"Meeting at the Arena" | Nichole, Baldwin, Beakerson, Acid Sugar, Maki

Arena, Evening of Game 2

Roleplayed by Yankee Samarai, Commando Chipmunk, That Guy Over There, Violet of Sherwood and Swirling.Kirin

A stranger enters the stables. “Good evening Philip, sorry to interrupt your sleep.”
Philip (...who is the man's horse…) doesn't perk up. "Let me dream..."
"It is well," replies the man. “I must see who this "Guardian of Ashnew is. I will not wake you again until morning.”
"Good..." Replies Philip.

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Meanwhile, Maki sleeps in her tree over the Arena. Nichole sits near the tree and writes in her journal.
Dear Journal... so much has happened in just the past 48 hours. Some of it I don't want to recall. I finally met the sherrif and went on my first quest... It irks me how long it takes for people to get organized to take action. The quest was to stop an evil man called the Plague Doctor, and keep him from wiping out a whole village. I couldn't stand by and watch it happen. I-I!! ... I almost lost some friends again. I feel so helpless. I'm not a fighter, I don't want to kill people, and yet... I feel such an indignant anger at all these injustices that there are times I want to pick up a sword and kill them all... Elyon, please forgive me for these terrible thoughts. I am a Healer, I value the sanctity of life... yet... even I have fought. I'm scared. I'm scared of what all this means. I'm scared that I'll be the cause of the death of my friends... not that I'll hurt them, but that they will die trying to protect me... I don't want to fight, I don't want to know how... but the deeper this gets the more I'm becoming aware that by my not taking up arms... I may be more of a hindrance than a help. the last part the ink was shaky as her hands shook from the realization of her fears. I feel as though I'm losing sight of the person I am, the person I was trained to be... and yet... and yet I feel that sense that something is coming, something I need to know, answers to questions I never knew I had... answers that will help all these feelings make sense.
The second important news... is I was kidnapped. Just like the peddler knew would happen. I was foolish for not telling everyone what I knew. It again, almost got my friends killed. I knew Squire would come for me... but that was also my worst fear... I hate that Guiscard charged her to protect me... and yet I love her friendship and the trust we have in each other. I just... I'm... I'm afraid that with her trying to protect me she will be struck down. I don't think I could handle seeing that. She is such a precious soul with such a heart full of love and devotion... I wish... I wish Guiscard had not done what he did... I--
Beakerson sneaks up to the tree where Maki sleeps soundly. "Hey sleepy head wake up!" He shouts into her ear.
Nichole, glances up. Tries to bite back a smile. “That's so mean, Dr.”
"This is no time for sleep, elfy! If you want recruits you gotta get up and get 'em!" Dr. Beakerson shouted.
Maki starts up, startled. “AAAAAAAAGH.” Flails, and accidently creates a massive ice spike ball that drops out the tree and lands THUD in the ground right next to Nichole.
Nichole starts with a yell and ducks to the side.
Maki falls out after it and lands on top with a screech of pain.
O-O She crawls off the ice spikes. “Oooo....”
Beakerson is horrified at what has just happened. "Oh my gosh are you okay? I didn't mean for you to get hurt." He kneels down next to her. "Are you badly injured?"
Nichole sits up and abandons her journal entry as she crawls over to Maki “Did you get punctured?”
“Heh heh heh heh heh, yeah, no, I'm fine.” Maki says. “This stuff melts. And I have thick skin.” She pulls a spike off that just pricked her leg. Then she looks around “Oh. Is it night?”
A Vachelous accent enters the conversation "That is a painful way to land...you know that is why humans use hammocks, little rose." They look up to see a stranger, tall, shoulder length dark hair, face weathered.
Nichole looks up at the new voice
Maki reels around, her eyes wide with shock. Her first thought: He's awfully handsome for a human. Second thought: That's really dumb, Maki.
She blinks, frozen in shock.“Did he just call me a type of flower?”
Beakerson smacks Maki's shoulder. "Don't scare me like that. I nearly had a heart attack thinking I was the cause of your injury!"
Maki smiled at Beakerson. “You were the cause of my injury. But it's okay.”
The stranger addressed Beakerson. “Are you not a doctor sir treat the Madamoiseile with care.”
"Well I thought the injury was worse. I thought I killed you. I'm sorry." Beakerson said.
“Aaa…” Maki looks slightly distracted. “NAW, nuthin' kills me.” Grins at Beakerson, then looks back at the stranger. “Who are you?”
At that moment, Acid and Velvet ride in from the forest nearby, hearing all the commotion
“What’s happening over here? You all are quite the racket.”
The stranger was about to answer when Acid rode in "Ahhh! Mademoiselle Acid! Enjoy your ride?"
“We did very much thank you!” Acid says. “It was lovely to see the stars and feel the cool night breeze!”
Maki glances up at stars.
"Yo buddy, the elf asked you a question. Who are you?" Beakerson said to the stranger.
Nichole watches, unusually quiet.
The stranger takes a bow, "Please, call me Baldwin! You all seem like compatriots...have you come to meet the "Guardian of Ashnew.?” He holds up a flier.
Maki coughs over snort at his name.
“Yes, we met earlier he’s alright everyone! He’s also a good horse person, so he’s a good soul.” Acid says.
Beakerson whispers to Maki. "I don't think it's a win to be bald. And he's not bald."
Maki tries to keep from grinning too hard at Beakerson. Then she raises her hand a little “Um, Guardian of Ashnuw, yep, that would be me.”
Acid notices them whispering and laughing and rolls her eyes
Baldwin wants to laugh back at Maki...but notices huge ice mountain, thinks he should be more tactful.
"I'm just saying." Beakerson adds.
“Well, then.” Baldwin coughed. "Guardian...want is your business?"
Maki clears throat. She gets to her feet gingerly, still pulling out a few pricks of ice. “Heh. Urm. SO. thanks for actually showing up!” She looks around. “Are you all interested in making a Class Force?”
“I think you should explain more than that, Mrs. Rose,” Baldwin said.
“Perhaps what would it entail? Also I believe we go on our mission soon so it really depends.” Acid said.
"Did he just call you Mrs. Rose? Oh boy." Beakerson said.
Maki brushes off her hands. “My name is Maki. And I am single and will be single forever.” She clears her throat imperiously. “And of course, I can explain more.’ She gives a more relaxed grin.
"Oh! Pardon me! I was describing your personality. Head of red, but prickly." Baldwin said.
Beakerson gives Maki a puzzled look. “I don't think he was asking you out on a date."
Maki hesitates. “When humans say Mrs. it means married though, right?”
Acid laughs quietly to herself at their antics, shaking her head.
“No, no, young one! "Mrs" in my country, as it should be in all countries, is a title that condones our respect to a superior of any type, by age or organization.” Baldwin clarified.
"I think you mean Miss, buddy." Beakerson said.
“OOOOOOH.” Maki gasped in instant relief. “Okay, well, great respect to you too, Master Baldwin.”
“Just Baldwin please.” the stranger says. “Please carry on with your demonstration.”
“Sure Baldwin.” Maki says. She somehow thinks the Master part helps with the Baldwin part. “So, first of all, does everyone here have a class? What are you skilled at? And did you hear what Donindor said earlier today?”
She looks at them all. “I know you're a Ranger…” she points to Acid and winks with a smile at her. Acid returns the smile. Maki looks at Dr. Beakerson and Nichole. “And Two Healers...”
Nichole sits back down with her Journal.
“Uh! Pardon my intrusion! but perhaps before asking everyone’s class, you should start with a summary of why you are organizing this,” Baldwin said.
“Oh...then...I'm guessing you didn't hear Donindor's message.” Maki’s tone became more serious. “Ashnuw is in big trouble. And Donindor needs people to complete his quests. We're already doing what we can alone, but that's not going to get us far. We'll be stronger with a leader and in a team, where we're all trying to keep each other safe and meet the goal.”
"Well I might be in if Guiscard’s joining too,” Dr. Beakerson said.
Maki gave an uncomfortable grin “Heh.” She hurried on. “So none of you have heard of class teams where you come from?”
“If Guiscard can get off his high horse he might make a good leader,” Acid giggles.
Baldwin nods, liking Acid’s remark.
"I think he'd make a fine leader. He just needs to be a little less grumpy." Beakerson says.
Nichole thinks.
Maki shrugs. “Well...yeah...I guess...yeah…BUTONLYifhe'snotbossyandrude.” Her eyes flash. “Leaders have to prove themselves and earn their followers trust and be servants first.” She pauses. “And since we've just met, it's going to be hard for one of us to really do that.” She sighs and has a bad feeling about this.
“Very true,” Acid says. “To get respect you have to give respect.”
“That said, I trust Sir Guiscard. He knows war and has good skills and judgement.” Nichole said. “Although, I admit his people skills do lack, and he is terribly stubborn... but aren't we all in one way or another. If we took the time to care about each other it wouldn't matter our weaknesses…”
Maki crosses arms. “Since he didn't show up though, he's probably not interested.”
"And, who else is going to lead the group? Mop top?" Beakerson added.
Baldwin laughs.
Maki gave a nervous chuckle “ME? Well, heh. Maybe someday. grin But not now. Usually Supers don't lead.” She sighs. “We have to just focus on conserving energy.”
“It could be co leading,” Acid suggested. “I do lead a powerful gang. If you ever need advice let me know Maki.” She winks.
Maki’s eyes light up “YEAH, you're a queen! What do you think, Acid?”
“HUSHHHHHH,” Acid blurted shushing Maki.
Baldwin looks back and forth between them.
"Oopsy." Beakerson says.
“Wait, wut?” Maki looks around. “Are we under attack?”
Nichole looks back and forth. She sighs, wanting to walk away.
“I think Guiscard could do well if we work on few things,” Acid tries to change the subject.
Maki finally gets it. “Oh.” She flops face first in the dirt. “I just call her a queen guys. It's a nickname. I'm actually a queen too. Haha.”
Beakerson whispers to Maki again. "I don't think she likes being called the Q word."
“If you say so…” Baldwin’s face says he didn't fall for it.
Acid mumbles something in elvish under her breath.
“I vote for Guiscard, but if we're a team that means we each have input, but the leader will need to make the most strategic move that will benefit the cause and the group.” Nichole says.
“He IS strategic, but he's not really here.” Maki rolled her eyes.
Baldwin approaches Maki. “So you take zee time to organize zis group and everyone votes for zis...Sir Guiscard?”
Maki’s shoulders slump in defeat. “Yeah, I guess so.” She smiles.
“Each of you have different gifts and talents,” Nichole says. She looks at the newcomer. “You sir, I have not met or seen in battle so I'm not sure what to say of you, but you Maki, you are strong despite your energy, and you have a good head on your shoulders, Beakerson is quick and knows how to treat people and also when to help them with his abilities.”
Beakerson reacts to Nicholes words. "Aww shucks."
Nichole turns to Acid. "Acid, you are a powerful threat from afar and have great range, and I'm guessing tracking skills.”
“Indeed.” Acid smiles. “Thank you!”
“Pardon me, I am a man only interested in protecting Ashnew,” Baldwin says.
“Your abilities with the wolves and calming situations down without having to resort to violence unless necessary is truly commendable,” Nichole agreed. “Furthermore, we are also forgetting that if Guiscard comes, so does No'Preom. She is also a fearless fighter, and as loyal a friend as anyone can have. She is genuine, kind, and trustworthy.”
Maki smiles. “I like her. We could prank Guiscard together. You know. During down time. In a friendly way.”
“Also, Guiscard may be rough around the edges but he does have a caring side. If he didn't he wouldn't fight for the cause as hard as he does,” Nichole says.
"Yes, yes! I vote Guiscard!" Beakerson says.
Maki sighs. “I did look up the Order of the Martyrs.” She clears throat “Shoulda remembered their symbol. They’re solid. Sort of. So unless he just swiped that tabard off of someone and he’s just pretending to be of the Order, then he’s probably…” she hesitates to say the word. “good.”
“He and No'Preom have been there for me when I've hit my hardest times. I trust them.” Nichole says.
At that moment, Acid Sugar yawns. “Excuse me, I need to go put Velvet back in her stall.” She pats Velvet and begins to turn her around.
As Acid rides off, Baldwin calls, “Say hi to Philip!”
Maki stood up as well. “Yeah, I guess...I better go find Guiscard then.” She shrugged to herself and rubbed at her eyes. “And after that, I need more sleep.” She gives a little wave to them all, then climbs the hill back towards town. “Thanks again for coming, by the way. I didn’t think anyone would come and that was a scary moment.” She gave an uncomfortable grin and shook her head to herself. “We can talk more tomorrow. On the trip. With...our leader.”

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To be continued...