Seeking Willing Volunteers

Subject: Seeking Willing Volunteers Thu Nov 20, 2008 7:00 pm

Starting note: I'm setting this up so that anyone can jump on...elves, furries, humans, fairies, etc etc. Also...I'm horrible at typing accents. So I don't. Suffer.

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In a quiet village, little more than a glorified travel stop along the way, sits an inn with a stable. The village is a sleepy one, one dirt road cutting through the heart of it, catering happily to anyone who stops by, but otherwise content to mind it's own business.

A young human female rounds the curve of the road, sagging in relief as she spots the stables. Her blonde hair is pulled back into a braid, the length just reaching the base of her neck. Sharp, cat-like green eyes observe every motion, although her form is relaxed and eased. The hood of her cloak is pulled up, shielding her face from the dying light as the end of it drapes over her mount's flanks, warming the steed...and hiding her possessions. A teal tunic and sandy leggings are well-cared for, although dusty and a bit muddy. Her boots are scarred, scratched and faded, but fit perfectly into her stirrups. Her pewter gray mount senses that her travels are almost over, and picks up the pace, trotting eagerly towards the stables. "Easy Jazz...I know. We'll get you a bit of a break." The two ride up to the doors of the stable, the mare waiting patiently as the girl dismounts, and peers into the stables. Silence and dust motes greet her. Turning back to the mare, she scratches under the tack. "Stay put for a moment." The mare shakes her cream mane, snorting as she lowers her head.

The girl makes her way up the inn steps, rapping sharply on the wooden door. She hears footsteps inside, and waits patiently as the door opens slightly, a grizzled old man with sharp eyes peering her over.

"Can I help you?" he asks, watching her. She bows to him, pushing back her cobalt cloak enough to show the pendent that hangs off her abused and scratched belt. The paw-print design makes him widen his eyes, and step back.

"I come on behalf of the Mages. Please, may I room here for several days, and rest my mare?" The man nods, pushing the door open the rest of the way.

"You can just turn her loose in the pasture, or stable her up. Your choice. Pick a stall that she likes," he replies, turning back inside. "I'll set up a room for you and get Stephan to come out and help settle her in."

"Thank you good sir," the girl calls, turning back down the steps. Jazz lifts her head, swishing her tail eagerly as she sees her mistress approach. "Yeah, I know, I know. Inside or out?" she asks the mare. The dappled sneezes violently, plodding towards the wooden fence that surrounds lush green grasses. The girl laughs, removing the teal and silver-swirled tack from the mare. "There you go, behave now."

She turns back to the stables, setting the tack on the equipment by an empty stall. The spells were wearing off, but were still strong enough to discourage thieves if the silver paw-print medallions on it weren't deterrent enough.

Once all was settled in the stables, and Stephan laying fresh hay down in the stall, she returns to the inn, settling in on the bar stools. The old man regards her with curiosity, head cocked as he watches her. "Can I help you?"

"Yes. I need to post this decree, and I need something to wet my throat and sate my stomach. Can we arrange that?" she asks tiredly.

"I suppose. The board is by the fireplace...that's where most folk look for stuff. I can put your bag upstairs if you want."

"No, good sir. I thank you though." With a sigh, she stands up, making her way to the fireplace. Sure enough, a board is mounted on the wall, with old notices and writings posted. She takes two tacks and unrolls a piece of parchment, the Royal Mage Council stamp clear along the top. Once she sets another tack in the bottom of the scroll, keeping the paper flat, she sets beside the flames, thanking the old man as he sets a mug and a plate beside her.

After eating her meal quickly, she steps out for a moment to check on Jazz before gathering up a few bits of tack, taking them inside beside the fireplace to work on as she waits for responders to the Mage Decree:

Attention All Denizens:

Due to an unexplained phenomenon in the Realms, the Royal Mage Council is currently seeking a small group of volunteers looking for an adventure, exploring currently unknown territory and mapping new lands. Survival is not guaranteed.

Please see the Royal Mage Council Courier Samantha O'Conner for more information.

Signed,

The Royal Mage Council

Subject: Re: Seeking Willing Volunteers Thu Nov 20, 2008 7:52 pm

Evening was falling on the sleepy town and while most of the honest locals were settling in for the night a few were heading to the tavern's bar for a little merriment. Some of it was just to make the bonds between them strongers, and others were trying to escape their own problems in the alcohol. Most of the travelers were enjoying the evening in the tavern as a means of relaxing and winding down from what ever their quests were.

"Bring me 'nother pitcher o' mead when ya get the chance, Hon," a androgenously gruff voice rings out over the growing number of evening patrons to the tavern maid.

"Sure thing, Stranger," she responded. The maid had to admit that this stranger was odd. She'd been hit on twice by the foolish traveler and had pointedly explained she didn't appreciate the attentions from a woman. Though to be fair the fair haired stranger didn't act like a woman, let alone a lady.

The stranger was seated at a round table with three men. It made the contrast between the features all the more noticeable. Well worn cards were distributed on the table and in their hands. The Stranger had that mousey almost blonde hair, it was roughly cut, and had a bit of a curl to it and was held back out of her face in a tie and hidden under a wide brimmed hat. Her features were almost soft if it weren't for the wry smile and bold brows. She could've been easily mistaken for a young man or older boy if she chose, but it didn't seem high on her list of prerogatives.

The clothes the stranger wore suggested a nomadic, if not mercenary life style. Though their shape was not bad, implied she'd been well paid in the past. The colors were rather drab and settled in with the colors of most common people. A light weight leather armor doublet was over a linen shirt. Her trousers were a little baggy to allow for easy movement during fights and tight boots donned her feet.

What really stood out was the wild look to her eyes. Near yellow on the inside and rimmed in a dark brown by the pupil and the outer iris. Almost animal like. Didn't help that she held that sparkle of mischief.

"Well boys," she started, her accent gruff and thick. "I do believe this hand is mine as well," she boasted as she peered over her cards and dropped a few gold coins into the kitty.

Those crazed eyes did follow the blue clad traveler to their seat instead of keeping to the game. The cards were rigged in the Stranger's favor so it's goings on wasn't too important. Though with some of the complaints going around the card table, perhaps it would've been better to pay heed to the men's reactions...

Subject: Re: Seeking Willing Volunteers Fri Nov 21, 2008 5:16 pm

Sam feels the prickle between her shoulder blades, and fights the urge to shrug them to dissipate the feeling. Setting down the reins that she’s mending, she makes a show of stretching, gazing around the room. The evening had cleared out a goodly number of characters, leaving a few that she wanted to keep an eye on. One table in particular was of most interest…several men sat around, playing cards. Ordinarily, she wouldn’t pay much mind, but as the liquor flowed and the shadows stretched, their voices got louder and more disgruntled.

One in particular made Sam want to curl her lip and growl low…those eyes were unnerving and spoke of trouble waiting to happen. That one in particular had made her keep an aura-lock on Jazz, who was sleeping peacefully in her stall. She was tired, the mare complained when she realized what was happening. Soothing her, Sam let the link between them fade, returning her attention to the stranger as she dropped several gold coins for the game.

Frowning, she returned to her tack. Given the state of the clothing and the heft of the purse that they were guarding, Sam found the two a bit off for her liking. However, she was on duty for the Mages, and couldn’t instigate an investigation without just cause. The fact that the stranger made her uneasy and snarly was not proper justification. That didn’t mean, however, that she couldn’t get involved when something finally did happen.

Sam shifted a bit, turning her torso more towards that table as she pretended to rest more fully against the hearth, her cloak tucked snugly around her.

Subject: Re: Seeking Willing Volunteers Fri Nov 21, 2008 7:52 pm

"And there we are fella's!" the Stranger stated as she layed her cards on the table revealing what was a winning hand in their game.

Disgruntled groans and swearing is let out as the others drop their cards and watch the Stranger gather her winnings. "And while it's been fun boys, I do believe I've got a bed upstairs with my name onnit," she stated as she dropped the heavy coinage into her pocket.

"Yeah, Yer just afraid your winning luck is run out," the gruff man with a scraggly beard said after lowering his mead cup. The others nodded ascendingly.

"Possibly, but you can try to win it back tomorra night fellas and possibly a bit more if I find a job in this two bit town," she added as she scooted her chair up and tipped her hat to them. It never left her head, but she merely bowed the brim.

Swaggeringly she crosses the room to the news board. Most odd jobs were posted here on parchment and it was common for any town. Most didn't like money to leave their towns, but occasionally there was a job that the locals didn't want to do and a jack of all trades could accomplish for a nominal fee.

Heading toward the board she had to pass in front of the fire and the rather well dressed new comer. That cloak was almost obnoxiously blue and had to mean something official with all the other trimmings that decked the individual.

Shrugging past the Stranger began to study the board. Most of them were too old to really mean much as none of the requests were ever taken down. There was a request for seasonal help with crops as a farm hand. Too boring. Requested help in a hunt for one of the largest land beasts in the realm. Not enough compensation.

"Oh, this coul' be promisin'," she says, finger to the board, placed on the bottom corner of the newest paper posted by the cloaked individual. According to it's statement she'd determined they were this "Samantha O'Conner".

"I've been here too long as it is...." she said to herself. It was true. They were beginning to know her by name in the parts and she was draining the gambling men of the town dry. It'd been nearly three weeks. A long enough rest.

Deciding to inquire some more information from this Samantha person, she pivoted on her heel and turned around. She strode to just the side of Samantha and spun a chair around to sit herself in and face the fire place.

"Well, Sammy. Got any more information?" she charmed, her smile growing wide and showing off teeth that weren't quite normal. Or perhaps they were. With all the mongrels in the realm it was hard to tell some days. They were a little menacing though with the slightly long canines and even spacing. They were almost...too perfect.

Subject: Re: Seeking Willing Volunteers Sat Nov 22, 2008 6:06 pm

Samantha slowly raised her head from working on Jazz’s spare halter, green eyes sharp and almost offended. She deliberately scanned the stranger over, lip curling slightly.

“The name is Samantha, Sam for those whom know me. You do not, and I’m sure that you didn’t mean to be so rude. However…since you did ask about the notice…I am under obligation to release the information.”

Sam paused a moment, debating how much to tell the rude oaf. Yes, she had been sent out to gather peasants to assist…but this one smelled like nine kinds of trouble, and seemed too sly for her liking. Should she gather any volunteers, the Mages had already informed her that she would be among those sent out to further evaluate the trouble. She really didn’t want to have to worry about this stranger at her back.

With a heavy sigh, she brushed a finger over the steel pendent on her belt, the raised design settling the matter. “Vurra well then. As of late, the Royal Mage Council has noticed increased activity to the North. However, it is originating from an area that is currently beyond the reach and knowledge of their Highnesses. Thus, they are asking for any common folk that wish to risk their lives and limbs by investigating the matter further. Considering the beasts that I have seen brought back from the borders, I would almost guarantee this to be a suicide mission. However, any information that would be brought back is rewarded…up to and including land and nobility rights.”

Sam stretched her legs out, forcing herself to keep to her human form. Trouble was brewing…but she wasn’t sure what would come of it.

Subject: Re: Seeking Willing Volunteers Sat Nov 22, 2008 7:41 pm

"Ah, so you're official," the Stranger responded after Samantha finished her statement.

It was more of a self observation than a question or even a statement to the other side of the conversation. She smirked as she was eyed. Oh it gave her a joy to know some one seethed with dislike. Not that the Stranger was all that unlikeable. It just seemed to happen a lot.

So, a possibility of power, money, and land. Oh what could be done with those sort of things. It would defiantly make the slow seasons go better. It also helped that over the course of the years she'd found herself to be more or less indestructible. Oh the wonderful perks of being what she was.

"Well, Sammy. I must say that this sounds like a nice proposition," She started, not worrying about correcting her terminology of Samantha's name. "And you say it's open to anyone, and I'm sure you'd rather have some one with skill along on such an excursion..." she trails off annoyingly before offering her hand.

"I'll be happy to go along with it. Adventure seeking is quite a proposition and a good bit better a promise than being a farmhand ninety percent of the time and winning these poor folks money in games of chance," she smirks. "My name's Oolsie and I give my name and my blade to the Mage Council's use."

Subject: Re: Seeking Willing Volunteers Sat Nov 22, 2008 8:01 pm

Samantha eyed Oolsie’s outstretched hand with a bit of disdain and a sinking feeling of doom. Taking a deep breath, she shook it in a firm grip, fore and middle fingertips resting lightly on the pulse under the skin at Oolsie’s wrist. She ran a finger over the pendent, watching as the woman lit up with a burgundy aura. Sam smiled to herself slowly…so this woman was more than she appeared. Interesting.

“Pleased to meet you, Ms. Oolsie. You already know my name and profession… although I couldn’t help but notice that you refrained from informing me of yours. Regardless though. The Royal Mage Council would be delighted to have you aboard…though I must make sure that you are aware that you may not survive the journey. Furthermore… before I can accept you into the expedition, I must ensure that you are compatible with my mount. Jazzerus is the final say for now. Should the two of you get along, we shall return and start filling out your papers.” Sam stood, tightening her back as she subtly stretched before glancing out the windows. “Unless you’d rather hold off until morning light?” Sam asked slyly.

Subject: Re: Seeking Willing Volunteers Tue Nov 25, 2008 6:53 pm

Ools winced at the use of "Ms." Not too noticeable but if one was paying attention. She decided to shrug off the most of it since it was a problem that couldn't be helped. Or at least not to her current knowledge.

"My profession is a little of this, and a little of that. Some of it I'd rather not discuss, but if you're inquiring for skills...I can top any soldier in battle," she says patting her rapier at her side. It was peace bound to ease the conscious of the citizens but still within reach.

"But with the formalities out of the way, lets go meet your mount," she said, getting up from her seat and waving down the bar maid.

"Two pints of your best mead," she said, slipping a silver coin in the bustier of the saucy maid.

The maid gave Oolsie a perturbed look but bustled to gather the stranger's request. She returned almost instantly, handing over the two pints.

"Ladies first," Oolsie said to Samantha, motioning toward the door, both hands occupied by the brew.

Subject: Re: Seeking Willing Volunteers Tue Nov 25, 2008 7:16 pm

Samantha raised a brow, noticing the wince but filing it away for later rather than asking questions. Shrugging, she stood, gathering up the repair kit and Jazz's reins. If Oolsie thought that she could handle the journey, so be it. Don't let the Fates say that she hadn't been warned. She heard the woman call for the barmaid, and lifted her head, watching.

She couldn't help but notice how Oolsie's fingers lingered a beat too long when slipping that coin to the maid. She frowned, but tossed the reins over her shoulder and opened the door, bowing at the waist.

"But my good gentle lady...you forget. Couriers are treated as males...thusly, please, go ahead..." she insisted, booted foot propping open the door.

Subject: Re: Seeking Willing Volunteers Tue Nov 25, 2008 7:37 pm

If Samantha was paying close attention she'd spot a vein starting to throb on Oolsie's forehead and a tick in her jaw. The woman seemed to thoroughly dislike being coined under the term of feminine.

Oolsie's ears burned, partially out of rage, and partially because of the will she was exerting over herself. So far in the three weeks she'd been in town she hadn't lost her temper. She'd be referred to as lass, miss, ma'am, and lady several times in the course of that span. She couldn't quite place her finger on why the blue cloaked stranger was getting to her over this. She almost felt like Samantha ought to know better.

Physically, again all that could really be seen of this effect was the throbbing vein in her temple and a slight tick in her jaw. That and how her eyes turned a sicklier yellow in the middle of the iris as the dark brown slowly disappeared and became more concentrated. Ools could feel some bits of herself slipping and closed her eyes for a split second, trying to settle it.

"I'm anything but gentle...." she said with a smirk and her eyes going close to normal. The voice was a hair huskier than before but could be dismissed by the drink.

"Besides, my hands are full and I do appreciate you opening the door," she adds, slipping though the propped open door.

Subject: Re: Seeking Willing Volunteers Tue Nov 25, 2008 7:47 pm

Samantha chuckled slightly to herself, sharing the slight amusement with Jazz as she watched Oolsie clench her jaw. The shadows cast by the brim of her hat made it near impossible to see much, but Sam could have swore that she saw the shimmer of shapeshifting spark around Oolsie for a moment.

She followed Oolsie down the stairs, stepping a bit in front of her to lead the way. "Now Miss, please, bear in mind. The horse stables are a bit mucky...I would dearly hate to see your lovely boots getting soiled. Shall I bring Jazz out to you, so that you can avoid getting...'ucky'?" Sam asked with sickening sweetness, biting the inside of her cheek firmly. Jazz snickered softly, brown eyes dancing merrily.

"And please don't be frightened by the big horse....she won't hurt such a lady...she's trained to be nice to the gently-bred."

Subject: Re: Seeking Willing Volunteers Tue Nov 25, 2008 8:02 pm

Samantha did know better. Oolsie could tell and it caused her blood to boil. She hoped int he darkness outside it wouldn't be too noticeable with changes that happened. This way it felt a bit like venting.

Working under the guise of being a simple appearing young lass usually worked out for the best, but if her emotions flared the bits that were foreign to the body she controlled showed through and instantly gave away more secretive things. She could feel the burn of her ears as they pointed and grew working under the brim of her hat. Glad they weren't showing.

Her eyes nearly lit up in the outside dark, thankfully though her pupils grew enough in the low light to hide that. And her teeth were barely not fangs.

"Having taken care of my own tack for a far worse mount I'm sure...." Oolsie almost sneered. "There won't be much to fear outta your mount. And I'm almost damn sure these boots have seen worse mire than what's come out of your horse's hind end."

At the sound of Oolsie's voice a loud, obnoxious sound is heard from the stables and it causes a wicked little grin to play on her face. Sounds like her mount was trying to make new friends. Ools didn't have a communication with her steed, but he was vocal enough most folks knew what he wanted.

Subject: Re: Seeking Willing Volunteers Tue Nov 25, 2008 8:14 pm

Samantha watched as the woman's eyes lit up, and her own cat-green shifted, lighting up the area like day to her vision. She almost crowed in victory as she watched Oolsie's teeth enlongate, pleased beyond any logical reason to have won in that verbal sparring. She had made the other woman tip her hand first...

A loud crunch echoed from the barn, and a minute later, the heavy, determined beat of Jazz's hooves approched them. Her mare had her ears pinned back and a tuft of hair hanging out of her mouth...apparently she had found something tasty. The grey approached Oolsie, head low and snaked, ears pinned back and tail slashing the air angrily. The mare exhaled long and slow, the breath fogging up slightly. Her mistress was pleased, and truth be told, the mount was just as happy. A bit peturbed at being woken up for no reason, but otherwise content.

No reason for this woman-thing to know.

^Jazz...play nice!^ Sam sent the emotion through their bond, and almost died laughing as the mare sneezed violently, glaring balefully at Oolsie

"Mayhap the lady would like to pet the tame and gentle steed?"

Subject: Re: Seeking Willing Volunteers Tue Nov 25, 2008 8:23 pm

Crashing noises thrashed in the stables behind the grey mare that was approaching. Oolsie noticed the communication link, even if nothing was said. The horse's demeanor was enough to show that.

"And would any fit mount like the best mead this place serves?" she said offering out one of the pints.

Oolsie's speech was a bit slurred and her mouth sounded full, even to herself. She swore mentally at that fact and how her hat pinched the ends of her ears. Involuntarily t hey wiggled, the tips popping out of her hat to brush the underside of the brim, mostly still hidden by her bushy hair.

An obnoxious half whinny half bray sounded from the converted barn as a loud crash sounded. "Oh shut up in there, I brought you a pint too!" Oolsie shouted over the shoulder of the horse infront of her to what ever was causing the ruckus in there.

Judging by the tuft of hair in the grey's mouth, Oolsie figured her mount had gotten a little too friendly. The nigh giant mule wasn't cut and he had a mind of his own, though he was about the damn best mount she'd had in years. Probably because their personalities were so similar.

Subject: Re: Seeking Willing Volunteers Tue Nov 25, 2008 8:37 pm

Samantha narrowed her eyes, watching carefully as Jazz pricked her ears forward at the sound of Oolsie's speech, head cocking to the left like a giant dog. A moment later, the whiskered muzzle just about touched Oolsie's face, the mare taking a deep breath. Apparently making a decision, she pulled her head back, glancing once more at Oolsie before turning to Sam. A nod from the human, and the mare nudged the arm holding out the drink.

Sam slipped up behind Oolsie, eyes on the edge of the hat as she pulled her ears back, grinning in the dark. In front of Oolsie, the mare snickered before stretching a bit in what looked remarkedly like a bow, brown eyes dancing.

Subject: Re: Seeking Willing Volunteers Tue Nov 25, 2008 8:50 pm

Oolsies ears slipped from her hair and pinned back. She was thoroughly confused by this onslaught of awkward gestures. It didn't escape her notice that Samantha stepped behind her.

"Uhm...Pleasure to meet you as well?" she inquires inquisitively, taking a step to the side to remove Samantha from her back.

It was habit to keep every bit of any situation in front of her. She wasn't sure if Samantha would take offense to this, but figured a courier would understand, better to be aware of a situation than oblivious.

"So I take it she likes me," she trailed off a bit, still eyeing the mare warily. Her eyes were returning to norm. The moment of confusion taking the bite out of her and she felt the cool tingle of her ears returning and was relieved her mouth didn't feel quite as full. Unfortunately with her eyes returning to norm the little night vision she had dissipated.

"You said we had papers to fill out?" she trailed off again, still a bit confused and wondering if joining up in this had been wise. But with that kind of money, and possibility of land...it would be a good way to start trying to figure out a reversal.

Subject: Re: Seeking Willing Volunteers Tue Nov 25, 2008 9:00 pm

Samantha chuckled to herself, tightening the leash on the predator. Gods, she needed to hunt soon.

But the woman appeared a bit off-kilter and nervous, so Samantha took a bit of pity on her. "Considering that you still are standing, milady, Jazz likes you just fine. Although she does want me to warn you that your mount is a bit too friendly...I do not encourage her to bite or kick, but self-defense is what it is. I will not be pleased if I have to send her back to the Council to foal." With a firm scratch along her neck, Sam led Jazz back into the stables, sneaking the mare a sugarcube from the saddlebags and re-latching the door that the grey had mouthed open.

Jazz whickered softly and headbutted Samantha's shoulder, sending enough information along the link. "I know girl, I know. We'll figure it out."

With a final rub on the nose, Samantha bid the grey a good night, and returned to Oolsie.

"So, what do you think of my offer? We'll need to hit the next town before long...this place is starting to make me uneasy." Samantha leaned against the building, arms crossed and her head cocked.

Subject: Re: Seeking Willing Volunteers Thu Nov 27, 2008 3:03 pm

"Making you uneasy? I've been here for near a month," Ools quipped back. She smiled again, regaining her bearings a bit.

"And don't worry. The ol' bastard's sterile. You won't be sendin' her back to foal any time soon. No matter how friendly he gets," she said with a smirk, handing a pint to Samantha.

The other pint finds it's way to Oolsie's lips as she easily drinks half of it in one go. Her appearance is well tame down now, her cool returning as she looks back to the Inn.

"I've already told ya, I'll take up the offer. I've not alot to loose either way," she adds offhandedly shuffling a bit and taking another swig of the mead. "Moving out tomorrow then?"

Subject: Re: Seeking Willing Volunteers Thu Nov 27, 2008 3:54 pm

Sam accepts the pint, taking a slight sip as she checks one last time on Jazz. The mare was dozing off again, pointedly ignoring the mule in the other stall.

"Yes...not many others appeared interested in the offer. Mayhap a town further down the way will offer more. Regardless. If you have no qualms about it, we will move out in the morning, as early as possible, if milady has no objections."

Sam set the pint on the fence, ducking back into the barn to pull a sheif of papers out of Jazz's saddlebags, the binding upon them glowing to her eyes of truth-spells and forgery-repelents. She relatched the bag, setting them neatly against Jazz's door, and stuck her tongue out at Oolsie's mule.

Stepping back outside, she gestured to the Inn, papers in hand. "After you, my dear lady. Mustn't tarry with the paperwork. Official documentation and such, you know."

Subject: Re: Seeking Willing Volunteers Thu Nov 27, 2008 6:08 pm

'Milady this,'Oolsie thought to herself as she lead the way back into the Inn. She thought about saying something about it, or even reacting. She knew she had to keep her calm if they were going back in though. Before opening the door she tugged the brim of her hat a bit, making sure everything shifted into place where it should stay.

"Hopefully there's not too much to sign," Oolsie said as she opened the door and lead the way to their previous table. It had not become occupied and the men she'd been playing cards with were still at their table. They watched her walk in, all looking a little disdainful.

"Sorry fellas, it's how the cards go," she said with an encouraging smile. She figured that they knew she'd been cheating since she'd been winning their earnings nearly every other night for three weeks. They wouldn't be putting up with it much longer.

Oolsie took a seat at the table and leaned back in the chair, finishing off her pint. "So what's first, Sammy," she inquires.

Subject: Re: Seeking Willing Volunteers Fri Nov 28, 2008 9:28 pm

Sam narrowed her eyes a bit at the 'Sammy' bit, but shook it off, pulling back her ears idly. She hooked her seat with a booted foot, sliding it out and sitting down gracefully.

"First, we need to fill out the Royal Mage's Council agreement to terms forms. It's about ten pages...do you need me to mark where to sign at?" She pulled her pen out of her pocket with a flourish, a dark blue fountain pen with silver nib. The copper ink had been spelled with truth-spells as heavily as the papers and binders...her own master had seen to that.

She rummaged a bit, pulling out another form of paperwork. "Also...your mount may encounter a bit a danger. I will need you to sign this release of liability form....the council will not replace mounts killed or maimed in the line of work they offer. I think there's eight...no, seven pages here. Do you happen to have his linage on hand?" she asked sweetly. "Also, this form covers as agreement that any damage done to your weaponry and tack will be replaced in full by the Council."

"Let's see what else. Oh yes, we can't forget the documentation and consent to inspection form. It's only a page...just a simple name and the agreement to consent to any investigaton and/or inspection that the council deems worthy. That's followed by the third packet there....yes, that one I believe," she muttered to herself as she pulled out another stack.

"And this one is for the rewards, should we get any. All papers must be filled out in the proper order and with the proper ink, neat and tidy, you understand," Sam smiled, holding out the pen to Oolsie.

Subject: Re: Seeking Willing Volunteers Sun Nov 30, 2008 6:43 pm

Oolsie had already taken the first few sheets and leafed through them, seeing where to sign her mark where lines seemed to be open for it. She read them but didn't pay alot of head except to a few select sentences and paragraphs. Most of it was rather standard for any job like this. She'd taken a few expeditions in her time, but this one seemed to imply it may take the majority of some one's life. If not the rest of it by the way it entailed the journey may end.

"Prim and proper, let's hope you aren't this way at the first sign of trouble. I'd hate for you to be trying bureaucracy out on a foe," Oolsie said with a biting smirk as she took the pen from Samantha's hand.

"0o0o Fancy pen," she said idly, shaking it a bit as if to see if it rattled. "So before I sign my soul...," she paused to smirk a bit to herself, "...away is there anything else real important I should know about?"

Subject: Re: Seeking Willing Volunteers Sun Nov 30, 2008 7:03 pm

Samantha leaned back a bit in her chair, catching the eye of the bar maid and jerking her head, signaling her want of the woman's services.

"Not that I'm particularly aware of....if so, we'll cover it later. No worries there milady." She smiled at Oolsie, shaking her head faintly as Oolsie shook her pen like it was gonna bite her. The barmaid made her way over to their table, and she slid several coins to the woman. "Whatever my friend here has had all night, and a cider for myself. Thank you." As the maid turned away, Sam couldn't help but briefly appriciate the sight before turning back to Oolsie.

"And don't you be worried about any troubles. Bureaucracy is the last thing on my mind, I assure you. Speaking of...you aren't squimish about new surprises are you, milady? I would hate to distress you any during our trips." Sam kicked her feet out in front of her, crossing her ankles as she stretched her legs out in front of her. She wondered idly if Oolsie would try to forge, alter or omit any information on her forms, and what her reaction would be when that happened.

Subject: Re: Seeking Willing Volunteers Sun Nov 30, 2008 7:50 pm

The first few pages were simple and easily filled out with signatures. They seemed to be simply stating that she gave her services to the mage council untill they were no longer required, yada yada. Simple, typical things. The last three of the first set of ten required actual information. Oolsie sighed at seeing all of the inquiring blank spots.

"This couldn't be quick and simple could it?" she grumbled under her breath. Slowly she filled out the information. She smiled as the bar maid brought over another mug of ale and Oolsie took a long drink from the mug.

Full name and any heraldry that may be of importance. Oolsie Leondre` Finch, no important heraldry. Previous address had to be left blank as she hadn't had a residence in a lifetime. All of the other things were easily answered. No heirs, no this...no that. It was simple being a drifter at times.

The papers on her mount were equally simple. Breed: Mule; Coloration: Sable; BloodLines: Unknown; Name: Bastard. Most of the other blanks were inapplicable. It made filling these things out much quicker.

Oolsie had no reason to lie on these papers, but she didn't always inform the whole truth. Couldn't get in trouble for leaving a few things out. On the Rewards information she found everything in suit. Seemed worthwhile. There was a small inquiry on if she had any supernatural abilities. She simply put "Dampened". It illicted a small chuckle from herself.

Oolsie shuffled the papers back together and handed them in a small curl back to their originator. "There you are Sammy," she said taking another drag out of her mead.

As she raised her arm to do so it caused a shift of her sleeve ties. Must've been from the writing motions. Several cards spilled onto the floor. All of them ones that would make any sour hand better in a card game. "Shit..." was Oolsie's simple responce.

Subject: Re: Seeking Willing Volunteers Sun Nov 30, 2008 8:33 pm

Samantha watched Oolsie fill out the papers, bored out of her mind and wanting to hunt. She blinked, fighting back a yawn as the scratch of the pen lulled her into relaxation. Mayhap that was why she stared blankly at the cards that spilled out of Oolsie's sleeve, instead of quickly gathering them up. Maybe that was why she laughed out loud at Oolsie's simple statement of the situation. And maybe that was why the gentlemen at the other table started to raise a fuss, yelling and starting to push back their seats.

Just as quickly, everything went back to normal speed, and she quickly threw a glare at Oolsie, yelling for Jazz to get ready. The mare responded, her stall door open as she mouthed the important bag inside her stall.

Sam turned to Oolsie, voice lazy and amused as she asked. "Well, we may have a change of plans. Do you mind if we move out tonight, milady? Or would you rather spend the night here?"