<blockquote><div><cite>Mindy wrote:</cite><span style="font-style: italic">~Already? You mean, with Jess?! Well, wow. That's really impressive. I've only let myself be swallowed under more... controlled circumstances. Never with a more avid pred like Jess. You're a lot braver than I am... ~</span></div></blockquote><br/><span style="font-style: italic">~I suppose it was quite brash of me to approach her,~</span>Alyssa admits.<span style="font-style: italic">~But I don't believe I was ever in any real danger. Jess's predatory instinct is strong, but but I sensed another instinct within her as well: a noble, protective side, keeping her bestial urges in check. As long as that noble instinct remains, I don't think she would ever harm me, or you, any of us... certainly not intentionally,~</span>she adds as she recalls the devoured pillow from earlier this morning.<br/><br/><blockquote><div><cite>Mindy wrote:</cite><span style="font-style: italic">~How was-~<br/><br/>~Err- sorry to cut this short, but could we finish this conversation later? I’d like to talk about this more, but if this goes on, someone's going to get suspicious, or get the wrong idea about why we’re blushing so much. I’m… not sure which is worse.~</span></div></blockquote><br/>Ironically, it's Mindy's own admission of her embarrassment that sends Alyssa into her deepest blush yet.<span style="font-style: italic">~Y-yes, I suppose you're right~</span>she stammers.<span style="font-style: italic">~I look forward to conversing further...~</span>With that, she pardons herself and heads for the registration desk.<br/><br/>- - - - -<br/><br/>Alyssa steps aside to allow Yuki and then Mindy their respective opportunities to peruse the scroll, listening and nodding thoughtfully as each gives their own assessment of the rules.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">~We won't have much recourse if the Sogluyem change the rules during a match,~</span>she says.<span style="font-style: italic">~We'll have to finish our battles quickly, to avoid giving them the opportunity to do so.~</span>She pauses for a moment, then adds,<span style="font-style: italic">~We should register soon, as well, or at least spread ourselves out. Five of us gathered at the registrar without speaking is likely to raise suspicions... or, they might try to fine us for loitering.~</span><br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">~Lady Auralia, Sir Rihyan, have you made your decision?~</span>