Arin

Okay!

[4/15/2014 8:29:24 PM] Kali: Arin seems nervous when she gets aboard, possibly due to the death threats. Or it could be the curse or the certain doom it entails.

[4/15/2014 8:30:40 PM] Iskandar: It's okay, you know. You're not bound to the ship like the rest of us. You'll be able to leave when we reach a safer plane, if you feel the need.

[4/15/2014 8:34:32 PM] Kali: Arin: ... I'm just a little worried that girl might kill me in my sleep, that's all. Or I'll wake up on death row.

[4/15/2014 8:37:07 PM] Iskandar: She won't. That's not really her style, as far as I can tell. You know how some people take the weight of the world on their shoulders, make every single little thing their personal responsibility?

[4/15/2014 8:37:33 PM] Kali: Arin: Yes?

[4/15/2014 8:39:21 PM] Iskandar: She seems to have taken ten of those people onto her own shoulders. She's easily stressed out and doesn't adapt that well.

[4/15/2014 8:42:32 PM] Kali: Arin: Unlike you, is that it?

[4/15/2014 8:42:51 PM] Iskandar: I am an incredibly adaptable person.

[4/15/2014 8:44:16 PM] Iskandar: Iskandar opens a door to pull her trunk into. "You can use this room, if that's okay?"

[4/15/2014 8:44:25 PM] Kali: Arin peers in, and sets her trunk on the ground.

[4/15/2014 8:44:35 PM] Kali: Arin: I do believe you. You seem very sincere.

[4/15/2014 8:45:13 PM] Iskandar: I prefer unflappable. I cannot be flapped.

[4/15/2014 8:47:46 PM] Kali: Arin: Now that might be a little harder to believe.

[4/15/2014 8:49:43 PM] Iskandar: Oh?

[4/15/2014 8:51:57 PM] Kali: Arin: Everyone can be flapped, one way or another.

[4/15/2014 8:52:16 PM] Iskandar: Hmmm. I suppose that's true.

[4/15/2014 8:53:06 PM] Kali: Arin: It just might take a bit more for you.

[4/15/2014 8:53:48 PM] Iskandar: How about you?

[4/15/2014 8:55:10 PM] Kali: Arin: Oh, every little thing flaps me. Like electrical kisses.

[4/15/2014 8:55:25 PM] Iskandar: Sorry about that.

[4/15/2014 8:56:01 PM] Kali: Arin: I'm not.

[4/15/2014 8:56:04 PM] Kali: She smiles a little bit.

[4/15/2014 8:58:19 PM] Iskandar: Must be the carpets in that house.

[4/15/2014 9:00:57 PM] Kali: Arin: Oh, no it isn't.

[4/15/2014 9:01:06 PM] Kali: Arin: You must be part... electric eel, or something.

[4/15/2014 9:02:10 PM] Iskandar: ... Eel? Eel? No.

[4/15/2014 9:03:12 PM] Kali: Arin: What else has an electric tongue?

[4/15/2014 9:04:41 PM] Iskandar: Dragons. Certain dragons, anyway.

[4/15/2014 9:06:33 PM] Kali: Arin: Are you part dragon, then?

[4/15/2014 9:07:00 PM] Iskandar: No, I'm all dragon.

[4/15/2014 9:10:10 PM] Kali: Arin: In disguise, you mean?

[4/15/2014 9:11:03 PM] Iskandar: I got cursed by, I don't know. A Wizard or something. Someone old and magical. So I'm trapped in this form.

[4/15/2014 9:13:39 PM] Kali: Arin: ... so you're stuck like that, but really, you're a dragon.

[4/15/2014 9:14:27 PM] Iskandar: Yep. I mean, it's not terrible. I spent plenty of time in a humanoid form before. And like I said, I'm adaptable.

[4/15/2014 9:17:24 PM] Kali: Arin: ... well, I'm pretty sure you're telling the truth.

[4/15/2014 9:17:32 PM] Kali: Arin: Or you're crazy.

[4/15/2014 9:17:40 PM] Iskandar: Or I'm just telling you what I believe and I'm crazy, right?

[4/15/2014 9:18:04 PM] Kali: Arin: It could be either.

[4/15/2014 9:18:09 PM] Iskandar: Iskandar looks around and spits a little bolt of lightning at the wall, not much, just enough to leave a little scorch mark.

[4/15/2014 9:18:17 PM] Kali: Arin jumps.

[4/15/2014 9:18:29 PM] Iskandar: And I can do that.

[4/15/2014 9:18:35 PM] Kali: Arin: ... yes, yes you can.

[4/15/2014 9:19:16 PM] Kali: Arin: Of course, some crazy people do put a good deal of effort into their madness, but on the whole, I'm inclined to believe you.

[4/15/2014 9:20:17 PM] Iskandar: Well, I appreciate that. Not that there's a whole lot I can do to prove it, but you know, that's never really bothered me that much.

[4/15/2014 9:20:47 PM] Kali: Arin: All the more reason to believe it, really. ... do you miss being big as a house with wings?

[4/15/2014 9:21:08 PM] Iskandar: I miss flying.

[4/15/2014 9:21:52 PM] Iskandar: And I miss my hoard.

[4/15/2014 9:22:26 PM] Kali: Arin: You had a hoard, did you? Where is it now, do you suppose?

[4/15/2014 9:22:39 PM] Iskandar: Back on my home plane.

[4/15/2014 9:24:12 PM] Kali: Arin: You could start a new one.

[4/15/2014 9:24:40 PM] Iskandar: That's the plan. What else can I do?

[4/15/2014 9:25:46 PM] Kali: Arin: Well. Let me contribute.

[4/15/2014 9:25:59 PM] Kali: She takes off one of her gold earrings and hands it to Iskandar.

[4/15/2014 9:26:29 PM] Iskandar: What's this for?

[4/15/2014 9:27:25 PM] Kali: Arin: For?

[4/15/2014 9:28:07 PM] Iskandar: Why are you giving me this? Not because you feel obligated, I hope.

[4/15/2014 9:28:47 PM] Kali: Arin: Well, I *am* obligated, you know. But that should square us up, don't you think? Or I could give you both earrings, but I rather like the idea of keeping one.

[4/15/2014 9:30:57 PM] Iskandar: Iskandar smiles, slightly. "Well, I'll take it as a gift.  Or a donation."

[4/15/2014 9:33:34 PM] Kali: Arin: And then we're square.

[4/15/2014 9:33:47 PM] Iskandar: Iskandar nods. "We're square."

[4/15/2014 9:34:55 PM] Kali: She kisses him a little bit. "... now show me more of the ship, if you don't mind?"

[4/15/2014 9:36:32 PM] Iskandar: Sure. You want to see the Forest? It's easily the most impressive part.

[4/15/2014 9:37:34 PM] Kali: Arin: I would like that very much. ... dragons are warm-blooded, aren't they?

[4/15/2014 9:38:06 PM] Iskandar: Yes. Dragons invented it.

[4/15/2014 9:38:40 PM] Kali: Arin: Dragons invented blood?

[4/15/2014 9:38:57 PM] Iskandar: Warm-bloodedness.

[4/15/2014 9:42:23 PM] Kali: Arin: Ah. ... how many children do you have? You do seem... interested in other species.

[4/15/2014 9:43:09 PM] Iskandar: I don't have any. Well. that I know of. But I'm pretty careful.

[4/15/2014 9:45:31 PM] Kali: Arin: What species do you find attractive?

[4/15/2014 9:48:26 PM] Iskandar: Hmm. That's a tough question. But I find things attractive about most humanoid species.

[4/15/2014 9:49:48 PM] Kali: Arin: Dragons do have a bit of a reputation.

[4/15/2014 9:50:52 PM] Iskandar: As handsome and charming. I'll own that.

[4/15/2014 9:51:50 PM] Kali: Arin: And not much constrained by species in love.

[4/15/2014 9:54:22 PM] Iskandar: Oh. No, not really. Adaptable, you know.

[4/15/2014 9:54:33 PM] Iskandar: Iskandar grins.

[4/15/2014 9:57:14 PM] Kali: Arin: Apart from being giant, terrifying lizards, that's what you're known for, I'm afraid.

[4/15/2014 9:59:01 PM] Iskandar: Believing in being generous with love? That's not so bad.

[4/15/2014 10:00:32 PM] Kali: Arin: I don't think it's bad. Of course, I was a professional.

[4/15/2014 10:01:07 PM] Iskandar: How long were you there?

[4/15/2014 10:02:35 PM] Kali: Arin: About seventeen years. I'm a little older than I look.

[4/15/2014 10:03:03 PM] Iskandar: Me too! But I'm not good with age anyway.

[4/15/2014 10:04:37 PM] Kali: Arin: I imagine not, given that we're not large scaley people.

[4/15/2014 10:05:44 PM] Iskandar: Right. Since most non-dragons don't have colorful scales that change in luster with age, it's tough.

[4/15/2014 10:06:32 PM] Kali: Arin: Ah, but I do, I suppose. Though I haven't noticed them changing much.

[4/15/2014 10:07:01 PM] Iskandar: Well, they're not dragon scales. They're still lovely, though.

[4/15/2014 10:12:36 PM] Kali: Arin: Thank you. Most people just think they're exotic.

[4/15/2014 10:12:41 PM] Kali: ((I better head for bed pretty soon here.))

[4/15/2014 10:13:12 PM] Iskandar: ((Okay. (heart)(heart)(heart)(heart) ))

[4/15/2014 10:13:21 PM] Iskandar: Iskandar takes her to the Forest!

[4/15/2014 10:14:23 PM] Kali: ((Not quite yet! But soon.))

[4/15/2014 10:14:34 PM] Kali: Arin follows after him, taking his hand if he doesn't seem to object.

[4/15/2014 10:15:44 PM] Iskandar: He doesn't. He opens the door to the Forest.

[4/15/2014 10:17:05 PM] Kali: Arin: ... oh my. That *is* actually a forest. Forgive me; I thought perhaps you were being  metaphorical or speaking of a greenhouse.

[4/15/2014 10:17:36 PM] Iskandar: It's a demi-plane, apparently. It's where the ship's water and food and air comes from.

[4/15/2014 10:19:50 PM] Kali: Arin: It's beautiful. ... I can't believe this is just... here, attached to a ship. What clever mages they must be.

[4/15/2014 10:20:35 PM] Iskandar: It's pretty big, too. I don't think anyone's found an outer edge to the plane.

[4/15/2014 10:21:12 PM] Kali: Arin: ... are there dragons in here, do you suppose? Or unicorns?

[4/15/2014 10:23:14 PM] Iskandar: I don't know. Maybe unicorns. I know there's a dryad who is basically the god of this plane. In fact -- if there's ever danger, and you can't find another place to hide, you should come here, and ask for Talas to help protect you. She's very nice, as long as you're nice to her and nice to the ship, and nice to the creatures here.

[4/15/2014 10:24:31 PM] Kali: Arin: I'm nice to most people.

[4/15/2014 10:27:31 PM] Iskandar: Iskandar smiles. "Want to walk around here a bit?"

[4/15/2014 10:27:46 PM] Kali: Arin: I'd like that quite a bit. It seems... peaceful.

[4/15/2014 10:29:29 PM] Iskandar: Iskandar takes her by the hand and shows her the areas that he himself has seen... which isn't much, really. But there's a nice little clearing with a spring he likes.

[4/15/2014 10:33:13 PM] Kali: Arin watches the steam for a bit. "Should we sit down? The grass feels nice."

[4/15/2014 10:36:42 PM] Iskandar: Iskandar nods, and takes a seat.

[4/16/2014 6:13:16 PM] Kali: She leans against him a bit.

[4/16/2014 6:14:38 PM] Iskandar: Apparently they got attacked by a rhino from here before I showed up.

[4/16/2014 6:15:03 PM] Kali: Arin: In here? I don't think the terrain is rhino-conducive, is it?

[4/16/2014 6:17:17 PM] Iskandar: Well, I guess it doesn't have to follow the normal rules of the natural world, does it?

[4/16/2014 6:20:18 PM] Kali: Arin: I suppose not. I hope you have a weaopn, just in case.

[4/16/2014 6:21:56 PM] Iskandar: Just my magic. Oh, and a dagger, but that's more for food.

[4/16/2014 6:24:32 PM] Kali: Arin: Hmm. Well, you stick with your magic, and toss me the dagger if anything untoward pops up.

[4/16/2014 6:25:09 PM] Iskandar: Will do. But we're still pretty close to the door, I think we'll be safe.

[4/16/2014 6:28:17 PM] Kali: Arin: I feel safe.

[4/16/2014 6:30:21 PM] Iskandar: Iskandar smiles. "Well, good."

[4/16/2014 6:30:56 PM] Kali: Arin: Possibly you being a dragon may have something to do with it.

[4/16/2014 6:32:35 PM] Iskandar: Really? As far as I know, dragons aren't known for their ability to produce contentment and well-being.

[4/16/2014 6:32:50 PM] Iskandar: Mostly naked envy, is what dragons inspire, I think.

[4/16/2014 6:33:18 PM] Kali: Arin: I... think you may mean terror.

[4/16/2014 6:34:19 PM] Iskandar: Well. I think that's how people express that envy. Terror.

[4/16/2014 6:35:58 PM] Kali: Arin: I don't know that that's true. People who like power would quite like to be dragons though, I think.

[4/16/2014 6:37:31 PM] Iskandar: Yep. Envy. And I can't blame them. If you like power, I suggest being a dragon.

[4/16/2014 6:39:01 PM] Kali: Arin: I wouldn't trust myself to be one.

[4/16/2014 6:40:01 PM] Iskandar: No? Why not?

[4/16/2014 6:45:08 PM] Kali: Arin: They're very powerful.

[4/16/2014 6:45:15 PM] Kali: Arin: I'm not sure that would be good for me.

[4/16/2014 6:45:49 PM] Iskandar: Iskandar looks at her. "Why is that?  Do you think it would turn you evil?"

[4/16/2014 6:49:20 PM] Kali: Arin: No, I simply wouldn't use it well, I think.

[4/16/2014 6:50:56 PM] Iskandar: What would you do with it?

[4/16/2014 6:54:19 PM] Kali: Arin: Probably not much, really.

[4/16/2014 6:54:39 PM] Iskandar: What is it that you want?

[4/16/2014 6:55:29 PM] Kali: Arin: Not to have to do much work, I suppose. ... I'm terribly lazy.

[4/16/2014 6:55:58 PM] Iskandar: That's not a bad thing.

[4/16/2014 6:57:06 PM] Kali: Arin: Dragons can do so much more. And should.

[4/16/2014 6:58:55 PM] Iskandar: Well, the amassing of wealth *is* pretty important.

[4/16/2014 6:59:23 PM] Iskandar: Hoards are very important.

[4/16/2014 7:00:13 PM] Kali: Arin: Are they?

[4/16/2014 7:01:04 PM] Kali: Arin: Why?

[4/16/2014 7:01:12 PM] Iskandar: They just are.

[4/16/2014 7:06:24 PM] Kali: Arin: Do you sleep on them?

[4/16/2014 7:06:31 PM] Iskandar: Iskandar gestures, putting his hands out in front of him in the vague gestures of someone trying to describe something that he has a hard time describing.

[4/16/2014 7:06:56 PM] Iskandar: I did. Humanoid shapes are not terribly good at sleeping on piles of treasure, though.

[4/16/2014 7:10:20 PM] Kali: Arin: Still. I don't understand, really.

[4/16/2014 7:11:03 PM] Iskandar: Hmm. You know how living things need to eat?

[4/16/2014 7:12:53 PM] Kali: Arin: Yes?

[4/16/2014 7:14:22 PM] Iskandar: Collecting wealth is slightly less important than eating.

[4/16/2014 7:16:31 PM] Kali: Arin: ... almost like an obsessive-compulsion.

[4/16/2014 7:18:21 PM] Iskandar: Well I wouldn't expect a non-dragon to get it.

[4/16/2014 7:20:33 PM] Kali: Arin: I don't. But I don't mind if you don't.

[4/16/2014 7:21:03 PM] Iskandar: No one's perfect.

[4/16/2014 7:21:13 PM] Iskandar: Iskandar smiles, and lays back on the grass!

[4/16/2014 7:23:30 PM] Kali: She lays back with him. "I came from heaven, aren't I close enough?"

[4/16/2014 7:23:56 PM] Iskandar: Pretty close. And you're nice. And charming.

[4/16/2014 7:25:24 PM] Kali: Arin: And scaly, and you said you liked blue.

[4/16/2014 7:26:59 PM] Iskandar: It's the best possible color.

[4/16/2014 7:28:52 PM] Kali: Arin: I take it you were blue.

[4/16/2014 7:29:17 PM] Iskandar: Good guess!

[4/16/2014 7:30:52 PM] Kali: Arin: Your eyes are blue.

[4/16/2014 7:32:25 PM] Iskandar: They are. They've always been, though.

[4/16/2014 7:35:13 PM] Iskandar: Yes, I was blue. Gloriously blue.

[4/16/2014 7:36:59 PM] Kali: Arin: I would have liked to have seen it.

[4/16/2014 7:40:34 PM] Iskandar: Well, maybe some day. I don't mind being an elf, though.

[4/16/2014 7:41:03 PM] Kali: Arin: You make a good one. You've a wonderful rakish air.

[4/16/2014 7:41:50 PM] Iskandar: Well, I was a highwayman.

[4/16/2014 7:43:15 PM] Kali: Arin: Robbed from the rich to give to the poor?

[4/16/2014 7:44:03 PM] Iskandar: You are part right.

[4/16/2014 7:45:31 PM] Kali: Arin: Just robbed the rich. That makes sense, robbing the poor wouldn't do much.

[4/16/2014 7:46:07 PM] Iskandar: The rich *do* have better stuff.

[4/16/2014 7:46:30 PM] Kali: Arin: Exactly.

[4/16/2014 7:47:36 PM] Iskandar: The kingdom I come from, Solitaire, they have these trains that take most folks from town to town. But it's become fashionable for the rich to start taking their own personal carriages. So we robbed those.

[4/16/2014 7:48:16 PM] Kali: Arin: Was it fun?

[4/16/2014 7:52:48 PM] Iskandar: I suppose it was. Most of the rich folks could afford some decent guards and bodyguards.

[4/16/2014 7:53:07 PM] Kali: Arin: Exciting.

[4/16/2014 7:53:27 PM] Iskandar: It could be! Not as good as flying, but it was a decent way to build up a hoard.

[4/16/2014 7:57:56 PM] Iskandar: So what was it like in heaven? Why did you leave?

[4/16/2014 7:59:40 PM] Kali: Arin: I got restless. It's not a good place for mortals.

[4/16/2014 8:01:42 PM] Iskandar: No? I've never been. Was it boring?

[4/16/2014 8:03:24 PM] Kali: Arin: After a while, very much so.

[4/16/2014 8:03:33 PM] Kali: Arin: I learned a lot, but I got restless.

[4/16/2014 8:04:17 PM] Iskandar: Which heaven was it? There are a lot, aren't there?

[4/16/2014 8:06:10 PM] Kali: Arin: There are indeed.

[4/16/2014 8:06:25 PM] Kali: Arin: I don't know what ours was called.

[4/16/2014 8:06:49 PM] Iskandar: What was it like? All fluffy clouds?

[4/16/2014 8:08:25 PM] Kali: Arin: Oh no, not at all.

[4/16/2014 8:08:42 PM] Kali: Arin: Mostly trees and flowers. A little like this.

[4/16/2014 8:14:12 PM] Iskandar: Heh. I knew this guy. He was in my little bandit band. He was not very good with the ladies. I once heard him ask this girl in a tavern 'how was heaven when you left it?'

[4/16/2014 8:15:05 PM] Kali: Arin: Did she say "Dull"?

[4/16/2014 8:15:22 PM] Iskandar: No, she slapped him because he put his hand on her leg and she didn't want it there.

[4/16/2014 8:16:12 PM] Kali: Arin: Mmmm. Not a good line.

[4/16/2014 8:16:52 PM] Iskandar: No. But I laughed when he got slapped.

[4/16/2014 8:18:28 PM] Kali: Arin: Oh, how harsh.

[4/16/2014 8:18:59 PM] Iskandar: Well, that's why you don't put your hand somewhere it's not wanted.

[4/16/2014 8:20:07 PM] Kali: Arin: Indeed. Though I usually like to give one warning.

[4/16/2014 8:21:02 PM] Iskandar: The slap was the warning. The woman also had a sword, after all.

[4/16/2014 8:21:36 PM] Kali: Arin: An excellent point.

[4/16/2014 8:22:04 PM] Kali: Arin: I wonder if there are weapons aboard. I'd hate to be caught with only a dagger.

[4/16/2014 8:23:22 PM] Iskandar: As I understand it, we keep weapons in the training room. What's your preference?

[4/16/2014 8:25:20 PM] Kali: Arin: Hand-axes, matched.

[4/16/2014 8:25:29 PM] Iskandar: That's... specific.

[4/16/2014 8:26:44 PM] Kali: Arin: That's my preference. Two daggers will work.

[4/16/2014 8:28:30 PM] Iskandar: Well, we can see what they have.

[4/16/2014 8:28:39 PM] Iskandar: Iskandar smiles. "I hope you don't end up stabbing me."

[4/16/2014 8:29:40 PM] Kali: Arin: Why would I?

[4/16/2014 8:30:26 PM] Iskandar: I've been stabbed by beautiful women before.

[4/16/2014 8:32:28 PM] Kali: Arin: For what?

[4/16/2014 8:34:19 PM] Iskandar: Oh, you know. Betrayal. There is not a lot of honor among highwaymen.

[4/16/2014 8:35:08 PM] Kali: Arin: Tricky. I'm extremely honorable. ... or at least, loyal.

[4/16/2014 8:37:13 PM] Iskandar: Oh, good. I don't like getting stabbed.

[4/16/2014 8:37:26 PM] Iskandar: Iskandar lifts his shirt and shows a couple of old stab wounds!

[4/16/2014 8:37:50 PM] Kali: Arin: ... but you lived.

[4/16/2014 8:38:04 PM | Edited 8:39:11 PM] Kali: Kali Arin tickles him. Or tries to. He might be too manly to be tickled.

[4/16/2014 8:41:19 PM] Iskandar: He laughs. "Hey, stop that.  Dragons are not ticklish."

[4/16/2014 8:42:12 PM] Kali: Arin: Then it's a delightful new opportunity for you.

[4/16/2014 8:42:15 PM] Kali: She does stop, though.

[4/16/2014 8:43:38 PM] Iskandar: So. Seeing as how we're square and you're no longer obligated to me for getting you on board this cursed deathship.

[4/16/2014 8:45:09 PM] Kali: Arin: Mmm?

[4/16/2014 8:47:38 PM] Iskandar: Mind if I kiss you?

[4/16/2014 8:48:21 PM] Kali: Arin: Hmm. I've never knowingly kissed a dragon before.

[4/16/2014 8:48:32 PM] Iskandar: It could be dangerous.

[4/16/2014 8:50:31 PM] Kali: Arin: Could it?

[4/16/2014 8:52:44 PM] Iskandar: Just might be. They say when you knowingly kiss a dragon, no other lovers will ever do.

[4/16/2014 8:53:05 PM] Kali: Arin: Now I always thought it was usually right before they devoured you.

[4/16/2014 8:55:01 PM] Iskandar: Hmm. I can't say some of that won't be happening either, potentially. It's just pretty risky in general.

[4/16/2014 8:55:29 PM] Kali: Arin: How wicked.

[4/16/2014 8:55:53 PM] Iskandar: Well, I am rather rakish, what can I say.

[4/16/2014 8:56:01 PM] Kali: Arin: You know, I think I'd like to be dated.

[4/16/2014 8:56:37 PM] Iskandar: Dated... as in, seen socially? Or out of fashion?

[4/16/2014 8:57:09 PM] Kali: Arin: Seen socially.

[4/16/2014 8:57:32 PM] Iskandar: Good, I don't know how to accomplish the other one.

[4/16/2014 8:57:59 PM] Kali: Arin: Mmm. Are you interested?

[4/16/2014 8:58:57 PM] Iskandar: I think I am. What would that involve?

[4/16/2014 9:01:18 PM] Kali: Arin: Dining together and dancing together and doing things together socially.

[4/16/2014 9:04:37 PM] Iskandar: There's not much of a social scene here, I'm afraid.

[4/16/2014 9:04:55 PM] Kali: Arin: That's fine. I'm a little bit lazy.

[4/16/2014 9:06:53 PM] Iskandar: Well, okay then. Oh, one other thing, there's an incubus named Fred. You should probably not kiss him.

[4/16/2014 9:07:26 PM] Kali: Arin: I won't, then. Thanks for the warning.

[4/16/2014 9:07:35 PM] Kali: Arin: Oh, and I forgot to mention, one more thing.

[4/16/2014 9:07:45 PM] Iskandar: Yes?

[4/16/2014 9:08:52 PM] Kali: Arin: Lots of sex. Not right away, I don't think, but eventually. Possibly a few days.

[4/16/2014 9:10:55 PM] Iskandar: So dating will be eating together, dancing, spending time together, and sex. I am very okay with this.

[4/16/2014 9:11:54 PM] Kali: Arin: And if you want another partner, let me know. I don't think it would be a problem, but one never knows, I suppose something could come up. ... I would be rather worried if it were Fred.

[4/16/2014 9:12:48 PM] Iskandar: No, it wouldn't be Fred. I'll keep you in the loop though, definitely.

[4/16/2014 9:15:00 PM] Kali: Arin: We'll have to see how long I can hold out. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, and other body parts as well, I'm sure.

[4/16/2014 9:16:49 PM] Iskandar: Hold out? Will you die if you don't have sex?

[4/16/2014 9:17:39 PM] Kali: Arin: No. That would be rather odd. I just like it, and I'm not very good at self-denial.

[4/16/2014 9:19:26 PM] Iskandar: Oh, okay. I was wondering if you were whatever the heaven-equivalent of a succubus is.

[4/16/2014 9:22:28 PM] Kali: Arin: Not at all.

[4/16/2014 9:23:32 PM] Iskandar: Not that it would have been a deal breaker, mind you, I just like to know if I'm having sex with someone or saving a life so I can do the correct amount of boasting.

[4/16/2014 9:25:56 PM] Kali: Arin: Just sex, I'm afraid. I can get rather passionate. You'd think I wouldn't have the energy, wouldn't you?

[4/16/2014 9:26:44 PM] Iskandar: Maybe you're not lazy. Maybe you just have the best judgement in the world on how to use your energy.

[4/16/2014 9:28:16 PM] Kali: Arin: Possible.

[4/16/2014 9:29:28 PM] Kali: Arin: I'd quite like you to kiss me.

[4/16/2014 9:32:15 PM] Iskandar: Iskandar kisses her!

[4/16/2014 9:34:06 PM] Kali: She kisses him back, languidly at first and then with a bit more energy.

[4/16/2014 9:37:21 PM] Iskandar: Iskandar seems okay with that! And kisses her back with gusto.

[4/16/2014 9:40:11 PM] Kali: She pulls away after a while, breathless. "... dragons are very good kissers, I see. Or is it just you?"

[4/16/2014 9:41:16 PM] Iskandar: Iskandar smiles. "Just me."

[4/16/2014 9:41:38 PM] Kali: Arin: Aren't I lucky, then.

[4/16/2014 9:42:24 PM] Iskandar: Extremely, I think.

[4/16/2014 9:44:48 PM] Kali: Arin: Of course you would say that.

[4/16/2014 9:46:06 PM] Iskandar: The old guy that stuck me in my human form said I needed to learn a lesson about vanity. I think.

[4/16/2014 9:47:50 PM] Kali: Arin: Did it work?

[4/16/2014 9:48:21 PM] Iskandar: If he wanted me to learn a lesson about vanity, he shouldn't have stuck me in so handsome a shape.

[4/16/2014 9:51:44 PM] Kali: Arin: You are handsome. What would happen if you were ugly? Would you simply find something else to be prideful about?

[4/16/2014 9:52:44 PM] Iskandar: Realistic about. And yes.

[4/16/2014 9:55:32 PM] Kali: Arin: A poorly-taught lesson, then. What *are* you bad at?

[4/16/2014 9:58:05 PM] Iskandar: Iskandar thinks for a few moments.

[4/16/2014 9:58:15 PM] Iskandar: And a few more.

[4/16/2014 9:58:41 PM] Kali: Arin: You can't be good at everything.

[4/16/2014 10:00:42 PM] Kali: Arin: I think you're rather bad at modesty.

[4/16/2014 10:04:37 PM] Iskandar: Well, maybe. This form is a big more frail than I'd like, as well.

[4/16/2014 10:08:28 PM] Iskandar: But everything's frail compared to a dragon, so.

[4/16/2014 10:09:21 PM] Kali: Arin: I rather like it.

[4/16/2014 10:10:38 PM] Iskandar: Iskandar smiles. "I'm not terribly good at dancing.  But you'll probably learn that eventually."

[4/16/2014 10:12:38 PM] Kali: Arin: And I'm not good at patience.

[4/16/2014 10:14:01 PM] Iskandar: Patience is for wizards.

[4/16/2014 10:16:08 PM] Kali: Arin: Mmm. You have lovely arms. Are you this good-looking as a dragon?

[4/16/2014 10:16:51 PM] Iskandar: Yes. though I'm perhaps not quite as accessible.

[4/16/2014 10:17:56 PM] Kali: Arin: What would you do if I came into your cave?

[4/16/2014 10:19:13 PM] Iskandar: As an adventurer?

[4/16/2014 10:21:39 PM] Kali: Arin: How I look now.

[4/16/2014 10:22:07 PM] Iskandar: I would probably ask why you were there.

[4/16/2014 10:22:25 PM] Kali: Arin: And if I wore armor?

[4/16/2014 10:22:59 PM] Iskandar: I would still ask. What kind of armor would you be wearing?

[4/16/2014 10:24:43 PM] Kali: Arin: Hmm. Something very fierce, I think, and blue.

[4/16/2014 10:25:38 PM] Iskandar: As long as you're not wearing dragonscale, I would be reasonable. Though maybe I'd keep you.

[4/16/2014 10:27:20 PM] Kali: Arin: I don't think I could wear dragonscale now that I've met you. ... perhaps if it wasn't murdered for it.

[4/16/2014 10:31:09 PM] Iskandar: But in any case, I'd probably keep you. Add you to my hoard.

[4/16/2014 10:31:26 PM] Kali: Arin raises her eyebrows. "Can you hoard people?"

[4/16/2014 10:33:13 PM] Iskandar: Oh, sure. My cave was quite large.

[4/16/2014 10:34:40 PM] Kali: Arin: I mean, ethically. You'd let them leave if they wished, right?

[4/16/2014 10:35:28 PM] Iskandar: Hmm. Oh yes, I suppose. I never had a person in my hoard, myself.

[4/16/2014 10:36:45 PM] Kali: Arin: But you did have a dog.

[4/16/2014 10:37:16 PM] Iskandar: Yes.

[4/16/2014 10:37:31 PM] Iskandar: He just kind of showed up.

[4/16/2014 10:38:41 PM] Kali: Arin: Hmm. Well, so would've I. What would you have done if I looked fiercer?

[4/16/2014 10:41:15 PM] Iskandar: Oh, I would have tried to parlay, first. I can be a fairly reasonable person.

[4/16/2014 10:43:33 PM] Kali: Arin: Good. I would hate to be eaten alive.

[4/16/2014 10:44:11 PM] Iskandar: Only the really large dragons do that. Most reds. Reds are fairly savage people.

[4/16/2014 10:48:15 PM] Kali: Arin: Think of what you'd've missed.

[4/16/2014 10:49:46 PM] Kali: ((I need sleep, I think.))

[4/16/2014 10:49:56 PM] Iskandar: ((Me too.))

[4/16/2014 10:50:20 PM] Iskandar: I never ate anything sentient.

[4/16/2014 10:52:29 PM] Kali: Arin: Good.

[4/16/2014 10:52:30 PM] Kali: She kisses him.

Iskandar leaves the training room, stopping to see if there are a pair of axes for Arin.

[4/19/2014 10:09:18 PM] Kali: There are! Unaccountably.

[4/19/2014 10:09:43 PM] Iskandar: Well, he'll grab those, then.

[4/19/2014 10:10:05 PM] Kali: Nothing magical, but nicely made.

[4/19/2014 10:12:10 PM] Iskandar: Well, he will take those to Arin.

[4/19/2014 10:15:30 PM] Kali: Arin is in her room, or at least, he finds her when he knocks. She tells him to come in.

[4/19/2014 10:15:50 PM] Iskandar: He opens the door!

[4/19/2014 10:16:57 PM] Kali: He finds the room has been decorated! There are a few wall hangings and some area rugs as well as a painting of a stormy sea.

[4/19/2014 10:17:22 PM] Iskandar: You've been busy.

[4/19/2014 10:19:18 PM] Kali: Arin: It's a spell, actually--the trunk is a sort of spell that holds your decorations and then puts them up. Instant home, of sorts. ... my grandmother travelled a great deal and said she always found it very comforting.

[4/19/2014 10:19:39 PM] Iskandar: Huh. That's pretty neat.

[4/19/2014 10:20:23 PM] Kali: Arin: It's probably the most useful gift I've ever been given.

[4/19/2014 10:21:16 PM] Iskandar: Well, I found you some axes. I hope they don't end up being useful.

[4/19/2014 10:23:35 PM] Kali: She takes them and examines them. "... these aren't quite what I'm used to, but they'll certainly work. I'm terribly out of shape, though."

[4/19/2014 10:23:58 PM] Iskandar: You're not a hand-axe murderer, are you?

[4/19/2014 10:25:50 PM] Kali: Arin: Oh no, of course not.

[4/19/2014 10:26:03 PM] Kali: I travelled a bit when I was young, so my mother trained me to fight.

[4/19/2014 10:28:29 PM] Iskandar: Oh, that makes sense.

[4/19/2014 10:29:22 PM] Kali: Arin: I wouldn't say I was particularly good at it.

[4/19/2014 10:32:09 PM] Iskandar: Well, you were good enough to have a preference.

[4/19/2014 10:33:55 PM] Kali: Arin: You prefer magic. I imagine everyone has a preference.

[4/19/2014 10:36:36 PM] Iskandar: True. Though I've always had magic.

[4/19/2014 10:39:01 PM] Kali: Arin: Dragons are magic, aren't they?

[4/19/2014 10:40:51 PM] Iskandar: Yep. Magic is an integral part of us.

[4/19/2014 10:42:50 PM] Kali: Arin: I haven't much spark for it myself, unfortunately.

[4/19/2014 10:43:20 PM] Iskandar: Have you ever considered being born a dragon? It's easy then.

[4/19/2014 10:44:05 PM] Kali: Arin laughs. "If one could be born twice."

[4/19/2014 10:47:56 PM] Iskandar: Well, you have your axomancy.

[4/19/2014 10:48:18 PM] Kali: Arin: Yes, but it's a little less... subtle.

[4/19/2014 10:51:03 PM] Iskandar: Subtle compared to someone spitting lightning?

[4/19/2014 10:51:15 PM] Kali: Arin: Maybe not that, but you could do more than that.

[4/19/2014 10:51:29 PM] Kali: She stands up from her chair and hugs Iskandar, staying there.

[4/19/2014 10:53:15 PM] Iskandar: He hugs her back!

[4/19/2014 10:53:44 PM] Kali: Arin: Are all dragons this cuddly?

[4/19/2014 10:53:50 PM] Kali: Arin: Because you don't seem like it.

[4/19/2014 10:54:15 PM] Iskandar: It's a benefit from me being de-scaled.

[4/19/2014 10:56:31 PM] Kali: Arin: So normally, not cuddly. Interesting.

[4/19/2014 10:57:28 PM] Iskandar: Generally not. A lot of dragons don't quite appreciate having a nice soft warm curvy person next to them.

[4/19/2014 10:58:41 PM] Kali: Arin: Did you, when you were large and scaly?

[4/19/2014 10:59:34 PM] Iskandar: Not really. But when I took on humanoid form I learned to like it.

[4/19/2014 11:00:36 PM] Kali: Arin: Lucky for me.

[4/19/2014 11:01:02 PM] Iskandar: Indeed!

[4/19/2014 11:01:12 PM] Iskandar: So, you're... getting settled in here, then?

[4/19/2014 11:02:53 PM] Kali: Arin: I feel as settled as ever, really. Do you think that girl will turn me in?

[4/19/2014 11:04:30 PM] Iskandar: No, I don't.

[4/19/2014 11:08:20 PM] Kali: Arin: Why?

[4/19/2014 11:10:01 PM] Iskandar: Because you're not a bad person.

[4/19/2014 11:13:06 PM] Iskandar: She's got a thing about rules and law and whatnot.

[4/19/2014 11:14:35 PM] Iskandar: But coming to this place accidently is not grounds for them executing you.

[4/19/2014 11:15:22 PM] Kali: Arin: I really never thought anyone would find out.

[4/19/2014 11:15:51 PM] Iskandar: ... I'm sorry. You told me, and I told her, and she let it slip. It's my fault, really.

[4/19/2014 11:16:13 PM] Iskandar: I didn't think she would have a problem with it after the incubus.

[4/19/2014 11:19:27 PM] Kali: Arin: ... incubus?

[4/19/2014 11:20:29 PM] Iskandar: Yeah. Fred. We found him in an estate. They were using him for breeding. It was pretty awful. But Wynn kissed him and now he's on board.

[4/19/2014 11:22:41 PM] Kali: Arin: An incubus named Fred.

[4/19/2014 11:23:50 PM] Iskandar: He wouldn't tell us his name so he asked us to give him one. Janis suggested Fred.

[4/19/2014 11:28:09 PM] Kali: Arin: ... interesting.

[4/19/2014 11:28:16 PM] Kali: Arin: Very, very interesting.

[4/19/2014 11:29:04 PM] Iskandar: Is it?

[4/19/2014 11:29:31 PM] Kali: Arin: Many of the old stories involved naming magic. Among other things, when you name something it does begin to ... live up to the name, so to speak.

[4/19/2014 11:30:08 PM] Iskandar: So... he'll eventually become more Fred-like?

[4/19/2014 11:31:36 PM] Kali: Arin: Difficult to say, but it's possible.

[4/19/2014 11:32:04 PM] Iskandar: Anyway, you shouldn't kiss him.

[4/19/2014 11:32:31 PM] Kali: Arin: I won't.

[4/19/2014 11:32:37 PM] Kali: Arin: That would probably kill me.

[4/19/2014 11:33:25 PM] Iskandar: Well, not necessarily. He doesn't seem to like killing.

[4/19/2014 11:35:16 PM] Iskandar: On the other hand, once you start, you don't seem to want to stop, so maybe.

[4/19/2014 11:35:24 PM] Kali: Arin: I suppose that would represent a decrease in available stock.

[4/19/2014 11:36:17 PM] Iskandar: Well, I guess while he was being held captive, he was forced to kill to keep him alive. He seems repentant about that.

[4/19/2014 11:36:24 PM] Iskandar: Just to be safe, though, you should only kiss me.

[4/19/2014 11:36:49 PM] Kali: Arin: And will you only kiss me, then? That would work both ways.

[4/19/2014 11:39:16 PM] Iskandar: Well, I don't plan on kissing Fred.

[4/19/2014 11:40:30 PM] Iskandar: But, you're right, that seems pretty restrictive of me.

[4/19/2014 11:43:45 PM] Kali: Arin: And it's a bit too soon, I think. Do you think so?

[4/19/2014 11:44:39 PM] Iskandar: Oh, probably, I don't have the best sense of time. In any case, you shouldn't kiss Fred. That's not just my natural dragonish possessiveness talking, either.

[4/19/2014 11:45:49 PM] Kali: Arin: Not in that case, no. I will almost certainly not kiss him. I can think of some circumstances in which I might, but most of them involve mind control or saving a life.

[4/19/2014 11:48:04 PM] Iskandar: Also, I think he might be better at kissing than me. Not because of natural ability. He probably cheats.

[4/19/2014 11:52:32 PM] Kali: Arin: Most likely, yes.

[4/20/2014 12:02:09 AM] Iskandar: Iskandar frowns. "I am sorry I got you exposed."

[4/20/2014 12:02:39 AM] Kali: Arin: It's all right. I felt it was time to leave anyway.

[4/20/2014 12:03:26 AM] Iskandar: Still. I'm sorry I forced the issue.

[4/20/2014 12:04:34 AM] Kali: She smiles and kisses him on the nose. "Try not to worry so much. You'll get wrinkles."

[4/20/2014 12:05:10 AM] Iskandar: I tend not to. But I like you and I don't like causing hardship to people I like.

[4/20/2014 12:06:04 AM] Kali: Arin: Oh, I'm sure you'll make it up to me somehow.

[4/20/2014 12:06:25 AM] Iskandar: I'm sure I can.

[4/20/2014 12:10:09 AM] Kali: Arin smiles.

Iskandar shakes his head and heads to Arin's room. [5/21/2014 8:34:40 PM] Kali: Arin is there, wearing a short little blue nightdress and tying up her hair. It's pretty odd looking. [5/21/2014 8:35:50 PM] Iskandar: Need some help with that? [5/21/2014 8:36:32 PM] Kali: Arin: I thought I'd wear my hair up. [5/21/2014 8:37:20 PM] Iskandar: Up, down, you could shave it and you'd still look good. [5/21/2014 8:38:21 PM] Kali: Arin: Hm. Well, I could shave the sides instead. [5/21/2014 8:39:04 PM] Iskandar: Iskandar smiles. "Am I disturbing you?" [5/21/2014 8:40:47 PM] Kali: Arin: No, not at all. [5/21/2014 8:41:18 PM] Kali: She keeps putting up her hair--into a fairly elaborate fauxhawk. [5/21/2014 8:41:36 PM | Removed 8:41:38 PM] Kali: This message has been removed. [5/21/2014 8:42:47 PM] Iskandar: Iskandar sits down on her bed. "You finding your way around the ship all right?" [5/21/2014 8:44:38 PM] Kali: Arin: I've mostly stayed in here, honestly. ... I'm nervous about the others, yet. [5/21/2014 8:45:25 PM] Iskandar: Yeah. Apparently there were three newcomers, and one of them was a horrible parasite living inside a dwarf. [5/21/2014 8:45:48 PM] Kali: Arin: ... wow, is that the usual kind of newcomers you get? [5/21/2014 8:46:13 PM] Iskandar: I don't know. Occasionally something comes out of those pods that isn't terribly friendly. [5/21/2014 8:47:01 PM] Kali: Arin: ... noted. I'll start bringing my axes into the shower. [5/21/2014 8:47:23 PM] Iskandar: Probably wise. [5/21/2014 8:47:46 PM] Iskandar: My former second-in-command showed up. And shot me with an arrow. [5/21/2014 8:48:26 PM] Kali: Arin: What did you do? [5/21/2014 8:49:25 PM] Iskandar: We explained things. He thought I kidnapped him. Or something. [5/21/2014 8:52:12 PM] Kali: Arin: I assume you didn't. [5/21/2014 8:52:24 PM] Iskandar: Nope. [5/21/2014 8:52:46 PM] Iskandar: And apparently he's not really a he. [5/21/2014 8:53:27 PM] Kali: Arin: Does it matter? [5/21/2014 8:53:45 PM] Iskandar: Not really, I suppose. [5/21/2014 8:54:20 PM] Kali: Arin: A lot of women pretend to be men for one reason or another. I have too. [5/21/2014 8:55:34 PM] Iskandar: He's not really a she, either. [5/21/2014 8:55:38 PM] Iskandar: Iskandar shrugs. [5/21/2014 8:57:10 PM] Kali: Arin: ... interesting. You seem... upset. Surprised? [5/21/2014 8:57:48 PM] Iskandar: Not really upset. Yeah, surprised. I don't like admitting to flaws. In case you haven't noticed. But it marks me as pretty unobservant. [5/21/2014 8:58:52 PM] Iskandar: And apparently he also fancies me. [5/21/2014 9:00:28 PM] Kali: Arin: ... well, that could potentially be very awkward. What do you think you're going to do? [5/21/2014 9:01:24 PM] Iskandar: Nothing, most likely. I never thought of Ven in that way before. No reason I should suddenly start. [5/21/2014 9:02:51 PM] Kali: Arin: Unless you wanted to. [5/21/2014 9:04:20 PM] Iskandar: Well, yeah. I just mean, I don't suddenly have new depths of feelings for Ven now that I know he's not technically a he. [5/21/2014 9:06:25 PM] Kali: Arin: I'd be a little concerned if you did. [5/21/2014 9:06:51 PM] Iskandar: Iskandar shrugs. [5/21/2014 9:07:19 PM] Iskandar: Have you met Allys? [5/21/2014 9:07:54 PM] Kali: Arin: The blonde woman with the perpetual frown? [5/21/2014 9:08:07 PM] Iskandar: That would be her. [5/21/2014 9:09:36 PM] Kali: Arin: She's intimidating. [5/21/2014 9:11:10 PM] Iskandar: We slept together. Well, we had sex. I know you said that it's too early for you and me to enter into any kind of exclusive arrangement, but if you'd rather me not have sex with her again... just let me know. [5/21/2014 9:12:43 PM] Kali: Arin smiles. "That's sweet of you. And brave; I'm surprised she didn't bite your head off afterward." [5/21/2014 9:13:11 PM] Iskandar: She's forsaken violence... I think sex is her only... outlet. [5/21/2014 9:14:27 PM] Kali: Arin: Are you sure? [5/21/2014 9:22:32 PM] Iskandar: About what? That she's forsaken violence? [5/21/2014 9:22:50 PM] Kali: Arin: Yes. [5/21/2014 9:24:08 PM] Iskandar: She took a vow to Bahamut. He takes such things very seriously. [5/21/2014 9:29:02 PM] Kali: Arin: Ah, I see. [5/21/2014 9:29:13 PM] Kali: Arin: As long as you don't like her more than me. [5/21/2014 9:29:20 PM] Kali: Arin turns around and kisses Iskandar. [5/21/2014 9:31:24 PM] Iskandar: He kisses her back. [5/21/2014 9:31:38 PM] Iskandar: I like you quite a bit, Arin. [5/21/2014 9:32:17 PM] Kali: Arin: Good. I like you quite a bit too. Though I don't know you nearly as well as I'd like. [5/21/2014 9:32:49 PM] Iskandar: What would you like to know? [5/21/2014 9:33:17 PM] Kali: Arin: What did you like best about being a highwayman? [5/21/2014 9:34:13 PM] Iskandar: The money. [5/21/2014 9:34:43 PM] Kali: Arin: For your hoard, hm? How much was your hoard worth at its highest and lowest points? [5/21/2014 9:35:57 PM] Iskandar: Its lowest point was when I started it, really. Highest? Probably around one million or so, at an estimate. [5/21/2014 9:37:03 PM] Iskandar: I mean... I also liked the traveling, and meeting people. [5/21/2014 9:37:12 PM] Iskandar: Being a highwayman, I mean. [5/21/2014 9:37:23 PM] Kali: Arin: When *did* you start it? The hoard, I mean. And being a highwayman. [5/21/2014 9:38:46 PM] Iskandar: When I was a hatchling and I left my mother's nest. I started being a highwaymen when I got stuck in humanoid form. [5/21/2014 9:39:03 PM] Kali: Arin: Did you have a favorite piece, or doesn't it work that way? [5/21/2014 9:42:51 PM] Iskandar: Oh, sure. I had this really nice dagger with a blade that was carved from some kind of gemstone. It was really nice. Just decorative, mind you, wouldn't have held up in a fight, but I really liked it. [5/21/2014 9:43:44 PM] Kali: Arin: Hmm. Was it an artifact, do you think? Or a magical tool? [5/21/2014 9:44:38 PM] Iskandar: It wasn't magical in and of itself, I know that. It might have been used in some kind of ritual, though. [5/21/2014 9:45:25 PM] Iskandar: Mother took over a green's hoard after she killed him, and gave it to me. [5/21/2014 9:45:43 PM] Kali: Arin: Is that hard, giving things away, or does it come easy? [5/21/2014 9:47:00 PM] Iskandar: It depends. Dragons are... we're not the most generous creatures. We're instinctively possessive. Even the kindest, most selfless of us has trouble giving things away. [5/21/2014 9:47:19 PM] Kali: Arin: So it's more meaningful when you do. [5/21/2014 9:51:12 PM] Iskandar: I suppose it is. [5/21/2014 9:52:28 PM] Kali: Arin: What have you given away? [5/21/2014 9:53:59 PM] Iskandar: I gave away a magic sword once. [5/21/2014 9:57:53 PM] Kali: Arin: Is it hard to talk about? [5/21/2014 9:59:24 PM] Iskandar: Hmm? No, not really. [5/21/2014 10:00:03 PM] Iskandar: Iskandar smiles. "It was a weird thing.  Where ever you slashed with with it, plants and trees would grow in moments." [5/21/2014 10:05:24 PM] Kali: Arin: How clever! I like it. [5/21/2014 10:08:21 PM] Iskandar: A halfing came a long and asked for the sword. Said his village was dying and they needed it to revitalize it. [5/21/2014 10:13:27 PM] Kali: Arin: A good reason to give it to him. [5/21/2014 10:13:33 PM] Kali: Arin: Did you set him a quest or a riddle or something? [5/21/2014 10:14:41 PM] Iskandar: No. He had already come a long way to find the sword anyway, an additional quest would have been unnecessarily cruel, don't you think? [5/21/2014 10:16:20 PM] Kali: Arin: Unless it's a quest for a good cup of chocolate. [5/21/2014 10:17:08 PM] Iskandar: Well, true. [5/21/2014 10:17:35 PM] Iskandar: Anyway, I gave him the sword. Told them to build me a statue or something in his village when they got back on their feet. [5/21/2014 10:18:05 PM] Kali: Arin: So somewhere there's a statue of Iskandar the Great and Powerful? [5/21/2014 10:18:34 PM] Iskandar: Yeah. I went there after I got cursed. It wsa a pretty good likeness. [5/21/2014 10:19:15 PM] Kali: Arin: I would like to see that some day. [5/21/2014 10:22:07 PM] Iskandar: Well, if we can find our way back to my home plane, I'll show you. [5/21/2014 10:22:51 PM] Kali: Arin: What's the hardest thing you've ever had to give up? [5/21/2014 10:25:22 PM] Iskandar: From my hoard, you mean? [5/21/2014 10:27:03 PM] Kali: Arin: Or anything. At all. [5/21/2014 10:28:12 PM] Iskandar: Besides being able to fly? [5/21/2014 10:30:05 PM] Kali: Arin: Yes. [5/21/2014 10:32:07 PM] Iskandar: My dog. [5/21/2014 10:32:56 PM] Kali: Arin stands up and gives him a hug. "And what's the easiest?" [5/21/2014 10:35:24 PM] Iskandar: When I got stuck in this shape, I was really angry. But I found it was pretty easy to give up that grudge once I realized that I'm still me, no matter what shape I'm in. [5/21/2014 10:39:25 PM] Kali: Arin: You're very sweet. I have a hard time giving it up when I get angry. [5/21/2014 10:40:21 PM] Iskandar: Not a lot of people call me sweet. [5/21/2014 10:42:13 PM] Kali: Arin: I'm in the minority, am I? [5/21/2014 10:46:54 PM] Iskandar: 'Insufferable', 'irritating', 'vain and self-centered' tends to be the majority opinion. [5/21/2014 10:47:42 PM] Kali: Arin: None of that prevents you from being sweet. [5/21/2014 10:48:34 PM] Iskandar: Hmm. Good point. [5/21/2014 10:54:02 PM] Kali: Kali grins. [5/21/2014 10:54:08 PM] Kali: Arin: Do you want to dance with me? [5/21/2014 10:54:42 PM] Iskandar: Iskandar smiles. "There's no music." [5/21/2014 10:55:58 PM] Kali: Arin: Do you need music? You have a heartbeat. [5/21/2014 10:56:52 PM] Iskandar: I suppose that's true. And my heart keeps perfect time. [5/21/2014 10:59:43 PM] Kali: Arin: We'll go to the practice room, then. But I want to get dressed first. [5/21/2014 11:00:02 PM] Iskandar: We can't just dance in here? [5/21/2014 11:00:11 PM] Iskandar: What kind of dancing do you have in mind? [5/21/2014 11:02:08 PM] Kali: Arin: Traditional dancing, of course. [5/21/2014 11:08:51 PM] Kali: She starts rummaging around in her closet and draws out a bunch of blue scarves; some are transparent, some aren't. Then she steps out of her dress and starts tying the scarves around herself. The locations look random, but she's very deliberate about everything she's doing. [5/21/2014 11:10:03 PM] Iskandar: Iskandar watches her with interest. [5/21/2014 11:13:18 PM] Kali: She starts putting on jewelry next. All of it is quite jingly; some of it attaches via piercings he didn't notice before and some of it's not. [5/21/2014 11:14:17 PM] Kali: When she's done with that she takes a bit of blue makeup and makes circles around her eyes, smudging the lids with black so that they look twice their size and weirdly inhuman. "There." [5/21/2014 11:15:24 PM] Iskandar: You look very good. [5/21/2014 11:16:36 PM] Kali: Arin smiles. It almost looks like fangs. "I know it's odd, but it *is* tradition." [5/21/2014 11:17:33 PM] Iskandar: Whose tradition? [5/21/2014 11:19:35 PM] Kali: Arin: My family's. The human side, I mean. [5/21/2014 11:20:41 PM] Iskandar: Tell me about them. What do they do? [5/21/2014 11:23:19 PM] Kali: Arin: My mother's dead, unfortunately, but she was a dancer. I don't know who my father was. [5/21/2014 11:23:56 PM] Iskandar: Well, show me, then. [5/21/2014 11:27:59 PM] Kali: Arin: All right. Let's go to the practice room. [5/21/2014 11:28:21 PM] Iskandar: He follows her there! [5/21/2014 11:31:04 PM] Kali: Arin: Of course originally people did this nude. [5/21/2014 11:32:09 PM] Iskandar: Dance? That's not unusual, is it? [5/21/2014 11:33:39 PM] Kali: Arin: Well, I like my props. It helps me get into the right kind of... mood. [5/21/2014 11:34:12 PM] Iskandar: I'm trying to decide if this is ominous or not. [5/21/2014 11:35:43 PM] Kali: She picks up her axes. "Of course not." [5/21/2014 11:37:06 PM] Iskandar: Are you one of those secret assassins? Where you act all normal until someone says 'kumquat', then you flip out and kill your target? [5/21/2014 11:38:59 PM] Kali: Arin: Do I look like an assassin? [5/21/2014 11:39:50 PM] Iskandar: Secret assassin! You wouldn't even know! But I did just say 'kumquat' and nothing happened, so I'm probably wrong. [5/21/2014 11:41:08 PM] Kali: Arin snrks. "Assassins wear black, Isk. Can I call you Isk?" [5/21/2014 11:41:13 PM] Kali: She does some stretches. [5/21/2014 11:42:54 PM] Iskandar: Where does your family come from? The human part, that is. [5/21/2014 11:43:44 PM] Kali: Arin: Rafangia. [5/21/2014 11:44:44 PM] Iskandar: I thought so. [5/21/2014 11:45:16 PM] Kali: Arin: Well, there's two schools of thought there. [5/21/2014 11:45:36 PM] Kali: Arin: One, charge them nude, wearing nothing but paint--blue's traditional, but people have got fancy with green and black lately. [5/21/2014 11:45:47 PM] Kali: Arin: Two... be as distracting as possible. [5/21/2014 11:47:05 PM] Kali: Arin smiles. With her face painted that way, it looks like a fanged monster when she does that; if Iskandar were human he might be rather disturbed. [5/21/2014 11:48:12 PM] Iskandar: Well, makes sense. So you are from my world. Originally. [5/21/2014 11:49:21 PM] Kali: Arin: Originally. [5/21/2014 11:50:34 PM] Kali: Arin stands very still for a moment and then starts to move, at first in a slow, careful elliptical pattern that looks like a waltz (but with axes). Then it turns a bit more balletic and acrobatic, with kicks in the air and a few flips (still with lots of axe action). [5/21/2014 11:51:07 PM] Kali: Between the jingling metal and the scarves it's hard to tell exactly where she is in all the scarves, which keep flaring out in ways that make it look like her arms aren't where they are. [5/21/2014 11:55:05 PM] Iskandar: Iskandar watches her! [5/21/2014 11:57:10 PM] Kali: Eventually she starts slashing at the practice dummies with the axe; deeper and deeper as time goes on, and finally, with one especially acrobatic leap, she rams an axe into its head so hard that it splits in half. For a second or two Arin holds the pose, and then she slumps down to her knees, panting a little bit. [5/21/2014 11:58:15 PM] Iskandar: Iskandar applauds lightly. "You are horrifyingly good at that." [5/21/2014 11:59:22 PM] Kali: She pants. "So... out of shape..." [5/22/2014 12:01:36 AM] Iskandar: Iskandar goes over and helps her up. [5/22/2014 12:02:07 AM] Kali: She's shaking, and leans on him a bit. [5/22/2014 12:02:24 AM] Iskandar: That was still incredibly impressive. [5/22/2014 12:02:26 AM] Kali: Arin: You ... really have to be careful... how you tie the knots. Especially in combat. [5/22/2014 12:02:51 AM] Iskandar: Knots? [5/22/2014 12:05:39 AM] Kali: Arin: The scarves. They're designed so that catching one will just get you a scarf. People... grab them expecting to catch hold of you. [5/22/2014 12:06:16 AM] Iskandar: Oh. Huh. That makes sense. [5/22/2014 12:07:42 AM] Kali: Arin: Usually they fall over. [5/22/2014 12:07:47 AM] Kali: Arin: Do you mind blue? [5/22/2014 12:14:38 AM] Iskandar: Blue is the most perfect of all colors. [5/22/2014 12:17:18 AM] Kali: Arin: Good. [5/22/2014 12:17:27 AM] Kali: She kisses him. [5/22/2014 12:21:32 AM] Iskandar: He kisses her back! [5/22/2014 12:21:35 AM] Iskandar: ((Sorry, phone call.)) [5/22/2014 12:22:37 AM] Kali: It's like kissing a whole different woman! Also he might get his clothes torn again for the second time in a couple days. [5/22/2014 12:23:42 AM] Iskandar: Yay for magic to repair clothing! [5/22/2014 12:25:56 AM] Kali: She's not violent like Allys, just, you know... passionate. Also, he finds that the scarves and assorted jewelry really *do* just come right off when pulled. [5/22/2014 12:28:36 AM] Iskandar: ((Heh.)) [5/22/2014 12:30:30 AM] Kali: He winds up with torn clothes and almost as blue as he was as a dragon. [5/22/2014 12:30:56 AM] Iskandar: Why did you ask me if I minded blue? [5/22/2014 12:31:58 AM] Kali: Arin: You're all full of blue dye now. It'll come off with a bit of scrubbing. ... I have soap that helps. [5/22/2014 12:32:54 AM] Iskandar: Oh. Well. I could magic it away, but if you insist on helping, I won't stop you. [5/22/2014 12:37:28 AM] Kali: Arin: I knew I wouldn't be able to hold out very long. [5/22/2014 12:37:53 AM] Kali: Arin: Which did you prefer, the first time, in the tub, or this time? [5/22/2014 12:39:33 AM] Iskandar: They were both different. I liked both times. [5/22/2014 12:40:08 AM] Iskandar: Different sides of you. [5/22/2014 12:40:55 AM] Kali: Arin: True enough. [5/22/2014 12:41:02 AM] Kali: She kisses him on the nose, leaving a blue splotch. [5/22/2014 12:41:54 AM] Iskandar: He smiles. [5/22/2014 12:48:15 AM] Iskandar: So... you're from Rafangia. Were you born there? [5/22/2014 12:48:59 AM] Kali: Arin: Originally. [5/22/2014 12:49:36 AM] Iskandar: How old were you when you left? [5/22/2014 12:51:36 AM] Kali: Arin: Too little to remember it. [5/22/2014 12:53:33 AM] Iskandar: And then you went to Heaven? [5/22/2014 12:53:49 AM] Kali: Arin nods. [5/22/2014 12:54:38 AM] Iskandar: Iskandar stands, and holds a hand out to help her up. "What did you mean, you knew you wouldn't be able to hold out for very long?" [5/22/2014 12:55:28 AM] Kali: Arin: Oh, resisting you. [5/22/2014 12:56:12 AM] Iskandar: Iskandar grins. "Yeah, that's pretty tough, I imagine. [5/22/2014 12:58:31 AM] Kali: Arin: It's hard for me to resist people with strong personalities. Humility is not your strong suit. [5/22/2014 12:59:08 AM] Iskandar: No, I suppose not. [5/22/2014 12:59:19 AM] Iskandar: Though I would be great at it if I tried. [5/22/2014 1:01:02 AM] Kali: Arin: I'd like to see that someday. [5/22/2014 1:02:05 AM] Iskandar: I'm not terribly good at dancing myself. [5/22/2014 1:04:46 AM] Iskandar: Um.  Really, physically, I'm not terribly imposing.  I'm a bit clumsy. [5/22/2014 1:06:25 AM] Iskandar: Iskandar lets out a breath.  "THat's hard." [5/22/2014 1:08:50 AM] Kali: Arin smiles. "You're not very good at it, but it's a little adorable to watch you try." [5/22/2014 1:10:38 AM] Iskandar: If I practiced I'd be brilliant at it. [5/22/2014 1:16:54 AM] Kali: Arin giggles. [5/22/2014 1:19:08 AM] Iskandar: C'mon, let's get this blue off me. [5/22/2014 1:19:36 AM] Kali: Arin: A bath sounds nice. Let's go. [5/22/2014 1:21:25 AM] Iskandar: Iskandar goes with her to the baths!

Iskandar goes and knocks on her door.

[6/6/2014 11:04:53 PM] Val: Arin opens the door! She's still got crazy blue hair in a fauxhawk, but she's wearing ordinary clothes now, and only a few touches of ordinary blue makeup. And all her piercings.

[6/6/2014 11:05:12 PM] Iskandar: ((Does she have a lot of them?))

[6/6/2014 11:06:18 PM] Val: She does! Mostly eyebrows and ears.

[6/6/2014 11:06:56 PM] Iskandar: Iskandar smiles. "Well.  You're looking very Rafangian.  I'll have to find you a chainmail bikini."

[6/6/2014 11:07:10 PM] Val: Val makes a face.

[6/6/2014 11:07:23 PM] Val: Don't, they're terribly uncomfortable.

[6/6/2014 11:07:41 PM] Iskandar: I would imagine so.

[6/6/2014 11:10:06 PM] Iskandar: Okay. Normal bikini then.

[6/6/2014 11:10:07 PM] Val: They pinch. Cloth or leather all the way.

[6/6/2014 11:13:07 PM] Val: I do have a few of those already.

[6/6/2014 11:13:23 PM] Val: Val steps forward and hugs him.

[6/6/2014 11:13:57 PM] Iskandar: Iskandar hugs her back. "Mind if I come in?"

[6/6/2014 11:15:09 PM] Val: Of course not. Come in.

[6/6/2014 11:15:49 PM] Iskandar: Iskandar steps into her room. "How are you?  Everything okay?"

[6/6/2014 11:17:29 PM] Val: Of course. I feel a bit braver dressed like this.

[6/6/2014 11:18:29 PM] Iskandar: You mean the piercings?

[6/6/2014 11:18:43 PM] Iskandar: Iskandar sits down in the chair.

[6/6/2014 11:20:26 PM] Val: Yes. And the hair, too. Like going home.

[6/6/2014 11:20:47 PM] Iskandar: It looks good on you. I like it.

[6/6/2014 11:21:19 PM] Val: Val smiles.

[6/6/2014 11:21:30 PM] Val: Much more natural.

[6/6/2014 11:21:52 PM] Iskandar: Did your clients not like it?

[6/6/2014 11:22:45 PM] Val: Oh, it's more that we thought the other image would be better.

[6/6/2014 11:23:10 PM] Iskandar: Fair enough. It did seem a rather... rigid place.

[6/6/2014 11:24:17 PM] Val: Val smiles. "I liked it. But it feels good to be back to my own self."

[6/6/2014 11:26:57 PM] Iskandar: I'm amazed that you're from Rafangia. Allys and Tarak are also from our world. It's too much of a coincidence to be... well, a coincidence.

[6/6/2014 11:29:33 PM] Val: Is it? I don't really know how it works.

[6/6/2014 11:29:58 PM] Iskandar: Neitehr do we. It could be another aspect of what draws us all here.

[6/6/2014 11:31:56 PM] Val: Well, I'm only a stowaway.

[6/6/2014 11:32:19 PM] Val: Val sits on his lap.

[6/6/2014 11:33:34 PM] Iskandar: Iskandar puts his arms around her. "Well.  Hitchhiker.  I just think that maybe there's something more to it.  Like you're drawn here, or we're drawn to you."

[6/6/2014 11:34:21 PM] Val: Mmm. Usually that isn't what men mean when they say they're drawn to me.

[6/6/2014 11:34:53 PM] Iskandar: I imagine not. But most men aren't me.

[6/6/2014 11:35:40 PM] Val: Mmm. Perhaps I'm drawn to you.

[6/6/2014 11:39:48 PM | Edited 11:39:57 PM] Iskandar: *Entirely* possible. I am a magnetic personality.

[6/6/2014 11:43:27 PM] Val: Val laughs.

[6/6/2014 11:43:47 PM] Iskandar: Not your fault. I'm one of those bright blue magic buglights.

[6/6/2014 11:43:47 PM] Val: But it does sound as if it's more than you.

[6/6/2014 11:44:51 PM] Iskandar: Oh, sure. But you're drawn to me because of me.

[6/6/2014 11:49:43 PM] Val: You are terribly attractive. Though not the most attractive person I've ever met.

[6/6/2014 11:51:39 PM] Iskandar: *Ouch*.

[6/6/2014 11:53:16 PM] Val: Sorry. She was rather ... special.

[6/6/2014 11:56:13 PM] Iskandar: Iskandar smiles. "That's okay.  I'm vain, but not fragile.  You may well be the most attractive person I've ever met, though."

[6/6/2014 11:57:14 PM] Val: That's terribly sweet of you to say. What about the other woman? Allys?

[6/6/2014 11:58:24 PM] Iskandar: I like her. She's got a lot of fire. But she's not terribly comfortable with what she is.

[12:01:10 AM] Val: Oh, that's a shame. Everything is so much better that way.

[12:01:34 AM] Iskandar: She'll get there. She asked me to teach her to be a dragon.

[12:03:08 AM] Val: Is that something that can be learned?

[12:03:33 AM] Iskandar: Well. Not physically. But... the way we look at the world? Maybe. We'll try.

[12:08:24 AM] Val: How do you look at the world?

[12:09:51 AM] Iskandar: Hmmm. Tough question. How do you look at the world?

[12:10:26 AM] Val: I don't. I just look at pieces of it.

[12:11:17 AM] Iskandar: ... we look at it, and see how we can change it, or affect it, or ignore it, or take from it, or destroy it.

[12:12:53 AM] Iskandar: And we realize we can do all those things. All it takes is time. or power. Or will.

[12:15:09 AM] Iskandar: Most of us don't want to destroy the world,t hough. That's where we keep all our stuff.

[12:20:57 AM] Val: That makes sense.

[12:21:26 AM] Val: You don't seem destructive at all.

[12:22:39 AM] Iskandar: I'm really not. I'm much more interested in acquistion than liquidation.

[12:30:58 AM] Val: What would you like to acquire?

[12:31:09 AM] Val: Val snuggles up to him a bit.

[12:32:48 AM] Iskandar: Well. I definitely need a new hoard. Gold, silver, jewels... oh, wait, you were being flirty, weren't you. Blue *is* my favorite color.

[12:40:26 AM] Val: Val snrks.

[12:41:09 AM] Val: Can you hoard colors?

[12:41:59 AM] Iskandar: Why not?

[12:43:29 AM] Val: Well, I suppose I'm your blue, then.

[12:43:50 AM] Iskandar: And blue is very important. The objectively best color.

[12:49:24 AM] Val: Then what are your other colors going to be, hm?

[12:50:16 AM] Iskandar: Hmmm. I don't know. You never plan a hoard, Arin. You just get one.

[12:54:56 AM] Val: Hmm. Will they be people?

[12:55:26 AM] Iskandar: Most likely.

[1:00:10 AM] Val: Well, that should be fun.

[1:00:53 AM] Iskandar: Think so? I can't remember the last time I heard someone say that that wasn't speaking sarcastically.

[1:14:00 AM] Val: I'm not being sarcastic.

[1:14:33 AM] Iskandar: Iskandar grins. "Good."

[1:16:18 AM] Iskandar: But when you're on a cursed void ship you hear a lot of people saying 'that sounds fun' and meaning 'that sounds terrifying/weird/dangerous'.

[1:19:32 AM] Val: I think it sounds intriguing. I do have one question, of course.

[1:19:41 AM] Iskandar: Anything.

[1:23:58 AM] Val: Are you going to share?

[1:24:39 AM] Iskandar: Hmm. I think so. It's all one happy hoard, right? And I *am* from Solitaire.

[1:26:54 AM] Val: How many wives do you have?

[1:27:31 AM] Iskandar: Oh. None, honestly.

[1:32:38 AM] Val: Oh, good.

[1:32:52 AM] Val: I'd rather not be surprised.

[1:33:15 AM] Iskandar: I would tell you. But no, no wives. No husbands.

[1:34:15 AM] Val: Mmm. More colors needed, then.

[1:35:12 AM] Iskandar: I suppose so.

[1:37:20 AM] Iskandar: Iskandar grins. "Right now, I'm pretty happy with Blue."

[1:38:10 AM] Val: So am I.

[1:38:17 AM] Val: Val kisses him.

[1:38:44 AM] Iskandar: Iskandar grins and kisses her back!