[Let's Test Driving]

[dontcallmedarling]

[Well, you've certainly lost you way, haven't you? By one way or another, you lost your path, and only now do you find yourself back to civilization. Well, kind of.

Whereever you were, you now find yourself at a tavern. There's shelllfish decorations everywhere, hearty patrons that look like they're straight from a renassiance faire, and lobster.

Hooo boy, is there lobster, and plenty of it. In fact, there's a bunch piled up, almost buffet style, at the front counter, next to a boisterous young man in armor that almost dwarfs him, taking a bite of the steamed seafood.]

Great meal as always, Lobby, though the ale's still watered down! I thought you guys were working on gettin' something with a bit more kick to it?


[Well, there's food and drink, and maybe the guy in travelling garb and armor can tell you where the hell you ended up.]

Comments

[foxpas]

[i'm a tiny foxgirl with a sword bigger than i am

i think i'm not supposed to be here]

... Um, this doesn't look like Henwen at all, does it.

[dontcallmedarling]

[Tiny foxgirl with huge sword, meet huge dude with a greataxe turning and staring at you.]

Henwen? Nay, this is Southshore. Can't say I've ever heard of a Henwen.

...Or, seen something quite like yourself.

[Okay I have but this is neither the time nor place to expound on it.]

Who're you?

[foxpas]

[well. her face remains very politely cheerful but her ears flatten and her tail bristles a bit.]

I'm not a 'thing'. My name's Citrine. "Southshore" doesn't sound like a team I know about...

[dontcallmedarling]

Ah- apologies. No offense meant, it's just I've only ever seen some..one like you one other time.

And Southshore's not a team, it's a city, and this here's the Drunken Lobster.

[artesmagicae]

[ Why would he ask questions about something silly like the dimension he's in?

He immediately settles down on the edge of the table, grabbing a plate of lobster. This was yours? Too bad. ]

Uhwaaah, such cruel insults against their professional pride, the pride of the budding alcoholic merchant! Will it inspire them, or will you wake up in a ditch with tragically little to your name?

[foxpas]

I don't remember much, but I'm pretty sure we're called 'mixed-bloods', and we're human, sir.

... A city?

[dontcallmedarling]

[Turns and stares at you. What the hell.]

Eh, relax. I've been friends with the proprietors for quite some time. I'm just messin' around, mainly.

They couldn't find anything to get me that drunk anyway.

[dontcallmedarling]

[You feel him stiffen a bit, like you might have poked him in the spine.]

Well, yes. Though I'm more used to the variant that's more... akin to a troublemaking spirit than anything else.

...Yes, a city. With people and businesses and sometimes, even boats and ships. ...Why?

[artesmagicae]

[ he's a perfectly harmless looking blond eating lobster now. ]

Is that manly, or sadly? Do you wish in your heart to pierce the secret mystery of black outs and ditches? To have little recollection of the glory and ignominy of that night?

Or are you here for the crustaceans? It is delicious!

[foxpas]

... I don't remember any 'variants' besides my little sister, sir. We're not spirits.

How did I get here? I didn't think that was possible now.

[dontcallmedarling]

It's...

[his expression softens, shaking his head]

Don't worry about it. I get the feeling were having two different conversations, anyway.

ANd.. didn't think what was possible? Travel?

[foxpas]

[Nods.]

To leave the castle! Last time, once we got past the forest, there was nothing out there...

[dontcallmedarling]

[Okay, he likes you. You're a total weirdo, but he enjoys you. You get a chuckle, though.]

More of a hazard of the occupation, I'm afraid. When you take up the mantle of a holy crusader, with time, your body learns to use that power to keep you free of disease and poison - which, sadly, covers alcohol, at least with regards to the much weaker spirits.

But the crustaceans are delicious. This place has the finest seafood for miles - I could eat my weight in it!

[dontcallmedarling]

...Nothing? Castle?

[He furrows his brow at you, leaning over.]

From where do you travel? This is the first I've heard of such things.

[foxpas]

... That's a very, very complicated question, sir, and I don't even know your name yet.

[artesmagicae]

Then you would no longer fit in your armour, just as these have been torn from theirs. Would the metal warp before your mightily fishy bulk?

[ Cracks open part of the shell, nom nom nom. ]

What do you crusade for?

[dontcallmedarling]

Ah, I should of known better. ...Both of asking without introducing myself and thinking it that simple.

[He extends a hand in a gauntlet, trying to offer a smile.]

Netsu Takeichi. I'm a Paladin, sorry we got off on the wrong foot.

[foxpas]

[she takes the hand with a smile, tail wagging slightly.]

Citrine, and I'm a knight! ... Or, probably still in training, but... It's okay, sir Netsu!

[dontcallmedarling]

You joke, but once I was almost the meal to a crab thrice my size! That lobster meat fed us for days - I even out-ate a lizardfolk! I've had a taste for the stuff ever since.

[munches himself, happily.]

For a world free of those who would oppress and take advantage of the common man and wield cruelty in their iron grip. To find evil and strike it down where I can.

[artesmagicae]

Scary, scary! "Justice" is almost as scary as getting crabs!

[dontcallmedarling]

[Oh no she called him sir THAT'S ADORABLE, he grins widely at you- oh hey those teeth are kinda sharp for a human, huh.]

Ah! A kindred spirit! I may have left my training a while back, but I still feel like a novice in many ways.

It's a pleasure, Citrine.

[foxpas]

[i'm fucking adorable]

Is that so? What does a paladin do?

[dontcallmedarling]

"Getting" crabs I've never heard of, exactly, but I won't deny that the concept of Justice is a scary thing. It's a tall order to try and help those who have misfortune beget them whereever I can.

[dontcallmedarling]

[YOU KIND OF ARE it's a problem.]

A paladin is - well, it's hard to explain. We are knights, of a sort, but bound to a holy cause, devoted to a god from which our powers derive - we can sense and seek out evil spirits, in order to bring them to justice while upholding the law of the land. Should we face a demon or a frightening undead, we may channel our faith to bring it low. But we must take care to not stray from our cause - too many Paladins have become tyrants in their intent to do their duties.

[artesmagicae]

Should I worry? Will you storm my palace gates?

You should! I confess to oppress to impress my guests on quests!