genessia | (no subject)

[Action]

[Ike has been in many strange situations. Some he had even thought to be impossible situations until they happened.

This was another story.

Yes, Ike had been in the process of wandering the world on his own. But that didn't explain why he suddenly found himself waking up in some kind of box in the middle of wading-depth water. He has absolutely no idea what's going on here, and he keeps one hand on his sword's pommel at all times.

He eventually finds his way out, and finds all of the stuff left for newcomers. The biggest shock he gets is when the hologram flickers to life; he tries talking to the girl who is explaining things to him, but she seems to be completely unresponsive, pressing on as if he weren't even there. He's confused, and a little annoyed, when she vanishes. Ah, well. Time to read the information provided.

Once that's done he heads off to find out where this welcome center is. So there's a very tall, very muscular man trying to find his way through the city at the moment. He stops to marvel at random things -- cars, parking meters, store windows -- and he seems to be looking for something.]

[Video]

[Some time later, the video feed opens up...except the camera appears to be held the wrong way. On the screen is a new face, and it's appearing upside-down, no less. He seems to be oblivious to the fact.]

Ah...hello? Can people really see and hear me on this?

Anyway, my name's Ike. I just showed up here a few hours ago and still trying to figure out exactly what in the gods' name is going on here. I read all the pamphlets and stuff -- plus some girl showed up to talk at me and then disappeared. What should I know that hasn't been covered? I tried asking the girl questions, but she ignored me entirely. She would've been more helpful if she listened.

Also, I need a place to stay. Is there a tavern or something I could stay at? I don't have much money, but I can do some chores, heavy lifting, or guard duty. I don't know how much you can see, but I came here with a sword -- and I'm no stranger to battle. So believe me, I can keep anyone you don't want out.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Hmm...

[Ike has served time as a noble before, as he was granted peerage during the Mad King's War so that the soldiers on loan from the Begnion Empire would actually listen to him. It was the closest to a public official he'd ever been, and he hated all of it. That was why he'd renounced his title once reconstruction had ended and returned to being a simple mercenary.]

I'm sorry, but I don't think I'd be a very good fit for the job. I prefer taking jobs as they come -- it's what I'm used to. Also, I've already been granted a place to live in Fayren.

But I am interested in what you've told me about the situation in Everglade. You're welcome to hire my services to help protect your subjects on individual jobs. Do you have any knights who could use some training or somebody to spar against? Or any specific problems you need dealt with?

Puppy dog sorrow set in as Ted was refused...right up until the rebound offer, which lit his eyes like a temple fire.

"Hmm, there's a thought. Most of my police force is fairly traditional; you know, guns and things. Or do you?" He gave a brief primer on the subject of modern tools of the trade.

"But knightly training...yes, that would be lovely! I've been getting instruction on the way of fist and bullet, but not blade. You just might round me out! I've also been planning some missionary work; a dangerous occupation in dark times, or so I've read. And then there's the issue with Dracula; a tenacious foe ensconced nearby. Should things really come down to it, a heroic struggle outside his castle walls may be in our cards.

But let's not prophecy mass bloodshed quite yet. The instruction, for now, would be very useful."

I don't know what "guns" are, so no.

In that case, I'd be glad to help. We can talk payment once the first session is done.

Excellent! Then it's a deal. Do you have a location in mind? If not, I'll provide.

I don't have anywhere specific. Any place you might have with ample room would work just fine.

It will be very just, and very fine: The backyard of my very own sheriff's office. Name a time, and I'll strive to meet it. And please, try not to flirt with the womenfolk too much. We're there for bladed business, after all. I even have my own sword, rusty thing that it is. Oh, and if you don't have a time, let's say...bright and early, 7 a.m.?

[Ike. Flirting with women. Ike doesn't know how to flirt.]

Early morning is perfect for me. I'm normally ready to go at dawn, so the time is just fine.

[He and every other loveless loner here]

Excellent! Oh, do you think this might break on practice? Do we practice with the real thing or wooden replicas? (he takes out his swordstick, used more for the fun of it than actually stabbing people) I take this out on walks; maybe I should buy a new one. Those vibro-blades in Nova City looked promising, maybe...

[Stop him, before he talks you to death]

It's fine.

[Short and to the point to stop him.]

We use wooden trainer swords. What you've got will work just fine. I'll just need to find one for myself -- but that shouldn't be hard in Fayren.

"Ah, all right then." He caught his breath.

"Well, you know best and that's probably safer. I'm looking forward to it, second-blue-haired-sword-bearer-I've-met-so-far."

Ike.

[He thought he gave his name already. Oh, well. No harm in giving it again.]