One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)
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		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Light =&gt; Light: Exotic Small Groups =&gt; Topic started by: RSGAlex on 10-04-2013, 03:43:26</h2>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RSGAlex</strong> on <strong>10-04-2013, 03:43:26</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>A golden crown/ sun goes up, sun comes down<br></em><br><br>Once more, the call buzzes in your head. It's not actually articulated in words, or even images, but the Dawn can feel it. The circle long divided wishes to unite.<br><br>The first time it was just sort of a short burst. Should meet up. Kind of like a passing fit of nostalgia. It never lasted very long, but usually felt a little stronger each time.<br><br><em>Two is for the moon at night / half in shadow, half in light.</em>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>10-04-2013, 03:55:25</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatright">(http://imageshack.us/a/img855/5968/dawnjp.jpg)</div><br>Valerie woke with a start, a soft glisten of shock like a splash of cold water as she sat up in her bed.&nbsp; The blankets fell away to reveal her soft pajamas, though no one was in the room.&nbsp; She sighed.&nbsp; Of course not.&nbsp; It was just another dream, one of the weirder ones she'd been having of late.<br><br>She remembered her friends, her family, the Circle.&nbsp; Although it had started out in fractured images, the oncoming storm of the repeated dreams meant that she had little choice but to accept that she had to help get everyone together again.&nbsp; No doubt they were looking for her as well.<br><br>She looked over at the alarm clock.&nbsp; It wasn't even morning yet.&nbsp; Oh well, so she would get an early start today.&nbsp; It wasn't anything that the Heartwings didn't deal with on a constant basis.&nbsp; Everything that movies had books had taught her said that she had to keep them looking up to her, even though she would much rather treat them as friends than subordinates.&nbsp; Unless she needed their help, anyway...<br><br>Undressing, showering and the rest of her morning ritual went by in a flash as her mind raced.&nbsp; Soon enough she was slipping her orichalcum chain shirt on between a bikini and a T-shirt as usual.&nbsp; She hated the nature of the thing, how it made her breasts look so tiny by squeezing her chest together, but she had to get used to wearing it.&nbsp; Sooner or later the real challenges would begin.<br><br>So dressed, and putting on the rest of her artifacts, she left the plush room to begin her day.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RSGAlex</strong> on <strong>10-04-2013, 04:16:46</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				The rest of the hotel (well, perhaps not some of the guests) had also started a new day. A mister De Leon is getting a wake up call, as is the Adams couple.<br><br>A few new arrivals wait as somebody checks in. Food is brought in. The routine of the day for the hotel seems like it will go on uninterrupted.<br><br>And when Valerie emerges, it still does. Other than the dream, it could have been any nice day in the last, well, since she'd taken the Second Breath. There's a report on the way about a fallen tree, but otherwise the day seems clear.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>10-04-2013, 04:22:15</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatright">(http://imageshack.us/a/img855/5968/dawnjp.jpg)</div><br>The mention of the fallen tree caught her attention as she got some breakfast, but mostly she was just trying to put things together in her head.&nbsp; When that failed, she had to figure out the correct wording.<br><br>A half an hour later, she went up to the front desk and offered a note.&nbsp; "Hey, Valerie," the girl behind the counter said with a smile.&nbsp; Her name tag said Sally, though Valerie couldn't honestly remember meeting her.<br><br>"Hi, Sally."&nbsp; She offered over the note.&nbsp; "Could you see that this is posted as a full-page ad in all the major newspapers?"<br><br>Sally looked over at the strange hieroglyphics, trying to make some sense of it.&nbsp; "Um, sure, but, what is it?"<br><br>"It's for people like me," Valerie explained.&nbsp; "I figured it'd be easiest if I just proved that it was me and told them where and when to go.&nbsp; I'll have to talk to the airport also so that people who can't afford plane tickets can give the password, 'The sun rises on the just and the unjust alike.'"<br><br>Nodding, Sally got to work on the computer.&nbsp; "Thank you, Valerie said," then went off into the woods to take a look at the tree.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RSGAlex</strong> on <strong>10-04-2013, 04:45:01</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				The tree itself looks mostly fine. Except for the part where it looks like it was uprooted because something heavy was hung from the top, and then the ground gave way before the tree did. Which wouldn't be that odd if this was a new transplant. But a tree that young would be somewhere not in the forests. Like say a planter. Or an office.<br><br>Some of the Heartwings have taken some initial statements, but nobody was really around for the actual falling. Or at least they didn't admit to being there.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Back at the Hotel</div><div class="spoiler_body">Sally smiles at her good luck. The first call's going great, because she managed to get somebody on the line pretty much immediately. Soon she'll be faxing over the glyphs to one newspaper, and then she can start the process with the next one on the list.</div></div><br>Although, there were some reports of seeing a strange guy coming out of the forest by a few people. But the reports conflict on appearance in a few places. Like hair color, and facial features.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>10-04-2013, 05:11:59</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatright">(http://imageshack.us/a/img855/5968/dawnjp.jpg)</div><br>Valerie takes her time, looking carefully over the tree and the surrounding area while she listens to the rumors.&nbsp; After a bit, she finds a footprint deep and focused enough to show the others.&nbsp; "See this?" she asks.&nbsp; "No treads.&nbsp; I bet the person's wearing moccasins.&nbsp; If it is the strange guy coming from the forest, then he should be easy enough to spot by that alone."&nbsp; She shrugged as she stood.&nbsp; "He hasn't done anything, but nobody should be able to bend a tree like that.&nbsp; Let me know as soon as you have a prospective target through the phones."<br><br>If the tree is blocking the path or anything, she'll also help to set it back up and away so that it won't be a problem for the others.&nbsp; She could break the tree in half if necessary, but if they had other plans for handling the plant, she would leave it up to them.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RSGAlex</strong> on <strong>10-04-2013, 05:32:53</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				The tree isn't blocking the way, thankfully. Also thankfully, she gets an almost immediate lead on the person. Matches one of the descriptions that they got (well, close enough), moccasins, and more importantly left a message at the hotel detailing the next few hours of his agenda.<br><br>So, Valerie knows the place he's going to eat, when he plans to go before he comes back, and even who he's meeting at the hotel (Attenborough).<br><br>And knows it soon enough that she can probably catch him mid-order.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>10-04-2013, 05:50:58</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				She leapt into the air, pushing the Essence into her wings to carry her about the island.&nbsp; A few of the motes pushed into her device, but they distorted, spraying away from her shoulders as the thing failed to activate.<br><br>What the?&nbsp; Maybe it was going to need more and better maintenance that she was able to provide.&nbsp; She'd done everything she could with the thing, tightening the connections and making sure the Essence was flowing right to the best of her ability, but it didn't really seem to be enough.<br><br>When another Solar appeared, maybe he or she could help her get it working right.<br><br>Instead she took into a run, heading for the restaurant at a dead pace and getting there the way that she came to the tree.&nbsp; The amount of time probably wouldn't make any significant difference, but it didn't make her worry any less.<br><br>Walking into the Tropical Sunrise, she gave the waiter a smile and ordered up a frozen mango smoothie "with just a touch of alcohol to brighten the day."&nbsp; Alcohol didn't seem to really affect her at all anymore, but it still brought back some nice memories, and left more people at ease that she wasn't some cold and heartless creature of death.<br><br>All that was left was to channel Essence into her ears to hear the truth of words (which she did) and go look for the man.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RSGAlex</strong> on <strong>10-04-2013, 06:08:10</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				The person's off in a corner, apparently having just completed his order after Valerie asked for her smoothie. There's a general look of confusion that she's seen a few times, usually when somebody drank too much and woke up not knowing what they did last night.<br><br>Then his appearance changes just a little, when she blinks. Brown hair becomes red. Still the same dark tan, and the clothes are still the same strange looking not quite familiar, but not out of place looking affair.<br><br>She does catch the glass of water jumping into his hand.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>10-04-2013, 06:13:24</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatright">(http://imageshack.us/a/img855/5968/dawnjp.jpg)</div><br>After getting her drink, Valerie moved over to him with a smile, taking a seat opposite him.&nbsp; "Hard night last night, huh?" she asked, sipping at the drink and giving him a chance to respond.&nbsp; Although obviously curious, she was also doing her best to be friendly, allowing him a chance to bring things up in conversation and not jump straight into it unless he got evasive.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RSGAlex</strong> on <strong>10-04-2013, 06:23:32</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				The man nods, and stretches a bit, neck popping. "Yeah. Probably should have been more-" he pauses, looking Valerie over a few times, "- moderate? I think that's what I want."<br><br>After a drink of water, he just says "Will. You?" Then, as if he forgot, he hurriedly asks what her stance is on the subject of dealing with a hangover. Hair of the dog, or a heavy breakfast. Possibly with oranges.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>10-04-2013, 06:27:44</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"Valerie."&nbsp; As he looked her over, she couldn't help but wonder whether he picked up something about her various artifacts: the orichalcum bracers and boots, as well as the necklace and chain shirt that were both hidden under her top.&nbsp; Then again, he might not even know, and she didn't want to be mean or press the issue too much.&nbsp; "I'd say to try both.&nbsp; Enough alcohol to dull the pain and a good breakfast to get your strength back.&nbsp; Try the frozen mango daquiries; they're fantastic."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RSGAlex</strong> on <strong>10-04-2013, 07:04:22</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Will laughs when you mention the mango daiquiris. "Actually, from hanging round with a friend, I've rather acquired a taste for grapes. You could probably have gotten my father and grandfather to go along with that. Alcohol for one, mangoes for the other."<br><br>He's holding something back in his response, but you can't really tell what.<br><br>A short woodwind instrument jumps across his idle hand, twirled between fingers effortlessly. "So, what brings me to your attention?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>10-04-2013, 07:10:40</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatright">(http://imageshack.us/a/img855/5968/dawnjp.jpg)</div><br>She listened with a nod as he talked about his ancestry, trying to soak in as much information as she could without pushing too hard.&nbsp; When he asked what got her attention, though, she decided to be honest, though she kept the casual and jovial attitude.&nbsp; "There's one of the trees further inland that got completely bent, which isn't a big deal in and of itself but we're looking into it to make sure everyone's okay."&nbsp; A sparkle of unrestrained curiosity lit up her eyes.&nbsp; "I've never really been normal myself, but I totally want to find out who's that strong and how.&nbsp; It must be a lot of fun."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RSGAlex</strong> on <strong>10-04-2013, 07:22:56</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Will laughs and grins a rather lupine grin. "Heh. You'd love my father and grandfather then. Both could do that with their hands, as opposed to me who has to cheat." Again, hiding something.<br><br>A large cup of juice gets brought to the table, with some buttered toast. "But if you wanna fight, it'll have to wait for after the meal. I already paid for it, and I'm not going to have it ruined by getting discorporated before I can enjoy it. Good with you, Lawgiver?"
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>10-04-2013, 07:29:37</strong>
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				<div class="floatright">(http://imageshack.us/a/img855/5968/dawnjp.jpg)</div><br>By the end of his words, curiosity turned to full-on excitement.&nbsp; She looked over to the waitress with a smile and a gesture.&nbsp; "Bring this man whatever meal he likes, on me."<br><br>She looked back to him.&nbsp; "Lawgiver..."&nbsp; The word rolled off her tongue like a half-forgotten memory, something which almost certainly couldn't be a surprise to him given how much he already seemed to know.&nbsp; "No, I have no interest in fighting you.&nbsp; Well, not unless you're hurting people or something.&nbsp; I want to know about you, to learn all the kinds of things that I should remember but haven't been really able to piece together yet.&nbsp; So much of it is still like..."&nbsp; She gestured her confusion.<br><br>However, her expression soon went apologetic.&nbsp; "Wow, if you knew the whole time, then I must have come off as really threatening.&nbsp; I'm sorry."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RSGAlex</strong> on <strong>10-04-2013, 07:39:01</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				He waves it off. "Been actually threatened and with worse. Hell, joining up the the Sun Dragon was worse because I eventually had to find my way out of Cecelyne all by my lonesome at one point. Besides you can't kill me, so while it'd hurt like hell, I'd end up fine."<br><br>He gulps down the juice, and makes a little small talk while his order cooks. "Now, I guess to start with, I'd have to ask how much you know about spirits. Oh, and Gaia. You'll need to know a bit about those, otherwise I'll have to start with explaining there first."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>10-04-2013, 07:59:56</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Cecelyne.<br><br>She remembered a science fiction story where someone had been trapped on a moon without a spacesuit.&nbsp; It was horrible, with the windy currents of the void ripping them apart while the finely ground sand beneath spread out in infinite directions, leaving no escape, no hope.<br><br>What was that story called?&nbsp; She couldn't remember.&nbsp; Certainly she'd avoid seeing a movie as gruesome as that, though.&nbsp; Had it really been a movie?<br><br>"I'd really much rather you start at the beginning," she said.&nbsp; "I know from movies and stuff, but a lot of that gets pretty conflicting.&nbsp; I'd much rather have someone tell me with certainty so that I didn't have to second-guess myself as the explanation went on."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RSGAlex</strong> on <strong>11-04-2013, 03:03:45</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Will takes a few moments to explain a little about the hierarchy of primordial spirits. All while drinking. At the bottom of the totem pole are spirits like him. They number in the lots. Above him are the second circles, who number in the hundreds per primordial. The Seconds are basically titans in miniature, lords and ladies of grand stature. The thirds are only typically a few dozen to a primordial, but each one is basically a god, unquestioned but by their equals and the primordial progenitor.<br><br>All that while drinking the juice. Then he speaks again. "For me, it goes that I descend from Freedan, who descends from the Eclipse Child, who descends from Gaia." The sentence is more compact in Old Realm, given that it has words to show this kind of heritage. "Got it?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>11-04-2013, 04:04:44</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				She nods as she listens.&nbsp; "Sounds simple enough.&nbsp; Thank you.&nbsp; But, why would people be attacking you?"&nbsp; That part confused her.&nbsp; Maybe the memories and dreams would shed some light on it...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RSGAlex</strong> on <strong>11-04-2013, 04:15:25</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Will shrugs. "The great majority of spirits I've met so far are either hostile by nature, hostile by politics, and passion morays."<br><br>He makes a few, only obliquely familiar hand gestures while speaking. "The first are too stupid to deal with, making nice with the second is contrary to what I'm wanting to do, and the third. Well, look. I don't have any particular desire to get my cherry back, metaphysically or literally. Should I have the desire or need, I know where the mothersucker is."<br><br>"So, what are you doing here, if I may ask."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>11-04-2013, 04:17:32</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"Well, I was normal up until the island here got attacked and I stepped in to help.&nbsp; Then I became a Lawgiver."&nbsp; The simple words caught her.&nbsp; "You know, it sounds so simple when I say it like that.&nbsp; It feels simple in many ways, like it just happened on its own, and everything went on from there..."&nbsp; Her eyes drifted as she thought about it.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RSGAlex</strong> on <strong>11-04-2013, 04:26:18</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				The spirit laughs. "I've heard several people describe the process. And had just as many different feelings. Granted, my question was less... existantial? Existential? Some word like that. I was just asking what you had planned."<br><br>A short pause, and the water glass gets emptied. "And it's easy to get swept up in things. Remind me to give you a chronicle of the Sun Dragon when you have a spare week to read in."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>11-04-2013, 04:27:59</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				She nodded.&nbsp; "Well, I've been helping teach people who want to learn how to be able to defend themselves and help others.&nbsp; I've also got some plans to find some more of us.&nbsp; After that, I'm thinking to start dealing with all the places of the world where tyranny and oppression can easily be washed away and give people a chance at a better life.&nbsp; Granted that it's much easier said than done, but that's part of why I'd never be able to do it alone."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RSGAlex</strong> on <strong>11-04-2013, 04:42:46</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Will nods. "Nice goal. I'll definitely have to check back here some time after you get a proper circle started. Perhaps once the Sword that Shakes the Mountains And Shakes the Seas and I are back on good terms."<br><br>He gestures with the flute, calling it to your attention. "I'd offer to help train, but I dunno how many spirit-flutes you have."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>11-04-2013, 04:43:41</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				She looks down curiously at it.&nbsp; "What's a spirit flute?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RSGAlex</strong> on <strong>11-04-2013, 04:53:12</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"A flute that's a spirit's." He spins the flute on the table in a way that, perhaps, flutes are not supposed to spin. They are also especially not supposed to change size.<br><br>"See, this one is mine, and I can go around beating the side of a building till I get tired of, and this flute will not be harmed. I can take a car apart with it, and it'll be fine."<br><br>"I prefer to use it as a kind of staff, but in a pinch it makes a good club or spear." Will smiles.<br><br>"So I can't really teach my specialty, seeing as the specialty weapon's not something I can just make. And besides, I'm sure that your methods are better if you use a charm."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>11-04-2013, 04:56:42</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				She listens for a few moments before nodding.&nbsp; "Simple enough.&nbsp; Yes, I have a Charm to help teach people very quickly.&nbsp; That's something I'm going to be working on later today.&nbsp; How about you?&nbsp; Just taking in the island and enjoying yourself?"&nbsp; A small smile came over her lips.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RSGAlex</strong> on <strong>11-04-2013, 05:13:02</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"For now, yes. Traveling and seeing how much the world has changed since I last walked upon it." He looks upwards. "That big vastness up there, didn't have it. Just a dome."<br><br>The food comes, and the spirit offers you some of it. After all, it's not like he'd starve.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>11-04-2013, 05:18:02</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"The sky?" she asks with curiosity.&nbsp; "Yeah, and there's space beyond that.&nbsp; Just vast emptiness where the sun, the moon and the stars float around."&nbsp; At the offer of the food, she gestured her dismissal.&nbsp; "I just ate beforehand.&nbsp; I should return the favor, though: would you like me to explain about Earth, then?&nbsp; I can show you television and the Internet, and that should be able to explain the rest easily enough."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RSGAlex</strong> on <strong>11-04-2013, 05:32:42</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				He laughs a little. "Space is what I meant. You had the dome of the sky, the sun and moon running along it, stars pinned to it, and the Wyld around Creation."<br><br>Will thinks for a bit. "I'll find you if the person I'm meeting doesn't help explain enough to me, if you don't mind. But if you want to explain something now, well, give me a local history lesson."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>11-04-2013, 06:09:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She nods at that.&nbsp; "I'm not difficult to get in touch with while I'm here.&nbsp; This is Respita, a family business that I'm supposed to take over, but I've obviously been too busy to give it my complete dedication.&nbsp; Basically a resort.&nbsp; I'll tell the staff to okay you for things if you like."<br><br>Pulling out her cell, she sends a Code Green message to the Heartwings that the man is friendly and not a threat.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RSGAlex</strong> on <strong>11-04-2013, 06:32:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Don't worry too much about me. Well, that's what I'd normally say. If you have a nice, semi-private place to have my little talk, that'd be great, otherwise, don't worry too much about me." He's doing that whole telepathy bit again.<br><br>"And don't worry, I know better than to use my more obvious charms around just anyone. It pays to not be completely obvious, yeah?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>11-04-2013, 07:20:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"We can look into more of a chat later," she agreed, "if you have more you want to discuss.&nbsp; As for being obvious, it doesn't bother me.&nbsp; I've never been anything but obvious around here."&nbsp; Her shrug suggested that she didn't see any real value in hiding her identity.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RSGAlex</strong> on <strong>12-04-2013, 03:58:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Will laughs. "Yeah, well, you don't have to worry about the same things I do. You're not a spirit. I'll probably approach you again later. Hope your training goes well."<br><br>As the spirit leaves, his appearance changes once again. Hair and height alike both increase.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Hotel</div><div class="spoiler_body">The second newspaper took a little longer to get everything arranged with, but it was still better than what she was going through with this one. Busy signals, left, right, and center. Two more calls, and then she'd move ahead in the list.</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>12-04-2013, 04:28:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"If you can't find me," she offers, "pretty much any of the Heartwings should know where I am.&nbsp; You may have to explain that you were the guy with the tree, though: I have a lot of fans."<br><br>With that done, she heads on back to the hotel for a bit, offering appreciation and encouragement with a bright smile.&nbsp; "Hey, how's it been going so far?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RSGAlex</strong> on <strong>12-04-2013, 04:55:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sally looks up from the list. "It's going well, Ma'am. Here's the list of prices. I've been faxing the design over after each call." She hands it over. There's a few that don't have check marks or prices next to the names, and she explains that she'll call them back once she gets done with the list.<br><br>Still, she managed to get almost halfway done. "I wonder what's keeping some of them so busy," the worker wonders aloud.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>12-04-2013, 05:19:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"...Actually, that's a very good question, Sally."&nbsp; She gives a warm smile.&nbsp; "Thank you."&nbsp; With that, she moved over to the lobby TV and switched the channel over to the news in order to investigate.&nbsp; Rarely was the television used this early in the morning by anyone anyway, since people usually checked in in the afternoon or evening.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RSGAlex</strong> on <strong>12-04-2013, 05:43:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"-quake. Which is quite unusual for the area..." Pretty much immediately after the channel changes, Valerie gets at least one answer. Too busy reporting on an unusual earthquake. Hell, an earthquake in Chad was about as expected as a rain of mice.<br><br>Presumably more places aren't reporting it because, well, there's not any outside confirmation that it was an earthquake and not... well, something else. But then again, earthquakes weren't know for being easily mistaken for something else.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>12-04-2013, 06:03:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She glances over to Sally, and if the clerk wasn't checking, made notice of the problem in order to explain.&nbsp; She then pulled out her cell phone, doing some research about Chad and distance.<br><br>Her first thought was to try to figure out some way to help out, but there didn't seem to be one.&nbsp; She couldn't even get there for at least 12 hours, probably a lot more if she did the proper math.&nbsp; However, it definitely fit with the types of places that she wanted to help fix, at least as much as she could read through a standard entry.<br><br>When it came down to it, though, she didn't speak the language and neither did any of her troops.&nbsp; It was just something that she was going to have to accept and defer for the time being.<br><br>"There'll be time for it when you can," Valerie said.&nbsp; "It's totally not your fault that there's an earthquake...if it really is an earthquake..."&nbsp; That last bit was concerning her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RSGAlex</strong> on <strong>12-04-2013, 06:21:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sally checks, and it doesn't seem that Chad's in what you'd call earthquake territory. Landslide, yes. Earthquake, no. So, something's probably rotten in the state of Denmark.<br><br>She also asks if you want her to go back to the ones that she couldn't get a hold of and try again, or keep on going down the list.<br><br>A few of the Heartwings pass through the lobby, and give their hellos as they do so.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>12-04-2013, 06:24:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Valerie leaves the television on to show about Chad.&nbsp; They may well have something to request or suggest as well.&nbsp; She tries her best to always listen, even as she tries to keep from showing how little she still truly understands about the life she's found for herself.<br><br>"Yeah, picked up on that," she said, worry entering her tone.&nbsp; "As far as the list, I'd say to move on for now and just go back to them later."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RSGAlex</strong> on <strong>12-04-2013, 06:40:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Will do, boss." Sally quiets up as she starts up on the list again. Only for a little while, though. It's hard to make a call without speaking. She writes something down and then holds it up for Valerie to see.<br><br>The little post-it reads, 'did you manage to talk to any of the airport people', no question mark.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>12-04-2013, 06:41:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Giving Sally a smile, she stepped away, pulling out her cell phone and calling up the airport.&nbsp; At the very least, she could check that as well.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RSGAlex</strong> on <strong>12-04-2013, 06:52:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Hello, Miss Kyleson, is this for business, more business, or personal matters?" The call was picked up and answered pretty quickly.<br><br>Sounds like a new-ish person. Or perhaps just one that didn't work when Valerie normally called.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>12-04-2013, 07:04:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Hey there," she said with a smile.&nbsp; "I was wondering if you had any info on the Chad situation, but primarily I wanted to get an account set up.&nbsp; If anyone gives the password 'The sun rises on the just and the unjust alike' to the airport, give them a ticket to Respita paid for under my account.&nbsp; I'm trying to find some people."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RSGAlex</strong> on <strong>12-04-2013, 07:10:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Clakkity-clack. The typing can be heard over the line. The worker quotes it back at you, just in case. It's right, so no need to correct anything. "The additional charges will be delivered at the end of the month, with the regular bill."<br><br>And then the Chad situation. Clakkity-clacky-clickity-clack. "Well, it seems like as far as planes and airlines are concerned, nothing vital's been damaged. Or at least not with the people we tend to receive from. Anything else Miss Kyleson?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>12-04-2013, 07:12:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Sounds great; thank you very much.&nbsp; Are you new, by the way, or have we just not met yet?&nbsp; I don't recognize your voice."&nbsp; She listened in case she heard any degree of being busy, since she didn't want to make herself a bother in trying to be friendly.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RSGAlex</strong> on <strong>12-04-2013, 07:21:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"New. Just joined a little while ago. They have me on one of the slower shifts until I get more experience. If you'd called about five minutes later, I'd have probably already been off shift."<br><br>Ding. "Oh, we did get one cancellation notice, wait. Nevermind. It's not based in Chad."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>12-04-2013, 07:42:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Well, welcome to the group, glad to have you on," she said politely.<br><br>"Hmm, probably not that important, but any sign of who it is?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RSGAlex</strong> on <strong>12-04-2013, 07:47:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Lesse. Some independent flier. I can leave a note for the next shift to see if he's got a file, but I'm not seeing anything on a basic look-up."<br><br>More typing. "Oh, yeah, definitely minor. Two wings, three people deal."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>12-04-2013, 07:50:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"If I might ask, what names are listed?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RSGAlex</strong> on <strong>12-04-2013, 08:12:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Just the pilot, a J. Avery. He has a three person plane, and this time is coming in with ... doesn't say. Might not be anyone this time, could just be coming here for himself."<br><br>There's a small flurry of typing. "Yeah, seems to be just the pilot this time. "
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>12-04-2013, 08:39:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Just curious, thank you."&nbsp; She'd have to check with Will if that was the same guy.&nbsp; "Talk to you later."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RSGAlex</strong> on <strong>12-04-2013, 22:39:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				A few people start climbing out of bed, and making their way through the lobby, out to do ... something. Leave, eat, enjoy themselves.<br><br>A few more of the Heartwings report in, nothing unusual happening at the moment, which is always good news.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>12-04-2013, 22:52:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				With everything calming down, she sends out a text to the lieutenants, who can let the other troops know.<br><br>"Going to set up a Dodge Ball game for the people who still need more practice in dodging.&nbsp; 10am at the usual spot on the beach.&nbsp; Please make sure any troops who need the practice attend."<br><br>She then took off her necklace, taking a closer look at the thing and trying to figure out what was wrong with it.&nbsp; Over the last few months, it seemed to be getting worse and worse off, but she wasn't quite sure what to do about it.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RSGAlex</strong> on <strong>15-04-2013, 05:22:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She soon gets responses back from the lieutenants. No surprises, just yeses. A few moments looking does reveal something new to Valerie.<br><br>There's a few black-ish blotches on the back of the necklace, but they come off with a little bit of thumb pressure. Perhaps some kind of build up? But from what?<br><br>"Two more done," Sally calls out.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>15-04-2013, 05:40:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Taking out a napkin from one of the boxes on a nearby table, Valerie rubbed off the blotches and looked them carefully over.&nbsp; Although she had no idea what it was, maybe someone else did.<br><br>She tossed Sally a smile, then stood up.&nbsp; "Okay, I need to get to Heartwing training.&nbsp; If there are any other problems, just do your best."&nbsp; With a wave, she went off to the supply closet to get the bags of dodge balls and court lines, then went out to the beach to start setting up.&nbsp; No doubt a few would be there early as well in order to help out."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RSGAlex</strong> on <strong>15-04-2013, 05:57:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Valerie manages to get to the supply closet a bit after one of the cleaning crew. She knows this because she sees the worker pass by with the cleaning trolley, and some supplies.<br><br>None of the ones for the training, but that would be highly unusual if it were the case. Although, a spare trolley would be wonderful for the purposes of bringing everything all at once.<br><br>Eh, there's probably on in there somewhere.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>15-04-2013, 06:04:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As she looks through everything, it occurs to her that she's not easily going to be able to just fly all the balls and lines down, at least until she figures out how it can be properly fixed.<br><br>However, it wouldn't require a trolley.&nbsp; She just sent out a text, "Anyone who's ready to help me set up for dodge ball, please meet me at the supply closet."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RSGAlex</strong> on <strong>15-04-2013, 06:30:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Three people arrive more or less at the same time. More than enough to set up a regulation game of dodge ball. More importantly, enough to set up the game of dodge ball that Valerie had in mind.<br><br>And with the people that were at the proper place on the beach, it would get set up with some time to spare.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>15-04-2013, 06:35:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Once everyone was ready and people were divided into teams, taking care to make sure that people stayed in the same teams as the rest of their squads, Valerie gave an opening speech.&nbsp; "Alright, everyone," she said, holding up one of the balls to show.&nbsp; "For those who haven't done this before, this is a dodge ball.&nbsp; If you hit someone on the other team with a ball, they're out.&nbsp; If you catch the ball they've thrown at you, they're out and you get one of your team members back.&nbsp; If you're out, stand outside the lines and get the balls for your teammates that go outside the lines."<br><br>It was rather simple, but she never wanted to make anyone feel embarrassed if they didn't know.&nbsp; "If I think you're not paying attention, I might try throwing a ball at you also.&nbsp; If I hit you, you're out, but if you catch it and prove me wrong, you get two people back."&nbsp; Keeping one ball for herself, she had the rest divided up evenly among the number of teams.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RSGAlex</strong> on <strong>20-04-2013, 04:05:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Even if they haven't played, everyone gets the idea easily and quickly enough. The first round finishes quickly due to a streak of dumb luck on the receiving side. Two picture perfect rebounding shots, the likes of which even you wouldn't be able to reproduce (yet), which surround a catch just cut the serving side down to size. Three on the first one, and an impressive four on the second.<br><br>The first match, yeah, it's basically over after that. There's a valiant struggle, but it goes as expected.<br><br>The second match is more interesting because it's twenty minutes in, and nobody has managed more than a lucky double, excepting a few cases where Valerie gets people out or back in.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>20-04-2013, 04:12:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As the games go through, she makes her pleasure and displeasure known, rarely outright yelling at anyone beyond the rare shout of, "Pay attention!"&nbsp; Training is just as much about teamwork, and she needs to harden the weak links.&nbsp; Of course, knowing that doesn't harden her any, and she does her best to give praise to the winners without chastising the losers.<br><br>On occasion, her eyes flit to the leaders of the various groups, checking to make sure that they had no problems.&nbsp; This wasn't just about her, no matter how much it felt that way sometimes.&nbsp; Even if it was, she couldn't be everywhere at once.<br><br>Without warning, she suddenly whizzed her ball towards one of the newer troops.&nbsp; She didn't know his name yet but he'd been busy catching one ball and dodging another that he'd missed the third.&nbsp; To her, it was an unlucky break, not that the presence or absence of luck made it acceptable to fail.<br><br>As she'd hoped, he caught the ball, and the look of surprise on his face only tightened when her approving smile fell upon him.&nbsp; She raised her hand, he tossed the ball back, and she gestured to him once more.&nbsp; "You're back in."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RSGAlex</strong> on <strong>20-04-2013, 05:24:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				One of the next highlights of a match is a stunning rally recovery that brings the team back into contention for a win. They eventually don't, but it's hard fought, and a matter of inches. Or a lucky catch. You know, any small thing could have potentially changed things in a big way.<br><br>Another game starts to drag a bit, as it eventually grinds down to a last few that are pretty evenly matched. Without a certain bit of outside aid, the game probably would have dragged on till somebody tripped.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>20-04-2013, 05:29:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She watches closely and cautiously, always trying to keep thinking for another mix, a way to keep things going so that boredom and complacency wouldn't set in.&nbsp; As the next game drags into a serious lull, she picks out two players from each side that had each been waiting for a while.&nbsp; "Reinforcements!" she yells and gestures them in.&nbsp; "Sometimes the best thing you can do is keep your assailants blocked down until help comes.&nbsp; Sometimes you have to make sure you don't take too long if they have their friends coming.&nbsp; Make sure you're aware of the difference and whether time is your friend or your adversary."<br><br>Sometimes the words that came out of her mouth didn't even feel like they were hers.&nbsp; It made her feel ancient, as if the inexorable grind of centuries had forced her into such thoughts.&nbsp; It partially offered aid in not having to spend forever to gain wisdom, yet she wasn't sure she fully wanted to remember the painful lessons taught with blade and fire that granted her former lives such discoveries.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RSGAlex</strong> on <strong>21-04-2013, 07:37:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The immediate result of her words is that the Heartwings pause a moment and Think, with a capital Th. Somebody has the actual forethought to go and throw the ball while everyone's distracted. Fortunately, the toss hits the mark, which makes it sneaky. If it missed, then it would just be sad.<br><br>While there's a few cries of foul as the game gets back into action, most probably just regret not having the idea first. Or at least not taking the inattentive and getting the ball for those on the other side.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One is For (Prelude for To a World of Darkness 1)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>21-04-2013, 07:43:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Although she doesn't step in on matters against that one, she does make sure that the game is stopped when she changes the rules.&nbsp; After all, she didn't want to punish someone for being clever enough to use a trick which may well save his life in the field.<br><br>"For the next round, lieutenants, got your stopwatches ready?"&nbsp; She looks to the two of them, making sure that they did, before continuing.&nbsp; "Every sixty seconds that go by where no one on your team has gotten anyone on the other team out, whether through hitting them with the ball or catching a thrown ball, the other team gets a player back.&nbsp; People who are out, watch the lieutenants on the other side for signals that you're back in the game.&nbsp; Attrition tactics are important but sometimes you need to be ready to speed things up.&nbsp; Now, play ball!"<br><br>She would just have to remember to end each speech from there on in with those two words.&nbsp; No doubt they would talk amongst themselves later to remember her words.
			</dd>
		</dl>
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