Narrator — Today at 6:47 PM
====== Evening :arrow_right: Late-Night ======
The hotel on White Hill is luxurious enough if you have the zenit to pay for it, which it seems to be the case. Everything you could want, a soft bed with clean linens, a cool breezeway through the windows, warm baths with scented soaps, radio sets in every room, a robust and sophisticated room service menu, all of it has been provided. While you are in two rooms designed for adventuring parties of four, it isn't such close quarters (for the relative nature of a world where space is premium) to feel crowded. The exact words the staff use, once you tell them Don Diego has picked up the tab, is that your money is no good here. It is a welcome respite from what has happened so far for the group, with the lost and the dead, and the worry of corruption.
Nashira — Today at 6:51 PM
The radio in Nashira's room is mysteriously unplugged, and she vanished sometime that morning to visit the local train station-post office with an envelope in hand, but she returns well enough and without any explanation.
Yazid — Today at 6:52 PM
For his part, Yazid is looking pretty relaxed, practically splayed out on the bed when she returns. "Aaaaaah. This is so nice. I guess that guy WASN'T kidding about his finances."
Hey, somehow even the window is open just a crack. Just enough for a bit of sunlight to help warm. Maybe he's a little TOO relaxed
Haylee — Today at 6:54 PM
Haylee may have rolled out of his bed in the middle of the night, onto the floor, and remained asleep, wrapped up in the sheets that had been taken with him in the impact.
Narrator — Today at 6:54 PM
They're incredibly high quality hardwood floors. Not the most comfortable but let no one say Haylee has no eye for quality.
Jin Ye — Today at 6:55 PM
Jin Ye is not what you would take as a man who indulges, but given the tab is not their own, and he is at least slightly aware that refusing a host's hospitality by way of prudence has its own complications ("When in Eisenhand", as the saying goes…) he has clearly been enjoying the radio in his own room and his tall frame and ashen complexion found a nice quiet spot of the open bar and nursed back his fair share of strong drink with some free time to sober up afterwards..
Also, he smells heavenly. Apparently Jin Ye is a man who enjoys a good bath.
Tevye — Today at 6:55 PM
Tevye is sketching this phenomenon, a picture of Haylee in his notebook paired with little notations like "cocoon?" and "advanced somnambulence, must learn how it's done." It is possible Tevye didn't actually sleep.
Salhi — Today at 6:56 PM
Salhi brushes her tail after her own scented bath, happy to take advantage of the accommodations while she can. A hot bath she can stretch out in is almost unheard of, after all.
Ethan — Today at 6:56 PM
Ethan smells heavily of gunpowder, ground up Ouija boards, culturally appropriated occult paraphernalia (that might be recreational), and somehow, the color(s) of sunlight. He has one half-full bottle of Sun Cola and one completely depleted one. Currently he is either readying to do lines of a completely different sort of coke or he is creating magipowder. Or, if you prefer something more fun to say, magigunpowder.
"Right." RRRREEEERRRRRTTTTTOooooOOooo… He adds more ghostboard extract.
Narrator — Today at 6:57 PM
Fun fact: Sun Cola has a best before date measured in centuries.
Nashira — Today at 6:58 PM
Nashira debates going back to the post office to check for letters for no reason other than it's easier than processing what the fuck Ethan is doing in here.
But she's only gone back to check twice and then has indulged in the sauna and a fishbowl sized margarita and brushing out Kahir to maximum softness before the meeting is to begin. "Tevye, did you sleep?"
Narrator — Today at 7:02 PM
-- Late-Night :arrow_right: Morning :arrow_right: Afternoon --
The only interruptions that have come from the downstairs office is a note reminding you that you are to meet Don Diego at The Monk & The Ocean, a popular cocktail bar in the Skyharbor District, and, failing that, checkout time will be two hours past noon.
Jin Ye — Today at 7:03 PM
Jin Ye is certainly more well-kept than even Nashira has seen in a while, savet he jacket. He could easily pass for an old soldier in his state. There's a small impatient grunt that, now that they've had their evening of relaxation, they should probably get going.
Nashira — Today at 7:03 PM
Nashira, quite unfairly, doesn't get hangovers. But she has dressed herself respectably and tied a nice ribbon on Kahir. This is Important Business and he must look official. "…I can't remember if I've played here before, so the drinks must be pretty good."
Jin Ye — Today at 7:04 PM
Affirmative grunt.
Haylee — Today at 7:05 PM
Haylee looks…about normal for himself. When you travel and fight like he does, he doesn't have formalwear to carry around. A bit cleaned up as he did take some time to bathe last night, at least, but he's not going to try and acquire dress clothes to impress the asshole.
Yazid — Today at 7:06 PM
For his part, Yazid is slowly going back to a more normal scowl at this point. Grandpa always did say not to drink too much when a job is on offer. That he at least has to TRY to not punch this guy.
Salhi — Today at 7:06 PM
Salhi dresses decently enough in a simple but attractive dress for the cocktail bar meeting, glancing to Nashira. "Probably best to not test it too much. At least not until any business is concluded."
Haylee — Today at 7:06 PM
"Whatever's on offer, I'm going for it."
Nashira — Today at 7:06 PM
"Jin Ye, you're allowed to punch him after he's agreed to pay us."
Yazid — Today at 7:06 PM
Although he has some of his show uniform on, so apparently he IS at least trying.
Jin Ye — Today at 7:07 PM
"Mhm." He knows how these negotiations work.
Ethan — Today at 7:07 PM
He pauses a little while, nursing his drink very slowly. "That's it!" he bangs the bar with a fist, immediately going from nursing the drink to tossing it back like a shot. He then blinks a few times, suddenly aware that other people exist. This is because Ethan Callahan was temporarily in a state that philosophers and poets call The Trance, where the creativity happens.
Nashira — Today at 7:07 PM
"….Ethan."
Tevye — Today at 7:08 PM
Tevye looks oddly comfortable in this atmosphere! He's got on some formalwear, though the suitcoat he's wearing has the sleeves rolled up to his elbows and the top two buttons undone and a token effort has been made on his hair, which all falls together to make him look kind of a mess but clearly on purpose.
Yazid — Today at 7:08 PM
Nashira may recall that Yazid's formalwear seems… extra heavy around the sleeves. Probably just a normal sign.
Ethan — Today at 7:09 PM
"Nashira." he pantomimes tipping a cowboy hat.
Nashira — Today at 7:10 PM
"Meeting now, science later."
Ethan — Today at 7:11 PM
He crosses his arms, looking like he wants to huff but maturity won't let him. So instead he does the "gravitas" thing.
Haylee — Today at 7:12 PM
Haylee looks up at Salhi. "Huh. Never really expected you to change for this occasion."
Jin Ye — Today at 7:12 PM
Jin Ye reaches out to claps Ethan on the shoulder as he moseys past. Probably some soldier lingo involving a squeeze of the shoulder of 'Yeah, buddy, I know. I feel ya.' It doesn't last more than the moment.
Ethan — Today at 7:13 PM
It doesn't have to!
Salhi — Today at 7:13 PM
Salhi smiles. "It's less for our mysterious contact and more for everyone else in the bar. People tend to be put off at adventurers dressed for a month in the reaches. Plus, this means I get to dress up~"
Yazid — Today at 7:13 PM
"Get better job offers when you look like you know what you're doing"
Ethan — Today at 7:14 PM
Although Ethan is clearly proud of everyone's commitment to professionalism, he is theoretically too old for this shit and has washed up and shined his boots. He's not wearing his overcoat or body armor, that's all you get. He looks like he's just readied for a briefing.
Tevye — Today at 7:15 PM
"I own formalwear because they used to not let me into the visiting scholar's conferences without it. Now I just think I look good in it."
Ethan — Today at 7:15 PM
"Spoken like a freshman with a deadline."
Haylee — Today at 7:15 PM
"Ah, savoring the occasion."
Nashira — Today at 7:15 PM
"I can't wear my official uniform, this isn't technically Coalition business, but dressing nicely is good courtesy."
Haylee — Today at 7:16 PM
"Given what I do, it'd be too much hassle for me to bring along a set of formal clothes."
Jin Ye — Today at 7:16 PM
Grunts.
Haylee — Today at 7:17 PM
Nevermind the chances of said clothes being destroyed as collateral in one or more fights
Narrator — Today at 7:19 PM
The sign in the front door reads Closed, for special occasion. but that shouldn't stop you, right?
The Monk and The Ocean is a long, relatively narrow bar. It presumably gets its name at least in part from being atop a cliff in the Skyharbor district, with the front windows allowing one to look down to the roiling mists below. It has bar seating, a few intimate tables against the wall, room for a small stage with an upright piano already atop it, and a circular table at the far back, the only thing privileged with a view of the stage from that angle. The room itself is polished wood counters, with worn tile floors and a bare brick wall on the bar side, white painted brickwork on the other. It evokes the sensation of the sort of train-yard dives while having an undeniable sense of sophistication. A large radio quietly pipes in relaxing music this afternoon, and along with a few paintings and framed cocktail napkins, the words "Settle With Elegance" emblazoned and gilded into the bar top itself, and one large yucca in the window, the place is sparsely decorated.
Standing behind the exhaustively stocked bar, judging by the shelves behind him and the apparatuses and such in front, and polishing a highball glass, is a Tanka man, impeccably dressed in a white shirt, dark green apron, and grey slacks. His looks, somewhat gristled and sharp-eyed, with a stubbly beard and shoulder length hair that clearly had to be beaten into wavy submission before he opened, suggest he should be menacing if outright terrifying, but instead he seems to fit the timbre and atmosphere rather perfectly. At a glance it's clear he must be the proprietor, who else could belong so totally?
Nashira — Today at 7:21 PM
Okay, so maybe no punching. Nashira blinks, looking over at the radio for a long moment, but then raising a hand in greeting to the Tankan man. Being startled was no reason not to be friendly, after all!
And it keeps her from having designs on that piano.
"Ah, forgive us, are we early?"
Tevye — Today at 7:23 PM
Tevye gives a bow at the waist and extends a hand to the side in greeting~
Haylee — Today at 7:23 PM
No punching thus far. A nod to the Tankan man himself; he looks to be at least the barkeeper, if not the proprietor, and his experiences have taught him one thing: Don't fuck with the guy who handles your booze. Chances are they have learned to be surprisingly effective in a fight, the better with which to ward off angry drunks and violent would-be robbers.
Jin Ye — Today at 7:24 PM
Jin Ye stands behind and off to the side of Nashira. An obvious stoic, silent accompaniment.
Nashira — Today at 7:25 PM
Kahir has arranged himself on Nashira's other side and appears to be trying to mimic Jin Ye.
Narrator — Today at 7:25 PM
"Mmm." One of his ears flicked some at the greetings, but he'll put the now spotless glass up on the shelf.
"Are you the Don's guests, then?" His voice sounds more it would be comfortable at a volume you typically feel in your chest, all rough roads and foreboding woods, but he seems polite.
"Well, he hasn't arrived yet, but the deposit was sent over this morning. Have a seat."
Nashira — Today at 7:25 PM
To mixed, fuzzy results.
Yazid — Today at 7:26 PM
"Huh. This is a nice lookin place."
Ethan — Today at 7:26 PM
"Too early to set up a tab?" The problem is, now that the Trance is broken, Ethan's going to open his mouth more often. He whistles the way an impressed uncle or grandfather would. "Whoever decorated this dive has taste. Never cut the velvet rope figuratively before."
Salhi — Today at 7:26 PM
Salhi gives the tall Tankan a smile and bow of the head. "Thank you." She'll make her way to a seat to relax.
Haylee — Today at 7:28 PM
"Guess I'll have to oblige." The meeting hasn't started yet, no reason to start shit yet. And as such he takes a seat next to Salhi
Nashira — Today at 7:28 PM
Nashira is starting to slowly meander pianoward. the cat has come to sit between Salhi and Haylee in the hopes of getting petted.
Narrator — Today at 7:29 PM
"It's never too early to set up a tab, but you all are already on one." He will nod back to Sahli, though, the first actual greeting he's given anyone directly beyond the group. "There's menus. I would recommend starting with that. You seem unused to the experience we offer."
Haylee — Today at 7:30 PM
Haylee will in fact pet the cat
Ethan — Today at 7:30 PM
He stares at the bartender at response. In a brief moment of tension, there is only uncertainty as both gentlemen are unlikely to flinch. He picks up a menu and… peruses.
Narrator — Today at 7:31 PM
To be clear, gentle players, this is a cocktail bar in the tradition of the sort run by the Eklepians; the goal here is that you are observed by your bartender, who will then use their encyclopedic knowledge of the art of the mix to provide the perfect drink for the present you.
Ethan — Today at 7:31 PM
"Oh, Ekleppy style. Gaze into the soul and whatnot. Alright, good man. Do your best!"
Narrator — Today at 7:31 PM
The menu itself is extensive, trying to cater to all manner of palates. It's not a menu proper, it's an introduction to a dialogue.
Jin Ye — Today at 7:32 PM
"Ah… I see." He's definitely looking through the menu. An Eklepian style bar this far out? Truly, no expense was being spared.
Haylee — Today at 7:33 PM
"…ah crap, been a while since I've been to one of these sorts of places" Haylee looks through the menu, trying to identify what dish he felt like
Nashira — Today at 7:33 PM
Nashira has ignored the menus in favor of the piano, having finally failed to contain herself. She does glance back at the bartender, though, as if determining if this is permitted before she touches it.
Kahir doesn't so much purr as much as rumble vaguely like a small thundercloud down next to him.
Narrator — Today at 7:33 PM
"It's as you say." Seems this man was also more on the stoic side. "Take your time. The bar is reserved for the evening."
Yazid — Today at 7:35 PM
"Nice." Yazid is just starting to get a sense of just how much money this Don has on tap. He doesn't like it.
Nashira — Today at 7:36 PM
Nashira has in fact gone for the piano. Kahir detaches from Haylee to come over to the bartender and…paw at certain items at the menu?
Is.
Tevye — Today at 7:36 PM
Tevye was used to Eklepian style bars. He still felt unnerved whenever he was being observed as opposed to being the observer…
Nashira — Today at 7:36 PM
Is the cat ordering for Nashira?
Ethan — Today at 7:36 PM
Bizarrely, Ethan reacts as though his order's been filled already, closing the menu and setting it back where he found it politely.
Haylee — Today at 7:38 PM
Bloody eklepian mind-reading bars. Haylee flips through the menu before putting it down on thet able, the item he found on there facing up.
Narrator — Today at 7:40 PM
He does seem to be going down the list, then, making the drinks as indicated by Haylee and the cat. The man moves with all the grace of a predator deigning to simply stalk those on the edge of the territory rather than go for the kill as he does this, motions practiced with a professional grace as he picks, mixes, stirs, and slides down, easily.
But his gaze seems to keep flicking between Ethan and Tevye.
"I believe I understand." he says softly, after a moment.
Ethan — Today at 7:41 PM
"Oh yeah?"
Nashira — Today at 7:41 PM
Nashira keeps playing, something lively and charming, but Kahir has placed his paws on the bar to lean up and bomp the bartender before, somehow, transporting the drink to the smaller of the drahn. Don't worry about how she taught this cat to do that. As Yazid can tell you, it wasn't pretty.
Tevye — Today at 7:42 PM
A few of the runes on Tevye's arms seems to glow in sequence before he shakes off the feeling. "I hate being the open book."
Haylee — Today at 7:43 PM
looks like it wwould've been serial drink murder to get the cat to learn how to do *that*, Haylee muses to himself as he watches the cat transport drinks
Narrator — Today at 7:44 PM
He will pull a few bottles from the bar. Darker glass, older labels. "You seem a man out of time, uncommon for the deathless. But that same sort of disconnection is also the essence of the timeless gentleman. Dandyism is all the rage these days, isn't it? But you strike me as the sort who has the quiet determination they hope to have at the essence of their style."
He mixes slowly. Two parts cognac, one part apple brandy, another part sweet vermouth. A dash of citrus bitters. He garnishes it, with exceptionally delicate touch, with a twist of lemon and orange peel, worked together at the end, and adds another bare drop to float atop the dark mix.
Yazid — Today at 7:44 PM
The larger Drahn is having a hard time deciding at the moment. Drinks, or a bit of just moving to the music. At the very least it lets him get a little bit more comfortable.
Narrator — Today at 7:44 PM
"Enjoy, sir."
Jin Ye — Today at 7:45 PM
Jin Ye waits his turn for drinks, but he slides the menu forward slightly, indicating he has chosen.
Narrator — Today at 7:46 PM
He nod in return to Jin Ye, glancing down at the indicated drink, and moving back to the bar to run through the bottles and shakers to produce it. Though again, his intentions seem fixed on Tevye.
Ethan — Today at 7:46 PM
… he's stunned. He looks like he's about to be offended, but at the last possible moment he goes hard in the opposite extreme. "A Corpse Reviver." he immediately busts into a laugh, more charmed than mocking.
Salhi — Today at 7:47 PM
Salhi observes Ethan's drink and acceptance curiously, one ear perked.
Ethan — Today at 7:47 PM
"Careful now, too early in the drama to reveal the Count's not just a fancy sandwich." He takes it, he toasts the bartender, and is surprisingly polite enough to sip it instead of the earlier shot-toss.
Narrator — Today at 7:47 PM
"There are no regrets in a second chance, sir, at least as I understand it." Is his only comment about the name.
But he finishes Jin Ye's drink, and glances long at Tevye. "…Ah. I believe I understand what the young master needs."
Ethan — Today at 7:48 PM
"None whatsoever." he remains mysterious about it for now.
Narrator — Today at 7:50 PM
He turns his back on the group, walking toward one end of the bar. It seems that unlike this time, he wishes to work with some amount of privacy. He working quickly, pouring, measuring, muddling, mixing… and then he turns and places it down with an audible clink. in front of Tevye.
Haylee — Today at 7:50 PM
"You're going to be in for a surprise here at the least," Haylee comments to Salhi.
Tevye — Today at 7:50 PM
Tevye just kind of. Stares back, smiling that enigmatic "I know more than you" smile that manages to find its way onto his face all the time. He reaches out to pick up the glass and take a long sip… "How dare you?" Is all he says as he tucks into the glass regularly.
Narrator — Today at 7:54 PM
"Seltzer, lime, orange, elderflower, muddled with two dashes of simple syrup, and my finest agave liqueur. An impromptu, but with the measures removed for your own experimentation."
He pauses. "Just because one can be read it does not make them an open book. I would, as a bartender, highly recommend the young master learn to relax if he doesn't wish for the smallest things to pass him by"
It seems that he too has an expression that suggests he knows more than you, a wan smile and lidded eyes.
It is at that point that the bell on the door jingles gently. And in steps an incredibly well dressed man, young and strikingly handsome, with gold eyes, black hair, and dark skin. He leans on an immaculately worked and gilded cane, looking over everyone as he comes in. He makes his way slowly to the table at the back.
"Adonis." say the man.
The bartender's ear flicks again, as he watches the man. "Is that your greeting, or your drink order?"
"Ohh… can't it be both? Adonis, Adonis." The man chuckles weakly as he makes his way into the booth, sliding to have his back to the wall.
"As you wish, sir."
Nashira — Today at 7:59 PM
Nashira's fingers still on the keys, and she looks to Jin Ye. Is this…?
Narrator — Today at 8:00 PM
This is the man, yes.
Jin Ye — Today at 8:00 PM
Jin Ye's head lowers very slightly.
This is, in fact, their appointment.
Yazid — Today at 8:00 PM
Well now.
Nashira — Today at 8:01 PM
"I see…" Well. Guess it's time to get up from the piano. She's not sure if she should approach or Salhi, but she suspects she needs to beat Ethan to the, uh, verbal punch. "Don Diego, I assume?"
Salhi — Today at 8:01 PM
Salhi shifts to her feet to give their appointed encounter a graceful curtsey. Even bowing her head some she probably doesn't drop to his eye level, though.
Haylee — Today at 8:02 PM
Knuckles cracking. To say the least, that guy looks…fancily-dressed. But he also knows that the negotiation's not his thing here.
Tevye — Today at 8:03 PM
Ah there's the client. Tevye repeats his bow to this very wealthy looking man (while not relinquishing his drink, DAMN that Adonis!)
Narrator — Today at 8:05 PM
"Please, call me Diego. The title is for employees and formalities. You would be Nashira, then? Which makes him Yazid, and her Salhi."
"Jin Ye, lovely to see you as always, please don't trouble yourself and get up or vocalize in any appreciable way. Ethan, you look very well given circumstances, I have read enough bylines and liner jackets to recognize Tevye by matching look to name and deeds… and that, by process of elimination, makes you Haylee."
He smirks a little bit. "Well? How did I do?"
Nashira — Today at 8:07 PM
"Perfectly unsettling with a touch of smug, sir." Nashira's tail is already beginning to swish. Muzet is oddly and worrisomely silent. She's trying her best to keep her tone level instead of outright flat, she's not entirely succeeding.
Tevye — Today at 8:07 PM
Tevye gets that look in his eye again. "Sometimes having a reputation is so troublesome. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
Salhi — Today at 8:07 PM
"Haylee is something of a specialist in the process of elimination, as I understand it."
Jin Ye — Today at 8:08 PM
Jin Ye gives a small non-commital grunt in lieu of recognitio- "Charmed." Oh, he actually spoke. Maybe Jin Ye runs on spite.
Yazid — Today at 8:08 PM
"Well, we're honored that you could come down to see us" Is he? Is he really?
Haylee — Today at 8:09 PM
Amused smirk. "So, is this sort of breakdown a hobby of yours, or are we a special case for you?"
Ethan — Today at 8:09 PM
"I feel like my boots, strangely enough. Older than most but somehow handsome again." In fairness, Coalition boots are famous for their durability, comfort, and adaptability. And the pair Ethan has are considered vintage. Dear reader take but a moment to contemplate the irony of an old man who simply thinks his favorite kicks are neat coming to find out that this is perceived as a hipster move. It's like driving an antique car, kind of.
Narrator — Today at 8:10 PM
"Ohh? Elimination, you say? Intriguing~" He tilts hi shead as the bartender, apparently named Adonis, brings him a drink.
"So… I recognize that we got off on the wrong foot here. I hope that the last twenty-four hours has made up for that some. But you dealt with a very seriously case of corruption and that is a major concern of mine. I would call it a philanthropic concern but that word kind of, how shall we say, cheapens the very real concern of saving the world from an existential threat?"
Jin Ye — Today at 8:11 PM
He holds his hand out, wobbling it slightly back and forth.
Narrator — Today at 8:11 PM
He sips his drink. The brands on his face briefly appear, first black, and then gold. "Fantastic, I was worried you might spit in it."
Adonis acts like he didn't hear him.
Ethan — Today at 8:13 PM
"You one of them Chess players?" he asks abruptly.
Narrator — Today at 8:14 PM
"I'm more of a cards man, personally. Faster pace, higher stakes. I imagine Chess appeals to an engineer, though."
Ethan — Today at 8:14 PM
"Shit, I was about to say that Chess always struck me as Poker but with extra steps and froofier bullshit. Still, there's lessons it teaches. Principles and whatnot. One of those principles makes you a little ominous to me, a touch suspicious, I confess."
Nashira — Today at 8:16 PM
Nashira sighs a little, and rubs at the tip of her horn. "…With respect, sir, but I am pretty sure I've read these lines in a 1 zenit novel from the station in Owanka."
She shrugs, arms spread wide. "You know more about us than we do about you and aren't afraid to display that, you put on such a clear affectation of being suspicious I can't believe that's not your intent, but you involve yourselfand usin a greater purpose than any noble sleeze's petty schemes could aim at. What next, a villain busts in through the doorway and we must conveniently defend you from it?"
Nashira pauses for a moment, as if aware she is tempting the cosmos themselves.
"Please, talk plainly, if we're to work together."
Ethan — Today at 8:16 PM
If there exists a gesture that translates to "the lady said it more eloquently than I did", Ethan makes it immediately after Nashira's comment.
Jin Ye — Today at 8:17 PM
Jin Ye also gestures, but with perhaps less incredulity and more subduedness than Ethan.
Narrator — Today at 8:18 PM
"Oh? How intriguing~" He smiles, then pauses a moment to cough, producing a silk hankerchief to wipe his face.
"I dislike Chess for the quiet moves, personally. A proper hand of cards, you raise, fold, or begin the showdown. So let's do just that, then. I have reason to believe that a group is moving on the old temples. I do not know why, precisely, I estimate to strip them of their wealth and ancient technology, though given that they have functions we can only presume still… well, function, I would rather that not fall into anyone's hands at all if it still active."
Salhi — Today at 8:18 PM
One ear twitches at the mention of an existential threat, though she avoids showing too much more - before glancing to Nashira at her attempted invocation of dramatic causality.
Ethan — Today at 8:20 PM
"Yeah but you keep referencing a hand or a game that emphasizes a hand. In Chess, you never want to stare at your opponent's hand moving the pieces. Certainly the moves matter but what matters a lot fuckin' more is the gambit, the strategy." he pauses, gesturing to Nashira, paying her respect instead of talking over her. "The bottom line."
Nashira — Today at 8:21 PM
"…Stripping the temples. Well, it's sacreligious enough I'm honorbound to do something about it anyway, but do you have any more information than a nebulous 'group' and what temple we might be heading towards?"
Hey, he honored her request to talk plainly. She sees no reason not to address business in kind.
Jin Ye — Today at 8:22 PM
Jin Ye turns his head to lock eyes with the man. If it's technology they're after, well. He's listening plainly.
Narrator — Today at 8:23 PM
He gestures toward the bar. "Adonis, here, is the grandson of the last temple-keepers of Musiphe, which means he has the means to get into the properly without grossly defacing it that I will pay him handsomely to pass on to you. I would like to hire you to perhaps go to these temples, make sure whoever is there doesn't plunder them, maybe turn the self-defense systems in them back on, and, oh right, find whoever is coming to these places and kill them, or at least leave them wishing they were very dead."
His tone got sharper there at the end.
"I want you to give them a complex about old buildings. Calculate however much damage they did to these places, multiply it tenfold, and make that their medical bill. Am I—"
He again has to pause for a coughing jag, longer and harder this time.
"Am I clear?"
Nashira — Today at 8:25 PM
"Musiphe…" It's as though she is trying to match the name to a long-ago, forgotten voice, but she blinks, clearing her head, and then looks sidelong back at Adonis.
"Crystal clear, Diego. I don't see a problem with this, though obviously I don't presume to speak for all my companions."
She gestures back to them, even stepping back from the table. Floor is ceded.
Yazid — Today at 8:25 PM
"Certainly sounds doable, at least"
Jin Ye — Today at 8:27 PM
Jin Ye gives a pointed look at Diego. Given how much the man knows about him, the question behind his eyes should be clear.
Tevye — Today at 8:27 PM
"Hmmm, Musiphe…"
Salhi — Today at 8:28 PM
Salhi nods in agreement. "I have no objections. Keeping the old places of the world from being ransacked works for me…."
Narrator — Today at 8:28 PM
Diego's still coughing, but, he's going to try to nod during it to Jin Ye. "Sorry… as you can see, there is a reason I have to rely on these sorts of backroom deals."
Jin Ye — Today at 8:28 PM
Pause. Slight exhale of resignation. "…Doable."
Ethan — Today at 8:28 PM
Ethan's eyes light up. A cat that's savoring the canary. "Invoice is gonna be a humdinger if I get that defense system working. I'm not a huge contract negotiator but I'm thinking 'we kill it, we keep it' and I don't want one of them 'religious concern authorities' giving us shit, not even a little. And you know what? Throw in 'right to salvage' and we're in business."
Nashira — Today at 8:29 PM
"…Ethan."
Ethan she is the religious concern authority.
Ethan — Today at 8:29 PM
Thus emphasizing his concern!
Narrator — Today at 8:30 PM
"Think of it as being on your own terms, Jin Ye. And as for you, Ethan… I think we can work something out. The Temple to Musiphe is in old Imperial territory, and there's something there I'm willing to sign over the deed to."
Nashira — Today at 8:31 PM
"Old imperial…so it's another train ride, then." Nashira don't perk up just for that.
Narrator — Today at 8:32 PM
"Of course. We can discuss arrangements tomorrow morning." He goes back to his drink.
Ethan — Today at 8:32 PM
"Then I'm in, it'd seem."
Nashira — Today at 8:32 PM
"…If you have the exact station and location in mind, I'd appreciate them tonight. I've….letters to write."
Narrator — Today at 8:33 PM
"I do, but there is one teeny-tiny more pressing concern."
Haylee — Today at 8:34 PM
"If she's in, so am I." Haylee never really cared about the sanctity of religious sites. Perhaps for the worse, considering how his attempts to get rich quick off of demon ruins led him to be the way he is now, but…
…ah, a catch
Salhi — Today at 8:34 PM
And this is where the deer's fanged maw opens down the entire neck as it turns to face the hunters…
Nashira — Today at 8:35 PM
"Oh no."
Jin Ye — Today at 8:35 PM
A grunt of expectation.
Narrator — Today at 8:35 PM
"You see, there are four temples endangered; Musiphe, Amenoch, Eumacia, and Hyanoa. I do not know which one our foes want, but. I do know the location to the key to one of these."
Tevye — Today at 8:35 PM
Tevye rubs his chin and hums, head tilted. "A holy site like that would have untold tales and knowledge to protect. I suppose I'm in as well."
Narrator — Today at 8:36 PM
He tilts his head one way and then the other, his brands manifest. "And when you're dealing with a capable enemy, you want to try to limit their actions. And sooo…. I might have, ah, well."
"You know."
Haylee — Today at 8:36 PM
"Leaked one"
Narrator — Today at 8:36 PM
"Leaked that this meeting was happening tonight 'accidentally.'"
Nashira — Today at 8:36 PM
"…The four cardinals." Nashira can feel a headache building behind her eyes. "You—"
Ethan — Today at 8:36 PM
"So… four… security systems?" He coughs.
Jin Ye — Today at 8:36 PM
Jin Ye seems to be calmly examining his gloves.
Nashira — Today at 8:36 PM
"Why do I always have to be right?!"
Yazid — Today at 8:36 PM
"Ah, there we go"
Narrator — Today at 8:37 PM
"Think of it as part of the interview process?" He offers a helpless kind of grin.
Haylee — Today at 8:37 PM
"Yeah, you're still a right ass." Haylee cocks the adapter modules on his swords.
Tevye — Today at 8:37 PM
"Oh. Well."
Nashira — Today at 8:37 PM
Nashira just casually upends her drink over the Don and then hands him her empty glass. "Consider that my formal complaint to your manager."
Narrator — Today at 8:38 PM
"Oh I've been called worse by better, Haylee, you don't know the depths of it."
Tevye — Today at 8:38 PM
"I suppose I'm used to difficult evaluation processes, but know this will not be forgotten."
Nashira — Today at 8:38 PM
"Kahir! Heel!" Right this was gonna be some shit.
Tevye — Today at 8:38 PM
Tevye's arm tattoos start to not quite burn, but smoulder at the least.
Narrator — Today at 8:39 PM
The door at this point goes slamming hard open, the bell ringing loudly and then abruptly stopping.
Haylee — Today at 8:39 PM
"Whatever you say, Diggo."
Ethan — Today at 8:39 PM
He's a touch blown away. "That-" Okay, it's been real, Adonis. You seem like a real sexgod of a man, but it's about to pop off. Now Ethan does toss back the Corpse Reviver like a shot. And his eyes are more like his past life's, which means he's getting a touch chuffed.
Time for the cigarette flick. "ANYONE COMES THROUGH THAT DOOR THAT DON'T TIP A HAT OR SAY SOMETHING NICE ABOUT MY MAMA, GODS REST HER SOUL, YOU'RE GAINING A NEW ASSHOLE." the chuk-chuk the MAG9000 makes seems to echo faintly.
Salhi — Today at 8:41 PM
Salhi sighs and tugs at her sandals some, looking to the loudly slamming door before looking to Adonis. "Do you often get guests this rude?"
Nashira — Today at 8:41 PM
"The attackers or Ethan?"
Yazid — Today at 8:41 PM
"Hey! I'm not THAT rude!" Today
Narrator — Today at 8:43 PM
There's a quiet, "What are you, twelve?" from the Don.
Meanwhile, leaning in this time is an iron-studded elf, also with his fists wrapped. He is all swagger, unlike Jin Ye's quiet professionalism, with lines running in large chevrons down his chest, tattoos written around them. He has a loud shirt, unbuttoned, and equally bright hair done up in one of those popular young styles. He's flanked by a couple of thugs, one with a wrapped club, the other with axe.
"I'm sure she was a great lady." Says the elf at the head of the pack, though he seems to be more impressed with the crowd. He looks toward the other two, his smirk falling away to a scowl. "You heard the man with a gun. Say something nice, shitbirds."
Jin Ye — Today at 8:45 PM
Ah, a fellow practitioner of the sweet science.
He hated undergrads.
Tevye — Today at 8:46 PM
Lightning begins to course and arc down Tevye's arms and between his fingers, though he pays it no mind as he gestures, with that implacable smile of his in place. "I am not sure if I'm more annoyed at your interruption or more fascinated to see how your style compares to Jin Ye's." He grins. "Though that isn't to say I believe it can MATCH his."
Nashira — Today at 8:46 PM
"Why are you allergic to shirts, sir." Nashira has no time and patience for this kabukimono nonsense, this is not a festival, sir, this is a bar and you're being rude. "Jin Ye, can you shut him up?"
Yazid — Today at 8:46 PM
Yazid dances. You know, the feeling he had this morning WAS right. Its gonna be a great day
Jin Ye — Today at 8:47 PM
Affirmative grunt, as he rises to his feet.
Haylee — Today at 8:48 PM
"More important things going on now, Donnie Darko." Haylee asides as he stares down the thugs who joined in the room.
"And as for you fucks, Circus is the next train stop over. Or were you looking to start a new one?"
Narrator — Today at 8:49 PM
"Ahhhhh, maaann…!" He tilts his head some at Tevye. "Why are the cute ones always the mean ones? It's not fair. Well, whatever! We got shit to do, here, but I was thinking—HEY!"
One of the guys with him just swung for the radio and our shirtless dude had to grab his club while it was on the upward motion.
"I was saying, that I was thinking, this is a really nice place! Now I know we got hired to trash it and fuck up everyone here, but I'd rather we just did this outside, you know?"
Ethan — Today at 8:49 PM
Adrenaline enters Ethan's firestream. Medical philosophers, great physicians, wrote entire treatises and what happens when blood mixes with that impulse in just such a way. But few have even gotten the preface started on ghostly flame meeting the thrill of danger. That MAG9000 has a sweet name, but let's be frank here, he's only tested it once. It just sort of glows eerily.
He considers his various cover possibilities. Bar's kinda classic, but Adonis was polite, so he tries to prioritize the more easily replaced tables. All the while just waiting for these guys to pop o-and there it is, right on time…
Narrator — Today at 8:50 PM
He stares at his underling, who sheepishly stares back, before he pushes the club away. "Jumping the gun, fuck's wrong with you." He turns his head back to the group, bounces from foot to foot. "So yeah, let's take this outside. Sound good?"
Jin Ye — Today at 8:50 PM
"Acceptable." He's just striding towards the door.
Yazid — Today at 8:51 PM
"Fine by me"
Jin Ye — Today at 8:51 PM
Giving the elf a challenging eye as he gets close, the weird blue-green glow in his eyes seeming to shimmer a moment.
Narrator — Today at 8:51 PM
"Hey, wait a second, though. You… that's a military jacket from back home. What group were you with?"
Jin Ye — Today at 8:51 PM
…
Haylee — Today at 8:51 PM
"Out of respect for Adonis, sure." Haylee downs the rest of his drink in that second before standing up.
Jin Ye — Today at 8:51 PM
"Not one you need be concerned with." A full sentence.
Ethan — Today at 8:52 PM
He tips Adonis in advance. "That was fucking incredible, kid. I'll take a second round and even buy for the group." Now it's Ethan giving Jin Ye the nod. "Bet you a tenner these upstarts don't know what 'combined arms' means, wanna split teaching duties?" Which admittedly is a strange way to tell the tank you'll wait for him to run in first.
Narrator — Today at 8:53 PM
"Ohhh, what? Sondergruppe Sechs? Or Hersteller or something?" He's already heading out, pushing the thug who fucked up by the back of his head out the door.
Salhi — Today at 8:53 PM
Salhi nods, shifting to her feet and making her way towards the exit, palming a pair of sampler bottles and giving Adonis a smile.
Narrator — Today at 8:53 PM
The thug who was quiet the whole time finally mumbles something about how moms in general shouldn't be insulted before following his boss.
Ethan — Today at 8:53 PM
"I can't believe Jin motherfuckin' Yeeeee's going to owe me ten big ones!" his eyes dart like a drug addict who is positive lawmen draw near.
Narrator — Today at 8:53 PM
Adonis smiles and nods to Salhi.
Yazid — Today at 8:54 PM
"See, sis, even these guys here think this place is nice." he says as he strolls out the front. "Maybe see if we can hang here later?"
Jin Ye — Today at 8:54 PM
He looks the thug in the eye. "You'll figure it out soon enough." But he does give a look towards Ethan, and is that… a small smile? Alright, Ethan's trash talk is growing on him.
Nashira — Today at 8:55 PM
Nashira bows formally to Adonis on the way out, the full Coalition-style bow to an elder, before she brings up the rear. "Maybe, but I think we're too rowdy to be regulars."
Haylee — Today at 8:55 PM
Haylee also nods to Adonis on the way out. Not paying near the same respect to Diego, clearly.
Nashira — Today at 8:56 PM
I mean they'll be back to talk to Diego later.
Tevye — Today at 8:56 PM
Tevye puts his glass on the bartop as he walks for the door. "Another when we come back please~?" He stretches his neck from side to side and cracks his knuckles. "Well, at least this stranger knows how to conduct battle with honor, even if he's not aware how shirts work~"
Narrator — Today at 8:58 PM
"Of course, of course. At least you're not some other asshole claiming to be special forces, you know. Every asshole who can swing a sword is out here claiming Hongse Dengji Yi" - for our gentle readers, Zustande for "Red Rank One" the top of the top, the best of the best - "when they cleaned toilets and cooked meals. Everyone wants to be something they aren't! Which is why I'm as real as it fucking gets."
There was two other guys with him, and there's now a squared off section of the streets.
He leans back and gives a yell, kind of kiai. "The name's Chin-Hae! Remember it!"
Salhi — Today at 8:59 PM
Salhi passes a small bottle to Ethan as she walks past his back, having mixed a small drink of peach schnapps, a bit of margarita salt, and some tomato juice.
"Enjoy. No Corpse Raiser, but.."
Haylee — Today at 9:02 PM
"Ah. Thought you were a clown. Turns out you're a clown with an ego about it."
Narrator — Today at 9:03 PM
…A planter beside Haylee just splintered.
And Chin-Hae is now swinging a rope dart around.
"I'm sorry, what was that?"
Ethan — Today at 9:04 PM
He instinctively uncorks it and drains it almost as fast as he could a Sun Cola, then knocks over a table and levels the MAG9000, which positively glows with otherworldly magitech. "I'll hustle for your juice, girl. Hundred-twenty proof." There's a millisecond pause before Ethan's eyes fill with the muzzle flare of the cannon going off. The grin that spreads across Ethan's face as the bullet splits in two mid-flight and slams into two instead of one is proof the former deadman can still feel joy just fine.
Haylee — Today at 9:04 PM
Haylee smirks. "Clown with an ego. I know you're pissed about not getting to perform, maybe you'll be able to catch the next train to the big top before it moves on."
Nashira — Today at 9:04 PM
"Haylee for five minutes can you stop talking shit?"
Haylee — Today at 9:06 PM
"I mean, just look at him."
Nashira — Today at 9:06 PM
"I am, that's why you need to shut up!"
Ethan — Today at 9:07 PM
Holy shit it's like a thunderclap. This thing actually works, what the fuck. WAIT, THE FUCK WAS IN THAT BOTTLE, LIGHTNING?!
"Got some KICK. And so do I, ya mooks!"
Narrator — Today at 9:10 PM
You ever see a guy roll the shot from a fucking power cannon? Because that dude just seriously spun on the balls of his feet like a dancer to roll with the attack. His friend the thug just ate shit to it, landing on his ass and slowly getting up. He pauses and points with the rope dart, winking at Haylee as he poses.
"I'm a clown, is it? You want to get up on stage then, bitch boy? You can be part of the show, too!"
Yazid — Today at 9:15 PM
"Show, you say? I'm good with shows" says the large Drahn dressed as if he was here to literally dance the night away. Ooops, thugs better watch out, that swing takes the scarf out, and its awful heavy…
Haylee — Today at 9:16 PM
"Hah. Talking to the wrong one for performances here. I'm not interested in your stale routine." Haylee scoffs at the taunt
Nashira — Today at 9:16 PM
"Haylee…"
Narrator — Today at 9:20 PM
Chin-Hae takes a moment to watch Yazid's style here with the weighted scarf as he wails on the thug. "Not gonna lie, that's a unique look."
What? Look, it's been established he doesn't like club thug even a little, that guy sucks.
"Anyways… you four, pile on the mouthy one. I want to try something here." He's spun the rope dart back around his arm and just come dashing over to Ethan.
Haylee — Today at 9:21 PM
"Wow, can't even be bothered to do your own damn work." Haylee smirks. "Thanks for making his job easier, by the by."
Narrator — Today at 9:21 PM
It's a bunch of rapidfire shots to the chest, ending with him literally bending forward to kick this guy… from behind. While facing him. It's a foot up from behind, looking like a scorpion whiptail in motion.
"Small fries get the smallfries, bitchboy."
Ethan — Today at 9:23 PM
Ethan gets the wind knocked out of him, wheezing and spitting something other than blood. "Oh my ancestors!" he chuckles bitterly like someone who swallowed bourbon too fast. "You fucking idiot! You think Haylee's a bitch?"
Nashira — Today at 9:24 PM
"Haylee for the love of Lorelei would you stop talking—"
Ethan — Today at 9:24 PM
"Absolute goddamned bitch ass fuckin' ass braintrust…" Ethan is lost to a flurry of impolite things to say.
Haylee — Today at 9:25 PM
"Whatever, you lazy-ass clown." Haylee closes to melee distance with the leader, swinging off-hand sword first, then main-hand.
Narrator — Today at 9:25 PM
"Every group has one. You have a cool gun, the other elf knows his shit you can just tell, that tall guy also, for sure, and him-" He will pause in this fracas to look at Tevye. "-what're you doing after this?"
Salhi — Today at 9:25 PM
Salhi is surprised she's not the smallfry.
Yazid — Today at 9:26 PM
"Is this that type of dance now?"
Narrator — Today at 9:26 PM
"I do everything one-hundred percent."
Yazid — Today at 9:26 PM
"I like this guy"
Tevye — Today at 9:27 PM
"Depends~ If I'm lucky, drinking another of those divine cocktails. If you're unlucky, hauling you to the nearest prison with your foolish thug friends." A sharp SNAP of electricity charges in the air around him as he smiles sharply, but ever smiles.
Nashira — Today at 9:27 PM
Salhi, you're eight feet tall.
Nashira's the smallfry, but he clearly hasn't even noticed her.
It's okay, she's very short.
Ethan — Today at 9:28 PM
Shit, some people fantasize about trees they can climb. Here's one you can build a treehouse on.
Heyo.
Narrator — Today at 9:30 PM
"Always the mean ones-ah!" He barely reacts in time, catching the sword swing in the chain of a pair of nunchaku he just whipped out of the back of his shirt. "One at a time, take a number~!"
Haylee — Today at 9:31 PM
"Double-standards much?"
Narrator — Today at 9:31 PM
"Yeah but it's cute when he does it, you just called me a clown."
Haylee — Today at 9:32 PM
"Several times."
Yazid — Today at 9:32 PM
"Sounds fair to me"
Narrator — Today at 9:34 PM
"Yeah, about that." He's using the focal point of that caught blade to launch toward Haylee with a straight-armed punch, and then immediately turn to shouldercheck him.
Nashira — Today at 9:36 PM
"WHAT DID I FUCKING TELL YOU, HAYLEE?"
Jin Ye — Today at 9:36 PM
With almost deceptive speed, before Haylee has time to swivel and parry, his view is blocked by the iron elf he hasn't been calling a clown.
Who takes the shoulder check, leaning into it with a grunt and a challenging stare.
Haylee — Today at 9:36 PM
"Small-fries get small-fries, you say?"
Narrator — Today at 9:38 PM
"Big words for someone who just had to be bailed out by an actual badass." He pauses for half a second since he is now shoulder-to-shoulder with Jin-Ye. "Sup?"
Jin Ye — Today at 9:39 PM
"Not bad form."
Narrator — Today at 9:39 PM
"Thanks."
Tevye — Today at 9:39 PM
Tevye is taking notes.
Haylee — Today at 9:41 PM
That would just start the offensive gestures
Nashira — Today at 9:41 PM
She can deal with those.
Jin Ye — Today at 9:41 PM
Jin Ye's the first to break the shoulder lock, pushing back, using the momention to spin, swinging his forearm at the club-wielding grunt before spinning back to Chin-Hae and swinging the opposite way.
Narrator — Today at 9:45 PM
The poor thug just got his braincase rattled and almost dropped his club, but his opponent actually brings up both elbow and knee in a guard, metal and bone crashing on metal and bone and Jin Ye's strike making him stumble.
"Man, maybe you really were SGS shit…!" He calls out, a bit surprised.
Jin Ye — Today at 9:46 PM
"I've been around. You partake in the Verdienst this year?"
Narrator — Today at 9:47 PM
"Every year but the one my mom got sick, yeah." He brushes his thumb across his nose and resumes stance. "Always make a good showing of it."
Jin Ye — Today at 9:47 PM
Grunt. A nod of respect.
Tevye — Today at 9:48 PM
smiled as he watched Jin Ye engage himself with the lead thug, what's his face. He had a name right? Well he had abs, Tevye supposed. Now one might assume he'd turn that lightning coursing through his veins on the leader but no, he turns to the lesser thugs and arcs the lightning between his hands. "Well~ I think I'll deny the leader his foot soldiers." And the crash of energy as he casts his bolts forward at the axe, club and chain thugs!
Narrator — Today at 9:49 PM
Okay he's still in stance but his front hand shoots out and just kind of gestures at Tevye and makes an expression that can be universally read as "oh come onnnnn"
Tevye — Today at 9:50 PM
Tevye winks at him~ :heart:
Nashira — Today at 9:50 PM
"By the sweet Arcanum could you not flirt while you're fighting oh my stars—"
Haylee — Today at 9:50 PM
"And he thinks they're more important than you, it looks like."
Nashira — Today at 9:50 PM
Nashira is just not having a good day.
Narrator — Today at 9:51 PM
"Shhshhshhshh busy here." He even made the talky motion with his fingers here HE IS HAVING A COOL DUEL WITH HIS NEW SENPAI AND THE HOT DUDE JUST FUCKING ROCKED HIS WHOLE SQUAD.
Yazid — Today at 9:54 PM
"I hate to break it to you, but unless you're a book or a new case study you might not have a shot." See, Yazid can be kind to people's feelings sometime.
Narrator — Today at 9:54 PM
Well, the thugs who are not enjoying this nearly as much as their crazy as shit boss, are still going to drive an axe and a club into Haylee's head respectively. They seem to be used to working in tandem here. Club guy just is screaming in anger and frustratio, while Axe guy has come in silent and stoic.
"hey, uh." Wait no Axe guy is talking. "i want to make this clear this is purely professional and i hope we can keep it that way between us at least."
Nashira — Today at 9:57 PM
Nashira has had enough.
Haylee — Today at 9:58 PM
And an off-hand deflection of the axe away with his sword. Haylee does whirl around and position himself to then take the incoming club with his shoulder, rather than his head. "Not holding it against y - kgh!" Yeah, that's still going to hurt.
Narrator — Today at 9:58 PM
"okay thanks, i really appreciate that-" "HAOOO-OOH!"
Haylee — Today at 9:59 PM
He points at club dude. "You, on the other hand, are just a tosser."
Nashira — Today at 10:00 PM
She grabs her staff—or is that an old style radio mic?-and inhales, before unleashing a piercingly loud rapidfire barrage of a diss track. She has, perhaps, called these people rude, ungrateful, churlish guests who have quite a bit of difficulty performing sexually, and who cannot begin to comprehend how much patience she doesn't have for any of their shenanigans or their sacreligious, fuckmongering temple-despoiling cockgobblers of bosses-
Her flow is magnificent. Her meter impeccable. her diction sharp as knives…or icicles, actually, since it does actually send sharp shards of ice radiating out from her.
Tevye — Today at 10:00 PM
"I apologize for shocking you Axe-Guy~ When you are defeated we should share a drink." He deliberately turns the cold shoulder to Chin-Hae, though he's definitely doing it on purpose this time. Even looking to see his reaction.
Nashira — Today at 10:01 PM
"—AND STOP FUCKING IGNORING ME, DICKSMITH"
Narrator — Today at 10:01 PM
He didn't make a sad face so much as an exaggerated one. He make the :< face.
Though now he's just kind of pausing at all that screaming. "Okay, wow. Yeah, you have my attention."
"Shit."
"You hadn't done anything."
"What the fuck."
Anyways the other thugs are coming for Haylee.
Nashira — Today at 10:03 PM
"I HAVE BEEN HERE THE ENTIRE TIME."
Narrator — Today at 10:03 PM
"I thought you were watching!"
Nashira — Today at 10:04 PM
"THAT IS CHAUVINISTIC OF YOU"
Narrator — Today at 10:04 PM
"No, I was raised to not swing at random people who hadn't done anything?"
"He-" He points at Ethan, "Shot me, that other guy didn't stop talking shit, and now I'm fighting this guy who interceded."
"This is really presumptive."
Nashira — Today at 10:05 PM
"You were literally hired to kill us."
Narrator — Today at 10:05 PM
"Mostly the Tankans."
"The rest of you were kill or beat."
Nashira — Today at 10:06 PM
"She hasn't done anything to you either."
Yet.
Salhi — Today at 10:06 PM
"W-hey!"
Narrator — Today at 10:06 PM
He shrugs.
I mean meanwhile the mooks are just seriously trying to all pound on Haylee here while they argue.
Mostly just a lot of angry screaming and cursing and one guy resigned to being a trash mob.
Narrator — Today at 10:06 PM
He shrugs.
I mean meanwhile the mooks are just seriously trying to all pound on Haylee here while they argue.
Mostly just a lot of angry screaming and cursing and one guy resigned to being a trash mob.
Haylee — Today at 10:11 PM
The pipe is parried, the chain…almost such, but upon hearing the mention…of being sent out to kill Salhi, Haylee's expression changes as one could see his left eye glow red, seemingly unflinching from the impact even with his head.
"You *were* a clown. But now you just revealed your intentions, and she's not dying on my watch. Make your next move carefully."
Ethan — Today at 10:14 PM
"Give me some room to breathe!" he leans forward suddenly, firing another curving and splitting glob of otherworldly energy that's polite enough to take the shape of a spiraling slug.
Narrator — Today at 10:18 PM
Again Chin-Hae pulls back some but that absolutely lights up the two closest of the minions to him, meaning Axe and Club just collapse.
Ethan — Today at 10:18 PM
It's the Chess analogy, come back to haunt him. Principles, right? Do you know how to checkmate wisely? It's not about constantly inflicting check. More about either eliminating moves the opposing King can take… or eliminating goons that can take a bullet for the crown. Eisenhand loves chess.
Narrator — Today at 10:24 PM
Chin-Hae shakes his head some and goes for it, coming right at Jin-Ye with a series of kicks to the upper body, his hands clasped behind his back for balance and to reinforce his body's actions.
Jin Ye — Today at 10:28 PM
Jin steps back to the exact right spot, and as each lightning-fast kick whips out, there's an immediate forearm raised to parry, pushing Jin Ye back slightly, time seeming to slow down as the impact of each kick is blocked, seeming with perfect timing. If this were the Verdienst, the crowd would be absolutely losing their mind at the display. One for the record books.
At which point, Jin Ye lunges in as soon as Chin-Hae rights himself with a straight punch right to the sternum.
Narrator — Today at 10:33 PM
The force just flung him back hard enough that he just impacted into one of the other shops, cracking brick and shattering glass and terrifying some boutique owner and their customers. The poor zughande store clerk just dropped his broom. And after a moment the younger elf will sit up, cracking his neck with an audible crunch, bone popping and metal pinging in a high-tensile way as he gets back up. After a moment, he can only grin as he does, the aura from his hands producing a heat halation that matches the intensity in his eyes.
"Okay. Let's REALLY get this show going!"
Salhi — Today at 10:34 PM
[battle cut-in]
Salhi clasps her hands before herself, beginning to sing an echoing song-like prayer of her own as the winds stir and swirl around her, an energizing feeling rippling out from her to cover her friends, bruises and the like soothing and fading. The song echoes unnervingly for those standing against them, as the air thickens, the winds themselves responding to her prayer to slow their motions and prevent them from causing more harm/
:allysmirk: - [Superiority used: Doublesong! Medium/Calm/Lightning: 20HP healed for all party members. High/Haunting/Wind: Slow until end of my next turn for Chin-Hae and the non-Broken thugs (-1 Dex die size)]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Zp6ml5bxzA
YouTube
Aznonymous
EXEC_COSMOFLIPS/. KOKIA
Nashira — Today at 10:37 PM
Nashira watches Chin-Hae go flying and grimaces, twirling the staff in her hand, and then whistling sharply. There's no magic in her whistle, so it's not immediately obvious what she's done.
Until the large winged sky leopard comes leaping, springing off Hayley's shoulders to sink frost-rimed teeth into Chin-Hae's shoulder. Oh.
Narrator — Today at 10:42 PM
He shakes off the cat after it tears a chunk out of him, just swinging his elbow back for it but not finding purchase.
Nashira — Today at 10:43 PM
Turns out, Kahir's a nimble little fucker.
Jin Ye, meanwhile, has backed off as Kahir took the offensive, returning to the mooks harassing poor Haylee, who seem to be gearing up to charge at him again.
"Hello."
[battle cut-in]
Superiority - Flurry: Two Attacks with Bladestorm [Multi (2)]!
PM
A flurry of hard punches, whirling between the two as blows connect in rapid succession.
Narrator — Today at 10:48 PM
The mooks it turns out cannot take the punishing blows of Jin Ye nearly as well as their boss, they are scattered, though both manage to get up with groaning and cursing.
PM
Of course, not to be deterred by how this is going, he does go in for the dashing swing again on Jin Ye, a rapidfire full barrage.
Jin Ye — Today at 10:51 PM
Another chain of blocks! And Jin Ye throws a short swing, just enough to glance Chin-Hae in the jaw and throw him back. There is… a smirk on Jin Ye's face?(edited)
Nashira — Today at 10:52 PM
"Jin Ye, no." Oh no. He likes this one.
Tevye — Today at 10:53 PM
This time when Tevye's tattoos light up it's with pearlescent divine light that travels down from his shoulders to his fingertips, motes of light swirling about his fingers and wrists. He thrusts his hands towards the sky, casting the motes as gleaming rays that slice through the air towards the remaining thugs!
He blows air across his fingers and shakes them out as he watches the other thugs driven to the earth by his strike. "Just you left, Chin-Wag~"
Narrator — Today at 10:56 PM
"Hey, now… that's a little cold." He sighs a bit at that.
Tevye — Today at 10:56 PM
"I thought my light was warm enough~ Didn't you?"
Nashira — Today at 10:56 PM
"You're really not gonna get anywhere with him, Chin-Hae…" Nashira kinda feels bad for him, now.
Narrator — Today at 10:57 PM
"technically light is brightness it isn't warmth." come from the figure face down on the ground.
Nashira — Today at 10:57 PM
"Nobody likes a pedant, m'dude."
Tevye — Today at 10:57 PM
"Don't presume to teach a scholar what he knows."
Narrator — Today at 10:57 PM
"if he's going to try to score points on the boss i would really like him to at least do it right is all."
Nashira — Today at 10:58 PM
"He's not."
"He's just like that."
Narrator — Today at 10:58 PM
"i'm sorry."
Haylee — Today at 10:58 PM
Cocking the chambers on each. Haylee has indeed stopped talking shit…and cycled some cartridges through the adapters on his swords. Apparently he's gone from trash-talking…to aiming for straight-up murder, his one eye still glowing red as the schlera turns black.
He'd seen the fire. The way Chin-Hae reacted to the cold. No opening left unexploited. He threatened his charge. That means the pretenses are dropped.
"Alright, Baraqel. Let the rain of death sing."
[battle cut-in]
Haylee — Today at 11:07 PM
And the flurry is definitely aimed to kill. The first strike aimed with the flat of the edge at Chin-Hae's arm to interfere with further strikes, and the rest to go in for the kill, but struggling to find purchase save for one…
…upon which the trigger pulls, a sound like shattering glass forms and out of the adapter fires a spray of crystalline shrapnel, the water around it condensing into vapor and snow
Narrator — Today at 11:09 PM
Well the rapidfire barrage of strikes absolutely find their purchase, and for a moment, Chin-Hae staggers from it. He's reeling from the blows here, beaten and bruised, so much that that special shell Baraqel absolutely strikes true… He looks like he's frozen in place from it, a cold, choking death, to be sure.
It only holds for long enough to maybe suggest the fight had ended, though. It's a shattering of ice and blood as Chin-Hae comes tearing free of the magitech assault, headbutting the other man for all his worth. He's literally steaming from the effort of shrugging off that blow, but he's managed it.
"Glad you're…" He's gasping for breath some from the exertion. "Taking this… seriously."
Tevye — Today at 11:10 PM
Tevye licks his lips and his eyes flash. "NOW… Now I'm interested…"
Nashira — Today at 11:11 PM
"Yazid!" Nashira knows this is going to go badly if it goes any longer. And in times of trouble, this means calling on the power she knows the best.
PM
Kick his ass, bro.
Jin Ye — Today at 11:12 PM
Hey, man, you get shit-talked that much at the Verdienst you'd be pissed too.
Yazid — Today at 11:15 PM
Well, that changes Yazid's strategy a bit, and he kind of skips mid-dance… oh wait, nevermind, here comes the weighted sash, going for the ribs as he spins in Chin-Hae's general direction…
Narrator — Today at 11:17 PM
That weighted sash comes in, and like a flash that rope spear comes out, and while he remains unerringly accurate with that razor-sharp blade — the weight gets him in the side. He snaps his rope spear back to him, stumbles back, and ultimately winds up falling back on his ass, sitting down.
He even breaks into weak laughter after a second. "ahaha…. this sucks."
Tevye — Today at 11:18 PM
Tevye smiles down at him though. "Ah, but you put on such a performance."
Nashira — Today at 11:18 PM
"…Kahir, heel." She motions to Jin Ye. Scruff Haylee quickly.
Salhi — Today at 11:18 PM
Salhi regards him with a bit of wariness in her eyes. "I assume you've decided that contract's failed and invalid, then?…"
Jin Ye — Today at 11:18 PM
Yes, there is a hand reaching out to grab Haylee's jacket and tugging.
Yazid — Today at 11:19 PM
That hurt a bit to try, but "Huh. That was… actually kind of fun?"
Narrator — Today at 11:19 PM
"Like I said, I do everything at one-hundred percent." He's managing between panting breaths. "I don't think I can move right now, let alone fight."
Haylee — Today at 11:19 PM
Haylee gets scruffed and…fights back to try and get free, but in this case to no avail
Nashira — Today at 11:20 PM
"Just, if you still want to try and kill Salhi and Adonis, I'm gonna let Haylee kill you?"
"That's all."
Haylee — Today at 11:20 PM
His rather beaten-up state at this point likely doing him no favors at all.
Jin Ye — Today at 11:20 PM
"…I could tell. Good work." Just going to nod at Chin-Hae's direction. He might've won but damn, that was not a bad bout. How far did this dude say he made it in the last Verdienst…?
Salhi — Today at 11:20 PM
She nods, eyes closing as she sings another soft note, warmth washing over him as the worst of his wounds close. "I'm glad. Hopefully if we meet again, it'll be on better terms."
That beatific smile, before she steps back.
Narrator — Today at 11:20 PM
"I'm dumb, not stupid, lady, I understand implicit statements."
Salhi — Today at 11:20 PM
[Calm tone, healing him because Salhi's all about Hope and I figure redemption goes under that]
Narrator — Today at 11:21 PM
"!!!" he kind of makes a strangled noise though, when Salhi does what she does.
Nashira — Today at 11:21 PM
"There's nothing wrong with being clear in terms." Nashira shrugs, and then goes to check on Yazid and Jin Ye. "How bad did you get clipped?"
Haylee — Today at 11:21 PM
"…" Haylee's teeth grit, watching closely to make sure he doesn't do anything.
It's impressive that he can cock those adapters while scruffed
Tevye — Today at 11:22 PM
Tevye reaches out and ruffles Chin-Hae's hair. "Well then, we have no further reason to fight or allow our dear friend to kill you." He looks towards the bar. "Though I believe we have QUESTIONS to ask a certain noble."
Jin Ye — Today at 11:22 PM
A shrug at Nashira with the shoulder that isn't bracing Haylee. "Could go another round."
Nashira — Today at 11:22 PM
"Tevye don't give him a heart attack…"
Narrator — Today at 11:23 PM
At this point, he pulls himself back up to his feet and just. Well, you would assume that he's going to say something to Tevye from the hair ruffle, or Jin Ye after they both went back and forth, or Nashira who seems really into calling him stupid a bunch of times, but.
Two things happen.
Yazid — Today at 11:23 PM
"I don't think I got hit as hard as Haylee did this time." Hey, he remembered his name
Narrator — Today at 11:23 PM
One. He chooses to take this time to just smirk at the restrained Haylee for what can't factually be a long moment.
Ethan — Today at 11:23 PM
"You're young and stupid-oh sorry, dumb-still so everything's a martial arts drama and some kinda fuckin' poetry between flyin' knuckle dusters. It's to be expected, you're so Zustandean it hurts. Here's something your mystical sensei will omit in favor of more 'kai-ha' or whatever: First one's free. Next time you come heavy or not at all."
Ethan holds up his hands after slinging the occult rifle. "For now it remains business. And really, thank your stars and wooha slippers, because I showed you business, but Haylee showed you personal." He pauses and blinks a few times. "I don't know what the fuck Jin Ye did but you appear to have caught a half-mast from it, so you know, that's on you."
Narrator — Today at 11:24 PM
But it does feel like it awhile given the situation. Oh, that antipathy is mutual.
Second off, he starts to say something to Ethan of all peopke, that, from the few words he gets out of it, probably is "what the fuck dude you're just making noises" but that's when the cops show up.
Jin Ye — Today at 11:25 PM
Ah, hell.
Nashira — Today at 11:26 PM
"Jin Ye, take Haylee inside, I'll talk to the cops." Nashira sighs the kind of sigh that comes from someone who's had to cover with the cops a few times.
Haylee — Today at 11:26 PM
Haylee sheathes the blades for the moment.
Nashira — Today at 11:26 PM
I wonder who's fault that is, YAZID.
Narrator — Today at 11:27 PM
Yeah the pointman who yells for people to freeze gets literally punched up into the air and then a foot planted in his torso so he can use him as some kind of body hammer to plant into the guy behind him before they can react. The third cop gets used as a fucking springboard for Chin-Hae's escape, grabbing them man by the shoulders and literally planting his feet on him to springboard off of them.
Yazid — Today at 11:27 PM
Yazid has no idea why Nashira is giving such a sweet, innocent Drahn such dirty looks.
Its terrible
Narrator — Today at 11:27 PM
Now instead of four unconscious mooks there are seven.
Nashira — Today at 11:27 PM
"…"
Tevye — Today at 11:27 PM
!!!!!!
Jin Ye — Today at 11:27 PM
"…"
Salhi — Today at 11:27 PM
"… I suppose that's technically my fault…."
Yazid — Today at 11:27 PM
"I like him. He seems nice"
Nashira — Today at 11:27 PM
"Salhi, can you help me take care of the cops so we don't get arrested?"
Tevye — Today at 11:27 PM
"Let us meet again, Chin-Hae!" Tevye salutes~
Nashira — Today at 11:27 PM
"And someone go get the Don to bail our asses out for the mess he caused."
Jin Ye — Today at 11:28 PM
"Mhm." Small grunt in Yazid's direction.
Haylee — Today at 11:28 PM
"…I'm going to need a stiff drink and an ice bath when we get back to the hotel."
Nashira — Today at 11:28 PM
"Haylee."
Ethan — Today at 11:28 PM
"Hmmm. 'Peacetime officers'. Still a real theoretical concept." We spent enough word count on how Zustande is dorky, now it's Eisenhand's turn.
He has the nerve to do air quotes.
Nashira — Today at 11:28 PM
"You go inside and tell Adonis I told you to get a Starlight Farewell."
Haylee — Today at 11:29 PM
"Got it."
Nashira — Today at 11:30 PM
Nashira and Kahir are going to be slowly dragging the cops into a line and then the other mooks into a different line.
Narrator — Today at 11:30 PM
"hey i really appreciate this, usually when we lose we just get beaten and maybe decimated."
Nashira — Today at 11:30 PM
"You're just doing your job, right?" Nashira sighs,.
PM
"Look, man, go up to the station and tell them Nashira sent you, get you some better work."
Ethan — Today at 11:31 PM
He pauses then looks at Jin Ye. "That's how you sound sometimes. 'Meh-meh-meh-meh my style is superior, my sensei fucked your dad weewoo my metal arm comes from the moooooon." he wiggles fingers at him. The size of Ethan's grin suggests he's fucking with him, of course.
"I'm just saying, man."
Narrator — Today at 11:32 PM
"honestly i think it could at least be argued that this hired muscle career is too high risk for the reward so thank you."
Salhi — Today at 11:32 PM
Salhi is helping with the dragging as well.
Haylee — Today at 11:32 PM
Haylee, once let go by Jin Ye, goes inside the bar.
Nashira — Today at 11:33 PM
"Oh yeah no they can find you better work than this, dude, get some money saved up and go back to school or something."
Jin Ye — Today at 11:33 PM
A pause, a consideration of Ethan's point.
"…You're just upset you've missed the last couple dozen Verdienst, aren't you."
Nashira — Today at 11:33 PM
"You're still young, right?"
Ethan — Today at 11:33 PM
"They still got the roasted almonds with the fire oil? Because those shits are delicious."
Narrator — Today at 11:33 PM
"i actually graduated top of my class at the academie patisserie here in town but the market is really cutthroat."
"i realize that's an ironic choice of words."
Jin Ye — Today at 11:34 PM
"Of course."
Ethan — Today at 11:34 PM
"Fuck. Well, maybe I can get in on one of those special divisions where they open it up to non-military."
Narrator — Today at 11:34 PM
Adonis holds out a damp bar towel wrapped around some ice cubes. "Here you go."
Nashira — Today at 11:35 PM
"Oh, if you're a chef…"
Jin Ye — Today at 11:35 PM
"Heh." There is in fact a suggestion there that stoic Jin might in fact be Ethan's hookup.
Ethan — Today at 11:35 PM
"Sounds nothing like 'No'." Oh dear.
Nashira — Today at 11:35 PM
Nashira taps a fdinger to her lips, then pulls a strange coin out of your purse. "Take this to the Cradle. Tell Grandmother I'm calling in a favor."
"She'll take care of you."
Tevye — Today at 11:36 PM
A Favor, oh my~
Haylee — Today at 11:36 PM
"…shit. Thanks." Haylee nods, holding it on his chest. "Also, Nashira told me to tell you to get a Starlight Farewell."
Tevye — Today at 11:37 PM
"Haylee, you will enjoy it."
Narrator — Today at 11:37 PM
He chuckles a little bit and goes to mixing it. It's a shot drink so it's not long.
Ethan — Today at 11:37 PM
"Starlight Farewell…" Ethan looks absolutely fascinated, but perplexed, then the ! appears above his head. "Oh, A Grandmother Slap."
PM
He does not clarify.
Haylee — Today at 11:38 PM
"Thanks." Haylee downs the shot.
Nashira — Today at 11:38 PM
Welcome to boozetown.
Ethan — Today at 11:38 PM
"Wa-! Well, I mean." he stares at Nashira.
Tevye — Today at 11:38 PM
"I would like another one of the thing you made for me that was both delicious and offensive."
Haylee — Today at 11:38 PM
Hoooo-ly hell that's the good shit
Nashira — Today at 11:39 PM
Nashira shrugs.
Salhi — Today at 11:39 PM
Salhi finishes some basic tending to the bruises of the thugs and the cops, before making her way back in to join the others with a sigh of relief.
Jin Ye — Today at 11:40 PM
… Looks at Ethan. Looks at Nashira. "Ah. Five-Headed Dragon."
Nashira — Today at 11:40 PM
"He'll be easier to deal with plastered."
Jin Ye — Today at 11:40 PM
Resigned, but non-disagreeing grunt.
Haylee — Today at 11:41 PM
Booze helps deaden that wonderful (not actually wonderful) feeling of bruised ribs
Nashira — Today at 11:41 PM
"Anyway, I need to…write a couple letters before we meet up with our dear patron in the morning, and I need to have a good long talk with you, Haylee, before then, so enjoy your reprieve while you have it." Oh.
Tiny lizard is pissed.
PM
She points at Diego. "Name of where you're sending us, please."
Yazid — Today at 11:42 PM
"Uh oh. I'll just… head over here then" Gonna just leave Haylee to his fate. Tiny angry sis hno
PM
*ohno
Haylee — Today at 11:42 PM
"Well, shit."
Jin Ye — Today at 11:43 PM
Jin Ye is staying well out of this one, thank you.
Narrator — Today at 11:43 PM
Adonis seems to be thrilled to be handing out drinks and rather amused by the whole spectacle, or maybe because his bar didn't get torched. But he will pause after everyone gets their orders, walk over, and unclip something from the side of one of the bar shelves. A… small chime? That he is bringing over with a some kind of multihued drink that smells of fruit and vaguely like spring to Salhi.
PM
"The key. Please take it and my wellwishes on your trip."
Ethan — Today at 11:43 PM
Aw fuck, then that means that…
Ethan sighs.
Tevye — Today at 11:43 PM
Oh ho~
Ethan — Today at 11:43 PM
He takes out his money bag and counts it out.
Tevye — Today at 11:43 PM
"A chime as a key? FASCINATING~"
Ethan — Today at 11:43 PM
And tips Adonis again. You can hear the CHOONG.
PM
"Gimme another. Keep your word."
Salhi — Today at 11:44 PM
Salhi accepts the chime, looking over it before nodding and carefully securing it, before sipping the sweet sunshine drink. "My thanks for the drink, as well…"
Haylee — Today at 11:45 PM
And so he reclines in his seat, buzzed out of his mind and holding the icepack to his chest.
Nashira — Today at 11:46 PM
"…You are thanked for your dedication and loyalty, Shrinekeeper." Nashira is refusing to pass on the rest of whatever messages she's been given.
Narrator — Today at 11:47 PM
"My word is good, sir…. but your zenit isn't." He's back to making the drink.
Well, Salhi can probably tell he made a guess that may or may not be true, but as a master culinarian he has made some kind of assumption she is Owankan or perhaps Serangel, given the flavors. Rare fruits in this.
Ethan — Today at 11:50 PM
This time Ethan watches Adonis mix some of those drinks. Wait a minute…
Wait a minute…
WAIT A MINUTE.
"THAT'S IT!"