Side One, Ep.2 "Double Dog Dare"

[Legendary Sidekick]

Buck's

Addison stares at Diana's hands. She hastily wipes a tear, but her eyes meet Buck's. The big guy pretends not to notice, and he starts adding up the cost of the arrows Jei ordered.

"So it's $125, then if we add the kiwis, $185. $285 for the flamingos, and if you want it all, it's $1062 with the one phœnix."

Addison sees everyone is distracted by the man's muttering…

…except Diana, whose eyes are fixed on Addison with a look of concern.

The Huntress smiles. "I can't read your hand-talk, but you got a good heart. I understand that much." A tear falls. She makes no effort to hide it. "An old wound. I guess time ain't healed it yet." She heads for the door.

 

[Ireth]

Diana

I read Addison's hands and nod in sympathy, staying by Beatrice as the Huntress leaves.

Vincent

I look after Addison in concern as she leaves, then smile at Diana. "Are you shopping for yourself or for Beatrice?"

She smiles and signs back. For Beatrice. She wants to fight like a Shieldmaiden. I'm taking her on as my protege, and with luck she'll get more training from others on the mountain.

Something falls from her arm to the floor; Diana catches it before signing again. Oh, and this is for you. She holds out a red sash that matches the trim on her dress.

I hand Diana and Beatrice each a shamrock, then take the sash, admiring the craftsmanship. "It's lovely. Even better, we'll match!" I chuckle as I wrap the sash over my shirt and under my coat, letting it hang slantways from my right shoulder to my left side. The red nicely complements the green I'm already wearing. I get an odd feeling from it, though.

Diana looks me over with approval. It has the Maiden's blessing, just like my dress. I feel a little safer just wearing it, even without my armor.

I nod, then smile at Beatrice. While limited in her human form, She clearly still has a considerable amount of power.

And speaking of power... "I wonder, Bee, would you like me to teach you a bit of magic? If you're going to be sticking with us, I think it would behoove you to learn techniques you can use from a distance, as an augment to melee training. Even a simple fireworks spell, like the ones you saw me using on the Oyster last night, can be very effective in a fight." Especially when one's enemies are made of wood, or when there are kegs of gunpowder stacked all around them.

 

[JRFLynn]

Jeisera

I stare blankly at Buck when he mentions the lone phoenix. Blazing furgles.

“I’ll take everything, except the insanely expensive one.” I drop $325 on the counter, hoping that covers it. Those should last me awhile. Of course, I notice Diana and a cute little girl walk in. Apparently, the little-un wants to be a shield maiden too.

I tap her on the shoulder and smile. “Hello Diana, who’s you’re friend?”

Of course, right then a brawler with shiny boots comes strolling in, briskly dumps a bag of gold on the counter and gives Diana a soul-piercing stare. My eyes pop, mainly because I’ve never seen that much gold in my life. Even his boots are solid gold! Just what have I stumbled onto?


The man and his nun companion leave just as swift as they blew in. Addison is hanging around outside as well, I give her a wave to let her know I'll be out soon.

Riff

“I must thank you, I must, I must, for teaching me that wondrous magic.” I say to Pidge. “Though it may not last too long, I do prefer being big like my sis. Is there something I can learn to help me fight in this form?” I’m hopeful, but even if nothing comes of it then at least I can say I tried.

 

[Ireth]

Diana - slight flashback

I turn at a tap on my shoulder, and smile at Jei. I dig a pen and parchment from my satchel and write a response. This is my niece, Beatrice.

To Beatrice, I sign, This is a huntress who joined in our last fight. I'd tell you her name, but I don't know how to spell it. Reading lips does have its disadvantages.

((Effective now, I'll be using different fonts for writing versus signing, which I really should have done in the first place. It just makes things a bit easier. ^^))

 

[JRFLynn]

Jeisera

I nod at Beatrice with sincere smile. "Oh, nice to meet ya! My name's Jeisera. You're aunt is a fine warrior. I'm glad she had my back in that last fight." I don't want to keep them and I feel I may be prying, so I pickup my bundles of arrows and prepare to leave. "Maybe later you and my pixy sis can play, if you're feeling mischievous."

We head out around the same time, and I wave at the steadfast Vincent as we head for Esmeralda's. What a fine evening, spent with new friends, and by the festive air things are bound to get grander! I'm just wondering when I'm going to meet this goddess we're protecting. It's pretty exciting.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Weapon Shop

Beatrice smiles at the Huntress. "It's a pleasure to meet you." When she leaves, Bee signs to Diana, She will know who I am soon enough.

As Jeisera is about to leave, Buck tells her, "You overpaid. I could throw in a couple dozen robins and a dozen jays. Otherwise..." He offers to return four gold coins.

To Vincent, Beatrice replies, "Oh, thank you... but my Mother and Father told me not to play with fire." She adds, telepathically,

I may benefit from a lesson in telekinesis, just to see if I can control magic enough to cast safely. Ice is my domain, not fire... but as you may remember from your early years, it's hard for a preteen magic user to control the magic. Mortals debate the reason, but it is physiological. My mortal form will never be fully developed, so I will always lack control over my magic. My brother the show off makes gold coins rain from his hands--they even have the image of that mustached guy on the coin that's supposed to be Jack. Me? I can't even make a snowflake.

I did heal a man on the ship, but... it took a lot out of me.



Dojo

"Well, I'm glad to know a fairy knows how to have fun." She looks at Dan. "I don't see why not... can you teach her?"

Dan V replies, "I can try." He slowly moves a finger toward the wing, saying, "I'll be gentle, but please don't move." If the fairy allows, Dan runs his finger along her wing. "Not as delicate as it looks?" He isn't completely sure. "It will take many lessons, but I will work with you. My lessons normally cost $500. If you pay me $250, I will train you every time you come here, until I feel you are ready for advanced techniques."

Dan III says, "Wait a minute... you're giving a discount to the one who destroyed our dojo?"

"No," Dan V replies. "I'm giving a discount to the one who helped rebuild our dojo at no charge."

The grandfather/grandmaster nods with approval.



Esmerelda's Garden

Sister Patty hands out some shamrocks, until a little girl named Sage says, "Gramma says it's time to begin." Sister Patty heads over to the rose garden, and asks the girl to pick a rose for the lucky draw.

"Ouch," says Sage.

"Oh, dear," says the nun. "What seems to be the matter?"

"I pricked my hand with 3 thorns."

"And that's our first number for the lucky draw!"

A lady says, "Aww... I thought that number was lucky, but I picked nineteen because that was my age when I was married."

A man says, "At least you were close. I picked, 2,583,297."

"It was only supposed to be a number from 1 to 20."

"Well, gods dammit! I cancelled my afternoon napping session for THIS?"

 

[Ireth]

Vincent

I nod at Bee's words, both vocal and mental. "Absolutely understandable. Maybe telekinesis will be more your style. We might have time for a lesson or two before the ceremony if you like, or we could wait until tomorrow." I hope I can learn about Battle Songs from Fenella soon, myself. Perhaps I should remind her next time I see her.

Diana

I smile as I read their lips. It seems many of us have skills to offer the others. No doubt that will help us stay strong as a company, and that strength will be invaluable.

 

[JRFLynn]

Jeisera

What's this? Overpaid? Silly me. "That's sounds great." Hopefully I can stuff them all in my quiver.

Riff

I'm so happy, my wings jitter with excitement. "Oh thank you, Master Dan! That's a deal!"

 

[Ireth]

Vincent

Something nags at my mind, and I look to Diana again. "I mentioned you to Esmeralda, and she recommended you see her if there's anything specific you need to make up while we're here."

Diana

I nod. That reminds me, I've been meaning to mix up more of that cure for your cat allergy. I saw several strays hanging around behind Pink's, and I doubt you want any of them crossing your path without some defense.

I look around, wondering if Buck is ready with Bee's weapons and shield yet. The sooner we get those, the sooner we can move on.

 

[Ruby]

Fenella:

While Mariya is having her fitting I leave Lara's shop and wander up the road to Esmeralda's. I pick a flower from her garden. It's a shamrock. I fancy number 8 is my lucky number today. I wonder why?

I walk back to the shop. Surely Lara's finished the fitting, by now? How long can it take to measure a tiny little muse? Why, she will need less material than for a handkerchief!

I must say, I'm missing my old life and the comforts of court and having my own servants.

But I'm tougher than I look. I secretly trained in warfare when I was growing up. I can manage without fancy clothes but I hate all this hanging around just waiting.

Ah. Lara is ready for me now. About time, too!

 

[SeverinR]

Shan Mai returns to the dojo, looking for more training.

"I would like to learn Sanpogirl. I can see the need to strike three opponents quickly."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Weapon Shop

Beatrice carries a maidenspear cut from a crystal known as blueglass. "I guess we should head to my birthday party," she tells Diana.

"Born on Maiden's Day?" says Buck. "My woman tells me it's good luck. For a girl, anyways. Didn't do much for my brother."

Beatrice sees Buck's sad expression. "Sorry for your loss."

"So am I. My brother isn't dead. He's drunk. But he's lost, just the same."

((@Ireth, you are free to move Bee with you to any location. @JRF, you have all the arrows. If you think it's more than you can carry, you can always play it up as if you pack "some" arrows in your quiver, while the rest are hauled in a backpack. You can be vague about which arrows you have in the quiver, so you can really access any arrow in battle. You can only fire 1 or 2 per turn anyway, so I don't have a problem letting you hold up to 99 of each kind of arrow--or up to 9 each for "rare" arrows--"rare" being the kind you purchase one at a time.))



Dojo

Dan V shows Riff the "cat stance."

"Not on all fours," he says. "You put two-thirds of your weight on the back leg. Right leg when your left is forward, I mean. I don't normally use this stance with a beginner, but you need to protect your wings." He then has Riff mirror him as he demonstrates front kicks, roundhouse kicks--"not the spinning kind... yet"--and sidekicks. "You have long legs, though not as long as when you tore the roof from my dojo. You will need kicks to keep the enemy at a distance."

Dan IV works with Shan Mai. "Draw the blade overhead, with one hand. Split the skull of the middle-man, like chopping meat." Eyeing the cleaver, he adds, "You are a chef, are you not? Some weepy-eyed red-head was asking for one earlier. Maybe she's proving meat for the festival. Sometimes maidens get really emotional over Maiden's Day, especially the older ones." He pivots to one side, gripping the hilt in both hands as he raises the sword for his second strike. "Now I kill Mr. Right. Maybe maidens weep for him, too." He moves his left leg behind him in a semicircle. "Lefty didn't expect me to save him for last, as he attacked from my most vulnerable side. But I strike the front and right first. If I spare them for later, I only add vulnerable sides when I already had one the moment I was surrounded by three men. But note the distance I created when I turned around. Lefty wasn't expecting me to turn my back, nor was he expecting me to only give him my back just long enough to make him swing. Did he miss? Did he stay his blade to adjust to my new position?" His katana makes no sound as he cuts a perfect arc. "I may ask him in the next life, if I remember to. I mean to outlive my opponents by many years. I mean for my students to do the same.

"Your turn, Shan Mai. Strike imagined targets first, then cut straw men. After that, you will face the three Master Dans. We will use wooden blades and helmets first. Then comes the fun part." He shows Shan Mai some halved melon, coconut and durian shells, all of which fit nicely onto helmets. "You use a real blade to split our false skulls. I trust you will leave our real skulls intact."

((@Severin, JRF, no roll is needed. You are free to RP the training sessions as you see fit, assuming nothing happens that the NPCs would see as an issue.))



Tailor Shop

Lara is elated, humming as she sketches the dress according to Mariya's description.

"A shield maiden, a princess, a pixie! What a wonderful Maiden's Day gift this is!" She says to Fenella, "I wouldn't miss the Maiden's Day festival, for I adore my goddess above all else, but... the little girl bought a dress too, so that's four sales today. I can't help but think I've been blessed by The Maiden Herself."

She curtsies awkwardly to Fenella, and then again to Mariya. "Not to be rude, but I would ask that you two go enjoy the festivities. I will close my shop, but I will still be in here. I want to have both of your dresses ready by midnight. I'll personally deliver them to you at the... oh! You will attend the Maiden's Day ceremony, right? I mean, it's no royal ball, but, even Mister Brown and Sister Bison will be there. Brown is as close to royalty as we get around here. I mean, there's Mayor Mike, but... I couldn't see him at a royal ball."

((@Ruby, Noma, you're free to move your characters to any location, meet up with other player's, etc.))

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Tiger Lily Garden

Addison curls up among the tiger lilies.

"Hello, dear," says Sister Patty. "Is something a matter?"

Tears run down Addison's cheeks. She buries her head in the nun's lap, sobbing. "It's good to speak to one who serves me goddess," she says. "I just... miss me old friend is all. I was out hunting just now, and I remembered old times from when I was 17."

Sister Patty rises, knocking Addison off-balance.

"Seventeen is our next lucky number! And the winner is..."

Sister Patty checks her scroll.

"...nobody. You're all losers."

Addy hastily wipes her eyes, and looks up to see the rather sizable crowd around the tiger lily patch. "Really, Sister? I thought we were alone. Being seen like this ain't helping me reputation."

"Reputations take years to build," says a boy, "but just one moment to destroy."

"One!" says a girl. "That's my number."

"Mine, too," says the boy.

"Aw, man... if we have the same number it means we split the gold. I don't wanna split my gold with a boy!"



((NPC #s: 19, 1. Other players' numbers: not 3, not 17.))

 

[Ireth]

Vincent

Once Bee has her weapon and shield, I lead the way to Esmeralda's. From the look of things and the thoughts of the crowd, the festivities have started without us! I look around for Esmeralda, hoping perhaps we can talk while we wait for the next prize draw.

Diana

I smile at the sight and smells of so many plants and flowers, especially the roses. I'm tempted to pick one for Vincent, but it isn't MY garden, that would be rude. I should at least ask permission first, if we meet up with Esmeralda. I'm sure Vincent will point her out if he sees her.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Cathedral of Lady Death

Father Ben approaches Reaver.

"There are such cathedrals as you say. The ebony door is unchained, and Our Lady's followers must enter the black if they doubt She would show them through the white. That is why you hesitated, is it not? You were uncertain about your entry through the ivory door.

"We live in dark times, my son. The orthodox churches are not well attended. Too many enter the ivory door, but with secrets--the kind that may bar them from eternal paradise. But those who are humble, and do not presume to know Lady Death's judgment, when they rightly enter the black, there is mistrust. Murder.

"I would remove those chains and see Lady Death worshipped as She should be. Better yet, I would see the white door in chains. Let your first entry on Our Lady's right hand side happen in death, or not at all."

Father Ben leaves the samurai an iron coin. It is black iron on one side, with Lady Death's image as seen on the statue. On the flip side, the coin is pure silver, with the image of a valkyrie. The valkyrie wields both sword and spear.

The preacher sees the Pale Jackal leaning casually against a pillar. Their eyes lock, but neither of the men speak. Father Ben seems satisfied with the brawler's silence. There are many cloaked men helping the preacher with preparations, and all are silent. The preacher pauses for a moment, to see whether the samurai wishes to be left in silence as well.


((@Reaver, feel free to talk to the preacher or move on to the Leaky Quiver, Dojo, or anywhere else your characters wish to be.

@Everyone else, Phil let me know a while ago that finishing his novel would keep him extremely busy. Reaver offered to play his character, so don't be surprised to see PJ or other POVs in Reaver's posts.))

 

[Noma Galway]

I nod with a smile at Lara. "Of course we will be there. Thank you so much for everything." I look at Fenella. "Let's go to Esmerelda's. I think the rest of them were going there."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Garden

Addison sees Diana, and the Huntress looks as tough as she had looked on the way to battle. Whatever was bothering her earlier, she's apparently over it.

"A nun o' me goddess knocked some sense into me, but I'm fine now. Thanks for caring, though. I can show you around if need be." She notices Beatrice. "Cute kid."

"They call me Bee!" Beatrice giggles. Her expression suggests she is quite fond of Her nickname.

 

[Ireth]

Vincent

I grin at Beatrice. She reminds me so much of how Ariel was at that age. "And now you can sting like one, while still looking pretty as a butterfly."

"Have you seen Esmeralda?" I ask Addison. I can tell she isn't really over whatever was bothering her, but I know better than to pry and push he issue. Might as well take advantage of a change of subject. "I was hoping Diana and I could speak with her."

 

[JRFLynn]

Riff

Master Dan tells me to crouch like a cat and kick, making a low sweep with my twiggy legs. I’m clumsy at first, but I work on my technique until Dan is satisfied with it. I bet this is pixy-foo, made legendary by Brucy Wan, the scariest pixy ever known to fight with her two hands! That, and Chukzilla Noriz.

Jeisera

I lag behind to pack all my arrows in my quiver, which was a keepsake from those hunter's long ago. My friend Romey gave it to me, said it was blessed by the Woodsman. I never believed him, of course. Why even think of it now? Yet, as I shove more in, I realize that my quiver doesn't seem to be filling up. I could probably stash hundreds of arrows in here and they would all fit comfortably. Amazing! So it really was true, and Romey gave me something so special...Thinking of the hunters, especially him, sort of blindsided. A pang of regret stabbed at my heart. Looking around, women and their lover-boys were walking along the beach, or shopping along the boardwalk. Ugh.

Shaking off this fleeting ache, I swing my quiver over a shoulder and catch up with the group.

 

[Ruby]

Fenella

I smile at Lara and Mariya.

"Very well, we will go to Esmeralda's now. I hope the dresses will be ready by midnight."

I wonder whether we shall be like Cinderella in reverse, turning up at the ball in rags like beggars and leaving in finery like a couple of Princesses after midnight!

(eek)