Feb 20 00:23:27 [Later that day, at the shooting range... Leena and Rinada meet for their weekly practice session.] * LadyMallet is still in the same outfit as before, butterfly wings included. The 'belt' has been unwound, so it's a cat tail again, and loosely wrapped around her left leg instead of her waist. She's already ready and waiting, pistol out. * Lord_Darkmoon smiles politely. "Hello again, m'Lady." He begins the before-shooting disassembly, cleaning, and examination of his pistol. Heyas. So... I was thinking. You know, about the politcky thing. It'd pass the time if we started now. Oh? Well... where would you like to start? * LadyMallet grins wryly. "It'll probably take twice as long for me, because, I'm, well..." ... me. I dunno. You know how I am, anything come to mind? * LadyMallet twirls her pistol on one hand. She messes up soon enough, and catches it with her other hand. I think the first lesson I ever had... your face. * LadyMallet blinks. "... whoah." Never show your true emotions. They can be used against you. You actually had... lessons? Mother and Father are very...traditional. I've told you a bit of my family history, haven't I? Bits and pieces. You're so full of secrets, though, you never say anything straight out unless it's dragged out of you. ...Not...I suppose you're right. *smiles sardonically* My family... My ancestors were Samurai caste. According to my father, we were a high noble family. He insists that I be raised traditionally. That I be able to act as one of my family's station should. Despite...certain truths of our times. ... and a required lesson for everyone in the family is how to put on a good face because of that? So, yes. I've had lessons. And that is most definitely an important one. Even now, I've not mastered it. You've seen me slip up regularly. ^^; * LadyMallet giggles. "It's cute." Err, I mean... * LadyMallet nods, and solemnly closes her eyes. "Occasionally." * Lord_Darkmoon coughs, not blushing in shame, honest. "Anyway. The first thing you need to learn is how to hide what you really feel about something. Either behind a formal mask - I find that easiest, personally - or a false emotion. Usually a smile." * LadyMallet gestures at Darkmoon's gun, and thumbs over to the range. She takes a moment to compose her face- several moments- and nods impassionedly. "Whenever you're ready." ... I'm afraid I've had enough of fake smiles, though. * Lord_Darkmoon starts putting his gun back together. "That's the problem with politics," he continues a bit more quietly, "it's all about how to lie without lying." ... I guess that would be the easiest to pull off, though. Since I'm generally so cheery, it wouldn't be too much of a stretch to look cheery when I'm not. * Lord_Darkmoon cocks the slide on the gun, nodding when it sets properly. "The polite version also requires that you hide any emotions at all behind an unfolded fan, but that's not a very useful one in modern political dealings." * LadyMallet frowns a bit, then squints her eyes shut and wipes her face with her free hand. She's not frowning when the hand comes away. "Uh.. I see. Is everything on this subject so ... uh. Um, what about sarcasm?" One is never sarcastic in polite company. Anyone who would take your speech at less than face value is accusing you of lying, and you would never lie, now would you? I'd love to say so beautiful, like a work of art with words and a dagger woven in the middle where it can't be seen. * Lord_Darkmoon was clearly being sarcastic, despite the lack of verbal intonation. * LadyMallet blinks. "... uh, yeah. I really suck at this." For example, you might compliment a woman on losing weight, in your example. At worst, she truly has lost weight, and is proud of it. At best, she has to guess if you're politely not saying she's fat now, or implying that she looked fat in the past. * LadyMallet blinks a lot more, confusedly. "... wha?" * LadyMallet sighs. "Did I say twice as long? Make it three times. This is confusing." A lot of politics is exactly what you asked about. At least in interpersonal politics, which is what we're going to do. However, for this particular mission... *takes aim, and fires once, frowning at the bad shot* Our goal is to be polite, unnoticed, and only remarked upon pleasantly. * LadyMallet nods, then frowns again. She gets into a stance, turns off the safety, and starts off with three quick shots. So. The first lesson might be the best to master. Don't be so damned outgoing and expressive. Right. Though don't ruin that aspect of yourself, it can be useful. Just... use it to introduce yourself, if someone asks for an introduction. Calm your exuberances, but don't suppress them. Flattery is a powerful tool, and interest is a wonderful form of flattery. Uh... I think I get that one. The key is to listen, and watch. Recognize when your exuberance makes people uncomfortable rather than flattered, and tone it back. * LadyMallet hops a half-step to the left, crouches down, and fires without aiming- she's slightly surprised when it's on the mark. * Lord_Darkmoon takes another careful shot. Then follows with two more, less careful, when it was more-or-less on the mark. * LadyMallet takes a few more shots from that position. "Kinda like acting?" I think I'd be good at that. I've been thinking about dropping Tea Club and joining Performance Club. * Lord_Darkmoon then sets the target to approach, and empties his clip into it as it draws near. When he finishes, he examines the target, and relaxes. A lot like acting, actually. I'm getting fed up with them. ... but, ya know, that'd be a great place to try out all this politicky stuff. Tea Club. Interactive acting. Depending on your goal, you want your act to fool your partner, or to fool observers while leaving your partner embarrassed. In some circumstances, you might want to fool onlookers while conveying information, but... ... sorry, that's not important now. I apologize, I've never actually tried to...codify the lessons before. ...what is this Tea Club? Tea Club's the MG club at Takeuchi. It was mentioned several times this afternoon. And...it didn't make a lot of sense. ^^; Ohhhhhhhhhhhh. Yes. That would be a PERFECT place to practice...politics. Where do you think I got most of my...practice? There's no actual tea involved, just the girls with the magical fukus lording it over everyone else that they're large and in charge without actually telling everyone else -why-. Sounds perfect. I take it you don't like the members? * LadyMallet empties the clip in a storm of bullets as she finishes talking, and pops it out. Well, not that so much as one person there in particular. ...I see. ... but there's stuff going on under the surface now that the Club Wars have started back up, and I don't like it. * Lord_Darkmoon reloads his gun, and takes aim again at the new target. And suddenly turns, aiming at a target further down the line. Club wars? * LadyMallet reloads as well, firing as soon as it clicks in at the same target Darkmoon aimed for. It's Takeuchi. There's all these clubs, the bigger the club the more money they get. ... the recruitment for the clubs is pretty vicious. * Lord_Darkmoon eyes the different size holes left by their two guns. "...your gun is impressive." * LadyMallet nods. "It's got a kick to it." I see. And the Tea Club is the largest, I take it? It was the largest, but now Anime Club is getting bigger, and they're panicking. ...well, that was poor planning on their part. Let me guess, they can only try to regain supremacy by reducing Anime Club's size? Well, they're starting to draft all the MG's there out of the clubs they were in. Which... I really don't like. There were threats of Orders to make them quit tossed around. * Lord_Darkmoon 's aimed shot goes wide, and he turns angrily towards Leena. "Orders?" They would DARE? * LadyMallet takes a couple more shots, moving over to get face to face with a not-as-destroyed target. "Yeah." * Lord_Darkmoon sighs. "There, see? I should not have reacted so strongly to that. It was impolitic." ... it gets kinda predictable, too. I see what you mean about being able to use it against them. I have gotten good at controlling myself, most of the time. You have seen me with the overblown pillow-sitter, and her favorite sponge, haven't you? Yeah, you really need to loosen up and say what you mean to them for once. Err... uh. * LadyMallet frowns, and thinks. "What's the polite, politicky way to say that?" ...I tried that. Twice. And had some rather...unpleasant Orders as a consequence. The politicky way to give that kind of advice? ...there really isn't one, because doing that is impolitic. ... uh? * LadyMallet blinks. "Well, what about the consequences? Lessee, politcky way to ask..." But... "You should learn to express your concerns to them so they can apply their wisdom to solving them." * LadyMallet megablinks. "... yeah." ... that has no 'I' in it. You're tossing everything back at someone else, without saying anything about yourself at all. In politics, phrase everything to at least sound like a compliment. Especially to those higher up. Advice to equals and underlings can be given in a condescending fashion, but advice to superiors is ALWAYS phrased as if they had already thought of it, or as if you simply do not understand and seek their superior wisdom. If a superior takes your advice, you praise their wisdom. If he rejects it, you say nothing, even when you are proven correct. * LadyMallet hmms. "So... um. Gah. How do I phrase this..." ... what was the Queens response to you expressing your concerns to her? * LadyMallet squints her eyes for a moment, taking a rather long time to aim. She finally settles on a shot, and takes it, then follows it up with 2 more. ...hoo. Nicely phrased. She corrected my misapprehensions, and gave me more correct opinions to hold. * LadyMallet beams. "Thanks! ... I think." Err. * LadyMallet shakes her head for a moment. "I mean... I thank you for your compliment. I think?" She frowns, slightly confused. Man, the formalness of that grates on my nerves. When complimented... that's a tricky one. A simple "Thank You" is usually sufficient. If it was clearly given as public praise by a superior, make a bigger deal out of it, but still in calm, pleased tones. Exuberance is almost never politic. And it's probably not flowery enough. Like... Your praises are graciously accepted for one so undeserving of them. Flowery is a double-edged thing. Unless you are playing it as a game, and genuinely mean to compliment your partner in the political dance, more flowery often equates to thicker veil for insult. * Lord_Darkmoon chuckles at Leena's example. "That's a good one for groveling to a particularly high superior. Only do it if you really need to make them feel secure in their superiority." * LadyMallet shrugs. "Well, I do suck at this." Ironically, simplicity is often best. * Lord_Darkmoon fires a few shots, almost casually. He actually hits a couple of times. In the end, a beginner should learn the art of subtlety. *shoots twice more, hitting somewhere in the head region both times* * LadyMallet holds her hand up, open and palm up, and catches the Mallet as it falls out of midair. She juggles the gun and Mallet until they've switched hands, and she holds the Mallet out in front of her, like a shield, and fires around it. Always remember titles and formal names, and use them properly. ... In the end, a beginner should learn the art of subtlety. ... what the hell did you say there? * LadyMallet sets the Mallet down, then ducks down behind it. She takes a moment to check her gun, then peeks out and takes a shot. Uh... heh ^^; Basically, you need to learn to be seen and not heard. Except when someone asks to hear you, and then only say things to make them feel good. Without being the center of attention. I suppose that's politicky too. Say something so confusing but sounds like you actually said something, so they don't know what you said. It's a useful skill. Sometimes, one can be too good at it. ... so, no calling them jerks, idiots, dorks, assholes, pricks, or bitches, even if I want to and they are one? Some of the...most fun...things to learn are ways of saying everything in the tone of your voice. If you're good enough, you can talk about two different subjects at once. Mother and Father are scary at times. *laughs* * LadyMallet picks the Mallet back up, twirling it like an umbrella and trying to time the shots from behind it's cover so they go through- only one of the four makes it through. * Lord_Darkmoon winces. "I'm glad that the bullets don't bounce back and hit you from that." ... that didn't work too well. * Lord_Darkmoon pulls out the Tessen, and runs it from the barrel of the gun up his arm. The gun flows up his arm, under his sleeve, like a black liquid. * LadyMallet tosses the Mallet back up into midair, where it vanishes. She takes another set of shots, only taking a moment to aim. So... hm. What would you say to the pillow-sitter's favorite sponge if she told you to go get her a cup of coffee, this Saturday? ... um. This is a test, isn't it? * Lord_Darkmoon opens his mouth and takes a breath to say something long, but pauses, and simply says, "Yes." * LadyMallet hmms. "What did you want with that? ... nah, too informal." I guess... nothing. Just nod and do it. That's a good response. Well, if I have to ask, too, that gives the wrong impression. We're supposed to be her... um. Something. I dunno, flunkies? Probably. We're supposed to know what she wants with her coffee already, and if we have to ask, it kinda messes that up. ...Very good. I wasn't even thinking about that portion of it. * Lord_Darkmoon holds out his arm, and runs the Tessen down it. The gun flows out and forms in his hand, and he takes four swift shots at an approaching target. He then examines the result while making the gun flow back up his sleeve. * LadyMallet changes her stance, extending her gun-arm out, and standing sideways to the target. She takes a moment to line up her shot, and lets loose one last bullet. She drops the gun down, and flips the safety on. Essentially, try to speak as little as possible, and maintain a smile at all times. Unless someone expresses something that would indicate another appropriate emotion. Under no circumstances show strong emotion. All emotion is simply a show. Sympathy rather than anger, disappointment rather than sadness, and a smile rather than elation. * Lord_Darkmoon repeats the exercise with the Tessen and the gun, aiming a bit better this time. * LadyMallet watches Darkmoon for a second. "... interesting. I think using the Mallet as portable cover works better than you spot-forming the gun, though." Never show inappropriate emotion, either. Only be sympathetic if the one talking is angry. Only be sad if the one telling the story is sad. Smile unless smiling would insult someone. * Lord_Darkmoon nods, grinning embarassedly. "Yeah, but I'm more trying to get it out quickly. I really should practice running while doing it." * LadyMallet quirks her mouth. "Well, we all have our own tricks." Hm... anything else? Mask your emotions with the appropriate ones... don't be so expressive... Don't try to be the center of attention... suck up like there's no tomorrow... And don't draw attention to yourself unless you've got a reason for it. * Lord_Darkmoon smirks and winces at the sucking up comment. Try to turn everything into a indirect compliment, don't ever use 'I' in a sentence... In your case, I think you should probably try to play up the cute aspect. You're good at it. But don't be obnoxious about it. Same with the sucking up. In all cases, err on the side of being demure. And... if you can say something confusing that sounds like substance, do that. * LadyMallet grins, and leans forward, tucking her hands behind her back, smiles cutely, crosses one leg behind the other, and blinks once. "Oh, I don't have trouble at all with the cute aspect." * Lord_Darkmoon smiles. "Adorable, miss." All you people are so tall, I like to think I make up with it by having a pretty face and cute nose. ^__^ * Lord_Darkmoon beeps said nose with the Tessen. "Beep. You sure do." * Lord_Darkmoon dashes down the line of targets, and causes the gun to flow out into his hand. Taking aim, he fires once at three targets he passes. He actually hits each. * LadyMallet looks slowly up, eyes roving Darkmoon's HOT BODY all the way up to his face. "You've got a good view up there. Fitting for one as dashing a figure as yourself. If you don't mind, what's it like to see the world through the eyes of the beautiful?" The only other piece of advice I can think of is one I have to remind myself of regularly. *walking back towards Leena* No matter what anyone says, do not allow yourself to be insulted. Unless you are physically in danger, ignore any insults you can't pretend are compliments. ... I think that was more flirting than complimenting. * Lord_Darkmoon o_os at Leena's line. "That is...yes, definitely more flirting." He blushes a bit. "Effective flirting, in that it leaves little to respond with save an embarrassed, complimented feeling..." * LadyMallet nods. "Of course. If I were to hear an insult directed at me, then it was surely I misheard. For no civilized person would say such a thing to another civilized person." Indeed not. Truly, they must be too sagacious to have mistaken any quality in you for a flaw. I should give them the benefit of the doubt and simply assume they mistakenly ... *snicker* ... uh. Mistakenly ... ah. Something. * Lord_Darkmoon winks. "Being unable to think of something to say is not uncommon. Unless they leave it blatantly open for you to respond, silence is often a good reply. A closed statement that says nothing is also useful. " "It is better to say nothing and make people wonder if you are stupid, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt." Those who always sound clever just know when to keep their mouths shut. ... ah. Right. Thank you for sharing your wisdom in this matter, to right my erroneous ways. *she bows* * LadyMallet comes back up, and winks. "I was just too stunned by the fact that you have such a beautiful voice to go with that beautiful body of yours. It left me speechless." It is not error to recognize one's weaknesses. Only wisdom to have them strengthened. *bows likewise* Beauty is in the company one keeps, and a voice can only be truly harmonious for a lovely listener. * LadyMallet nods once, slightly. "Then truly I am blessed by your presence." To be the instrument of your blessing is an honor. ^_^ ... how do you end this? Because I can't think of anything to respond with ... oh, wait. Just kinda jump to another thing. Like... * Lord_Darkmoon reloads his gun, turns, and takes a couple leisurely, carefully aimed shots. Care to escort me to the door? Or ... just change subjects. * Lord_Darkmoon nods. "I'm not really good at ending it, myself. Usually, one side or the other just accepts the compliment, and moves on. There are a few gracious ways to do it; I probably should have used one. But that was fun." ^^ * LadyMallet eyes the target Darkmoon's hitting, and flips the safety off on her pistol. She takes a moment to aim, and lets out a BANG that hits almost dead-center of the same target. She flips the safety back on, and tucks it into the holster. Yeah, that was pretty fun. ... of course, this is the nice, friendly banter, too. The real test will be at the carrier, and in hostile environments at school. By the way... the flirting? I do mean it. ^_~ You are too kind, my Lady. * LadyMallet giggles. * Lord_Darkmoon empties his clip into a nearby target, and then slides the gun up his arm again with the Tessen. ... it's cute how you keep trying to brush it off. I know ... I know that you may not believe me, after the two nights. But I do like you. And.. well, I'm heading off now. I'll see you tomorrow! ... Good night, Leena. * LadyMallet waves, and jets. JET. She calls back behind her, "Thanks for the advice!" * Lord_Darkmoon starts walking towards her, and stops when she flees. "...you're welcome, my friend." [mini end!]