Searching for Spirit Dragons

Subject: Searching for Spirit Dragons Thu Jul 31, 2014 10:07 pm

Wanted: Research Expedition Bodyguard
~*~
Must be willing to venture outside of the Capital
Contract for up to 3 weeks of travel - paid half up front, half upon return to the City
Inquire Within
(Paid by the Ba Sing Se University)

Aralynn Otoyome	The notice had been nailed to the door outside of the Smoking Teapot - a rather prominent tea shop near the center of town. It was famed for the snacks that were served alongside their tea trays, boasting of tiny sweet cakes, iced buns, spicy tidbits and other various items. The young scholar, to whom the notice was relevant, was definitely enjoying each different one as she waited for someone to answer the advertisement. Thankfully, she was facing the front door, so that she could pre-screen any possible applicants before they knew who she was. While Lynn was willing to accept a male or female bodyguard, she knew creeps when she saw them. Three weeks with the same person was nothing to sneeze at, either, but she'd know if she was willing to suffer through a person's company once she began the interview. Still... she wished that this whole project wasn't her project. It wasn't printed in the notice, but she was looking to find something of legend, called the "Spirit Dragon Meeting Circle". While the real dragons were rare (though no longer hunted), this spirit ground was supposed to be a place that, under the right circumstances, spirit dragons would be visible to the human eye. Those circumstances were fast approaching, and Lynn needed to take advantage of it. If she could manage to actually find this Meeting Circle, her paper would practically write itself!
Mood: Relaxed Condition: Good	Link: Character Sheet

Subject: Re: Searching for Spirit Dragons Thu Jul 31, 2014 10:55 pm

Kei	The Smoking Teapot was Kei's favorite Cafe in the Fire Nation capital and he usually went to the shop every other day if he could. They had the best lemon cakes in the whole city. One day upon entering the tea shop, Kei saw an advertisement for a Bodyguard on the front door. Kei decided he would do it, he really needed the money given up front to pay for his apartments rent. Grabbing the flier, Kei walked into the Smoking Teapot. Kei asked the owner of the shop for the identity of the one who put up the advertisement and he pointed Kei to a brunette woman. Kei walked up to the woman and said holding up the flier, "Hi, I'm here for the Bodyguard job."
Mood: Casual Condition: Healthy	Character Info Link: https://lastairbender.rpg-board.net/t1576-kei-heiwajima#16933

Subject: Re: Searching for Spirit Dragons Thu Jul 31, 2014 11:15 pm

Aralynn Otoyome	When the man with the trench coat had entered the tea shop, Lynn could see that he held the advertisement in his hand - obviously interested, she thought to herself, taking another sip of tea. He looked... unkempt, but not filthy, so she decided to at least let him seek her out and have a proper interview. Because she did not give the "no go" signal, the owner pointed her out, allowing the man to approach Lynn's table. "Have a seat," She offered with a slight smile, waving a hand at the spread provided, "And help yourself. My name is Lynn Otoyome; I'm a student at Ba Sing Se University." With the pleasantries out of the way, she decided to get right down to the nitty-gritty; "What qualifications do you have, in the respects of being a bodyguard? Any references?"
Mood: Observant Condition: Good	Link: Character Sheet

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Subject: Re: Searching for Spirit Dragons Thu Jul 31, 2014 11:56 pm

Kei	Kei gladly took the offer of a seat and sat down. Kei could tell Lynn was carefully observing him, no doubt determining whether or not he could be trusted. *Very well, Kei thought to himself, I'll pass this test of yours.* Kei began by introducing himself, "My name is Kei and I am a Jack Of All Trades. My likes include long walks on the beach while my dislikes includes stray dogs." Kei smirked to himself, he must probably seem very high class too her right now. Kei continued, "Some qualifications I have are that I travel a lot and I could make the best omelets anyone has ever tasted simply using ingredients found out in the wild. You won't get lost or starve under my care." As for the references portion, Kei knew he didn't really have anyone to refer to. Kei decided that Lynn probably wouldn't check with them anyway and decided he would refer to his Landlord even though he hated Kei's guts. "My landlord Aldo Ching can vouch for me." Kei finally told Lynn.
Mood: Proud Condition: Healthy	Character Info Link: https://lastairbender.rpg-board.net/t1576-kei-heiwajima#16933

Subject: Re: Searching for Spirit Dragons Fri Aug 01, 2014 9:42 am

Aralynn Otoyome	At his 'long walks and stray dogs' crack, Lynn quickly brought a hand up to cover the smirk crossing her own face and attempted to look thoughtful instead. Okay, that had caught her off guard. Still, if this Kei had a sense of humor, that would make being companions for three weeks a lot easier - who wanted to sit around a campfire and just stare at one another all evening? No; having some character was a mark in his favor. Knowing how to cook travel fare was another mark in his favor, for she, admittedly, did not know how to, herself. She was fully intending to live off of disgusting University 'Ready Meals' for the next three weeks - Lynn already had a crate of the disgusting things ready to be packed onto her beast of burden. Omelets were a definite step up. Oh, and not getting lost would be a good thing too. So that was three points for Kei. "The reference thing is something that the University Dean insists that I ask," Lynn decided to tell Kei flat out, moving the hand that had been hiding her expression, now that it was more neutral, "And to be frank with you, I don't care enough to check. So now, all that's left is to discuss your pay..." Lynn took a small, printed note out of her satchel's pocket and slid it across the table, "Will this be sufficient?" She didn't want to say the number aloud, in public, but the University had given her quite the grant to go on this one expedition (they would, since her family easily donated twice that much in a single half-year). Hopefully the offered pay would make Kei's eyes bulge out of his head and he'd agree on the spot; a whole family could eat for a year, easy, on that much money. Lynn was hoping that the promise of a large reward upon returning to the city would be enough incentive for Kei to get her back in one piece.
Mood: Amused Condition: Good	Link: Character Sheet

Subject: Re: Searching for Spirit Dragons Fri Aug 01, 2014 10:36 am

Kei	Kei opened the the note and nearly choked when he saw the number written across it. That was way more money than he had been expecting to be paid. This would be more than enough to pay his landlord what he owed. Kei took both of Lynn's hand into his own and held them in front of him. Kei spoke as if he won the lottery, "Thank you so much! You saved my life offering me this job! I won't let you down!" Kei went on excitedly praising Lynn on different things like "You're amazing" or "You're the best woman ever". It didn't cross his mind that he may have been scaring her. Kei calmed down after a couple of minutes and let go of Lynn's hand. He took a couple of deep breaths than spoke, "When do we head out?"
Mood: Excited Condition: Health	Character Info Link: https://lastairbender.rpg-board.net/t1576-kei-heiwajima#16933

Subject: Re: Searching for Spirit Dragons Fri Aug 01, 2014 11:31 am

Aralynn Otoyome	Ooooh yeah, the groveling and worshiping of her as Kei's savior was definitely freaking Lynn out, just a tad. She doubted that her neutral expression lasted very long before giving way to an awkward, worried smile. What have* I done..?* She wondered, watching this tough guy practically prostrate himself before her, just for being given a simple job. Born wealthy, as she was, the concept of not having enough money to live off of was somewhat of a foreign concept to Lynn, so she really did not understand the amount of gratitude that Kei was showing her. Once Kei let go of her hands and calmed down a little bit, Lynn was able to get herself under control as well, though she still eyed Kei rather closely. "I'd like to head out tomorrow, if that's alright?" She asked him, reaching for her tea cup, intending to finish it, "We'll be heading south, from here." Lynn watched, her brow raised, to see if that got a reaction out of him; she'd basically just told Kei that they'd be heading off into wilderness after the first day.
Mood: Slightly Worried Condition: Good	Link: Character Sheet

Subject: Re: Searching for Spirit Dragons Fri Aug 01, 2014 5:27 pm

Kei	Truth was, Kei could have headed out at that very moment if he had too. He had no pets or plants he needed to take care of or any food he had to worry about spoiling over the course of three weeks. "Sure thing," Kei quickly replied with neutral expression, "I assume we are going to meet here again tomorrow?"
Mood: Calmer than before Condition: Healthy	Character Info Link: https://lastairbender.rpg-board.net/t1576-kei-heiwajima#16933

Subject: Re: Searching for Spirit Dragons Fri Aug 01, 2014 6:12 pm

Aralynn Otoyome	"Sounds good to me," Lynn agreed, regarding the meeting place, "Here tomorrow, bright and early." Somehow, however, she had a feeling that her 'bright and early' would be different from Kei's 'bright and early', and thus clarified, "Around eight, or so. That's about as early that I can manage to be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed." With that, she went to stand and depart, but paused, gesturing at the leftover tea cakes and finger sandwiches, "Feel free to finish the snack spread... A girl's gotta watch her figure." Winking at him cheekily, Lynn made her way to the door, heading back to her rooms to prepare to head out.
Mood: Happy Condition: Good	Link: Character Sheet

Subject: Re: Searching for Spirit Dragons Sat Aug 02, 2014 11:25 am

Kei	Kei ate all the lemon cakes on the table after Lynn had offered them and said his goodbyes for now and headed back to his apartment. Kei packed some food, a water-sack, a makeshift hammock, and other useful survival gear into a bag. Kei would take all of his normal equipment and apparel besides his Two-handed sword which he was going to simply leave in his apartment. After all, he didn't want to lug that heavy weapon over very far distances. Kei returned to the smoking teapot the very next day at 8 in the morning. Upon meeting up with Lynn, Kei asked her a question. "Can we stop by the farmers market on our way out of the city? Potato's are on sale today."
Mood: Casual Condition: Healthy but a little wet	Character Info Link: https://lastairbender.rpg-board.net/t1576-kei-heiwajima#16933

Subject: Re: Searching for Spirit Dragons Sun Aug 03, 2014 11:54 pm

Aralynn Otoyome	Despite being the one to set their meeting time, Lynn seemed tired. Apparently even 8 o'clock was too bright and early for the young art student. "Uh, sure," she agreed to the farmers market without much fuss, "Any chance of there being a tea or coffee vendor there too?" That was what she needed; a good strong dose of caffeine, preferably with milk and sugar. "Oh, this's Delilah," she mentioned, drawing Kei's attention to a donkey nearby. The little beast of burden was only loaded down with a couple of canvas bags; it was no hard task, and it should have an easy enough time with it, even over rough terrain. "You're okay with animals, I hope?" Lynn herself was dressed sensibly in travel clothes which looked brand new - in Earth Kingdom colors. Her hair was tied back, per usual, and she was (she hoped) ready for a long, long walk.
Mood: Tired Condition: Good	Link: Character Sheet

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Subject: Re: Searching for Spirit Dragons Mon Aug 04, 2014 12:27 am

Kei	"Probably not," Kei said referring to Lynn's question on whether the Farmer's market sold coffee or tea, "But you could buy many fruits and such for a low price, it would make for a great morning meal!" Lynn introduced Kei to her donkey, Delilah. Kei didn't say anything and simply stared at the donkey. Kei was never a big fan of traveling with animals, but he didn't say anything about it. Delilah stared back at Kei and the two continued to stare at each for the next minute creating a very awkward silence. The situation got too uncomfortable for Kei and he finally spoke up, "Hi Delilah." Naturally, the donkey didn't respond and simply continued to stare at Kei. Kei sighed and then turned to Lynn, "Well, if your ready, lets head out."
Mood: Laid-back Condition: Healthy	Character Info Link: https://lastairbender.rpg-board.net/t1576-kei-heiwajima#16933

Subject: Re: Searching for Spirit Dragons Tue Aug 05, 2014 12:44 pm

Aralynn Otoyome	The staring and then the deadened 'hi' that Kei gave the donkey was enough to have Lynn burst out into giggles. She could tell that he didn't like the little creature - or maybe just animals in general? - but she needed something to help her carry her supplies, and the donkey would be better than a cart, when it came to the forest-y areas. "Don't worry," Lynn went to reassure Kei, patting him on the shoulder with a grin, "Delilah isn't the biter of the group." With that, she turned away, heading for the outskirts of the city, the donkey's reins in her hand. Once outside the gates, the young art student struck up an easy walking pace; slower than speed walking, but faster than a stroll. "So," She began, looking over at her escort out of the corner of her eyes, "Any questions, about where we're headed? Or why? You've been very quiet about the details of the trip. I expected having to explain the whole thing to every single applicant for the job."
Mood: Cheered up Condition: Good	Link: Character Sheet

Subject: Re: Searching for Spirit Dragons Tue Aug 05, 2014 12:58 pm

Kei	When Lynn said Delilah wasn't the biter of the of the group, Kei gave a nervous chuckle. Surely the young college meant that as a joke, right? Kei studied Lynn and decided he might keep some distance between the two of them just in case. As they began their journey, Lynn had started up a conversation and asked Kei why he hadn't asked for the details of the trip. Truth was, simply looking at the payment was enough to get Kei on board with the expedition. For that amount of cash, Kei didn't care where he was going or what he was doing. Kei decided it was best not to tell Lynn this and instead simply replied, "Um... I forgot to ask." With a smile he continued, "I suppose its not too late to ask now is it? Where are we going?"
Mood: Casual Condition: Healthy	Character Info Link: https://lastairbender.rpg-board.net/t1576-kei-heiwajima#16933

Subject: Re: Searching for Spirit Dragons Tue Aug 05, 2014 1:27 pm

Aralynn Otoyome	Brushing some of her (too) long bangs back behind her ear with one hand, Lynn considered exactly how much she should divulge. She decided to just come out with the whole story; it might help her get some of her anger out, anyway. "Well, first you should know... I'm not an anthropology student - I'm an art major," She paused, making sure that Kei wouldn't laugh, before continuing, "But, with the way things are, I have to finish this research trip and thesis paper before I can graduate." Looking back toward the road, she continued, "So, I'm headed to some places in our world that are connected to the Spirit World. We're headed to a gathering place for spirit dragons - or so the legend says. No one else has ever seen it; really, I don't know for sure if this is the right place... My calculations could be three miles off, or something." Lynn sighed, "I really don't want to have to do this in the first place...."
Mood: Good Condition: Good	Link: Character Sheet

Subject: Re: Searching for Spirit Dragons Tue Aug 05, 2014 8:59 pm

Kei	"Interesting." Kei sai when remarking to Lynn's story about Spirit Dragons. Spirits had always been a mystery to Kei as there were so many things about them that were... different. Kei also couldn't help but think his mentor Ul would enjoy something like this if she was still alive. After she was done with her explanation of the expedition she sighed saying she didn't want to do this in the first place. "Well," Kei said, "I'm sure it won't be so bad you know? You have my company, which is usually great by the way, and you can think of seeing the Spirit Dragons as something unique you can draw and use as inspiration for future art."
Mood: Casual Condition: Healthy	Character Info Link: https://lastairbender.rpg-board.net/t1576-kei-heiwajima#16933

Subject: Re: Searching for Spirit Dragons Tue Aug 05, 2014 11:45 pm

Aralynn Otoyome	Lynn blinked, looking over at Kei in surprise. She had not expected such an insightful thought from him... especially not one that she hadn't had, herself. "I... hadn't thought about that," She admitted, somewhat begrudgingly, now thinking about the possibility of a painting or a mural or something, "You're more astute than you look." It wasn't meant to be a backhanded compliment, but it sorta came out that way, since Lynn was feeling a bit peevish. They wandered on in silence, then, until the road under their feet ran out at the edge of the Southern Woods. "Here we go - the real adventure starts here," she announced, tugging Delilah forward toward the tree line.
Mood: Good Condition: Good	Link: Character Sheet

Subject: Re: Searching for Spirit Dragons Wed Aug 06, 2014 9:12 am

Kei	"Jeez, thanks." Kei said very sarcastically and jokingly to Lynn's unintentional backhanded comment. They were walking on a path that led through the woods. The first few minutes of the walk were silent between Kei and Lynn. Though that was mostly because Kei was indulging in some very cheap beef jerky he had bought at the Farmer's Market. Upon finishing the jerky, Kei asked Lynn a question. "Is there any health problems that you may have that I should be aware of? Perhaps your allergic to peanuts or you turn into a werewolf under the light of a full moon." The werewolf part was mostly meant as a joke, but then again, Lynn had hinted she bites. Though she probably said it simply for humor, Kei couldn't be too safe.
Mood: Casual Condition: Healthy	Character Info Link: https://lastairbender.rpg-board.net/t1576-kei-heiwajima#16933

Subject: Re: Searching for Spirit Dragons Wed Aug 06, 2014 11:20 am

Aralynn Otoyome	Snickering, knowing exactly what the werewolf crack was referring to, Lynn shook her head. "I'm not actually gonna bite you," She told Kei, giving him a look, "So no werewolf. And the only thing that might come up is my aversion to pork, but if it's all we have, I'll eat it anyway." She couldn't give a reason for not liking pork, except that it was her least favorite food, ever. Even broccoli was better than pork. "What about you?" She asked in return, "I figure you've gotta be healthy enough to be a bodyguard, but do you have a kryptonite?" Kei might not recognize the term, as it was a Ba Sing Se University joke, based around a theoretical science professor's inane thesis about a chunk of rock that had fallen from the sky and 'sapped all his strength away'.
Mood: Amused Condition: Good	Link: Character Sheet

Subject: Re: Searching for Spirit Dragons Wed Aug 06, 2014 11:43 am

Kei	Kei had no idea what Kryptonite was, but he decided it was best he didn't say that. It might be something they were teaching kids in school these days. He didn't want to appear as some uncool old dude and pretended to know what it was. "Ahh yes, Kryptonite..." Kei spoke doing his best to hide his uncertainty. Kei continued, "I can't handle fighting very well." That was a total lie, he just didn't want to give his real weaknesses away so he instead gave that fake fact, curious to how the young girl was going to react.
Mood: Casual Condition: Healthy	Character Info Link: https://lastairbender.rpg-board.net/t1576-kei-heiwajima#16933

Subject: Re: Searching for Spirit Dragons Wed Aug 06, 2014 12:31 pm

Aralynn Otoyome	Lynn could tell, just from the way he said the word, that Kei had no idea what kryptonite was. She hadn't expected him to, but it was pretty funny to hear him trying to fake it. His answer, however, alarmed her. "I *really* hope you mean arguing and not combat," Lynn stared at Kei, suddenly worried, "Because if you can't fight off an attacker, I'll turn around right now and go find someone else to take me to the Meeting Circle." She really, really hoped that he was kidding... but if he was, Kei had a far drier sense of humor than she did.
Mood: Worried Condition: Good	Link: Character Sheet

Subject: Re: Searching for Spirit Dragons Wed Aug 06, 2014 7:42 pm

Kei	Kei realized that was a pretty crappy joke. Oh well, he best play it off. "Don't worry," Kei assured Lynn patting her on the back, "The best way to survive a fight is to not have one in the first place. I promise I won't go around starting fights and besides, its the middle of the summer right now. No sane person would do unnecessary work such as trying to rob some travelers in this heat." Kei opened up another bag of beef jerky and offered Lynn one.
Mood: Casual and Playful Condition: Healthy	Character Info Link: https://lastairbender.rpg-board.net/t1576-kei-heiwajima#16933

Subject: Re: Searching for Spirit Dragons Wed Aug 06, 2014 11:40 pm

Aralynn Otoyome	The young art student wasn't so sure, but if Kei said so, she'd have to trust him - she wasn't very familiar with the Fire Nation, after all. Reaching into the offered bag, Lynn withdrew a single piece, chewing on it absently. "So..." She began again, once her mouth was not full of stringy dried meat, "What exactly did you do, before deciding to sign up as my bodyguard?" She was honestly curious, given that Kei seemed to be able-bodied and relatively intelligent at the very least. Delilah let out a sad little bray, prompting Lynn to tug on her reins. "C'mon girl," She urged the beast onward, "We'll set up camp soon; don't get impatient." That was a bit of a lie, as they hadn't even stopped to eat lunch, but the donkey certainly wouldn't know that (though maybe the jerky was Kei's idea of lunch?).
Mood: Curious Condition: Good	Link: Character Sheet

Subject: Re: Searching for Spirit Dragons Thu Aug 07, 2014 7:40 am

Kei	Kei began answering Lynn's questions, "I work as a Jack Of All Trades and I would do any kind of work if the money being offered was worth it." Kei sighed, "Unfortunately, my job isn't as popular as one would think, so I spend most of my time in my apartment reading hoping that I might get a client that day." They had been walking for a while and Kei had already gone through 4 bags of beef jerky and he was on his last one. Even though Kei didn't like Delilah very much, he agreed with the donkey that they should take a break. Kei came up with a genius plan to cause Lynn to want to stop without actually complaining that he wanted a break. Kei pointed to a somewhat interesting rock formation just off of the path and said "I don't mind if you want to draw sketches of neat things we come across in our journey. I understand that art must be pretty important to you and this is something unique you may not come across again.
Mood: Casual Condition: Tired	Character Info Link: https://lastairbender.rpg-board.net/t1576-kei-heiwajima#16933

Subject: Re: Searching for Spirit Dragons Thu Aug 07, 2014 8:28 am

Aralynn Otoyome	Those rocks did look interesting... though she suspected that Kei was really wanting to stop for lunch - if he was anything like most of the men she dealt with, he'd have an endless stomach that four bags of jerky wouldn't even put a dent in. Still, she was hungry herself, and certainly wouldn't mind the break. "How about..." She ventured, gesturing for them to come to a halt, "We stop for our midday break now, then? I can sketch for a little bit, and we can eat. Sound okay?" They had an entire week to get to where they were going, after all, so there was really no rush. Besides, she liked to sketch, and to talk while she did. Perching on a conveniently flat rock, Lynn retrieved her sketchpad and a piece of soft charcoal, starting to rough sketch the rocks ahead of them. "Jack of all Trades, huh? What kind of other things have you been hired to do? Have you ever had to do anything really weird?"
Mood: Curious Condition: Good	Link: Character Sheet

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