Verai walked up to the shack that was to be her new home in this land. It truly was a shack, with wood walls and a rusty-hinged door. She sighed, realizing that she had been ripped-off... again. "I have GOT to think about deals before I make'em" she thought as she walked inside. Inside, it was only one room, with a fireplace off to the left and a small bed on the right wall. There was a table near the fireplace and a cabinet directly to the left of her. "Great...you know what?" she said to no one in particular, "I'm gonna go get me some acquaintances..."

Verai stepped back into her house, her new long sword strapped to her hip in a sheath given to her from a friend in the past. "It's about time I got to use this old thing," she whispered as she hugged the sheath as if it was an old friend. She silently packed her bags and went out, walking towards Turin's to get her horse. Then she would start out on her way to the Academy in Candaceburg.

Verai walks down the street and stands in front of a house and looks around. "Now, who can I talk to..." The house door seems to be open... So Verai looked into the door and said, "Hey Norsha! It's me, Verai. Can I come in?"

Shssay: She turns at the sound of another voice and a grin splits her face. "Hail Verai! I knew that once Norsha showed up you would too! Although I wasn't expecting you so soon."

Norsha: Turning to Verai.-"Of couse you can come in! Come sit!"

"Greetings my friends," Verai replies with a grin as she enters the house. "Um, there's a guy standing outside, shouldn't we talk to him?" She makes a gesture towards the man. "Oh well, never mind. I finally got myself a house! Well, sort of... It's more like a shack, but it's better than living with my parents." She shudders. "All that high life bull... well, you know. Anyway, how's life?"

Norsha: -"Life is good, my friend. I am planing on getting training at the Military District." Norsha turned to the rest of her guests.

-"How about the rest of you?"

"Training." Shssay says with a crooked grin. "I will also be roaming the country side...for I don't like to stay in one place for long." She laughs softly at some hidden joke.

Norsha: -"Maybe we can train together, do you know of a place that has good training?"

"Yes, I would like to train with you guys as well," Verai states. "I think a little training might help. Shssay, Gohan, do either of you know of a good place to train?"

Gohan: "Depends...what do you want to be trained as?"

Verai: "Well," she replies to Gohan's question, "I would like to have some warrior skills. They might come in handy. And some thief skills might be useful as well. Don't you agree, Norsha?"

Norsha shrugs her shoulders.

-"Yes, thief skills would help, but to get thief skills one must learn from a thief. That is not as easy was it sounds. So I will get weapons training."

Norsha stands up.

-"Well I am not getting any training here. I am going into the city. Who wants to come with me?"

Verai also stands up. "I agree. Actually, As I was passing by here I saw a sign looking for adventurers. I'm gonna follow that up. See ya guys later." She left.

OOC: I'm gone... See ya guys at the Crown Tavern!

A woman with ebony hair and glittering blue eyes walks through the academy. "Wow, what a place!" She then spots her friend Shssay, and walks towards her, when she suddenly realizes that she looks angry, and has her weapon drawn. She walks up to her and waves her hand so she won't be struck down. "Um, Shssay, is this a bad time?" She turns towards the other three men. "Oh no, did they insult your honor again or something?" Verai understood how much the feminist that Shssay was. She turned towards the two man preparing for a fist fight.

Shssay looks at Verai. "Aye, this man," She motions at Machis, "has insulted me. He refuses to fight me though!" She looks on in silent fury, awaiting the outcome of the fight.

OOC: I don't think feminism is actually a concept in this world.

(OOC: Er... I'm back from the weekend, and am glad to see that poor old Machis isn't dead ----just yet, anyway...whew!! *wipes sweat from brow*

But still no, GM, eh? Well, we've got to get one's attention if we want to settle this! And I know I do... though preferably without bloodshed -though I am sure Machis couldn't care less if blood came into play! But personally, I tend to agree w/ wise Mikaal over here when it comes to fighting, though heavens forbid that Machis should ever play the part of the non-combatant... he can be SOOOO boorish....! *sighs*)

OOC: This is getting no where... I believe we need a GM...

IC: Verai raised an eyebrow. "Insulted you, ey?" She eyed the two men. "And who be these young men? One of them must be defending your honor..."

An Imperial soldier, coming through to pick up his daughter from the Grammaticus, steps over and in between the fighters. "Here now, what's all this then?!"

Machis is about to launch himself at his opponent, excited for the fight, when suddenly SOMEONE steps right across his path!

A blustery expression somewhere between annoyance and anger spreads over Machis' face as he jerks his head back to take in the obstacle, shouting:

"Hey, moron! Get out of the way ----can't you see we're-"

"-Uh!" Machis bites his tongue as he suddenly notices the man's uniform and the badges that identify him as an imperial guard...

"Er- Gee, officer!" Machis oozes good cheer as he nervously scratches the back of his head, his slightly slanted eyes closing in the wake of a huge smile.

"Is something wrong?" He asks with over-flowing innocence. "You see, me and my pal -er, Cyon- here were just having a little fun ---all in good will!"

Machis explains with syrupy (and likely unconvincing) charm as he reaches out an arm to give Cyon a pat of comraderie.

Verai slaps her forehead. "What an idiot..." She mutters. She walks up to the imperial guard. "Excuse me sir, but this MAN here has insulted my friend." She gestures towards Shssay. "Then this nice young man," gestures towards Cyon, "has offered to defend her honor. But HE..." points to Machis, "continued to insult Shssay. Perhaps there is a place where they can fight without causing a ruckus..?"

Machis opens wide both his mouth and his eyes in disbelief.

"What?!" Machis demands with sincere incredulity.

"Officer -it is obvious that this girl knows nothing of what she says ---she wasn't even HERE when this ..er, situation... unfolded..."

Machis crosses his arms nonchalantly.

"I can assure you, officer, there's NOTHING amiss here."

"What Verai says is nearly accurate sir. We did have a disagreement, and Cyon did come to my defense. They were just about to fight."

Mikaal just shakes his head and stares to the heavens.

Machis delivers a look of vast disbelief to the woman (Shssay), as if to say: I can't believe you! What are you thinking? Blowing our cover?!

As far as Machis was concerned, they were now all in this together.

The Imperial Guard sighs and throws his hands up. "Listen, I don't care who started it, but I saw you initiate violence." He turns to Machis. "You're coming with me to the Gaol." He promptly slaps manacles on Machis's arms and starts off, dragging Machis along by the chain attached to the manacles. "Serale all!"

Machis gapes, supremely indignant.

"WHAT?!" He gasps as manacles enclose his wrists.

"Hold on a second!" He protests as the imperial guard starts dragging him away. "You can't do this to me! I'm a registered citizen of Alleria Prime ---I was attacked! Can't I even defend myself?! ---You've got the wrong man!!"

All that time surviving on the streets, and he had come to THIS... all because some stupid SHREW took offense at a casual remark, and some punk decided to pull a dagger on him...

(OOC: Do I just meet up with you in a gaol thread in Old Prime then?? I've never been arrested before ---believe it or not...!!)

Shssay bows in respect to the Imperial Guard and says "Thank you sir!"

"Uh, yeah, thanks..." Verai replied to the guard as she tugged on Shssay's sleeve. "Um, I'm gonna go now, I'll see ya whenever, 'kay?" Then she turned and walked away.

A stone's throw down the street from the Crown Inn & Tavern, next to Prime Rides

is a livery stable. A sign above the large barn door reads "Turin's Livery and Tack" in bright red letters on a green background. On one side of the letters is a black silhouette of a horse. The smells of the stable, old and new straw, manure, sweat, and oiled leather, assault all who enter.

The first stall to the right has been converted to a small office with a counter. The owner, Turin is away at the moment.

One of the stable hands, Soquili, sees the customer and approaches him. "Serale, how can I help you today?"

"Serale, I was looking for a horse." She pulls out the paper from Lt. Olef that entitled her to one horse and hands it to the stable hand. "Here. I was wondering if you had a white horse with black sploches..."

Soquili examined the certificate closely.

"All seems to be in order here. I'm afraid I don't have any horses such as you described. My horses come from the plains. Most of them are mares, most of them are brown. Some have white on the face and/or hoof. I keep several set aside for the academy. I'll fetch one for you."

Soquili opened a stall and led out a chocolate brown mare who had no white markings. The mare was young and healthy. Her muscles rippled as she walked. She appeared alert and intelligent, and followed Soquili obediently.

Soquili smiled. "A common marking. Yes, I have several."

She returned the mare to it's stall, then led out a black stallion who had a white star on his forehead and white on both hind feet.

"What do you think of this fellow?"

The stallion reached his soft muzzle towards Verai and sniffed her outstretched hand.

"I think he likes you as well! Let me fetch the tack and then you can take him."

Soquili gathered a saddle and bridle and quickly had the horse ready for travel.

Verai nodded her head. "Thanks." She took the reins of the horse and led him outside. "Now, what to call you, my friend..."

A young woman with ebony hair and glittering blue eyes walked up to the table, seeing a man who seemed to be looking for someone. "Excuse me, but are these seats taken?"

The young man usually referred to as Patrius looked up.

"No, miss. They're not. If you wish I'd be quite honored if you would sit at my table. My name is Patrius. What might your name be?"

Patrius, a citizen of Alleria for quite a while now realised that it was only proper to offer this woman a seat and perhaps a drink. After all, etiquette demanded it and he was well mannered. His parents saw to that. Maybe he would find adventurers to be today.

"And could I perhaps offer you a drink? As soon as a waitress comes, that is."

Verai smiled warmly and sat down. "So you're Patrius. Why yes, I would like a drink, if you don't mind." She sat down. "The name's Verai." She held out a hand to the young man. "I saw your ad in the residential district. Sounds like you want to take on a quest."

Lachdanon, walks into the crown, and sees Patrius, and says, "Serale, long time since the last time I talked to you!"

Patrius, recognizing Lachdanon from the Sherian liberation and his venture through what can only be described as another dimension offers him a seat.

"It sure was, but now we're talking again."

Then he continues to answer Verai's question.

"In a way I am always on a quest. You see, one of my goals is to help turn the fair city of Port Alyxandrya in a safe place where everyone can be safe and happy. The town has had its troubles, crimelords and necromancers. It has yet to be confirmed that they have been driven away. Not only that, but Port Alyxandrya is rather underpopulated and there are many good job oppertunities. What I am trying to do is to form a party that will consist of people with many resources at their disposal. I am too planning to start a career in Port Alyxandrya and have bought a mansion there. If we could form a group of friends that would gradually work its way up there in Port Alyxandrya all of us could profit from it while improving the city. With the proper education, training and income we could become famous adventurers. I now know how to reach that goal. Now all that is left is to do it."

Verai thought about this for a moment. "Hm... That sounds like fun, and a good chance to get some experience. I would like to invite some of my friends, if you don't mind..." Before she gets a response, she gets up. "You know what? I'll go get them first. You can decide once you meet them..." She runs out the door.

OOC: That wasn't bunnying, was it? And don't worry, I'll be back with some friends.

"Sure... you go ahead." Patrius said, but Verai was already gone.

"Well, I hope her friends are in for a little campaign for that is what I am planning to undertake."

ooc : That wasn't bunnying. Hope to see you soon.

OOC: Bunnying is when you speak for someone else without their permission... or something like that.

IC: Verai waltzs back in. "I'm back! My friend Norsha is busy and I couldn't find the others... But I'm sure we'll see them sometime... anyway..." She turns to look at the young man. "You looking for adventure as well?"

Celuna moved towards the table, she was an old face at the Crown, and enjoyed seeing all the new arrivals to Alleria. Yet she missed all the friends who had passed, and the changes their presence brought about in her life. She did not have too many friends anymore, but was far from unfriendly.

Her smile was warm, her eyes blue and her hair silver. She was restless and eager to meet new people, so adventure was appealing at the time. She did not however immediately take a seat or get too close. She kept a slight distance away and listened to the conversation with her Elven ears, if they wished for a larger group mayhaps she would join. The poster had only said so much...

Patrius grinned. It was ironic. What seemed like a long time ago he too was looking for adventure. Nowadays he had to watch out not to get swept in more adventures that he could partake in and sometimes had to seek out others.

"Well, I can assure you that many exciting things happen in Port Alyxandrya. I could let you in on a secret, but you must promise not to tell anyone else."

Verai sat back down at the table and heard Patrius say something along the lines of keeping a secret. She nodded her head once. "I can keep a secret. What's so important about this secret?"

Patrius starts to speak with a lower voice now.

"Well, you see, of the six persons knowing about it two mysteriously disappeared, two went their own way and I don't know what has happened with them since and another got incarcerated. I guess I was the lucky one since I'm sitting here.

Anyway, several months ago a meeting took place between me, some fellow monsterhunters, the thane and the prefect and someone I met during an adventure. It was about the troubles in Port Alyxandrya. You see, necromancers have been known to plague the city. There are rumors that they live in the catacombs. Then there were those crimelords that needed dealing with.

It was decided that some of us should go undercover and try to find out about those crimelords. It was after that decision that most of us started to disappear.

I am the only one left knowing of this and I feel that since I promised the thane before she disappeared to help Port Alyxandrya that I should do whatever I can. I'm not sure wheter or not those crimelords still reside in Port Alyxandrya. I suspect so since they're hard to get rid of. But there has been some necromantic activity lately.

Those troubles. I do not think I can overcome them by myself."

"Mind if I join you sir?" Shssay asks, approaching the table. "Are you Patrius?" She asks, inclining her head. "Are you he who posted the notice in the residential district calling for adventurers?"

Being quiet, Lachdanon listened to Patrius, then said, "Well, more criminals to kill, and Necromancers as well, SOUNDS LIKE FUN!! When do we start?"

"Hmm... Seems like this will be an important quest. I'll give you my full support...that is, if I don't get recruited for the academy first..." Verai said. "But I should be able to help you. When do we leave?"

"Certainly you may sir." Patrius said to Shssay and told her what he told the others about the criminals and necromancers.

"But I cannot stress enough that we're supposed to do this secretly for now so whatever you do, don't let too many people know about this unless you're sure you can trust them. I wouldn't want to have more people disappear. We can't have that. Especially when we arrive in Port Alyxandrya you shouldn't tell too many people. They might be working for those villains.

I think I've figured out a good plan. I will throw a party in Port Alyxandrya and you could come there and stay at my place. I take on tenants so you could pretend to be a tenant. And you could possibly enroll in classes or go to this naval academy that is supposed to open in a few weeks. Either way, if we could attain some positions of importance in Port Alyxandrya that we could use for this purpose it's only better. So...

Are you up to it? We'll go to Port Alyxandrya, build up a cover while secretly looking for clues about where we could find those criminals and necromancers. As soon as we have enough power to confront them we should."

Shssay nods gravely. "I'm up for it, and you have my word that no one will hear of this from me." She sits down. "I have three others, who may be useful if you wan't them. They have been my friends for several years, and I know I can trust them. They are stout and strong, and would be useful here I think. But it is up to you. If you tell me not to, I won't speak a word of this to them."

"Sounds reasonable, I well able and equipt to aid you and your comrads...." He takes out a paper and starts to write something down....

Sengyo entered the Crown in a disappointed mood. He had really hoped to find the right book at the library. He was trying to console himself and pretend that the next time would be more fruitful. He walked slowly to a table in a corner of the busy inn.

After he sat down he decided to return to his favorite passtime. One he used to practice since early childhood. He was going to observe the people around him. He looked around for a waitress.

While he was waiting, he noticed a table nearby where several individuals were talking. It seemed to be some kind of assembly since he had noticed at least two of them join the table in the last few minutes. He overheard the one sitting at the table introduce himself as Patrius and suddenly started to search through his mind. * I know I have seen this name somewhere * he thought.

*Yes! It's the one who posted the note asking for adventurers.* He decided to get up and enquire. *Who knows.* He thought. *Maybe I'll be more succesful this time.*

Sengyo rose from his chair and walked towards the table where the group was talking in low tones. He put up his most friendly face and said: "Serale noble friends. My name is Sengyo." he then looked at the man who seemed to be Patrius and softly asked: "I seem to have overheard your name. Are you the one who posted the note asking for people? If so I would be most honoured to be part of the group if there is room."

OOC: I hope I didn't bunny by prentending to overhear. Just needed a way in.

Patrius said to Shsshay "I trust your judgement. We will be able to use all the help we can get. If you think they're to be trusted then that is good enough for me."

Then he noticed someone else coming to the table.

"Certainly Sengyo, we can use all the help we can get. But you will need to keep what I'm going to tell you a secret." Patrius said and he also told Sengyo what he told the rest(I know, I'm lazy).

"So where shall we all meet? We could meet at my house in Port Alyxandrya. My adress is Coral Avenue 1. It's pretty close to the Wolves Den."

"Alright," Verai said. "I'm gonna go ahead and head home, it's getting late." I'll meet ya all at Port Alyxandria!" She waved goodbye as she left. (I can't wait for this new adventure!)

Quan enters the tourney field and watches a group of people spar. He smiles and adjusts the dagger on his belt and the cowl and cloak covering his person. Quan sees a practice dummy in a corner and walks over. He takes out his dagger and flips it at the dummy.Thunk! the dagger hits the dummy in the midsection. Blast! Quan thinks to himself as he retrieves his dagger, need more practice then I thought. He smiles from under his cowl and launches his dagger again. Thunk! this time it hits the dummy chest level. Quans' smile gets broader mayhap I am not as bad as I thought?

Another dagger flies through the air and hits the dummy in a rather... painful position. "Oops, guess I gotta work on my aim." A woman (human) with flowing ebony hair and glittering blue eyes walked up to the dummy to retrieve her dagger. "Hey, I'm Verai. What's your name?"

Quan turns at this sudden intrusion and smiles. He adjusts his cloak and cowl to make sure they hide his feaures. "Serale, I think that was a perfect shot." Quans' smile gets larger as he watches the female look at the dagger, resting in her hand.

"Ah my name? It is Quan' Taos Silverbane but you may call me Quan." At that moment Quan turns and flings a dagger at the dummy lodging it in the head. He smiles.....

Verai looked at the man, not sure what of race he was. "That was a good throw Quan. Are you skilled in using the dagger? I would like a teacher..." She tried to look past the cowl to see what kind of person this guy was...

Noticing the look he was getting Quan hid himself deeper in the cowl but not before some silvery hair was revealed."Well I am fairly well with the dagger." Quan said as he flipped another at the dummy. Thunk! this one hit the dummy in the neck. Quan smiled and retrieved his daggers. "So if you would wish to I may be able to help?" Quan looks intently at Verai...

(Silver hair..?) Verai decided that her new friend was either really old, or was not human. "Well, yes, I would like some help with my dagger skills." She throws her dagger once more. It flies past the dummy's neck and into the wall. "Dang... I hope it didn't break... So," she says as she walks to get her dagger, "are you gonna teach me or not?"

Quan chuckles softly at Verais' near hit. "Ah that I can first you must hold your dagger like this to get better throwing distance and speed." Quan demostrates how to hold it. "And when you release it follow through like this." Quan proceeds to hurtle the dagger, Thunk! it hits the dummy right where the heart should be.

"Oh..." She does as Quan tells her. She throws the dagger, aiming for the heart. *CHINK* Her dagger bounces off Quan's dagger and hits the floor. "..." She proceeds to get her dagger, and Quan's. She hands him his dagger, and attempts to throw the dagger once more. "If there's anything wrong with my form, tell me now before I make a fool of myself." *She holds the dagger by the blade in her right hand, takes a step forward with her left foot and turns her head to Quan, waiting for a response....*

Quan looks at her and smiles "Just shift your feet and square your shoulders." After having this done Quan says "Good now focus on nothing but that target and release"...

Hearing his words of advice, Verai closed her eyes and concentrated on nothing but the target. She felt something snap in her mind, opened her eyes, and threw the dagger. *THUNK* Same place as her first shot. "Hm... that wasn't exactly what I was aiming for, but that's as good a place as any, right?" She shrugged as she smiled a little smile of embarrasment.

OOC: *nervous laughter* hm, it seems like I like to hit guys where it hurts... heh heh...

Quan grimaces with sympathy pain then smiles a small smile. "Ah well that would stop a man as good as in any other place." He lets Verai have another throw...

Verai tried again. This time, a little higher. "Huh, the stomach. That's not a mortal wound, I don't think." She retrieved her dagger and tried again, this time aiming for the head. *THUNK* Straight in the heart. "I figured. I always hit lower than what I aim for..."

Quan chuckles "Well you can use that, just remember to focus when you throw and you should be alright."

Verai laughed. "Alright. Look, I've gotta go. I'll see ya around Alleria, okay?" She retrieved her dagger and walked away, her hair flowing with the wind...

OOC: Sorry for leaving, but we both know that we'll see each other again elsewhere...

Done with his practice and teaching Quan decides to leave

OOC: np hard with so many threads

"Hey, Norsha!" A girl with flowing black hair and shining blue eyes runs towards the group. "I thought I heard your voice..." She turns to look at grey-eyed man. "Hm..." She cocks her head to one side and raises an eyebrow, "You seem to be the cause of all this trouble, considering that everyone seems to be pointing their sharp-pointy objects at you." She turns to the beggar, thinking he is trying to stop all of this, for he is in the middle of Norsha and the grey-eyed man. "What's going on here?" she asks calmly.

Thistle draws back her whiskers and spat in disgust. "Pataah! I would sooner chew off my own leg than be ENTERTAINED by you in that way!" She growls, showing her fangs as she spoke. "And you will fight, or apologize, whether we be females or no..." She twirls her sword and sets her feet, pulling something out of the back of her belt.

Silvara looks at Thistle with a strange look on her face. "For once, I agree with the Pantheri." She looks at the Talen. "But if he wishes us not to fight, perhaps there is no need." She holds her ground and waits.

Norsha could not believe what she had just heard this man say. Did he want to die? If that was what he was aiming for Shssay would grant that wish in a heart-beat. Norsha had to keep herself from gutting him with her knife was it was. But she did not want to spill any unnecessary blood today.

"Machis you aren't getting any friends by acting the way you are." Alexander says. "You better apoligize cause the women will probably not care if they kill you honorable or not, and I'll hold you down while they do it. So you better do as they say." Alexander draws his two-handed sword and prepares for an attack.

Shssay's eyes flash in fury, matching her sword as it glints in the moonlight. "By the Goddess I will cut your throat for that last remark!" She growls. Then the beggar positioned himself between herself and Machis.

She halts, quieting her anger. "I apologize sir. If you don't wish us to fight here...I will hold off until another time. But mark me, his blood will spill for those words!" She fixes Machis with a deadly cold glare, unwilling to back down if he rose to her challenge. She doubted it however, for this man seemed like a coward to her...hiding behind chivilry! HAH! If he was really chivilrous he wouldn't act the way he was....

Gohan thinks to himself for a minnute.

"Ive got an idea! why don't we settle this at the tourney fields? nobady culd get het there."

"I suggest you drop the whole thing." A calm voice answers. Another Pantheri, this one male with copper fur and green eyes, walks over to stand next to Thistle Chaser. "Thistle, no fights." He whispers. "Killing this man will only make you as bad as he is, and just as ignorant. Use the sense given you Thistle, this fight isn't necessary, sister." He says laying a paw on the shorter Pantheri's shoulder.

The crafty thief cyon has been hiding in the shadows watching the whole scene. He suddenly steps out of the dark alley, almost as if materializing. he walks up to the beggar and bows while saying, "hail thee, young friend, you seem a little under funded, hahaha, i can help that."

Cyon gives the man a bag with 20 crowns in it.

He then walks behind Shssay and puts his hands on her shoulder then whispers into her ear, "what posse are you part of? Hmmm....i thought i had a hand in almost everything in the underbelly, obviously not, does your group require or want the assistance of a lowly vagabond like myself?"

He smiles at the ladies and frowns at Machis, "you are rude my young friend, you should learn manners, of course considering your mother was a "lamia" and your father a "necrosian", i expect it from you."

OOC:Norsha wasnt really sure where this post was exactly going in the first place, feel free to take it anywhere you wish, I can adapt besides it is going more or less the way I wanted.

IC: Talen turns to verai"Well neighbour I was sitting here with my bowl in my hand when this arrogant fool started abusing me. Not one for trouble I tried to ignore him but his arrogance over came him and thats when these ladies here came to my aid. Still he continued to abuse me but not only that he then started abusing these women. The fool doesnt know when to quit and now these women are after spilling his entrails all over the street."

Just as he finishes an elf places 20 gold coins in his bowl and starts talikng to the women. Talen stares at him for a moment" Thank you neighbour" he barks half talking half coughing to the elf. "Perhaps you can help me further?"

Shssay smiles at Cyon, who has once again come to her aid. "Aye, we're all part of the posse." She nods to each woman in turn as she speaks. She turns to the silver dracon. "This is Silvaraths'atha." She turns to the two Pantheris. "This is Thistle Chaser and her brother Thakur Torn-Claw." She turns to the two other human women. "And these two, are Verai and Norsha. These are the present members of our company, but there are a few still who haven't joined us here." She glares at Machis, then turns back to Cyon.

"We aren't involved with anything on the underbelly of this city...which isn't saying we wouldn't want to." She grins. "Our posse was mainly started for protection...and for the solving of our pasts." She looks at Cyon. "I am sure that if you still want to join it, you may." She turns to Machis again and raises her sword. "Now, either apologize, or die now by our swords."

Thistle Chaser shruggs off her brother's paw. "Forget it!" she hissed, raising her scimitar. "This man has insulted me and my friends, and now he is going to pay for it."

Norsha watched as two new people came on to the scene. Shssay seemed to know the Pantheri and the darkish elf, and the other seemed to know the jerk who started the whole thing (Machis?).

Knowing that a fight will not be avoidable, Norsha moved into a fighting stance and pulled her knife. Enraged at this mans continued

-"An apology might not do it now. For what you have said, you might have to get down on your hands and knees and lick our boots scum."

ooc: I am glad that we are not messing up your post.

Thakur takes a step away from Thistle and glares down at her, his ears starting to lay back. "You won't be reasoned with, will you? Spilling his blood won't do anything to solve this. It will silence him surely but it won't do much else." Thakur growled. "And I thought you had sense."

OOC: Yipes! I realized I was still in the middle! I don't wanna be chop suey just yet!

IC: Verai looked at the two warring factions and grins. She turns to the beggar, smiles and winks. "Well my friend, it seems you've started quite the ruckus, even though it may not be your fault... Anyway, I think we should have a one on one battle between our greatest warrior here, and... the other guy. And to the winner goes the spoils." She nods towards the grey-eyed man. "You young sir, what be your name, and why in the name of the Underworld have you picked on a beggar? Are you that bad a fighter as to pick on an unarmed man?" She then turned to the 'posse.' "Ladies and gents, could we hold on with the bloodshed for a moment? Once I question this guy, you can have your way with him all you want." Verai looks alternately between the two groups as she waits for a response.

Gohan looks at the ground then laughs to himself.

"What's the matter? To scared ta talk?"

Talen ralising that nothing would quench shssay's anger retreats back a few step's out of the way and turn's to verai "Aye neighbour trouble is my middle name only I dont go looking for it, it just seems to follow me wherever I go"

Talen dicards his rags to reveal a a smart blck doublet and brown leather pants, He almost looks respectable beneath all the dirt on his hands and face. "OK enough is enough this poor fools only crimes are arrogance and ignorance but for the remark's he has made against all of you ladies he deserve's to be punished, do with him as you please."

Talen turns to cyon "I would really like to talk to you neighbour, somewhere where the walls do not have ears"

Verai looked at the now semi-respectable looking man, and made a noise of surprise. "Okay... So you're not really a beggar?" She eyes him for moment, then turns towards the group. "Can I ask the offending guy a couple of questions before you all turn him into meat paste?"

OOC: Gohan! Who are you talking to?

Norsha turns to the self-named vagabond. It accrues (sp) to her that he might be thief, who's skills Norsha herself wished to have. She did not want to be a thief for a living, but picking locks and walking unnoted in shadows would be most helpful. Norsha lowers her blade and steps closer to the man.

-"I, too, would like to have words with you, sir."

OOC: hey norsha. are you talking to cyon, the ex-beggar or to machis? spelling: occurs

IC: Verai turned to her friend. "Good choice my friend." She looked at the ex-beggar. "And since you aren't really a beggar, I think, what brought you to appear as one?"

Talen turns back to verai "Well neighbour I have lived by my wits on the streets since I was very young and you have to learn quickly how to survive. Beggars are invisibe to most people on the street's, people avoid them, they go out of their way to avoid them. A beggar can walk about quite freely as nobody pays them attention but most importantly they can observe, even eavesdrop without much attention. I was only unfortunate to come accross this fool here who had to create a scene and attract a lot of attention to myself. The only drawback is stuffing your rags with horse manure to get the required smell" With that talen gives the lady a cheeky smile and a wink.

Quan watches the spectacle from a nearby roof. He smiles at the nobles' brash behaviour. Thinking that this would be better to watch closer he deftly climbs down to a nearby alley. Hmmm, He thinks to himself, this should be a fun sport. With this there is a whistle as he releases a dagger and it lands at Machis's feet. "Serale, I hope I don't seem rude but what is all the commotion about?" Quan hides himself deeper in his cowl. Though strands of silver hair can be seen by the reflection of the suns light.

Talen turns to see the dagger in the street then stares at the hooded figure who has just appeared. "Well neighbour these ladies came to my aid when this arrogant fool was abusing me, he then turned to abuse them and now they wont settle for anything less than maiming him"

"Quan!" Verai waves her hand at the newcomer. "Too bad you didn't hit the guy where I hit the dummy the first time." She winks. "This man, Machis as I am led to believe, has been insulting my friends and this young man right here." She gestures towards her friends. "This group of strong young women are known as the posse."

She then points out a girl with honey colored hair and green eyes. "This is my friend Norsha." Verai then points out the woman with long aubern hair and green eyes. "This is Shssay. And don't call her sassy or she'll kick the stuffing out of you." Verai pointed out yet another person, this time, a young boy. "And this is Gohan. He looks like a little kid, but he really is a 17 year old." Verai turned to look at her friends. "This is Quan. I met him in the Tourney Fields."

"Greetings all." Quan simply states. He proceeds to look the group over. Quans smile turns to a frown as he looks upon the noble. "The streets are bad enough without filth such as yourself now leave this place!"

Thakur eyes the supposed beggar with curiosity. Personally he thought the whole affair was idiotic, but this wasn't his idea. He looked at his sister. *You have a lot to learn yet Thistle.* He thought.

If the need came he could always defend himself, but he seriously disliked the idea of bloodshed, especially when someone he cared about was involved.

Norsha looked at the new comer. They were becoming quite a crowed. More and more people were coming out of the shadows, Machis had yet to say he was sorry, but now Norsha was more conserned with what she might learn form Cyon.

Norsha smiled to herself at the not-begger's reason for his apperence. That was a good idea, though she douted that she could stand the smell, and would not try it herself.

-"Quan, you seem to know how to throw a dagger well. Where did you learn?"

Norsha again turned to the other elf.

-"Cyon, I still wish to talk with you, but this may not be a good place. I think that we should meet after this is settled."

ooc: I was talking to Cyon. Sorry if that was not clear. Hey Machis, you going to do something?

Gohan looks around in amazement.

"Wow...I never knew this alley was so popular."

-Noticing the crowd, Fineday the hobbit tries to see what the excitement is about-

" Oh excuse me, is this a traveling troup?" (performers/thespians)

-Upon noticing, what would would appear to be a band of adventurers robbing an aristocrate...-

'Oh dear! Oh my! never mind; I didn't see a thing."

-The hobbit beats a (very) hasty retreat down the street-

OOC: Hey Fineday, I hope you don't mind, but I'm gonna drag you into this...

IC: Verai smiled as her friends were getting acquainted. Then her smile turned into a frown as she remembered why they were here. She turned towards Machis. "So, you're Machis... Are you always this stupid, or are you just brain dead?"

Then Verai spotted a small figure hobbling away. She reached out and tried to grab it...

OOC: Hey Machis, I got nothing against ya, it's just my character

OOC: From "A beggar with a hidden agenda"

Fineday, once out of earshot of the band of thugs begins call for the guards..."Help! Guards! Guards! A robbery! vile misdeeds and crimes are afoot! robbery! Guards! Guards!Guards!"...

Verai smiled as her friends were getting acquainted. Then her smile turned into a frown as she remembered why they were here. She turned towards Machis. "So, you're Machis... Are you always this stupid, or are you just brain dead?"

Then Verai spotted a small figure hobbling away. She reached out and tried to grab it...

But it got away. "Dang it!" She quickly turned to her friends. "Hey, I think we've got trouble...."

OOC: Hey Machis, I got nothing against ya, it's just my character

(OOC! JEEEEEE-ZUSSSSSS!!!

I'm gone for the weekend and come back to find my character in dire straights!! -----oh, and sorry about the absence, as I can see you are all RATHER anxious to get this show on the road.... I'm hardly surprised, really, as Machis is always getting himself into trouble, and now it would seem that I have to get him out.... let's see if I can sort through this vast pile of threatening information ---most of which is from people Machis has never even MET before!!- to catch up to the currernt situation.

One very important thing for you all to realize, though: MACHIS IS NOT AN ARISTOCRAT! HE DOES NOT LOOK LIKE AN ARISTOCRAT! HIS CLOTHES ARE VERY WORN AND RAGGED! ----sorry if that sounded angry it wasn't supposed to be, but I thought it was rather important, so I trust no one is offended.

Whew! Ok, let's see now, WHAT exactly is going on here....)

The footfalls of guards could be heard running in thier direction.

Machis looks a little surprised, but far from worried as people keep coming out of the wood-work, each one (after hearing an exagerated and obscured version of what had originally occured with the beggar) determined to kill -or at least maime him. Machis could almost laugh out loud.

Yet, one thing kept him from that sense of merriment, and that was the fact that it was becoming more apparent -as the girls insisted on fighting him- that he was going to have to apologize (for what, he could not imagine, as he had done NOTHING wrong, as far as he was concerned). Much as it pained him and his pride, Machis would sooner APOLOGIZE (Diana forbid) than have to hurt a girl -----because that just wasn't right!!

Having resigned himself to the repugnant deed, Machis unhappily takes a breath, prepairing to humble himself in the most unsightly way before this raging mob...

When he suddenly recognizes the huge man from the other situation in Old Prime that had ALMOST become a fight, except that the two men there had been too cowardly to fight him in a manly way... Machis' eyes narrow at the sight, and he wonders if NOW perhaps -after those provoking words- he would be willing to take Machis on in an honorable fight???

"Still cowering behind that great metal tin-can, are you??" Machis askes the huge man lazily, in an attempt to anger him enough so that the man would actually decide to take him on this time, fist to fist...

Oblivious to the fuming females, Machis gadges the gigantic man's reaction. Yet, before Machis can register much of anything, the stinking theif with the knife from the Academian quarter (Cyon) makes an appearance too.

"Well, this is starting to feel like a friendly reunion!!" Machis remarks in his cocky way. But, his face heats with anger as Cyon's harsh insults lash out on him -----Machis was not about to let this theif make a monkey out of him!! By Diana, he should think not! If a man doesn't have his pride, what does he have?!

Machis's hands tighten into quivering fists, prepairing to teach the mouthy little bastard a lesson -but more people kept showing up! Everyone was talking at once, and people are talking to the theif, distracting the fool from the fight Machis had every intention of engaging in! How was he supposed to defend his honor unless one of these men was willing to actually FIGHT him, instead of just talking big?!

Machis sighs in disgust -it was obvious that this situation was going nowhere fast...

"Talk about mob mentality...." Machis mutters to himself, feeling all the more disinterested and grouchy...

...when suddenly a dagger appears at his feet in a rather threatening way. Machis stares at it a moment incredualously before his eyes follow the line of the toss back up to lock eyes with the thrower.

The familiar half-smile twists onto his lips. "Oh, and I suppose I have a quarrel with you too, sir??" He inquires sarcastically.

It is then that someone makes the suggestion of choosing a champion from the ranks of the mob to challenge Machis in a one-on-one fight. Machis' eyes light up at the prospect.

"Indeed!" His cocky smile widens. "Choose your best man!"

But, since everyone is jabbering away, left and right... not many people hear the suggestion.

When the beggar who started all of this arose and removed his disguised, machis stared in shock for a moment before shouting:

"There! You see?! I was right all along! This man is no beggar, but a charletan! And here you all are, defending this DIShonoest man from my supposed "abusings" --but I guess if a little advice is abuse, than I am guilty as charged ----but really, people! Look at yourselves! Think about what you're saying! If I hadn't come along, this trickster would still be up to his swindlings!!"

At last, nettled beyond belief at their constant insults, Machis bursts, starting to get a little angry at the men in the group (he wasn't too concered about what the "ladies" said ----they were females, after all, and were unfathomable as it was...).

"Now hold on just a second!!" Machis bellows, obviously peeved. "What exactly to you think it is I have done?! I stop to give a beggar some helpful advice to get him off his lousy arse and into a sensable lifestyle ---and suddenly I am surrounded by a bloodthirsty throng of ruffians?? What's more ---you put ME to blame!?!? If these LADIES have been insulted by my encounter with this beggar, then rest assured I have no idea how ----and though I will GLADLY fight each one of you snooping men (think you were gossiping house-wives the way you stick your noses about) to demonstrate my unwavering bravery and honor to you, you CERTAINLY do not have to come up with such an array lies and excuses to challenge me, sirs! If you be men of honor, then you need only present the duel to me, and I accept!"

"Now which of you is brave enough to face me ---man to man, fist to fist in a fight?!?!"

Quan smiles at Machis' impudity and flexes his hands in his gloves. "I would gladly take this up with you if you don't mind getting thrshed by a elf. Quan hides himself deeper in his cowl and smiles. Then approaches the offus noble...

[This message has been edited by Quan' Taos Silverbane (edited 28 February 2000).]

upon seeing the hobbit dash off and hearing the sound of the guards coming talon turns to cyon and hands back the pouch which he had given him earlier "Perhaps another time neoghbour then"

With this Talen pick's up his rags he discarded on the street and bolt's up the alley he was sitting at. I've got to try distract the guard somehow he thinks to himself, after all these people came to my aid I cant let them get arrested over me. With this thought talen looks at his rags and fishes in his pockets for his flint and steel while studying all the buildings around him. Now if only I can find a shop with a large enough window in it...yes that might just work.....

-Fineday pauses breifly to catch his breath, then hearing the sounds of the approaching guard, he starts off in their direction.

"Over Here! over here! Come Quick!"

OOC:Machis, you have the manner of one highborn thus the label, ARISTOCRAT. No offense intended.

Quan hearing the guards oncoming approach turns to everyone and says "Everyone run! I will busy the guards if they come this way!" Quan then pulls out his twin blades Ra' Shish and Ta' Noan and throws back his cowl revealing his dark elf lineage. "Ah hell and me just signing up for rangerhood." he mutters to himself. The swords glow show Quans' stern face and his determined golden eyes. He sets himself in a defensive stance swords at the ready.

Machis smiles tauntingly at the cloaked elf.

"Someone's going to get thrashed, alright -but it isn't me, elfy...!"

Machis says as he flexes his hands, ready for brawl.

It is then that he hears the rushing footsteps of the gaurds, and his reflex is a thought to run, as such a sound had always ment danger and the possibility of arrest in the past -but then he realized that this time HE was in the right!

"'Bout time some justice was dished out ----not that I can't take care of my OWN justice." Machis says, shooting a look at the cloaked elf (Quan).

Machis looks around at all the fleeing persons. "Oh, running away, eh? Not so righteous now, it would seem?"

Machis crosses his arms and awaits the gaurds smugly. His eyes slide over as the cloaked elf's twin blades flash in the air.

Machis chokes down a burst of laughter. "Oh surely, elfy, you don't intend on ATTACKING the GUARDS, do you?! ----Oh! This is too much! MWA HA!!" Machis blurts and slaps his thigh in amusement.

(OOC: Er.... say, Quan... who are you pulling your swords on? Is it the guards...? I hope so, because I didn't get the impression that you were pulling them on Machis, because if you were, he would react a little differently.

Oh, and Fineday: no need to worry, I am far from offended! I just wanted to make sure that everyone realized how shabby and generally roguish Machis appears...!)

OOC: Quan this happened to me in the Academian Quarter and I'm sick and tired of people stealing my fights! No offense but...could you sit this one out?

IC: Shssay raises her sword and charges at Machis with a deadly look in her eye. She raises her voice in a mighty battle cry as she moves to split him from head to crotch. "Eat this you bastard!"

"DIANA!"

Machis exclaims as he sees the woman (Shssay) hurtling toward him with her sword leading.

He makes a dive to the side to avoid any damage.

"Girls are always causing me trouble...!!" Machis mutters darkly, trying only to avoid damage, seeing as how he refuses to strike a female.

As of yet, his own weapon has never been drawn.

"Woman, woman, WOMAN! And I'll make you one if you don't acknowledge that fact!" Shssay growls as she takes another swing at him, this time aiming for his torso.

Gohan is knocked against the wall by the force of Shssays charge.

"Whoahh! Damn! I'm glad im not that sorry guy. Even I wouldn't take her on when she is in this mood!"

Shssay couldn't stand bieng treated as inferior because of her gender. Gohan thought about what she would do to him.

"Public castration! What's this world comin to?"

Machis dances back nimbly from the weapon's reach, ever quick on his feet.

"WOMEN sure like to fight dirty, don't they...?!"

If there are any barrels or crates in the street, he will attempt to pick one up and use it like a sheild or bludgeon with the hopes that her sword will become embedded and stuck, if only for a moment.

(OOC: Er... I think we both have already bunnied a little, Shssay ----we better wait for the GM to forecast the result of this one...)

Quan looks back for a second as Shssay lunges at Machis. Quan smiles even if it isn't by me the oaf will get a thrashing. Quan then twirls his twin blades and looks back in the direction the foot falls. He resumes his defensive stance and smiles with anticipation. Now, he thinks, it is time for some real fun. Quans' smile grows larger as the guards footsteps come closer.

OOC: sorry Shssay didn't mean to. But I get the guards

Talen hearing the fighting from the streets drops his rags and curses under his breath"Damn the guards must be here already"

He draws his dagger from it's sheath on his bealt and slip's it up his sleeve and starts creeping back up the alley. To his amazement it is not the guards but sees the lady shssay attacking machis. This could get very interesting he mumbles to himself.

He looks around for a suitable vantage point from where he can hide, looking up at the rooftops he tries to find away to scale up to them.

"Shssay! Hold your temper!" Verai reached out and grabbed one of Shssay's swords. She then pointed it towards the direction of the guards. "We've got bigger meat to fry." She then turned to Machis. "Machis, I've got no quarrel with you, so if you two could stop fighting and get the heck out of here, maybe we might be able to cover you guys," Verai said in a authoritive tone. She then turned and winked at Quan. "Ready to fight?"

OOC: Relax, I'm not bunnying. Shssay said I could borrow one of her swords. And yeah, I agree Machis, we need a GM...

OOC: Indeed you were bunnying. Just wait for the GM.'

IC: Thistle sees Shssay charge and lashes her tail, hot for blood. Jumping forward, she stands beside the dark elf, her ears laid back. "Let them come! I'll hold em!" She turned to Shssay. "Make him regrett his foolish words sister!"

Thakur sighed in fustration, allowing his tail a single irritated wag before he drew his axe. *This isn't going to get me into the Imperial Guard very easy...* He thought, wonderring if he should take his sister and leave, even if he had to drag her by the tail. But he couldn't, for she wouldn't leave her friends, and he didn't feel right leaving them behind either.

Growling menacingly, he stepped up beside his sister and crouched down into a defensive stance.

"Then draw your sword!" Shssay said, ignoring Verai. "Fight me you ignorant son of a Dorin!"

Quan not liking getting ignored and turns to the others and says "Why should you all get in trouble, I shall hold them." Quans' face is set in determination. Quan smiles "Run for if you get caught I will never forgive myself." With this Quan strides forward swords held at the ready. He chuckles as walks from the others. "Go my friends I will make sure they willl not follow." Quan then runs forward.

OOC: yes, I was bunnying in that sense, but you see, I talked to the player who plays Shssay, and she said I can take the sword... right Shssay?

IC: Verai sighed at the stubborness of her friends. "Why can't they just leave and let me take care of this" she mumbled under her breath. She chased after Quan, refusing to back down.

OOC: Hmm, Quan, methinks none of us are going to back down...

Alexander doesn't plan on getting into trouble anytime soon. He looks to the roof tops and tries to pull himself up. He then remembers Talon trying to get up too. He grabs the man and lifts him up to where he can grab hold and pull himself up.

OOC: That I did Verai. Use it well! But if you break it, you bought it....

IC: Shssay slashes her sword at the air, venting some rage, and turns to the dark elf. "Why should you get in trouble for me? If anything, Norsha and I should stay behind." She turned to Norsha and lifted her head. "Aye?"

Thistle Chaser yowled, lashing her tail. "No Shssay! I won't leave without you. You won't be the only one to be punished!" She turned to look at Shssay. "If you stay, we all stay." She turned to Silvara. "Right?"

She turns back toward the oncoming guards. "Besides, I want blood!" She leans down and tightens her grip on her scimitar.

Thakur bared his fangs as he spoke. "No! Thistle, you and Silvara will go now! I swear on Cherfan's name." He looked at Shssay. "I will stay with Shssay. You and Silvara get out of Old Prime now!" He gave Silvara a meaningful look, hoping she would be the one to lead his sister out.

Norsha looks to the end of the ally. The guards would be coming soon and arrest them all, Shssay did not know when to flight was better then fight. Norsha thought she could get out like the not-beggar, but she did not want to leave the posse behind. Norsha watched her chance at learning thief skills slipping away. One of the elves, Quan told the group to run, that he would hold the guards off. Norsha moves closer to Silvara, the only one in the posse who was not right in the middle of the fight.

-"We need to get out of here! We might be able to go over the roof, but we need to get the others!" She hissed in a whisper, loud enough to be heard only by Silvara.

Talen seeing Quan run in the direction of the guards lets out a large sigh. He lets go of his grip he has with alexander dropping back down to the streets and makes off after quan. When he finally catches up to where he is stood waiting for the guards he stands along side him and draws his dagger from out his sleeve.

"I may not be the best in a fight but I cannot let you do this alone neighbour" Talen stands a few steps back of quan awaiting the guards to come. "Just remember dont kill we only have to buy enough time to so that everybody can get the hell out of here. If we both make it out of here alive meet me back at my house, There is gonna be a lot of people looking for us "

OOC:By the way thanks everybody, this was my first ever post and wasnt quite sure what to expect, you have all made it so much fun, lets only hope I can keep alive and out of jail now

(OOC: Let me tell you, Talen ---I certainly wasn't expecting THIS when I entered your thread... it's all fun and games untill somebody loses an eye! ---Oh, J/K, I'm having a great time!!)

IC:

Meanwhile, getting a little irritated by the whole situation, Machis is simply trying to keep himself out of trouble ------for a change.

Machis watches the cloaked elf (Quan) dash away in the direction of the guards with the same mournful gaze that a cat might eye an escaped mouse ----there went HIS brawl... Machis couldn't understand why all of the females were more than willing to try and fight him, but none of the men seemed up to the task ---Ha! Some MEN!, he thought to himself. And though he always had been somewhat popular with the women, THIS was ridiculous!!

As he sees most of the gathered mob dig in for a battle with the gaurds, Machis' gray eyes widen incredulously. -----were they actually going to FIGHT the guards of Prime?! How foolish WERE they? Didn't they know that more reinforcements were surely to arrive and take the situation into hand?! Didn't they know that they would probably be executed for killing guardsmen?! Did they WANT a bounty on their heads ---"dead or alive?!?"

Morover, Machis had absolutely NO idea what everybody was so upset about ----why was everybody so anxious for a fight?! He certainly (likely more than anybody else) understood the importance of a good, fair duel ----but THIS was insanity!

"You people belong in an asylum...!" Machis breathes in disbelief.

Why didn't they all just head for the hills?! Fighting PEOPLE was one thing ---especailly when the preservation of dignity was at stake---- but fighting GUARDS was quite another!! You just DIDN'T fight guards -----when guards came, you ran----- at least, that had always been Machis' experience...

... Soooooo, noticing (as the haze of battle-ready adrenaline subsided into cool intellect) that the situation was getting RATHER hairy, and that the gaurds might decide to kill first and ask questions later, Machis begins to consider the prudence of a (DIGNIFIED!!) escape...

One girl, the only one who seemed to have any sense, HAD suggested that they beat a retreat, and Machis thought it sounded like a GOOD idea. For, though Machis was bold to the point of foolishness (Diana forbid he should ever admit it), he was NOT such a fool as to wait for the the guards to sort things out... They might not even realize that HE was the victim here...

Thus, Machis carefully backs up toward the sanction of the alley as the crowd is diestracted by the immenent arrival of the gaurds...

Norsha pulled a whetstone from her pack. This was getting her nowhere. She needed to give her friends more time. She raced to the end of the ally where the guards were coming. Taking the whetstone, she threw it as hard as she could at the lead guard. Then off she went in the other direction. Running like all the demons of hell were after her. She hoped that the guards would follow her and leave the posse alone, she had no armor and was alone, so she just might be able to lose them in the crowd.

If Silvara does not just Shssay out of here, I am going to kick Shssay's ass.

Norsha looked down the street for someplace to hide.

ooc: I hope I did not bunny with that... Shssay stop fighting and get your butt out of there.

Gohan gets mad at this.

"We belong in an assylum! Who was the one that was tormenting a beggar!?"

Shssay nodded at Thakur. "Aye. We'll get the hell out of here." She turns to Thistle and Silvara. "Go now. We aren't just hanging around waiting to get captured. If there are enough of us here, we can spread out in differant directions and occupy the guards while the others get out of Old Prime. Posse! Meet at either Norsha's house or Thakur's. Thakur and I'll meet you there!" She turns and looks around.

Thistle nods and comes forward, shoving a bulging sack into Shssay's hand. "Throw this in the gaurd's eyes." She says anxiously as she turns and runs down the alley, away from her friends.

Silvara sheaths her peculiar sword and nods at Norsha. "Good luck," She says to Shssay and Thakur. "Don't get caught!" With that she runs after Thistle.

"Quan, I'm starting to think that this isn't such a good idea..." Verai stated. "I think we should get out of here." Noticing Norsha's distraction, she tugs on Quan's cloak. "C'mon, let's go!" With that said, she runs off after the others, turning back every once in awhile, trying to see if Quan would follow...

OOC: Um, Machis... I'm in the Academian quarter as well... and we all know that this must be in fluid time so... how 'bout this. We faintly recognize each other, but don't really care...

OOC: Geeeez! I take the night off and everyone goes crazy! I don't know how many bunny ears there are in this crowd, but its quite a few. A lesson in gaming: You post your action (one post each) and then the GM responds to it. If the GM took the night off, you just gotta wait. Anyway, all is forgiven, so lets get it on.....

IC:

Seven guards run to the alleyway, start looking around at the wild scene, and one yells, "Hey what's going on here?"

There is one other exit to the alley. Those running off find that is now blocked by five Crusaders. Yes Crusaders, not guards at the other end or a mass of shoppers hurrying along. Crusaders. (That's what bunnies get for hopping around all over the place and tearing up the garden.)

One of the Crusaders, who appears to be the leader, is a female human with a rune carved red-hued warhammer. Her blonde hair glistens in the light streaming into the alley. Her inky blue eyes look at the scene quickly.

Some birds fly around up above, singing.

The woman made quick runes in the air with her fingers and said, "Hold citizens," in a commanding voice.

Everyone in the alley felt that they didn't want to leave.

Quan ignoring Verais' insistant tugging at his cloak spots the seven guardsmen and readies himself. Calling upon his dark elf powers he summons a black globe to cover the guards. He then launches this forward himself following right behind. As he runs Quan yells "Hurry run if you can I will hold them as long as I can!"

OOC: I'm not sure if that spell applys to Quan cause he doesn't really want to leave he wants his friends to leave

to the human female guard: "I hope you have not arrived to late! a mob of adventurers have besieged a lone aristocrat near the alley."

-Fineday turns to indicate the general direction-

"There was much talk of sword play and other nastyness, the briglands were debating who would get the privlage of disembowling the young man. If we hurry we may yet avert his murder! I beleive I can take you back to the scene, follow me!"

-And the hobbit turns to head back to where the lone begger sat...-

Frozen by the spell cast by the lead crusader, Machis feels suddenly nervous.

This didn't seem like a good thing.

Were they going to apprehend HIM along with the hooligans that started this whole misunderstanding?!

Prison. And for what?!

Machis didn't like it one bit, and would have shuddered if he had been able to...

Whether or not they understood that HE was the victim in all this, Machis knew he was going to end up having to deal with the guards... or crusaders... or whoever. It was not something he was looking forward to... No indeed...

Gohan runs at the rear of the party away from the oncoming guards. He has his sword drawn and ready in case the guards catch up to him.

"By Diana!" Shssay growls, opening the sack Thistle had given her. Picking out a handful of what appeared to be some fine powder, she said a silent prayer to the Goddess, and threw it directly into the faces of the gaurds.

OOC: This was given me by Thistle Chaser. It is blinding powder, mixed with a powder that causes severe fits of sneezing.

Silvara roared in rage, drawing her sword again. Peering around frantically, she realized that they had been neatly ringed in. Then her eyes drifted upward...to the roofs.

Using as much speed as she could muster, the silver dracon leaped up on the side of the alley wall, and turned to leap at the ledge of the roof opposite, using her wings to push her farther up. She just hoped her claws would hold in the wall...

ooc:Hold on... what is happing? Did I through the whetstone at the guards and run? Or am I still in the ally? I didn't mean to bunny, I am new. Well if I did throw the stone ignore this post 'cause I am still running.

ic:

Norsha stoped when she saw that they were traped in the ally. Lissing to the hobbet, Norsha knew that the guards would not here an expanation from them, and she douted that Machis would stick up for them. Get out they need to get out. Looking up to the roof, she knew that that was the only way out. Norsha looked around for some way to get up there.

ooc: I cannot get caught by the guards, I am going to the Imperial War Academy of Candaceburg, I don't think that you can go there if you have been areasted (sp?). Can you?

"Wait!" Knowing that this might be her end, Verai stopped running away. She looked down the street, and seeing the Crusaders, she lay down her sword and waited for them to come. She looked towards Quan, seeing him attack the other seven guards, decided that the road of peace was the only way to be able to get out of this, without getting in trouble. Serious trouble, anyway...

OOC:I don't think we're bunnying, then again, I'm new at this...

All sense of fleeing the scene had vanished from talen, he wanted to run but somehow couldnt do it. Still clutching his dagger he sees quan making towards the guards,

"QUAN NO" he screams at the top of his voice

"There are more than we can handle, we are trapped"

Talen backs himself up against the wall of the alley his eyes darting between the guards at one end and the crusaders at the other, his hands visibly trembling.

OOC:Machis next time maybe I wont use the beggar disguise This could turn into the quickest time to get your charachter killed in allerian history

Zerick walks in "hmm nice place to be" Zerick then notice verai breathing hard "whats wrong" zerick hands verai some water.

Verai looks incredulously at the newcomer. "Zerick! This isn't the best place to be right now." She points towards the Crusaders and takes a swig of water. "See those men down there? They want to hurt us, I think. I'm trying to be diplomatic here, but seeing as Quan has already made the first offensive, I don't think I'll have much of a chance." She sighs rather loudly. "Oh well. So goes the life of an innocent... well, a semi-innocent member of society." She takes another swig of water. "Eh, here goes nothing..." With that said, Verai yells at the top of her lungs, "WE MEAN NO HARM! REALLY!"

Zerik looks at the solders and sees quan, zerick red eyes seems to brighten, then zerick walks toward the solders sword drawn

"in the name of Egar ruler of aldahar i command you to stop" zerick stops walking.

Thakur cast about wildly, his tail flipping back and forth as his hackles rose. He looked down at Shssay, "Crusaders, eh? It looks like we really got someone's attention."

He looked in vain for his sister, but there were too many people in the alley. Growling, he vowed at least to stand by Shssay, as he said he would, and hope that Thislte and Silvara got out.

*I don't like it, but it's seems the best idea at the moment.* He thought as Shssay reached into the pouch that Thistle gave h er and threw some type of powder at the guards. Twirling his axe in his hands, Thakur moved closer to the woman and prepared to fight by her side. He didn't mind fighting with Shssay, for he had fought with her before and knew her skill. He also knew Thistle's skill and prayed that the young Pantheri got out of this unscathed.

Zerick goes into a defense stance he howled "come on and eat my sword" zerick stands still eyes staring at the solders.

"WAIT!!!" This was NOT what Verai had intended. "I don't wanna fight! This was all a big misunderstanding! Can't we make peace?"

zerik notices verai "verai run the rest of us will hold up there not lookin for peice probably sooo run!!!!!!!" zerik turns his head back to the solders

zerick sighs "there not looking for peice they want to you or who ever in this party verai run for your life" zerick sighs again.

ooc:dudes gotta go be on tomorrow same time same place

OOC: Ummm Zerick? Not to be rude, but I have a question: If the guards were already blocking both ends of the alley how did you get in to talk to Verai and fight with us?

-noticing for the first time how close the mob is/was on his heels-

"Oh No! They've followed me!"

-looks to left & right searching for a place so that he might escape the impending clash between guards and murderers, Fineday will head to the safest spot he can see-

"Don't hurt the Hobbit! I don't have any crowns on me."

-Fineday continues to head twords safty(?)-

"I'm defenseless! No weapons on me! You don't want to hurt me! I've got powerful friends who would miss me!"

-Fineday has his hands raised, palms forward, in a defensive manner, and will back away from anyone threatening, menacing, or looking at him crossly.-

OOC: Zerick! You've probably heard my crud before, but you're gonna hear it again. WAIT FOR A GM!!! Not all of us can post five minutes after our last post.

(OOC: Whoooooaaaaa!!! WAIT just a second!! _I_ was under the impression that the crusaders cast holding spell to paralyze EVERBODY present!! Is that really what happened, GM??

If it did happen (and it certainly seemed to, given the fact that the lead crusader cast magic runes in the air with her hand, and commanded us to hold) then NOBODY can have done ANYTHING since that action, don't you know... I think everybody should get a grip till the GM comes back to straighten this out, guys... because, whether or not we are all actually paralyzed like I thought, then the crusader cast SOME kind of spell, and we were probably effected SOME how, if you know what I mean...)

OOC: I was under the impression that the urge to leave/flee the ally was gone, not that we were unable to move...

To Fineday the female Crusader said, "Thank you for calling us citizen. May Diana bless you."

The spell she cast was INSPIRE. She inspired them all to hold.

Some attempted to run, then stopped calmly. One threw a whetstone, then relaxed and waited. Another went to throw a powder, but then forgot to. One put down a sword peacefully. Another, newcomer, attempted to join them, but was halted by the guards. The scene generally became quiet.

A burly male crusader said to the female mage crusader, "Cardinal Raik, they are calmed now, we should let the city guards handle this, uh, domestic dispute."

She replied to him, "Not yet Lt. Cargin. The Stone allowed me to sense one who I need to speak with."

She walked down the alley, looking at each one of them, smiling warmly.

When she approached the silver dracon, Cardinal Raik whispered to her, "Diana has gifted the Dracon with a Blessing Stone in Archadoon. Seek it out if you like, but do not tell any other not of your race."

Then the Cardinal kneeled down on the stone cobbled ground, removed her gloves, then placed her hands on it. After speaking to the stone, she looked up at Machis.

She approached him and said, "I am the Archmage Cardinal Indigo Raik. How do you do? Would you please escort me to the chapel?" These didn't sound like questions, but commands, and he felt the irresistable urge to follow her back down the alley.

As she walked she said to everyone there, "You should not be so quick to fight. A person you fight with today may save you tomorrow. May Diana bless you all with peace of mind."

Oddly, everyone felt that fighting right now was not such a great idea, and that peace of mind was a better idea.

You've all just been "inspired".

The guards seem to have been affected as well.

Flying birds in the sky followed her as she left with Machis.

OOC: can someone fill me in on what's happened, i haven't gotten on in a while.

iC:: cyon sits on the street corner, waiting for a chance to jump in and help with any problems.

Feeling a strange sense of peace wash away his nervous, time-ingrained tension about law-enforcement, Machis complacently follows the Archmage, his manner somewhat daze-like...

(OOC: GM, should there be another thread to handle this situation, as this one seems a bit fat already? )

Silvara blinked in confusion. *Archadoon? Sacred Stone?* She had know idea what the woman was talking about, but she determined to find out.

OOC to the GM: Are you going to start a new thread in Archadoon for this? I hope so, sounds like fun!

Quan stops his attack and looks around "Ah maybe me attacking wsn't such a good idea after all." Quan drops his blades then looks at the arch mage. "I am sorry for my brash behavior, I thought I was beyond my races way of thinking." Quans shoulders slump and he frowns. A slight wind whips back his silvery hair from his face. He regards the others with his eyes "My friends I apologize, I believe have erred greatly. With your leave I shall go now." Quan picks up his swords, sheaths them and begins to levitate.

Verai sighed with relief. "Whew! I thought they were gonna impale us for sure!" she said to no one in particular. She picked up her sword. "I guess I'd better give this back to Shssay..." she mumbles as she walks back to the group. But there was a slight grin on her face, knowing that a serious and pointless fight had been avoided.

Gohan leans against a wall and slowly moves down intoasitting position. He lets out a huge su=igh of relief.

"Pew...thatwas close, so what now?"

Quan looks down as he levitates and sees the arch mage approach Silvara. Quan smiles as he floats up to a nearby roof. He takes one more glance at the group and disappears from view.

OOC: cyon, basically after the breif scuffle with machis it turned into about 7 people all wanting to fight machis so fineday the hobbit went and called for the guards to come, the rest well you have read in this post.

IC:Talen sheaths his dagger once more wondering why he ever pulled it out in the first place, surely he didnt want to fight these fine citizens. He shakes his head "Why do I keep changing my mind so rapidly" he mumbles to himself.

He spots cyon sitting at the entrance to the alley and starts walking towards him, smiling at the guards as he walks past. He sits down beside him still slightly confused by his new found sense of peace and calmnes.

"Well neighbour as everything is in hand here perhaps we could have a chat somewhere in private" he says to cyon. "I have a few things I would like to talk about with you but here isnt the place perhaps you could come to my house sometime this evening?"

Shssay blinked several times, lowering the pouch and letting the powder stream away through her fingers. She saw Cyon and smiled, coming over to him. "So you have come to my rescue yet again, Cyon." She said with a smile, her anger at Machis forgotten. "I thank you."

ooc: Don't know if this is right...

ic:

Norsha stops and losses all urge to flee. Turning to the female Crusader, releaf washes over her. They would not be fighting after all. Agenst the urges magicly placed on her Norsha tries to speak.

-"This is all a big mistake. We were not trying to rob this man." Thinking again of helping her friends by shifting the blame, Norsha countinues. "It is my falt as well as Machis, I started the fight.."

Norsha wonders if anyone heard her...

ooc: Or is the whole thing over?

Thistle Chaser halts where she stood, lowering her scimitar. Looking around, she tries to find Thakur.

He was there, beside Shssay, as he promised he would. Grinning, she went over to stand beside her brother.

-out of fear of reprisals, Fineday will stick close to the crusaders as they leave seeking to draw as little attention to himself as possible.-

"..."

OOC: Well friends, this has been a most exciting adventure! However, methinks this story is done, for they now have Machis in Manacles (ha ha, that's also the name of this continuing topic). Also, I think the guards have gone away, for they have been "inspired." It was nice meeting you all and such. Have fun and remember:

Save a tree, eat a beaver.

Yeah, I know, I'm weird.

(OOC: Close, veria actually, the thread entitled MACHIS IN MANACLES is the coninuation of a different thread in the Academian Quarter... I still don't know what has happened to Machis in this thread -which, as far as I know, is an occurnce taking place AFTER the fight in the Academian quarter, due to the way Shssay and co. have behaved, etc... So, GM, IS there another thread coninued from this one???)

OOC: Ah, I see. BTW, my name is spelled V-E-R-A-I!!! Verai, pronounced Ver-rye...

ooc: i came throw one of the buildings at the local inn.

Zerik tries to shaken the effects of the spell "no one can trie to make peice with a blood thirsty aldahar" zerik howls again and tries to bring the sword up and kill the gaurds "no spells will controle me zerick bounty hunter" zerick makes a step further each step leaves a grunt sound from the moving "no spell will hold me back err"

OOC: Howdy Folks!

Machis, I'll continue this under the thread: "Machis to the Chapel".

Zerick, I'll continue this under "Zerick to the Gaul".

IC:

While leaving the alley, the Archmage Paladin Cardinal Indigo Raik, heard Zerick's resistance. Her pale brow furrowed. She told a male Crusader, "Jarch, go bring him to the Gaul for transport to the Mentarium. There is a problem within him that needs healing."

The guards dispersed in a very relaxed manner. The Crusaders, still alert and responsive, waited for Jarch and Zerick.

Zerick could barely move forward. It took great effort for him to resist the Inspiration. His ability to do this much was remarkable. Jarch shackled him, took him by the elbow, and led him onward to the Gaul. He was accompanied by a female elven Crusader as well.

The guards left, the Crusaders left, when everyone else finally "came to" they still felt a bit relaxed. Any physical pains they had were also feeling remarkably well, having been blessed. They now had control of themselves, coming to like they were awakening from a wonderful dream.

OOC: I guess this ends it then...

IC: Feeling refreshed, Verai decided to go ahead to the military district, so she could sign up for the academy with her friends. "I'll see ya guys whenever," she shouted as she ran off.

Gohan stares in shock.

"Uhhh... that it?"

He shiethes his sword.

"Jeez, how anticlimactic can ya get?"

He pauses for a second.

"Oh well! Guess I'l go to the bar and grab a drink." He says cheerfuly and heads out.

Verai walked into the inn, after overhearing rumors of a theives guild in the area. ~Heck, why should I follow up on this lead? It's only a dang rumor, just like the other ones...~ But her drive to learn some theiving skills kept her going. She sat down on a nearby stool, and waited for a waitress to comeby before asking to speak to the manager.

"Could I talk to the manager of this fine establishment?" Verai whispered to Leslie in a hushed tone.

Verai,

"Well, let me get Old One Eyes real quick."

She walked over to the bartender and not being rude she waits till he is done talking.

Ole One Eye says " ok thank you," then he heads over to her with a Smile and says " yes young Lass what may I do fer ya?" as he looks at Verai

Ole One Eye says " what makes you think there is a theives guild here?he looks at her suspisiously

Verai stares him straight in the eye. "I think you may know something. You're the owner, so I think you may have heard some pretty interesting stuff in here..."

Ole One Eye says" well there might be a Guild, but I am not the One vu need to talk to. Da Boss is in da back room. Knock three times and den enter.

Verai hears come in and once she enters she sees two Dwarves with weapons ready to attack, at the other side of the room was a large desk with a well dressed human. and he said" what can we do for you?"

the Man Laughed" well I could just have those two and he pointed to the Guards to kill you and you would not be able to be unloyal then, but I like you so consider yourself in the Guild. Now I need for you to go and collect money with those two(the two guards). But be warned if you betray us you will die."

The man said " you are to go to Kirkby's general store and make a collection."

Seeing what is transpiring.. Camaron moves into the open. Calmly and Slowly, he places his hand on his weapons." Serale Verai, How is my fellow cadet doing today?... What brings you here?"

Camaron Thattius Jones

"No problem sir, we'll just be on our way now," Verai said in her cheeriest voice. "C'mon," She muttered to the dwarves. "Where do we go from here?"

The man looks at her and smiles and says "you are free to do as you please for the evening. return here tomorrow and I will show you a few things you will need to know."

"Yes sir," Verai said, then she turned around and headed back out. She decided to go back to her barracks and get something to eat, then sleep. She had a very busy day...

Verai had finally come home. After a whole bunch of hair-raising adventures, she was relieved to see her house was still in one piece. "It may not be a mansion, but it's home." She tethered her horse Rigel to a nearby tree. "You see Rigel, this is our home!" She patted the horse on the forehead, then opened the door and walked in. Everything was still in the same place as she had left it. "Good, no one has been stealing from me." She lay down on the bed and took a nap. Before she drifted off, she thought about what she was going to do next... ~I'll first take a walk around the neighborhood, then I guess I'll track down the Swanmays...~

Verai came back home from a day (and a night) out on the town. She plopped onto the bed, and grabbed a piece of paper and a pencil. ~With all the commotion going on in my life, I might get caught in the middle. I'd better write a will, just in case.~

Love, Verai

Verai grabbed another sheet of paper and started writing out her will.

I hereby give all my belongings on the occasion of my untimely demise to my sister Seira. She is to have all of my worldly belongings.

Well, that was easy, Verai thought to herself as she placed the two papers in an envelope and seal it. "I'll send them tomorrow..." She put her writing things away and went to bed.