Characters involved are: Ryoji (RED), Brin (ORANGE), Bart (GREEN), Dirah (BLUE),
Logged by Brin

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Fatima Castle, Courtyard
These sparring grounds are empty for now. One can go <south> to return to the outside of the Fatima Castle, and back <north> to the interior of the Castle.
Contents:
Dirah
Ryoji
a Haniel stand-in doll
Bart
Bart smirks, "Hello, there, uh...," he crosses his arms. "planning on sparring with someone?" he asks. Well, this is holding up pretty good. He doesen't think that worked too well, but eh. "By the way, lemme introduce myself, i'm Bart! What's your name?"
(OOC) Brad started talking.
(OOC) Demon: Shut up, i'm going to kill you!
Ryoji merely stares at Bart for about 10 seconds, somewhat stumped, he's nervous, doen't know what to say, and that question totally threw him off, 'What the hell is this guy talking about?' he thinks to himself, his memory comes rushing suddenly back to him, this is a sparring ground...he rubs the back of his neck nervously. "Oh..of course not, hehe, I work here at the castle. The name's Abek, nice to meet you Bart!"
And so, with one last longing look at the vendors off at the edge of the sparring area, and all the wonderful fashion she could be cooing at, Dirah turns around and sighs, and trudges off to find what's going on here. Which is when a very odd conversation reaches her ears. Normally, a banal greeting in the middle of Bledavik would not be quite worth Dirah's most precious time. And yet that voice sounds so blastedly familiar that she dares a look out of her one uncovered eye. And that bluest gaze finds.. Well, me oh my. Is that the young Fatima Prince? Ugh. This.. Complicates things, doesn't it? For this means that Dirah can't exactly look around this area just for explorational purposes now. Phooey. Well, maybe Bart wont notice her. Exactly. That would be.. Rather lovely. And yet.. Gah, stop staring, Dirah! Its really too long a moment before she actually sorts out a plan and starts edging away.
What is wrong with this image? For some reason, this person seems like one of those classic puzzles--Look at a picture for a minute, look away, and find the one misplaced hair in another image almost identical. For this person seems to be, in all respects, Sigurd Harcourt of the Yggdrasil crew. Or.. is it? Somehow, in this trained poise, something seems.. not quite right. For the looks are all there--the palest silvered hair in its careful bangs, the well tanned skin and that brilliant sapphire blue eye, the other covered by an eyepatch. The outfit is all there, with a dark shirt and pure white, coattailed jacket, white breeches and all, leaving the middrift bare. And yet, it is the quiet detail that does not set itself apart from the rest that catches one's curiosity, the faint unfamiliarity of a glance or the wrong crook of a smile that seem to throw this image off. For this person could easily pass for Sigurd, if it were to image alone. But there is something quiet, something else, that settles about this person, that makes one want to double take, to wonder at the invisible flaw.
The relative quiet of the arena, compared to the bustle of the market below, is still even barely shattered by the slightly less than boisterous descent of the steps to the castle entrance. For it is Ambassador Gaisce, who had only just now been sitting staring down the length of the town. Still, this _is_ a surprise, at least. "Bart! Sigurd!. You've returned..." he exclaims, very unlike him, really. But, this is an occasion, one he had wished for for quite a time. Yes, it is Bart, and...a slightly less assertive Sigurd, shrinking behind Bart, almost. Hmm. What has Bart done to Sigurd this time? Still, it is good to see them, and Brin draws up to Bart, extending a greeting hand.
Bart smirks, "It's nice to meet ya, Abek!" he says. He works at the castle? Eh, must be a new face or something. As Brin's voice reaches him, he suddenly turns around, "G'whoa, hey Brin!" he says, recognizing the voice and the face. There's another person here he should recognize too, and he blinks at this person. "Uh...Sig, weren't you going to stay in the Ygg and do something? It seemed like it was pretty important...and i've only been out for about 5 or 10 minutes here," he stares at Dirah for a moment, but then shrugs, his attention turning back to Brin. "How've you been Brin? A lot's been going on."
Ryoji smiles, so far, so good, the burden on his shoulders felt as if it was lifted off for a moment, he was feeling a little more confident. He then spots Brin coming up the path...'Oh...man...' he thinks to himself, he suddenly felt really nervous again, he had half a mind to just sneak away while Bart was talking with Brin, but he knew he couldn't do that--not yet at least.
Bart has disconnected.
Bart has connected.
Dirah hates you all. Here she was, doing a -perfectly- good job of avoiding being noticed, and some, some...--Hey, who is this guy in the first place?--Well, -jerk- comes out and points her out in full view. Ugh. Irritation boiling. For this is such a blasted -inconvience!- And yet, calm yourself mentally, Dirah, and draw your expressions to that trained, trained calm. For Sigurd would not be fuming at being talked to, would he? Bleh, how appalling playing pretend can be. Well. At least Bart didn't notice a thing. So wing it, Dirah, and hope that you can come up with an excuse that sounds reasonable and in character. In that voice that is trained as close as mimickery can allow. But if its a bit quiet, do forgive. Dirah is trying her darndest not to catch any unpleasant notice right now, "Hello.." Odd person who pointed me out and ruined my plans. Grrr. "And.. Sorry, Young Master. I simply realized something that had to be done.." There, is that vague enough for you? Let's just hope whatever Sig
...Sigurd -is- doing could be put off as quickly and easily as that. Ugh. Dirah hates you all.
Hmm. Perhaps now that Bart has this position, he has assumed a more dominant role. This is better then expected! Perhaps now he will accept and take on the responsibility of running the country. Perhaps. "It's nice to see you back, Bart, Sigurd..." he smiles. "I can't say it has been as exciting here as on board the Yggdrasil, but I try to keep things running smoothly.". His eyes glazing over at that last comment. It would seem that round here, keeping things running smoothly took up more work than actually running the country. Still, we will see what can be done. "I hope this is not just a flying visit, of course...". The smile, again.
Bart is in a dominant position? Likely not. He finds it weird that Sig would say he's not going into town because he needs to do something important on the Ygg and then turn up meandering around 5-10 minutes after Bart bolts. Huh. Diguard's explaination seems to content Bart enough, to the point of nodding at him/her. As Brin speaks up, his attention returns to him, a flying visit? "Eh...exciting's a good word to use, but it's not the good exciting. Uh...actually, i'm here for the play that I got an invitation to," doesen't that sound responsible? "...and i'm also going there hoping Luka might be around. You...haven't seen Ryukumu, have you, Brin? Oh, yeah!" he turns to Abek, "Sorry for ignoring you like that. Sig's like a guardian, and Brin...well...yeah, he's a friend of mine," a turn to introduce his new...uh...stranger he just met to them, and he says, "Brin, Sig, meet Abek. He works at the castle!"
Ryoji turns to Sig and Brin, smiling, a nervous smile that is. Well, he had his chance to slip out of their, he could have just ran like hell, 'But...that's just not my style' a sauve tone of his voice says in his head, almost as if he's trying to compensate his nervous behavior to himself o_0; "Hello there miss...mister? Sig, and hello Brin." 'Oh man, what the -hell- was that?! I am such a goob...I feel so stupid...and nervous'. But he had to admit, this 'Sig' looked somewhat feminine.
The Fatima Prince in a dominant possition? That's creepy as heck. And yet.. What other choice does Dirah have? She can't very well make up a perfectly good excuse in her favor, if Bart's only been out 10 minutes and.. Ugh. Fate is against her. Seriously and full heartedly. And forgive Dirah if she has to furiously, furiously wing it--She has only the vaguest notion of the play going on, and certainly doesn't know who Brin is or how to react to him. She was not trained to deal with the generic social conversation and manage it gracefully! But she can.. She -will- try. Just keep those calm and understanding expressions, and keep your voice to that pitch. For goodness knows what horrible things would happen if Dirah's voice raised to its normal pitch just out of annoyance alone, "I'm afraid its as the Young Master says..." Yes! Use what context hints you're given. For ignoring this--Really obnoxious jerk who ruined her cover--Would only be suspicious. "And.." A blink. Um, wow. The Prince is
...a bit impulsive, isn't he? Well, um, don't complain, Dirah. Otherwise it might be hard to keep this ruse up. So she nods towards Ryoji shortly, "Pleasure to meet you, Abek.." Ugh. Works at the castle? Okay, so Dirah's stuck between an ambassador, a castle soldier or something, and the Fatima Prince. Things are not looking happy.
Brin nods, and smiles to Abek. He might have spotted him around the castle recently, or not. Still, it does not matter. "I have not seen Ryukumu after our first meeting before you left, I'm afraid. Is he missing?". Brin looks concerned, as he should, really, and continues. "Yes, this play seems to be the centre of attention around here for a while. It's enough to keep most of the castle staff at work at al, for all the casual work available. Still, it's good for the population. And I hear it's a good production.". More chatty then usual? Well, perhaps it is to make up for Sigurd not contributing. There _is_ something strange about Sigurd since he last saw him. Oh well, best to bring it up when they were alone.
Bart thinks Sig's acting pretty weird too...but eh. Brin doesen't point anything out so it must be just him. "Sig's a mister," he corrects Ryoji. He listen's to Brin's reply, and nods, "A good production? I hope so, I mean, it's about us after all. And as for Ryu...ah...yeah. He's missing alright. I haven't heard from him in a good day or two, he disappeared without telling -anyone- where he went...and after all this fuss about trying to protect him lately. I'll explain all that later, though. It's been a real...long time since I was here!" it brings back so much of nothing! Sigh.
Ryoji stands there, still smiling nervously, almost as if he's stuck that way, suddenly...oh my gosh! His brain kicks in again! He ahems lightly, "Sorry, Mr. Sigurd." feeling a little more confident now, he straightens up, and relaxes his face into a blank expression, he wasn't doing that bad...but unfortunately, he had to go, and just in the nick of time! "Well, it's been nice meeting you all, but I really must attend to business, hope you all have fun at this musical!" he says, as he walks briskly off towards the castle.
Ryoji has disconnected.
Curse you all. Curse you ALL. For Dirah would be doing a perfect job of being Sigurd if all of these stupid doubting people weren't about being suspicious! And things are getting worse and worse by the minute and Dirah--Poor, poor Dirah--Really is rather baffled on how to handle it. Just hang in there a bit longer, don't bow out too quickly or you'll come off as suspicious.. And yet, that's so -hard-. The more frustrating this situation seems, the more Dirah wants to flee, the more Dirah get unnerved, the harder it is for her to keep that tone in check and her expressions in character.. How terrible this is! For if she could just sigh and calm down, this would entirely be an easier process. But right now she's practically stumbling over her own feet to come up with a comment that sounds reasonable. Without speaking too much or too little.. How terribly complicated this all is! "Its quite all right.." She nods, before nodding a goodbye to Ryoji--Well, that's one down, at least. And yet.. Miss
...Sigurd? -Ouch-. That was perfectly NOT NICE. And if Sigurd looks more than a little irritated at that belated comment, er.. Do forgive. And, um, what to say? Its hard to piece together concern for someone Dirah doesn't know, and.. Um.. Well. Okay. Maybe she can get away with just being quiet for a round? Must try to think reasonably. Must not sound suspicious!
Brin barely registers the departure of...what was his name again...? Anyway, his story seemed to check out, far from being Naive, Brin liked to stay suspicious of strangers. It was a trick he found to be most useful, on the Ygg, and in the council chamber alike. Still, even the most naive of people would notice..."Are you all right, Sigurd? You haven't been unwell while away?". This was because, well, Sigurd just doesn't look..comfortable. And, of course, that is just not like Sigurd at all.
Well, I guess that proves it isn't just Bart. Turning to Sig, and forgetting temporarily about his new...uh...stranger he just met, he begins to address this, "Yeah, Sig. You're not usually this quiet. Something goin' on?" he knows -he- was feeling the pressure of all this doppelganger and Deus crap...maybe Sig was feeling it worse, and maybe Sig just snapped or something.
..Stop looking at Dirah. Stop it! Because all of this concern is only making her look more uneased. Wow, that was a panic before? Now she can barely think in the least. Yes, the good spy knows when she's met her match. And the good spy in this case is going to realize now that it is a very, very good idea to leave. Now. This very instant. And so she shakes her head, giving a rather dismissive gesture--Ugh, does Sigurd gesture as he talks? Habits slipping, habbits slipping. Let's just back out while we can, "No, I'm fine. I'm afraid I'm just distracted right now." And that voice is very light indeed. Must not dare speaking all that loudly when Dirah is so distraught. "I have a lot on my mind. Pardon. I believe I must be off now, Young Master." A mild nod. And then.. Mayyybe Dirah should, you know, wait for Bart to nod or whatnot. But Dirah's just going to start edging away now, thank you very much. Bad situation, this. Bad, bad, bad. She'll kick herself for dealing with this so badl
... badly in the morning.
Brin looks bemused. This is not like Sigurd at all. The manner, the way he holds himself...even the voice is a little off at times. Suddenly, a broad smile crosses hsi face. Aha! "I get it! You're Sigurd's player, in the musical! Who put you up to this?", he laughs. Well, he certainly had me fooled, for a while. To Bart, "He's almost like the real thing, he could try his way onto the Yggdrasil and hope to have a chance!". He smiles broadly. "Well done, sir. All you need now is your won imitation Yggdrasil!". This is some rare comic relief for Brin, and he is loving it. He laughs out loud for the first time in months, and pats Bart on the shoulder. "Wonder if yours is as good?". Chortle.
Bart blinks, and a smirk crosses his face at the dawning realization, "G'whoa! Man! Geez, why didn't you say so! Man, your Sigurd is really good! You just need to be a lot more...um...talkative. I don't think Sig was ever scared to say somethin' on his mind, you know? But geez! You rock! I can't wait to see you in the show!" he looks at Brin, "Oh, I bet my actor rocks too," at least, he'd better. Bart is a role people must have a passion to play, and then they must be very awesome. But that's Bart's mind wandering, of course.
And at the mentioning of that.. Dirah could almost collapse for the sheer -glee- of it. Ah, of all the luck! For once, some sort of Fate above is actually favoring her! For she so -tenses- at that mention of 'player' before she notes what it is followed by, at which point she simply can't -help- but break into laughter. Rather high laughter, at that--Well, we're not all perfect, are we? But after that, she simply grins, -delighted- to be out of the wrong sort of suspicion, as she plays this much easier idea to its fullest, "Sorry, sorry, I know I should have said something sooner. I just noticed you here, sir, and wondered what better way I could practice my role." Exceptional! Dirah is just gleeful, gleeful, "I'll keep that advice in mind, then. I'm honored you both think I did a convincing job..!" A pause. And, ah, yes! Dirah chuckles beneath her breath and notes, so very jokingly, "Well, just between you and me, the Bart player is quite, quite good.. But a little too enthusiastic now and
then." Of course, for Dirah is so much the best person on the JNK Ygg--Oh, wait, what players were we talking about again? Sorry, Dirah couldn't pass up the chance to say something like that, regardless.
Brin still grins, regarding Dirah with admiration now. "Well, it looks like I may have to go see this performance myself, if all the other actors are of the same calibre. Of course, Sigurd doesn't sing, but I'm sure you could give him some lessons...", the smile remaining. "Sure you can't give us an excerpt? Or is it all under wraps until the show?". This is simply delightful, of course. He shall have to advise the royal council to attend. Yes, it will be a good chance to assert Bart's position, he thinks. To the populace, and to the young prince himself.
Bart crosses his arms, "Eh...i'd rather wait till the show," he says, in contrast to Brin. "But hey, tell Bart that if he ever has trouble playing me, just use self-affirmations, it helps me play me a lot!" which isn't exactly the most intelligent thing to climb out of Bart's mouth today.
Bart crosses his arms, "Eh...i'd rather wait till the show," he says, in contrast to Brin. "But hey, tell my player that if he ever has trouble playing me, just use self-affirmations, it helps me play me a lot!" which isn't exactly the most intelligent thing to climb out of Bart's mouth today. "Man, this play is going to be so cool! I just wish I could find Ryu. I wont be able to enjoy it knowing that one of my crew's probably dead or something and I don't know it," he sighs. "Brin, you'll keep an eye out for him while you're around, wont you?"
...No, that's a really -bad- thing for Bart to say, really, which only makes Dirah break into laughter once again. Oh, relief, relief! This is perfectly wonderful--Not only is it clearing up all of Dirah's paranoid fear to be caught as who she is, but its turning out hillarious as well. Wonderful, wonderful! "Ahh, I'm afraid you'll have to wait for the show. I really do need to save my voice. But I do hope I do as good a job on stage as you've claimed I've done here." And a short bow--She certainly -acts- like an overproud actress, doesn't she? Well.. Perhaps because that's exactly what she is. Spy? Of course. But what do you call what she does in Aveh if its not acting? "I'll be sure to tell he--Err, Him that, then. Thank you for your advice. I'll be looking forward to seeing you both at the play, then..?" Dirah's not used to being a very grateful person. But this turn of luck has her in such a good mood that she could hardly care less. And a small blink there, and a nod, "Ah.. I don't
...quite know what's going on, but I do hope that person shows up soon. Can't have bad things going on at a time like this!" Play this for -all- its worth, Dirah. Because if you weren't an overdramatic soul, you wouldn't be in Aveh at all, "But hey, I hope I wasn't much of a bother."
Brin nods immediately, his attention now distracted to Bart. "Of course. I'll let you know as soon as I see him. Wil you be staying in the castle?". No alternative is offered, of course. It is, after all, Bart's residence. And this is business, Dirah almost forgotten in an instant. "I can have your chambers prepared for you if you wish."...to Dirah, "No prolem at all,sir. You just made my morning." the smile returns. That, and the fact that the king has returned. Perhaps now we cn get something done. Brin gently tries to steer Bart toward the castle steps. "Have you met the royal council, Bart? You should probably get this over with, before the _real_ Sigurd starts pestering you about it...". A tentative step toward the steps.
Bart thinks as he's attempted to steered to the castle, "Eh...," he wouldn't be all that comfortable in the castle..., "Royal Council? I might have to leave again, you know. I dunno what's gonna end up happening when I talk with Luka, can't we wait till I find out for sure?" king has returned? Brin is apparently being pretty pushy about putting him on the throne. "I mean, there's still Ryu and all, too," before he forgets, he turns to Dirah, "Oh yeah! See you at the play, and remember what I said! It might help you be Sig, too."
Hey, if Dirah passed well for Sigurd--And could possibly do a better job of it (although its a bit of an irritation to be given advice on what's technically her -job-), then she's more than glad to listen. You're only helping her dupe you even better, Bart. So next time she'll make a note to speak her mind and be more assertive, and.. Ah, how charming! This is working out better than she could ever imagine. So she chuckles at the exchange and nods, waving a little, "I have someone to meet, so I fear I'll be going now.. But thank you for the advice. Do enjoy the play!" And wonder, a little, why the actor down there isn't the actress here. Or don't. That makes it much easier. And she can't resist, really, listening in on that latter bit of their conversation. At which point she takes a very calm and even glance and fixes it on Bart, noting in a very calm tone, her best interpretation of Sigurd, "Procrastination is hardly fitting, Young Master. Its best to address things now while you have the
...time to manage it." Dirah does her best shows when she has a willing audience, apparently. Egotist. But, er, we -knew- that already. And she snickers at that, and nods, "It was nice meeting you, though."
Brin turns a deaf ear to Bart's protests, and looks back art him, expecting him to follow. "It won't take a second, Bart. They've been dying to meet you...". And bickering. And being petty. But yes, probably dying to fight over who gets to sit nearest Bart, as well. He laughs again at Dirah. "That's better. Reminds me of what Sigurd might say...". He makes a mental note to make sure the players are well looked after on their stay in Bledavik, and starts toward the castle steps, a _very_ impatient set of feline eyes waiting impatiently at the top. "Coming, Reoite...", he mumbles, as he makes his way to the steps, stopping to make sure Bart is following.
Bart sure as hell isn't. At least not before peering at Dirah for a moment. "...Damn. Now why do I remember her from somewhere? Eh...i'm coming, i'm coming," he turns around and reluctantly starts to the castle, keeping silent for the time.
(OOC) Kenji: You're a surface dweller! Ewww...surface dwellers have nothing on Solarians. Especially if they're me. Solaris is doomed! You must help me clone myself to save it.
(OOC) Kenji: Badly enough?! Have you SEEN how surface dwellers run Solaris now?! You must go see! Only Kenji can save Solaris with his superior (even to you) fashion sense, and his suavest ability to be the best person there ever is!
(OOC) Kenji: And am -I- the one trying to pass off as a man? How unfashionable!
(OOC) (Note the irony)
(OOC) Kenji: Grunt? I'm a spy! I collect information from the surface! It's hard you know, going to Solaris trying not to be corrupted by the evil surface. And low blows are perfectly fine, did you go crazy with the hair dye, or does that look like -the- fakest silver i've ever laid my eyes on? Obviously my naturally green hair is superior to all other naturally green hairs.
(OOC) Kenji: I don't lie! I was born with green hair! You, however, cannot comphrehend the terror I must work through every day! Sleeping, eating, drinking...on the surface! Oh, the horror. Anyway, i'm going to stop a bunch of surface dwellers from worshipping a piece of metal. You are causing trouble for a bunch of surface dwellers that are obviously not superior to me. Oh, no! someone threatens my superiority. Must war! *thunderbolt*