Interlude 11: Moving Ahead Wed Aug 09 2000 >> The door clicks shut quietly behind them as they leave the dark room. Outside, life continues on; the castle halls have grown busy as the afternoon approaches. * Shane seems a bit disturbed by this most recent encounter... * Shane looks back at the door oddly a few times, as he walks away. * Ellena follows Shane quietly, lost in thought. * Shane sighs softly, shaking his head. Ellena: I feel bad for her... * Shane nods. Shane: Something's terribly wrong with her, I fear... Ellena: She's just afraid, I think... Shane: Perhaps... (quieter) perhaps... * Ellena looks to Shane. "You seem troubled..." * Shane shakes his head, clears his throat, and looks at Ellena, and smiles. * Ellena smiles back, timidly. Shane: Not really. I just wished to get more out of that meeting than I did... I suppose I'll leave a letter to be read later, but I doubt it'll change anything. Ellena: What did you want exactly? More hired help? Shane: From her? No... I wanted to ask her to hire more for herself. Adlehyde needs all of the protection it can get. Shane: ...If you think about it, a random group of strangers was all that saved her, here in her own stronghold... * Ellena nods. "I know...I hope she'll be okay while we're gone. She seems strong-willed though..." * Shane opens his mouth as if to say more, but closes his mouth and nods with a slight smile. Ellena: What? Did I say something wrong? * Shane points to turn at this corridor. * Ellena turns, and continues to follow Shane. She wouldn't really know her way around otherwise. Shane: Not at all... I just thought that to say any more would be beating a dead horse. * Shane smiles again. * Shane looks up at the main gate to the courtyard at the far end of this hall. * Ellena giggles a bit. "Can ...I ask something? Was there a reason you took me along today? Not that I don't enjoy your company...but...well.." Shane: I was just about to get to that, actually... * Ellena stops giggling, going silent. "Oh?" Shane: ...I've been meaning to talk to you, but since we met, we havent had the chance really, ne? * Ellena nods silghtly. "Yes...it's been really busy...ever since I got back..." Shane: Well, I had many questions to ask, really... but they've all been drowned out by one that's much pushier in my head... * Shane folds his arms behind his back, and kicks at some dust as they enter the courtyard. He raises a hand to sheild his eyes from the now-visible sun. * Ellena looks nervous, but nods. "What...did you want to ask me...?" Shane: Well... Yesterday... Ellena: Yes...? Shane: ...When I was told I still was expected to go to Saint Centour, and I'd asked those around me if they'd had any experience that was pertinent. Shane: ...well... * Shane kicks at a small rock this time, in a drawn out action. Shane: ...You said you didn't, right? Ellena: Only with Guardianism, like Neydisa... Ellena: But other than that, no... Shane: Right... But you were still willing to come with me. The only one to agree, and a day before any of the others... Ellena: You're wondering why I'm coming at all? * Shane looks a bit... humbler? than he's been acting. Shane: Yeah... I wanted to know why you wanted to come with me... * Shane smiles meekly. Ellena: Well...you seem nice. You're the one person I've known the longest...I really have no where else to go...and... * Ellena looks like she doesn't really want to give the final reason. * Shane looks at her, curiously anticipating. * Ellena sighs. "I...I'm ...er...Sort of on...er..." * Shane smiles warmly. Shane: You don't have to tell me anything you don't want to... * Ellena lets out a greatful sigh. "Thank you...I don't mean to be secretive...but it's hard...I'm just not ready yet..." * Shane looks up at the tree they've stopped under, and leans back slightly against the bark. * Shane looks amused in a kind way. Ellena: Thank you, though, for respecting my privacy. Shane: Heh. I wouldn't want to pry. Everyone has their secrets. * Shane looks off into the distance... Shane: You know, I usually don't get out this early... I'm usually in my lab... * Shane squints. Ellena: That's right...you work on machines, right? Shane: I do think the sun looks bigger ag... oh, yes, that's right... * Shane looks embarrassed that he was talking through Ellena. * Ellena smiles. "It's nice you understand how machines work. They boggle me, usually." Shane: Heh... there's not much to it really... It's not as hard to me as, say, magical theory... Shane: I always get a headache learning new spells and the such... Ellena: I suppose everyone has their own talents... ^^ * Ellena looks up towards the skyline. "Wow...It really is a nice day..." * Shane sits down under the tree. Ellena: .( Maybe I should get the questions out of the way, so that he doesn't ask me them later, while my guard is down... ) * Shane looks up at Ellena. * Ellena sits down next to Shane. "Was there anything else you wanted to ask?" * Shane looks surprised at the question. Shane: Would you rather I not? Ellena: Well...it depends on the question, honestly. Shane: I've got an idea... * Shane looks up at Ellena again. Ellena: Oh? What's the idea...? Shane: How about we have a conversation, likened to the conversations that many people have between each other, and if I ask something you don't like... you can just not answer it. * Shane smiles coyly. * Ellena chuckles a bit. "I can go for that..." Ellena: So...? * Shane stretches out, plucks a blade of grass, inspects it, and strats chewing on it, while leaning against the tree, hands folded behind his back. Ellena: . o O ( He seems pretty relaxed...Wish I could loosen up a bit... ) Shane: So... You're a shaman, aren't you? Ellena: That's right. * Shane nods, reflectivly... Shane: And, which of the... (twiddlly hand gesture) do you practice under... * Ellena blinks. "A...Shaman for...? Well...Um...I'm a little different than everyone else. I don't really have a set Guardian. I dabble in a bit of everything. It's probably why I'm no good." Shane: I... didn't know Shamans could do that.... Shane: I thought that was the priests' whole spiel... * Ellena shakes her head. "Well...I...uh..." Ellena: .oO( I shouldn't have told him that... ) Ellena: Like I said...I'm not that good at what I do.. ^ Shane: What... Ellena: Hmm? Shane: What happened? In the spirit realm? Ellena: ...What do you mean? Shane: Well... I did some stuff... Then I met you... Then... something happened? Shane: Something... uncomfortable. Ellena: Well...yes. I'm not really sure what happened. You didn't seem very happy when I summoned a Guardian... * Shane frowns. Ellena: You...you seemed very upset...Not...rational...You were frightened... * Shane looks a little disturbed at hearing this. Shane: And then what? Shane: I woke up, and I was in a forest... How did I get there? * Ellena blinks. Shane: You don't know, eh? Ellena: I'm...not sure. You know the others? Neydisa...Allen...All of them...While you were recovering from the shock, they flew in on this gigantic raven. He said something about taking you to Odoryuk to be healed...Then he flew off with you...That's all I know. Shane: I do not recall any guardians... just a Shaman woman... * Shane shivers a little... Ellena: Cathay, you mean? Shane: No... not your companion. Ellena: Oh? *blinks* I take it from your reaction she wasn't a nice person, no? Shane: Oh... oh, no... it... Shane: ... Ellena: Shane...*blinks again* Nevermind...I won't press you... * Shane waves calmly that it's okay..." ...her intentions and actions were well meaning. I was the one not willing to listen." Shane: Does that make sense to you? Ellena: I think so... * Ellena looks up towards the leaves high up in the tree she's leaning against. * Shane laughs a little, and looks more comfortable. Shane: I still don't know what to make of all of that. Ellena: There's still a lot of things in the spirit world that I'm confused about too. Pehaps it's for the best that we never fully understand. Shane: I think I need to understand it, though... Shane: ...I was told things. Things that worry me to no end... * Shane looks at the sun, thinks for a second, and continues on... * Ellena looks at Shane curiously. * Shane chuckles, perhaps a bit nervously... "I was told that I have to compete against Death, directly..." Ellena: And you don't know why, right? Shane: Why? Oh, to survive, I gathered... It's the 'What' that is driving me batty now... Shane: I don't suppose you know what 'Kema' means, do you? Ellena: No...no I don't. * Shane shrugs. Shane: Heh... Ellena: I'm not much help, am I...? Shane: I was just wonderin', I don't expect anyone to know these things, really... Shane: Don't feel sorry... * Shane stands up. * Ellena blinks, and stands up herself. ^ Shane: ...really... there's nothing to be sorry about. Ellena: I...Okay... Shane: You seem like a really sweet girl, Ellena... Ellena: Really...? *Blushes* Erhm...uh...That's the first time anyone's really told me that... Shane: ...I'm not sure you should come with us. I'm going to be heading into some pretty dangerous places, I think. Death will surely follow. Shane: You'll... ...be safer here. I'm sure I could persuade someone to let you stay at the castle... It might be the safest place to be... Shane: ...and I'd... I don't want to see you hurt. * Ellena frowns. "You...you don't want me around? ...I guess in a way you're probably right...I'm not really adding anything to your group...But if it's about danger...I'll be all right...I can take care of myself..." Ellena: . o O ( Hopefully... ) * Shane almost stammered a few times there... Shane: No...no! Shane: It's not that... Shane: ...Your company is great... It's your safety! Ellena: But one of the things Cathay requested...was that I stay with the others...Sorta. * Shane looks a bit surprised. Shane: Oh? Ellena: Cathay told the others to take me with them...protect me I guess...which is what she told...oh. I see where this is coming from. What Cathay said... * Shane looks a bit put off, then introspective, then quizzical, and back to introspective. Shane: I see... Shane: I wonder how much of all of this Cathay knows... Shane: ...but... Shane: ...hrmm... Ellena: If you really want me to stay...I guess...I can. But...well...No one wants to face Death alone, right? And I really do want to help you. * Shane smiles. Ellena: So...in the end...It's up to you... Shane: I... * Shane's caught off gaurd by this. * Ellena waits paitently for Shane's answer. Shane: Five minutes ago, I would've said stay... but... Shane: ... Shane: (m)...did the guide know something? Or was it just passing the gella to those ther... * Shane looks Ellena in the eyes. * Ellena looks back, slightly nervous. * Shane pauses there for more than a beat, and breaks, looking at the ground. Ellena: . o O ( He can't make up his mind...? ) Shane: Well, then... I guess we'll need better guards than I was planning on finding. * Shane smiles at her. Ellena: So I can come? * Shane nods with a warm smile, and leans forward, prompting to walk again. * Ellena smiles herself, and walks with Shane. "I'm glad..." * Shane looks up at the fore-gate as they pass through it. The archetecture always intrigues him... Shane: So... This is your first time in Adlehyde, eh? Ellena: Yes...It's really pretty, isn't it? It's too bad they have so much...well...pollution. I bet it was even more beautiful in the past... * Shane laughs. Shane: Yeah, it is pretty uptown... Ellena: I guess you have to look hard for the really beautiful things here...But that makes it more satisfying when you find them. * Shane nods with an elusive grin. Ellena: How much time do we have left? Shane: Would you like to come with me to find help? We'll be going to a rougher part of town, but you'll be safe. Shane: Oh, two hours... Shane: I've been watching the sun. * Ellena nods. "Yeah...I'd like to see more of the city..." * Shane leads her onto the main street of Adlehyde, which eventually leads from the nice, rich houses here to the more common parts of the town. Ellena: (w) Nothing like home... * Shane takes a long, deep breath in while stretching, and starts mock-coughing at the end of the gesture. Well... half-mock. * Ellena giggles a bit. "The pollution isn't that bad...well...actually..." >> The seedy part of Adlehyde is quieter in the daytime than night, but ratty people are staggering through the streets, and occasionally someone leers at the pair. Ellena: ...Does everyone leer at you like that? Shane: Eh, it's natural around here. Shane: Just don't look like you have too much money. ;) Ellena: I don't... * Shane chuckles. Shane: You know... there's still one thing that puzzles me... Shane: ...Chalk it up to my not being a shaman, I guess. Ellena: ..What? Shane: Well... why were you forced to go through the spirit realm, really? Ellena: Oh...I...I was...erhm...I think it's one of those questions I can't answer right now Shane... Shane: I don't quite know why I was, either, but maybe... Shane: Yeah, I understand. I have a lot of questions I can't answer right now too... * Shane completly misunderstands that last statement. * Ellena blushes a bit, but looks down at the ground. Ellena: Anyway... Maybe we'll find out someday... Ellena: . o O ( Go with Ellena... Better him beliving a lie... ) * Shane nods. Shane: Ah... here's a good place. * Ellena stops, and looks up. "Why here?" * Shane stops in front of a rather dubious-looking establishment. Shane: Well, a lot of my clients are referred to me by the staff here. They get a finder's fee, so they're happy to do it... Ellena: Ah...well...If you know what you're doing... Ellena: .oO( I hope he's not looking for hitmen.. ) * Shane gives her a look as they step into the bar, and a medium-loud din of people talking/shouting washes over them. It may be 10 AM, but for some (many?) a day doesn't start off right without a shot of whiskey. * Ellena is slightly stunned at the wonderful smell of whiskey, sweat, and piss that lingers in the air here. * Shane looks around calmly from table to table, disregarding the ones who are shaking their arms, guns, and ARMS at each other as too belligerant... looking for more reserved, less blasted artifact-wielders. * Ellena follows behind Shane. >> There are several tough-looking guys scattered about, and one man in a ridiculous piebald suit and tophat whom everybody's ignoring. * Shane nods. * Shane looks around at the crowd dubiously. * Ellena looks a little nervous, staying near the entrance of the bar, but watching Shane closely. * Shane walks slowly to the bar. * Shane looks around for the barkeep, to see if one of the lads that he has a 'business arangement' with is on duty... >> Two young women in travelling gear are chatting noisily at a small table of their own, while a scarred, middle-aged Baskar native quietly polishes his gun in the shadows. A tall, somewhat portly man, old brown robes draped over his generous frame, drinks from a huge tankard nearby, eyeing the crowd suspiciously now and then. There are also a variety of competent-looking men around...the guy nobody seems to be sitting near is a man in a patchy, piebald tuxedo and tophat. Barkeep: Mistah Arturis! Good to have you! Ellena: .oO( ...What a strange looking hat that man's wearing... ) * Joseph enters, hood drawn over his face. Shane: Hello, James... How's work been? Ellena: oO( Joseph...? Maybe I shouldn't talk to him...he doesn't like me much... ) * Shane looks over at Ellena, making sure she's not being bothered by anyone. * Joseph walks in, saying nothing, and takes a seat. Barkeep: Not bad, Mistah Arturis. That why you're here? * Ellena waves timidly back to Shane. * Shane smiles. * Shane turns back to the 'keep. Shane: Yeah... I'm going to be doing some work abroad... Shane: ...And I'm interested in finding some... protection. Shane: You got the low-down on the current locals? Barkeep: Ah! B'sure to come back to us eventually, eh? Well, what sort of protection you in the market for? I think I know a few who can help you. * Joseph notices an "old friend", so to say, and walks over to him. >> The man in the brown cloak looks up. "Hey....." Joseph: Hey, you're that fat thing that stole my ARM before. I should kill you right now... Shane: Yeah, I'll be coming back... no worries... I even set up someone at my place to keep the work coming. * Ellena's attention drifts back to Joseph. Mauve: Hey, chill out, compadre. We're square, right? *grins* * Joseph shrugs. "Whatever. I don't feel like killing you right now anyways. Buy me a drink." Mauve: Yeah, sure. Hey! Waitressy-type-person! Over here! Shane: Oh, and James, can you bring two Magic Carrot Juices to the table with the young lady back there? * Shane points to Ellena for James. James: Will do. Shane: So... these prospects? James: JESSA! *whips up two drinks and slides them to a waitress* Table 15. >> Mauve buys Joseph a drink and continues sipping his own. * Joseph takes a sip of his drink. * Shane looks patiently at James. He respects the man's business, but he's running against a clock here. * Ellena taps her fingers against the table, looking a bit paranoid since the Baskar guy keeps looking at her...or so SHE thinks. James: Well, there's a tough group over there...*points* Those women are mercenaries, though they're new in town...ditto the skulking guy there. *points to Joseph* But he's not part of the team, so to speak. And then there's Starling. Shane: Starling? Shane: Is he the big one? James: *shakes his head* The feather-head. *nods subtly towards the scowling Baskar man* James: Dunno who the big fella is. He doesn't come around here much. Shane: Ah... Shane: What's the Baskar's story, then? James: Dunno, but he's the best you'll find around here. Not sure if you want someone that expensive, though. Depends on the job and length of time, I guess. Where're you headed? Or should I not ask? Shane: I'm headed for... eh, maybe it's best not to say. Shane: I want the best, tho... the question is 'Is he loyal?' James: He does good work, but he's a bit erratic. Loyal, sure, just...quick to anger. Shane: Hrmm... what angers him? James: Dunno. No good to anyone to pry 'bout that kinda stuff. I imagine you couldn't do better for yourself, so long as it's good work, but y'might not be able to afford him. Shane: Can you send him to my table, then? Tell'm I'm intrested. James: You sure? Well, okay. Shane: Thanks. * Shane heads for the table Ellena's sitting at. * Ellena looks up and smiles. "Did you find what you were looking for?" Shane: We'll be getting an interview soon... Ellena: Oh... Shane: ...The best guy in here will be sitting with us, shortly. * Ellena sips her juice. "It's not the guy in the funny hat, is it?" >> The barkeep speaks quietly with the man, who stands, revealing a slender frame of only about five feet two inches. He walks over and sits down at their table mutely. Shane: Hello... Shane: I hear you're good. Starling: Yes. Shane: Would you like a drink? Starling: No. * Ellena blinks and almost spits out her juice, but tries to keep a calm face. * Shane shrugs politely. >> Luckily for her, the man seems to be all but ignoring Ellena. Mauve: So how's...uh...work? Joseph: Work...I haven't had much lately. Some stupid green haired ass teleported me to the spirit world. Mauve: Ain't that always the way? Shane: We're both (gesturing towards Ellena) going to be heading into a rough area soon. I'd feel safer with an escort... would you be intrested in work? * Joseph finishes his drink. "Excuse me." He walks over to Shane's table to see what's going on. Ellena: . o O ( Joseph too? ) Starling: What's the area? Shane: Initially, Saint Centour. But I'd like the contract to be extensable if need be. Starling: ......hmm. * Shane looks over to the man now standing behind Starling. "Excuse me... this is a private conversation." Joseph: ........So? Ellena: That's Joseph, Shane... * Shane turns to Ellena.. " Joseph?" >> The colorful, freakishly dressed man looks curiously at the group, standing up but not approaching. Ellena: Yeah... Behind you... Shane: Who's Joseph? * Joseph taps Shane's shoulder. "Me..." * Shane narrows his eyes venomously... Shane: And who are... Ellena: He was helping us yesterday... * Shane looks at him curiously. Shane: Aren't you living in my house?! Joseph: Maybe this will jog your brain. *shows him the Cormorant.* * Ellena munches further into her seat... Joseph: Yes, I'm staying there currently, but I don't know for how long. * Joseph holsters the Cormorant. Shane: Oh, right! My apologies... it's been a rather... hectic week. Shane: But, as it stands, I'm currently in private negotiations.. would you mind... leaving for the time being? Joseph: ...why? Shane: ...because. This is private. Need there be any more reason? * Shane looks apologetically at the Baskar man. >> The man doesn't change his expression in the slightest. His scowl looks almost sneerlike on the right side, thanks to a long scar that splits his upper lip. Ellena: . o O ( The two women seemed a lot friendlier... ) * Joseph shrugs and walks back to where Mauve is, ordering another drink on the way. Starling: ...planning on having anything interesting happen on this trip? Shane: Sorry about the interruption. Shane: You could definitly say that. I'm afraid we're expecting at least one assassin. Starling: My fee is 150 gella. Per day. Shane: Per day, eh? Starling: *grunts affirmation* For 150 more you can use the Rider. * Shane looks reflective. Shane: 'The Rider'? >> He nods, very slightly, as though he doesn't like to move his head much. "The iron carriage." * Shane looks intrested. Shane: How many can this vehicle hold? Starling: Ten your size. Shane: How fast is it? Starling: The Rider can outrun a hundred horses. Shane: How long would a trip to Saint Centour be in it? Starling: Two days. One by the pass. * Shane nods. * Joseph looks at Mauve. "So where are your other colorful buddies?" Mauve: ...around. We're looking for work. So to speak. * Shane thinks for a beat or two, then asks plainly, "Are you familiar with who I am?" Starling: No. * Shane nods. Shane: May I see your ARMs? >> Starling scowls mutely for a moment or two before standing up and leaving the bar. * Ellena blinks. "Maybe...he doesn't have an ARM?" >> In the interim, the bizarrely dressed man approaches. "Er, hello..." Shane: He'll be back, I think. Shane: Er... Yes? * Ellena looks up. Rainbow Guy: I couldn't help but overhear. I'll be willing to offer my services to you free of charge for the duration of the trip to Saint Centour in exchange for transportation there. Shane: Oh? Shane: Are you a bodyguard as well? * Shane looks him over, dubiously. * Ellena raises her eyebrow a bit, suspicious as usual. Rainbow Guy: *nods* I can be one. >> The man looks like an absolute wuss...he's rather gangly, and his outfit is old, beat-up, and makes him look like a clown. Shane: Why do you want to go to Centour? * Joseph looks at Mauve. "Wanna play a round of darts?" Mauve: Yeah, what the hell. Rainbow Guy: *shrugs* I hear the breezes calling. Shane: Hrmm... You carry an ARM? Ranbow Man: *cough* Not per SE...I have my little doohickey though. Shane: Doohickey? Shane: May I see it? Rainbow Guy: Sure. Stand back...*pulls out what looks like a switchblade* Ellena: Um... ^^; * Shane looks unsurprised. Shane: May I examine it? * Joseph starts playing darts with Mauve. Rainbow Guy: Better if you let me...you can get hurt with this if you're not careful. * Shane smirks. "Go ahead, then." >> He pushes a button and a little corkscrew flips out. "And see, there's a can opener! Er, hang on, you have to pull the can opener a bit, it sticks. Ah! There we go! See, just go like this and...presto! And there's a knife in here somewhere...ah, there it is." * Shane pulls out his own swiss army knife. * Ellena just drinks her magic carrot juice. * Shane notes that his is well oiled and in top conditioned. Rainbow Guy: Mine's bigger. Shane: It's not the size... it's how you use it. Rainbow Guy: There's a button here...hang on... Shane: But it's not a weapon... do you even have any combat experience? >> He fumbles with his giant swiss army knife a moment longer and, with a series of staccato snaps, hundreds of blades and utensils pop out, virtually defying the laws of space as the thing turns into a metal purcupine. Rainbow Guy: There! Er...hmmm? Well, a bit. * Shane boggles. * Ellena blinks. Shane: Can I... see that? >> He starts folding the blades back in one at a time, which looks like it'll take about a week. "I'm not sure it's wise; you might prick yourself." * Joseph turns around to see that and throws the dart at the same time...he almost hits Mauve with it. Mauve: Glargh! >> Mauve ducks, then grumbles and throws a dart that misses the board entirely. "Ooh, almost!" * Joseph shrugs, then throws his own dart. * Shane looks at him dubiously. >> Joseph gets a bull's-eye. Rainbow Man: Okay, just let me finish putting it back together. *keeps slowly folding the blades back into place* Shane: Fine... You can come along if we get transportation... Shane: ...But know that your duty is to protect me and the lady here. * Shane looks around for the Baskar man. Rainbow Guy: Ahhh! You won't regret it, I'm a master of the martial arts! *throws a few punches at thin air* * Ellena blinks, and blushes a bit. 'Ahh..." >> The Baskar man left some time ago, and hasn't returned. * Shane looks at him dubiously. Shane: Meet at the City Gates at noon. We'll leave no later than high noon. >> A few ARMs Users who have been watching the exhange snicker into their tankards at Shane. Rainbow Guy: Sure. I'm Watcher. * Ellena hides her face in her hands. ^^; Shane: And I'm craz... er, Shane. Shane Arturis. >> He leaves without another word, still folding away blades. * Shane sighs into his juice. Shane: I'm going to regret that. * Ellena sighs too. * Shane shouts, raising his glass, "James! Something a little harder, please?" Ellena: Think Joseph would want to come? He's not a bad ARMs user... James: Right away, Mistah Arturis! * Shane shrugs. Ellena: Joseph doesn't like me much though... >> James brings Shane a stiff drink. Shane: I don't know... He seems like he's with Marlene to me, and she's not the most stable isotope in the lab. * Joseph takes a couple steps back then throws another dart. Ellena: It depends how much protection you feel we need... * Shane's beginning to doubt if the man is coming back. * Shane walks up to the bar. Ellena: Would you like me to talk to Joseph...I...er..okay...? Bye then... Shane: James, where does the Baskar keep his transportation? James: Oh, his thingamabob? I dunno. He's afraid of people stealing it, I guess, so he doesn't say. Shane: Not near, then? >> As if on cue, a loud huffing and banging sound approaches from outside, stopping right by the door. * Shane looks back. * Ellena blinks, nearly falling out of her chair! Shane: Nevermind, James... * Shane takes the drink if it's there. >> Something big is outside. The other Meisters seem not to have paid much attention, though the two women look curious. * Shane walks back to Ellena. Ellena: Is that him? Joseph: This is boring...you suck at darts, do you know that? Shane: I'm sorry... it was rude of me to walk away while you were talking. I was lost in thoughts. * Ellena tries to look out the door. Mauve: I'm...*cough* a little rusty. * Ellena then looks up to Shane. "Oh...It's all right..." Shane: Yeah, give Joseph a shot... if you want... * Shane whispers something low to Ellena. * Ellena nods. "He doesn't like me much...but I can try." * Ellena stands up, and pushes her chair in. She quietly walks up to Joseph and his companion. "E..excuse me...?" * Shane heads outside. * Joseph is in a rather good mood since he just kicked Mauve's butt in a game of darts. He looks back at Ellena. "Yes, what is it?" Ellena: Um... We...well...How can I put this...Shane...and everyone...You know... Neydisa...Allen. We're all headed to Saint Centour...and we need all the help we can get. I don't have much money...but if there's something I can give you...besides that...I'd really appreciate the help. So would Shane... Joseph: Uhh...what? Quit pausing and speak correctly. Ellena: I'm pausing? Um... * Shane looks around outside. Ellena: Let me try again. >> The entire outside street is filled with the bulk of an enormous metal contraption, steam and sparks shooting from various parts of it. Starling hops off the top. "This is one." Ellena: Shane and everyone else, you know...Neydisa, Allen..We're all heading to Saint Centour. We don't have much money, but if there's something else we can offer you instead, we'd really appreciate the help. Ellena: Plus...Fighting monsters is bound to give you more money than working in that store... Ellena: Is that better? ^^; * Joseph thinks it over......."Sure, why not. Nothing to do here anyways. I'd prolly kill myself if I stayed here too long." Shane: This... is an ARM? Joseph: And quit trying to bribe me. * Shane looks at it in dumbfounded awe. Starling: *grunts affirmation* And this. >> He pulls out what looks like a duelling pistol. Ellena: Really? Oh...thank you so much! Shane's right outside...we're going to meet at the front gates at high noon. Make sure you say goodbye to Marlene...I'm not trying to bribe...Okay. Yes I am. Sorry...You just don't like me all that much. I'll leave you alone now. Thank you. * Joseph looks at Ellena and sweatdrops. * Ellena turns around quickly and leaves. * Joseph looks at Mauve. "Did you have any idea what she just said?" Mauve: You're on your own, buddy. Ellena: .oO( I babble too much... I need to stop being nervous... ) * Ellena walks outside. Shane: May I see that? Starling: No. * Joseph throws the last dart he is holding. "Oh well, I'm leaving. Work on your game." >> Ellena comes face-to-face with the enormity of Starling's "iron carriage". * Ellena wide-eyes. * Joseph steps outside. Ellena: Shane! Can I speak to you for a moment? Shane: Uh... Sure... * Shane's having a hard time keeping his eyes off of... the ARM-vehicle. * Ellena smiles, "Joseph is coming with us." Shane: Ah... good. What does he want? Ellena: Nothing...I think. * Joseph walks past Shane, Ellena, and the giant vehicle. >> Starling eyes Joseph with a scowl. * Shane nods quietly. * Joseph notices him and returns the scowl. Ellena: Make sure to meet us at noon, Joseph! Shane: Starling... I'm a meister and expert on Elw technologies... I assure you that I'd handle it safely. Starling: ... Starling: No one touches my gun but me. * Shane nods. Shane: May I examine the vehicle, then? Ellena: . o O ( Elw techologies... ) * Ellena shakes her head as if to clear it. * Joseph heads off to where Marlene's shop is. Starling: You break anything, you pay for it. >> He nods with a grunt. * Shane gives it a short run-through. >> The vehicle is utterly remarkable, even if it IS somewhat beat up. * Shane hops out of the cab. Shane: Hrmm... Starling: When do we leave>? Shane: Look a bit beat up, but servicable... Shane: Noon. Shane: I'll pay you at the beginning of each day, deal? * Shane looks at the fierce little man. Starling: ...I'll be at the gates then. >> He vaults into the cab of the Rider and slowly sets it into reverse. * Shane sighs, and looks at Ellena. * Shane heads back into the bar. Ellena: Shane...? * Ellena follows him. "Something wrong? Isn't Starling who you wanted?" * Shane turns back... just paying the tab. >> Mauve is sitting with the two women now. Mauve: So then I...(blah) * Shane pays James up. Shane looks around once more, and sighs. * Ellena wonders what time it is. Shane: Shall we go to the gates, ma'am? * Ellena nods. "Yeah...we'd better go. It's getting late..." * Shane nods. * Shane looks a bit down, even after fulfilling the goal. Ellena: Shane...? Ellena: What's wrong? * Shane looks at Ellena... Shane: Oh, nothing really... Shane: ...I just keep getting this feeling I'm missing something.