thebastion | (Day 70) [Open; like so!] Apple Gels; almost like candy but fixes those bruises.

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(Day 70) [Open; like so!] Apple Gels; almost like candy but fixes those bruises.

Who: ~~Lady~~"Duke" and hopefully everyone else at somepoint!
Open: Open
When: Day 70
Where: Near the monument -> Some space near the apartments, facing over the river
What: Duke would like to know things about any intended structure among the bastionites, and hopefully get some help for those people who can't fight.
Format: Action, GO HAVE FUN WITH THREADJACKING.
Warnings: HOPEFULLY LOTS OF TALKING??

[ So it probably really wasn't Duke's place to try to figure this out, but after all the missions, and the people showing up - and Seimei's comments - it was feeling like a bit of a good idea.

There was no real need for a rigid structure, but some sort would be nice. So the knight is in armor as usual, although the sword is left behind, and trying to catch people after breakfast. Hopefully Duke can gather a group, because this really ought to be a group discussion. But it all starts similar enough- ]

Excuse me. If you wouldn't mind sharing, what's your opinion on a loose structure of order? At the very least, a system for keeping track of where everyone is. And if you can't fight, are you interested in learning, or simply learning something else?

[ Because they do not need missing teenagers, or people running off alone, only to end up confronted with a creature they can't deal with on their own and someone to protect. Sorry, Rin. And really, the knight's just worried about all these teens... ]

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Its a good idea.

[ Duke just looks at them both for a while. ]

It does. But like actually losing a limb, you can.. work around it. It may take.. twenty odd years...

[ And that would be the tone of 'I know because its been that long'. ]

I think we could work with that, yeah. Especially if you've never held anythin' before.

[Unlike Rin, who had the Kurikara forced on her with no training at all, and had no other option.

She could understand that awkward smile, though, and while she wanted to hide it, it was difficult to conceal the grimace that went across her face. He said 'brother' but the reaction to 'twin' made that much obvious. And other twins had a sense for that sort of thing.]

I... it is... yeah...

[Okay. Okay. He has really no idea what to say now. Is it a good thing or a bad thing to have someone here who understands? Not that part of him isn't relieved that someone else gets it but... he only ever went to Hikaru with his troubles. If he ever started talking about himself to outsiders... wouldn't that mean he had given up on his brother?]

[he tries very hard to steer the subject away from missing twins (and missing limbs) back to more present concerns]

...assuming the weapons are available, I mean, I'd like to try them. Even if I'm useless at fighting, I need to do something.

There's a forge we can visit to see if there's anything that catches your eye for practicing. I'd offer to let you pick up mine and see how you like it, but the sword I prefer is heavier than it ought to be.

[ Duke goes along with the topic change because well. Missing people hurts. And its a lot fresher for the teens.

... And the knight has all limbs intact! ]

We can take a look now, if you like.

May I interject?

[ Seimei rounds a corner, righting himself from where he had been leaning against a wall, out of sight but within earshot. He smiles from behind his perfumed fan and bows. ]

Before you go on your little shopping trip. I would like to offer my services as well.

Good day, Lady Rin, Dear Duke. And the charming one with the sunset hair.

As an onmyoji, I have training in a variety of skills. Particularly magical, but also artisan and martial. If you find Duke's skill-set to be a bit heavy-handed, I would be happy to instruct others in the use of magical and spiritual arts, or more elegant weapons.

[ For emphasis, Seimei utters a soft word and snaps his fan closed, then flicks his wrist and sends it flying the distance between himself and the nearest wall. the fan sticks into the wall as surely as though it had been a steel blade. Another whispered word and the fan dislodges itself, spinning end over end. The onmyoji snatches it out of the air casually, flicks it open and fans himself with a smile and unreadable expression. ]

If you are not a combatant, I am sure Duke agrees there are dozens of other tasks waiting for skilled hands.

[Oh, good. Distractions.

Rin turned as Seimei approached, giving a slightly awkward bow to him. She wasn't much for giving respect in a traditional manner, but for him she was attempting to make an exception to her rule.]

Seimei-san.

[Beyond that, though, she went quiet. He was demonstrating something and she wasn't about to interrupt, especially when the talk to potentially stay on weapons and combat instead of lost siblings.]

[Kaoru blinks at the strange man. Hadn't they just been speaking about archaic things? Seimei's outfit reminded Kaoru of something he had put together for one of Tamaki's "Japanese Culture Cosplay" themes. He might have been more inclined to stare in awe at the magic trick, under other circumstances, but he settles for a short, restrained round of applause instead... And for some reason the word "combat" gives him a mental image of camouflage facepaint. He carefully shakes the thought away, eyes flicking to where Seimei's fan stuck into the wall]

I'm not... skilled like many people seem to be. I've never even had to fight anything. [Even his childhood rough housing was with an 'opponant' who would never let him get hurt.]

Whether combat will suit me or not, we've not quite figured that out yet. But it would be stupid for me not to try to learn from those who can teach me how to fight, wouldn't it? Not that I'm going to become a master warrior overnight, but... it's better than being no use at all, right?

[he rubs the back of his hand across his forehead. He just doesn't want to feel lost and... purposeless.]

[ Seimei that was rather fascinating. How did you even- The knight agrees that the way most familiar is a more blunt method. ]

I think Seimei was implying that there are other things to do, other than fighting. And I don't think anyone becomes a master at anything overnight.

[ Hopefully Duke sounds reassuring at that. ]

If you have enough time, you could try your hand at everything. If nothing really suits, for offense, I can help you with defense. Again, I wouldn't be the best at teaching it.

[ No shields does this knight use. ]

[ Offering a little bow of his head in regards to the applause, Seimei smiles and winks before rounding his attention on Duke. ]

To be completely honest, I believe all of us have one thing in abundance: time. There is nowhere to go and nothing to do except train, build and socialize. And while normally I would be content to rest and watch others run about wearing themselves down, I feel compelled to be more...social.

[ He arches a brow and glances sidelong at Rin before smiling at Duke and Kaoru. ]

I was recently inspired to believe that what and who I am could face unfair scrutiny if I do not make an effort to adapt to those around me. So...should anyone wish to learn the art of onmyodo, or how to properly wield a tessen, I am makingmyself available. One need only ask.

[Rin shifted a bit under that glance, tugging on the edges of her vest simply for something to do with her hands. Her tail twitched, and she almost didn't jump back in to the conversation, but the thought of suddenly being so quiet just didn't sit well with her. She had no reason to not contribute, right?]

And even if you can't... I mean there's nothin' sayin' everyone has to be a fighter. There's a lot to do around here, too. Chores and other jobs. You could learn somethin' from one of the people who were here from the start or offer other skills like I do in the kitchen.

The more people we get, the less we're gonna need everyone on trips to the Skyway.

Ah ha! Not to interrupt but, speaking of the kitchen, Lady Rin...you wouldn't happen to be able to round up some fried tofu? Or...perhaps some sake?

[ If Seimei had a tail to wag, it would have, his dark eyes glittering hopefully. He wasn't about to admit that he'd gone two days without eating hardly at all simply because he felt it rude to ask. ]

Tofu? No... sorry, I haven't found any in a coupla weeks. I'll keep an eye out for it the next time I go out, though. If you don't like meat, though, I can try a few other dishes.

I think I've got a half a bottle left of sake, though.

[ He very nearly pouts until she mentions the sake, his expression brightening as he perks up. ]

I would be forever in your debt if you allow me access to the sake. For that, I offer my services freely to all in the Bastion. Especially you, and the young man. You as well, of course, Dear Duke.

[ Here's an awkward smile. Why does Duke keep ending up with the 'dear'?

Ah, but on the mentions of food- ]

Isn't tofu made from soybeans? If someone knows how to make it, we can see about growing soybeans.

[ Although Duke doesn't really know. ]

[...as if things weren't vast and confusing enough. Now there's voodoo involved. He must have zoned out because the subject had turned to... sake and tofu, of all things? He pulls a smile.]

...please forgive me. Everything is still very... [Overwhelming? Scary?] very new to me right now and I'm not quite sure what to do with myself. But if there's one thing I have on my hands it's the time to learn [a small nod to Seimei].

I can make clothes, though. It's just without decent equipment it will take some time... [just throwing it out there...]

Edited 2013-05-26 21:43 (UTC)

Yeah, it's soybeans--

[Wait did Kaoru just say...

The rest of the conversation was forgotten at exactly that second. Rin was not a "girly-girl" by any stretch of the imagination, but months of surviving off of whatever discarded clothing they could find, her beat up uniform and one outfit given to her by the Caeldonian people that was good for some Skyway protection and not much else had left her with a burning need for something new.]

... you can make clothes?!

[blinks at the reaction] Well, yeah. My mother's a designer, I've been playing with fabric all my life. I can hand sew, it would be pretty pathetic if I couldn't, but it just takes much longer than machine work.

[poor example, but here. He holds out his ridiculously ornate sleeve for you to inspect] I swear my own designs aren't like this, this is all I've got. It was a commission for... for a friend. He likes to get us to dress up in ridiculous costumes.

((Crashes through posting order to tag before running to work))

That's perfect! I think I have something for you to do!

[And without giving anyone a chance to respond or even ask her what it was, Rin had taken off, running back to the apartment building for... something.]

[Well that was... odd. Kaoru glances between Seimei and Duke as if either of them can offer an explanation]

...did we just get ditched?

Rin found bolts of fabric when we explored the market not too long ago.

[ Sorry Rin, Duke spoiled your surprise. ]

[ Seimei had remained quiet for the moment, surprised by Rin's enthusiasm. A slow smirk grew on his face before he walked in closer to speak more personally with Duke and Kaoru. Standing closest to Kaoru, the onmyoji narrows his eyes at the sleeve. ]

Your skills would have been very popular where I am from. And I admit to a certain level of enthusiasm of my own. As you can see--

[ He raises his arms in a grand gesture, wide sleeves snapping and he poses briefly, showing off his extremely rich Heian fashion - clothes that would cost thousands of dollars to be made in modern Japan. ]

-- I have very particular tastes and needs. If fighting turns out not to be one of your talents, I can assure you, everyone here can benefit from a tailor.

[ He folds his arms once more, tucking his hands into his sleeves and narrowing his eyes slowly, giving Kaoru the same up and down look as he had given Duke days before. Eventually he turns his eyes on Duke. ]

I wanted to mention, should you need anyone to practice with for use of a sword, I am also trained in the tsurugi. It is a long sword with a wide blade sharpened on both sides. It is not my preferred weapon, but it is one I have mastered the use of.

Really? [bolts? That 's' was reassuring. Of course, Kaoru was used to his mother's endless supply of fabrics, the racks stretching long and tall for what felt like a whole floor of their house; big enough that he and Hikaru could play hide and seek there as children...

But he had to be realistic - there was hardly going to be an exhaustive collection of materials on hand. But with luck, they wouldn't also all be stuck in different adaptations from the same fabric.]

Well, I guess at the very least it's a start. [tilts his head at Seimei a little. What’s with that look?] Yeah, I've put together Heian-style clothes before. If there’s enough of the right fabric and the right equipment, it shouldn’t be a problem. It depends on what we have, really.

[ Seimei smiles and arches a brow, nodding slightly in response. ]

I happen to know of a man particularly good with tinkering. If there is something you need to facilitate your skills, Solarin-san would likely be very capable. I am more accustomed to people using a simple needle and thread so I am afraid I can be of no help. Ask for anything else, however, and I will do what I can.

[ Seimei you're a spotlight hog. Duke doesn't mind, just thinks its a bit funny. ]

Anything you can do is much better than anything I can do, at the very least. I can fix my own clothing, but... Don't look to me to put anything new together.

[ And the knight prefers the relative comfort of the armored uniform anyway. ]

Someone to practice with would be great. I'll let you know if monsters aren't enough.

[ Because it was second focus. ]

[And she's back! Completely unaware that Duke had ruined her surprise. Not that it matters, given that Rin is carrying about ten full bolts of various fabric in her arms, and a pack on her back that has what looks like some remnants and strips of others stuffed in it with a few sticking out over the edge.]

Would this be somethin' you could work with?

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