Masquerade Part 2: Army of Darkness

[algae]

Sonia managed to find a chair before they were all taken, though after spending who knows how long in that cell, sitting was the last thing she wanted to do. As some of the others mentioned shops, she idly felt for the gem she took at the fort.

[riariadne]

Valha looked to the stumbling healer. "Well, okay..." she conceded, opting to let her have the couch spot. She seemed very intrigued by Ingverd's offer, standing up swiftly, but just as quick looking down again. "Well, I'd like to, but... I dunno if they even have clothes that would fit me, would they? I'm kinda small, and wings take up a lot of room, so they're usually made differently... Well, for shirts, anyway." Valha was a bit surprised by Lanos's gesture, but smiled. "Oh, thanks. I'll give 'em back when I'm done, okay?" She quickly ran up to her own room and tossed the wet clothes to the side as she put on what he gave her. They were a bit big, but otherwise were fine, and she descended at equal speed. "Do you know anywhere that would have somethin' for me, Ingverd?"

Edited March 8, 2014 by Reinfleche

[Xinnidy]

"Oh no, I hope it isn't that serious... I don't think it is, anyways. I... I think I just need rest." Maja replied, a bit more worried about herself. She turned to Makin as she seemed to be offering part of the couch --could that be serious? "Are you sure? Well, t-thanks..." She said, standing up slowly. She could feel that resting some was making her better, but she didn't want to force and get dizzy again this time.

[MRDRHAWK]

Kendeall nodded as Makin told Charlie's story to him. That sounded... real rough. He thought to himself as he sloshed around his drink. Upon seeing a spot open on the couch, Kendeall instinctively was about to make a move for the spot, but then saw Maja moving slowly towards it. Then he lost patience. "Alright, let's speed this up a bit, yeah?" The axeman said as he scooped up Maja and plopped her into the empty seat on the couch before taking another swig of his drink.

[Xinnidy]

"Wha- hey!" Maja couldn't do much but voice protest when she was manhandled onto the couch, she was starting to feel like a bother...

Sighing, Maja just leaned against the couch as much as she could. "Thanks for the spot, boss..."

[MRDRHAWK]

Clearly oblivious to Maja's exhaustion, Kendeall decided that the best way to cheer up the surprisingly mopey girl was... with beer. "Hey kid, put down that kid drink. You need some alcohol in your system; that way, you'll be rarin' to go in the morning. At least... I hope you will, anyway... Unless you drink too much." He said to the youthful healer, placing a large mug of ale onto the table in front of her.

[Nanami Touko]

Amused

Makin did get some enjoyment out of moving her tail, she got to watch Kendeall ferry poor Maja over to the couch. It was enough to get her to crack a smile, despite having gave up her extended seat. "You gonna be alright, Maja? I can't say I've ever seen a more diligent healer, honestly. You were on everyone's heels, making sure they kept standing. It's no wonder you're so exhausted." Thinking almost selfishly for a moment, Makin then suggested, "you sure you want to sit down here, instead of collapse into a nice bed upstairs?" She shooed away the selfish thought for a moment. "Though I guess you're probably too tired to make it up the stairs. Nevermind, stay down here. I mean that. You almost didn't make it to the couch, I don't want you to think you're a bother and try to move yourself again." She gave Maja a stern look before resting her eyes back on Kendeall with a bit of a frown. She picked up the mug he'd set down, and started drinking it herself. A shake of her head should suffice. "Well, you got a story out of me, so give me one from you."

Daggers

Ingverd was having a bit of trouble understanding Lanos' attitude, outside of responding to his own rhetoric. One track mind, eh? Maybe he took that 'no chance' comment a bit too harshly. He smirked, and went back to Valha, the sight of her in baggy clothes rather amusing. "I do, in fact, know of a certain store that pertains to all types of creatures, monsters included, and I'd be willing to bet that they've stocked up on clothes that would fit you just perfectly." He stood and gave a mock bow, offering a hand to her. "If you would do me the honors of allowing escort, I would be glad to show you."

A Gem

Vriska popped up behind Sonia's shoulder, eying the gem she had. "Where'd you get that, miss?" she asked, openly, wondering if she'd nicked it off of someone at the fort. "It looks rather expensive. Could probably sell it for a pretty penny."

[MRDRHAWK]

Kendeall cocked an eyebrow and smirked as his boss started drinking as well. If it kept taking him drinks for Maja to get the Naga drunk off her ass, then so be it. "A story, eh...? Well, what kind of story do you wanna hear, boss? I figure that since you requested it, you've got some sort of idea of what exactly you want from me..." He asked, before turning his head slightly to Maja. "After that, it'll be your turn, kid. I'd hoped to get you drunk enough to spill something hilarious, but I suppose a serious story will do..." He added, gazing intently into his mug before ordering another. Just to be safe.

[Xinnidy]

"Oh, thanks, boss. I tried what I could, figured, since that priest decided to stay. But I'm not at his level, I think." Maja replied. "My head feels light, and I got dizzy when I stood up too fast, I'll stay here for a while, thanks."

Maja looked at the drink for a moment, uncertain if she should follow that guys' word, but didn't have a choice aniways as Makin took the drink for herself. "Uh... are you sure this would be good for my mind? I never drank that stuff before." She said absentmindedly, taking a glance as Makin, the whole alcohol deal was pretty alien for her. "Story? Huh, I'll... If I can think of something." She rubbed her forehead for a moment and leaned back on the couch again.

[algae]

So much for keeping it hidden... "One of the soldiers in the fort had it. I know it's worth a bit but it's most likely stolen," She brought it out into the light, taking a closer look, "Even then, some of the others here are more entitled to the money from it than I am: you guys were the ones doing all of the hard work, I just took it so that it wouldn't get lost in the heat of battle."

Edited March 9, 2014 by Alg

[riariadne]

"Oh, well that sounds great!" Valha responded positively, but hesitating when he held out a hand for her. She glanced at Lanos hesitantly, unsure as to how he would react. After a moment of pause, Valha put her own small, clawed hand into his. "Well, take me there, then."

[Nanami Touko]

Tales

"Tell me how you started swinging an axe around. Maybe there's something interesting attached to it that I can drink to. Unless you just picked one up someday and started, that's boring." She finished the second glass and looked up at the ceiling. "I don't know. Why'd you get into mercenary work, or something. As for you, Maja, no drinking tonight, even if you wanted to. You're suffering from magical exhaustion, and from what Charlie had told me of it, drinking makes the morning after so much worse than it normally would. If you want to join in on story time, though, feel free."

Escort

He winked at Lanos while Valha was glancing at him, making sure to address her with his eyes before she turned back around. "Gladly!" He happily took her claw and led her from the inn, taking a moment to get his bearings before heading towards the nearest elevator. "RIght, just take this one up, and..." He started the pulley system, and off they went.

Though their destination wasn't very far from the pulley's stop, only a few buildings past it. The sign read, 'Exotic Apparel', and the entrance was rather lavishly decorated. A few candles were lit in the windows against red drapes, to give a lovely glow. "Eesh. I remember this place being over the top, but not this much. I almost regret bringing you... But! It's the only store in town that'll sell something for you without having to cut off the sleeves or hem the cloth. Shall we?" He gestured for her to enter first, hoping that the same shop keep that had run the store before had been replaced by now. It's been five years. There's no way she's still working there. Surely.

Expensive

"Well..." Vriska thought for a moment. "You took it, so it's yours, right? I mean, that also means you can do what you want with it... Hmm." Vriska looked about the room, wondering if anyone could use the money. Ingverd was about to go shopping. "You could give it to him." She then scanned to the boss. "Or her." Then to Lanos heading upstairs. "He took a lot of hits last time. Maybe him, even." Then she looked back at Sonia. "Or you could just go and buy some fancy magic with it. Your call. Just don't keep it in your pocket, I doubt you're a collector." Ingverd had left shortly after her suggestion, so she shrugged. "Guess he's off your list."

Edited March 9, 2014 by I have opinions

[Oersted]

"Yeah, no problem. Just toss 'em in my room when you get back if I'm not downstairs." With his spare clothes now no longer available, for a while at least, Lanos was going to have make sure he didn't make the same mistake Valha had. Given his tired state, the odds were stacked against him. Lanos caught Ingverd's wink and Valha's glance but he just shook his head and continued on his way to the bath, he was too tired for that shit. Instead of hurrying to finish, he let himself soak in the water and let both his tired mind and sore muscles relax, for once in a long while he was at peace. After a bit more soaking Lanos yawned and reluctantly got out of the bath. Falling asleep in the bath would be... embarrassing, if not fatal, to say the least. Miraculously he avoided washing his clothes; though, now he wasn't as tired, the chill from his wet hair and some relaxation waking him up somehow. "Bed can wait for a bit I guess."

Descending from the stairs Lanos' looked for a familiar face. Makin and a good number of the other mercs where all conversing together, he couldn't see Raith or Angus, Valha and Ingverd must've just left, and Vriska and the newcomer were conversing over something. In fact it looked like the newcomer was holding something shiny. Loath as he was to admit it, at this point that was enough. Besides he knew Vriska... kinda. "Hey," Lanos greeted as he approached the pair. "Mind if I sit here? Everyone else seems busy."

Edited March 9, 2014 by Oersted

[Xinnidy]

"Oh... right, no drinking then. It probably... wouldn't be a good idea, to have my first try like this." Maja looked away from the glass, and tried to gaze mindlessly at the ceiling to clean her thoughts. "I think... would be hard to tell a story now. Besides, I'm not all that... lived. Don't think I'd have interesting stuff to say."

[riariadne]

As she went to the mystery destination, Valha looked at the elevator a bit, intrigued. She hadn't payed them much attention before as she was busy flying around instead, but they were fairly impressive- not bad as a substitute for those without wings. She found the entrance to the shop less appealing, the feeling it gave unwelcome. "You're sure this is the place, right?" she asked, knowing this was exactly where he had meant to take her after his comment about regretting it. She stepped in, and the inside wasn't exactly an improvement with regards to flashiness, but the clothing available seemed fairly normal, to her surprise. Valha only gave a brief look at the shopkeeper before she began browsing what was available for her size, careful not to tear it, but not sure on what to take. "Anythin' you see you think would look nice on me, Ingverd?"

[algae]

"Sure. We were just working out what to do with this gem." This is one of the ones she was talking about, isn't he? "I'll probably just going to hold on to it until we get to Felson. Bit more time to decide what to do with it or who to give it to, and I know that it'll be easy to sell in a city like that."

[Nanami Touko]

Seats

"And contestant number one sits down for his chance to win a lovely red gem!" Vriska said, as Lanos made his way over to the table. "Lanos, question one: how do you feel about Ingverd spending so much time with your childhood friend? Question two: what's it like fighting with wings and claws? Question three: how does it feel to fly? And finally, question four: could I ride on your back once to see what it's like?" After her small barrage she leaned forward and laughed. "Yeah, feel free to sit down. Sonia was just musing over this lovely piece of jewelry and whether or not she should give it to someone in the group, like she said."

Terrified

Ingverd made his way into the grossly decorated shop after Valha, freezing as he spotted the woman at the counter. Olga, late thirties, with a penchant for mischief and a memory that never forgot. She'd been witness to a few of Ingverd's more regrettable moments, some of which took place in the store, and if she recognized him (which she most assuredly would), it would mean embarrassment and ridicule in front of Valha.

Which is why he assumed he was already dead when Valha called his name, but it seemed Olga was preoccupied with checking over her recent earnings. Whatever the case, she didn't notice them, more over she didn't notice him, and he was safe to walk over to where Valha was looking. "Well, you've lovely raven hair, so any color would work well on it... Need something to match the ribbon, though." He pulled out a simple, but very lovingly stitched red shirt, with a small diamond pattern on the chest. "I can't say I'm the most fashionable person, but red seems like a color that'd match well with your hair, and those eyes. Or perhaps white... But that'd probably end up getting stained, which would be rather unfortunate."

Relaxing

"Yeah, take it easy Maja. Even if you don't have a story up in there right now, you can listen to us drone on until sweet morpheus comes to take you away." Makin giggled, hoping Maja wasn't feeling too terrible. If anything, our stories will be boring enough that she'll fall asleep more easily.

Edited March 9, 2014 by I have opinions

[Baldrick]

"I'm glad there's someone on this table with some sense" Joel rumbled. "I'd offer my own epic tale of how I started out, but there isn't one. Just picked out a weapon that's most like a hammer, then went on my way."

[Oersted]

"Who are you considering, if you don't mind my asking?"

Lanos sighed at the first question Vriska asked. Of course her first question woulid involve that topic. "I don't really know at the moment so neutral I guess? I mean it wouldn't be fair to Valha if I tried to take all her time, right?" Probably should apologize to Ingverd for what I said earlier now that I think about it. But in the morning, not now. "What's it like... Uh, natural I guess? I'm not really sure how to explain it. Flying? It's pretty great. For me at least it's actually kind of calming. You get some great scenery from the air." He stopped to think about her final question. "I guess...? I've never tried something like that before and the only way I see it working is if you somehow don't choke me in the process." Without another word he sat down. So her name's Sonia. At the very least I know everyone's name.

[Xinnidy]

"Hmm, alright... Thanks boss." Maja replied, leaning back some more and closing her eyes, sleeping was starting to sound amazing now that the headache was getting used to.

[riariadne]

"Hmm..." Valha took the shirt from him, going over its details and holding it up to herself to try and get a feel for how it looked on her, feeling the fabric with her feathers, claws, and skin, and even sniffing it a bit. "I think like this one. I'm thinkin' you know a bit more than you let on, huh? Well, I still need pants, or maybe a skirt." She moved towards those and started looking as intently before, somewhat aware of Ingverd's apparent discomfort. "Hey, are you alright? If you don't like bein' in here, I can just buy the stuff on my own and you can head out, or... oohh." She was cut off by the discovery a vivid green skirt with a complex yellow floral pattern. "This one's pretty... Do you like it?"

[MRDRHAWK]

Kendeall shrugged. Honestly, what Makin was asking for just wasn't that interesting. "That story's just not interesting either. I was broke, mercenary work paid well, the end. Not much else to tell you about that, honestly... As for my axe skills, I figured I needed something to fight with, and I used to work as a woodcutter. There. My story's done. Now tell us something of your own, boss." He replied, more or less summing up his past career in about two lines.

[Nanami Touko]

A Natural

Vriska snapped her fingers and pointed at Lanos. "Sonia, I think you have a winner. Damn. You answered those pretty well for being so obviously tired." Of course, it had been a joke. She leaned back in her chair and flopped a boot up onto the table. "I'll make sure I don't choke you. I'd die too if I did, y'know."

Distressed

"Don't like being here?" he asked, his voice a bit quiet. He cleared his throat and corrected that. "No, no I'm just fine. You keep on looking, it's no problem... Oh my." Ingverd's own worries were cut short by the sight of the skirt, the vivid green working quite well as a contrast to the deep red. The colors mixed well with the beige on her wings, as well. He caught himself staring and cleared his throat again, focusing on one of the awful paintings to drag his mind back into reality. "Yes, well, I, uh," he stammered for a moment, "not sure about knowing more than I let on, but those certainly work well. As long as you're comfortable flying in a skirt. Seems like it'd be awfully drafty."

Stories

"Nope," Makin said flatly, staring blankly at her empty mug. "That was too boring. I told you something exciting, in a sense, now you need to. Then you'll get something else. Unless you don't want to hear about the desert." That was normally enough to hook people, because outside of a select few, no one had actually been there, and Makin had a few secrets she didn't mind sharing about the place.

[riariadne]

Valha looked triumphant at how obviously flustered Ingverd was with her choice of apparel. "I think I'll get this. I'm not too concerned with the wind, it can't be much worse than before, yeah? I've flown in skirts before, it's no big deal." She didn't seem convinced with his assurance he was alright in the place. "Sure seem uncomfortable to me. Just be honest about it, it's not gonna do you any good to stick around."

[Nanami Touko]

"Well, no, that's not, I, hmm..." Ingverd had to approach this carefully as to not come across as a creep, but he wasn't sure there was any way to address it without doing exactly that. For the greater good, I suppose. "You don't ever worry about anyone seeing up your skirt when you're flying?" If you have to hit a nail, hammer it hard, don't fiddle around with it. As for him being uncomfortable or not, he's thrown away that feeling, as Olga hadn't said anything since they'd walked in. "I'm plenty alright, don't worry about it."