[You're all in Shomura. Yay! After going through the Tunnels of Hell (well, they were about as hot as Hell for a while), you finally got out to see a beautiful sunrise over the equally beautiful landscape. Ah, Shomura. It's... what's the word... beautiful.] [But you might (read: probably) don't care, because you were traveling at least sixteen hours straight. Tired yet? I think so.] [Session Start.] * Suzunosuke cares! But his legs feel like they are about to fall off. * Jinx stretches. "Let's get to camp here. I'll take first shift, but I think an Eastern should as well to be safe." I'll do it. Ya sure? They might find you really quick here. * MaryAnne says "I certainly am quite releaved to exit that most unpleseant terrain.". * Mikoto was briefly happy, but civic pride was quickly cancelled by the fact that he is only being held upright by the polearm he acquired. * Tairan finds a tree to sit against. "I'm used to goin' without sleep. I'll deal." * Millie lets out a deep breath, sitting down on a rock and taking out her gloves, stretching them back over her arms. "It'd be a good idea ta rest an' all...but..." Anyone have any idea where we came OUT? 'sides the East I mean. * John shrugs. He looks around sharply. * Jinx shrugs. "I think we can handle these important questions in the evening, after sleep." * Tairan looks around. Anything look familiar? Like a big sign? =P * Mikoto sighs, looking around for anything familiar, like a city. * John nods. * Millie eyes casually at Jinx, flickering her lashes briefly. "If it gets too dark, we won't be able ta see anythin'...I mean I know we're tired, but I'm not one for stumblin' blindly." * MaryAnne finds a decent spot in the shade, perhaps leaning against a tree, and rests her legs. Last I saw, moon was still in the sky at night. *grin* I never got this far west before this trip... no idea where we are. * Millie gestures her head to a tree. "Why don't one of ya climb up an' see if ya can spot anythin'?" * Jinx grins slightly. "Alright, but my shift starts now, all discussion comes out of the next shifts sleep time." The rest of us'll set up camp in the meantime. * Suzunosuke sparwls in the grass and dozes. * Tairan sighs, and gets up. "I'll scout around a bit, see if I see anything familiar. If you hear soul-wrenching screams of pain, I might be in trouble." * Millie stretches and lets out a loooong yawn, then pokes her holes. "I can't wait till I get somewhere I can sew this up." You want me to come with you Tairan? Nah. Someone's gotta keep an eye out here. I'm not gonna range too far out. * John chuckles and streches. He starts setting up camp. "Don't get yourself killed out there." [You guys set up camp. We're so nice, we didn't even make you roll for it. Don't you love us?] * Mikoto waves a hand. "I'll stay here to watch. I'm awake enough for that." * Millie grins slightly at John and sets her pack on the ground, resting her head on it and pulling her hat over her face. "Took the words right outta mah mouth." (Yes, you're so nice. ^_^) ( We love you Ard!) (And Brett...can't forget Brett ^^;) (He'll kill you.) (Yeah, don't forget Brett either.) (Yes, he leads the feel-good cults) * Jinx stakes out a position from which to guard the camp. He checks over his guns while everyone is still awake. * John sits down under a tree and puts his hat over his face as well. Maybe it's a good idea? * Tairan starts to wander out of the camp a bit, looking around as he does. (* John suffocates because his hat's weighted too much.) ( Gimme an awareness check, Tairan. ) * Jinx calls out. "Whose got next shift?" 2d6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Tairan (2d6) and gets 8. Just wake some people for the next shift when it's time. * Mikoto smiles faintly. "Are you sure you want us to choose?" * Millie doesn't answer. Musta been really tired, yup. * Jinx nods at John. "Fine." He then grins at Mikoto. And if you get me before your shift is up, you'll have a bullet in your head. * John starts dozing off. * Jinx comments softly. "Mental note, make Tairan wake up John." * Mikoto shrugs, looking a little annoyed, and leaning back against a tree, studying the blade of the naginata now that he can. "Not if you're asleep." * Jinx chuckles. * MaryAnne makes sure she is laying comfortably against a tree and that neither her ankles or her petticoat is showing - it'd be so unproper, after all. * Tairan adjusts his hat as he wanders, and eyes his surroundings. "Ah, familiar terrain." ( What is the terrain, btw? Forest, grasslands... ) [Mikoto sees a jagged-toothed, ornate naginata blade in excellent condition. No wear on that thing, nosir.] (I mentioned it last session. Grasslands. There's forest nearby.) ( Forest ) (*nods*) ( Danke. ) (Forested grasslands?) ( Grassy forestlands! ) ( There aren't any forests in the west, right? ) (There's the cactus forest. :P) [Jinx and Mikoto, I demand soul rolls!] * Mikoto blinks a little. "A partially serrated blade... impressive. Definitely a design made for killing." 2d6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Mikoto (2d6) and gets 4. ( In response to your demand, I will make one, and succeed. ) 2d6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Jinx (2d6) and gets 4. (yup dicey has apparently stopped hating me)) (FOR NOW.) (well, yeah. ^_~) ( Don't... well... jinx it. ) [Nothing out of the ordinary happens during their shift. That must be a first.] ( bah... he's so beyond an ordinary jinx curse :P ) (I'll getcha later, Jinx.) (I'll get you next time, Errant. Next time. Rrrrrreowwww!) * Jinx finds a stick and then walks over to John and pokes him to wake him up, from a slight distance. *wandersearch* * John snaps awake just as Jinx pokes him. His gun's in his hand and pointed straight at Jinx's chest. Oh, it's you. [Tairan, gimme an awarness check, -2] * John gets up and stretches a little. "Who else ya waking?" Yeah, ,me. Y'know, you aren't supposed to point a gun at someone unless you're willing to use it. * Mikoto sighs and leans against a tree, closing his eyes. "I've hit my limit, I think. Good night." * Jinx then walks of a few paces and collapses. I'm more than willing to use it. I just doubt you'd want me to. * John nods and assumes his watch. * Mikoto opens one eye and looks at John. "You really don't give an inch, do you?" 2d6-2 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Tairan (2d6-2) and gets 5. If I did, I'd be dead. * Mikoto shakes his head, closing said eye. "Well, it's a wide world. Everyone has to deal with it in the way they're accustumed to." * Jinx mutters, "Not half as dead as if you shot me." He then rolls over. [Tairan trips on a rock and falls face first onto a path.] * John smirks. He looks at Millie for a few seconds... "Yeah, she'll probably be even more angry at me if I didn't wake her up." * Millie rolls over to the side, mumbling something. Her eyes are still tightly closed. She's also got her hands wrapped around her rifle. Then again... Maybe not. * John walks over to Suzunosuke and nudges him. * Tairan sputters as he gets up. "What the hell... ah, path. Good. I stumbled across it. Not technically a lie..." Com'on... How heavy of a sleeper can you be? * Tairan looks down the path. Anything to see? * MaryAnne is sleeping like a feather filled pillow. * Suzunosuke starts. What! You're up on watch with me. (Mary Anne is stuffed with goose feathers. So you all know.) Ah. So. ( It explains so much. ) ( =) ) ( Yeah, take a gander at her. ) * Suzunosuke gathers himself, and gets up. * John starts his watch. (Just don't goose her) * Tairan keeps on examining the road and its surroundings. (She'd conk the person with her umbrella =P ) * Suzunosuke paces in well-measured circles around the camp. (Does Suzunoskue carry a yard stick? =P ) Mmm. Back again in Shomura. [It looks like a road. Tairan's in the forest, so it looks like a road in the forest. It's mid-morning now.] Born and raised here? It's a nice place. ...didn't plan on returning so soon. [Perception checks, John and Suzu.] But yes, it is a beautiful land. 2d6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Suzunosuke (2d6) and gets 10. 2d6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for John (2d6) and gets 5. * Tairan hrms. "Well, where there's a road, there's something at the end of it, presumably." *starts back towards the camp* [Suzu's blissfully oblivious to the nothing John notices.] [And Tairan returns! Go him.] Ya find anything? * Tairan wanders over to John and Suz. "Road over that way." *points in the appropraite direction* * John nods. "I think we should be heading off now." Or... Did you get any sleep yet? Who can sleep in the daylight? * Millie lets out a faint snore in response. I'll be okay until nightfall. Gone longer than a day without sleep before. ( Without caffiene? ) ( Yup! ) Ya sure? Because I'm not carrying you when ya start dragging. Perhaps if we got moving, and set up a more proper camp later... ...but how will we pick up our quarry's trail? * John smirks. "How do you think we should wake them up?" He pats his gun. * Suzunosuke walks over to MaryAnne, and nudges her with a sandaled foot. Simple. If they came across the mountains, they'd have to stop somewhere to resupply or rest. Which means someone musta seen them. The usual way, John. No need to tempt fate. * MaryAnne nudges. I've always found gunshots to be a rather effective wakeup signal. ( Gesundhiet? ) * MaryAnne looks up and asks "Oh dear. Is there trouble Mister Suzunosuke?" * Suzunosuke has moved on to Jinx. * John nods. "I agree with you, but it looks like Suzunosuke has other plans. Oh well." No trouble. Just time to get moving. *nudge* *nudge* Yeah. Gotta catch the trail. Y'know, talkin' loud's effective 'nuff, Johnny boy. Bet they could hear ya miles off. * Millie sits up, knees half folded, rifle across her lap as she rubs her eyes, then looks up with a grin before grabbing her hat. * Jinx stirs and yawns. (how much time has passed?) Good, good. 'cause the next option was a spontaneous canteen rainstorm. (About six hours. It's noonish.) * John smirks. "I knew you'd have a complaint first thing in the mornin'." * Mikoto sleeps with the fury of... well, more like the intense annoyance of a thousand suns. (so two hours of sleep for Jinx?) * Millie looks straight at Tairan, her eyes half-narrowed. "If ya dump water on me ta wake me up, I swear your boot'll never touch the ground from those trees. (Jinx: Yup.) * MaryAnne gets ready for travel, dusting herself off. * Jinx yawns again and rubs his eyes. "Wha?" Are we being attacked? * Millie stands up and puts her rifle behind her shoulders, streeeetching her back, bending quite a ways. Very good, flexing first thing in the morning. No, but we are in a rush to move on. * Suzunosuke goes to wake Mikoto. * Jinx groans. "Quite kind of you to come up with this idea after I did a four hour shift." * John starts to take down camp so they don't forget. That is assuming there is camp to take down. :P * MaryAnne yawns, her hand covering her mouth lady-like * Millie swivels her rifle around in her hand, turning it to be in front of her and lets out a faint smirk, glancing over at John. "So any idea where we are or are we still lost?" * Mikoto wakes up easily enough, rubbing his eyes. "Ugh. Morning already?" No. It was mornin' when we slept. Looks 'bout noon now. [The sun shines brightly upon Mikoto! ^_^] * Mikoto hates the sun. A lot. * Jinx slams a fist in to the ground and uses it to begin to push himself up. "You mean evening already Mikoto. And no, apparently two hours is good enough for us." His tone matches the belligerence in his voice. There's a road over... *points* that way. Tairan knows where we are. * Mikoto sighs and gets up, stretching. "Well, at least we'll be awake enough to reach a city, maybe." He starts gathering his stuff. ... well, I wouldn't go *that* far. * Millie reaches down to pick up her pack and sling it over her shoulder, smiling brightly at Tairan. She looks a lot better. "Lead the way then. Millie's anxious ta get back on the trail." (Millie's just happy 'cause she got six hours of sleep.) * Jinx stumbles up a bit. "Don't recall reading anything in the want paper about force marches." City means an inn or something, raight? I'm not sure how ya Easterners do it. (Yes she is o/~) And I had three. But we need to pick up the trail, and get back on a normal sleep cycle as well. * Tairan shrugs, adjusts his hat, and heads out into the forest towards the road, waving for people to follow. Comes with the territory, Jinxy. Quit whinin' * MaryAnne lets the wilderness tracker types sort out the best course to follow. * Jinx gathers his weapons and walks over to Mikoto, he still looks pretty out of it. * John glances over at Jinx. "Look on the bright side. No more lava veins." * Jinx comments rather quietly to Mikoto. "I could use those sandals. And if anyone gets shot 'cause I'm too tired to differentiate targets, you'll have my back, right?" An perhaps we can find you a real bed for the night. * Millie smirks at Jinx. "Yup. An there'll be a bullet in it." There'll be three of them. * Mikoto laughs. "I have only these shoes," he says, tapping the heels of his hiking shoes together. "I think it was Tairan who offered you sandals." * Tairan looks back, reaches into his pack, and tosses the sandals at Jinx. * Jinx nods at Mikoto, "Oh, sorry." He grabs the sandals as they come. "Thanks." * Millie stops near a tree for a second to pull her vest out of there and slip it on over her blouse, straightening it, then straightening her hair. "Raight. We ready?" * MaryAnne says "Yes, I believe I am prepared to venture on." * John tips his hat and smiles. *ting* "Yup." * Jinx puts on the sandals, he walks in them awkwardly, but that could be the lack of sleep, he snorts at Millie's question. * Millie grins widely at Jinx. "If ya need ol' Millie ta carry ya piggy-back Jinxy, ya jus' need ask." She winks at him. Course Greenpeace might get jealous an' shoot ya off. * Suzunosuke looks up into the forest. * Tairan looks back. "We can walk and flirt at the same time, can't we?" *chuckle* * Millie grins over at Tairan, tipping her wrist back with a flair in front of her mouth, turning into a sly smirk. "Jealous, Tairan?" * John starts walking the path. * Jinx smiles slightly at Millie, his first pleasant expression since waking up. "That'd almost be a risk I'm willing to take at this point." He then groans again and gets moving, he is not his normal alert patrolling self but does still hold a pistol in one hand. "Painting pines / On the blue sky / The sun this..." No. Just wondering why nobody was moving. *starts walking again; whistles* ...morning? Or is it moon? * Mikoto walks by Millie with his arms behind his head, looking peaceful and amused. "Somehow, I don't think he's going to challenge you for John's favor." * John hears his name mentioned. "What was that about me?" * Suzunosuke pulls a book out of his ruck as he walks and tries to find the poem in question. Because you're the only one who knows where this path is, ya gimp. * Millie grins at Tairan and winks, walking forward to follow. * Jinx quietly mutters to himself as he walks. "Forty thousand, seven ways... forty thousand seven ways..." * Tairan leads on, still scanning the area to see if he can spot anything familiar. * MaryAnne follows along with the group, roughly in the middle. * John keeps pace with Tairan. He's near the front, and looking for anything that may look like a settlement. ( Tairan spies his old house five feet in front of him. :P ) (Oh! That's where I parked my house at! Well, how about that!) * Mikoto is also looking for anything familiar, or at least something with four walls, since a city would be welcome at this point. * Jinx glances up at Mikoto and comments quietly. "Okay, so Tairan's whistling and you're chipper. Do Easterns not need sleep or something? I've done force marches before, worse than this but that was with a sword at my back or a superior reason." * Mikoto glances back at Jinx and shakes his head. "What's the Western term? 'Punch-drunk'?" (Millie's chipper too ^_^v) If you've done it before, you should be used to it. (Millie got six hours) (Details, details ^_~) * Suzunosuke has some spring to his step as well. Maybe there is something to this. (John's not. He got three hours and he's not complaining. :P) (first shift was four hours, so he got twice what jinx got. :P) ( I'm only half-Shomuran. The fullbloods are chipper. I'm just skirting the edge of sanity. ) (He's still not complaining for lack of sleep.) * Jinx glances up at John. "I've also been shot before, there are things you just don't get accustomed to." * Tairan looks back. "I'm a bandit hunter. Bandits keep odd hours. I got used to it." I suppose you wouldn't me. * Jinx glances over at Mikoto and nods and then looks up at Tairan. "Impressive." His voice has tone of respect that's stronger than the bitterness. * Millie hums a little as she walks. She's looking from tree to tree fairly bright-eyed. Greenpeace is still out but fairly loose in her grip. * Suzunosuke flips pages, smiles at what he's reading, manages not to trip over anything. * Mikoto looks forward. "Actually... a number of times I've been required to spend some time with what you might call 'upper class' types in the West... people who can make polite conversation about nothing at all until 4am subsisting solely on champagne." * Mikoto looks back and smiles. "So, to be social, I learned to sleep with my eyes open, so to speak." * Jinx looks over to Mikoto. "Know what you mean, I've stayed up gambling longer than this, but that was without stepping in lava or traversing the width of the Salamander in one stretch." * Millie makes a face and slows down, looking over her shoulder. "Bah...manners an' fancy drinks an' all..who needs that? I mean they should get out somewhere like this an' live a little." * Mikoto shrugs his shoulders. "Everyone has their own way of living." * John nods. * Millie shrugs too. "Yeah? Seems awfully borin' if ya ask me. An' ya don't get nothin' done sittin' 'round." * Suzunosuke looks up. * Jinx shrugs "I dunno. Mikoto, next time we get to town, do me a favor and introduce me to the best in Eastern luxury for the night. If I'm in a less foul mood by then I'll even extend that to the rest of the group. If not, well we'll have a comfortable place to sleep. Tairan too I suppose." * Mikoto laughs and smiles at Jinx. "We'd need to find a good onsen for that, as far as I'm concerned. Luckily there probably should be one so close to a volcanic range like the Salamanders." Mmm. Onsen.. sounds nice. Ya got me as to what that is. Indeed. Definitely something lacking in the West. * Mikoto nods. "Hot springs... they're very relaxing. Usually with a masseus and other comforts, if you can afford them." [You walk. And walk, and walk, and walk. My, isn't the forest pleasant? Eventually, the forest thins a little, probably because of the village in the distance.] Village nigh. ( 'cuz, you know, every series needs a communal bathing scene! ) * Jinx appears to already be in the Onsen in his head. His body trudges along though. ( Oh god. My brain is already melting at the thought. ) * Millie blinks and looks up. "Did you say...springs?" * John nods. "Never been to one of those. Sounds nice though." (I don't think there are anough females to lend our group to the Love Hina scenario) That's what he said. [There's even a babbling brook! It's shiny, but that's because the sun's reflecting off of it.] * Mikoto thinks. "Although actually, there was one city in the West with a group of women who bathed in mud. They said it was good for their skin." He smiles. "I think they just liked to get dirty." * Jinx trudges and grins. "I can respect that." Ya can never tell. ... I think we can look for hot springs AFTER we find the dangerous bandit and recover the irreplaceable ancient tablet, hmm? * Millie clasps her hands together, looking at MaryAnne with her eyes twinkling. "Can we go? I mean I'm sure we could all use a nice relaxation..." She blinks and coughs drawing back. "I mean..after we find this Calamity Jan an' all of course." In the meantime... village up ahead. * John chuckles, but doesn't say anything that would undoubtably anger Millie. * Suzunosuke looks for signs. You know, with the village's name on them or something. * Mikoto shields his eyes with his hand. "Oh, thank god." * Jinx smiles up at Tairan, his tone is friendly. "Hell no. If there's luxury on the way, so long as it doesn't slow us down, I'm taking it. Dangerous bandits mean potential death, no point putting off to tomorrow what you may never get a chance to enjoy." [Suzu finds what must have been a sign, but it's kinda hacked to bits.] * Millie turns towards the village, looking it over carefully, shifting her stance a little as she looks on. *blink* ( Whoa. Link was here! ) (How'd you know?) ( Call it a hunch. ) (I've been playing lots of Wind Waker. >.>) (Quick, play Zelda's Lullaby on TOoT!) ( *snickers* "No, that's the Bolero of Fi--" *everyone reappears in the fire caves* "GOD DAMNIT." ) * Tairan hrms. "Looks like they need a new sign..." (HA!) (Jinx fails his body roll and lands on a lava vein in entry.) * Millie stares at the sign a little and sighs. "Bandits are everywhere it seems. Jus' a question of are they OURS or jus' a random occurance?" (mm... hot flaming sleep) (He reappears at the entrance after each time falling into the lava. And every time he looses a heart. Death loop? :P) Though leavin' a trail of tattered signs in her wake doesn't seem Jan's style. Might not be bandits. Could be vandals... or irate woodpeckers. * Mikoto frowns. "I wonder whose land we're in. What kind of lord lets that kind of vandal run rampant?" * Jinx perks up at seeing the sign and hearing talk of bandits. He also switches to his shotgun and points it out away from the group. One who doesn't know how to protect his property. ( I'm just sort of guessing Shomura is under the feudal system. ) Well, one sure way to find out. *keeps on toward the village* I'm sure it ain't that easy..ya get 'em anywhere. * Millie checks her rifle and nods. "Let's go." She follows Tairan. * Jinx hurries up towards the front of the group and walks alongside Tairan. * Suzunosuke puts the book away, and rests a hand on his belt where the sword should be. Relax a bit, people... don't wanna seem like we're bandits walking in. * John smirks. "Yeah. It's not like you need your weapons out when you walk into town. * Millie sighs and flourishes her hand slightly. "It's not as if I can exactly HIDE Greenpeace here, but okay." She slings her rifle on her back. [You near the village. There aren't many people walking around. The man boarding up a window as you near looks your way and hurries into his home.] Okay... they're definetly expecting someone. * Jinx nods and puts away his shotgun as he looks Tairan. "It'll take me a second to draw it again, but I'll follow your judgment." Do you think so? Huh...now they told me Easterners were a little weird at times, but I didn't think the slot-eyes'd be rude... No need to holster it... just don't have it pointed. * Mikoto turns the naginata's blade backwards and slings it back over his shoulder, glancing around as he walks. "Bandits, perhaps." He blinks. "Where are the local officials protecting these people?" * Jinx draws his shotgun again and points it towards the ground. "Right." ... and calling in the people 'slot-eyes' isn't gonna win any friends either. *mutters* Local officials don't care much if you're on the outskirts I've found. Truly. The lord must be negligent. * Millie ignores Tairan's comments and looks around. Keep your eyes sharp... * MaryAnne says "Miss Reinhart, please do not use racial words." * Tairan looks around for anything that looks like a town hall or such. * Millie blinks and looks at Mary Anne oddly. "...the hell you on about?" * Mikoto sighs as he looks around. "What a sorry state." * Suzunosuke looks for a local to accost. * Jinx stays close to Tairan, regularly glancing around but often looking to him for instruction. * MaryAnne says "It's not prper to refer to someone as 'slot-eyes'" It ain't? * Millie blinks, confused. Yeah. It's just as proper as calling someone a half-breed. * MaryAnne says "not at all. It's rather rude." Which isn't nice at all. * Millie gives John the icy glare of death. Which is why I don't call people that. [You enter the village! Nearby, there are a few men chatting excitedly as they work on another window; their backs are pretty much turned to you. "I thought I saw Kojiro with 'em," one of them says. "No way. Didn't he kill a thousand men during the war?" "But he's in his twenties," a third says. "Yeah," says the second, "he's real good." The first snorts.] ...yeah. ... hey. Could you tell us what town this is? [Shomurans, gimme a mind roll, -2.] * John raises an eyebrow. "Kojiro?" 2d6-2 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Tairan (2d6-2) and gets 7. 2d6-2 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Suzunosuke (2d6-2) and gets 6. [The second turns when he hears that and blinks at you guys. "Uh... nowhere important," he says quickly. The first nods. "Yeah. Nothing here."] 2d6-2 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Mikoto (2d6-2) and gets 5. Pardon me, but surely this town has a name. * Millie 's eyes flicker to the group of men. "S'that so...?" An' I bet this Kojiro guy's nobody too, raight? * Mikoto sighs and glances at Millie. "Maybe it's better to let us handle this for now." * John smirks. "Don't rough them up too much." * Millie looks over at Mikoto and shrugs, closing her eyes and stretching her arms behind her, her eyes giving the guys a steady intimidating stare. Hey, hey. Don't worry. We're bandit hunters from back west. * Mikoto glances at the men and smiles. "Kojiro's kill count gets higher every time I hear his name mentioned. I've been travelling and haven't returned home in a while, after all. What news is there?" * Jinx stays silent and alert a bit behind Tairan. Rather, we're hunting bandits from out West. ["Uh." The first looks at the second, who gulps. "Y- yeah. Sure." He goes back to working on the window, occasionally casting glances your way.] [Awareness rolls.] 2d6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Millie (2d6) and gets 6. 2d6-2 2d6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Mikoto (2d6-2) and gets 4. * Dicesuke throws the bones for Tairan (2d6) and gets 7. 2d6-2 2d6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for MaryAnne (2d6-2) and gets 8. * Dicesuke throws the bones for John (2d6) and gets 2, a CRITICAL SUCCESS!!! "I'm a child of extremes. Have a crit, and a nice day to go with it." 2d6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Jinx (2d6) and gets 5. 2d6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Suzunosuke (2d6) and gets 8. [Mikoto and Jinx notice that the third guy's missing. John not only notices the third guy's missing, but he also spots a door to one of the larger buildings closing just down the path.] ... seriously, guys. We're just passing though, looking for directions and maybe some information. * Mikoto blinks, then sighs and holds his forehead. "So much for civic harmony." He glances around, looking for the third man. Is there a grassy knoll? * John eyes the door. "Alright, what did your friend know?" ( A grassy gnoll... Remind me to throw that at you guys. ) * Suzunosuke twitches slightly. ["You know," says the first guy while the second works, "Well, uh." He rubs at the back of his neck. "You're in Ryudo Village."] * Jinx narrows his eyes and begins to search the town for signs of activity. * John walks forward to the door that just shut up ahead. He knocks. [The door knocks back! Not really. Nothing happens.] Have you seen other travelers passing through from the west? * Millie looks over at the guys steadily, half-glancing with a cold stare. "Y'all didn't answer pretty boy's question." In the last few days, most likely? * Jinx focuses his attention on the building that John is investigating. * Tairan looks back at Millie. "We're handling this." *turns back to the two guys* * Mikoto blinks, then glances at John in concern, also trying to think of where Ryudo Village is. He turns to the other two men. "What made you so fearful? We might be able to help, if our enemies intersect." * Millie rolls her eyes and walks over to follow John. [He looks annoyed and blurts out, "What if we did? Go ahead, shoot me. I told you where we are." He blinks. "Well, don't do the shooting part."] The third man's in here. I bet he knows something. Hey hey, nobody's shooting anyone. We're just offerin' to help if you have a problem that needs helpin'. * Mikoto sighs and glances behind him at the others. "My companions mean well. But they are used to the more rough-mannered ways of the West. Don't begrudge them." * MaryAnne waits patiently. [The guy looks at Mikoto and nods. Real fast. "Yeah, you seem like the sensible sort."] * Millie nods to John and walks up to the door, knocking calmly on it. [Just as Millie's about to knock... the door opens!] * Millie blinks and stops herself from knocking on the guy's head. * Jinx glances for any windows in the building the third man walked into and then takes another scan of the town, looking for a potential ambush. His posture is that of a hired tough, but not an acitively beligerent one. (thug?) ( "Ruffian" ) * Tairan decides to let Mikoto do the talking, as diplomacy's never been his strong suit. (tough, it's slang, all the cool kids use that term.) (Well I'm not a cool kid. So nyah. :P) * Mikoto smiles a little. "You flatter me. But please be assured our concern is serious. How did such a deplorable condition come to haunt this village?" (Not saying you have to, just explaining. :P ) [Out steps a woman in her late teens / early twenties, who is definitely not the guy, unless he's a master of disguise. She's reasonably attractive, with long, black hair and dark brown eyes. Her clothes are nicer than the peasants', and she's wearing a breastplate. There's a katana at her side.] * Millie blinks again and takes a step back. "Huh. Sorry ta bother ya, but what exactly's goin' on here..?" An'...uh... * Jinx flits his eyes briefly at the woman. He then decides that situation is probably under control and keeps scanning. * Tairan notices the woman, and jogs over before Millie starts a fight. "Hello, ma'am." * Millie glances at John for a moment then back to the girl but keeps the thought to herself for once. ["Well, you see, we had a mess with some Westerners- not that they're all bad!" he adds hurriedly. "And, uh- hey. There she is."] *bows* * Girl looks the group over. She smiles at Tairan and returns the bow. * Mikoto blinks. "There who is?" He turns around to spy the swordswoman, then flinches a bit when he realizes it's Millie who made first contact. He catches the bow and makes one of his own. * Jinx takes a moment to grasp the situation and then also makes a bow, it's a little awkward but he fakes knowing what he's doing reasonably well. * Suzunosuke turns to see, and bows in turn as well. * Millie looks over at the two of them and blinks. "Whatcha lookin' at the ground for?" * John tips his hat to the woman. * MaryAnne bows politely as well as it's the proper thing to do and she has been to the lands of the East before. * Tairan catches what the guy just said, and grins. "We're travelers coming from the west, persuing a group of Western bandits that fled across the mountains... sound like what's been ailing this town?" * Millie smiles back to the lady and tips her hat in the same fashion as John. * Girl nods. "So I've gathered." * Millie puts her hands on her hips. "The whole town looks in pretty bad shape though..ain't good ta let it get in such a state..." They say there was a mixed group, you know. Shomuran and Teckian. Kind of like... you. * Tairan nods. "Any information you could give us about their whereabouts would be greatly appreciated, Miss..." The name's Millie Reinhart by the way. Pleased ta meet ya. * Millie thrusts her hand out in a friendly fashion. ...so you did not see these people yourself? * Jinx relaxes a bit and shifts to a friendly posture, he keeps scanning the town though. * Mikoto gives a smile to the man he was speaking to again. "Thank you for your help." He then turns back to the girl and sighs the 'I KNEW it' sigh. "I see. It explains why the villagers were so afraid, but I assure you we don't have any ill intentions, despite our rather obvious gaps in diplomacy." * Girl peers down at Millie's hand then gives her a confused look before turning to Suzunosuke. "Well, perhaps." * Suzunosuke is only getting confused at this point, and has the good grace to shut up. * Girl looks at Mikoto. "So you say. But I have no reason to take your word for it, you understand. This may simply be a ploy." * Millie blinks and looks down at her hand. "It ain't...dirty or anythin' is it? It's kinda what we do in the west when we meet someone.." ... wrong custom, Millie. * MaryAnne lets Mikoto work things out as he is doing a good job. Yeah. They don't hand-shake here. * Millie looks up slightly then turns to Tairan. "Huh." * Jinx holsters his shotgun, leaving it hanging on his back. He still keeps scanning, but tries to be discrete about it. * Mikoto nods. "Prudence is a wise decision, since you appear to be in charge of defending this place. May I ask, these are the lands of what Lord?" * Millie looks down at her hand, still outstretched, then back up at the girl. * Tairan decides again to let Mikoto do the talking, taking a half-step back. You are on the Arita-clan's lands. [Cultural Arts rolls.] * Suzunosuke nods. ( Shomurans'... what she said :P ) [Easterners only. ;P] ( What speciality? ) Arita what? (Clans.) 2d6-2 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Mikoto (2d6-2) and gets 7. * Millie looks honestly perplexed. * Mikoto glances at Millie. "The various parts of the Empire are watched over by the lords of various clans. Each lord is responsible for the well-being of the citizens." Huh. Kinda like a sheriff? 2d6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Tairan (2d6) and gets 7. 2d6-2 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Suzunosuke (2d6-2) and gets 9. I think it's the sheriff and govenor all rolled into one family. * Mikoto ehes. "Not... exactly. More like... a mayor or governor." * Millie looks straight on over at John. "How come ya know so much 'bout the East?" * Jinx nods slightly, taking it all in without comment. I just listen. If they're responsable for the well-being of the the citizentry, then they must take the role of legeslative power and enforcement. * Mikoto hmmms. "We're in the Artia and Iwahara clan territory... has something happened to the local officials?" He pauses. "Please forgive me... my name is Mikoto, a traveler. It's my pleasure to meet you." They never talk 'bout it where I'm from...from what I heard most of this place was swampland... I guess...ya can't believe everything ya hear. * Tairan EYES Millie. ( Maybe she means rice paddies. ^_^;; ) * Girl nods to Mikoto. "And I am Yae Arita." And I am... Suzunosuke. * Tairan tips his cap. "Tairan." ( Three cheers for Yae. Yae! Yae! Yae! ) * Millie looks over at Yae, then finally makes out that she's supposed to bow, which she does awkwardly. "The name's Millie Reinhart..an'...err, sorry 'bout earlier. I'm a bit...outta place here." * Jinx also tips his hat, "Errant Hare." He gives a friendly smile as he says it, but then resumes just listening. Hey, there may very well be a swampland in the East. * John looks at Yae and tips his hat. "John. Like Millie over there, I'm a bit out of place." * Mikoto bows again briefly. "I wish I could establish my credentials, Lady Yae, but my family all live in the capital districts at Kyo. All I can ask is that you sincerely believe we bear no ill will to this village." * Millie tips up her hat and grins sheepishly. It's a cute grin, really. * Suzunosuke has sort-of frozen his smile in place. He's not looking hostile, but... * MaryAnne curtsies, as she bowed already, and then says "And I am Mary Anne Pippins. Pleased to make your acquaintence." * Yae peers at John for a second, then turns back to Mikoto. "You say that easily. But a group of armed men of mixed race show up and rob the town. So I come here to investigate and what do I find? An armed group of mixed race." * Yae more or less ignores Millie altogether. MaryAnne is our employer. We are tracking some thieves that took an artifact that belongs to her organization. * Millie looks at John and gives him a "Not again" look. It almost seems sympathetic. * Mikoto smiles a bit sheepishly. "Lady Yae, you arrived before we did. Technically, we found you." And yes, that's the best he can do. "We actually have just arrived after a..." He pauses. "...difficult crossing of the Salamanders." * John sighs slightly. * Jinx whispers over to Tairan quietly enough so Yae not be able to hear it at all. "Would it be insulting to try to buy information? Offer to help with the suffering of the town or something." ( I am the worst diplomat ever. "I was here first." "WAS NOT." "WAS SO!" ) (Sadly, that's better than the rest of the group can manage. ;P) It's true that you found me, yes, but you might simply be the bandits returning once more. Your story could be easily fabricated. * Tairan shakes his head. * MaryAnne adds "I'm sure that the towns people would recognize that we are not the ones that cause them misfortune, should you ask them." * Millie looks at Yae, blinking. "We ain't bandits. That's for sure." * Millie points to Mary Anne. "Does she REALLY look like a bandit to you?" We will be glad to move on, if you can point us in the direction that the others went in. * Mikoto keeps on smiling. He's ALL friendliness. "That's true, my lady. What must we do to earn your trust?" * John nods. * Jinx looks confused, he keeps whispering. "Wait, forgive me, I'm tired. If your shaking your head to mean it's a bad idea, shake your head again." * Tairan shakes his head. (Fetch Quest!) * Yae taps her chin in thought. "Hmmm..." (*sagenod*) * Jinx nods and resumes his quiet scanning posture. * John edges away from Yae. * MaryAnne comments "Well, I should certainly hope that I don't appear to be someone of unsavory morals." I have three conditions. ( I should note that we probably LOOK like we just crossed the Salamanders. It's not like we did more thana token resting. Jinx is wearing sandals, for cyring out loud. ;) * Millie perks up, raising a delicate eyebrow, standing fully. "Name 'em." * Yae smirks. "First, I want a duel." ... * MaryAnne looks alarmed and says "A duel! Oh my goodness gracious!" * Tairan looks back. "You want to, Suzunosuke, or should I?" * Jinx chuckles softly and then restrains himself. * Mikoto blinks. "Ah... I'm not really a swordsman, Lady Yae... but Sir Suzunosuke may be willing to oblige." He smiles sheepishly. "Unless you meant in the martial arts, in which case I will gladly accept." I think I can guess who she wants... * Millie looks at the katana, raising an eyebrow. "Wouldn't exactly be fair...though I bet it's not the same as it is in the West anyhow..." * Yae nods to Suzunosuke. "That's right." She grins and points at John. "Him!" * Suzunosuke pikus. ... * John blinks. "You want to duel me?" * Millie grins at John a little. "Got another one it seems..." *relaxing* Well, that works, too. * MaryAnne adds "What forever for should you want a duel with one of us?" * Jinx smiles, broadly, I mean he smiled slightly when Millie made the carrying crack earlier, but now he seems really happy. * John puts his hand on his head. "Oh boy... What did I do to deserve this." * Yae nods. "We'll duel with swords, first blow wins." * Millie 's grin widens. "You were born. I don't even know how to wield a sword. * Tairan holds out his tiny little throwing knife to John." "You want this, or d'ya wanna borrow my katana?" (Did Mr. John take Girl Magnet - heh heh) (Gee, ya THINK?) (;_;) You may not have mine. * Jinx whispers over to Tairan. "3:1 odds against John." * John takes out his whip. "Can I use this?" (Must be those pearl whites he's always glinting about ; ) ) ( Ooh, kinky. ) Of course not. I said sword; I meant it. * Mikoto frowns. "Lady Yae..." He sighs and shakes his head. "Hopefully meeting all three conditions is not a requirement." He smiles at John nervously. "I am sure Lady Yae will not really seek to harm you, simply to test you." To which he certainly does not add: I hope. (Indiana John and the Village of Doom!) So what happens if he loses? Yeah, what are the other two conditions? * Yae grins wider. "We'll discuss that afterwards." * Tairan shrugs. "So you want to borrow my katana or not, John?" ( I like John. His Girl Magnet keeps mine at bay. -_^ ) * John sighs. "Do I really have a choice?" * Millie looks at John and whispers over to him. "Bet it's another marriage proposal." (So you think.) (Actually, she's probably goint to ask for a duel for each favor from a different person ; ) ) * Suzunosuke steps over and gives John a couple of pointers... like how to hold the sword... * Mikoto steps over nearer to Suzunosuke and Tairan, whispering a question to each. "Please forgive my bluntness, but it might be important to know, from which clan you both hail..." (Yup. She's collecting a harem.) * John nods. "I bet we're not getting out of here while keeping my lifstyle intact without running running." * Tairan draws his katana. It's really a beautiful blade... the hilt coated with orange-brown amber, inlaid with onyx, and both sides of the blade are etched with Shomuran writing. ( I'm going to be the only easterner not from a big mojo clan, I just know it. :P ) Well, you COULD always settle down, pretty boy. You know how dangerous that would be? * Jinx thinks, he's still being relatively quiet but not whispering any more. "Hmm... with that sword, 2:1 odds against John." And anyways, I still have business. * Millie looks over at Yae and points to John. "Jus' ta point out 'fore there's any misunderstandin', he's not mine, okay? So do whatever ya want with him." * Yae shrugs. * John takes the sword, and follows Suzunosuke's lead. "Like this?" * Tairan looks back at Mikoto. "Technically, none." Close enough. Oh, and thanks Tairan. * Millie takes a step back away from John. No skewers for Millie. * Mikoto glances at Yae. "I am hoping, my lady, that the good reputation of the Artia clan will shine forth through your actions." * Suzunosuke twitches. No problem. Just try not to break it. * John mumbles to himself. ( I have no idea what their reputation is. Diplomacy is easy! Just like marketing. ) Sure. Good luck. * John makes sure there's no one around him, and takes a few practice swings. Good. And avoid the pointy end of her sword. * Mikoto looks at Tairan with a slightly embarassed glance. "Forgive me. Of course you're right." He favors John with a nervous look. "I hope this is quick and painless." * Yae grins to herself and walks out towards the center of the street. "When you're ready." Quick, yes. Painless... I hope so. * Jinx walks over to Millie. "Care to make a wager on whether your favorite gun spinner wins?" * Tairan shrugs at Mikoto. "Don't worry. I can deal with being a ronin." * Millie raises an eyebrow to Jinx. "John? My favorite? Pah, ya gotta be kiddin'..." * Mikoto continues to smile nervously. "Just focus." He mutters, in a dark voice, "After all, she won't want any marks on you." * John grips the sword with both hands and assumes a fighting stance. "You ready?" * MaryAnne stands clearly out of the way and watches saying "As long as it's a friendly duel and noone becomes injured it should be all right." * Millie grins as she looks over at John, speaking to Jinx out of the side of her mouth. "Johnny's gonna crash so hard..." * Jinx grins ."Yep, and that was sarcasm Millie, sarcasm." [You know this lovely deserted village? It's suddenly not so deserted anymore. Seems you guys are drawing a crowd.] * Jinx actively scans the crowd for any betting. Dangit... * Millie looks around. "Seems they aren't so scared now that there's action in town. East, West, duels are all the same..." [They're murmuring amongst each other. Mostly on how Lady Yae is going to kick this Westerner's butt.] * Mikoto glances over his shoulder, then smirks at Tairan. "We're suddenly quite popular." He mms. "I hope John loses. The East proving its superiority here would not hurt our position one bit." * Yae draws her sword in one quick motion, and brings the blade pointing at the sky, infront of her nose. "Perfectly." She lowers the sword to a ready stance, both hands on the hilt. * Millie waves to the crowd and gives a bright smile. ( *DIES LAUGHING* ) ( I am so fucking dead...) ( I'm listening to the Suikoden 3 soundtrack. What just starts? The music from the duel with Guillame. ) 2d6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for John (2d6) and gets 6. (*starts up duel music*) * Jinx calls out to the group. "10:1 odds in favor of Lady Yae, any takers? Ten gets you one, but the outcome is guaranteed anyways so its a great deal." d6+6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for John (d6+6) and gets 11. [A few people raise their hands.] * Millie looks over at Jinx. "Err..is that proper ettiquette?" * Suzunosuke eyes John critically. ...if he had a couple of months to learn... but no. This will hurt. * Jinx wanders over to make a few deals. "Like you said, duels are the same everywhere." He's willing to lose 50, on the outcome, assuming peopleare willing to put up that much. [They do.] [Heck, they try to put in more. :P] * Yae stands there and waits. She relaxes her guard a little and smiles. * Mikoto leans on the naginata a bit, glancing around and using this rather excellent opportunity to scan the crowd for anything strange while nobody's looking. * Jinx grins. "I like you Easterners, good people." He puts another 50 of his money at risk. * John shrugs to himself and runs forward, trying to get a hit in on Yae with the sword. 2d6-1 * Dicesuke throws the bones for John (2d6-1) and gets 5. ( -1??? ) ( Melee Attack applies regardless of the weapon. ) (John's good at everything!) ( Presumably, he has it for his whip. ^_^ ) (He has shiny teeth.) * Jinx watches the fight with keen interest. He really doesn't seem tired at all anymore. * Yae brings her blade up and knock's John's to the side. She then swings it overhead at John. 2d6-1 * Dicesuke throws the bones for John (2d6-1) and gets 10. (Ow.) ( VERY NO! ) (John's beheaded!) * Mikoto stops his scan of the crowd just in time to see John's stroke deflected, and he winces. "It's all over." * Suzunosuke winces as John completely misses the fine points of blocking. ( I feel like I'm in a DBZ ep. ) (AAaaarrrrrrtgggggg32!!11!!!) [John tries to bring his blade up to block but is far to slow. They both halt as Yae brings her sword next to his neck and smiles. Then she turns it around taps him lightly with the blunt end. "I win!"] * Mikoto breathes out. "What did I tell you?" And in a much quieter voice: "Not a scratch on him for later." [The people who made bets with Jinx start demanding their money. Quietly, of course.] Well, his attempt at an attack wasn't all that bad... * Yae giggles to herself. * Jinx snorts at John's failure but doesn't seem disappointed. He pays out 100 kanmon while quietly commenting to the crowd. "Yeah, she's amazing, not a scratch on him." He sounds bitter about the last bit. What can I say? I've never used one of these before. Aww, he needed one on the other cheek...he'd look cute matchin' * Mikoto smiles reassuringly. "For a first time, it was bravura. I was impressed." It's okay. I didn't expect much for a Westerner. Then why'd ya ask him to? Jus' ta see if he'd go through with it? * Yae smiles at him then walks back over. She looks at Mikoto. "So, you wanted to know what happened if he lost?" * Mikoto nods. "Well, we certainly want to know what the other two conditions are." * John nods. He walks over to Tairan and hands him the sword, hilt first. * Millie looks slightly irritated at again being ignored but doesn't say anything. You haven't fulfilled the first one yet. * Mikoto raises an eyebrow. * Jinx quietly chats up the crowd. "So, any action other in town, as exciting as it is to see my compatriat get soundly beat." It's a fine blade, but I have no clue how to use it. * Yae grins widely. "Your turn, blondie. Let's fight!" [They shrug. One seems about to speak up when Yae asks for the duel, and turns his attention to that.] * Mikoto gives Yae a blank look, then waves his hands in front of him. "I am no swordsman, Lady Yae. The result would inevitably be the same." * Tairan grins. "You weren't too bad. Well, on offense. Your blocking technique is downright atrocious." *takes the sword* * Jinx takes out more money. "Alright, 20:1 against the blond guy. Obviously I've underestimated Lady Yae." Well, if you don't want to know about the Bandits... * Millie blinks slightly. "Blondie?" She looks over at Mikoto. "I'm guessin' you. Don't think she'd ask Mary ta go for it..." Ya can't block the same way as with a whip. * Mikoto breathes out. "If you insist." He holds the naginata out to Tairan. "If you would..." Then again, I prefer my duels with guns. * Jinx is only putting up 50 kanmon this time, if people are taking. [They do.] ( Jinx, you fool! I'm only marginally better than John! ) * Tairan takes the naginata and holds out the katana. "Have fun." * Yae chuckles to herself and moves back into the street. * Millie grins at Jinx. "Can I put money on the swordgirl, Jinxy? Pleaaaaase?" * Mikoto shakes his head, drawing his own sword. "It's not my family's blade, but it'll have to do." He turns to Yae and bows. "Whenever you're ready." (Fool what, you're better and I'm offering worse odds to the people. ^_^) * Yae bows back and falls into her stance. "Ready." * Mikoto drops into a ready stance. He's not a great swordsman, but he clearly at least knows how to hold one. * Jinx grins at Millie. "Alright, I'll take a bet of 10 from you, at 20:1 for the lady." 2d6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Mikoto (2d6) and gets 7. * Millie grins wider and winks at him, slipping him a 10. d6+6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Mikoto (d6+6) and gets 12. ( I'm so dead. x.x Why couldn't this be hand to hand? ;_; ) (Because Yae is pushy.) * Millie whispers to Jinx. "Doesn't hurt ta goad the crowd a little." She smirks wider and shifts her hip. "Come on. Looks like his arms can barely hold that thing." * Yae smiles and waits for Mikoto to make the first move. * Jinx grins very broadly at Millie, a look of great respect in his eyes. * Mikoto breathes out, then takes a few steps forward, making a simple horizontal cut at Yae. So, Tairan. Think you could teach me how to use a sword? I have a feeling I'll need to learn how. 2d6-2 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Mikoto (2d6-2) and gets 8. (Is she like Orca? Does she play progressive arpeggios if you connect?) Maybe. You're in good enough shape to learn. Might wanna talk to Suzunosuke, though... he's more of a pure swordsman that I am. * Yae sways back, easily avoiding the cut, and swings her own blade diagonally in response. Yeah, but you're not obsessed with poetry. 2d6-2 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Mikoto (2d6-2) and gets 6. I may not be the best instructor in the world. * Tairan shrugs. "I suppose." ( I hate BESM defenses. ;_; ) (We hates them we do my preciousssss....) * Yae holds herself back so as not to cause more than a scratch to Mikoto. "Well, I win again!" * Jinx pays out again, he seems to take less pleasure at this outcome, but he isn't a sore loser. * Millie hmms a little, scratching her chin as she looks at the duel's conclusion. "She's good..." Sight unseen, 40:1 against the next challenger facing Lady Yae! * Mikoto breathes out. "As one would expect." He sheathes his own sword. "An impressive display of martial expertise." Let mine ride, Jinxy. * Mikoto does NOT say: If this were hand to hand you'd be crying, lady. Hahaha. * Jinx nods. Thank you. * Millie lets out a little grin, that may just be saying that she might decide not to let him get out of the payoff. * Mikoto smiles. "May we consider the first condition fulfilled?" Not so fast. Next... She's got ta get through all the guys first.. (Millie! XD) * Mikoto twitches. Faintly. "Next...?" * Yae looks around at the rest. "Next..." Next? * Yae frowns. "Nevermind. First condition fufilled." ... (No one else is cute enough) * Jinx frowns. "Aww.. but I'm sure you can easily beat a few more of us. Excuse... all right, * Mikoto smiles, nervously, getting his bearings back. "Your magnanimity is appreciated." * Tairan turns around to conceal a poorly-contained chuckle. * Millie chuckles at Jinx. "Sorry Jinx. Maybe next beautiful woman'll fight ya." * John rolls his eyes. He read Jae just like a book on that one. I'm glad you think so. It'll make my second condition a bit easier. ( I'm all for leaving. Clearly Ryudo Village is in good hands. ) (Yeah. It obviously is.) * Jinx grins ever so slightly back at Millie. "I'd prefer if she didn't, all told." He then gives Millie 20 kanmon. Technically the odds would dictate 10.5, but he's in a good mood. * Tairan turns back around, still smirking slightly. ( Yae's going to ask for Tairan, covered in chocolate. I am going to LAUGH. ) * Millie looks down at the kanmon and grins up at Jinx. She doesn't complain. ( *points at MaryAnne* I require HAWT PSEUDOYURI LUVLUV. ... oh my. ) (Haha!) * Jinx turns to the crowd. "Uh, 2:1 against us successfully meeting the next easier challenge. Remember, it's only easy compared to fighting the exceptional lady Yae." ( Asian girls getting it on. Yes, it's Real Spam Pioneers. ) (Snicker) * Yae walks back over to the others. "No, duelling is over." Okay. What's the second condition? So what's the second condition? [The crowd goes aww and disperses. Except for a few folks trying to eavesdrop without looking like they are, and doing a poor job of it.] * Millie glares ever so slightly at Jinx. "Give it up..." * Millie gives the not-eavesdroppers a steady stare. * Yae smiles. "I haven't eaten at all today. So the two who lost the duel get to buy me lunch!" ... You're not serious. * Mikoto looks like he was hit with an anvil. * Millie snorts and lets out a WIDE grin. "Yer serious..." * Yae grins, her eyes twinkling. * Jinx sighs slightly and throws up his hands in a friendly manner at Millie. "Right right, would have been a good bet though." * Mikoto breathes out, and glances at John. "I doubt you have any kanmon, so you can owe me." He smiles at Yae, a little forcedly. "Lady Yae, it would be my pleasure." * John nods. "Only carry dollars here." * Millie pats John on the back, closing her eyes sagely. "Don't worry, Johnny. Sure ya can sell your charmin' looks 'round here for food." ( I'm trapped in a Suikoden sidequest. <.< >.> ) ( "Blue Lightning John". *cry* ) * Tairan saunters over next to Jinx, and whispers. "Never have I been so glad that I pay little attention to my appearance." * John glares at Millie. "If you're suggesting what I think you're suggesting, no." * Millie lifts her arms up above her head and gives out a long stretch, smiling at John. "Don't be shy now..." ( Hey! ;_; ) * Jinx nods sagely and comments to Millie. "Pretty boy John, the great Western hope. He'll have to get better with a sword to be ringer." [And so, we found out John can't use a sword and Mikoto uses one very poorly, but Lady Yae's first condition was still met. Session End.]