Under the Waves [OPEN]

Subject: Under the Waves [OPEN] Thu Aug 21, 2014 6:08 pm

Wanted: Research Expedition Bodyguard
~*~
Must be willing to travel by boat
Contract for up to 2 weeks - paid half up front, half upon return to the City
Waterbending Required
Inquire with Ms. Otoyome at the Turtle-Duck Inn
(Paid by the Ba Sing Se University)

Aralynn Otoyome	This time around, the notice from the Ba Sing Se University had been pinned up all over the city of Gaoling, rather than just outside of a single establishment. It had been up for days now; apparently Waterbenders were few and far between, this far south of the main Earth Kingdom cities. The fee would also be greater, this time around, because of the requirements placed upon the bodyguard - really more of an escort hopefully. Lynn Otoyome - the woman mentioned on the poster - was waiting at the inn, again, and she was pissed. Not only had her previous expedition not been enough for the Dean of the University, but now she had to take another one. All she wanted to do was graduate and be done; was that too much to ask for? Apparently so, because this would be another two weeks of fun. She couldn't even contract her previous bodyguard, Kei, because he was off helping with some desert city (that, and he wasn't a Waterbender, anyway). Sipping at her tea, which she found a bit too strong compared to what was available in Ba Sing Se, Lynn just... waited.
Mood: Irate Condition: Waiting	Link: Character Sheet

Subject: Re: Under the Waves [OPEN] Thu Aug 28, 2014 4:39 am

Zevran Arianna Takeo	Ms. Otoyome... so a chance for adventure and the chance to protect a woman... yes... yes, this would do just fine. And waterbending was necessary? Well... this was practically his cup of tea. Being an assassin also sort of indirectly meant mercenary work on the side, and now and again, Zevran Arianna Takeo needed a break from running the massage parlor to get the blood pumping a bit. This might just do the trick. So... he decided to apply for an interview. If the woman was ugly... well he could just pretend to be an incompetent buffoon despite being equipped with a bow, a pair of swords, and some daggers. Two weeks with the lady in question though? Mmmm... he could see that. Seeing her come into view at the Turtle-Duck Inn which was apparently where he was supposed to meet her to apply, he could tell from her uniform that she was from Ba Sing Se. Ah yes... lovely people, those university students... they dressed nicely, and were fun to undress... and since so many were in the prime of their lives... well, long story short, Zevran had fun. But, he would play it a bit more serious since the woman was not hard on the eyes. "Excuse me, my lovely friend," even when he was speaking to someone, he couldn't help but flatter, "I was told by this flyer to meet a woman of this name... if you are she, then consider me one of your... applicants, for this... expedition of yours..." he sat in front of her and grinned shamelessly. He would advertize and sell himself if she asked, but first he had to get his foot in the door.
Mood: Devious Condition: Perfect	Link: Zevran

Subject: Re: Under the Waves [OPEN] Thu Aug 28, 2014 1:30 pm

Aralynn Otoyome	Truthfully, Lynn had been eyeing the handsome man as soon as he entered the inn; there weren't many new visitors up this way, and she hoped that he was here because of her flyer (which had gone unanswered for what seemed like weeks). Then he spoke, and the young artist felt a little thrill go up her spine, starting at the base of her tailbone. This was, as she would say, one fine specimen of man-flesh. Setting down her tea cup, which would now likely be abandoned until cold, she smiled at the flirtatious man. "Yes, that's me," she told him, reaching out a hand, "My name is Lynn. And yourself..?" Lynn didn't want to call him 'Mr. Applicant', after all, regardless of her smartassery. No, she might have done that to someone... less attractive. If this man could prove he was waterbender enough to make a glass of water move across the table, then he'd be hired.
Mood: Suddenly Less Irate Condition: Interviewing	Link: Character Sheet

Subject: Re: Under the Waves [OPEN] Thu Aug 28, 2014 1:51 pm

Zevran Arianna Takeo	Zevran, like most waterbenders, did carry skins of water with him. Since the lady he was applying to be travelling with was pretty, he did want to show off that he had capable skills. "they call me Zevran..." he purred, pulling a small swathe of water out and playing with it between his hands. "and I can assure you that my weaponry is not just for show. The last man that carried around such blades without knowing how to use them did end up losing an arm, after all." he chuckled. the story might have been true or might not have; Zevran was just advertising himself at this point. "But I digress." he returned the water to his skins. "what would I need to do to prove my worthiness, or ability... or, whatever else, what have you?" he hadn't realized that he had probably just done it.
Mood: Devious Condition: Perfect	Link: Zevran

Subject: Re: Under the Waves [OPEN] Thu Aug 28, 2014 11:34 pm

Aralynn Otoyome	Lynn laughed at his words, watching the orb of water spin through his hands and between his fingers. Well, Zevran clearly qualified for the position, in her opinion. He was handsome, charming, cute, funny.... oh, and he could waterbend too; that was a thing that was needed. She'd almost forgotten. His question had her considering this, herself. The young artist had hired her last bodyguard without asking too much, so it looked like this would be fine. "Honestly," She began truthfully, "I do the interviews to get a feel for the other person, since two weeks with the wrong one can be hell, y'know?" Lynn smiled, thinking that this handsome man had very nice eyes. "So, as long as you're alright with the possibility of traveling underwater...?" She asked, but then waited hopefully for his response.
Mood: Suddenly Less Irate Condition: Interviewing	Link: Character Sheet

Subject: Re: Under the Waves [OPEN] Fri Aug 29, 2014 12:43 am

Zevran Arianna Takeo	Zevran smiled at her rather coyly. "well... this is me in the flesh. I have no reason to pretend I am someone I am not, and so if you ware wondering if you would get along with me... here I am, face value." he chuckled. He was never ashamed of who he was, and that was not about to change. "I am a waterbender, so I do believe I am." he would hold off the lewd jokes till they were stuck together. There were few things that made Zevran upset, so he did have an edge in that regard, though it was not likely that he'd purposely try to sabotage anything or whatnot. "so with that in mind... what else do we need to cover?" he had what he would need, and so if it was a matter of packing up and going, he was ready when she was...
Mood: Devious Condition: Perfect	Link: Zevran

Subject: Re: Under the Waves [OPEN] Fri Aug 29, 2014 2:31 am

Aralynn Otoyome	"I'm ready to leave as soon as you are," Lynn echoed Zevran's own thoughts without knowing it, "Though... aren't you curious about the pay?" Most people would have asked about that first, or at least fairly quickly after the conversation began. Lynn never spoke the numbers aloud, but instead had the amount written on a sheet of paper. Taking said written number out of her pocket, she slid it across the table to the handsome waterbender with a smile, wondering what he might think of it. It was a rather extravagant amount, to be honest, even if one only got half up front and half upon delivery - so to speak. "If you're alright with that," The young artist spoke quietly, "Then I think we're all set, as far as you taking the job goes."
Mood: Good Condition: Interviewing	Link: Character Sheet

Subject: Re: Under the Waves [OPEN] Fri Aug 29, 2014 3:22 am

Zevran Arianna Takeo	"Ah!" Zevran exclaimed, having let it slip his mind just briefly, "I suppose that would be good, yes. well... apart from being in the company of such a beautiful young woman... but aye..." he took the slip of paper, and smiled. Oh yes, this would be more than enough. Besides... he could end up wooing her later and she might get some of that money right back in the form of "treatment", of various spoiling-related kinds. "Aye... this will be more than enough," he spoke aloud, "and I am all set, and so if you are as well..." he stood up. "let us be off." he would follow her of course, and he'd do his job. Just that they'd surely have to rest for the night and such, and perhaps Zevran could be more flirty with her there as well or something. Zevran never missed the chance to woo a fine lady.
Mood: Satisfied Condition: Perfect	Link: Zevran

Subject: Re: Under the Waves [OPEN] Fri Aug 29, 2014 2:40 pm

Aralynn Otoyome	Lynn nodded and rose from her seat, leaving her old teacup where it sat, already stone cold. "I'll grab my things and then we can head out," She smiled, liking the look of this venture already. Her things consisted mostly of her usual gear all packed up into waterproof bagging. The art supplies had been double wrapped, though her paints had remained in her room at the Ba Sing Se University, to keep them from being completely ruined (since they'd be of no help on this trip anyway). Camping items, including her sleeping roll, had been pared down as well, though not by too much. In no time at all, Lynn had returned to the main floor of the inn, spoken to the inn keeper about her room, and walked out the front door to meet up with Zevran once again. She liked the way his name felt on her tongue, as well... Zev~ran...
Mood: Good Condition: Good	Link: Character Sheet

Subject: Re: Under the Waves [OPEN] Fri Aug 29, 2014 7:44 pm

Zevran Arianna Takeo	"Very well." he smiled. He had most of his things with him already, and wouldn't need much else--he had his weapons, his water skins, and a few things to help him sleep better in the wilderness if necessary, but ultimately he was not too picky. His clothing was fairly light but sturdy: solid gloves and boots over a short-sleeved shirt and some sturdy pants. Otherwise, his waterbending and weapons were all he felt he'd need for this job--if he had needed any particular equipment other than waterbending skills... welp, she should have said something. Zevran could fight though, and had in fact been a bodyguard once or twice before (or at least, had impersonated one). Zevran was waiting for her at the front door. He didn't have any clue where they were going, so upon seeing the lovely lady, he simply smirked. "Lead on!"
Mood: Happy Condition: Perfect	Link: Zevran

Subject: Re: Under the Waves [OPEN] Fri Aug 29, 2014 10:30 pm

Aralynn Otoyome	Unlike before, where her expedition had lead through the forest, this one would be over the ocean, and so Lynn had insisted that the University pony up the cash for her to stock up on provisions for both herself and her bodyguard. Sure, fish would be available, but likely nothing else. She was not in the mood to go into this unprepared, only having to turn back when they were famished. Or, y'know, ending up dead for this stupid trip. Lynn did, in fact, lead on... straight to the pier. In her hand, she held a map which supposedly would pinpoint their way to a spirit opening under the water. It should lead, if the stories were correct, to the Underwater Palace of the Ocean Spirit. Though, really, why the Ocean Spirit would be here, rather than closer to the location of the Water Tribes, was beyond her understanding. "This is our vessel," the young art student pointed to a sturdy little boat. It was meant for sailing, it seemed, though there was a large metallic engine-type contraption attached to the back. The University had "leant" it to Lynn, to try out.
Mood: Good Condition: Good	Link: Character Sheet

Subject: Re: Under the Waves [OPEN] Fri Aug 29, 2014 10:41 pm

Zevran Arianna Takeo	Zevran simply brought what he felt would be important on a journey like this, and so was otherwise cool and content at knowing that everything else would be provided by someone else. Not that he was a freeloader--far from it. Just that he liked spending his money on wooing the ladies... so if he got a decent sum from this expedition... well, it could fuel the fund. Heck, if he wooed her, she might get some of it back in the form of him pampering her. Time would tell. Zevran was also fine with not stopping to smell the roses. Let it not be said the man couldn't be professional when he wanted to be. He was liked because he was good at what he did--both in the bedroom and in public. Nodding approvingly at the boat, he looked up at her. "alright then... I take it you intend to pilot it?" This was not accusatory or anything at all; he just figured that since she was leading, he'd be just following her to make sure she remained safe. "Obviously I will lend my talents when necessary..." ...okay, so the innuendo here was not on purpose... per se...
Mood: Happy Condition: Perfect	Link: Zevran

Subject: Re: Under the Waves [OPEN] Sat Aug 30, 2014 12:39 am

Aralynn Otoyome	"I've been - practicing," Lynn hesitated oddly, as she said it. Truth be told, she had been out there every night, giving it another try, and thus far had become a bit more comfortable with the stupid finicky engine... at least, enough so to get them started in the right direction. "It's - well - I may need your help starting the stupid thing..." The young artist admitted. The engine cord was tight, as it should be, and pulling on it felt like murder on her arm, since it took five to ten tries, each time. Otherwise, she simply threw her supplies into the cabin and offered to let Zevran do the same with his own. Should he look inside, he'd note that there was a "single" large bed that was actually made up of two mattresses side by side, and a little cooking area, but that was about it.
Mood: Good Condition: Good	Link: Character Sheet

Subject: Re: Under the Waves [OPEN] Sat Aug 30, 2014 1:01 am

Zevran Arianna Takeo	Zevran smiled. "well... slender as I may be, I do possess upper body strength... it is human anatomy though... nothing personal." he reassured he to indicate he was not trying to be sexist. Men did naturally have more upper body strength than most women, and Lynn did not exactly look like a rippling sculpture of muscles beneath that rather cute University attire she wore. "Allow me then," he grinned at her, before pausing. "well--after I drop my things off my back, yes?" He went in the cabin, smirking mischievously but subtly at the layout, before dropping his things off and going back towards the engine. he took the cord in his hands, gave it a tug (left-handed, even!) and VROOOOM! it started. "easy as pie... and of coruse, if necessary, I could waterbend to guide the ship... save us the trouble of having to row should this malfunction..." he smiled at her. Otherwise, he was awaiting her lead.
Mood: Happy Condition: Perfect	Link: Zevran

Subject: Re: Under the Waves [OPEN] Sat Aug 30, 2014 1:43 pm

Aralynn Otoyome	While she didn't figure that he would have anywhere near as much trouble with the fiddly engine as she had, Lynn was impressed that her new bodyguard was able to start it up so quickly. "It took me six tries to get that thing started yesterday..." She told Zevran, with a little bit of a pout to her voice. Lynn was certainly no secret bodybuilder; she was no little ball of chub, but her body was soft, for certain. "The engineering department threw this thing together," She began, as if to say that it wouldn't break down, but then, in a complete turnaround, mentioned, "So... that may become necessary." Seemed that Lynn didn't have too much faith in the device herself, even as she took hold of the steering mechanism. Cutting through the waves with relative ease, the little motorized sailboat whisked its way out of the harbor, out along the Northern coast. "We're following a set of rumors," Lynn finally mentioned, thankful for her University coat in this ocean breeze, "The ones about the Underwater Palace, in the Ocean Spirit's Grotto." Most people either believed in such things as spiritualists, or doubted them as realists; the young student wondered which Zevran would be.
Mood: Good Condition: Good	Link: Character Sheet

Subject: Re: Under the Waves [OPEN] Sat Aug 30, 2014 7:05 pm

Zevran Arianna Takeo	Zevran was no secret bodybuilder either, but he did take care of his body because women loved a toned guy. Well... and he was proficient at using weapons like swords and bows, which were not exactly made of paper, and so he had decent arm strength even if he had a more slender build. He did chuckle slightly at her little pout, but didn't point it out. "Noted," Zevran nodded. Not that he didn't like machines or anything, but he was kind of a guy who planned for the worst despite aiming for the best, and so his astuteness was always something worth keeping on hand, so to speak. While it may have seemed that all of his waterbending talents were focused on healing and massaging, he did have abilities elsewhere, and moving/piloting a boat would not be too hard. he listened to her, figuring that when she went on about where their destination was, that it would probably be kind of important. "Alright... I might have vaguely heard of such rumors, but nothing rings a bell... so to speak. So, provided your maps are correct and the boat runs its course... I think we should be good, yes?" he was kind of in the middle, but was fine with chasing a rumor if it involved being along on a boat with a beautiful woman and getting paid nicely for it. :3
Mood: Happy Condition: Perfect	Link: Zevran

Subject: Re: Under the Waves [OPEN] Sat Aug 30, 2014 10:59 pm

Aralynn Otoyome	Lynn was thankful that he didn't laugh, at least, and seemed to take the practical approach to the issue. "I... did have to make the maps myself," She did admit, however, carefully steering them around a little rocky area, "But the thing we need to find, first, is a spot where the ocean flashes, at midnight. If we can find that, then we should be right on top of the Underwater Palace." "If we do end up finding that," she continued, without letting on if she believed in it or not, "Then the waterbending will come into play, because we'll have to get down to the bottom." Though, to reassure him that it wouldn't be a total shot in the dark, she mentioned, "There are only about five places it can be, if my calculations of the old text are correct, so we won't be wandering around in the dark for hours and hours, at least."
Mood: Good Condition: Good	Link: Character Sheet

Subject: Re: Under the Waves [OPEN] Sat Aug 30, 2014 11:42 pm

Zevran Arianna Takeo	Zevran actually did have a little bit of spirituality, given that he was a talented healer... so he obviously had to in order to perform such tricks. He wasn't necessarily religious, per se, but he believed a lot of spiritual mumbo-jumbo, for if nothing else, it sounded like a cool story... almost like the things he had heard from a girl named Sagittaria. "well..." he cooed, "so what do we do till midnight? choose a spot and hope we were right?" he didn't seem disappointed at the notion... he simply was curious, specially about what they'd do to pass the time if that was truly the case. As a waterbender from the frigid south, the cold didn't bother him too much, though it did feel crisp and cooling. But... the cabin was surely a bit warmer anyways if cold ever became a problem.
Mood: Happy Condition: Perfect	Link: Zevran

Subject: Re: Under the Waves [OPEN] Sun Aug 31, 2014 4:10 pm

Aralynn Otoyome	Though a little sheepishly, Lynn smiled, "Pretty much... We only get one shot each evening, but I figured that we could try to get to one of the farther spots today, since we're starting out so early. Is that alright with you?" The furthest spot to the north was a couple of hours away, but they would easily reach it before the sun even set. "I did make them stock the ship with food," She assured Zevran, "And not with those University ready-meals... I'm not living off of those again." The last expedition had taught Lynn a lesson on that. "So, I thought that with that, and maybe some fishing to supplement it, we could have a late lunch - or early dinner, whichever."
Mood: Good Condition: Good	Link: Character Sheet

Subject: Re: Under the Waves [OPEN] Sun Aug 31, 2014 4:23 pm

Zevran Arianna Takeo	"that is fine." he chuckled softly. "as long as we have something to do for the evening, I reckon at least." again, he was not necessarily hinting at anything, but was fine with whatever ideas came. "I guess we can figure out what to do with our time once we are there..." he suggested. he wouldn't worry about it much till then. "haha... lovely." he nodded in agreement. "I am fine with eating whenever you are. No hurries..." he had eaten recently before the journey, so he was still set for another hour or so. Granted, it did have him curious as to what else might happen once they got there. "So... what happens if we reach the place and it's not the right one? would we call it a night there, or would we try to move on?" he was just curious. sure it was one thing to wait for something, but if that something never came... then what?
Mood: Happy Condition: Perfect	Link: Zevran

Subject: Re: Under the Waves [OPEN] Sun Aug 31, 2014 7:42 pm

Aralynn Otoyome	"Unfortunately, I think we only get one shot per evening," Lynn did sigh, as this was the biggest drawback, "It shouldn't be a big deal, if we're five feet away rather than directly on top of it, since I didn't see any texts that described the location moving... but if we don't see anything at midnight, then that spot wasn't right, and we have to wait until the next midnight." That would probably be the biggest time-crunch of the trip, as well; finding the flash of midnight light. She didn't think that they'd get lucky on their first spot, or even the second or third, knowing her luck. Lynn wouldn't be too surprised if they flat-out didn't even find it - though she hoped that they would. Even a negative experience would be enough to write a good chapter or two, for her thesis.
Mood: Good Condition: Good	Link: Character Sheet

Subject: Re: Under the Waves [OPEN] Sun Aug 31, 2014 8:13 pm

Zevran Arianna Takeo	Zevran nodded understandingly. "well... if there are 5 possible locations of it... that means 5 days at the most... if we go for another 2 weeks after that... well so be it then." it didn't seem to bother him, since his companion was pretty. "I suppose as long as we have a clock that'll tell us when it's midnight... we should be alright." Many people did have such things, so hopefully Ara planned ahead. A trip to the cabin a little while later did prove that she had such a device, which made sense. If she didn't... well how would they ever know this far out on the seas... yeah, it wouldn't happen. Otherwise, he was casually minding his own business and watching their location until they reached the point of destination. Not much happened, which was fine with Zevran... he enjoyed the salty breeze and the smoothness of the boat. the waves here were minimal, and apparently the boat was well-crafted. It would take a good amount to rock this thing... But soon they had arrived. "I suppose this is where we play the waiting game?" he cooed innocently. it was not a loaded question, unless she wanted it to be. They still had a good few hours still midnight.
Mood: Happy Condition: Perfect	Link: Zevran

Subject: Re: Under the Waves [OPEN] Mon Sep 01, 2014 12:25 am

Aralynn Otoyome	"That we do..." Lynn agreed, hugging herself for some warmth, in the ocean breeze. It wasn't too terribly cold, but her uniform did let some chill in. Something occurred to her, though, that might get her blood flowing. "Unless you wanted to try a college drinking game?" She offered, "I have some good stuff, inside." The young artist nodded her head back toward the cabin. Learning her lesson from last time (sort of), she had brought a full bottle of quality liquor, rather than just a little and then the crappy stuff. Though, in a sense, she hadn't learned her lesson at all, because Lynn hoped that she could use this game to find out if Zevran might be open to some physical relation, while they were stuck out on this boat. She would explain the rules, of course, though they were pretty simple. Not much of a game so much as a 'get drunk while we get to know you' thing.
Mood: Good Condition: Cold	Link: Character Sheet

Subject: Re: Under the Waves [OPEN] Mon Sep 01, 2014 12:39 am

Zevran Arianna Takeo	Even in his slightly more revealing attire (AKA his arms were bare), Zevran wasn't cold the way she was. Well... hopefully the cabin was warmer, because there'd be no way to undress her out here. "Oh? this should be good." he chuckled. he had not ever gone to college the way some had, but he was familiar with students and their ways... A couple had been... rather nice acquaintances... Incidentally, Zevran had smuggled at least one bottle of good stuff with him, just in case he had needed to spike her drink or something to get her to unwind. He was not a big fan of intoxication, especially when lovemaking was involved, but a little bit of alcohol to unwind and throw out a few of the more strict inhibitions was totally okay in his books. He stood beside her and listened to the rules, volunteering to ask the first question if he could. Surprisingly, she said it was fine. Grinning for a moment, he went straight for something rather bold, to both clarify something he wanted, and something about how her eyes had been following his form for a while. "Alright..." he smirked. "do you want me to reach my hand down the front of your panties?" It was blatant for sure, and anywhere else and he might have reconsidered. BUT... they were alone on a boat together, and if she did beat him up or throw him overboard... she'd be stranded. Not that he might not have still asked that question if they were on dry land... just that he'd be prepared to run. But... there it was. Zevran was rather shameless, after all.
Mood: Devious Condition: Cozy	Link: Zevran

Subject: Re: Under the Waves [OPEN] Mon Sep 01, 2014 1:38 pm

Aralynn Otoyome	Oh my, he was a forward one, wasn't he? All the better. Her slight smile curved into a grin, almost immediately. "Yes, please," Lynn murmured softly, turning to face him more fully, "Since you're offering, I hope?" Just having him ask and then not do anything with the answer would be a bit hard to handle, after all. Now the young artist was thankful that she'd worn nice underthings today, even if not her sexiest pair. Lynn was hardly a virgin, of course, but many of her sexual adventures had involved alcohol, and it would be nice to have one while stone-cold sober, for a change. That, and Zevran was quite handsome; he must know his way around a woman's body, she figured.
Mood: Hopeful Condition: Cold	Link: Character Sheet

» Um. A little help would be appropriate. (open)
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