[ We find Some Of Our Heroes sitting in the common room of the Flying Couches home, enjoying a crisp, snowy afternoon. Mmmm, snow. ] (Mmmm, snow? That's my line. XD) [ For some reason, the neigboring Red Lightning house (and bar and grille) has been giving off more than its usual large amount of commotion. Wonder what the occasion is? ] [ As for you guys... well, I'll let you decide what you're up to. Session Start! ] [ Except Kenji, who's not there. ] * Tia stares out the window at the whiteness outside, her tail wagging wildly. "Snow! Snowsnowsnowsnowsnow!" * Istvan is sitting on the couch, idly inspecting what looks like a piece from a suit of plate mail... except it's glowing. Mmm... good as new. *grins slightly* * Tia turns and grins at Istvan. "Heehee!" Whatcha workin' on, Isty? * Patrick is an inch taller and working with his arrows and carefully treating the shafts with a strange liquid. Right next to the arrow is a... dissolving rock. * Istvan looks up at Tia. "Some poor freshman managed to get a hole punched in a piece of his family's ancestral armor. Several hundred years old, passed down from father to son, thought unbreakable..." * Seylin is sitting on one of the couches near the fireplace, reading a book. Her hair is loose, and it falls well past her shoulders now. It's about even with the middle of her upper arm. Until the moron decided to test said unbreakability. [ There is a knock at the door. ] * Patrick laughs. "If it's not adamantine, it's not unbreakable. And even then it's iffy." Wow, Isty. It looks like it never got broken! Magically unbreakable. But not against concentrated essence of rust monster. * Seylin looks up at the door. "It's open! C'mon in!" * Tia runs over to the door to greet the newcomer. Just one drop... two inch wide hole in the middle of one of the chest plates. Mmm... I'll have to keep that in mind. ^_^ * Tia opens the door. "Hi!" * HKenji stumbles inside, dragging something large, flat, and wrapped in layers of rough canvas. He brings a fair bit of snow with him. Kenji! Good morning, Tia. * Seylin waves. "Hi, Kenji!" * Tia bowls Kenji over with an enthused hug. Hey Kenji, what's up? ^_^ WOAH! Watch the package! * Will looks up from the textbook in his hands, "Hi Kenji." Kid panicked, came to the head of the forging department. Luckilly, his girlfriend's rich, so she sprung for the materials. Just finished fixing it about an hour ago. * HKenji thrusts the large flat object away from him and is bowled over! Oh, sorry! * Tia lets go and looks worried. "Did I break something again? Yeah. Kenji's backbone. * Seylin giggles quietly and sets her book down. * HKenji picks up the package and flexes it carefully. "No, nothing broken." * Tia grins and wags her tail. "Oh, good!" * Tia jumps up and runs a lap around Kenji. "What's that?" * HKenji smiles. "I've taken up painting. Bribed one of the other residents of Pensword." * Patrick hmmms, inspecting the arrow after finishing it. "So, what've ya got there Kenji?" ^_^ Ooh! I want to see! Hey, nice. ~_^ * Istvan flips the plate over in his hands, letting the light reflect off of it. "Nice work, if I do say so myself." * Seylin gets up, walks over to Istvan, and looks at the armor. "Looks good as new to me!" * HKenji moves over to one wall, where mounts have been prepared. He strips the back cover off the painting and hangs it up. * Tia runs over to look. * Seylin then turns to watch the grand unveiling of Kenji's painting. Good. Forgemaster let me handle it... pretty much guarantees me an A+ in the class. Don't even hafta go anymore... I will, though. s'my favorite class. * Patrick spins around in his chair. "Heh. You actually go to class to learn your trade?" ^_^; * Patrick is facing the center of the room now. Only way to learn forging is to learn from a master. That and a whole lotta hours of sweating. And stinkiness. Much stinkiness. * Will puts the textbook he's been reading down and walks over to take a look at Kenji's painting. The painting seems to be much more interesting than the textbook. ^^ Wish I could say the same for fletching. Most my instructers have gone is 'Make sharp pointy arrows'. [ The painting is very interesting, yes. One day, it may even be described. ] * HKenji waits a nice, dramatic pause, and then rips the front covering from the painting, revealing what at first appears to be a snowcovered meadow, but after more examination reveals itself to be clouds as seen from the top. The sun hangs low in the sky to one side, while a massive ephemeral dragon flies across the clouds into the sunset, a man mounted on its back. Opposite the sun are several strange characters that pass for writing in Rokugan. ( :P ) (Perfect timing. ^_^) ( ^_^_v ) * Patrick looks over the painting and grins. * Seylin walks over to get a better look at the painting. After a momenet, she blinks once, then smiles. * Patrick whispers to Seylin. It's beautiful, Kenji! * Seylin giggles and whispers back. * Will nods. "Good job Kenji." Man Kenji, that's really nice. ^_^ Yes. And only my fifth attempt, too. It is lovely. You must have spent a lot of time on it. s'nice. Not big on art... but I guess a pretty painting is just a beautiful as a well made axe. * Tia hugs Kenji again. ... a pretty painting of a well made axe... now *that* would be good. * Patrick laughs. Always with you and weapons. * HKenji is hugged. Tia is so big! @_@ * Tia grins at Istvan and wags her tail. "Paint my axe! Paint my axe! I want a painting of my axe!" * Seylin laughs. ... ask Kenji. *lifts his big, calloused hands* These ain't a painters hands. * Istvan grins. "Now, if you wanted me to detail your axe, add some designs or somethin'... *that* maybe I could do." Your hands are no worse than many I have seen. I have little doubt that if you tried as best you could, you would make an excellent painting, Istvan. And you are by far the better to paint such a weapon. * Tia runs up to Istvan, forgetting that she's still got Kenji in a bearhug. "Ooh! Can I have butterflies on it? I like butterflies!" * Patrick snickers and whispers again to Seylin. * Seylin giggles and whispers back. * HKenji is dragged around. * Istvan blinks. "Butterflies? On an axe?" *pauses* "... as long as you don't tell the Forgemaster. I think he'd toss me into the forge." Nah, he's not that nice. [ There's another knock at the door. Who could it be, this time? ] Come in! It's open! * Will walks up and opens the door. * Seylin looks over at the door. "Wonder who that is?" * Tia wanders over to the door, Kenji clutched in her beefy arms like a teddy bear. She looks curious. * HKenji coughs. "Tia? Please put me down?" [ Kenji turns blue. ] * Alcinoe is on the other side. Some of you might recognize her as Alcinoe, a cleric from the Red Lightning house. She's a well built, dark-skinned half-elf with green eyes, long, curly orange-red hair, and an annoyed expression that alleviates somewhat when Will opens the door. "Howdy," she says by greeting as she waves one gloved hand. "Can Ah come in?" * Tia looks down and gasps. "Oh, sorry, Kenji!" She puts him down immediately. "I'm sorry!" * Patrick waves. "Heya Alci." He smirks. "Nice pants." ^_^ * HKenji coughs a little and tries to catch his breath. Hi, Alcinoe! Come on in! Hi Alci, come in. [ From her accent, you can tell she's from the Suhthuhn part of the Brighthome canyon. ] * Alcinoe looks down. They're faded jeans, yup. Boots on her feet, leather jacket, and what looks like a red sweater under that. Small grin back to Patrick. "Thanks, Ah like yours, too." * Tia thumps Kenji on the back a few times, a concerned expression on her face. * HKenji is thrown forward onto the ground between Will and Alcinoe. "OOOF!" Tia, be careful! * Patrick holds his head and chuckles. ... we're gonna need another Kenji. * Tia looks mortified as she covers her face with her hands, briefly. "Keeeenjiiii..." If this keeps up, yup. ^_^ I'm sorry! * Istvan waves at Alci, a look of vague recognition on his face. So, Alcinoe, what's going on? * HKenji pushes to his feet. "I'm fine, Tia. You're just a little more enthusiastic than usual today." * Tia nods. "Sorry, Kenji. I'll be more careful!" * Alcinoe blinks down at him. "This ain't a bad time, is it?" Yeah, what's goin' down Alcinoe? ^_^ * Tia finally turns her attention to the newcomer. "Hi!" She waves a hand in greeting. * HKenji bows to Alcinoe. "I am Ikoma Kenji of the Hosokawa. I understand that you are the one who has been aiding Will in his Basic Tactics class?" And I'm Tia! * Will smiles, "Not at all Alcinoe. Kenji's used to it by now. " I'm surprised he doesn't wear a back-guard all the time. ^_^; * Alcinoe nods at Kenji. "Yeah, an' he needs it." She grins at Will, then actually goes inside. It's cold out there! I am lucky that the first thing taught to all bushi is how to fall properly. What, not on your sword? ^_^ If you would like instruction, I shall have leisure time shortly. Do I fall right, Kenji? Do I? * Tia flops thunderously on her side. "How's that?" * HKenji shudders as the house shakes. "You certainly make a good attempt, Tia. I'm afraid the matter is complicated for one who possesses eight limbs." Yeah, Alcinoe has been helping me with basic Tactics, basic fighting, basic armor, etc. * Istvan vibrates slightly. * Patrick doesn't look visibly shaken. * Seylin jumps a little when Tia falls. * Tia grins. "Is it at least a little right?" * Will keeps his balance by leaning against the wall. * Tia kicks her paws playfully in the air. * Seylin looks at Will and grins. "I *thought* you'd been spending a lot of time studying lately!" * Patrick grins too. Oh boy. Well, he has been studying *something.* That's a lot of remedial classes the school's piled up on me... I'm afraid I don't know how you should be falling, Tia. Perhaps you should consult the armsmasters. * Tia grins. "Okay, I will!" Yes. It was quite intelligent of you to find a tutor. * Tia flips over and jumps back to her feet, resulting in another mini- earthquake. Coulda come to me for basic armor, Will. *vibrates again* Tutor? Glad we got people to reinforce this place. Also an excellent move. I'm blessed to have such intelligent companions. * Alcinoe wipes her boots thoughtfully, just sort of listening to the conversation. * Seylin is able to weather the quake this time. "Alcinoe? Is something wrong?" * Istvan spins the armor plate on one finger to emphasize his previous statement, a slight smirk on his face. * Patrick looks over at Alci, waiting for his question to be answered. ^_^; Kinda. Mah house got a letter, but most of them ain't willin' to do anythin' about it. * Tia grins at Istvan. "Can you make butterflies on my armor, Istvan? Pleeeease?" * Alcinoe huffs and fluffs some snow out of her hair. What's the letter about? * Patrick smirks. "Letter? 'bout what?" Someone crashin' the formal. * Tia turns back to Alcinoe. "Huh?" On your weapons *and* your armor? ... hmm. Could take a whi- *looks up* Crash the who-wha? What? Seriously? Who? * Alcinoe rolls her eyes. "Whoever delivered it's somethin' evil. Kardos' sense went haywire." * Tia giggles. "I like Kardos. He's funny." You're kidding! Ah dunno. Some guy named Ganache. Aw *hell* no. Nobody's crashing the formal while I'm working security. * Seylin looks a bit concerned. Um...what does it mean to "crash the formal"? YOU are not going to be working security, Istvan. Aww crap. Well, any clue how to stop it? ^_^ Is that like what I'd do if I didn't use Papa's ring? * Istvan blinks at Kenji. "... huh?" Isty isn't working security this time? * Patrick smiles. "I doubt it." * Alcinoe looks at Tia. "Ruin the party. An' he left the invite to stop it open, but 'bout the only two people willin' to do anythin' about it is Kardos 'n' mahself." * HKenji gives Isvan a Look. "No, he is not. Istvan is going to have a date. He's even going to ask her, and not the other way around." Huh, ruin the party? Why would anyone want to do that? ... what the hell're you talking about? * Seylin looks determined. "Well, we have to stop him then! We can't let the formal be ruined! I've been looking forward to it for months!" * Seylin looks at Patrick. Parties are fun! Who wouldn't like parties, anyway? * HKenji moves over next to Istvan and whispers into his ear. I ain't got a date... not that I would *mind* one... but I ain't got one. So I'm working secu- Istvan you have a girlfriend? That's great! * Patrick looks back and smiles, then turning to Alcinoe. "Well, I can't agrue with that. Got any clues?" ^_^ * Istvan looks down at Kenji. "Bite me." If necessary. * HKenji glares up at Istvan. * Tia grins at Istvan. "I can bite you if you want." * Alcinoe shrugs, pacing a little. "Not yet. Sorta got the idea that if someone really wanted, he'd let 'em know." * Seylin giggles. "I don't think that's a good idea, Tia." * Tia turns to Seylin. "Well, only if he wants..." [ Kenji and Istvan get one of those little lightnign bolts between their eyes like in the anime. ] * HKenji drops his voice again. * Istvan narrows his eyes at Kenji. "Sorry, Ken, but I already committed to doing security." *lowers voice* "And I'm not about to be taking orders from you." Do you have the letter with you, Alcinoe? Can we take a look at it? * Istvan tilts his head at Kenji, looking less angry and more confused. *whispers* "She's cute. Why ain't anyone asking her?" * HKenji is a bit better at whispering, and goes unheard. * Tia chimes in, "Maybe it's just a prank." She grins. It reeked of evil. Hence, it's definetly got some intent behind it. * Patrick smiles. Really? What does evil smell like? I wish I could smell evil. * Tia bends over the letter and takes a deep whiff. Evil smells like Patrick's socks. * Alcinoe nods. "Yeah, Ah'd say so. An' Ah do." She opens her jacket and pulls the letter from an inner pocket, handing it over to Seylin. Thanks! * Seylin takes it and reads it. Tia, I think it was just a figure of speech. Oh. I guess the letter didn't smell like Patrick's socks. *whispers* ... so? She can't ask some non-elf? * HKenji frowns and replies. * Patrick laughs. * Alcinoe folds her arms and waits. She definitely looks less annoyed now. Seems her house gets on her nerves. * Istvan frowns back, rubbing his neck. *whisper* "And why do you think she'd wanna go with me?" * Tia looks up at Alcinoe and giggles. * Alcinoe blinks at Tia. "What?" * Seylin finishes reading and looks at Alcinoe. "Sounds like this guy means business. And your house won't even bother?" * Tia grins at Alcinoe and shakes her head. "I like new friends." * HKenji gets a somewhat arrogant look on his face as he responds. * Alcinoe nods, looking to Seylin. Annoyance back. "Yeah, they're all too busy or somethin'. Ain't gonna take it seriously, 'cept Kardos, who's already lookin' for a good place to watch the dance." * Patrick chuckles. "Still hasn't found a date, eh?" Well, *I'll* help. So will the rest of us, right, guys? * Istvan facefaults (impressive on a guy that big), and fails his whisper check. "Marrai- woah! Hold on one second!" I'm up for helping. ^_^ * Tia nods. "Tia always helps!" * Alcinoe blinks at Istvan. * Patrick blinks at Istvan too. "What's got ya so worked up, man?" ^_^ * Tia turns and looks at Istvan too. * Will nods. "Sure thing." ...Huh? * Seylin turns around to look at Istvan. "What's wrong?" * HKenji leans down and whispers one last thing into Istvan's ear. Hey, whatcha whispering about? * Tia grins. * HKenji straightens up. Nothing. * Istvan blinks, realizes he said that in his non-quiet voice, and blushes. "... nothing. Nevermind." *eyes Kenji; frowns* "We'll see." * Will leans against the side of the couch cause his feet is getting sore. * Tia sidles up by Kenji affectionately. You haven't much time left, Istvan. Do yourself a favor. Anyhow. Alcinoe, do you know how this guy's supposed to give you directions? * Seylin waves the letter. * Istvan ignores Kenji, and tunes back into the other conversation. * Alcinoe shakes her head. "Ah woulda asked, but someone else got it first." Who? * Tia turns her attention back to the letter. "Um, what were we talking about again?" If you want, I can let the other people on the security detail know. Put 'em on alert, maybe keep a phalanx of paladins on call like last time... Problem is, if he thinks he can crash somethin' like this, he'd probably thinks he can take somethin' like a phalanx of paladins. * Patrick nods." So this is gonna take some planning first. * Will rubs his temples. "What can take on a whole phalanx of paladins?" (I'll note that those were most likely fighters with a little cleric or something. Paladins are very very rare. ^_^;) * Tia is lost, so she just turns and grins at Kenji. We shall plan appropriately. We may need to have weapons on hand. That will be difficult. Well, we could try and stop him *before* the formal. It'd be easier if we had a clue, though. ^_^ * Alcinoe nods. "That's the idea." Did he hand-deliver it or just mail it? ^_^; * Seylin hands the letter to Patrick. "He said he'd give directions." ... Well, that's descriptive. How do we accept his offer? ... cake, then. We follow the directions, smack this guy around, feed him to the dire sheep, and go on with the formal as usual. * Tia 's ears perk. "Cake?" * Patrick nods and hands the letter to Kenji. "Someone like that is way too full of himself." ^_^ Might not be that easy, Istvan. Like Alcinoe said, if he thinks he can crash it... No cake before dinner, Tia. * HKenji reads through the letter quickly. Ah think he hand-delivered. Guy all in red, puts evil up to the upper floors. Kinda unusual. * Tia glances over at Kenji. "Aw, but what about during? I'll eat my vegetables too!" She peers over his shoulder at the letter, mouthing the words as she reads it...slowly. After. Well, okay, but can I have a biiiiig piece of cake? Certainly. * HKenji kneels next to a small, very dented coffee table. Shall we accept his challenge? * Tia buries Kenji in another hug. "You're the best, Kenji!" I'm not letting him ruin the formal. No way, no how. * HKenji is hugged. @_@ * Alcinoe nods at Kenji. "Ah wouldn't do it alone, but if y'all are willin' ta help..." It is dishonorable to refuse a challenge outright. * Tia looks over at Seylin. "Me neither!" I, at least, stand with you. * Patrick laughs. "Dude, we'll hand this guy his ass on a silver platter. I'm good for it." ^_^ * Tia lets go of Kenji momentarily to raise her arm. "Me too!" * HKenji slowly untangles himself from Tia and looks at Alcinoe, gesturing lightly in Will's direction with his head and quirking one eyebrow. * Will nods. "Always ready to help a fellow cleric in need. I didn't let naked elves ruin last year’s winter formal. No way I'm letting this guy ruin this one. Good. * Alcinoe grins at Kenji, a rather mischievous twinkle in her eye. Then she coughs. "Anyway, Ah reckon if we write somethin' on the letter, he'll be able to see it." And trust me. NOTHING is scarier than a horde of elves wearing only leather chaps. * HKenji reaches into his sleeve and draws forth a brush and jar of ink. He easily uncaps the ink and is prepared to write in just over a second. * Patrick smiles. "Sure there isn't." Well then. No time like the present. * Patrick rolls his eyes. "I hate scryers. So impersonal." ^_^ * HKenji writes in a few bold strokes, right across the bottom of the letter, "Challenge Accepted", and then signs his name with a flourish worth of John Hancock. ... you sure this isn't gonna teleport us there as soon as you sig- *sighs* Nevermind. * Tia watches the goings-on with great interest. Yeah, I was going to say we should equip ourselves first. ^_^; * Alcinoe lets out a sigh. [ There is a knock at the door! ] I wanna go! Can I go too? * Tia hops to her feet. "I'll get it!" 'Course, Tia. We're all going. Lot's of visitors today it seems. * Tia races to the door and flings the door open. "Hi!" * Alcinoe turns to look at the newcomer. [ There's a tall, handsome man on the other side of the door when Tia opens it, dressed all in red. "Good day and well met. I was hoping for the other house, but I guess you'll have to do." He hands Tia a rolled-up piece of parchment. "Oh, but try to bring as many friends as you can when you come, yes? The more the... merrier. Heh." He turns sharply and strides off. ] Um, okay. Bye, Mr....uh. He went away. * Alcinoe scowls as he leaves. [ Rude of him, isn't it, Tia? ] (Indeed.) That was him, I take it? Yeah. * Patrick grins evilly. "I'd guess so." He sure left fast. What does the parchment say? * Istvan waits until the guy is out of earshot... "Hey, Tia. Wasn't you dad planning on visiting sometime soon?" *Patricksmiles* * Tia closes the door and pads over to the others. "Um. I'm supposed to bring friends." She hands over the roll of parchment. * Tia glances at Istvan, then grins. "Oh, yeah! Papa said he and Mama would come see me sometime!" ... that would sure make for a fun surprise for Mr. Tall Dark and Arrogant, hmm? * HKenji pales a little at the thought of meeting Tia's parents. * Patrick laughs. "Maybe I should see if Arletha or Mickey are busy." Who's Mr. Tall Dark and Arrogant? * Istvan claps Kenji on the back. "Plus, I'd bet they'd like to meet you, Kenji!" * Alcinoe shrugs. "Ah'll see that Kardos comes. He wouldn't miss this for anythin' anyway." No doubt, Istvan. * Alcinoe blinks at Tia. "The guy in red. Er... what's yer name?" Me? I'm Tia! What's yours? * Seylin giggles for a minute, then sombers. "Okay. Where's this guy located?" Alcinoe. Nice ta meetcha. * Alcinoe holds her hand out to Tia. Wow, that's a mistake. * Tia grins delightedly and grasps Alcinoe's hand in her own. Her handshake is FIRM. "Nice to meet you too, Alcinoe!" * Patrick shakes his head at Alcinoe. * HKenji winces for Alcinoe. * Patrick smiles the 'You're not going to-you did didn't you?' smile. * Seylin grimaces slightly. Poor Alcinoe. Er..don't squeeze too hard now Tia. * Alcinoe is shaken and can't quite keep herself from wincing, but amazingly doesn't cry out in pain or even complain. "Nice grip." * Tia lets go. "Thanks!" * Alcinoe shakes her hand. It's a little red. "Ah'll check with my house again an' see about gettin' a few more. Thanks for the help." * Istvan offers the opposite hand to Alci, to let her poor shoulder rest. "m'Istvan, by the way. Figure we should be on a first-name basis 'fore we plunge headlong into danger together." *grins* Welcome! * Alcinoe waves at Istvan with a grin. "Yeah, probably a good thing ta know." No problem. Oh, I'm Seylin! But I think we met once before, didn't we? * Alcinoe looks thoughtful. "Ah don't recall, but maybe." * Seylin is pretty hard to forget if you have met her. Wings tend to do that. * Patrick smiles at Alcinoe. "Patrick, but you alread knew that." ^_^ * Alcinoe nods at Patrick. * Will smiles, "So when's the next time we get together for my tutoring lessens?" * Alcinoe looks back at Will. "Ah was thinkin' this afternoon, but we'll skip that. Wanna go for a walk instead?" I wanna go for a walk! * HKenji smiles. "We'll go for a walk too, Tia." * HKenji pulls the Distraction card and targets Tia. :P Later, Tia. * Tia looks slightly disappointed. "Not now?" * Seylin looks at Alcinoe and Will, and then over at Patrick. She smiles knowingly. * Patrick smiles knowingly back at Seylin. * Alcinoe grins at him. "Yeah. A walk. Ya can still stand, right?" ... and before I die from all the sugar in the air here, I'm gonna go install this plate back in that poor freshman's armor. * Istvan smirks, and walks to his room to get his coat'n stuff. * Seylin laughs. "Later, Istvan!" See ya Istvan! Of..of course! Should I bring a book? Dude, book would just get wet. It's snowing outside. * Tia waves to Istvan. * Alcinoe snickers. Ahh. Right. So I'll drop by your place this afternoon then? * Patrick smiles and stage-whispers to Will. "When a nice lady asks you to walk with her, you say 'yes'." * Alcinoe nods. "Sure. Actually, Ah'm havin' some problems with 'em, so if you wanna go and raise the amount of time Ah can spend away..." * Alcinoe trails off when it seems like he doesn't get it. "That means now, Will." Walks are fun, Will! You should go! * HKenji rolls his eyes and pushes Will towards the door. * Will blinks for a moment in confustion then understands. "Yes. Right away." * Patrick helps Kenji push Will to the door. * Alcinoe giggles. * Tia does too. (Will is pushed THROUGH the door.) * Seylin laughs. "Have fun, Will! You two, Alcinoe!" * Patrick backs off when the Dracotaur comes into play. * Will resents being pushed. "I'm going! I'm going!" (TOO! TOO TOO TOO!) * Alcinoe waves at Seylin. That mischievous twinkle is back. "Ah will!" * Alcinoe helpfully opens the door for Will. * HKenji nods solemnly to Alcinoe and whispers loudly, "Good luck." * Patrick grins evilly. "Have fun." He walks past Alcinoe and whispers something to her as he passes, ending up standing next to Seylin. * Alcinoe hears that, glancing back and winking at Kenji. * Will waves goodbye at the flying couches gang and walks along side of Alcinoe. * Tia chases her tail. * Alcinoe snickers and escorts Will out of the door, since he'd probably never leave otherwise. * Seylin looks over at Patrick and smiles. She reaches out and takes his hand. "So, did you have any plans for the afternoon?" * Patrick lets Sey take his hand. "Nope. Do you?" ~_^ * Will follows Alcinoe's lead, having no clue on what he else should be doing. ^^ Well, walking seems to be the thing to do... * Tia tugs on Kenji's sleeve. "I wanna go for a walk too, Kenji!" * Patrick grins. "So, are you up to pranking instead?" ^_^ * Seylin laughs. "Far be it from us to follow the crowd. Shall we go to our usual base of operations?" * HKenji smiles. "Let's go, Tia. You may want to transform first, and put on something warm." * Tia brightens. "Oh, right! I'll be right back!" Most definetly. ^_^ * Tia scrabbles up the stairs in a great hurry. Moments later, she appears in human form, wrapped in a thick, blue cloak lined in white furs. "Ready!" * Seylin waves to Kenji and Tia. "You guys have fun, too!" You too! * Tia waves to Seylin and Patrick. * Patrick waves at Tia and Kenji. "See ya!" And I don't think Sleeping Badger will ever be the same after we're done, right Sey? ~_^ * Seylin grins. "No, I don't think they will be." * Tia grabs Kenji's hand and makes for the door. * HKenji heads out the door, pulled by Tia in spite of her lack of strength in this form. * Seylin heads off with Patrick. To plot! * Patrick heads off to PLOT! In one of their rooms, most likely. Best plottage comes in bedrooms, ya know. (...Oho!) (Noooo comment.) (^_____________^) ( _ ) (Okay, okay. Maha needs brain floss. Anyone got extra?) [ So now it's just down to Alcinoe and Will. Awwwww. ] * Alcinoe is walking, rather aimlessly. The snow's falling and clinging to her hair because she foolishly didn't bring a hat. Go figure. (I have steel wool. Want some?) * Will walks along side of Alcinoe rather stiffly. It's the cold I swear! * Alcinoe glances at him. "Ya all right?" * Will nods. "Yeah. I'm fine. Aren't you cold?" * Alcinoe smiles a little. "Yeah. Ah'm just good at hidin' it, Ah guess." * Will gives his jacket to Alcinoe. "Here wear this for now and lets walk a little faster." * Alcinoe takes it, blinks, and puts it over her own jacket, doing so. "Ya sure? Where're we goin'?" * Will stops walking and blinks. "You know? I have no clue where we're going." * Alcinoe laughs suddenly. "Neither do Ah!" She looks around, trying to figure out where they are. [ You're off in one of the remote corners of the campus. ] * Will secretly casts endure elements while Alcinoe isn't looking. ^^ * Alcinoe orients herself. She doesn't seem to notice Will casting, but she does grab him by the wrist mid-prayer and starts pulling him. "Ah think there's a restaurant this way." * Will jumps slightly when Alcinoe touched him. "Ah res-restaurant? Lets go then." * Alcinoe giggles, laying the accent on thick. "Now yer talkin' lahk me." She pulls him to the building, and since she's probably stronger than him, probably doesn't have much trouble. [The restraunt comes into view. It's a quaint place... Very home-styleish. They specialize in pancakes.] (... Why pancakes?) (Running gag. :P) (Okay!) * Alcinoe keeps pulling Will along, speeding up now that the restaurant is in view. It's cold and snowy and things! [Mmm, and let's call it... Elmer's Diner. :P] * Will tries to keep up with Alcinoe without stumbling. ^^; * Alcinoe eventually makes it, breathing out a sigh of relief. Heat! [The door's open and the host comes up to greet you] "Hello, welcome to Elmer's. No, we don't sell glue. Would you like a seat?" (By the way, this restraunt is just off campus.) * Alcinoe tries to rub the snow out of her hair. She nods at the host. * Will waits a sec to catch his breath back then nods. "Yes please." * The host nods and leads you to a table for two by one of the windows. Not many people here right now, only a few other couples in other areas of the restraunt. You basically have a quarter of it to yourselves. * Alcinoe sits down with a little huff, then blinks and stands again, removing Will's jacket and handing it to him with a smile. "Thanks." * The host nods. "A server will be here shortly." He walks back to tend to the front of the restraunt. Joy. * Will smiles and takes his jacket back. "You're welcome." [You two are alone now. TALK ALREADY! *goes to do dishes*] * Alcinoe removes her jacket and gloves, hanging it on the back of her chair and having a seat. She straightens her sweater a little and picks up the menu, giving it a look-through. "So, how are ya? Sorry about gettin' us lost like that." * Will sits down on his seat and grins shyly. "I'm fine. I'm sorry to say I was kinda lost myself." * Alcinoe looks up to note Will's grin and laughs. "Ah won't tell if you won't." * Will smiles a bit more warmly now and nods. "Sounds good! I won't be telling." * Alcinoe smiles, too, looking back at the menu. "Have ya thought much about the dance yet?" * Will grins wryly. "Not much. Last winter formal went pretty bad for me." * Alcinoe frowns a little. "Why's that? Bad date?" * Alcinoe snaps the menu shut and sets it down, folding her hands and looking at Will. * Will grimices. "You really want to know?" * Alcinoe waves a hand. "Not if ya don't wanna talk about." She grins. "No forcin'." * Will sighs. "Well the short of it was, I had no date. And then I spent the entire time trying to figure out if this woman at the dance was Tia or not." [ Just then that 'really fast server' walks up. She's, well... A halfling.] "Hey, howya doin' folks? I'm Cora and I'll be servin' ya today in this blasted snowstorm. What can I get fer ya?" No date? That's- * Alcinoe gets cut off when the halfling shows up. She smiles at her. "Yer specialty, if ya could. Ah think all that wanderin's made me hungry. An' some juice." (The menu has a very wide varitey, considering the atmosphere. Anything that's reasonable should be available.) (I think the specialty's a buncha pancakes.) * Cora nods and jots that down. "One specialty and some juice ta go with that. And you sir?" She looks up at Will. I'll have some pancakes and a cup of hot chocolate. What kind of pancakes? Flapjacks, chocolate chip, potato, cheese, strawberry, blueberry... Blueberry please. * Cora quickly rambles off a list of around three dozen varieties, many of which you've never heard before. * Cora nods and jots it down. "Ah gotcha. Blueberry pancakes for ya, and hot chocolate with or without whipped cream?" With please. * Cora writes that down. "Thank ya very much, I'll get yer drinks to ya as soon as possible." She walks off at a brisk pace. * Will faces Alcinoe again. "Yeah I wasn't able to find anybody that would go out with me." * Alcinoe blinks at Will. "Why not? Didn'tcha ask anybody?" * Will coughs weakily. "Ahem. I didn't know anybody that wasn't already taken." How about this year? * Cora gets back and puts the drinks on the table. Orange juice for Alcinoe, as she didn't specify, and a mug of hot cocoa for Will. She then walks off without saying a word and starts talking to another couple. * Will blinks. "Well Tia is going out with Kenji, Seylin is with Pat, Ariake is gonna be asked soon I think..." So? * Alcinoe has a sip of juice! * Will takes a drink of his hot cocoa before he continues. The only other woman I know is you. But you must have already been asked to the dance by now right? * Alcinoe laughs a little. "Naw." Last year, Ah had to ask someone ta go with. * Will freezes in mid-reach of his pancake. "Naw?" * Alcinoe nods and has another sip of her juice, watching Will with that twinkle. (By the way, Will's so flustered he's reaching for food that isn't there.) (x.X) * Will suddenly notices that the pancake isn't here yet and blinks. * Alcinoe grins. * Will puts his fork down. "Er..um...that is." * Alcinoe tilts her head, waiting for him to finish. * Will takes another sip of his cocoa then suddenly asks in one quick breath, "Will you go to the dance with me Alcinoe?" * Alcinoe smiles delightedly. "Why, Ah thought ya'd never ask!" * Will smiles brightly. "That means yes right?" Don't see why not. * Cora walks over carrying one of those large serving tray- thingies. She puts up the stands and waits patiently for you to finish your conversation. The 'pancakes', as they're called, smell REALLY good. * Alcinoe sniffs, then adjusts her place so there's room to put them. A'raight, ya got the special, right? *she looks at Alci* * Alcinoe nods to her. * Cora grabs the plate and plops it in front of Alci. What's there is... kinda like pancakes? It's three pancakes with a slice of ham and some sliced grilled chicken with fries on the side, as well as cranberry and honey mustard for dipping. Will has blueberry pancakes, all right. Except they're huge, and the blueberries are both fresh on them and baked into the cake itself. Whipped cream tops it. * Alcinoe peers at it, then picks up a fork and peers at the layers underneath. That looks good. * Will, in addition, gets a side of fudge to pour on his cakes, and some sourdough toast. (Moondance Diner, Kevin?) Thanks Cora. They smell really good. * Cora smiles. "Anythin' else?" * Alcinoe grins back and shakes her head. "Naw. Ah think we're good." (That's the inspiration. ^_^) * Will nods. "Yup we're fine. * Cora looks over and nods, satisfied. "Just hollar if'n ya need somethin'. Not many people today with all the snow..." She trails off and away mumbling about the snow... * Alcinoe keeps grinning, starting on her meal. "So, ya don't mind goin' with me, then?" Yer not doin' it out of sympathy, are ya? (Aww, it's true wub.) * Alcinoe pops a bite into her mouth and peers at him. (No, Seylin and Patrick are true wub.) (... This is true.) * Will looks indignant. "Of course not." (This is one cleric conning another cleric into showing her a good time.) * Will then speaks shyly. "I was wondering the same thing about you." ( ;_; ) * The food stares back. o_o * Will starts to eat his pancake. They are so delicious! * Actually, they're VERY good. The blueberries are slightly overpowering, though. Probably why they gave you hot fudge to dilute it. :P * Alcinoe snickers. "Naw. Ah don't do pity dates." Ah don't go out much anyway. Not sure why nobody asks. Ah think maybe it's the accent. (Oh, shush Will. You *know* you're being conned and you like it.) Dunno. Nobody's ever asked me out either. ( ^_^_v ) * Alcinoe frowns. "Really? Maybe it's the clericin'. Afraid of bein' second after a god, or somethin'." * Will nods dubiously. "Maybe. But Bahumut is a really nice God though." Ah agree, and ain't doubtin' it. But people're greedy, sometimes. They wanna be first, y'know? * Alcinoe swallows some more pancake, along with juice. * Will finishes off another piece of pancake. "Weird." * Alcinoe nods. * Alcinoe has more meal in silence. * Will smiles. "It's a good thing we're both clerics then. Everything works out." * Alcinoe looks up at that, then grins. "Yeah, Ah guess so. If ya wanna make somethin' more serious out of this." * Will looks Alcinoe in the eye and gives a barely noticible nod. * Will then breaks the eye contact quickly, but still glances at Alcinoe to see her reaction. * Alcinoe brightens a bit at that. "Well, if that's the case, Ah guess Ah'll have ta bug ya for more than tutorin' and red dragons tryin' ta spoil people's fun." * Alcinoe pauses, thoughtfully. Gotta find a new place ta live, too, Ah'm thinkin'. * Will smiles brightly. "I'd love to be in for more tutoring sessions!" * Alcinoe grins. "Thought ya hated remedial." We do have a room free at Flying Couches. The previous owner is ah, deceased. * Will grins back. "Remedial sessions with those old coots don't help. They just make me more confused than ever." ( Then you should come to mah class, foo'!) Really? How? They brought 'im back, right? * Will sighs softly. "Vall left a will saying that he wasn't to be revived." * Alcinoe pauses mid-bite. "Yer serious?" She leans back, heavily. * Will nods. "Yeah..." * Alcinoe sets the fork down. "Did they bring 'im back anyway?" No. I don't think he wanted to be back. Thus the open room in Flying Couches. Ah... guess. Ah dunno if Ah could take his old room, though. * Will takes another sip of his hot chocolate, which is just warm chocolate now. * Will smiles. "You're welcome to stay with us at Flying Couches if ya don't mind." * Will looks at Alcinoe imploringly. "I hope you'll say yes?" * Alcinoe laughs. "All right! All right. Ah'll give it a run. Yer housemates seem like good folks." ( She don't know me very well, do she?) An' Ah really could do without Daphne or Marguerite fer a while. Or a few others, come ta think of it. (You think she'd be scared of *you*, Pat?) ( ^_____________________________________^) Is the Red Lightning that bad? It's... um... * Alcinoe tries to think of the right word. * Alcinoe settles on two. "Total chaos." (Full of shit. :P) (No, that's you.) (Right. That's you.) That bad? Wow. (And you think Flying Couches will be any better. HAH! Dude, Patrick was the person who NAMED it!) * Will grins, "Flying Couches is pretty cool. As long as you can get used to couches flying all over the place." Yeah. It's really... ya gotta live there ta get a feel, but yeah. * Alcinoe blinks. "Y'all make yer couches fly?" * Will shakes his head. "Nah, but ah accidents happen. Raging Tia, Ariake's newest experiment, that sort of thing." Oh, yeah. Invitin' me in is okay with the rest of yer house, right? * Will nods. "I'm pretty sure it'll be fine. They seem to like you." Better ask ta be sure afore Ah move in, though. An' Ah'm gonna need ta let mah own house know. * Alcinoe frowns a little. "Feel kinda bad for Kardos, but he'd never leave." * Will nods. "I'll ask them when I get back." * Alcinoe nods, relaxing a little. "All right. Ah hope they won't mind." She goes back to eating. Me too. * Will grins. "I hope your Red Lightning people won't mind us taking you in." They'll be down a cleric, but Ah think they can handle it. Ah'm not on the best terms with half of 'em, anyway. * Will finishes off his last pancake and nods. [And they ate food, and the session ended, because both players got tired.] [Sounds good!] [session end!!]