<blockquote class="uncited"><div>"WHAAAAAAT?!"</div></blockquote><br/>Diplomatic training for a watch adjutant is surprisingly comprehensive. This is as it should be- the Rubinite half of the watch is expected to be the levelheaded member of each officer's pair, and should have a peaceful solution ready. (or at least a nonlethal one, if negotiations turn hostile.) Alyssa is well-versed in the etiquette of most Brilanian minorities, and knows how to avoid most serious faux pas when dealing with Prometa's natives.<br/><br/>Enraged simian seneschals, however, were never part of the standard curriculum.<br/><br/>The old vanara's sudden outburst catches Alyssa by surprise, sending her flinching back a step before stopping just out of reach of the ape's brandished cane. Her muscles tense, ready to sidestep and incoming blow as she scans the area to make sure no one else is in immediate danger if the vanara's temper worsens. A brawl in the middle of a crowded market square is the last thing she wants, especially on a day like today.<br/><br/>Fortunately, the vanara elder seems to come to the same conclusion a moment later, lowering his cane with a chuckle and a sheepish grin. Alyssa returns the gesture with a sympathetic smile, privately thanking Rubin for allowing cooler heads to prevail.<br/><br/><blockquote class="uncited"><div>"I mean, ah... Whaaaaat can I do for you, Missy?"</div></blockquote><br/><div style="padding: 3px; background-color: #FFFFFF; border: 1px solid #d8d8d8; font-size: 1em;"><div style="text-transform: uppercase; border-bottom: 1px solid #CCCCCC; margin-bottom: 3px; font-size: 0.8em; font-weight: bold; display: block;"><span onclick="if (this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display != '') {  this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = ''; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;hide&lt;/a&gt;'; } else { this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = 'none'; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;show&lt;/a&gt;'; }"><b>Spoiler: </b><a href="#" onclick="return false;">show</a></span></div><div class="quotecontent"><div style="display: none;">Diplomacy: 1d20 (19) + 14 = 33 (35 if the vanara elder is unfriendly or hostile)</div></div></div><br/>"I'm sorry to bother you," Alyssa says. "But the Lord Governor's speech will be commencing shortly, followed by the Celestial summoning. I've been asked to settle any disturbances in the marketplace before the ceremonies are underway, to ensure that there are no interruptions." She nods in the direction of the clamoring vanara troop at Larynn's stall, meeting the owner's eyes just long enough to confirm that she's being addressed as well. "They're not causing too much trouble for you, I hope?"