[It's early afternoon, two days after leaving the Injun village. Aside from the attack by the Slayers, the trip has been pretty uneventful as you made your way to the Salamanders. You're very near them now; the tunnel to Shomura should be just ahead.] [Session Start] * Jinx rides a bit ahead of the group, shotgun drawn, and looks for trouble on the horizon. * RunningCloud leads as well, seeing as she's the one who knows where they need to go. She seems considerably less worried. * MaryAnne says "Well, I rather wasn't expecting things to take so long. I'd imagine that Mister Lewis has stopped waiting for us." * Tairan is walking. He is doing nothing particularly noteworthy. * Millie is keeping Greenpeace unslung for now, drapped across both shoulders. She's been unusually quiet for the rest of the trip, scoping the landscape. * John rides along with the group, keeping an eye out for anything that may be suspicious. None of his weapons are drawn, but then again, are they ever? [The landscape consists of a praerie, mostly flat and bare, but there's a hill or tree here and there, too.] * Suzunosuke has been enjoying the non-desert terrain. Much easier walking. * Mikoto has been quiet for days, and today is no different. Cliched to say "he's clearly preoccupied", but he is. * Jinx is careful to ride around the trees, or praerie cacti as he likes to call them. * Jinx turns over to RC. "So how big is this tunnel?" * RunningCloud looks over at Jinx. "It goes through the mountains, so it's really pretty long. I haven't gone far in, myself." She frowns slightly. "It would be a bad idea to bring your horses, though. It's narrow, in some places." Through the mountains? Plural? Truly? Wow. Who put this tunnel through the mountain anyhow? It's not like we've necessarily been on friendly terms...neutral maybe, but not friendly. [As you get closer, you see what must be the tunnel: A big slab of rock set into the wall: Carved into the slab and painted gold is a design that looks like a vertical eye. And next to the slab is a small structure. There's a sign in front, but you can't read it from here.] * RunningCloud nods. "And there it is." Who knows who made it. * John frowns. "You say it's a bad idea to take our horses?" * Mikoto blinks at the stone, raising an eyebrow. "How odd. I was expecting something man-made and recent." I don't. That's why I'm askin' Yeah. And it's not. Our tribe's been the only ones who can open this tunnel for centuries... at least, that's what I've been told. * Millie stares at it as she approaches. "...wow." * RunningCloud grins. "It's why I'm pretty sure your friends are taking the long way around." So you're sayin' we'll gain some ground goin' through here? That's the first good news I've heard in a while. * MaryAnne says "Friends is a rather dubious reference in this case." That's the idea. ...how will we find their trail on the other side? I'm wondering the same thing. * Millie stretches and tries to get a closer look. * Mikoto smiles at Running Cloud. "How fortuitous for us that you agreed to help, then." He glances at the rock again, rubbing his chin. "Still... an ancient tunnel. I wonder if it's related to the Slayers attacking us." * Jinx looks over the tunnel as he rides up, he actually seems impressed. * Millie rolls her eyes and shrugs. "Who knows what their deal is?" It's funny though..I've heard of 'em more inland, but nothin' this close to the border...what gives? * John takes a good look at the tunnel. He doesn't look that impressed, and if he is he's hiding it very well. So, you have those guys in the East? Slayers I mean. We find 'em the same way we find anyone. There are always bandits. The army does as good of a job of hunting them as could be expected. * Millie lets out an insulted breath. "Army..really now is that all that necessary..?" ( When in doubt, go for ambiguity! ) * Suzunosuke blinks. (Yes, there are Slayers in the east. :P) * John blinks. "I hope they're not assembling an army." ( There are Slayers everywhere! :P ) Who else would you entrust that job to? * Jinx shrugs. "Just hope they don't decide to hunt us." Me? Ancient ruins, and Slayers... somehow, it feels natural to think the two big mysteries of the day are related somehow. Well, 'round here ya usually jus' put a bounty on their heads...someone usually ends up findin' 'em sooner or later. * Jinx chuckles at Tairan's crack. * John nods. "Usually, that's the way it works." Very strange. [As you get closer, you see that the structure is actually a small cabin with a long window with a counter in front. Behind the counter is a familiar Injun, and on top of the cabin is a sign: "Crazy Feathers' Tunnelin' Survival Gear".] * Millie flippantly waves her hand. "Personally, I couldn't care much 'bout bandits or rewards one way or another..scum if ya ask me." * Millie blinks at the sign...and stops. "Oh no..I'm not goin' there again..." * Kirby is now known as CrazyFeathers * RunningCloud waves at Crazy Feathers. * Millie gets away, her eye twitching just slightly. "Is he followin' us? He is, isn't he?" * Mikoto glances at the cabin with a sort of glazed expression. "Somehow, I feel reassured that I'm already carrying everything I need." * CrazyFeathers waves to Running Cloud. * John sighs. "Him again? I hear ya." * RunningCloud speaks to him when they get closer. "Set up shop here again, huh?" I should replenish my rations. Fast, ain't he? Well, if we could move that fast we'd have the bandits by now. * CrazyFeathers nods. "Crazy Feathers always here when people plan to pass through tunnel." * Jinx rides up to Crazy Feathers. "You buy horses?" * Millie raises an eyebrow at Jinx. "You're sellin' your horse?" Crazy Feathers buy if he like. Or hold them? Or do business in the East? * MaryAnne follows along "You certainly do get around Mister Crazy Feathers." (Nah, over there he's known as NinjaFeathers.) Crazy Feathers sometimes go East, and Crazy Feathers maybe hold them for a price. * Mikoto looks at Crazy Feathers quizically for a moment, then decides to brave it and ventures to ask: "I don't suppose you deal in hunting falcons?" Crazy Feathers could if Crazy Feathers' customer willing to pay. * Millie gives Crazy a timid sideglance, her arms folded but not saying anything. * Jinx raises an eyebrow. "Tell you what, I'll loan my horse to you, use it as you will til I see you again. Only $2 a day." Crazy Feathers cannot afford to keep horse for $2 a day. Maybe $7 * Mikoto raises an eyebrow. "I'm willing to pay, somewhat, provided you can show me some proof." * Jinx rides Lightning around for a moment to show off that she's a good horse. 2d6-2 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Jinx (2d6-2) and gets 4. ( Do I really need to worry about food? ) * MaryAnne patiently waits for everyone to make ready to leave. [Lightning does a few jumps, makes a sharp turn around a tree, then gallops back to the stall before coming to a quick stop.] * CrazyFeathers watches Jinx while mentioning to Mikoto: "Crazy Feathers does not have proof, because Crazy Feathers never asked for falcons before." Alright, I'm a generous man, I'll knock it down to $5 a week. But I'll need a $100 deposit, to be returned when I collect my horse. * Tairan checks his pack. "Got enough rations and such... we gonna need torches?" * Mikoto laughs. "That's a fair enough answer. If you happen upon a good hunting falcon, mention it if we meet again. I might be interested in buying." * Millie keeps looking with a bit of a worried expression, unusual for her, then speaks rather carefully. "I think I'll go scope out that place a bit...I'll meet ya guys there..." * John simply watches Jinx's dealing. * MaryAnne says "Oh do be careful Miss Reinhart." * CrazyFeathers peers at Jinx. "Crazy Feathers normally does not give deposit, but for you, he will give $50. Price for keeping horse is $6 a day. * Millie smirks slightly. "Millie's always careful." She waves and walks towards the tunnel. * Jinx laughs. "$6 dollars a day and then you'll rent it out for another $6? I think not. Good horse like this will make you money hand over foot while you have her. Free and $75 deposit." * CrazyFeathers eyes Jinx. "Crazy does not do 'free'." * MaryAnne watches Millie leave. Crazy Feathers will keep horse for $4 per day. * MaryAnne moves to the door and watches Millie. * Jinx rolls his eyes. "$20, flat fee. Don't pretend you won't be using her until I get back, you're too smart to let a horse like this go to waste." Crazy Feathers does not need a horse. Crazy Feathers is doing potential customer favor by keeping horse. * Jinx shrugs. "I can always let her go free. She'll find me again, always has. In praerie land like this, she'll even eat well. $25, flat fee." * MaryAnne says softly to herself "I really don't like Millie going off by herself in such a dangerous place." * MaryAnne exits the building and starts walking after Millie. Crazy Feathers will take horse for $30. * Jinx nods. "$30 and $75 deposit? You've got a deal." * Jinx dismounts. * MaryAnne walks after Millie, trying to catch up to her. * Suzunosuke 's eyes have glazed over, trying to keep all these numbers straight. * Mikoto raises an eyebrow. "Occasionally, I'm reminded of why I prefer not to have a horse." * Jinx leads Lightning over to Crazy Feathers. "Good girl, I'm sure Crazy Feathers will treat you just find." He then removes the saddle bag and carries it with him. Crazy Feathers take care of horse well. Horses are great, until they trample you. * John snickers. * MaryAnne hurrys after Millie * Jinx chuckles "Lightning three trampled me, still think Lightning four through six have been great." Anyway, do you still have healing potions? Crazy Feathers always have healing potions. Is best selling product. * Jinx shakes on the deal, and collects the $45 deposit he gets once the cost of the horse care is discounted. * Millie is bending at the waist at the entrance, looking around this big hunk of rock with a casual bent, her eyes roaming all around it with the movement of her whole torso. How much for two? * MaryAnne comes up behind Millie with absolutely no sense of stealth. * Millie curls up her knuckle and knocks on the stone with it, not really acknowledging Mary's presence. Crazy Feathers sell to customer for $150 * MaryAnne says "Does everything seem fine Miss Reinhart?" * Jinx pets Lightning one last time and then walks over towards the tunnel, carrying his saddle bag over his shoulder. Eh..I ain't so sure. * CrazyFeathers has a new horse! * MaryAnne asks "What do you mean? Does it look unstable?" * Millie wraps her knuckle lightly against the eye, then steps back, giving it a cursory glance, folding her hand underneath her chin. * John looks at Crazy Feathers suspiciously, then turns to look for Running Cloud. Mmm. While it would be good to stock up, I do need to watch my cash. If they are that expensive, I will take just one. * Mikoto glances at Millie. "I had no idea you were a spelunker." [Running Cloud is waiting patiently for you to finish your business.] Crazy Feathers sell to you for $77. * Suzunosuke opens up his rucksack, and withdraws a handful of Shomuran currency. * MaryAnne is startled and says "Oh, Mister Mikoto" * Jinx meanders over next to RC and watches the tunnel silently. Oh, good, a discount. * Mikoto blinks at Mary Anne in confusion. "Well, it's not exactly a common hobby, is it?" * Suzunosuke pays. Crazy Feathers sell ONE potion for $77. * John approches Running Cloud. "Look, we might not be on the friendlest of terms, but, I have a favor to ask of you. I don't trust that Crazy Feathers as far as I can throw him, think you can look after Hazel while we're on the other side?" * MaryAnne says "I just didn't realize you were there until you said something." * Millie doesn't really acknowledge Mikoto's comment, still investigating the tunnel. * Suzunosuke nods. "Right! A discount!" * CrazyFeathers peers at the money. "And this is Shomuran money. Crazy Feathers must go to Shomura to spend. Crazy Feathers sell for 110 kanmon." Ah, but you are going to Shomura, no? (Crazy Feather's is going to Shomura though, he's following us after all.) Crazy Feathers maybe go, maybe not. Certainly you seem to expect to see Jinx soon - and he's going that direction. I ain't seen this thing up here before...you recognize it, Miss Mary? But Crazy Feathers in Teck now. Customer pay Teck money, or pay more in kanmon. * Mikoto laughs. "Well, I'll take that as a compliment, I guess. Being unobtrusive has its benefits." * MaryAnne leans over, looking, and says "Mmmmm...let me see." But that much more? Tch. * Millie taps the symbol again, seeming rather fixated on it. * Jinx calls over to Suz. "I'll swap you $77 for 77 kanmon." You have a deal, Jinx. * Jinx counts out the money, walks over and makes the trade. * MaryAnne smiles says "Well, Mister Mikoto, you do seem to have a way with such things." * Suzunosuke pays CF. [Meanwhile, Running Cloud says to John, "What's not to trust about Crazy Feathers?"] * CrazyFeathers hands Suzu a potion. "Remember, always shop Crazy." Always. * Mikoto smiles. "It's my height, I think. And to think, as a child I wished I were taller." He glances at the symbol on the rock curiously. I just don't like the way he does business. You've delt with him before, is he true to his word? * MaryAnne says "No, I don't believe that I've seen anything exactly like this before." Is there anything you recommend to take with us through this tunnel? (how tall is Mikoto) * Millie lets out a little hmmph. "Seems a whole society can't teach ya everything, can it?" ( Not very tall. 5'6" maybe. ) * Jinx walks over to join the group by the tunnel. Of course! Crazy Feathers knows how to treat his customers. * MaryAnne says "Well, there's always something more to be learned, miss Reinhart. That's what it's all about." (So just barely taller than Millie ^^;) (MaryAnne is 5'1") * John raises an eyebrow. "If ya say so." He walks over to Crazy Feathers. * MaryAnne says "You don't seem especially short to me, Mister Mikoto." Seems pretty solid though... (I feel tall now. I'm 5'9" ^_^) (Jinx has an inch on you. :P ) ( Crazy Feathers is crazy tall! ) * Mikoto laughs. "My mother's side of the family were..." He searches for a word. "...robust. Or so my uncle told me." (Snicker) (So these big men are being bossed around by little women!) * MaryAnne says "Indeed." and then smiles at Mikoto. ( Or are ignoring them as much as we can. ) (=) ) * Jinx grabs a pair of dice from his saddlebag and plays with it to amuse himself. * CrazyFeathers peers at John. "How. Can Crazy Feathers help you?" * MaryAnne pulls out her journal and pen and qucikly sketches out the symbol that Millie is fixated on. * Millie looks over her shoulder for Running Cloud, raising an eyebrow. "We goin' in or ain't we?" * Suzunosuke shrugs and walks over to the tunnel. ( We ain't x.x ) * MaryAnne draws out a surprisingly accurate pen and ink drawing of it. * MaryAnne hums cheerfully as she sketches. Well, it would be nice to go through the tunnel without leaving Hazel as a responsibility for Running Cloud. I saw your dealing with Jinx over there, and was wondering if you were willing to offer me the same service. * Mikoto keeps looking at the sigil. "How strange. Why build a tunnel under the Salamanders?" He peers inside. * CrazyFeathers nods. "Crazy Feathers will hold horse for you for $45." * Millie cups her hand under her chin and hmms, eyeing Mary's pen. "Ya mind if I use that for a sec?" ( To get to the other side! ) ( ... ) * MaryAnne finishes her sketch amd looks it over "There.". and looks at Millie questioningly and then offers her pen, holding it out to Millie. * MaryAnne watches Millie. * Jinx calls out to John. "I got a $75 deposit and only paid $30. Maybe you should give a quick demonstration of what Hazel can do." * John looks over to Jinx. "Good idea." He mounts up and gives a demonstration. 2d6-3 * Dicesuke throws the bones for John (2d6-3) and gets 8. (First time I fail a riding check. ;_;) 2d6-4 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Millie (2d6-4) and gets 7. ... Horse looks sick. Crazy Feathers keep for $50. * Jinx glances away. [Millie's map is not drawn to scale.] * Millie looks at what she made critically and frowns a bit. "Huh.." * Jinx walks over to look at the map, as it's a convenient excuse for not looking over at John. * Millie crumples it up and sighs, handing the pen back to Mary. "Thanks..." * John eyes Crazy Feathers. "I'll give you $30. Half now and half later." * MaryAnne places her things back in her handbag "You're quiet welcome Miss Reinhart." Crazy Feathers cannot benifit much from this horse. $45. * Jinx raises an eyebrow at the chucked piece of paper and resumes a bored expression. He tosses his pair of dice in the air. 2d6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Jinx (2d6) and gets 7. [Jinx rolls a 7. :P] * Jinx grins to see the result. $35. $40 * John nods. "Alright, $40. But, I want some assurance that I'll get her back next time we meet." * Millie wipes her brow and leans against the rock for support. She looks like she's been feeling under the weather but is just now showing it. Crazy Feathers give you $50 deposit. You pay back when you want horse again. * MaryAnne says "Oh dear" and reaches out to Millie "Are you filling ill Miss Reinhart?" * Jinx looks down at Millie, concerned. * Millie waves it off, eyes slowly closing. "I'll be fine...I jus' wanna catch these bastards soon.." Alright, so... You give me thrity dollars now, and I give you seventy dollars next time we meet, correct? * CrazyFeathers nods. "Crazy Feathers accept." * Mikoto crosses his arms behind his head. "Hopefully we will, and then we can all get some quality sleep for a few days. I'm sure that'll make you feel better." * Millie keeps her eyes closed, her face breaking into an expression of mild irritation. "An' will ya please quit callin' me Miss Reinhart? I ain't no miss. It's Millie, pure an' simple." I don't go by miss to the people I'm workin' with. * MaryAnne puts her hand up to her mouth "Oh dear. I certainly didn't mean to upset you. I was just being polite." * CrazyFeathers gives John $30. * John looks at Hazel and pats her. "Oh, and be careful about tieing her up. She'll stay where you leave her. " * Millie smirks slightly. "Ya didn't. If I were upset, you'd know." * MaryAnne seems taken back "Well, I see." * Jinx puts his dice away with a fancy hand gesture and then lazily looks over at the tunnel entrance. What's takin' pretty boy so long? * Mikoto glances up at the mountains to the East. "So many unanswered questions. I admit... even I'm getting a little excited to find out what's really going on with this tablet." * John takes the thirty dollars and unloads the saddlebags off of Hazel, as well as a shotgun and a repeater rifle. He looks at Hazel in the eyes and pats her one more time. "Be good for the Injun, okay?" * MaryAnne questions "'Pretty boy'?" * Millie smirks. "Our good pal, Just John." He was held up 'cause Crazy horse renegotiated. Next time I'll see if i can fix a group rate. * MaryAnne says "Oh, that's who you were referencing." It ain't gonna work. * John packs the shotgun in his bag and slings the rifle accross his back. He heads out of the store. "Sorry to keep you waitin, just takin' care of business." * Millie shakes her head. "Next time we hit a town, we hit the local shops. I'm not wantin' ta risk another confrontation with him." "So, are you all ready, then?" * John nods. "I just hope he's as trustworthy as you say he is." I've been ready since I woke up..it's these fellers with the horses that are slowin' us down. * Millie points at Jinx and John with her thumb. * Jinx nods he holds his shotgun limp in one hand, pointing it towards the ground. * Jinx chuckles. "So are you saying you won't want rides when we get are horses back?" That's what it sounds like to me. * MaryAnne things .oO("My goodness, Miss Reinhart must have slept on a rock last night. She's being very contrary.") "One more thing. I trust you thought to bring torches or lanterns? It's going to be dark in there." * Millie stands up from her leaning against the rock and smirks at both of them. "Nah. Because I'm gettin' my own horse when I get the reward." * Jinx tips his hat. "Fair enough." * Mikoto laughs. "Necessity makes strange bedfellows." He suddenly looks confused. "Or was that circumstance?" * Millie grins at Running Cloud. "Always prepared for anythin'." ( That's what you think ^_^ ) (>.>) (It's the Millie Scout motto!) I'm ready, I just hope we have enough tourches. I asked Crazy if there was anything we needed, and didn't mention anything... do we really need them? If you were worried, ya shoulda bought some yourself. * Jinx sighs and hands $100 over to RC. "I figure you know best what we need. Would this cover it?" * Millie gives Jinx a critical glance and raises an eyebrow. "Jus' how much cash ya have to throw 'round, Jinxy...?" You're makin' me wonder why ya'd even need this job. * Jinx grins. "Enough to cover the next necessary purchase." Running Cloud blinks. "This would more than cover it. All you need are some lights, and maybe a bit of rope." * Millie coughs slightly and blushes a bit embarrassed. * Mikoto puts up a finger and pipes in. "The saying goes, 'you have to spend money to make it'." * MaryAnne smiles at Millie's blushing. Well, I could go buy it, but I figure you know better. If there's change I won't turn it down though. ( *slaps himself* Tao is dead! I KILLED her myself! ) * Millie digs through her pack, shaking her head. "Torches. Matches. Rope." She pulls out each in turn. Running Cloud shrugs and takes the money. "Very well." She goes over to Crazy Feathers and they talk. * John snickers. "Is the great Millie Reinhart hidin' something?" [A few minutes later, she comes back and hands Jinx 2 torches, a lantern, some matches, and $92] * Millie rolls her eyes, then blinks and looks at John. "What are ya talkin' 'bout?" * Jinx grins and takes the stuff. "Looks like I should have turned to you to handle the horse trading as well." * John shakes his head. "Alright, I won't ask." [Running Cloud shrugs. "I could've taken them back to the village for you if you wanted, sure."] Two torches? Is that all we need? An' ya gotta teach me to do that, Running Cloud. In return for watchin' over Johnny of course.. * Millie winks at John. Two torches and a lantern. * MaryAnne watches the interchange with some amusement. That ought to last until you reach the other side. * Jinx chuckles. "That's alright. With the $45 deposit I'll hopefully be able to win enough to make a profit." * John smiles back. "Like I need watchin'?" Not with the rope, ya don't. * Millie grins impishly. * Jinx puts the torches away, keeps out the lantern, and switches to a pistol as he tends to use his shotgun two-handed. Now, you're all ready? Yeah. Ya don't think I'd run off now, do you? Let's get 'er open. * John nods. * Mikoto nods, locking his fingers and stretching. [Running Cloud nods and walks towards the door.] [Session End]