[Date: Monday, Bahamut 8th, 1359. Time: Early morning before midday. I hope none of you are late risers] (Early morning's before midday? Imagine that! ;P) (Shut UP!) (*cackle*) (...I can't buy it, Kev.) (No such thing.) ('Early morning before 3 PM', maybe.) (*thwaks Ard. Be nice to the GM.) [We join our, heroes outside with a fresh fall of snow on the ground, making a nice white blanket. Some of the younger generation have already built snow-forts and the like and are playing in the snow, throwing it around with reckless abandon. This is a little on the outskirts, but still a good distance away from the forests. Our focus is on the heroes closer to the edge of the forest, or even in it, doing some endurance training or somethin [Now they can say where they are and what they're doing, because...] [Mini Start!] * Sai_Link is sitting at the base of a tree, holding a origami crane on the flat of a shortsword. He's occasionally pulling the sword away really fast, flipping it and catching the crane before it falls, and the crane rings a little each time, like there's a bell inside it. Well, he is now, since the GM said Start! * Mona is bundled up a bit in a light blue colored, heavy robe, kept closed by a gold-and-blue lapis lazuli brooch. She stomps her way through the snow towards the forest, and yawns. She approaches Sai Link! Command? * Sai_Link 's a Selkie, apparently. He's got blue hair split in a ponytail which splits into two ponytails at the neck, and there's a big floofy black ribbon in his hair to help keep it all together. You can't see his eyes, because they're covered by some sunglasses. [Oh, by the way, it's really cold outside right now. I suggest you be wearing winter clothing.] * Sai_Link 's also got bare arms, but for two green armbands, with bells visibly attached to them. Aside from that, he's dressed warmly. * Sai_Link flips the sword again, and the crane rings again. *tinkle* He glances at the newcomer. ... Mona, is that you? * Mona looks down at Sai as if she didn't expect him to be there. Probably because she doesn't. She then blinks again. "... Sai Link? Is that--" she interrupts herself and chuckles. "Of course it's you." * Sai_Link flips the sword again. *tinkle* "Of course it's me. Who else would it be?" * Mona nods, and smiles very slightly. "Just what I was thinking. Unless you've managed to start a new fashion in the last few months." Beat. "Months that I haven't seen you. How've you been?" Just slowly going insane from boredom and stress. I figured I needed to get away from the house for a while. ... You? Bored? * Mona walks over a little closer and crouches down. [A gust of wind blows past, knocking the oragami bird off of Sai's sword and into the snow, before Sai could react. Sad bird in snow. ;-;] Something like that. Didn't hav- * Mona watches the bird tinkle and fall. * Sai_Link blinks at the fallen paper bird. * Sai_Link sighs, heavily. "... still better than being cooped up in there." * Mona fishes it out of the snow, and holds it up to him. "Cooped up in where?" She smiles a little at him. "Doesn't really sound like you, Sai Link." * Sai_Link holds the sword underneath Mona's hand, ready for her to drop it back on the blade. "At the house, taking care of my brother." * Mona mms softly, and does so, placing it back on the sword! Then she responds, "Aah..." and trails off. * Sai_Link just holds the crane there for now. "I was going crazy in there. I had to get some fresh air." * Mona laughs. "You're complaining to the wrong person about fresh air, although it's been nice to get some." She gestures at the ground. "May I?" Sure. I don't think the snow'll object, either. *he pats the gestured-at ground with his free hand.* My turn. How've you been, still a favorite of the Library? * Mona brushes away as much snow as she can, then takes a seat. * Sai_Link flips the sword again. *tinkle* * Mona says, "Yeah. Been catching up on ancient and not so ancient history, making sure Fawyn doesn't pound me to a pulp, trying to figure out the mysteries of the universe." * Mona smiles teasingly at Sai. "Same old, same old." Ah, the good old days. *he cracks a grin himself* * Mona shakes her head slightly. "Eh. Caravan's coming up. I figure it's my only chance to do anything in the field, you know?" * Sai_Link angles the sword up, catching the crane as it slides down the blade, and hands it to Mona. "That's what I've been doing for the last five months." You're going for the Caravan, for real? So am I. [The caravan's auditions start in approx 3 months, FYI] * Mona nods slightly, then smiles a little. "Well, it'd suit you, I guess." She pauses, then adds curiously, "Does that mean you figured out the... runic technique?" * Sai_Link angles the still-angled sword straight up. "I've figured out the key to it. It's still beyond my grasp, but it's just a matter of time." * Mona nods slightly, then says with a bit of sullenness, "Doing better than I am, then." * Sai_Link flips the sword over, straight down, and jabs it back into the snow. "Well, the mysteries of the universe aren't gleaned by the young and curious." Well, they should be. * Mona rubs her eyes. "I'm seeing lamias and materia in my sleep." * Sai_Link grins. "It's always the insane ones that figure it out." * Mona rolls her eyes. "You don't get more insane than a lilty in the library, Sai Link." She looks at the sword. "And what did the snow do to you?" * Mona pulls her robe a little tighter around herself, sorta answering her own question. * Sai_Link glances at the sword in the snow for a moment. "It's not green." * Mona looks at Sai funny, then says, "Well, I better look out." She flicks one of her emerald earrings. "This is all the green I have on me. Maybe it's not enough for you?" That's plenty. Enough to get adopted into my family, anyways. * Mona says in a teasing voice, "My, aren't you forward today." * Mona then rubs her neck. You okay, Mona? You don't seem as odd as you usually are. What's up? Yes. Just remembering that I got up this early so I could get in some more spear practice. * Sai_Link adopts a teasing tone of his own. "I seeeee. The training bug's bitten you, too?" * Mona holds out her hand, and the ranseur pops from her back into it. She says in a slightly heated tone, "If the training bug is 'My sister going for the caravan too', then yes, it has." ( Ransuer? ) (A spear. It has someting like a hilt near the point, often used for disarming. This one is a bit swept forward.) * Sai_Link skims the spear over. "That bite must really itch, then." * Mona shrugs, and says, almost unthinkingly, "I don't see how you can try to mock me. You and your brother were..." oh, wait, her brain caught up with her. Want some help? I'm used to it, myself. * Mona looks over at Sai and nods slightly. "A little variety wouldn't hurt me." * Mona pushes herself to her feet, using the spear for assistance. * Sai_Link puts one hand on the snow, springing to his feet from the hand, grabbing the sword on the way up. Didn't know you were into sharp pointy things yourself. For the life of me, I thought you'd throw a book at something if it came to a fight. * Mona laughs lightly, then says, "Surprise, surprise. Sai Link. You do a lot of things, you forget about a few every one and a while, right?" * Mona walks into the forest with her much tallker Selkie companion. Crunch crunch crunch goes the Lilty. Who'd waste a book by throwing it at a monster anyway? That's just foolish. * Sai_Link walks with the Litlty. He doesn't crunch the snow so much. "Mmm. I guess if the monster kills you, they'd leave the book alone." * Mona says derisively, "Not every monster will kill you, Sai Link." But there are many more that will. (Technically only one monster will kill you. The rest only reach the "trying to kill you" stage.) [The forest is pretty nice, with the freshly-fallen snow on the pine and branches of the formerly-leafed plants. As you speak, the showing of your breath is more apparent in the air as it gets cooler.] * Mona walks slowly and leisurly, looking around a bit as she walks. "Yes, I suppose that's true." * Sai_Link keeps glancing around, gaze particularly drifting to the treetops. "You've ... been doing this for a bit." How many times have you been out here before? * Mona nods and slows up a little.. "Two or three times a day for the past three months... a number of times before that too." * Sai_Link blinks, and stops in surprise. "That much? ... you're really into it." * Sai_Link hurries up to make up the few paces he's lost, not bothering to avoid crunching the snow. * Mona turns and looks at Sai. There's a bit of fire in her eyes. "Two or three times a day out here, research, journal reviews, language reviews, helping out at the store... " she makes a huffy sigh and messes with her leaves that lay on top of her red hair. "You say you're going stircrazy, well, I'm going work crazy." Trade'ja. All that training I did with my brother? It's annoying to admit, but it's kind'uv stuck. I'm going stircrazy because I don't have anything to -do-. * Mona rolls her neck slightly, as if her neck hurts, and says, with a little amusement, "Well, you could always invite Kutep over, for entertainment." She pauses, then adds, a little more quietly in the early morning, "But no, I wouldn't want to trade you." ... I really do need to get out more. As much as I love my brother, it's depressing to stay there all the time. Mind if I train with you sometimes? Like before? *he pauses, and then says a bit sheepishly* ... old habits die hard. * Mona chuckles, and nods slightly. "I said I could use the variety." After a second, she adds, "If you get on the caravan, someone will have to watch him anyway. Maybe you can start that search a few months early." * Mona reaches a small clearing and slows to a stop. "This is... about as far as we can go." * Sai_Link stops a half-step behind Mona, glancing around. "The miasma?" * Mona nods slowly. "Kupi puts the first patch at about twenty feet that way..." She points off into the forest, a little diagonal of the main path. "... but moogles aren't really good at guessing that." * Mona continues on, stretching slightly, "I don't figure it's worth the trouble to go any further, just in case..." she looks over at Sai. "Well... you know." [Can I get some listen checks, please? Roll in BESM] * Sai_Link sticks the sword in front of him, poking the air. "... yeah. I know." * Mona says, a little lightly, "If I'd known you were staying home, and not off on some family trip, I might have stopped by." she trails off and turns off to the forest and frowns, saying, "Well, that's a bit noisy." I had meant to let you know... but. Dad figured it was best for us to lay low for a while. And my brother needed the company. * Mona holds up a hand in a sshing motion, although not in Selkic Sign. [Aaaand, spot checks too.] * Sai_Link knows what a hand means though, so shuts up. [Okay, you both notice a hawk circling overhead through the canopy of trees. It's pretty evident now as the steps are getting louder.] [They sound much like, um, someone walking in snow, but the trees are a bit too thick to make out what it is.] * Mona takes some slow steps away, but keeps her ranseur pointed down and away, not out and towards the thing. * Sai_Link takes more than a few steps away. He takes a lot of steps away, behind a nearby tree. [The hawk stays up there, and you get your first glimpse of the person-thing. It's a lightly-bundled humanoid - probably clavat, can't possibly be any taller than 6 feet. He spots you as well, calling in a young voice. "Hey, what are you two doing out here?"] (Common?) (Yes.) (Unless otherwise specified.) * Sai_Link steps back into plain view, sheathing the shortsword as he does so. * Mona replies simply, looking up at the possibly-clavat, "Well, talking, until you came along, I think." She lets the spear rest against her arm. * Sai_Link is suddenly a lot more formal. "We were about to head back, and talking before that." The miasma is beyond. We can't go any farther safely. [The clavat looks up at the Hawk. "Hey, get down here and stop scaring them, would ya Herion?" The bird complies and flies down, perching on his shoulder. "Heading back? In this wonderful weather? I guess to each their own, huh."] ... yes. To each their own. *insert a token shiver here* * Mona says dryly. "If you say so. And you, mystery clavat? Out to enjoy the snow?" [The Clavat considers this. With a closer look, he's got blonde hair and emerald green eyes, indicating a somewhat unique heratige. "It really goes on for about ten more feet, then drops off." He smiles. "I'm Selik Archanist. And you two are..."] (Nikki proceeds to strangle me for not letting her in on this.) * Sai_Link extends a hand. "Sai Link Green." (Bould- err, Nikkis falls from the sky?) [Selik shakes his head. "Not me personally. Herion here enjoys it more than I. Personally, I'm more of a green person." He reaches out and shakes Sai_Link's hand.] * Mona lets Sai shake hands with the crazy man, and says with a faint tone of amusement, "You and Sai Link will have a fine time together." The amusement fades and she says with a slight bow, as well as a hint of curiosity in her tone, "Mona Masahcarey. Archanist, you say?" [Selik rolls his eyes as if he's said this a million times before. "Yes, same as Ceril. Apparently one of my ancestors was a brother of his. Don't see what good it's done me other than make people double-guess my identity."] * Sai_Link nods, a hint of a grin forming. "Archanist? That is an interesting name." * Mona blinks, then chuckles. "Add one more to the list, then, I'm afraid." ... Although, I didn't actually think you were Ceril, as he would be very old. Very old as in over a thousand? *nods* Only thing that really does link me to him are these eyes, and even with that, how common are green eyes nowadays, huh? ( HAH. ) (I'm sure there's something funny about it, but with these baby blues, it doesn't strike me. ^_~) (Hehe. :P) (Green eyes, the most common eye color behind brown!) (Yeah, just check the chart.) * Sai_Link glances at his armbands. So who are you besides related to a figure lost to myth and legend? I'll hazard a guess and say that you're trying for the next Caravan, too. * Mona slides the ranseur back down the right side of her back, freeing up her hands so that she can make sure her outer robe is closed up, and then hide her hands inside the arms. * Selik nods. "That's a safe assumption. My folks have kept a low profile, understandably. And doing so has kept us from really applying to join the caravan." * Selik doesn't seem bothered at *all* by the cold, by the way. Herion quirks his head strangely at Mona, and then at Sai_Link. * Mona smiles sweetly back at Herion, then says, "So, what changed?" Nothin', really. I *want* to try out for the caravan, but my folks'll flip if they find out... Might need to go under another name." * Sai_Link regards the bird. "Got one in mind?" * Selik idly tickles below the beak of his familiar. "Nah... I might just go like this and see the reaction. It'd be priceless if anything." He grins. * Sai_Link shifts his sunglassed gaze from the bird to the Clavat. "Then we'll be seeing each other there." Maybe. * Selik glances down at Mona. "You look pretty cold. Wanna head some place warmer?" * Sai_Link glances beyond, at the imminent miasma. * Mona looks up at Selik with a small frown and says, "If you can think of one, I wouldn't mind it." She glances at Herion, and the frown goes to a smile, "Herion might, though." * Selik smiles back. "He's the one who suggested it, actually." * Sai_Link blinks. Quite a considerate bird. * Mona nods and says, "Isn't he? Well, lead on." Seems like a good idea. If my brother was here, I'd have to grin and bear it, but he's not, and I'm starting to get cold. [Selik chuckles and thinks for a few, getting his bearings. He then starts walking torwards the center of town. "He's very considerate. I figured we would only be out to hunt for his meal, not pick up visitors." * Mona mms slightly, but doesn't speak up. Ah, that explains that question. * Sai_Link nods, and steps to the side. "Lead on." What, you think I'd be out here for some sort of malicious intent?.. Wouldn't be the first time, really. You like hot cocoa? * Mona follows, saying wryly, "Well, you did ask us why we were out here. What, did you think we were out here for some sort of malicious intent?" Hardly. I guessed you would be here for much the same reason as us, given your interest in getting on the Caravan. That was because I wanted to make sure you weren't hurt or under attack. ~_^ * Mona mumurs, "So gracious." * Sai_Link grins. "I can take care of myself, plus one. No need to worry about me, although the thought is appreciated." * Selik regards his familiar, nodding. "That and you were chasing away Herion's prey." * Sai_Link bows at the bird. "I apologize for disturbing your hunting." This is said with complete seriousness. * Mona looks over at Sai, then mutters, in Lilty, before speaking up and saying, "Yes, I'm sure if he were wearing a bell, we would have been more careful." * Sai_Link straightens up, then turns to Mona. "Bells would also make Herions prey more careful." But, alas, he wasn't. Guess I'll have to find somethin' he'll eat later. Or let him go hunting while we're inside. * Sai_Link fiddles with his armbands, pulling a pin out from each one. His wrists start jingling. * Mona says, with a little exasperation, towards Sai, "Yes, Sai Link, I know." * Mona walks along, sayinig a bit more casually, "Another one of those surprising things, I'm sure." * Sai_Link chuckles. "Just pointing out the obvious." * Selik murmers in Lilty, almost directed at Mona. * Mona blinks, then replies, * Mona then adds, speaking up, "So, where are we headed?" Just a little tavern I know about. Warm all-year-round, so I go there often to relax when I'm not outside. * Sai_Link perks up at 'Warm.' What's it called? Firaga on Ice. Personally, I think they could have done better. * Sai_Link claps a hand over his mouth. It doesn't do anything at all for the ensuing snickering after that. ... probably, yes. * Selik grins. "Laugh if you want to. Maybe you could get'em to change the name to something not as... lame." It probably *snicker* attracts a lot *snicker* of business. *he swallows, cutting off the snickering.* * Mona looks over at Sai curiously. "It's not that funny, unless I'm missing the joke." ... and you're the one into theoretical magic? You should probably conisder yourself fortunate that you don't get it, though. It's pretty bad. * Mona looks at Sai funny, then shakes her head. You know. I'm curious about this place, now. * Sai_Link grins at Mona and Selik, then bows and staps back a few steps. "As curious as I am, though, it will have to wait. I fear I've been gone too long. It was good to see you again, Mona, stop by sometime. And a pleasure to meet you, Selik. Farewell for now." * Sai_Link jogs offscreen. * Mona nods at Sai slightly. "I'll... stop by and see you, or set something up, or..." she watches him ditch. "... yeah." * Mona rubs her neck and looks back to Selik. (If I had to look up at people a foot+ tatller than me all the time, I'd rub my neck a lot too. >_<) (Lilties have necks? ;P) (I guess?) (Hmm, okay!) (Well, how would they move their heads without a neck?) * Selik looks at Sai_Link leave and shrugs. "Quick, isn't he? I guess all Selkie are, though." He's got somewhere to be. Why waste time getting there? I guess. * Mona mms slightly, then shakes her head and pulls her robe tighter again. "Especially in this weather." [As the two keep walking, the enter the town and the streets, going through the snowball fight. Fortunately, the children learned how to throw snowballs from the Stormtrooper Acadamey of Marksmanship, and so don't hit either of them. The Firaga and Ice tavern is nearby, and you reach it in short order. Selik opens the door for Mona, despite her family's name for being... direct. "After you."] * Mona walks in and looks around. If she's offended, she doesn't show it. [Selik walks in behind Mona, Herion gives a shriek and flies off outside as Selik watches him knowingly. The inside of the tavern is a bit small, but well-kept. Numerous everburining torches line the walls, and daylight shines through the roof where glass keeps the snow at bay. The place is currently full of people ranging in age from 10-24, most drinking something warm and enjoying the warm air.] Nice place, huh? A little expensive, but worth it to get out of the cold. * Mona frowns for a second at that, and then shakes off her feet and robe. "It's nice." [There is one table left open by the wall, about big enough for four people. Selik signals to the female yuke tending the 'bar', if you could call it that, and the man nods back. Selik smiles to Mona and takes a seat. "Don't worry'bout it."] * Mona follows him over and has a seat, before shrugging off her outer robe onto the chair, revealing a very plain inner robe with a number of large pockets. This also makes the nice silver-and-garnet bracelet on her arm a lot more obvious. She re-clasps the brooch on this robe and looks across at Selik. "So, a familiar, huh?" She smiles slightly. "Does magic run in your family blood?" * Selik himself takes off the lightly heavy overcoat he was wearing, revealing him to be somewhat handsome and medium-built. "Guess it does. Everyone in my family can use magicite without a problem... It's a real problem around newborns, let me tell ya." He chuckles. * Mona nods slightly, with a small smile on her face. "Lucky." * Selik shakes his head. "Nothing like the stories, though. I can't pull fire out of thin air, for one thing. And lightning doesn't come out of my mouth without magicite... nor would I want it to." * Mona waves her hand dismissively. "Stories are stories, at least, when it comes to things like that." * Mona starts to play idly with her bracelet. "After all, you're not Ceril." Far from it. And something tells me you're not Gwesus either, Ms. Masahcarey. ~_^ * Mona smiles a little mirthlessly. "Oh, and I try so hard, too. Was it the hair, or being taller than a normal lilty, do you think, that gave me away?" While your hair is nice and your height difference noticable, I'd have to say it's because you mentioned your name earlier in the woods. * Mona unconsciously brushes her hair with her left hand while giving him a slightly odd look, then says, "Ah, yes, that would do it. Foolish me." * Mona smiles slightly, then leans back. "One thing our ancestors have in common, though. Hopeless cross-racial romantics." * Selik laughs. "Certainly. I swear I have some Lilty and Selkie blood in me. Maybe even somethin' else, too." * Mona mms slightly, and says, "Wouldn't be uncommon, not around here." Her look gets a little more suspicious. "Except that last part, that is." * Selik shrugs. "It wouldn't. So, what do you plan on doing if you get on the caravan?" * Mona chuckles slightly. "Going on it? Perhaps even collecting a few drops of myrr before coming home?" Oh come on. Other than that. You know they always spend a little time doing other things too, right? * Mona pauses for a bit, maybe a bit too long, then says, "Well, I wouldn't know what to do with that. Maybe see a bit of the world." * Mona leans a little forward onto the table. * Mona then says, with a teasing smile, "Does that mean you had a few thoughts in mind? Maybe exploring the Kerstanch Woods?" That's what's been on my mind. [At this point the Yuke tending the 'bar' comes over with a pair of hot cocoas and sets them down. Selik gives .1 gil and she heads back silently.] * Mona nods, and continues to lean forward. "There's no shortage of interesting things about the Kerstanch Woods, that's for certain." Yeah. I hear Ralmia's crystal is supported entirely by its trees and those alone... Definetly'd want a guide, though. * Mona nods at the woman, then picks up her cocoa. "Naturally. Or maybe not so naturally." She blows on it. * Selik nods and sips his cocoa. "You play magicite soccer at all?" * Mona blinks, and says, "Well... er..." she frowns, and then finishes, "That is... not for a few years. Sebejias got too old for it." * Mona chuckles slightly and takes a sip of the cocoa. "More interested in the finished product nowadays." * Selik snerks. "I hear that." Yeah, so do I. * Selik idly rummages his fingres on the table after taking another drink. * Mona takes another sip herself, and mms. "So, how'd you meet Herion? Choose a familiar?" * Selik chuckles. "More like he had chosen me. That was a long while back... Maybe six or seven years, and I couldn't have picked a better one." Which is fortunate for me, because I didn't have to. * Mona nods slightly, with a small smile. "Lucky again." What can I say? I'm lucky like that. * Mona smiles a little. "Maybe you should put that on your caravan application. 'Really lucky. Maybe it's contageous?'" She takes a drink. * Selik snickers. "That'd be nice for a change. I hope you don't mind me asking, but why do you say I'm particularly lucky?" * Mona smiles a little oddly. "You've found a well matching familiar... what, Magicite from the cradle isn't enough for you?" She sighs and drums her fingers on the table. "I could've cut off... years...just with that alone." Yeah, but I live with a kind of uncertainty too. Everyone in my family has disappeared or died unnaturally. Sometimes from miasma, sometimes accidents... Heck, my great-great-great-grandfather spontaneously combusted. Somethin's definetly not right with that. * Mona blinks, and the fingers stop drumming. Not really, no. Anyways, I figure you should enjoy life while you're living, you know? * Selick grins at that. * Mona nods and smiles slightly. "Yes. Yes, I think I do." She makes a small nnhing noise. "It'd be easier to enjoy without all the work, though." That's if you don't enjoy your work. Find somethin' you like doing and do it for work and you're set. * Mona smiles a little. "I enjoy... some of my work. I'd just like to enjoy a little less of it." (I'm gonna go eat soon. It's 11:51 over here.) (Nod. Does Selik want to leave, so we can end this, or were you looking to continue come... er... 2, when I get back from class? ^^;) (Well, we can seperate it. I think we've had a good enough mini for me to intro the character and you to play Mona. :P) (Snicker. It has been quite a while, yes. ^_~) * Selik finishes his cocoa. "I should go out and get Herion now. I've already paid for your drink, so don't worry about it. Nice meeting you Mona, and good luck when applications start." He smiles, and without waiting for Mona to respond, heads outside into the cold with his overcoat in his hands. * Mona watches him go, and laughs faintly. "And he said Sai Link was fast. Guess he's got that selkie blood after all." [Mini FINALLY end]