Start of #ExaltedIC buffer: Fri Sep 25 22:07:45 2009 [18:30:32] * Now talking in #ExaltedIC [18:30:32] * paradox.esper.net sets mode: +nt [19:47:10] [Somewhere in the world, in the small, rural town of Falling Blossoms...] [19:48:46] * A great hideous beast kneels, dying, after attacking the town. It is part vine and part hideous boar. Whispering Orchid stands before it, with his needles in hand, stained with the monster's blood. [19:48:49] [Session Start] [19:50:20] Damned... I WILL have what is due to me in flesh and in blood... you may have bested me today, but I will return. [19:50:40] * The beast starts to run off. [19:51:56] * The town is a small fishing town along the coast, though the earth nearby is fertile enough for crops. [19:51:58] * Whispering_Orchid frowns after the monster, and then reels back and throws a needle towards it. "Do not." [19:53:52] * The needle pins the creature's shadow to the ground. It struggles, and breaks loose, vanishing into the tall grass as its vine body unravels and slithers [19:54:09] * It will most certainly return, this defeat strong in its memory. [19:55:16] * Some of the nearby field slaves, previously terrified, stare in wonder. "I-incredible! You beat him!" [19:56:10] * Whispering_Orchid glides over to where the creature fell, less than happy with this turn of events. He pulls the needle from the ground and reaches into his robe, pulling a strip of cotton cloth from inside of it, and begins to clean off his needles. He smiles winsomely. "I assure you, it wasn't as difficult as it seems." [19:57:14] He was starving us all... thank you so much. We don't have much, but... oh. Oh, there is one idea. [19:57:53] * The slave looks to the nearby and extremely relieved citizens. One of the elders thinks a bit. Then blinks. "Oh, I see. There IS one reward we could offer." [19:58:16] Tonight, we celebrate, but first, please come this way. [19:58:53] * She motions to Whispering Orchid. [19:59:53] * Whispering_Orchid nods, and follows, gathering up his flowing hair and winding it into a bun as he goes, with practiced ease. [20:01:43] * The elder leads Orchid to what passes for the town's house of healing. She leads him through a bead curtain to a sleeping girl. [20:02:35] This girl washed up on our shores before the beast came and demanded all of our food. She was holding onto a box with what we believe to be her posessions. She hasn't woken, though... [20:03:39] We offer her to you as a wife, or servant, or whatever else you might wish to do with her. I have seen your actions, and I'm certian you'll treat her well. [20:04:03] * Whispering_Orchid nods. "How fortunate! Although I have little need for a sleeping wife." [20:04:51] * Whispering_Orchid opens a small leather satchel hanging from his waist, and takes one of the needles from his hair. He dips it into the pouch, and studies her carefully. [20:04:51] * The Elder nods. "Well, if you could defeat that monster, I'm sure you can figure out a way to awaken her. I will leave to prepare for the festivities. I shall leave you two alone." [20:05:04] * The elder leaves the room. Orchid and the girl are now alone together. [20:06:35] * Kaname wakes slowly, yawning and stretching [20:07:05] Oh! Such is my skill as an acupuncturist that I need not even touch the patient. Good morning, humble wife. [20:07:24] * Whispering_Orchid wipes the needle clean of the medicine and slides it back into his hair bun [20:07:31] "Good morning, lady" [20:07:59] * Kaname rubs her eyes [20:08:10] "Wait, did you say, wife?" [20:08:56] "What happened?" [20:09:14] "I'm confused" [20:09:22] As am I, I assure you. [20:09:52] "What is this place?" [20:09:59] However, I've managed to gather that in exchange for driving away a hungry god, I've been married to a girl they found on the shore. Small towns are curious. [20:10:24] "What what what!?!" [20:10:33] It seems to be a small hut. [20:11:15] "How were we married? Did I sleep through the ceremony?" [20:11:55] "Ow! How come my head hurts whenever I try to remember anything?" [20:11:59] It was informal. [20:12:14] Alternatively, you could be my servant. Those were the options presented to me. [20:12:20] * Whispering_Orchid frowns. "That's curious." [20:12:38] "Partner wasn't an option?" [20:13:23] "This is so confusing" [20:15:26] * Kaname realizes something [20:15:33] "Where are my clothes!?!" [20:16:35] Partner after a sort, perhaps. And it was said that your posessions may be in the box that you carried. [20:16:46] "What box?" [20:17:07] "I had a box?" [20:17:24] * Orchid can find Kaname's box easily. [20:17:25] So I was told. [20:17:33] "I really don't know what's going on" [20:17:44] * Whispering_Orchid gets the box from the ground and hands it to her. "Such is life." [20:17:58] "I....guess" [20:18:07] * Kaname opens the box [20:19:15] * Kaname finds a flute and a few assorted other items. Also, clothing. [20:19:31] "Here we go. Just a moment" [20:19:49] * Kaname throws a blanket over herself and dresses under the blanket [20:20:39] * Kaname climbs out of bed fully dressed [20:21:00] * Kaname picks up the flute [20:21:48] * Kaname almost instinctively twirls it with the skill of a master and places it in her sash like a small sword [20:22:02] "That was odd" [20:22:31] That was certainly more than I'd expect from someone who just woke up. [20:23:33] * Kaname pulls out the flute and tries to play it [20:24:22] * Kaname plays a lovely little tune [20:24:45] * Kaname places it back in her sash [20:24:54] * Beautiful music comes forth from the flute. Whispering Orchid may be awed by the tune. And optionally by Kaname. [20:25:09] "Seems I know how to do at least two things" [20:25:36] * Whispering_Orchid smiles. "Wonderful. Perhaps if we can find another, this marriage may work out." [20:25:51] "Maybe..." [20:27:10] Now that you are aware and enrobed, perhaps we should join the celebration. I don't know how long it might be until the god returns, and I hesitate to be inside if he does [20:27:26] "What god?" [20:27:36] "Why does he want to return?" [20:27:43] "What celebration?" [20:29:56] Long of Limb and Appetite, and I think you'll find that his name explains why he wants to return [20:30:09] * Kaname gulps [20:30:21] The celebration is in honor of me driving him off. Come, the afternoon grows short. [20:30:31] "Okay" [20:30:38] * Whispering_Orchid leaves the hut, throwing his arms open to the adulation of the town [20:30:44] * Kaname follows [20:32:21] * The town is relatively small. Perhaps two or three hundred might dwell here. But the buildings are sturdy enough, and everyone could eat. At least, until Long of Limb and Appetite came, having split a forest in two with his hunger on his way here. [20:32:56] * It's ruled by a pair of elders. [20:35:26] * Falling Blossoms lives up to its name. Cherry trees here grow in an odd cycle where some are always growing fruit and some are always dropping petals all year round. [20:36:38] "Pretty" [20:37:16] * The elder, chatting with some of the farmers, takes notice. "Oh, you woke her so quickly!" [20:37:58] Your union must certainly be fate. Something about you reminded me of her. [20:38:31] "Fate?" [20:39:13] Fate. Destiny. What is meant to be. [20:39:17] * She smiles and nods. [20:42:29] Is there anything we can do for you? THe preparations for the festival have begun. [20:44:53] I hope you are happy with your husband. [20:46:03] * Kaname nods [20:46:42] Poor dear. You were unconscious for at least a month. [20:46:48] * Kaname blinks [20:46:56] * Whispering_Orchid nods, solemnly. [20:47:09] "I don't remember anything before waking up just now..." [20:47:21] Really? That's terrible. [20:48:00] * Kaname nods [20:48:12] "I'm trying not to let it bother me" [20:49:30] * The elder looks to Orchid. "I've made arrangements at the inn to have you moved to a room with a larger bed. Perhaps before the feast starts, you two can head to the room. Talk to each other, get to know each other a little." [20:51:17] Oh, what a wonderful idea! [20:51:21] "As long as its just talking. I'm not sure I want to...do that thing...just yet" [20:52:04] "Oh!" [20:52:18] "By the way, I'm Kaname" [20:52:36] * Whispering_Orchid nods a hand. "I am Whispering Orchid." [20:52:58] "Hmmm, unusual name" [20:53:47] Oh! So you do remember something. Excellent. As for "that thing", I'm sure the time will be right for it soon enough. It's a beautiful time of the year. [20:54:04] * A wind whoosh brings more cherry blossom petals by, for emphasis. [20:54:36] * Whispering_Orchid laughs. "If you say so, Kaname." [20:56:23] [Session End] End of #ExaltedIC buffer Fri Sep 25 22:07:45 2009