death, huh. So much for that. * Mikel turns to see who decided to speak up now. >> A young woman strides around the corner, dressed in tight black slacks and a loose fitting purple blouse, unbuttoned to show a bit of cleavage. She does not appear to wear anything close to the bunnygirls' uniform, but the remaining girls instantly snap to attention. The woman walks fluidly, a tall, willowy girl with long, red hair. * Trune is still silent, pale, but slowly his face begins to turn from looking shocked into one of anger. Unbridled anger. The young woman tosses her hair irritably. "How many times do I have to discipline you? The guard is no longer free to run rampant in the city, you know that!" * Rachel turns instantly to Saki. "Ooo. Throw this one in too." She does not appear to notice the newcomers yet. * Saki shakes her head for now. ..? * Mikel raises an eyebrow. "Guess she's the one in charge." Liza's dead? These are your miscreants, then? She turns to look at the group, eyebrow raised. "Ah! Visitors? Why, yes I am in charge. Who might you be?" * Saki pipes up. "... we're here to help organize the defence." "Yes, Liza died tragically a few weeks ago. Some lingering illness - the doctors couldn't figure out what was wrong. But the city is - " She stops, her eyes widening. "Trune? Trune McVrey? Is that you?" * Ryllan extends a hand toward the newcomer, "Ryllan Barak, once revolutionary scumbag. But we don't have time for a gang war right now. Meribia has larger problems." * Trune begins to laugh, but there's no mirth in it. Instead it is a cold, angry laugh, "Heh, nice to know that you're still reaching high, Mik'. How many backs did you have to break for this?" * Mikel raises an eyebrow, looking at Trune. "You know her?" Unfortunately. * Ryllan looks back over his shoulder, concerned. The woman ignores Ryllan's hand and rushes for Trune, throwing her arms around him. "I was so worried about you, Trune!" she croons at him. * Mikel blinks. * Niri stares in shock. "What the..." * Vytor blinks. Uh... * Trune stiffens, and suddenly pushes her away, "Worried? WORRIED? You...you...how /dare/ you say that. After what you did! You sold us out, Mik'!" * Vytor shuts up and waits of an explanation. She manages valiantly to look hurt. "You didn't know the whole story, Trune! I saved your life by that ploy." * Mikel looks over at Niri, resting his staff on his shoulder while murmuring. "The hell is all this?" Saved my LIFE? What do you think I am, retarded?! I was thrown in the dungeons because of you! Heath too! * Niri shakes her head. "I have no..." She frowns, squinting. "...Wait. Maybe I do. Is this..." "It's a long story, Trune, but trust me, Bree would have killed you instantly if I hadn't spoken on your behalf." The woman turns to the party. "I beg your pardon. I can see we've gotten off to a bad start. My name is Mikayla Ronoke, and I'm an old friend of Trune's." * Mikel frowns, shifting the staff back off his shoulder and tilting it towards the newcomer. "That seems to be a one sided sentiment." [Mikayla] Oh, he always was a prickly sort...weren't you, Trune? * Tanan speaks low. "Ahhh, but is she telling the truth." * Saki nods absently. "... right now, this could possibly wait. We've warnings and a fair bit of work to do." That's an understatement. There's a terribly large army descending on New Meribia. Not terribly long out. Speak on my behalf? Was that before or after you told Bree we were crazy, kidnapped you, and planned to kill her? Mikayla nods. "What brings you to Meribia? Oh, Trune, we have so much to catch up on. You wouldn't believe what great things are happening in this city now." [Mikayla] ...An army? *She raises a somewhat skeptical eyebrow.* What sort of army? Invasion, end of the world, doom and gloom. [Mikayla] Hmmm. Sounds fascinating. Really, you must tell me all about it over an ale. We're going to tell you NOTHING. ... * Trune spits these words out. * Rachel turns and looms over Trune, fixing him with a dead glare. "Then you are useless to the city defence. Leave." Tch! We will tell her what we need to. This city needs defended, and if she can marshal that defense so be it. Your grudge is not going to doom everyone who lives here. Are you shitting me? You can't trust her! She's the one who betrayed me in the first place! She's only out for her own intrests! [Mikayla] Ha! Really, Trune, temper does not become you. But my, such....devoted friends you've found! *She eyes Rachel wryly* * Vytor interposes himself between Trune and Rachel. Trune, that's /enough/! * Niri shakes her head. "Ease up on Trune, everyone! And Trune, calm DOWN." * Mikel sighs, stepping over towards Trune as he mutters something under his breath to him. * Rachel remains stock-still for a moment, then shrugs lightly. "Hehn! Whatever. All the times you've whined about people not trusting you. I trust whoever's in this city with a blade." She turns away, nearly turning ghostly again. Saki sighs, but does not offer any words. Calm down? Calm down? Are you joking, Niri? She's the one I told you about! I can't calm down. I won't be duped by her again! * Niri scowls suddenly, grabbing Trune by the shoulders - though she has to reach up to do it. She hisses something into his ear. Mikayla gives Trune an amused look. "Who's this? New girlfriend?" * Trune flinches and balls his hands at his sides. He slowly nods to Niri. * Saki moves to one side, and addresses Mikayla directly, low and serious. "... we've had reports from Hiro. About an invasion force from the dead region of Bluetooth, Zophar's soldiers. He's on his way here, but we were closer." ...No. She's a friend. A dear one. * Mikel shakes his head. "As Saki says. Whatever the hell you did can get sorted out after we make sure the town isn't levelled. No funny business." * Vytor stays close to Trune, letting the others sort things out for now. Mikayla continues to look amused. "Whatever you say, Trune." She ignores Niri's glare and turns to Saki. "Zophar, you say? Who might that be? I wasn't aware that there was anyone living in that part of the country at all. Are you sure you weren't taken in by some idle gossip?" * Saki shakes her head. "We fought them before when we were investigating the area to try to stop the radiation spread. It's entirely likely." I'm not entirely sure you could call them 'living'. But it's close enough. * Trune stands off to the side for now, barely keeping his anger in check. [Mikayla] Hmm. Well, in that case, I suppose we might do something about it...I do have business to attend to, though. Maybe you could come to city hall tonight around suppertime? ...you're kidding me, right? * Saki glances at the others, then nods. "... that's fine. We've all got to touch base too." * Vytor rests a hand on Trune's shoulder. [Mikayla] Not at all. If what you say is true, I'll have to recall the guard, and that will take all afternoon, as they are deployed all over the city. Mm. Fair enough. * Rachel notes, from somewhere near the back. "And any guard that believed everything they heard isn't worth a damn anyway." "Oh, and Trune..." Mikayla steps closer to him, looking into his face with what appears to be a genuinely sad expression. "I'm very sorry. I wasn't able to save him, even though I tried." * Mikel interposes his staff between Trune and Mikayla as she approaches, watching her carefully. Right then. We'll work on getting everyone else who can lend a notable force and we'll all have a strategy session over supper. Without anyone being in danger. Agreed? * Niri stands next to Mikel, hands still on Trune's shoulders, eyeing Mikayla suspiciously. Mikayla nods to Ryllan. "Agreed." She then turns to Trune, sighing. * Trune looks down at the ground, and says nothing. The young rebels have backed off and are whispering together some distance away, every now and then throwing angry glances back at Mikayla and the bunnygirls. The bunnygirls are sneering and making faces at them. [Mikayla] I'm-I'm sorry Trune. I just thought you should know that Heath is dead. But at least you were able to survive... Yeah...heh...funny that. * Trune 's voice sounds strained, and he shakes his head, "He was a good guy. He didn't deserve it." Mikayla shakes her head sadly. "No, he didn't, and it was my fault for getting him mixed up with it to begin with. But...well. I'll treat you all to a drink tonight! I have a great deal to do if I'm going to mobilize our defenses. I will see you then! Karissa, Malina, come on." Mikayla grabs the girls by their bunny ears and drags them off, heels clicking on the pavement. ... * Ryllan turns his attention to the young, self-proclaimed rebels, and barks authoritatively, "Report." * Saki watches them leave, then glances back over her shoulder at Trune. Her mouth's obscured so it's hard to gauge her expression. "... I'm not Rachel, so not one to swear," she starts solemnly, ignoring the snort of amusement. "... but we're trying to save the town. If you cannot even be civil to the guard, go cool off." The rebels dart poisonous looks at them as they leave. Suddenly they jump about a foot in the air as Ryllan addresses them. * Mikel gives it long enough so that they're out of earshot before resting his staff back on his shoulder. "...I do not like her, not in the slighest." << slightest* >> I cannot believe you're lecturing me right now. You have no idea what she's capible of. * Niri wrinkles her nose distastefully. "I don't either." However, rock and a hard place. Invasion first, her second. * Saki blinks once, then offhandedly remarks; "My soul has currently been torn in two by a friend. Should I hate her?" And Trune...maybe not, but this isn't the time or the place to try to rip her to shreds. * Niri goes silent at Saki's words. No...but she's smart. Smarter than you think she is. She will decieve you. It's what she does best. * Saki nods in understanding. "So Yuriko is stupid, so it's okay to be nice to her." N..No! It's...Ngh1 «ooc: also Ngh! » We'll just have to be better at it, Trune. We can't afford to fight both the bunnies and Lazarus' forces. ...if this wasn't Meribia, that'd be the most ridiclous sentence ever. * Mikel sighs. * Tanan speaks calmly, almost lecturing. "If she's smart, she won't interfere with us. If she does, she is a threat to humanity and she will die. Same as always." * Rachel speaks up from the back. "... oi." It's enough to stop Saki in her tracks for a moment, then she tilts her head with a sigh, and nods. "--alright. Then, we've got until evening to get an idea of what's happening, contact who we can?" She looks to Niri for confirmation. Its OK, Trune. If she turns on us, we'll make her regret it. * Niri sighs and looks uncomfortable at Tanan's words. Heh, right. Okay then, just pardon me if I'm not keen on the girl who stabbed me in the back and indirectly killed my best friend. You know, so we're clear and all. I won't fault you for that. * Niri nods at Saki. "I suppose so." The young rebels approach Ryllan with some trepidation. Alright, let's hear the bad news. It's been a while since I've been in town - essentialy since I went toe to toe with Bree. Give me the short version. The young men exchange glances, and then one of them turns to him. "Ah...sure, but...exactly who are you?" Another one slaps him upside the head. "You idiot...don't you remember a few months back, before we joined the resistanct?" "This guy went up against Bree in the tournament!" The other young men suddenly look at Ryllan funny, a light dawning. * Saki frowns across at Trune one last time, parroting his tone of voice with a layer of apparently genuine irritation. "Okay then. Just pardon me if I'm not keen on a feud between two people getting in the way of razing a town." She glances at Niri. "--we'll head for Horam." * Niri nods. "All right. Who else is heading off separately?" * Trune glares daggers at Saki, clearly pissed off. I was going to head to the manufacturing quarter. See what information I can get there. * Ryllan raises a hand in response to Niri's question, never taking his eyes from the young recruits, waiting. * Rachel flits across to Saki, acting pretty much as her shadow. With nothing but a nod, Saki turns on her heel. "... don't worry about me, I know the town. See you later; stop by Horam if you can." * Mikel frowns. "Don't really know this place, so." The recruit who recognizes Ryllan steps forward. "Ah...well, the short version is, Liza's dead, and that girl - Mikayla - is the new head of the guard and de facto leader of New Meribia. She's cleaned things up pretty well in some parts of the city, but others are a disaster where the guard doesn't have control, and no one really does." "Some parts of the city that are under guard control are feeling nearly as oppressed as when Bree was in charge. Really, the parts of the city that are best off are the small areas claimed by the resistance...but things have been rough since Franz got captured again." Franz? Franz got captured? Who's that? He's part of the resistance. He sprung me out of jail. Ah. * Saki takes off at a run, presumably in the direction of Horam. She disappears down a side street almost immediately, so either knows a shortcut or is lost in record time. The young man nods. "Yeah, Franz has been in the prisons for the last week and a half. Meanwhile, things just get worse and worse around here. The next in command is trying his hardest to keep things in line, but he's pretty new himself, and...not much luck so far." * Vytor gives Trune a reassuring pat on his shoulder, "I'll be back soon.", and heads for the manufacturing quarter to gather some intel. * Trune nods at Vytor as he goes. Right. Well, that's about to change. Let's head to HQ. Session Time: Sun Feb 10 00:00:00 2008 One of the rebels turns to his buddy. "But Garan, we're not supposed to..." The other elbows him. "Shush. I told you I know who this guy is, or didn't you hear me?" He nods to Ryllan. "Ready when you are, sir." * Mikel raises an eyebrow. "Should we come with you, or?" Trune... you'd do well to stay with the largest group of us who stick together. We can't rule out the possibility that she's stupid enough to try to do something to you, if you're right about her. I am right about her. I'll...stay with you, yeah. * Niri nods. "Good idea." Silently she voices a mental thank you to Tanan for coming up with a tactfully put reason for Trune to stick with them. * Ryllan nods to the soldiers, "Let's go." The nervous young men nod and lead the way down the street. After some walking and some random twists and turns, they stop at a building that appears to be a dilapidated old bookstore. They enter, and the apparent leader, Garan, nods to the shopkeeper. "Just heading up to the loft, sir. Got some new friends to introduce to the circle." The bookseller nods his grizzled old head. "All right. Don't take too much of their money, you hear, whippersnappers?" He grins at the party. "Careful, never seen such a bunch of card sharks." * Ryllan raises an eyebrow, "I think we can hold our own." The bookseller nods and goes back to his ledgers, while the young men lead them up the rickety, dusty stairs to a rather cluttered loft. * Mikel follows along, keeping quiet for now. * Trune is very quiet and withdrawn. Occasionally you can see that he's at least mentally following along, his eyes glancing this way and that from underneath his hood, but the rest of his face is concealed. Papers are strewn everywhere, and there are some bookshelves piled high with assorted objects, not just books. At a table sits a young man Ryllan recognizes as one of the resistance organizers, who keeps track of intel. He is intent on a series of reports and does not look up. * Ryllan inserts a wry note into his voice, "What've you got for me, Burris?" Burris stands up, knocking over his chair in his surprise and haste. He salutes, stammering, "Er...Sir! I didn't expect you back so soon sir, my reports..." He starts scrambling to pick up the pieces of paper that have flown everywhere. Relax, Burris. I didn't expect to be back so soon either. Unfortunately, I'm not here with good news. Burris shakes his head. "Uh oh. 'Fraid I haven't got the best news either....here, find a seat - uh - somewhere, and we'll talk." He starts trying to clear off chairs. "The boss is in the other room having a meeting, but he'll be out in a sec, or I can go interrupt...unless you'd like me to brief you on the latest intel first." * Mikel finds a spot on the wall to lean against, watching Ryllan and Burris with a raised eyebrow. * Niri goes over to stand next to Mikel, eyeing him with a questioning look. * Trune sits in an old chair, resting his hand against his head for a moment as he watches. Give us what you can now - Oh yes. Burris. These are Mikel, Trune, Niri, and Tanan *He points to each in turn* Folks, this is Burris. He's a wizard with finding trends in data. * Mikel doesn't catch the look at first, though soon enough he offers a Niri a shrug before speaking up. "Hey there." You doing okay? * Niri grins and waves to Burris. Mm. Kinda. Out of my range here. * Trune nods to Burris as well. Burris makes an awkward half-bow, looking nervously away from Niri and clearing his throat. He's obviously not very comfortable around ladies. << range = depth, upon rereading >> He also nods to the others before sitting down and pulling out some reports to hand to Ryllan. "Well, as you can see, things have calmed down a lot lately...deceptively so. But there's unrest roiling underneath it all, and most of the quiet is because the complaints are being stamped out. Someone makes a fuss about the guards' treatment, there are consequences." You're not really required to introduce me, but I'd better say something now before he assumes you're naming her chest or something. We're not crazy, nice to meet you. [Burris] And the guard has toned down some of its worst offenses, too... Burris stops in mid-sentence, staring at Niri's armor, and nearly falls out of his chair. * Niri chuckles ruefully. Stop scaring people, Tanan. [Burris] It...it...talks! * Mikel closes his eyes, sounding a bit more like himself. "It also sings and can do a little jig." << it = he >> * Niri grins. "It's a long story, Burris. Just go with it, okay? He doesn't bite or anything." Yes, it does. I want you to remember what you talking to when Ryllan tells you what's going on. It's true, and it's serious. ...I think. Burris gives Ryllan an uneasy look, as if asking for confirmation. You should consider Tanan a fully valued member of the team. *Ryllan doesn't even look up from the reports.* * Trune 's face twists just slighty at the mental image of Tanan biting Niri...and WHERE it would bite Niri. He obviously does not voice this thought to the group. >> Suddenly, the voices in the next room get a little louder, and the scarping of chairs and the sound of booted footsteps can be heard. Whatever meeting is going on in there is breaking up. * Mikel opens an eye. "Time to meet the boss I guess." >> The door opens, and a small group of about five people exit - three men, two women. All are young except one of the women, who has leathery, scarred skin and an eyepatch. One of the young men is being addressed by the others as if he is something of a leader. This young man is blond and brown-eyed, perhaps a bit pudgy, with an earnest, honest-looking face. He seems to have a concerned expression as he talks to the others in lowered voices. "...heard anything about the latest disappearances...?" * Trune suddenly lets out a startled shout of shock and falls out of the chair he was sitting on! * Mikel raises an eyebrow, opening the other eye. "Trune?" The young man looks up, startled, with a slightly panicked expression. "What? What? Is it the - wait." He rubs his eyes, blinking. * Niri stares at Trune, going to help him up. "Trune, what is it?" * Niri glances at Mikel in confusion, shrugging. What...what...she said...She said you were dead! But but but but you aren't and oh holy /shit!/ * Trune suddenly runs to the young man and embraces him! O_o And this must be Heath. There's strike one for Mikayla, then. The guy nearly falls over, wide-eyed with shock. "Guh! What? T-Trune? Is that you? I heard you were dead!" << Mikayla, even >> He grins suddenly and grabs Trune back, lifting him in a bear hug. He's apparently picked up a bit of muscle since Trune saw him last. * Ryllan mutters, "Glad to see /something/ went right." I heard you were dead! Oh man...I'm so, so glad I heard wrong. Heath laughs. "Not for lack of their trying, but I guess I'm tougher than I look? Anyway, Franz and company busted me out of the work camp a few weeks back. I ah....guess I've got a gift for strategy, weirdly enough. So I've gotten myself a pretty solid place in the resistance now." [Heath] But who told you I was dead? * Trune glowers, "Who do you think?" Heath sighs. "She would, wouldn't she? She's got all of New Meribia under her thumb...though most have yet to realize it. So, who are your friends?" Heath grins good-naturedly at the assembled company. * Mikel gives Heath a nod. "Mikel Sayeld." Heath goes over to shake Mikel's hand vigorously, grinning. * Tanan sounds vaguely amused. "Tanan. But I also answer to 'Oh shit what is that it talks'." * Mikel is just a bit surprised as his hand gets grabbed, though he returns the handshake. Ryllan Barak. Thanks for keeping things from falling apart around here, Heath. Heath looks a little befuddled at Tanan's introduction, but he takes it in stride, substituting a salute for the handshake he gives the others. He makes sure to greet each in turn, giving them all genuine smiles. "So, you guys been taking good care of Trune?" Heath nods to Ryllan. "No problem, sir. It's good to finally meet you. I hope you don't mind me taking over some of your job while you've been gone..." Not at all, we've both been busy. And while I tell you this next part, I'd like you to remember that my friend here is wearing armor that can generally speak better than Trune. ...Hey! I don't mean to ruin this meeting, but we should move this along as quickly as we can. We're going to need to try to organizing things as quickly as possible, and we need to meet back with the others before we go meet Mikayla again. Heath looks back and forth at them. "...You're meeting with Mikayla?" * Ryllan pays Trune no heed, "There's an army of... well, let's go with 'artificial people' as a starting point, bearing down on Meribia. Which, unfortunately, means we need to mount a defense, with all the town's forces or we're not going to have a shot. I keep telling them it's a bad, bad idea. [Heath] You'd better explain what's going on. *He takes a seat on a half-cleared chair next to Burris.* << Transpose.>> Heath's eyes go wide. "Uh oh. This is uh....kinda beyond me to deal with, I'll be honest. What've you got as far as resources and forces?" Us and a few friends, whatever this town can bring to bear. We've been out in the wilds for a while, and we've learned a /lot/. But it won't be enough without manpower. Which is why we need to work with Mikayla." He pauses, "But, we certainly can't trust her, either, if she's everything Trune says she is." [Heath] Hmmm. Well, you've got the resistance, or what their is of it. Things have been a little disorganized since Franz got captured. We've tried to bust him out, but Mikayla's security is tighter than Liza's was...and then there's the disappearances, too. Disappearances? * Ryllan blinks, "Tell me about them." [Heath] And yeah. Ideally we could convince her to see reason, if the city really is at stake, but...ha. Good luck with that. You might do it, but it won't be easy. We need to convince Mikayla to muster the guard against this, and work with the people. This goes beyond her politics. I'll be frank, I sympathize with you but this is about the lives of everyone here now, not about who runs the place. If she's too short-sighted to see that, though, we need to have a plan ready. I'll be blunt. Who is likely to take over if she dies, and is this person reasonable. Heath shrugs and glances at Burris, who clears his throat nervously. "Um...yes. Not too many, and not widely reported, but some of the city's dissidents, particularly the poorer, less influential ones, have gone missing lately." ...and if not, who takes over if that person dies. * Trune looks at Heath, surprised, "You think she has a hand in it?" Burris frowns thoughtfully. "Honestly, we've had a bit of trouble getting precise intel on that. There's a group of about four or five in the elite guard who might be considered at the top of the ranks. Things have been really fuzzy lately...in fact, not everyone in New Meribia even knows that Liza's dead, yet." Heath shrugs. "Dunno. Could be anything, and the way you talk about this army that's on its way...I wouldn't rule anything out. It's not many disappearances, but it's enough to have us worried." I'll need you to get the word to Black Rose street as well, Burris. I'm sure you haven't used up /all/ your favors yet. ...But yes, this is why I took her up on her dinner offer. If she makes a move, it'll likely be there, with everyone gathered in one place. If you're suggesting, it's unlikely to be the army. These creatures seem to be innocents, they wouldn't target one side of a conflict. Ah.. perhaps the wrong word. When I say innocents, I mean that they'll kill and it won't even occur to them that they're doing something wrong. * Mikel closes his eyes. "Maybe we should just break out Franz now at least, deal with her if we get the chance. She didn't seem to believe us anyways." Heath frowns, looking disturbed. "Er...that IS a problem. We'd better get moving on this right away." Any chance we could kill two birds with one stone? * Trune drums his fingers on the table, thinking. We could meet Mikayla at Bree's headquarters, and bust out Franz while we're there. Think it'd work? We need to avoid a succession squabble, if we can. But we can't allow her to work against us if she doesn't believe. Vexing. And we still don't know where Hiro is. Dad's on his way. He'll be here. << ARGH >> << hawhaw >> «ooc: Thanks, GMLady! » Dad's on his way. He'll be here. << It was bound to happen! >> This... might be unwise, Niri. We'd do best to leave him there, for now at least, if Mikayla is willing yo work with us. Well. First we see what Mikayla says. Franz is our backup plan. * Mikel frowns. "If she isn't, though, let's bust him out and put her away." If she's not an idiot, she'll let us take Franz off her hands anyway. Annoying as he might be, he's decent in a fight. I...still think you people are playing with fire, but... * Trune lets out a disgruntled sigh, "We've got no choice." * Mikel shrugs. "I'm good at putting out fires." Besides...heh. Maybe I can play her at her own game. * Trune cracks his knuckles, grinning. Now that some of the anger has subsided he seems to be a bit more rational with his thinking. Oh? How so? * Mikel opens an eye. "No out-playing her unless she gives us trouble, of course. After the invasion feel free." Mikayla thinks she's pretty hot shit. Always has. We just have to play up to that flaw of hers. Flatter her, then. Ohh yeah. I'm going to be the best actor New Meribia has ever seen. I'd better be, anyway. * Niri raises an eyebrow at Trune, intrigued. "Oh really? This I've got to see." * Mikel closes his eye again. "Better you than me." Just had me a barf bag for all those inbetween moments where I want to claw and puke my brains out. We can alternate. Awesome. I knew I could count on you. When I feel like snapping her neck I'll pass her off to you. And vice versa. This, right here, is what friendship is all about. * Vytor knocks on the door of the bookstore, with Saki and Rachel in tow. * Mikel can't help but snicker. "Playing hot potato with some witch?" I never said it was a normal friendship. * Saki looks almost recharged, if mildly sulky. She pokes her head around Vytor to blink a bit. Anybody home? * Mikel shakes his head then raises his voice. "'ey, Vytor!" Vytor! Hey! Over here, I want you to meet a friend of mine! * Ryllan looks out the window, then quietly slips down the stairs to open the door, and usher the three up the stairs. * Vytor step inside, "Yes?" Heath chuckles at Trune's conversation with Mikel. Heath, this is Vytor. Vytor, this is Heath. [Heath] Hey! Nice to meet you, Vytor. *He shakes Vytor's hand firmly.* * Vytor returns the handshake. "Greetings." * Saki closes the door carefully - on Rachel, who phases through it after something of an embarassed pause. "--don't do that," she adds in a sulk, as Rachel just grins smugly. They both flank the door in guard position. I got some info, at least. * Mikel nods towards Saki and Rachel. That's Rachel and Saki. *points* What've you got, Vy? * Ryllan perches on a crate, looking at Vytor intently. Several things. First, the Trade Feds have shipped in rifles from Takkar. Second, there's rumors of rare artifacts seeing use in Black Rose Street. They seem to be preparing for something there. Third, the mayor's forces have been outfitting themselves, apparently for war. Fourth, the local dissidents have also gotten a lot of cash recently, in addition to new equipment. There's a lot of rumors around someone named Franz and the bombs he's been making. * Mikel raises an eyebrow. "Wait, are they like suiting up for war against /each other/?" Sounds like it. Also, have you guys heard anything about missing people? Yeah. Yeah, we have. Also, holy crap. Bombs? Guns? This could be very good or very bad * Mikel frowns. "On the one hand, they'll be set for playing defense. On the other... that... doesn't sound good." One of the guys I talked to says that he's seen one of the dissidents being dragged into Bree's HQ late at night. It was a quiet event, but by the struggling, its wasn't a voluntary relocation. * Mikel closes his eyes. "Strike two." That's all I managed to get. * Trune doesn't look surprised by this revelation. So potentially, this town may well be prepped for a war. Unfortunately its aimed may all be directed inwards. <> If we could somehow turn it towards what's coming... I'm really starting to like the idea of just putting her away until this is all over instead of sweet talking her. What sort of artifacts are they playing with in Black Rose Street? Not sure, that kind of stuff isn't what the manufacturing quarter deals with regularly. We might need to find that out. It could be useful later on * Saki shakes her head. "Magic. The old stuff, they claim." Old stuff? Goddess-powered? Well isn't /that/ interesting. * Rachel is carefully neutral, but there's an undercurrent of anger. "Vane stuff. Not willforce." * Mikel opens his eyes, pushing off the wall. "Oh? Now I definitely want to go and take a look." That shouldn't even be working now. * Saki nods. "I said 'claim'." Hmm...now I'm intrested too. Saki, how's Horam holding up? * Saki beams suddenly, all pride. "The Astorian dojo's a bit weak, but holding together. The heads have agreed to meet and start forming patrols and a first line of defence. We've some politics to work out, but it's pretty good." Good to hear. They sending anyone to dinner, or are you elected? * Saki crosses her arms. "... I'll need to be involved. I appear to have been nominated as one of the heads somehow. Head of Gallivanting Around The World, I guess." Well, you're also good at tossing people. No, I believe it. Some things have held their power. The wings, for instance. Congradulations. * Saki frowns. "Mm, about that street... they're also trying to break into the palace, rumours claim. There's supposed to be a cache there." Iiiiinteresting. Cache, huh? * Saki shrugs one shoulder. "More artifacts, they claim. They're on the lookout to use them against Zophar." Sounds promising. Should ask Mikayla to let us take a look, if we're still going to play nice with her. It's no surprise that Bree would have horded stuff. Sorry man, even if we butter her up, I doubt she'll let us see it. * Saki nods. "... that's about it. Most of my time was taken up going between all the dojos and houses. And... some personal matters." Then she can kindly shut up and step aside. Or I can distract her....with all the sexy buttering up I'm going to do. If that stuff's going to be useful it needs to be out here, not in some vault. Sexy, and buttering up in regards to Mik'. Ugh, man, I feel nauseous. Remember, alternating. The only bright side. * Saki looks non-plussed at the side discussion, but leaves it for now. Her report apparently finished, she returns to guard position while Rachel paces. * Mikel shrugs. "So, Black Rose and then Mikayla?" I think so. [Burris] It's as we feared. Tensions are rising in the city, even though things seem relatively peaceful on the surface. We've been trying to keep it from breaking out into violence, but.... [Heath] But if you've got a plan, maybe we can turn things around and be ready to defend the city. Fair bit depends on Mikayla, it looks like. * Saki nods. "... as for the moment, we're going to post some fighters 'loitering around' at each city gate, just in case. Patrols will be arranged later today or tomorrow," Heath breathes a sigh of relief. He obviously doesn't feel up to handling all this by himself. Okay. Heath, let's send some fighters of our own to each city gate we can get to without it looking hostile towards the Bunnies, as a show of solidarity with Horam. Burris, get moving, By the time I reach Black Rose, I want a meet as high in their organization as you can get me. - I'm sure things have been strained with your contacts, but do what you can. The tunnels. They might not be coming through the gates. Heath nods. "Right. I'll get my council right on it. They're probably dying of curiosity in the other room." Burris salutes. "Got it, sir. I'll have a meeting arranged by nightfall." * Trune blinks at Tanan, "He's right. Can you station some men in the tunnels, too?" Quicker'd be better. They don't know it yet, but they have a seat at the strategy table too. I'd rather this be as multilateral as possible from the get go. Should stop them from shooting at each other. [Heath] We'll do what we can. Nesret's got some underground contacts who can be stationed in the tunnels without arrousing suspicion from the guard. Lots of ne'er-do-wells down there anyway, some are on our side. Burris grabs some papers and hurries off with a salute to arrange the requested meeting. Heath goes into the other room and converses briefly with his advisors. Pretty soon they leave in pairs, the eye-patched woman grinning worryingly as she heads down the stairs. [Heath] So. What's the next step? * Mikel scratches the back of his head. "Black Rose to see what toys they're playing with. Then cleaning ourselves up I guess." * Trune eyes the eye-patched woman out of the corner of his eye, but says nothing, for now. Heath nods. "Yeah, you look a little the worse for wear. I can get you some fresh clothes if you want...Ryllan can head to Black Rose Street, and you can come shopping for supplies with me. We have some more stuff to get if we're going to man a serious defense. I don't care if I'm not appropriate for the occasion. Today I'm formal wear. * Saki frowns. "... I should... possibly not go there. As I am now, it might be a bit dangerous for me, and I could use some more time to organize and talk to people first." And tomorrow...beach wear, Tanan? * Niri blinks, then chuckles. "Formal, slightly intimidating wear." Don't go there, Trune. :P I myself like the beach...aw spoilsport. Only if someone's likely to attack her at the beach. Armor is completely appropiate for a strategy meeting. You're clearly all business. Battle-ready and shiny is good, Tanan. Precisely the vibe we want to send. * Rachel adds, in whatever tone passes for happy, "Also, we have about a dozen martial artists to try to attack screaming. It's a queue that won't go down by itself." [Heath] I'm sure not gonna argue. First one trying to get me into real formal wear is gonna regret it, though. * Niri grins at Mikel. I'll take that challenge. Trune, Mikel, go with Heath and get cleaned up. If you're going to be honeytraps, you need to look tasty. * Saki blinks once at that, and stares. * Rachel bursts into sagging laughter. ...while you get to play with the shiny old magic artifacts? You owe me so much, Trune. * Vytor is now known as DNW_sleep_log * Mikel manages another grin at this. * Niri snickers helplessly at Ryllan. * Trune hehs, rubbing his head, "Sorry, I'd rather do anything then get dolled up for her. Anything." It was your idea. We do appreciate the sacrifice. * Niri slaps Trune on the back, grinning. "Your sacrifice is a truly noble one, though." I hope bards will sing of my heroic tale of seduction throughout the ages. Okay. Let's get moving. We have too much to do, and not enough time to do it in. That is a terrifying thought. Better make sure you get yourself cleaned up then. Should I go with you guys? * Trune attempts to sing, and it's horrible, "There was a man name Trune, he courted some bitch under the moon..." * Niri elbows Trune in the gut, lightly. Just so we never forget it, sure. Ow! Wherever you'll feel most useful, Niri. Heath'll take good care of them, I'm sure, but extra protection wouldn't go amiss. * Mikel looks at Trune. "You and Heath are the ones who know her though, so I hope you know what generally catches her eye besides power." * Niri nods, exchanging a somewhat significant glance with Ryllan. "Right. I'll keep an eye on the- er, on things." Don't worry, I'll attempt to fill you in. * Tanan takes a deadpan tone. "If the answer is bowties and thongs we're changing plans." * Mikel groans. * Trune groans as well, "No, just...no." * Ryllan nods at Niri, "See you all at Dinner." Then is out the door. Tanan? Please take that mental image OUT of my head, thank you. * Mikel sighs. "Please tell me she likes blue, at least. Maybe black?" She likes blue and black and purple. Which is kind of what I want her face to look like after this! I never get what I want. Heath leans over to Trune and says quietly, "Quite a group of friends you've picked up." * Trune whispers back, "That's...the understatement of the year." Good. No tight jumpsuit crap or I'm just levelling her office though. ...yes ma'am. Heath chuckles. "I can see they've done you good, though." ...And don't call me ma'am. I'm serious. Yes ma'am. Yes ma'- damn you. * Niri eyes Mikel with a baleful glare. * Trune 's smile becomes a bit less goofy, and more geniune, "Yeah, yeah they have." * Mikel tips an imaginary hat. Heath grins and shrugs. "Come on. Time to get you guys dressed to the nines." Goddes help us. << Goddess* >> * Niri muses thoughtfully. "Hmmm. Wonder if I should wear my Vile Tribe outfit." ...Long as you don't stick me in it. * Saki has something of a look on her face that suggests that obsidian, mildly spiky armor and a long robe undernearth is absolutely a nine point five. ...Trune, no offense, but there's no way you could fit into those shorts. ...Do you think I want to? I like being able to feel my legs. Anyway! I'm just kidding. I'll be good and let YOU guys be the distraction. * Mikel just sighs. * Trune sighs as well. Dramatically. * Niri grins cheerfully. She appears to be enjoying this. "All right, let's go!' >> And with that, the group goes their separate ways, preparing to mobilize New Meribia's defenses...whether New Meribia likes it or not. ==Session End!== Tah daaaah >> 31 xp then! Session Close: Sun Feb 10 02:07:53 2008