Session Start: Sat Jun 28 20:57:28 2003 [20:57] * Topic is 'Exalted: Nobody on the road, nobody on the beach, I feel it in the air, the summer's out of reach. Empty lake, empty streets, the sun goes down alone. I'm riding by your house, though I know you're not home.' [21:06] * Jynaru was last seen tiredly preparing to kill the anathema ladies. [21:06] indeed... let me get them started first. [21:10] * Cicada was last seen unconsious, horseless, naked, and still being the heartthrob. [21:10] Blanket-swathed, actually. [21:11] The birds falling out of the sky and the horde of forest animals folliwing got tiresome. [21:11] Heh. :) [21:12] Could be worse. It could be the Maidens and Sun falling from the sky. [21:12] And luna back there on our track, stalking us. [21:13] Cicada and Jynaru awake in the morning, sore, but well rested. Sanyet looks less well, but he's apparently been through worse; and Kylara is looking pretty damn bad but should be able to travel. [21:13] Hrmmm..... I could ogle the maidens.... [21:13] Hey! What happened to crazy anathema ladies? [21:13] I didn't get to kill them yet. [21:13] the two riders are sitting over a warm bowl of mush, which apparently is intended to be breakfast. Your shelter, while not sorcerously constructed, is very well made for how fast they did it. [21:13] * Cicada crawls around to the individual people, healing their burns so they will only need a little rest to be fit again. [21:14] ah. yay. [21:14] The bonfire warms you well. Everyone is healed to their 1/2 of their -2 health levels [21:14] (how about our -4 health levels? Not to mention incap?) [21:14] * Jynaru sits up halfway to avoid banging his head on the roof of the shelter. "Morning." [21:15] (they're healed) [21:16] "Good morning. Sleep well?" [21:16] (I suppose it will still be 4 WP and a hell of a lot of essence to fix the rest?) [21:16] "As well as can be expected under the circumstances. And yourselves?" [21:16] (yes, but you don't have to do it all at once, and there'll be plenty of time to regen the WP) [21:17] "Well, thank you. We seemed to have missed whatever hit you." the chocolatey-skinned one says. [21:18] "I suppose it could have been a targeted spell..." [21:18] * Cicada does it at once, not feeling safe with the strangers at all. Clutching a blanket around her she crawls to each companion in turn running her hand over their skin, leaving pink bruises where there before had been swelts and severe burns. [21:19] Sanyet awakens at your touch and smiles dimly, while Kylara seems better off now that you've spent your time trying to help her. [21:20] "Uh... sorry about the clothes." [21:21] Green Snow Blossom fills four bowls with the steamy porridge and sets it down in front of you, her grace and manners shockingly out of place in this wooden abode. [21:21] * Cicada closes her front again, loking sheepish. "No.. no problem... It could not have been helped." [21:22] * Jynaru takes it, nodding gratefully to her as he blows on it before taking a minor taste. [21:22] Is it posioned? [21:22] Or just poisoned? [21:22] * Cicada too takes two bowls of soup handing them to Kylara and sanyet, then takes one for herself. [21:22] per + medicine/larceny/awareness/whatever :P [21:23] !ex 6 [21:23] Jynaru (6), 9, 1, 6, 9, 6, 7, Successes : 3 [21:23] * *Jynaru (6)* 3, 9, 8, 2, 9, 3, Successes : 3 [21:24] it's perfectly save [21:24] safe [21:25] * Cicada glances up at the two. "Thank you for your aid..? May I ask who you are and why you are here?" [21:27] The fair-skinned one's name is Green Snow Blossom, who was visiting the Imperial City with her lover, Rapunzel, on retreat from their homecity of Penrose' Perch, which you recognize as a small village not far from your parent's manse [21:28] (Traitor DB instead of anathema? Damn... those don't count on the quota.) [21:30] * Jynaru leaves it to cicada to talk, as she's supposed to be the authority, and eats porridge, talking quietly with Kylara. [21:30] "So you are Blooded in the service of the prefect?" [21:31] "No, we're just.. mortals." Blossom says "Yes, mortals," Rapunzel agrees quickly. "But we are very experienced in woodland travel." [21:32] * Jynaru fiddles with the arm strap, loosening it for easy draw of Glorious Seed. [21:32] <*Blossom*> "It is an honor to be a service to four fine lords of the earth such as yourself." [21:33] "It is our due to pay thanks for the shelter and food." [21:34] "Will you be able to show us the way to your destination? We too have business in that direction." [21:34] <*Blossom*> "Do not be so quick, m'lady, we are but unworthy travellers compared to your gloriousness. Gladly shall we show you the way to the place you seek." [21:35] * Jynaru smiles. "So, bringing a present to (whoever Cicada's parents are)?" [21:36] <*Blossom*> "No, we do not know their lordships, though their reign is wise and just." [21:37] * Jynaru nods amiably. "Just wondered what such mortals as yourselves had need of a daiklave for." [21:38] * *Rapunzel* looks at Jynaru like he should know better. In this light.. and that look seems oddly familiar.. [21:39] (I gave them a bloody out! "Oh, we're messengers. Oh, it's a crysal mockup meant to go on the mantelpiece.) [21:40] <*Blossom*> "No, I think you mistook it for a very large sword." [21:40] "That might be. I was very tired." [21:41] * Jynaru shrugs, wincing a little as a muscle pulls the wrong way. [21:41] <*Blossom*> "We can rest here a day, if your wounds ail you. I would not think of leaving such honored guests to brave the roads these days, alone." [21:42] "We made a shortcut to save time. I had otherwise planned to stay on the main roads, and use wagons." [21:43] (only way I can explain why the hell we did not hide in the traffic all the way) [21:43] "Well? Should we travel some and rest on horse, or would we cover more ground after refreshment?" [21:43] !ex 6 [21:43] !ex 6 [21:43] !ex 6 [21:43] * *Storyteller (6)* 8, 9, 1, 7, 7, 2, Successes : 4 [21:43] * *Storyteller (6)* 4, 7, 8, 4, 2, 7, Successes : 3 [21:43] !ex 6 [21:43] * *Storyteller (6)* 1, 5, 6, 4, 5, 10, Successes : 2 [21:43] Storyteller (6), 5, 4, 2, 10, 2, 7, Successes : 3 [21:43] Storyteller (6), 8, 1, 6, 2, 2, 1, Successes : 1 [21:43] Storyteller (6), 2, 10, 7, 5, 9, 8, Successes : 5 [21:43] * *Storyteller (6)* 3, 4, 9, 5, 5, 5, Successes : 1 [21:43] Storyteller (6), 3, 2, 6, 6, 10, 9, Successes : 3 [21:43] Dice Script Active [21:43] ARgh! [21:43] Dice Script Deactivated [21:43] * Cicada glances at the others. "We all need rest..." [21:43] Dude, dark red is bad. [21:44] quite unsual. [21:44] I have black screen. Black screen and dark red do not mix. [21:44] * Jynaru nods. "I suppose that is it, then." [21:44] not sure what it is. [21:45] <*Rapunzel*> "If it is your wish, I shall go henceforth and purchase a wagon for your travels." [21:45] * Jynaru exits the shelter, re-strapping glorious seed down. "Nice day, considering yesterday's storm." [21:45] "We will rest here. But we will not impose on you two and require you to delay your travels for our sake." [21:48] <*Blossom*> "No, please, you are hurt, and the power you spend shows through the dragon's touch; please, let us serve you during your trip, the way is long and unsafe for lone travellers." [21:49] "Yes. Yesterday's weather was most peculiar." [21:49] * Cicada glances at the pair. [21:49] "If the dragons see fit to bring you to our aid, it is hardly wise of us to decline..." [21:50] * *Blossom* blows graicously, a blush touching her cheeks. [21:51] Rapunzel, far less mannered, bows, and begs leave to get the wagon. [21:52] "Yes, please do not delay, lady Rapunzel. Oh... and do you think you could buy a set of clothing. Even a farmer's dress would be better than.. this." [21:53] <*Rapunzel*> nods quickly and leaves; "My lady will find that much of your belongings are still safe, though we could not save everything, I fear." [21:53] <*Puuhda*> sticks his head out of a pile of clothes that was your travelling bag [21:53] "Really? I'm much relieved. Puuhda!" [21:54] * Jynaru catches the movement and turns towards it, relieved when it's merely Puuhda. "Some days I think he'll outlive us all..." [21:54] * Cicada forgets entirely about holding the blanket as she holds out her hands to catch the jumping little rascal. (he does it on purpose, yeah) [21:55] * *Puuhda* is a bad bad boy [21:55] * *Rapunzel* quickly dissapears into the quiet morning. [21:55] * Jynaru turns just as quickly the other way. [21:56] Green Snow Blossom politely turns her head, though it was with a polite speed, and likely saw something [21:57] * Cicada holds Puuhda to her breast with great joy, laughing loud and merrily. [21:57] <*Puuhda*> "Puu!" [22:00] * Cicada pauses after a long seeming number of seconds and hurridly pulls the blanket around her again. [22:00] * Jynaru clears his throat. "Blossom, why don't we take a walk and give her some privacy while she dresses?" [22:01] * *Blossom* nods and rises gracefully, quickly leaving with Jynaru to give Cicada some privacy [22:02] (I suppose I have a great lack of proper travelling clothes?) [22:02] it may be so; so quick you were to leave the imperial city, you may find that you only have courtly dresses and revealing outfits fit for only the most finest of parties. [22:04] * Cicada is a few minutes later dressed in a dark green silk gown of intrequate cut and with raised wmbrodiry of gold and jade thread on the sleeves and chest. [22:05] "Sorry, it was the best I could find. At least it is light enough to run in." [22:05] * *Blossom,* once outside, quickly ties down the door of the tarp hung over the wooden shelter, giving Cicada the privacy she needs. From time to time you can hear puuhda inside, but more often, you are distracted by Green Snow Blossom's intense beauty, her complexion remarkable for the elemental nature of a dynast, but otherwise the perfect woman of the [22:05] realm [22:06] * Cicada emerges, looking more fir for a courtly hunt, or countryside palace ball than for a ride in the wilds. [22:08] * Jynaru pinches the bridge of his nose. "This... is going to be a loooong trip." [22:08] Green Snow Blossom averts her eyes, rather to pick up twigs and such for tinder and berries for fruit on the road. [22:09] "Already complaining about being two men to some four women? Jynaru (or whatever name we use), you are getting old." [22:09] "Anyway, help me to the horses. I'm sure they need my attention as well." [22:10] * Jynaru will do so. "If this is old, I can hardly imagine what you count as." [22:11] the horses seem okay but obviously they won't be going anywhere fast [22:12] * Cicada whispers to Jynaru while checking the horses. "You think they are with Bloom?" [22:12] * Jynaru shakes his head. "Naaah. You worry too much. I'm sure they'll be fine too." [22:13] "I hope they are." [22:13] "And... Jynaru..?" [22:13] "Hrm?" [22:13] "Does Kylara make you happy? Do you truly love her?" [22:15] * Jynaru blinks. "Does it never end? We are attacked by evil rain and the first thing asked about is my romantic life! I knew I should have been a monk..." [22:15] * Cicada winces. "But we are heading into danger. I might not be able to ask you again.." [22:16] "And there you go doing it again!" [22:16] "Doing what again?" [22:17] "I am worried about you. Can't you get it? I... you're my best friend. But you tear yourself up. Never at peace!" [22:18] "I thought that maybe you could let go with Kylara, or that Cub Sister, and with being free of the Order. But you have just gotten worse!" [22:18] "Dragons, Jynaru! I want to help you. make you happy!" [22:20] "I personally find it a bit distressing when a woman asks me if I am happy with my intended while I am half-carrying her." [22:21] "And that too! Am I that awful?!" [22:22] "Why is it that now when I am a Dynast and supposedly one of you, then everyone recouils in terror from me?!" [22:22] "I recoil because I recognize how easy it would be to fall over the edge." [22:23] "And just exactly what the hell does that mean? Am I some sort of demon who will drink your blood and claim your soul?!" [22:25] "Oh, bloody hell. Aren't two enough for you?" [22:25] "What do you mean by that?" [22:28] "Yes, and yes. That is precisely why I am NOT at peace. That is precisely why I am in general acting as if the mere touch of your skin is repellent to me. I have flaws, dammit, and I cannot let her down because of them." [22:28] Green Snow Blossom finds refuge out of earshot of your lover's quarrel [22:29] "Oh, so she does make you feel at peace..? Or is this just another of those 'duties' you tear yourself apart with? Jeeesh, and you say I have a slave mentality." [22:30] "Apparently not any longer, as you're doing an excellent job of getting in my face." [22:31] "Wha..? I'm not... I'm just trying to be there for you alike you always were for me, damn it!" [22:31] * Jynaru closes his eyes and counts to ten slowly. [22:32] "Why won't you let me do something for you in return for your kindness to me?" [22:32] * Cicada 's voice becomes pleading. [22:32] "Apparently, when I retire, tutoring should not occupy my spare time." [22:32] "please..?" [22:33] * Jynaru sighs. "I am sorry I misunderstood." [22:33] "Misun... what was there to misunderstand..?" [22:37] "Well, first, there's the rather low-cut outfit. Then the sudden shift into the rejection riff? And also, much as I try to forget exactly who you are, it is at times difficult, particularly when you are shouting in that manner. Remember me? Womanizer? Flaws?" [22:38] "But you have never tried anything.." [22:39] 2Nothing I didn't ask for or not want..." [22:39] "Errr... I mean..." [22:40] "Lok, I just want to be of any help to you I can... Can't that be sufficient?" [22:42] * Jynaru nods. "Look, we're both tired and rather stressed. Why don't we both forget this ever happened and just continue on as normal?" [22:44] "Okay." [22:45] * Cicada toes up and gives Jynaru a friendly kiss on the cheek. "And thank you for enduring." [22:46] * Jynaru has the split second urge to wail and gibber like a maniac, but resists. [22:48] * Cicada finishes with checking the horses and then rests out in the shelter with Sanyet. [22:51] would you like to move on? [22:51] Moving on sounds nice, yes. [22:51] (sure, unless Fiat wish to RP gibbering) [22:53] MOVING ON... [22:53] for several weeks. [22:53] riding on a wagon isn't the most comfortable travel but it beats walking [22:54] ooooh. several == what number? [22:54] I have specialties to buy! [22:54] lets go with 7 [22:54] huzzah. [22:55] during that time they are very protective of you and cicada; once they even knock her out of the way of what would be a mysterious hunting accident. Still, nothing is made of this, seeing it is only fit service to an Exalted. [22:57] * Jynaru has been training along the way as a means of replacing his much-missed smoking habit. [22:58] eventually you see a mighty building on the horizon; its walls are thick and it's ramparts are heavy; this is a truly impenetrable fortress, to one who has put his mind to it. No less than six rectangular stone towers fill the space between the walls, besides the keep and the other various buildings of everyday life... Beyond the first wall, which encompasses an entire village, farmland, [22:58] and more, there is a second retreat, from which is to be used only in the deepest seige.. and also doubles as the place of the prince and princess of this realm; so they are called, it is said, because they have never had a child other than their own, so great is their servitude to the people and the Dragons. [23:00] * Cicada bites her lip. [23:02] All throughout this prosperous realm there are fields of rice and rivers of corn, the birds seem to sing, and the animals play; it is here and there you see the odd game of soccer going on, and you wonder if they will let you play; a flying ball comes in and nearly hits you in the face; instead, it hits puuhda, who proves to be a decent enough block [23:02] <*Puuhda*> "PUUUUUHHAAAAAAA!!!!" [23:02] * *Puuhda* transforms! "Puuhdasun!" [23:03] * *Puuhdasun* chases after the soccer ball [23:03] "Not again... I'll never make him stop now..." [23:04] * Cicada chases after the little pest, and wind up caught in a soccer game, sometimes on one team and sometimes on the other. [23:04] suddenly the ball shrinks to nothing! satisfied at the flat pigskin, Puuhdasun flies around energetically, swirling around your head just out of reach [23:05] "...." [23:05] * Jynaru watches amusedly. [23:05] "Let me guess... It looked like some prey animal or chocolate pie, yes?" [23:06] <*Puuhdasun*> "Puuuhadaaaa!!!" [23:06] "Now what am I going to say to the poor kids who were having so much fun... *mmmMMppphhh!*" [23:07] Puuhda seems pleased that the ball no longer is a threat to himself. Besides, giving him the ball to carry around is cheating. [23:07] Game point! [23:07] you against Jynaru! [23:07] you close in on him! he is goalie! [23:08] the goal seems to shrink behind him as he seems to grow and you charge the next.. [23:09] * Cicada stumbles with her bloathed belly, looking about to trip over the ball. [23:10] * Jynaru hardly recalls how he got here, and is at least capable of diving either to protect ball or Cicada.... assuming it's not a trick. Hey, moron! That's not nice to think... [23:11] sanyet and Kylara cheer for the appropriate victor from the sidelines [23:11] * Cicada recovers like she was planning it all along and with an expert kick sends the ball under Jynaru and into the goal, herself landing in his arms. [23:11] +2 stunt for Cicada [23:12] (ability? Dex + ath?) [23:12] that will work [23:12] !ex 11 [23:12] * *Cicada (11)* 6, 6, 8, 4, 6, 7, 5, 2, 2, 10, 8, Successes : 5 [23:12] you may use MA if you prefer [23:13] (nah) [23:13] (for jynaru's benefit) [23:13] (naaaaah) [23:13] * Jynaru catches her, wavering slightly as he stands on one leg smiling. He uncoils the leg slightly, letting the ball roll down to his heel where he taps it up and over his head and into her arms. "Nice try." [23:14] !ex 11 [23:14] * *Jynaru (11)* 10, 10, 1, 4, 3, 10, 7, 6, 6, 1, 1, Successes : 7 [23:14] +2 stunt, i guess you are holding Cicada, who is carring the ball [23:14] Oh no, Jynaru has captured Cicada! [23:14] roll temperence you two [23:15] !ex 2 [23:15] * *Cicada (2)* 2, 9, Successes : 1 [23:15] !ex 2 [23:15] * *Jynaru (2)* 10, 5, Successes : 2 [23:15] (what about App autosux? ;) [23:16] perky cicada seems to remain innocent! While Jynaru's nostrils are still filled with her scent, it does not bother him so ;) [23:16] * Cicada is fortunately only in her 6 dots mode. [23:16] * Cicada sticks out her tongue playfully at Jynaru, then laughs merrily. [23:16] sanyet seems a little dissapointed but Puuhda only swirls faster around both of you, leaving shiny contrails of frost [23:17] * Cicada then suddenly pauses and pushes Jynaru away with an embarressed flush on her face. [23:17] "Uhhhm... sorry." [23:18] "I feel a bit tired. The baby is heavy you know... You just go on playing if you want..." [23:18] whistle is blown! [23:18] Cicada touched the ball with her hands! [23:18] * Jynaru wobbles slightly. "Not, that's ok. It'd be unfair for the others." [23:18] penalty kick. [23:19] (i did..?) [23:19] (BWAHAHAAAA~! The duplicity of the dynast comes to the fore!) [23:19] * Cicada penalty kicks the one who explained her the rules. [23:20] Roll str + MA! [23:20] (me?) [23:20] yes, lets see how far you can kick Jynaru [23:20] !ex 5 [23:20] * *Cicada (5)* 7, 2, 2, 2, 6, Successes : 1 [23:21] Jynaru doesn't go anywhere but he is pleased that it is not the SATJK he had to deal with [23:21] * Jynaru waits until after she has left the field to wince and rub at his shin. [23:21] * Cicada just gives Jynaru a slight kick over the shin for the way he ruthlessly exploited the situation out there. ;) [23:25] (Moving on? Or is the soccer of doom particularly important?) [23:26] (no, we had the teaser. I suppose we could go on) [23:27] (Yes. I was trying to figure out if I was supposed to lead my impromptu team to the local soccer championships or something.) [23:28] soccer doom is not important, you are now in the shadow of Augustus Moon's ancestral home. [23:28] (Huzzah! Someone to kick in the head!) [23:30] It is very amazing. Strangely though, your parents are not here to recieve you. [23:31] * Jynaru has been cracking his knuckles surreptitiously, and is mildly disappointed. [23:31] * Cicada applies for an audience with whoever is in charge at the moment. [23:32] <*Rapunzel*> seems to be in charge for the moment, as all the servants are giving your party a wide berth. [23:32] "Uh oh... I wonder if this is good..." [23:32] <*Green_Snow_Blossom*> "You must please excuse our caution, lady Cicada, we did not wish to make your trip more uncomfortable than it would otherwise be." [23:34] "I see. I thought that administrators taking the role of subjects to scout out the land only happened in fairy tales. No, I am not offended. More like amused. It was good to meet you as people." [23:34] "If a little embaressing..." [23:35] <*Green_Snow_Blossom*> smiles thankfully. "Belive me when I say I am sorry for our deception. But it was necessary. Cicada, if you will, I will lead you to the man you wish to talk to.. Rapunzel, will you take Jynaru and the others to their rooms? I'm certain he's eager to unpack after this long journey." [23:36] * *Rapunzel* nods, but a hint of uncomfortableness shines through her otherwise awe-inspiring demeanor [23:36] * Cicada suddenly feels cold down her spine. [23:37] "Actually, my companions are to escort me the entire way... So if it is not completely out of question they would like to go to the audience with me..." [23:37] * Jynaru mentally maps out the hallways in case of needing to make with the cosmic cavalry bit again. [23:38] * *Rapunzel* looks at Jynaru [23:39] * Jynaru smiles. "It's been seven weeks. What's a few more hours?" [23:40] <*Rapunzel*> nods. "Please show them around, lo.. Astella? I will make sure that he is ready to recieve guests." [23:41] * Cicada mouths at Jynaru, "Lord..?" [23:42] * *Blossom* nods and bows to you, guiding you into the building, while Rapunzel dissapears along an alternate path. [23:43] * Jynaru doesn't seem to react too much. After all, he's done the sex-swap thing too. [23:45] Green Snow Blossom shows you around. There's a huge kitchen and training yard young men fighting against old, blacksmiths here and there forging weapons and armor, and a variety of other things; gallerys of art and even a theatre. The passages are open and wide, even the vents being huge enough so that people could walk through if needed, though the entrance to them are strongly barred with [23:45] metal grates. [23:47] * Cicada is impressed and asks many question about the life here. How things work, and so on. [23:54] This building is not just meant to be a castle but aslo a home, and the many attempts at decorating and revision this manse-fortress. There are no children here, but every adult moves with a purpose and motivation which is remarkable for even a state at war. They seem happy to do it, though, as if a great burden has been lifted from their shoulders. It is such on your tour that you come [23:54] across one of many interesting bits; this one, it seems, needs a bit of explanation before you enter. [00:00] <*Blossom*> "One of our city's trades are in exotic animals and women. It has not been without some trouble that one of our foremost spiritual leaders has even managed to collect a few specimens of beastmen, from lunar tribes. These of course require special care and attention, as their needs are so different than many others." [00:02] * Cicada tries to keep the anger out of her voice. "You trade in women..?" [00:02] * L_Jynaru remains silent at this. [00:03] <*Blossom*> "We buy slaves, and give them a good life. Better than they could otherwise find at the stockyards of nexus, hmm?" [00:03] "And this.. 'spiritual leader' does he happen to be one we can meet?" [00:03] * *Blossom* nods. [00:03] "I see. Maybe." [00:04] * Cicada speaks no more on the matter. [00:04] * *Blossom* turns and opens the large double-doors, leading you in. [00:07] A flight of stairs is in front of you, leading up to another set of doors. On either side there is a ledge, and various women alternately stand, sit, kneel, or lounge here and there with seemingly few pieces of furnature. Many of them are leashed, and you see that although the women are beautiful, they have many beastial traits. Catgirls, Elephantwomen, those who hail from avian races and even [00:07] a few fishy specimens are here and there wearing a minimum of utilitarian clothing. The leashes seem to be weak enough to break through without too much trouble, and are there only for restraint; and at the rise of the steps, you can see one man, in simlpe red robes and a bald head dangling a fish over one catgirl, apparently teaching her some kind of trick. The catgirl, for her part, seems to [00:07] be enjoying it, but the man, you see, is Red Bloom. [00:09] * L_Jynaru casts a quick glance at Cicada. [00:09] * Cicada bows before Bloom. [00:10] "Honored sir, I apologize for our interruption." [00:10] <*Red_Bloom*> "Not at all, it's feeding time is all." [00:11] he smiles and drops the fish. Another, he reaches into the bucket and pulls a live mouse out by the tail; a fling through the air and one of the winged women catches it in her long, black beak. [00:12] "Sir, I carry a missive from the glorious regent of the Realm to be delivered to the lord and lady of this province and Manse." [00:12] * Cicada is struggling against fear and nervousity to keep her voice even. [00:14] <*Red_Bloom*> "I'm sorry but you can't see them. Or more to the point, they can't see you. I'm afraid you'll have to come to understand the nature of this agreement." [00:20] <*Red_Bloom*> "I will, of course, allow you to stay as long as you like, so long as you stay out of my hair. I have no intention of seeing eithre of you harmed," he looks at Jynaru, and the catgirl splayed in front of him looks too, with maybe a touch of hunger, "So I suggest we remain civil." [00:21] * L_Jynaru frowns and pops a final knuckle. "Well, this was a wasted trip, then." [00:21] "Naturally. Why would anyone have to behave otherwise?" [00:22] * L_Jynaru raises an eyebrow at Cicada. "Run that one by me again." [00:23] "I truly fail to see what kind of relationship there could be between guest and host but one of civility, sir. Surely this is some sort of jest." [00:24] "If you sre tired, maybe we should see you again later?" [00:25] <*Red_Bloom*> "I'm fine," he chats aimably. The mongoose gets a snake and the other bird a few spiders, that she licks right off his hand. His bucket of treats seems to be getting a little low, though. [00:27] "May I dare ask... where are the honored lady and lord of this Manse?" [00:30] <*Red_Bloom*> "They are currently on buisness elsewhere in the manse. I ask you to not seek them out, it will only make things harder on everyone." [00:30] <*Red_Bloom*> "unless there is something you wouldn't want me to tell them for you.." [00:30] "Of course not, sir. I have no hidden objectives with this journey." [00:31] * *Red_Bloom* sighs. [00:31] <*Red_Bloom*> "I've put a lot of work into this relationship." [00:31] "I you so allow, then I would like to rest here before returning to the capital. I grow weary from travel and I feel many a burden." [00:32] * *Red_Bloom* has emptied his pail, and waves for Cicada to follow, but a steely glance at Jynaru suggests that he should not. [00:33] <*Red_Bloom*> "You may remain here, if you wish, or return to the city as the Regent's consort, if you prefer... but it is up to you. And it is a choice I'd prefer you to make under the full knowledge of the consequences of your actions." [00:33] * L_Jynaru smiles grimly and sits down crosslegged where he stands. [00:34] "Naturally, sir. I would be a fool not to follow the advise of a loyal and wise subject of the Realm." [00:36] * *Red_Bloom* nods and leads Cicada into the next room, leaving Green Snow Blossom to stand protectively near Jynaru while the beastgirls play and talk amongst each other, not in strange tounges that make your ears cry to hear them, but in, strangely enough, low realm. [00:39] * L_Jynaru takes a moment and looks at GSB. "Rapunzel seemed familiar... any idea why?" [00:41] <*GSB*> "You've seen us both before, many times. It is part of our job." [00:42] "Hrm. That job being?" [00:43] <*GSB*> "If Cicada still wants to tell you when she comes back out of that room, she will." [00:44] "You realize that if she does NOT come back out of that room just as happy as she entered, I will take this place apart brick by brick to properly bury each of the million pieces I will tear him into." [00:45] * L_Jynaru 's tone oddly hasn't shifted, as if discussing the unfortunate luck of buying a losing raffle ticket. [00:47] <*GSB*> "I have no doubt that you will try, Jynaru. And if you do..." she looks grimly. "Bloom hadn't faught a real Wyld Hunt in his current life. I think he realized his mistake, but good luck." [00:48] * L_Jynaru moves onto more pleasant matters. "Either of you Raziel?" [00:49] <*GSB*> "Not I" [00:50] * L_Jynaru nods. "Out of curiosity, what happens if he attacks me, instead of the other way around?" [00:52] <*GSB*> "He can attack you, but only if you threaten Cicada or her parents. Be careful though - a lot can be justified by protecting one or the other." [00:53] "You sound like you actually care what happens to me one way or the other." [00:56] <*GSB*> "Part of me does. Part of me wants to rip off your head and kill you." she smiles gently, looking down at you. "I don't like one of those sides." [01:00] "I don't like one of those sides myself." [01:01] * *GSB* shudders [01:01] <*GSB*> "I have a book you might like to read." [01:02] "Oh?" [01:03] <*GSB*> "Come to my room sometime, and I'll give it to you." [01:04] "That assumes I'm going to be staying for long." [01:04] <*GSB*> "I don't think you're going anywhere, Jynaru." [01:05] <*GSB*> "I suggest you get used to life here." [01:05] "They said that about the island of twilight tears, as I recall." [01:06] * *GSB* smiles. [01:06] <*GSB*> "Plans change." Session Close: Sun Jun 29 01:11:19 2003