[ We find Our Heroes eating dinner! Such as it is. There's rice, some sort of plant material, and a baked creature resembling a streamlined otyugh with no legs or mouths, but with ten tentacles. ] [ But, everyone around here insists it's all edible. So, dig in! ] [ Session Start! ] [ Thankfully, Kenji's parents are not here at the moment. ] * Tia takes a deep and appreciative whiff of the food before her. "Mm, smells good! What is it?" Rice, kelp, and squid. Ooh, yum! ... Um... what're those? * Alcinoe tries picking up some squid with her chopsticks. It falls out, and she frowns. They're tasty, Tia. That's really all you need to know. * Istvan eyes the squid for a moment, trying to figure out if it's going to attack. He pokes it once or twice with his chopsticks and, seeing that it's not trying to defend itself, managed to pick some up and eat it. *chewchewchewswollows* "Not bad." * Tia nods as she tries to imitate the others with their chopsticks. "Oh, I guess you're right..." The kelp flops unceremoniously out from between her crossed chopsticks and onto her blouse as she speaks. "Oops!" * Takara rolls her squid with some kelp and nibbles on that. She raises an eyebrow at Tia's blunder. * Seylin takes a bit of squid and eats carefully. * Tia attempts to fish the kelp from the front of her clothing by draping the slippery stuff over one chopstick, then frowns in disappointment as it slips off and falls back onto her dish. * Alcinoe manages to pick up her squid this time and eats it! She hms appreciatively. * WillS works silently on his bowl of rice. He seems a bit preoccupied and doesn't even try to pick up at the slimy stuff. Takara, would it be a major offense for me to give Tia a fork? * Tia eventually, after poking at her food unsuccessfully with the chopsticks, spears the squid with one and eats it quickly, hoping that no one saw her. * Seylin takes a piece of kelp and then scoops up some rice. * Takara shakes her head at Istvan. "" ( Alci's chopstick skill has increased by one. ) * Alcinoe is more skilled! She makes her next roll and picks up some rice and kelp. Yum. * Istvan tries to show Tia how to hold her chopsticks, but it's kind of a blind-leading-the-blind situation, really. * Patrick grins as he starts picking away at his food with his chop sticks. Being a dexmonkey DOES have its perks. * Alcinoe discovers, unfortunately, that she doesn't *like* kelp very much. ... but she eats it anyway. * Tia chews thoughtfully on the squid and swallows, then beams delightedly. "Chewy! Like that bouncy ball I ate when I was five, except yummier." And more edible, I hope. * HKenji eats very little, but is drinking tea like it's going out of style. * Seylin blinks a few times, but says nothing, and makes a squid-kelp- rice combo this time. * Takara nods appreciatively at Seylin's move. "" * Tia tries to follow Istvan's instructions and succeeds in tangling her fingers and food hopelessly in the chopsticks. Ah wouldn't think a bouncin' ball's that... tasty.\ * Alcinoe frowns. * WillS blinks at Tia's outburst and looks at the squid for a bit. Nah. Unless they made it outta candy or somethin'. * Seylin smiles. "It tastes very good combined." * Tia shakes her head. "The bouncy ball? Naw, it was pretty tasteless. I made a kid cry, too." * Patrick adds more sauce. "Would you put that past the wizards who came up with 'Edible Glue'?" * Takara nods and makes a litle ball, herself. It takes some work. * Seylin takes a sip of tea. "Aww." Did it taste like glue? Isn't glue always edible? No, and not always. Don't want to swallow some Sovreign Glue, ewww. What's that? Magic glue that permanently fuses whatever two items it's used with. * Tia "sneaks" another mouthful of chopstick-squid-kelp kabob before turning her attention back to the conversation. * Takara pauses mid-tea sip. "" ...Would it glue my teeth together? or my lips to my teeth? or my teeth to my tongue? I really don't want to think about that. * Tia appears to be picturing the situations in her head as she awkwardly continues her meal. I remember one time, back in Moradin's Deep, a smith my uncle knew was working with some Sovereign Glue when a big clan leader came to visit. Forgot to take off his protective gloves when he went to greet the guy and accidentally glued his glove to the clan's ancient heirloom helmet. Did he keep wearin' the helmet? * Tia giggles. Nah. Thing was pretty dumb looking to start out with. Clan leader only wore it because tradition demanded it, and this gave him an excuse to put it in a display case and commission a new helmet. So, when people come to look at the old one, how do they explain the glove? They... set aside a sacred relic... because they didn't like how it looked. * HKenji shakes his head sadly. * Takara is also shaking her head. * Istvan grins. "They say it was touched by the hand of Moradin. Which is kinda true, since Moradin's also the patron diety of smiths." *turns to Kenji* "It wasn't sacred. It was a stupid looking, poorly balanced, poorly designed helmet that one of their ancestors had brained the leader of a drow batallion with when his axe was shattered. It became tradition to wear it. " * HKenji sniffs. "The soul of a great leader is nothing to sneeze at." Sometimes I really don't understand dwarves. * WillS grins a bit at the story. It was silly afterall. If it was *really* touched by Moradin, it would be pretty sacred. It wasn't, Alci. It just sounds better than "I stopped wearing it because I could barely see when I was wearing the thing, it hurt my neck because it was unbalanced, and some idiot glued his glove to it." * Alcinoe opens her mouth, then closes it, then stares at Istvan. So it was the *glove* that was the "hand"? * Takara picks at her food. Yeah. That's what I said. Sey asked how they explained the glove to people. I said that, since Moradin watches over smiths, and it was a smith's glove, they started explaining that the helm had been touched by the hand of Moradin. Which, in a roundabout sorta way, it kinda was. Except not. * Patrick grins at the story as he eats s'more food. Mmm, food. Because, like I said, "I stopped wearing it because I could barely see when I was wearing the thing, it hurt my neck because it was unbalanced, and some idiot glued his glove to it." is kind of embarassing. ... Woulda been more honest. It woulda. But there was pride involved, so... Foolish pride. * Istvan shrugs. "Yeah, prolly. Common failing among dwarven nobility, I've found." * Takara picks up some rice, then puts it down and settles for drinking the rest of her tea. In the end, the clan leader had my uncle make him a new helmet, and it saved his life in a battle when a duregar tried to smash his head in with a spiked mace. If the helmet was that bad, shouldn'ta been usin' it in the first place. * Takara finishes her tea, sets it down, and looks at her food. She settles for studying her nails. They're nice nails. I know. But it was tradition. Which is great usually. I'm all for carrying a weapon or wearing a set of honor that been passed down throught the generations as a way of honoring those that came before. But if it's not battle-quality, then it's just tradition of the sake of tradition, and that's just silly. Then it shoulda been... said... * Alcinoe sighs and runs one hand through her hair (still red and curly!). "Never mind." Honesty is the foundation of honor. * Seylin just keeps eating. Emperor's new clothes situation, Alci. It was worn by a fairly famous ancestor in the clan, so nobody wanted to come out and say "This thing is useless!" for fear of sounding like they were dishonoring their fairly noble ancestor. Again, from what I've seen, pride is a fairly common failing in the upper parts of dwarven society. So it was said that a god touched it instead a' the truth. Yeah, Ah see this pretty clear. Save feelin's an' pretend somethin's what it's not. * Istvan nods. "That pretty much sums it up. Ignobility by the nobility." Yeah. Foolishness. When an heirloom is effectively useless, we retire it honorably into the Hall of Ancestors, where it belongs. * WillS is full on rice now and am now just drinking tea while listening to the conversation. * Alcinoe puts her chopsticks down and stands, clearly annoyed. "Ah'm goin' fer a walk. Back in a little bit." She puts words to action pretty much immediately after. * Takara looks up to see Alcinoe go, and then she goes back to looking her nails over. Which is what's usually done. Dwarves done't usually charge into battle wielding a large stone tankard because one of their ancestors beaned a duregar prince in the head with it and turned the tide of a battle. This particular clan was too caught up in their image to think practically. * Istvan adds, almost as an afterthought, "The tankard's used for important toasts before a battle for good luck, if I remember right." Leave it to dwarves to have an ancestral tankard. They like their alcohol. Quite. Hey, one of the most sacred artifacts in Moradin's Deep is a tankard said to have been used by Moradin himself. It's an important part of the culture. * HKenji shakes his head. * Tia waits for a time when everyone is engrossed in conversation to hastily shovel the remaining contents of her dish into her mouth before replacing her plate and acting like nothing happened. * Takara nods to Kenji. "" Mead? Mead. Mmm. * Takara nods. "" Be careful if you do. It's a *lot* stronger than sake, and if you're not used to it, you can find yourself fairly out of it quickly. * Takara blinks. "" No, you'll get drunk faster. And, as a consequence, you'll probably end up drinking it pretty quickly. * Istvan nods at Kenji, then towards Takara. "Sorry. Shoulda been more careful not to use phrases that you'd have no way've knowing." * Takara ahs and nods. "" * HKenji stands. Patrick, Seylin. Would you care to take a short walk? The gardens are lovely right now. * Takara looks at Kenji, then Seylin. She shifts place slightly and smooths her kimono. * Tia jumps up in the middle of sipping her tea. "Ooh! I wanna come! Can I? Can I? Pleeeease?" * Patrick nods to Kenji and smirks. "Sure. Which way to the gardens if I may ask?" I'll show the gardens to you later, Tia. * Tia 's ears droop a bit, but she nods. "Okay. I'll stay here and finish my tea." Why don't I go with you later, Tia? * Tia smiles. "Okay, sure!" * HKenji nods to Seylin. "Very well. Patrick?" I have no objections to letting Tia come along. ^^ Not what I was talking about. * HKenji walks out. * Takara would roll her eyes, but she's way too polite. * Patrick chuckles and walks out, following Kenji. * Tia shrugs and sits back down at the table to finish her tea. * Istvan looks over at Takara. "Do the chefs in Rokugan do desserts of any sort?" * Takara blinks. "Diserltu?" * Istvan blinks. "Guess that's a no. Desserts are... hmm. An after-meal course. Usually something sweet. Like cake." More of a snack between meals? * Takara nods. "" Not me. Kinda thought Tia might. * Takara bows her head and then looks to Tia. * Tia grins. "Sure!" * Takara smiles. " diserltu " She rises gracefully to her feet, bows, and walks off to have a word with a servant. * WillS drinks his tea silently. He wishes he had asked for some diserltu too! * A servant appears after a number of minutes of silent !conversation with a large tray. On it are a number of different spiced and honeyd nuts, flaky sweet buns with some sort of bean paste on the side, and a hard cake with a layer of gelatin in the center. He sets it on the table and bows deeply, then backs away. Dig in, kiddo. Thanks, Mr. Waiter! * Tia hovers over the food tray, occasionally reaching out to take a dessert, then retracting her hand and reconsidering. "Which one should I eat, Isty?" They all look so tasty! Dunno. I'm not eating, so unless Will wants to put in a claim on one of them, you can attack it at your leisure. *Grins* * Tia turns toward Will expectantly. * WillS makes a large gulping sound as he looks at the desserts. "Actually, I'll try one of these sweet buns if that's ok with you, Tia?" Sure! Pick one for me to eat! * WillS passes the hard cake with a layer of gelatin over to Tia while he grabs a bean paste sweet bun. "How about this one?" Thanks, Will! * Tia takes the gelatin cake, admires it for a moment, then pops the whole thing into her mouth. * WillS grins at Tia and takes a big bite out of the sweet bun. YUM! * Istvan sips some water and smiles as Tia digs in. You sure you don't want any, Isty? They're really good. * Tia offers Isty one of the flaky buns on the tray. * HKenji appears in the doorway of the dining hall, flanked by Alcinoe and Patrick. Oddly, where he was missing his weapons before, he now has a full daisho at his waist. Behind the three is Takara, finally returned from that whole dessert thing. * Alcinoe looks tense as hell, with one hand on her sword. She gazes around the room. Nah, I'm okay. Enjoy. * Tia is in the midst of eating the bun she originally offered Isty when she notices the change in atmosphere and rises from her seat. * Patrick returns, calm and grinning as always. ^^ * Alcinoe fixes her look on Istvan, and her eyes narrow. * HKenji walks across the room to stand opposite Istvan from Alcinoe, flanking him. * Tia finishes chewing quickly and swallows. "W-what's going on?" * Istvan takes another sip of water, swollows, then looks up... "... problem, Kenji?" * WillS gulps down his sweet bun quickly and waits apprehensively. Somethin's really wrong, Tia. Stay out of it. * Takara watches, almost as calm as Patrick. She walks a bit closer and to the side so she can see and speak clearly, should she need to, and folds her hands, weaponless. * Tia trembles a little at Alcinoe's words and sinks back on her haunches reluctantly. Istvan Magyarson, I am placing you under arrest for the attempted murder of Matsu Seiryou. Please surrender your arms and armor immediately. * Tia gasps and jumps back to her feet. * Istvan eyes Kenji, then GLARES at Takara before looking back at Kenji. "You obviously don't know what the hell you're talking about. As usual." Care to be enlightened? * WillS stares at Kenji in disbelief. Takara's testimony has been confirmed in whole by Patrick. * Takara is unbothered by Istvan's glare. She must get them a lot. Your side of the story will be solicited when it becomes important. * Tia whimpers softly. "I know, Mr. Axe, but he was protecting me..." It's important now. What is important now is that you surrender peacefully. Please, Kenji, don't hurt Isty. He was only protecting me...! * Tia whimpers again. * Istvan looks over at Patrick and Alci. "I really thought better of you two." *to Takara* "And you... man, for a second there I was acturally pondering how to get around the whole Rokugan 'no dating' thing and ask you out. Shoulda known you were just as batshit insane as Kenji." * Takara looks at Istvan. * Istvan looks up at Kenji. "What's the procedure from this point?" Surrender your arms and armor. You will be escorted to a cell to await trial. * Tia 's hands clutch anxiously at the hem of her blouse. I figured that out, moron. I'm asking what the trial consists of. Do I actually get a chance to defend myself, or is some bullshit show trial where the evil gaijin is guilty is proven guilty? Please don't let anything happen to Isty, please? * WillS looks up at Alci and Kenji. Testimony from all sides will be solicited at the trial. From there, it is simply a matter of law. You didn't answer my question. Do I get a fair hearing, or is all just for show? You will have as fair a hearing as can be had. All witnesses will be invited to testify. * Alcinoe nods to Will. She tries to offer him a smile, but it doesn't work, and she goes back to focusing on Istvan. ... as can be had? What does that mean? * Tia is shaking a bit. "It's my fault. I didn't know I wasn't supposed to help Mr. Samurai to his feet. I should be the one in trouble..." * WillS seems to relax a bit given Alci's nod. You have already been condemned by two matching statements, one of which is from a samurai. It would take a great preponderance of testimony in your favor in order to clear you of charges. * Alcinoe says, quietly, "Ain't yer fault, Tia." * Takara says to Istvan, cooly, "" But Isty got in trouble because of me... Aha. So I'm guilty until proven innocent. Nice justice system you've got here. Surrender now, Istvan, while you still have a chance. No, Tia. It ain't yer fault. Trust me, an' Ah'll explain later. * Tia nods quietly, but she looks unconvinced as she stands there biting her lip. And I assume, if I don't surrender, you'n Alci will slaughter me where I sit? Yes. * Tia 's eyes widen fearfully. Ah'm more in favor of incapacitatin', mahself. * Alcinoe looks at Kenji. You will stand trial one way or another, Istvan. Willingly or no. Surrender willingly and it is a point in your favor. And give you the pleasure of killing me? Ha. * WillS gives Istvan a pat. "I don't think Alci would let this trial go through if it's going to be a sham Istvan. And we'll all be there rooting for ya." * Alcinoe grits her teeth and slides into a stance, hand firmly around the hilt of her sword. "DON'T do anythin' stupid, Istvan." * Istvan stands up, unholsters his pick and shield, and hands them to Will. "Guard them as if they were given to you by Bahamut himself. Especially from Kenji." * Alcinoe relaxes. A little. She still seems far too ready to strike Istvan where he stands. * WillS nods. "I'll take care of them." * Tia 's claws dig nervously into the floor where she stands. * WillS takes the pick and shield and holds on to them tightly. You know, Kenji, I'm gonna beat this. Not just because I'm innocent. But because I know how much it'll piss you off. * HKenji says tonelessly, "I don't care if you "beat this" or not. I care about justice." Oh yeah. I forgot. That trial that you held for Max was as fair and just as could be. Alcinoe, would you escort the prisoner to his cell? Patrick, if you would accompany her, please? * Alcinoe nods to Kenji. She tilts her head towards an exit. "C'mon, Istvan." * Tia continues to tremble, but she stays out of it, as she is told. * Istvan heads out after Alci, then looks back at Kenji. "When this is over, and I'm exonerated, I'll be expecting a full apology. But since I'm not a complete dick, I'll settle for a verbal one. No need to bow your head to the ground or wail or cry or anything. I'm more civilized than that." * HKenji ignores Istvan. * Alcinoe just walks. So long as Istvan is close and within her sight, she doesn't lay a hand on him. * Takara watches Istvan go. She, too, does not comment. * Patrick nods and accompanys Alcinoe, smiling as he does so. ^^ * Istvan shakes his head as he walks behind Patrick and Alci. "Not even the respect to ask for my side before going along with this. Nice to know where I stand with you two. Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside." Ah figure it's the same, jus' with different words. And seein' to it that this part is taken care of is more important right now. There's time for sides later. As some would say, 'It's for your own good.' I'm not looking to get you killed. * Istvan just shakes his head and laughs. "And that right there, Alci, tells me all I need to know about where I stand with you. 'There's time for sides later.'" Ah wasn't there, Istvan. Ah don't claim ta be. But that is what a trial is for. * Tia scratches her head and looks deep in thought. "Maybe that's true...but it wouldn't have happened if it weren't for me, either..." Tia, this was not your fault. Any trigger could have resulted in the same thing. What Istvan did, he decided to do on his own, for his own reasons. Things that he does cannot be your fault. Yes, but if this were anyone else in the group, you'd give them the benefit of the doubt. Not me, apparently. * Takara nods. "" she says, gently. "" * WillS is still confused over what's going on. "What did happen anyways? How did Istvan end up on an attempted murder trial?" He used the pick on a samurai who insulted Tia. Testimony so far says that he used its power to cause the earth to swallow the samurai, and only brought him back at Takara's insistence. No, Istvan. If it were anyone else in the group, Ah'd react the same way. Ya haven't seen anyone else in this situation, have ya? Then stop talkin' out of yer ass and start thinkin' with yer head. * Tia tries to be comforted, but she continues to look troubled. * Takara nods slowly. * WillS blinks and takes a look at the pick in his hands. "Isty can control this now?" Yes. Wow. I thought the Titan Pick hasn't accepted Isty yet. I cannot speculate to the motives of an ages-old artifact. * WillS nods as he takes a careful look at the pick. "Yeah. Having the earth swallow someone up for an insult does seem a bit extreme." * Tia shuffles her paws anxiously. Although I still don't believe Isty will go that far just for a normal insult. Takara and Patrick both gave matching stories, independently. * WillS frowns. "Yeah. And I don't doubt them. So strange..." * Takara sighs, again, and sits by the table. She presses her palm to her face and keeps it there. * WillS freezes a bit and stares at the pick in his hands. * Takara turns her attention to the cleric. "" * WillS shakes his head and looks a bit dejected. "I seem to have disappointed the pick." * Takara looks puzzled. "" She looks to Kenji. * HKenji looks just as puzzled as Takara is. * WillS suddenly gulps down the rest of his tea and looks a bit more determined now. "Something must be wrong here. Can you give me more details on what exactly happened between Tia and the samurai that caused this whole thing?" * Takara bows her head. "" * Tia sits back down quietly, her eyes downcast. * WillS smiles as he got the feeling that the pick forgave him. [ Session End? ]