Wilde West 12

[7/13/2013 8:03:30 PM] Khiro: Right. Ebenezer was going to be trying to set up a holster for her! [7/13/2013 8:03:47 PM] Josie: Josie goes back to Statler to report in. [7/13/2013 8:04:18 PM] Khiro: All right! He's in there, feet up on his desk, drinking milk. [7/13/2013 8:05:37 PM] Josie: Hey. [7/13/2013 8:05:42 PM] Josie: Josie makes sure there's no one else in the room. [7/13/2013 8:05:55 PM] Khiro: Nope! [7/13/2013 8:06:02 PM] Khiro: Statler:  Damn heartburn. [7/13/2013 8:07:16 PM] Josie: Turns out the gun we found is Excalibur. I'm keepin' it on me at all times, just in case. Don't tell anybody. [7/13/2013 8:08:11 PM] Khiro: Statler:  ...Excalibur? Like, with King Arthur and Merlin and all them? Weren't that a sword? [7/13/2013 8:09:27 PM] Josie: Yeah, it was. [7/13/2013 8:09:49 PM] Khiro: And now it's a gun. [7/13/2013 8:09:56 PM] Josie: That's about the size of it. [7/13/2013 8:12:02 PM] Khiro: Statler:  So... that's what that fella's map led to. [7/13/2013 8:12:46 PM] Josie: Yep. [7/13/2013 8:12:57 PM] Josie: Don't know how we're going to track the man himself. [7/13/2013 8:13:20 PM] Khiro: Statler:  You mean the dead fella? [7/13/2013 8:13:57 PM] Josie: Yeah. [7/13/2013 8:14:33 PM] Khiro: STatler:  Get this. Got shot in the shoulder. Shoulda been a flesh wound, but he died. Doc Preston don't think it was his heart, neither, that was plenty healthy. [7/13/2013 8:14:57 PM] Josie: ... poison? [7/13/2013 8:15:45 PM] Khiro: Statler:  Doc says that's the best bet, can't find any though. [7/13/2013 8:15:59 PM] Khiro: Statler:  ...and the bullet that hit him in the shoulder? Silver. [7/13/2013 8:16:43 PM] Josie: ... werewolf? [7/13/2013 8:17:11 PM] Khiro: Statler:  Werewolves go beasty when you kill 'em. [7/13/2013 8:17:42 PM] Khiro: Statler:  They don't stay in human shape. [7/13/2013 8:18:03 PM] Khiro: Statler:  'sides, as far as I know, most of the 'wolves around here live peaceful-like with the Indian tribes. [7/13/2013 8:18:19 PM] Josie: ... vampire, then? SOmethin' else? [7/13/2013 8:19:11 PM] Khiro: Statler:  No fangs. Probably somethin' else. Plenty of supernatural folks don't like silver. [7/13/2013 8:20:19 PM] Josie: True. [7/13/2013 8:20:26 PM] Josie: Josie doesn't like iron much, herself. [7/13/2013 8:25:04 PM] Josie: Well. Don't know what's next. [7/13/2013 8:25:23 PM] Khiro: Statler:  Me neither. [7/13/2013 8:26:33 PM] Khiro: Statler pulls a small moleskin-type journal out and drops it on the desk in front of him. This was all he had on 'im. Can't understand a word. I only speak english, and that only barely. [7/13/2013 8:26:53 PM] Josie: Y'don't give yourself enough credit. [7/13/2013 8:26:57 PM] Josie: Josie inspects the journal. [7/13/2013 8:27:48 PM] Khiro: Does Kate speak Latin? Cause it's latin. [7/13/2013 8:28:31 PM] Josie: Josie does not, unfortunately! She's not Catholic. [7/13/2013 8:28:40 PM] Josie: ... hm. Got any Catholic folks in town? Maybe Miss Kiska? [7/13/2013 8:30:09 PM] Khiro: Statler:  I do think Miss Kiska is Jewish. You might ask around, though. [7/13/2013 8:30:35 PM] Josie: Preacher might know it, too. [7/13/2013 8:31:20 PM] Khiro: Statler:  Your friend Mr. Dingo also strikes me as a man o' learnin'. Though that could just be the accent. [7/13/2013 8:32:43 PM] Josie: Nah, he's pretty smart. Guess I could start over there, though I'd hate him to think I'm pesterin' him. [7/13/2013 8:35:15 PM] Khiro: Statler:  If you don't mind me sayin', I wouldn't worry about that. [7/13/2013 8:36:39 PM] Josie: You sure? [7/13/2013 8:36:49 PM] Josie: ... not too good with... that kinda thing. [7/13/2013 8:38:05 PM] Khiro: Statler:  Well, I been married twice, so I might not be the best to give you advice, but think of it this way. If he needed help, would you like him to come and ask for it? [7/13/2013 8:38:54 PM] Josie: 'course, but I feel like that 'bout everybody. S'my job. [7/13/2013 8:39:25 PM] Khiro: Statler:  But if you could help him, you'd like to help him. [7/13/2013 8:41:44 PM] Josie: ... right. [7/13/2013 8:41:50 PM] Josie: Well, I'll ask 'im first, then. Thanks. [7/13/2013 8:42:06 PM] Khiro: Statler:  Thank you, Marshal. [7/13/2013 8:42:26 PM] Josie: Josie takes the little booklet with her, and pockets it. [7/13/2013 8:44:12 PM] Josie: Josie then heads off to the taxidermy shop again. [7/13/2013 8:45:16 PM] Khiro: Okay! He's in there, working on the holster. [7/13/2013 8:45:25 PM] Josie: Hey. [7/13/2013 8:45:29 PM] Josie: You speak Latin at all? [7/13/2013 8:47:51 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  ... I can read it reasonably well. [7/13/2013 8:50:09 PM] Josie: Josie hands him the little booklet. "Found this on the dead man." [7/13/2013 8:52:57 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer takes it and looks at it. "Huh.  I'll see what I can translate for you.  I'm just about done with your holster.  Then I'm supposed to head over to Doc Preston's and sew up the dead guy." [7/13/2013 8:54:41 PM] Josie: For burial? [7/13/2013 8:55:12 PM] Khiro: He nods. [7/13/2013 8:55:58 PM] Josie: When they gonna have the service? [7/13/2013 8:56:53 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  Probably in a day or so. Preacher will say a few words over him, I'm sure. [7/13/2013 8:58:16 PM] Josie: Josie nods. [7/13/2013 9:00:43 PM] Josie: All right. ... anythin' I can do to help? [7/13/2013 9:06:47 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer smiles. "Not really.  Well, come here, let's see if I need to adjust the straps on this thing." [7/13/2013 9:07:04 PM] Josie: Josie nods. [7/13/2013 9:07:08 PM] Josie: What do I do? [7/13/2013 9:16:18 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  Hold your arms out. [7/13/2013 9:17:14 PM] Josie: Josie does! [7/13/2013 9:17:36 PM] Khiro: He starts wrapping the holster straps around her. [7/13/2013 9:20:05 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  Too tight? [7/13/2013 9:20:09 PM] Josie: Josie blushes. [7/13/2013 9:20:13 PM] Josie: Nah, don't think so. [7/13/2013 9:23:11 PM | Edited 9:23:42 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer nods. "All right, then." [7/13/2013 9:24:16 PM] Josie: ... tickles. [7/13/2013 9:24:33 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  What was that? [7/13/2013 9:26:15 PM] Josie: Oh, just... touchin' me, that's all. [7/13/2013 9:26:43 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  I assure you, I am trying to be as professional as possible... [7/13/2013 9:27:50 PM] Josie: Didn't say I minded. [7/13/2013 9:29:56 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  Well. Good. [7/13/2013 9:31:44 PM] Josie: Just tickles. [7/13/2013 9:32:36 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  Well. There. That should be quite good... [7/13/2013 9:34:38 PM] Josie: Josie blushes again, and kisses him! Why not. [7/13/2013 9:35:16 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer kisses back! "What was that for?" [7/13/2013 9:35:39 PM] Josie: ... don't know, really. Guess I just like you? [7/13/2013 9:35:59 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  I figure that's a pretty good reason. [7/13/2013 9:37:27 PM] Josie: Josie smiles crookedly. [7/13/2013 9:37:57 PM] Josie: Right. Anyhow. Is it done? Does it all fit? [7/13/2013 9:38:20 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  I should think so. [7/13/2013 9:39:54 PM] Josie: Josie puts the gun on and covers it up, then puts her jacket back on. [7/13/2013 9:42:08 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  Well. You can barely tell you're wearing the most powerful gun ever made. [7/13/2013 9:42:40 PM] Josie: Good. Don't intend to use it, neither. [7/13/2013 9:43:48 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  Probably for the best. [7/13/2013 9:44:17 PM] Josie: Don't know 'bout the adviseability of it, since it'll talk. [7/13/2013 9:44:27 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  ... talk? [7/13/2013 9:44:58 PM] Josie: The gun will. [7/13/2013 9:52:51 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  Will it? [7/13/2013 9:56:41 PM] Josie: That's what Mr. Rivers said. [7/13/2013 9:56:55 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  ... what's it going to say? [7/13/2013 9:59:01 PM] Josie: I don't know. "Well I remember ole' King Arthur, he used to like a beer on a Saturday night." [7/13/2013 10:16:41 PM] Khiro: ((Sorry. Having some problems with my comp again.)) [7/13/2013 10:17:36 PM] Josie: ((Figured it was Wennie problems!)) [7/13/2013 10:18:09 PM] Khiro: ((No, she's fine! My computer keeps crashing, though.)) [7/13/2013 10:18:17 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  Well. Write it down, could be interesting. [7/13/2013 10:20:48 PM] Josie: Might have to. [7/13/2013 10:22:41 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  It's not gonna have you becoming Queen of anything, will it? [7/13/2013 10:25:46 PM] Josie: .... pretty sure I ain't suited to be Queen of anythin'. Fae don't marry mortals. ... not even sure if they marry each other. Or anythin' like that. [7/13/2013 10:26:44 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  Don't they have kings and queens and dukes and duchesses? [7/13/2013 10:27:27 PM] Josie: Josie shrugs. [7/13/2013 10:27:32 PM] Josie: Not sure, I think so, though. [7/13/2013 10:28:52 PM] Khiro: EBenezer:  They do in the old stories. [7/13/2013 10:29:56 PM] Josie: Well, I wouldn't worry 'bout it much if I were you. Why, would you hate me if I was queen of the Americas or some such? [7/13/2013 10:31:15 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  Of course not. But then you'd be too busy and wouldn't have time for a mad taxidermist. [7/13/2013 10:31:37 PM] Josie: I'd make time for you. [7/13/2013 10:32:46 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  Well, then I'd be okay with that. [7/13/2013 10:33:15 PM] Josie: Careful, you might end up a Duke your own self. [7/13/2013 10:33:33 PM] Josie: Josie hands him the Latin stuff. "Take a look at this real quick?" [7/13/2013 10:35:48 PM] Khiro: He nods, and flips through it. "Seems to be a journal.  It might take a little bit for me to translate, it's not exactly a second language for me.  More like a sixth or seventh. [7/13/2013 10:36:58 PM] Josie: You speak *six* languages? [7/13/2013 10:36:59 PM] Josie: Josie goggles. [7/13/2013 10:37:50 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer nods.  "Sure. French, spanish, portuguese, italian, and some german." [7/13/2013 10:38:15 PM] Josie: ... reckon you're the smartest fella I've ever met. [7/13/2013 10:38:56 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  It's not that hard.  Most of the languages I know all have the same roots.  I learned them when I was young.  Kids have an easier time with languages. [7/13/2013 10:39:48 PM] Josie: Never learned any but French. An' I can get along okay with Spanish, but not too good. [7/13/2013 10:52:10 PM] Josie: Josie smiles at him, hopefully. [7/13/2013 10:53:07 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer smiles back, and leans forward to kiss her. [7/13/2013 10:57:19 PM] Josie: Josie kisses him back, happily. [7/13/2013 11:00:00 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer smiles.  "So. If you don't mind me hanging onto this, I should be able to translate it. Also, you should come by my place tonight. I'll make you dinner." [7/13/2013 11:00:20 PM] Josie: ... you cook? [7/13/2013 11:00:30 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  Only a little. [7/13/2013 11:01:29 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  But what I do cook, I think I cook well.  Like stew. [7/13/2013 11:02:44 PM] Josie: ... Don't cook too much m'self if I can help it, but I do okay. [7/13/2013 11:04:38 PM | Edited 11:04:53 PM] Khiro: EbenezeR: Well, I have some venison I need to use up. [7/13/2013 11:10:05 PM] Josie: Josie nods. [7/13/2013 11:10:13 PM] Josie: All right, well. Should I bring anythin'? [7/13/2013 11:11:07 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer thinks.  "Some bread. Maybe something to drink?" [7/13/2013 11:11:40 PM] Josie: What kinda thing? [7/13/2013 11:11:58 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  Your choice! [7/13/2013 11:14:14 PM] Josie: ... wine or somethin' stronger? [7/13/2013 11:15:49 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  Wine is perfectly fine. [7/13/2013 11:17:30 PM] Josie: Josie looks a bit anxious. [7/13/2013 11:17:34 PM] Josie: ... don't know what kind's proper. [7/13/2013 11:18:02 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  ...neither do I, to be honest.  My father had this great big cellar full of the stuff, but it mostly all tastes teh same to me. [7/13/2013 11:18:48 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  Something red, I think that's supposed to go with meat. [7/13/2013 11:20:30 PM] Josie: Oh, all right. Good. [7/13/2013 11:20:52 PM] Josie: ... got a good education, but not in that kinda stuff. [7/13/2013 11:24:27 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  Don't think just because I have this accent I'm horribly sophisticated. I'm really not. [7/13/2013 11:27:34 PM] Josie: Ain't that, just that you grew up with more o' that kinda thing. [7/13/2013 11:30:26 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  Well, I grew up around it, anyway. [7/13/2013 11:34:23 PM] Josie: S'all right, I don't care if you don't. [7/13/2013 11:41:31 PM] Khiro: Ebenezer:  It's a date, then. I live just upstairs, so. [7/13/2013 11:43:14 PM] Josie: ... all right, I'll be there. [7/13/2013 11:43:20 PM] Josie: Josie smiles, kisses him on the cheek and heads out!

[7/14/2013 8:03:18 PM] Khiro: Okay! [7/14/2013 8:07:09 PM] Khiro: Kate found herself with some time to kill. [7/14/2013 8:09:06 PM] Josie: Josie ... does not take the gun out and look at it! [7/14/2013 8:09:33 PM] Khiro: Hee. She's basically carrying around a magical bomb strapped to her ribs! [7/14/2013 8:09:37 PM] Josie: Josie ... has actually no idea what to do next. Well no, she goes to the town doctor and asks if the dead guy has any interesting or distinctive features! [7/14/2013 8:14:45 PM] Khiro: Okay! You haven't met Doc Preston yet, an older gent in a slighty blood white apron. He's pretty much totally bald, but has an impressive beard. He's also short, at about 5'3". [7/14/2013 8:15:32 PM] Josie: You Doc Preston? [7/14/2013 8:15:42 PM] Josie: Josie holds out her hand to him to shake! ... unless he's full of blood and entrails. [7/14/2013 8:15:48 PM] Khiro: Preston:  Yes ma'am. [7/14/2013 8:16:00 PM] Khiro: And yes, his hands are kinda bloody. [7/14/2013 8:16:35 PM] Josie: Josie doesn't, then. [7/14/2013 8:16:54 PM] Josie: Marshal Candlemas. Helpin' Sheriff Statler with the investigation. Mind if I take a look? [7/14/2013 8:17:15 PM] Khiro: Preston:  Oh, right.  Yeah, c'mon back, I'll take you to the fella. [7/14/2013 8:17:45 PM] Khiro: He leads you into the back, where the guy is lying on a slab!  Still kinda.... cut open. [7/14/2013 8:19:18 PM] Josie: Josie looks at it, frowning, pushing away the vague queasiness. [7/14/2013 8:19:56 PM] Khiro: Preston:  This fella was in pretty good shape.  Maybe around forty years old. Didn't have much of tan, as you can see. Maybe not from these parts. [7/14/2013 8:22:10 PM] Josie: Hm. What makes you think that? [7/14/2013 8:23:05 PM] Khiro: Preston:  Fella was in good shape, but didn't have any callouses or blisters. [7/14/2013 8:24:31 PM] Josie: Hmm. [7/14/2013 8:24:36 PM] Josie: Josie looks at his feet, and his hands. [7/14/2013 8:25:01 PM] Khiro: Pretty soft! [7/14/2013 8:26:08 PM] Josie: Hm. [7/14/2013 8:26:21 PM] Josie: Any tattoos, scars might be distinguishin'? [7/14/2013 8:26:48 PM] Khiro: Preston nods, and points to a deep scar around his neck! [7/14/2013 8:28:24 PM] Josie: ... that a cut throat or a hangin' didn't take? [7/14/2013 8:30:00 PM] Khiro: Preston:  I'm thinking more that someone tried to cut his throat. Fella probably couldn't talk real loud. [7/14/2013 8:32:08 PM] Josie: Hm. [7/14/2013 8:32:21 PM] Josie: Was he wearin' a scarf or somethin' to cover it up? [7/14/2013 8:33:52 PM | Edited 8:35:45 PM] Khiro: Preston: Well, as long as he kept his shirt collar buttoned up, it probably wasn't terrible visible. [7/14/2013 8:35:23 PM] Josie: Hmm. So. A real quiet man, or a hoarse one, or a mute. [7/14/2013 8:36:17 PM] Khiro: Preston:  Wanna see the bullet? [7/14/2013 8:36:33 PM] Josie: Yeah, kinda do, actually. [7/14/2013 8:37:06 PM] Khiro: He nods and turns around, handing you a tray with the silver slug on it. It's been cleaned at this point, so there's no blood. [7/14/2013 8:37:56 PM] Josie: Josie peers at it, rolling it around a bit. [7/14/2013 8:38:21 PM] Khiro: Looks like a .357 round, probably a rifle shot. [7/14/2013 8:39:20 PM] Josie: Rifle, most likely. [7/14/2013 8:41:01 PM] Khiro: Preston:  Don't know much about guns, myself." [7/14/2013 8:42:31 PM] Josie: Not really my field either, t'be honest. [7/14/2013 8:47:12 PM] Khiro: Preston: Well, the bullet was in there pretty deep. [7/14/2013 8:49:18 PM] Josie: Hm. [7/14/2013 8:49:29 PM] Josie: Any indication why it killed 'im? [7/14/2013 8:50:24 PM] Khiro: Preston:  Not a one.  He mighta been a supernatural type. [7/14/2013 8:51:30 PM] Josie: Prob'ly a safe bet. [7/14/2013 8:52:32 PM] Khiro: Preston:  Only think I can think of that makes sense.  Even though sense here is pretty subjective. [7/14/2013 8:53:17 PM] Josie: Hmm. Notice anythin' else? Odd features? [7/14/2013 8:57:08 PM] Khiro: Preston:  Can say as I have noticed anything else.  He got the right number of organs and limbs. [7/14/2013 8:59:12 PM] Josie: Hm. All right. Thanks, Doc. [7/14/2013 9:00:03 PM] Khiro: Preston:  No problem. Anything else I can help you with, marshal? [7/14/2013 9:01:20 PM] Josie: ... don't think so. Thanks, though. [7/14/2013 9:01:40 PM] Josie: Josie has not forgotten her meeting with the preacher at midnight tonight, either! [7/14/2013 9:03:29 PM] Khiro: Yep! At the graaaaaaaaveyaaaaaaaard. It's about two in the afternoon right now. [7/14/2013 9:05:40 PM] Josie: Josie doesn't know what to do next. Heads back to the hotel for lunch! [7/14/2013 9:07:17 PM] Khiro: Okay! THere's quite a few people in there getting food. [7/14/2013 9:08:58 PM] Josie: Josie wanders over to Miss Merril, if she's around. [7/14/2013 9:09:57 PM] Khiro: She is! Serving drinks right now. [7/14/2013 9:12:44 PM] Josie: Hey, Miss Merril. Anybody new in town 'round the last couple days? [7/14/2013 9:13:31 PM] Khiro: Merril:  You mean, staying in the hotel? No. In fact, some folk have left since the festival is over. [7/14/2013 9:15:15 PM] Josie: Nobody you didn't recognize? [7/14/2013 9:17:15 PM] Khiro: Merril:  Those I didn't recognize, they got family in town. [7/14/2013 9:18:22 PM] Josie: Josie nods. [7/14/2013 9:18:46 PM] Josie: All as it should be, then. ... there anythin' left from lunch? I know I'm a little behind. Expectin' a late supper, so might as well have a late lunch anyhow. [7/14/2013 9:19:37 PM] Khiro: Merril nods:  Sure! Still got some chicken and some bread and some beans. [7/14/2013 9:21:14 PM] Josie: Just a little chicken and some bread, then, if that's all right. [7/14/2013 9:22:05 PM] Khiro: She beams and nods, disappearing into the back. [7/14/2013 9:24:23 PM] Josie: Josie waits, listening to the conversations. [7/14/2013 9:24:50 PM] Khiro: It's all pretty inoccuous stuff. [7/14/2013 9:25:58 PM] Khiro: Merril comes back after a few minutes, putting some food in front of you! [7/14/2013 9:28:06 PM] Josie: Josie eats it! [7/14/2013 9:28:14 PM] Khiro: It is delicious! [7/14/2013 9:31:02 PM] Josie: Josie pays, of course. ... but she's not sure what to do next! [7/14/2013 9:31:14 PM] Josie: Josie decides to ask Miss Merril about wines when she comes around next. [7/14/2013 9:32:13 PM] Khiro: She comes back around! People are filing out, so it has become less busy. [7/14/2013 9:35:11 PM] Josie: Miss Merril? I need to buy a bottle o' wine. ... somethin' nice. Don't know a thing 'bout wine, though. [7/14/2013 9:35:22 PM] Khiro: Merril:  Oh? What for? [7/14/2013 9:36:07 PM] Josie: ... for dinner? Somethin' as might go with stew? [7/14/2013 9:40:57 PM] Khiro: Merril:  What kind of stew? [7/14/2013 9:42:25 PM] Josie: Venison. [7/14/2013 9:42:44 PM] Khiro: Merril thinks. "How much you lookin' to spend?" [7/14/2013 9:43:17 PM] Josie: ... I don't know, what's the range? [7/14/2013 9:44:24 PM] Khiro: Merril:  Well, my most expensive one is near twenty dollars. I got some for five or ten, too. [7/14/2013 9:45:09 PM] Josie: ... anythin' for $15? [7/14/2013 9:45:17 PM] Josie: Josie decides to blow an insane portion of her monthly salary. [7/14/2013 9:45:23 PM] Khiro: Merril:  You sure? [7/14/2013 9:46:53 PM] Josie: Yeah, I'm sure. [7/14/2013 9:53:20 PM] Josie: ... can't skimp. [7/14/2013 9:57:10 PM] Khiro: ((Sorry, phone call!)) She nods, and dives into the back! [7/14/2013 9:57:41 PM] Josie: ((No worries. I'm Slugging someone in Star Trek. Sluggo is so very irritating, she makes me giggle.)) [7/14/2013 9:58:08 PM] Khiro: ((Hee!)) [7/14/2013 9:58:33 PM] Khiro: SHe comes back a couple minutes later with a bottle of red wine. "This'll do.  You seein' Mr. Dingo?" [7/14/2013 9:59:20 PM] Josie: Josie turns bright red, and mumbles, "Yes." [7/14/2013 10:00:00 PM] Khiro: Merril:  didn't mean any offense, marshal, just saw you dancing in here last night. [7/14/2013 10:01:00 PM] Josie: Oh, well... don't do that too much. Dancin' I mean. ... seems frivolous. [7/14/2013 10:01:21 PM] Khiro: Merril:  Of course it is. Most fun things are. [7/14/2013 10:03:12 PM] Josie: Don't know 'bout that, I like workin'. ... what d'you know 'bout Mr. Dingo? [7/14/2013 10:04:12 PM] Khiro: Merril:  Oh, he's a nice fella. Knows a lot of strange stuff. He still workin' on that book? [7/14/2013 10:05:22 PM] Josie: He's writin' a book? [7/14/2013 10:06:19 PM] Khiro: Merril:  Yeah, some kinda almanac. Is that the right word? He's writing about all the different kinds of monsters and critters we see around here. Or he was when he first blew into town. [7/14/2013 10:07:07 PM] Josie: ... huh. I'll have to ask him 'bout it. What kinda monsters *are* there in town? Haven't seen anythin' unusual, 'cept different kinda folks, and they ain't monsters. 'cept Fennick. [7/14/2013 10:07:27 PM] Khiro: Merril:  Oh, I mean outside of town. [7/14/2013 10:08:48 PM] Josie: Huh, I see. How long's he been here in town? [7/14/2013 10:11:18 PM] Khiro: Merril:  Near half a year, I think. He stayed here when he first moved into town. [7/14/2013 10:14:05 PM] Josie: He got any particular friends? [7/14/2013 10:16:02 PM] Khiro: Merril:  Well, I don't see him that much since I don't leave the inn. but when he takes his meals in here, he usually sits alone. [7/14/2013 10:17:59 PM] Josie: Said he wasn't married or anythin' like that, so.... [7/14/2013 10:19:48 PM] Khiro: Merril:  He seems a good man. Like I said, knows a lotta odd stuff. He once translated this old poem from Italian for one of my waitresses. [7/14/2013 10:20:37 PM] Josie: Real well-educated, I'd say. [7/14/2013 10:23:36 PM] Josie: ... thanks. Just used to askin' around about folks. [7/14/2013 10:26:32 PM] Khiro: Merril:  I imagine that's not a thing that you can just shut off. Investigatin'. [7/14/2013 10:26:59 PM] Josie: Josie looks relieved. "Exactly." [7/14/2013 10:27:09 PM] Josie: ... I should go see if Miss Marta's around. [7/14/2013 10:27:47 PM] Khiro: Merril:  Marta? Why? She okay? [7/14/2013 10:29:00 PM] Josie: Oh, sure, I'm sure she's all right. ... just wanted some advice, is all. [7/14/2013 10:29:39 PM] Khiro: Merril:  Oh, okay. Well, don't let me keep you, marshal. [7/14/2013 10:30:26 PM] Josie: Josie nods, and heads on over to the brothel to try to find Miss Marta, stepping into the lobby once she gets there. [7/14/2013 10:32:06 PM | Edited 10:32:13 PM] Khiro: There's no one around, as it's the middle of the day, but the door has a bell on it, and Kiska comes out. "Marshal?" [7/14/2013 10:32:56 PM] Josie: ... yeah, I was hopin' to speak to Miss Marta, if she ain't too busy. [7/14/2013 10:33:16 PM] Khiro: She raises an eyebrow. "Something wrong?" [7/14/2013 10:33:52 PM] Josie: No! ... no. Just wanted some advice, is all. She's helpin' me with... with a problem I got, kinda. [7/14/2013 10:35:32 PM] Khiro: Kiska:  Well, then I'll go get her. [7/14/2013 10:35:46 PM] Khiro: She goes into the back, and a few minutes later, Marta comes out. "Marshal?" [7/14/2013 10:37:08 PM] Josie: Hey, Miss Marta. ... can we talk alone somewhere, maybe? [7/14/2013 10:37:25 PM] Khiro: Marta nods. "Sure.  C'mon back to my room." [7/14/2013 10:37:54 PM] Josie: Josie takes off her hat, holding it in both hands. [7/14/2013 10:37:57 PM] Khiro: She leads you to the upper floor of the Lamplight, where things are a good deal less... fripperied. [7/14/2013 10:40:37 PM] Josie: Josie follows her, quietly, looking a bit relieved as it starts to look more normal. [7/14/2013 10:41:00 PM] Khiro: Her room is very normal, too, a bed, a desk, a vanity, normal stuff. [7/14/2013 10:41:12 PM] Khiro: Marta:  Have a seat. [7/14/2013 10:46:46 PM] Josie: Josie sits at the desk. [7/14/2013 10:46:56 PM] Josie: ... goin' to dinner with Mr. Dingo tonight, tell me what I should do. [7/14/2013 10:47:14 PM] Khiro: She sits at the vanity, turning the chair around. "Well... what do you want t happen?" [7/14/2013 10:47:28 PM] Josie: ... happen? [7/14/2013 10:48:50 PM] Khiro: Marta nods. "Yeah.  What do you want the result to be?" [7/14/2013 10:52:32 PM] Josie: Josie stares. [7/14/2013 10:52:38 PM] Josie: ... ain't too sure I'm followin'. [7/14/2013 10:52:58 PM] Khiro: Marta:  ... why are you going to dinner with him? [7/14/2013 10:55:02 PM] Khiro: Marta:  You like him, right? [7/14/2013 10:55:25 PM] Josie: Yes? [7/14/2013 10:57:48 PM] Josie: Sure. I mean, yeah, I do. [7/14/2013 10:58:26 PM] Khiro: Marta:  So that's why you're going to dinner, to spend time with him, right? [7/14/2013 10:59:39 PM] Josie: Right. [7/14/2013 11:00:25 PM] Khiro: Marta:  ... dont' think me indelicate, marshal. But you're not asking about.... being intimate with him, right? [7/14/2013 11:00:42 PM] Josie: ... what? [7/14/2013 11:02:22 PM] Josie: Josie is baffled. [7/14/2013 11:06:21 PM] Khiro: Marta:  ... you know. Um. Well, I guess you're not asking about that. [7/14/2013 11:06:45 PM] Josie: About what? Don't know what you mean. [7/14/2013 11:07:23 PM] Khiro: Marta:  Don't worry about it. Just... be yourself, Marshal. [7/14/2013 11:08:07 PM] Josie: Well I don't know what that means, anyhow. [7/14/2013 11:11:22 PM] Khiro: Marta:  It means... you know. When and man and a woman... you know. Or a man and a man sometimes. Or a woman and a woman. [7/14/2013 11:13:12 PM] Khiro: ((She was raised in a brothel!)) [7/14/2013 11:14:04 PM] Josie: ... wait, you m... well I ain't doin' *that*. I'm respectable! [7/14/2013 11:14:53 PM] Khiro: Marta:  ...well, there's nothing disrespectable about it, Marshal. [7/14/2013 11:15:05 PM] Khiro: Marta:  It's just what people do. [7/14/2013 11:18:13 PM] Khiro: MArta smiles. "But don't worry about that.  Just... be yourself." [7/14/2013 11:19:10 PM] Josie: ... *Some* people. Ain't married. ... [7/14/2013 11:19:49 PM] Khiro: Marta:  ... you are in a brothel, Marshal. [7/14/2013 11:22:02 PM] Josie: Well I know, but I ain't... I mean, not that it's ... I mean, I know why the folks here do what they do, I know it ain't easy for 'em, but I'm not... I mean... [7/14/2013 11:22:13 PM] Josie: Josie gets flustered rather quickly. [7/14/2013 11:22:39 PM] Khiro: Marta:  It's okay, marshal, I mispoke. Just don't worry about it. [7/14/2013 11:24:35 PM] Josie: ... he's not gonna expect *that*, is he? [7/14/2013 11:27:00 PM] Khiro: Marta:  I doubt it. He seems too gentlemanly for that. Besides, you only just kissed for the first time last night. [7/14/2013 11:28:11 PM] Josie: ... I don't know what I'm thinkin', anyhow, he'd never marry me. [7/14/2013 11:29:02 PM] Khiro: Marta:  ...maybe get to know each other first, before you worry about that sort of thing. Live in the moment, not in teh future. [7/14/2013 11:29:31 PM] Josie: Well if we don't got any kinda future I ain't too sure what the point is. [7/14/2013 11:29:57 PM] Khiro: Marta:  Did he say he'd never marry you? [7/14/2013 11:30:56 PM] Josie: ... well, no, but I'm always on the road. An' he's got a business here. [7/14/2013 11:31:13 PM] Khiro: Marta:  Can you divine the future? [7/14/2013 11:32:20 PM] Josie: ... do I *look* like I can divine anythin'? No. [7/14/2013 11:36:54 PM] Khiro: Marta:  So give him a chance. [7/14/2013 11:38:44 PM] Josie: ... a chance to do what? [7/14/2013 11:39:00 PM] Khiro: Marta:  To see where it goes! [7/14/2013 11:41:18 PM] Josie: ... you sure? [7/14/2013 11:41:49 PM] Khiro: Marta nods earnestly! [7/14/2013 11:42:23 PM] Josie: Well... all right. So I just... be myself. ... don't rightly know what that means but I'll muddle through somehow, I guess. [7/14/2013 11:43:54 PM] Khiro: Marta:  Don't try to be what you think he wants you to be. Be you. [7/14/2013 11:44:27 PM] Josie: Josie rubs her forehead. [7/14/2013 11:44:32 PM] Josie: Don't rightly know how to be anybody else anyhow. [7/14/2013 11:46:12 PM] Khiro: Marta:  Then you shouldn't have a problem. Just don't overthink things. [7/14/2013 11:47:54 PM] Josie: ... wine might help. [7/14/2013 11:48:06 PM] Khiro: Marta:  Probably! [7/14/2013 11:51:11 PM] Josie: Josie nods. [7/14/2013 11:51:13 PM] Josie: All right.