<JETMODE> <Kender> I can hunt, and I can defend myself ... but that's really all Dad taught me.

<TIAMAT> *Gilbert nods. "Well, that's a start. You'll need a bit more practice before I can take you on, though. If you feel confident, book yourself for a fight or two in the Arena and see how you do. Or else find a weapons or general fighting master to teach you a few things before trying your luck out there.

<JETMODE> <Kender> *slight swallow* I-if you say so.

<TIAMAT> *Gilbert laughs and claps Kender on the back. "You get to more or less pick your fights out there. Don't worry, they're not going to put you against a lion unless you ask them to. By the way, what'd you say your name was?

<JETMODE> <Kender> Oh! It's Kender.

<JETMODE> <Kender> And this is Cinno. *points at the cat, who preens*

<TIAMAT> *Gilbert: Kender, eh? A pleasure t'meetchya. And Cinno too, of course. The name's Gilbert. *he holds out a rough, grubby hand*

<JETMODE> *Kender takes it and grins. "Pleasure to meet you, sir."

<TIAMAT> *Gilbert leads Kender out of the stable and toward one of the fence gates, passing various strange animals on the way. "Right then, you go find yourself a fighting master to hang out with for a little while and get yourself a bit of experience and I'll be waitin' here when you're ready.

<JETMODE> <Kender> Sure thing! Thanks a bunch!

<TIAMAT> *Gilbert: My pleasure, my pleasure.

-- cut to Genoa and Whisper --

<JETMODE> *Genoa's in another bar, down underground. Menoie's Darklight.

<JETMODE> *She's at a corner table, glaring balefully at her ale and tapping one hand slowly on the table.

<TIAMAT> *Whisper wanders down to that bar in the dungeons -- the bartenderess is an old hag and most of the denizens are some sort of undead -- a number of ghosts and skeletons, a few zombies and even a lich and a vampire sitting over in the corner (they're rather rare).

<TIAMAT> *Live ones are rather rare down here themselves. :)

<TIAMAT> *Except for the necromancers, I guess there's a few of them.

<JETMODE> *Genoa occasionally dips a finger in her ale and drops a bit into the mouth of a small bat that appears to be keeping her company at her table. ^_^

<TIAMAT> *Whisper makes her way over to the table and slides into the booth opposite Genoa without asking permission and ignoring the occasional points and whispers she's receiving from the undead. :)

<JETMODE> <Genoa> *glances up* Oh. It's you.

<JETMODE> <Genoa> I saw you with a little country boy today.. looking for someone to warm your sheets at night?

<TIAMAT> *Whisper smiles wickedly at Genoa. "You only wish. His cat's cute.

<JETMODE> <Genoa> *arches an eyebrow* I never would have thought that of you.

<TIAMAT> *Whisper shrugs. "Just because I'm an assassin doesn't mean I'm out to kill everything that moves.

<JETMODE> <Genoa> *sighs* That's not what I meant, and you know it. *feeds the bat again, then takes a sip and grimaces* Lousy ale.

<TIAMAT> *Whisper: This is a tavern of undead, you do realize.

<JETMODE> <Genoa> Well, that's no excuse for bad drinks. *rolls eyes* The company's better here than up there anyway. No noisy brutes and eager-to-please barmaids.

<TIAMAT> *Whisper chuckles. "Only you would say something like that, Genoa.

<JETMODE> <Genoa> *mildly* I've met a couple of very nice vampires here.

<TIAMAT> *Whisper: Falling for the bloodsucking undead now, are we? Just make sure one doesn't kiss you, he might try to bite you in the process.

<JETMODE> <Genoa> *sharp grin* I've made it very, very clear what my feelings are on that particular maneuver.

<TIAMAT> *Whisper: Yes, dearest, I know.

<JETMODE> <Genoa> *grimace* Damn pity I can't just borrow the army that's camped down here. It'd be over in a trice -- but then I wouldn't be able to defend my territory once it's won ...

<JETMODE> *The bat squeaks and she feeds it again.

<TIAMAT> *Whisper: How do you plan to take over that kingdom of yours, anyway? Even with training as a Death Knight, you won't be able to just march up to the gates and knock them down single handedly.

<JETMODE> <Genoa> Necromancy, pet. I do have a sideline in necromancy. Once I kill the little darlings, I can use them to kill each other. *contented sigh* The irony of it sweetens the wait somehow.

<TIAMAT> *Whisper, with a hint of sarcasm: How utterly delightful...

<JETMODE> <Genoa> Believe me, Whisper, if you were in my position, you'd feel the same way.

<TIAMAT> *Whisper: Yes, I suppose. I'm just glad I'm not in your position.

<JETMODE> <Genoa> *pets the bat's head with her finger, feeding it again* He's awfully cute, I think I'll keep him.

<TIAMAT> *Whisper: A wonderful pet, I'm sure. What's his name?

<JETMODE> <Genoa> Oh, I don't know. What do you think? Rex or Killer?

<JETMODE> *The bat squeaks.

<TIAMAT> *Whisper: One of Gilbert's dog's names is Rex.

<JETMODE> <Genoa> *sigh* Well, I guess that's out, then. How about Stellalune?

<TIAMAT> *Whisper arches an eyebrow. "Stellalune? Sounds like some old sorceress.

<JETMODE> <Genoa> Goodness no. Bats are creatures of the stars and the moon.. I thought it appropriate.

<TIAMAT> *Whisper smiles sweetly. "Whatever makes you happy, Genoa dear.

<JETMODE> <Genoa> *scoops the bat up and settles it on her shoulder, where it catches her leather armor, squeaking* You needn't be so superior. Even I like pets.

<TIAMAT> *Whisper chuckles. "If you can like pets, then I can like men.

<JETMODE> <Genoa> Men get in the way. I'll look into men after I've battered those bastards into a pulp.

-- cut back to Kender and Jarod --

<JETMODE> *Kender's gotten quite lost. ^_^ He stumbled on that undead bar and bolted immediately, whimpering to himself, then nearly walked into the stadium by accident, and now he's in one of the upper areas, staring glumly down at a battle. Cinno is complaining loudly next to him. He's hungry.

<TIAMAT> *Voice from behind Kender: Wow, you sure look glum, chum. What happened, lose a battle and a bunch of gold?

<JETMODE> *Kender nearly jumps out the window, spinning to face the speaker. "Uh -- er -- no, not at all. I just got lost."

<JETMODE> *Cinno bristles.

<TIAMAT> *The speaker is a sandy-brown, messy-haired guy, probably a little older than Whisper, with a rogueish hint in his eyes, wearing a cream-and-light blue robe with a hood, which is currently down. He walks over next to Kender and leans against the window sill, looking down at the battle. "They really ought to have maps around here, you know?

<JETMODE> <Kender> Yeah.. at least there are enough places to eat, even if you can't find where you're supposed to be quartered.

<TIAMAT> *Jarod glances at him. "Quartered? There's really no quartering here...you find an inn and ask for a room and hope something's available. Usually there's room somewhere. Lady Gwendolyn's got the whole of the first floor she rents out at good prices for weeks at a time, if you know you'll be here that long.

<JETMODE> <Kender> *somewhat crestfallen* I'm gonna be here for more than that .. I can't afford an inn for that long.

<TIAMAT> *Jarod: Contestants who fight here on a regular basis get discounts for their rooms at Lady Gwen's. That's what I do. And if you manage to beat up on the right opponent you can really win big, which'll cover you for a long time.

<JETMODE> <Kender> *warily* I guess..

<JETMODE> *Cinno hops down and starts sniffing around Jarod's feet, tail lashing quietly.

<TIAMAT> *Jarod: You don't sound convinced of something. *Jarod glances down at Cinno and nudges him gently with his foot.

<JETMODE> *The cat half hops away and swats at the foot.

<JETMODE> <Kender> Well.. I'm just not sure where I should stay until I actually have enough money... I don't have very much.

<TIAMAT> *Jarod: Look, kid, *he puts his arm around Jarod's shoulder and starts leading him toward the stairs* Lady Gwen's great at striking up deals for newbies. And if you're at the Arena, you're gonna be doing some fighting sooner and later. And when there's fighting, there's always money involved.

<JETMODE> <Kender> I suppose so.. *trusting look* Have you been here long?

<JETMODE> *Cinno follows, yawling indignantly.

<TIAMAT> *Jarod: Couple weeks I guess...long enough to know the ropes. Battles really aren't that difficult. I mean, yeah, every once in a while you see some stupid brawny fighter go charging in there and get himself eaten by a pack of wolves, but that doesn't happen often.

<JETMODE> <Kender> *restrains a cringe, going a little green in the face* I-is that so ...

<TIAMAT> *Jarod: Just remember to start out small and you'll be okay.

<JETMODE> <Kender> Uh.. okay.. I'm not even sure where to go to start at all.

<TIAMAT> *Jarod: Did you register down in the entrance hall?

<JETMODE> <Kender> *blankly* Register?

<TIAMAT> *Jarod: Can't fight in the Arena unless you register. Come on, I'll show you. *he leads Kender down to the ground floor, through the training areas and back to the entrance hall. A large desk sits in one corner where a couple of pretty girls are chatting with each other and occasionally taking scribbling something down in notebooks whenever someone approaches.

<JETMODE> <Kender> *watches the girls curiously*

<TIAMAT> *One looks like she's part furry. She's got pointy ears and a short muzzle, and her skin is covered in very fine, golden blond fur.

<TIAMAT> *Jarod gives him a push toward the desk. "Well, go on then!

<TIAMAT> *Not a hard push.

<JETMODE> *Kender stumbles forward. "Er.. I'm here to register?"

<TIAMAT> *The furry girl blinks down at him from the desk (which is elevated slightly in the back, setting the girls up higher than most people in front of them) and smiles sweetly. "Of course, sweetie. What's your name?

<JETMODE> <Kender> Kender Oanesdale.

<JETMODE> *Cinno yawls and hops up on the counter, lashing his tail.

<TIAMAT> *The other girl, a young human, jumps up and runs over to the counter. "Oooh what a sweet kitty cat!" She strokes him lovingly and scratches under his chin, giggling, while the furry writes down Kender's name in a huge leatherbound book.

<JETMODE> *Cinno purrrrrs. He's such an attention hog. Kender's going to have NO trouble getting along with the ladies if he's along.

<JETMODE> <Kender> I'm glad you like him, ma'am. *shy grin*

<TIAMAT> *Human girl: Ohh, did you hear that, Sylva? What a gentleman! *she giggles. The furry rolls her eyes playfully. "No need for formalities, honey. I'm Sylva and this is Cindy. *Cindy blushes and giggles again.

<JETMODE> *Kender coughs and goes a little red himself. "Nice to meet you both."

<TIAMAT> *Jarod is actually watching all this with great amusement. :)

<TIAMAT> *Cindy leans against the counter of the desk and grins at Kender. "Oooh, he's got good manners, he's a fighter here at the Arena and he's got an adorable kitty...and he's even kinda cute!! *A considerably large (probably a half-orc or something) barbarianish-looking guy had been standing in line behind Kender and is quickly losing his patience. "Oy, pip-squeek! Get yer little country rear outta the way so others can get their chance, eh?

<JETMODE> <Kender> *had been about to stammer something out at Cindy, gives startled yelp* Sorry, sir -- I'll hurry.

<JETMODE> *Cinno hisses at the guy.

<TIAMAT> *Sylva frowns at the orc. "Hey, shaddup, you! *she reaches under the counter and pulls out an empty glass bottle, which she throws at the orc. It smacks him in the head and he stumbles back, roaring in pain. Sylva ignores this and smiles down at Kender. "You just gotta learn to ignore some of the idiots around here, sweetie, and stick up for yourself when they start botherin' you.

<JETMODE> <Kender> *blinking* Okay.. heh. *sheepish grin* I do have a lot to learn.

<TIAMAT> *The orc is rambling curses under his breath. Jarod looks a little uneasy. He approaches Kender and puts a hand on his shoulder. "All registered, are you? Perhaps we should be going..." Cindy and Sylva look a little crest fallen.

<JETMODE> <Kender> Er.. yeah, I guess so. I'll stop by again sometime. *smiles cheerfully at the two*

<TIAMAT> *Cindy scratches behind Cinno's ear one last time while Sylva grins and waves at Kender as Jarod pulls him toward the training grounds; the orc seems to have regained his senses a little, but doesn't see Jarod and Kender as they retreat. "Where is that little country bumpkin!? I'll rip him in two--

<JETMODE> *Kender eeps.

<TIAMAT> *Jarod: I think mayhaps it's time we disappear, eh? *he pulls Kender quickly through the training grounds, blending in with the crowd. The orc doesn't appear to be following.

<JETMODE> *Kender, dragged along, looks a little upset. "I didn't mean to make anyone angry --"

<TIAMAT> *Jarod: Aw, don't sweat it, kid. Orc's are cranky when someone gets in their way, but they're usually so stupid that you can easily avoid a fight. Besides, it was that furry girl who threw the bottle at him.

<JETMODE> <Kender> Well, he was yelling about ME. I don't think she's in any particular danger, if she can throw bottles that hard.

<TIAMAT> *Jarod laughs. "That orc's probably forgotten all about you already. Like I said, they're pretty dim.

<JETMODE> <Kender> Well, hopefully. Where are we going?

<JETMODE> *Cinno, BTW, is clinging to Kender's backpack, making his feelings about this abundantly clear.

<TIAMAT> *Jarod: Um...*he stops and looks around; they're in the archery range. "You need a room, right? Let's go see Lady Gwen. You can sign up for your first battle there too.

<JETMODE> <Kender> All right. *scoops Cinno into his arms and pets him, muttering soothingly*

<JETMODE> *The cat is indignant.

<TIAMAT> *Jarod leads Kender up to the next floor, which is, indeed, like a giant inn (part of it's an infirmary too, I think.) The floor is divided up into many small rooms, each with a single bed and a dresser or something, not very big, but where a lot of the competators stay while they're at the Arena. It's more of an appartment complex than an Inn.

<JETMODE> *Freaky. Kender looks around, all bemused. He apparently hasn't been to this floor before.

<TIAMAT> *Jarod leads Kender over to the main desk where a pretty elf girl is reading a book. She glances up and smiles as they approach. "Ah, Jarod, if I recall correctly.

<TIAMAT> *Jarod bows slightly. "Lady Gwendolyn, a pleasure to see you. May I introduce...ah...Kender Oansdale.

<JETMODE> <Kender> Nice to meet you, ma'am. *grins*

<JETMODE> *Cripes, he's still holding the cat. Cinno yawls.

<JETMODE> <Kender> Er. *sheepish grin* This is Cinno, my partner.

<JETMODE> *Cinno mrrs and swishes his tail.

<TIAMAT> *Gwen smiles and holds out her hand -- to be kissed, not shook. :P Yeah, she's one of those. "An honor, I'm sure, both of you.

<JETMODE> *Kender, not completely unschooled, shifts Cinno over to one arm, takes Gwennie's hand and kisses it lightly. The cat doesn't particularly appreciate the change.

<TIAMAT> *Gwen: Well, now, what can I do for you, my young friend? A room, perhaps? I have a lovely suite, just opened up today after that knight, Sir Varios left...

<JETMODE> <Kender> *standing straight again and shifting Cinno back* Er.. I can't actually afford much right now.. I just got here.

<TIAMAT> *Gwen nods. "Ah yes, another newbie...just like Jarod here. *she smiles sweetly at Jarod, he manages a smile back, but doesn't exactly take that comment as a compliment. :) "Well, I can give you a small room with a bed and a dresser starting at 15 gold a week.

<JETMODE> <Kender> *fumbles at his pouch for a minute, looks at the coins, then nods weakly* I think I can afford that ...

<JETMODE> <Kender> . o O (For two weeks ...)

<TIAMAT> *Gwen claps her hands together. "Wonderful! *she digs out another one of those large, leatherbound books from under the counter and flips it open, dipping a white quill in some black ink. "Now, what did you say your name was?

<JETMODE> <Kender> Kender Oanesdale.

<JETMODE> *He scratches Cinno's ears quietly.

<TIAMAT> *Gwen: Wonderful. *She takes the gold and deposites it...somewhere...then takes a key from a large rack and hands it to Kender. "Your room's right next to Jarod's. You don't mind showing him, do you? *she smiles at Jarod again, who grins and agrees. Gwen: Wonderful. Do enjoy your stay, dear. I'll let you know when rent is due again next week. *she goes back to doing whatever she was doing before they showed up.

<JETMODE> *Kender nods quickly. "Thanks, ma'am."

<TIAMAT> *Jarod leads Kender to his room. "See, that's not so bad. And 15 gold will be a puddle compared to what you start gaining in the Arena.

<JETMODE> <Kender> IF I start gaining in the arena.

<TIAMAT> *Jarod: Aw, don't worry, you will. Look...if you're so worried about it, how about we fight a battle or two together? Groups can enter too.

<JETMODE> <Kender> Think so? It might be fun that way.

<TIAMAT> *Jarod: Yeah, sure. Come on, I'll show you where to sign up.

<TIAMAT> *Back outside (I assume we stopped in Kender's room...) there's another desk set in a dark corner. A grizzled old man is behind it, muttering to himself and jotting down things in another one of those large, leather bound books (there's a lot of them here). He glances up as the duo approaches. "Name?

<JETMODE> <Kender> Er. Kender Oanesdale. *he's getting tired of saying that*

<TIAMAT> *Jarod: And Jarod Delos.

<TIAMAT> *Old man: You're fighting together?

<JETMODE> *Kender glances at Jarod.

<TIAMAT> *Jarod nods. The old man mutters some more and scribbles their names down. "What're you fighting?

<TIAMAT> *Jarod: What d'ya think?

<JETMODE> <Kender> *shrug*

<TIAMAT> *Jarod: Well, you're the one wh was worried about getting eaten in your first battle.

<JETMODE> <Kender> *slightly grumpy look* If it comes to that, I can run.

<TIAMAT> *The old man snorts. "There's no running in the Arena. You can always surrender if you're really that compelled to, but most of the matches aren't life-or-death anyway.

<JETMODE> <Kender> *gives the man a hard look* You've never seen me run, sir.

<TIAMAT> *The old man sighs and shakes his head. "So, what're you fighting?