Closed Laying Low

[Lupa Voleur]

Lupa noticed the girl taking a step back and she bit her lip in concern. She hoped her mannerisms hadn't startled the girl. She also took a step back and re-established a happy smile on her lips. She wanted to make it perfectly clear she was no threat.

She whistled, "A Svefra? Wow! Well then don't worry. I'm sure everything will be ship shape for you soon!" she burst out laughing at her own joke and then she toned it down until it was eventually just a giggle," 'Cause, you're a Svefra and they are like sailors and... Y'know, never mind."

Adi then seemed eager to get away. Lupa then blinked and pouted. In which gentlemen's ways? Then she stiffened up. When excited, Lupa didn't really consider her surroundings like she normally did when she was just on her own. She sniffed the air and could definatley smell two others almost too close to her and Adi to just be merchants or other travellers. She whipped around to see who exactly her friend was facing.

The figure in the rather messy blue cloak was rather loud, blurting out that he was in fact a knight. She was about to form a frown on her lips. Of course a knight would follow someone like her. Before she could fully express her distate at this situation, she couldn't help but tilt her head to the side out of sheer curiousity once more. A soft smile came over her lips and she took a small step towards the knight.

"Hey, hey now! Chin up Squire! I don't bite... Well in this form anyways. There's nothing to be nervous about." A cocky grin came over her, but despite the slight mocking tone, she was trying to give off a kind of soothing aura. She gave him her best smile, "Richard, huh? Huh..." She offered him nothing more than that. Conversing with knights was not her strong suit.

She faced the other man, who seemed a quite interested in Sir Rich over there. He knew both their names, meaning he had been listening. Lupa didn't want to say anything to him. The fact she had been being watched and hadn't known made her quite... Unsettled.
Kidnapping? She arched an eyebrow... What were they... Oh! Back when she pulled Adilliana out of the clothing merchants territory. She gave a loud, booming laugh. She then simply grinned at the other man and shook her hand, "Oh, no, no, no! I was simply helping this poor darlin' out of some merchants clutches! Annoying people, honestly!" She rolled her eyes and then she blinked, the most obvious question coming to mind.

"So is that why you were so interested in me and my young friend, Sir knight? Or was it something else that caught your eye..." she poked out her tongue at the knight, Richard and gave him a playful wink, hoping to catch him off guard and make him stumble a bit more. She found his shyness amusing. A little bit cute, too.

[Adilliana]

As Lupa turned to face the entrance she notice her companion’s body stiffening caught between fight, flight mode. It was obvious that Lupa had been caught off guard by the arrival of the two gentlemen. Adilliana stepped away from her new friend. The small weapons store there was not much space and she did not want to hurt her ally. Taking a defensive stance the right-hand rested the hilt of her Cutlass.

Adilliana and accepted Lupa’s presence because of her friendly nature. Her outgoing manner reminded her of many Svefra she had met and thus Adilliana not only felt comfortable in the order girl's presence and had a sense of safety. The aura of the two men in front of her were completely different.

The one who introduced himself as Richard was acting like a child caught in the middle of some mischief. She did not know what knight was, but Richard seemed to think that it gave him an unquestionable form of authority that would not only be recognised but respected as well. All Adilliana saw was a rugged man, who seemed easily intimidated by people, who just happened to have a sword. She felt that this was a dangerous combination and was unsure of what his next actions would be.

It seems that the man next to him had no connection to Richard as he openly ridicule the other man. He had introduced himself as Crypt a man who was one of many inhabitants of the city Syliras. It also address Lupa and her by their full names which indicated he had been eavesdropping on a conversation some time .Even if both men were unrelated, they seem to have a common interest in herself and Lupa.

Now the Knight Richard was battling something about the kidnapping. Adilliana's comprehension of ownership was cloudy as within the Svefra pods items were held in common and dust free for any member of the pod to use. She could understand the idea behind the market but that was all. She stood that confused not knowing what to say. Luckily Lupa had a better understanding of the things explaining that nothing had been kidnapped. However, she seemed to be interested in the motives behind Richard actions. Adilliana relaxed her hand moving away from the hilt of her cutlass trusting Lupa’s judgement to keep them safe. She now watch the conversation with wide-eyed curiosity.

[Richard Burke]

The initial embarrasment of being caught sluething had worn off, he calmed his nerves of speaking before large groups, and his hand slowly ventured away from the sword, almost subconciously, the squire had no control over this habbit, nor was he aware he was doing it.

Crypt, while intemidating looking, and covered with tattoos, ones that looked famliar, he couldnt quite place their meaning however, while amused at the squires bumbling investigation, was friendly. Richard bowed slightly back, showing respect, and peace, the squire was formally trained in such niceties, "It is a pleasure to meet your aquintence."

The older woman, fittingly called Lupa, she did look very wolfish, was also very polite, which allowed the squire to regain a little more face, and his almost unflapable politeness, "My dearest apologies, Lupa. I saw you drag a young girl out of the market, a traveler, and I thought the worst." The squire bowed his head in an attempt to cover his previous embarrasment. Though, intrigued by the woman's flirtsious mannerisms, he choose to ignore them just for now.

Richard turned to the other woman Adi he had heard, a young girl, one who seemed to have been traveling for sometime, the clothes were not of the city, probaly not even of the region, but she was too young to possibly be a spy, her mannerisms were much too brash, and forward. "I mean no harm, I was just investigating, and well, you know the rest." Richard raised his hands to about shoulder height, illustrating his desire to not cross swords with the traveler, nor anyone in the store.

[Crypt]

OOC NoteRight. It's starting to get a little messy, so shall we all have a posting order of some sort to allow everyone to read the posts that have been made so far and give them enough time to decide how their PCs should react? So it would be something like this: Lupa posts, followed by Adilliana, Richard then Crypt, and it repeats itself. Is that alright with you guys and gals? The flirting added a bit of colour to the encounter the two men and two ladies were having, although that comment about having an alternate form caught Crypt's attention. "By that you mean.. You do bite people? What other form would that be?" Crypt's eyes moved towards the hand the Svefra look-alike placed on the hilt of her cutlass, and assumed a more guarded stance. It appeared that she was not particularly pleased with having an armed man near her. It was curious though, that she did not see his own longsword. Perhaps it was due to his cloak covering its sheath? Not yet, Crypt, not yet. She'll have to move towards you to strike you with that cutlass of hers, but you'll have enough time to draw and block her attack. Best not to show any hostility until required. This is Syliras, after all, and I wouldn't like to be thrown into the Tank for something like that. And then the female named Adilliana relaxed, moving her hand away from her cutlass' hilt, and listened to the conversation where Lupa appeared to be flirting with Richard. Ahh... Embarrassment is always amusing. "Well then, I guess that's settled. No need to be cutting each other up. Let's have a nice, civilised conversation. Richard is bound to do his duty as a keeper of the peace, so do forgive him for this intrusion. But may I ask a question? Why would you bring her into this weapon store?"

[Lupa Voleur]

OOC

That sounds perfect to me!


Lupa chuckled as Richard began explaining why he had followed the two. He spoke politely, he was courteous. A run of the mill knight to Lupa.

"Of course you thought the worst. One can't fault you for doing your duties, I s'pose." She added to a shrug to that. Talking to him wasn't getting any easier. She gave a sly smile to that fact he had ingored her playful comment. He was a less of a bumbler than she thought.

She looked at the man- Crypt, wasn't it?- And gave a fitting wolfish grin, "Oh I never say things simply. Bad habit. Why don't you guess? That's a lot more fun!" She then brought her curved fingers up to her lips and giggled in a giddy and child-like manner.

She twisted her head back in order to see the weapon store that she had indeed brought Adi too. Finally! It was time to get some noses off the scent. In other words, she could finally get some lying done today. She had been starting to think this conversation would be boring.

"The clothing merchants were trying to sell her clothes and that was their first mistake. She obviously is not in need of any clothing." First point she made in her head. There was no way you could tell if the girl needed clothing or not, to be completely fair. She'd be up for a challenge if any quesioned that. While she silently ached for that to happen, she continued, "I felt sorry that these merchants were bothering a young girl so I pulled her out of the hyperactive crowd." No points there. That was true enough. The other half was that she couldn't bear to let that girl hear more of that sluggishly planned sale. She went on, "I'm a born Syliran and know the Bazar well. I saw that this fine young travelling girl had a cutlass and I simply assumed that if I took her here, she would not be bothered by more merchants. The cutlass seems fine to me so I thought no one would be brash enough to make her a deal. I was just trying to give a helping hand being and I understood how intimidating big cities like this can be, being just a traveller myself." Of course she had taken Adi to the weapon stores in the hopes she would purchase some more defence for her travels and last but not least, she was not a traveller. She had made no implication that she came from a "business" background. All of that had slipped and clicked smoothly and clearly off her tongue.

She ended with a simple and sweet smile to the two men, but inisde she was laughing and holwing in a state of complete confidence and triumph.

Lupa Voleur, you still got it!

[Adilliana]

OOCFine by me. I think I have everything in the correct order tell me if i don't. How about Making this thread occour on the 67 day of winter?
Slowly, the man called Richard overcame his embarrassment and his hand moved away from his sword. With great humility he extended his apologies to Lupa. He seemed genuinely sorry for having thought the worst of the girl. Slowly he turned to face Adilliana explaining he had simply been investigating. Why the actions of others concerned Richard was not obvious to Adilliana. She assumed that it must be part of the responsibilities held diverse calling themselves "Knight".

The tattooed form of Crypt was focused on Lupa as he enquired about her habit of biting people in another form which he seemed to be curious to learn about. It was a comment that it passed over Adilliana's head as you have limited knowledge of the other species that inhabited Mizahar. It seemed that crypt was used to being in a position of authority as he addressed the group in genera assuring everyone that there was no need for violence, especially since the unease Richard's presence had cause seemed to be part of his duty as "the keeper of the peace". The only thing that crypt at the Adilliana truly understood was the question of why Lupa had led her to a weapon store. It was something that vaguely interested Adilliana as well because the cutlass at her side is very visible.

Lupa accepted Richards’s apology seeming to think nothing of it. It seems that she was very used to knight's enquiring into her activities. Adilliana wasn't the best when it came to reading the meaning behind the interactions of people that seemed to her that Lupa was displaying a romantic interest in Richard. There's no accounting taste Adilliana thought causing her to smirk. It is playful personality shone through as she refused to simply answer Crypt’s question about forms. Lupa turned the enquiry into a kind of game openly inviting those present to take guess.

It is reasoning behind the visit to the weapon store was believable but didn't seem to fit with Adilliana’s recollection of events. It did not bother her however as these are of subterfuge was one of common practice among the pod she had been raised in. If for whatever reason Lupa did not wish to truthfully answer crypt enquiry it was no business of Adilliana's. She would ask her own questions of the later right now she was simply guide to the girls company as it allowed her to simply watch the interactions between the three non-svefra gaining insights into their cultural interactions.

It was not the Adilliana was timid, it was simply that after a lifetime of living on the margins of Svefran society she did not wish to acquire social stigma from yet another society. She was encouraged by the fact that Lupa seemed to have accepted her and now Adilliana was beginning to believe that it was actually possible for her to have a friendship despite some of her more unusual traits. She looked from one man to the other, they seem to be polite, accepting and open so Adilliana push past her fear of rejection and found a voice.

"Why do the reasons behind Lupa’s decision to bring me into the shop matter?" It was a simple question, one to which Adilliana hoped that there was a simple answer too. Adilliana also believe that it was a question that would not cause trouble for herself or Lupa.

[Richard Burke]

Richard looked at the 3 strangers arrayed around him, while the conversation had not started the way the knight-in- training had desired, he was in it, and while it wasnt a kidnapping, it didnt seem that Lupa really had Adi's best interest in heart. Still, trying to get some extra coin from a traveler wasnt against the law.

Crypt seemed to be well educated on the knights, and while he was flirting with the strange Lupa, he was certain one of the most level headed in the room, but shyke, Richard still couldnt place the tattoos, and his eyes were being drawn there, the squire did his best to ignore this as Lupa spoke.

'Im a born Syliran' she stated, her mannerism didnt seem too much out of place, and her clothes were wholly Syliran, 'Being a traveler myself' while you could be born in the city, and then leave, it gave Richard a reason to doubt Lupa's story, and her self expressed kind hearted notion.

The second woman, Adi, raised a valid point, atleast in Richard's mind, he wasnt sure the best way to answer it, so he decided to answer simply, and to the point. "It is the policy of the knights to know as much as possible about the goings on inside the city." He tried to be tactful for the next phrase "I believe our friend Lupa here has a vested interest in you shopping in this store." He decided to not raise up Lupa's story, just yet.

[Crypt]

Born in Syliras and still a traveler? Possible. But how does she know that Adilliana doesn't require any clothing? "Well reasoned. But there is no way you could have known that she did not require clothing, Crypt's tone shifted gradually to become more formal and monotonous as he attempted to analyse her speech, "Either you made a guess or found it out from her by whatever means possible. As to your... forms, I have a few theories already. One. The form you refer to may be purely within the mind; a transformation of your... currently benign nature into one more primal. One where you would be more likely to bite others." He paused for a moment, gauging her response to his first hypothesis. "Reason the second. You can transform yourself into an animal via Magic. Whether by Morphing, or something beyond my comprehension. I have a friend of mine that can do the same, who goes by the name of Hisoka. Are you... a Kelvic?" Perhaps this will surprise her. Do I know it to be the truth, or is it in truth false? We shall see. It was then when Crypt noticed Richard's eye on his tatoos. Cursing himself silently for not being observant enough, Crypt moved the sleeves of his shirt up to allow Richard a better look. "Interested in my tattoos? You'll be hard-pressed to find anyone in Syliras that can do something like this. Don't worry, you can look. When I was chosen by my Strider at the age of twelve, my father spent months designing the tattoos, and brought it to an excellent artist in the Amethyst clan. He spent quite a few mizas getting this done, but it was worth it. I still don't know what most of the words, letters or symbols represent, but that isn't really important for me now. There are matters of higher importance I have to attend to, after all." Higher importance indeed. Lupa's cheerful personality was a most refreshing change from the vast majority of the denizens of Syliras he had met, but it could be a mere facade. Best to be cautious. Sharp fingernails: the better to draw blood with. A seasoned traveller would not be as welcoming as her - she should be more guarded. However, there are two alternatives. She could be experienced, but holds an ability of some sort that allows her to act like so - enough to protect her from sudden danger. Either that, or she is inexperienced. Then again, this is but speculation. "Quite true, unfortunately. The Knights have complete authority over all citizens of Syliras and all common visitors."

[Lupa Voleur]

Lupa eyed Richard and did everything in her power not to scowl. Damn Knights. Always questioning everyone's motive and reasons. Always lurking about, a second shadow. She then blinked. She had gotten quite angry and wasn't sure why. To be fair, she was the one lying. Lupa's inner self rolled her eyes her and pouted.

Then she turned to Crypt. She hadn't really observed him up until know but she could say this. Richard was cute in his way. This man Crypt was rugged and pretty mysterious. Lupa giggled at her own playful thoughts. Then he began to disect her speech. She could almost feel the excitement bubbling and frothing inside of her. This man had actually listened to her and was proving quite a challenge for her. She couldn't help but grin madly.

She softened it down to a somewhat smirk and began the game, "Well, when I first saw her she had no interest in the loud clothing merchant so I just assumed she didn't need clothing. But yes, I did not know. I'm sorry, I should have phrased that better. I'm not good with words at times." A look a genuine embarrasment crossed her face and she let it. It was true. She didn't recieve a good education. Leon was the source of any proper language she used and travellers and merchants were the sourse of all the slang and improper words she used. The latter had left more of an impression on her.

Then he began talking about her forms and she held in a sigh. She was hoping to have more challenges about her lie. She listened to him deduce her forms and she even slightly shivered in a kind of awe. She wasn't completely star struck, she simply had a little thing for calculating men. It showed a great mind and great tactical skills. She bit her lip in thought to his first theory and gave a reply.

"Interesting. Although not completely right, I can see what would lead you to come to a conclusion like that. "I don't bite" can literally be translated to, "I'm no threat." or "I won't hurt you." When I refered to my forms I could have been talking about a split personality in which I would bite, meaning I would be a threat. I like it. Almost poetic." She ended that with a smile. Wow... Was she that smart? Or was she just trying to impress him? Lupa was full of surprises, some she didn't even know about.

As he finsihed his second theory, a beaming smile spread across her face. It was almost supposed to symbolize a reward for finally guessing correctly. She nodded happily, "Well played! Lupa Voleur, wolf Kelvic. I have a very fitting name, don't you think?"

She had enjoyed that. She wanted to observe more of this man know and Richard gave her an excuse to. She listened to Crypt and searched through his tattoos. She whistled, impressed. The fine detail showed the work and art put into them. Of course something like that would drain you of a lot of pretty mizas.

When brought back onto the topic of Knights, she reserved a snort of contempt and replaced it with a light chuckle, "Oh don't I know it! Earlier today, I was actually comparing your skills to that a wolf. That's something to be proud of. Shows you're doing your job right." Lupa grinned at Richard, showing off her elongated incisors, but in a playful manner, not threatening.

[Adilliana]

Adilliana watch Richard gaze travel over Crypt, Lupa and herself. It was very obvious that he did not like what he saw. He seemed distrustful of Lupa but hesitant to state why. As far as she could tell the title of Knight was simply an excuse to be a busybody. Surely it was up to her whether or not she trusted Lupa’s actions.

Between Richard and Crypt’s reactions Adilliana was starting to become restless. Crypt In particular, in her opinion was being overly analytical. Used to the plain speaking most of his analysis went over her head.

Crypt’s tattoos were indeed interesting that Adilliana couldn't fathom why one would allow themselves to be marked with body art they did not understand the meaning of. However, she did not comment as she knew little of the culture of outsiders did not wish to be rude. The information that produce behaviour was typical of Knights had Adilliana seriously considering leaving the city as soon as possible.

Adilliana could not understand how that would have remained so playful with the two gentlemen. She was not the source of enquiry and yet she still found Richard's nagging infuriating and Crypt's use of double meanings mentally taxing. Worse was Lupa’s response to Crypt. It was wordy and long and Lupa seem to take enjoyment from the reactions of all three of them.

One word though stuck in her mind, which made a mental note to ask Lupa more about the term Kelvic when they were alone. From her position standing next to Lupa Adilliana couldn't see her elongated incisors and still judge Lupa as a friend. Sick of talking about nights and motives behind people's actions Adilliana strode out on a tangent.

"As interesting is this all is getting rather hungry." She turned to faced Lupa “you mind if we get something to eat before going home? Of course we wouldn't dream of doing that without the approval of such a noble knight." Adilliana stated glaring at Richard sarcasm dripping from her words.

It had been a long and trying day. Adilliana had only entered the gates of the city that morning and now a combination of boredom, hunger and fatigue was causing her to become irrationally irritable. Right now what she wanted was a nice meal but she would settle for cutting someone in half of the conversation continued this way.