Raz's journal of Languages

[Aerimor]

*Razeriem enters the Arms and looks around for Viper.*

*Viper is sitting in the back corner near the statue of the Norseman, in her normal gear minus her pack, which is sitting next to her on the couch*

*When Raz actually notices Viper is unclear as he is half way to her before he sets his eyes on her.*
*He is dressed in silk blue pants and a red silk shirt*

*she points to the seat across from her*

*As he nears Viper he starts to motion and does not complete the action as she motions herself.*

So what's the plan?  This will be quiet enough for you?

*her hands are gloved in thin black gloves and she reaches towards the table towards a card that has written on it "The alphabet"*

*sits in the indicated spot* Already have a drink?  Want me to order us one?

*points at the card again*

*eyes drift over the card as he offers* Well then, ready when you're ready.
*puts his feet up on a piece of furniture and watches Viper*

*she nods once and holds up a hand, forming it, and then holding it that way as if waiting*

*nods once*

*continues to hold her hand formed as she has it, and with the other hand she motions for him in a way to suggest he should follow along*

*chuckles* Why don't you go through the whole thing and then I'll see if I can repeat it back to you.  *winks*

*tilts her head slightly, then proceeds to go through the entire alphabet quickly*

*spot check* *Int check* *Dex check* 19/14/11 *unmodified*
*repeats back the signs at half the speed, having more than the gist of them.  A few of the letters less than perfect but all recognizable.*
Do L and W again?

*she nods slightly, then taps her lips, and points to Raz, then makes the signs for the alphabet again, then repeats L and W*

That's what I thought.  *Attempts to make them perfect.*  Ellll,  Double- You.

*slowly she signs each letter:  R- E- P- E- A- T*

*sighs softly and starts repeating the motions and says with thick dolldrums each letter as he repeats.*  *Dex check* *natural 20*

*nods once, then signs A-G-A-I-N*

Do I have to say each this time?

*nods once*

*rolls eyes*

*her expression is nothing but the dark black metal of her mask*

*begins signing with his left hand and says each letter in Elven.* *dex check* *17 unmodified*
Why don't you have me spell words now?  Or randoms letters as you call them.  Strike that. *grins*

*points at Raz, then taps her lips, and makes the letter V*

*general Int check for the mini session* *19 unmodified*
Veee *continues random letters for the next five minutes identifying each correctly.*

*Signs the letters slowly, pausing between words A-S-K    F-O-R    W-O-R-D*

Now we are talking  *enthuasiastically*

*no visible response*

Dashing.

*shows him the sign*

*grins and mimics it* You know...I should ask you a few basics first I guess.
Who? When? Where? Why? How? What?

*goes through each sign, then repeats them again twice, pausing between each one, then waits for him to repeat them*

*Repeats each sign without complaint, seeming to be much more into the lesson now.*

*sign spells P-R-A-C-T-I-C-E, then pauses and shows him the sign for Practice*

*grins and returns the sign for practice*

*sign spells N-A-M-E and points at him*

I can bring a book in when we are ready and we can go over the whole story as *signs practice.*

*sign spells "Name" again, then taps her own chest.  She then sign spells S-N-A-K-E and makes the sign for snake, then signs B-L-A-D-E and makes the sign for blade.  Then she makes what looks to be a combination of the two signs and then sign-spells V-I-P-E-R. she then taps her chest once more*

*dex check general for a while* *12 unmodified*
Snake *signs snake*  Blade *signs blade* Viper *signs a decent Viper*

*points at him, then signs C-H-O-O-S-E*

I like that, we need a sign for Raz.  What should combine?

*nods once*

Dashing? A'lnoth? and Blade?  *raises an eyebrow in inquiry*
What's the sign for Magic or Al'noth?

*makes the sign for magic*

*Makes the sign for magic and then makes the signs for dashing, magic and blade.*  Way too long.

*brings her hands together*

*strokes his chin for a moment.*  What do you think of  *tries one combination* Or!  *tries another combination*

*waits, her hands and body still*

I think I'll think on this one.  A lot goes into a name you know.

*nods once*

Letters of power and all of that.  *signs R and Z alone*

*no visible reaction*

I do like the Z motion a lot.

*no visible reaction*

I'll get back to you on that one.

*nods once and then makes the sign for Practice*

Is there a book, or tome of this somewhere I can buy? Maybe the Aragenites?

*shakes her head, then makes a few signed motions*

No? and if not sign it. And yes while you're at it.

*signs "no"* *signs "yes"*

Then you don't know?

*signs yes*

This is going to be fun.  I am going to make up new words in hand talk.

*she stands, then signs "Practice" once more*

*continues to talk while he signs the alphabet*  I'll make up signs for attack formations, color of eyes, types of monsters.  I'll have a sign for everything...if there isn't already of course. How detailed does Hand get?

*holds a hand out and wobbles it slightly*

*signs dashing, practice, magic, blade, snake, viper, yes, no, who, when, where, what, why, how, repeat.*

*signs "Practice" then picks up her pack and puts it on*

Hey, dark elves have a Hand talk.  Does this share the same motions?

*signs the same as she previously stated when he asked her a question that she didn't know the answer to*

I'll have to find out.  *signs I don't know* Almost forgot that one. Wonder where Duchess is, she'd tell me.

*signs D-U-C-H-E-S-S*

Oh, before you go.  *signs when* are we meeting again?  I need a lot more words.

*sign spells, then makes the signs for "Two Weeks."*

Two weeks?  *sighs*  I'll have to put an inquiry into the Aragenites.  I am not good at waiting.

*signs Practice*

Ya ya.  I am going to make a list for next time.  Show me Thank you?

*grips wrist*

*while she signs it he asks* Did you know that it was an Aragenite that first told me I was famous?  I actually never knew I was until then. *grips wrist as he finishes talking with his mouth*

*shifts her pack slightly*

*starts signing the alphabet backwards as he stands.* Hey, I bet I could have my hands talk to each other. *spells out Hi with is left hand and immediately spells out hello with his right.*

*starts to walk away, then hesitates a moment, then shakes her head slightly and starts walking away again*

*grins*  See ya Viper.

*waves slightly as she walks off*

*not paying Viper any attention as she walks off signs with his left hand I-A-M-R*with flair* and at the same time signs with his right hand I-A-M-Z *with flair*

[Aerimor]

*Viper knocks firmly on Raz's door*

*Raz opens the door, then invites Viper in.*

*Viper is dressed in usual fashion, dressed completely in a thick silk padded armor, black with green accents, a snake emblem on her chest.  Her mask is, as always, present, and looks back at him with an emotionless "face" as the helm is shaped, painted a jet black."
*She enters his house quietly and waits until he shuts the door before producing a small leather pouch and hands it to him*

Come in, I get you anything to drink or eat?
*takes the pouch and peeks inside*  
Fantastic, this will help a lot.

*inside the pouch, Raz finds a deck of thick parchment cards with pictures and writing on them, showing images of hands with arrows pointing movement on various ones, and under it is written a word relating to the City*

This is what I was waiting for.  Some way to practice when I am alone.

*she nods once*

So what's you're plans for today?
How do you do you string sentences together? tenses?  *walks back towards the bar*
Get you anything?

*she shakes her head at his offer*

Bar? Chair? Couch? bath?

*points to the chair, then walks over and takes a seat*

*grins and sits down across from her facing the fireplace*

*she gestures towards the cards she gave him*

Show me them in action once and then I'll have it in mind.  Sure, good plan.  I'll commit these to memory quick you know
There are what...only 30 or 50?
I'll have half them memorized on this first go through with you.
*pulls out a card and shows it to Viper and looks at the illustration*

*she demonstrates the sign*

*mimics the sign* House.

*reaches over and corrects a small inconsistency in his sign*

*repeats the sign for house with the corrected form*

*Then moves on to the next sign*

*over the next hour or so, she goes through each of the signs with him, correcting him patiently and firmly when he makes a mistake, then makes him go through them once more*
*after that, she makes the signs herself and waits for him to identify them without the cards*

*takes the correction as they are given seeming very interested in this part of learning*
*Goes about identifying the signs as she performs them*
*Int check 1+ a bunch*
*Raz must be distracted or the like, getting only a few signs right.*

*Viper places her hands in her lap and looks at him a moment as he makes yet another mistake*

What?
Building.

*she shakes her head, then spells out M-A-R-K-E-T*

Market, that's what I said?

*she rubs the back of her neck under her helm*

What?
I think you need a drink.  You keep confusing the signs?

*she makes the sign for Market once more*

Market.
Gee we just did this one, you know.

*her posture seems tense, but still, as she moves on to another sign*

Bank

*she stands up as if getting ready to leave*

What?!

*she makes the sign again*

Well it is not market.

*rubs her neck again*

Why don't you just hang on a minute.

*she waits*

Let me look these cards over again for a couple without you distracting me with all the hand stuff and I'll figure it out.

*she gestures towards him as if to say "go ahead"*

*starts flipping through the cards and after a few asks* I was wondering, how soft are your hands?  If you keep them gloved all the time does that help them or hurt them?
I mean I have this great lotion if it was drying them out.
*flips another card looking at it, not Viper, directly anyway*

*she turns and paces, pausing at his question and glancing back at him a moment without answering*

*whistles annoyingly while tapping his temple and flipping through the cards*

*she walks over towards the window and looks across the street*

*flips through cards and after a while looks over to Viper* Hey, you look good silhouetted.  Bet you made a killing in Kitharian.

*Viper's posture tenses slightly*

Sorry, like I said you find out how to get even with them, I'll help you.

*she makes the sign for bakery again to him*

Bakery, i remember that one. makes me hungry

*she folds her arms and looks at him expressionlessly*

I'd do a lot better if we studied in a bath or a lake.
*flips through some more of the cards*

*she taps her fingers along her biceps, once.*

Just mentioning it.  That is where i'll be later tonight.  Let these soak in.
I mean if you talked more, I'd talk less.
Oh look...
*makes a hybrid r sign that involves a "z" motion.*

*she spells out I-F    Y-O-U   R-U-I-N   T-H-O-S-E    Y-O-U   D-O-N-T   G-E-T    M-O-R-E*

What do you think? Enough flash without getting carried away?

*nods once, then repeats the sign to him*

Fine, I'll hire someone to copy them for me and use those in the tub.

Never know when you'll get distracted in the tub.
*winks*

*no reaction*

That's me, *makes the R/Z sign again* Raz
Alright I'm done with these again.  Drill me all you want.
Can include the ones I already know

*she moves back to the chair, and once again starts drilling Raz on signs from the city deck, as well as various letters*

Don't forget the words we went over too.
*does his best to identify the signs and return them in correct form.*
*int check* 17+ a lot  *dex check* 15 + some
*start identifying the request and performing the signs mostly correct*
Alright I have this in hand, what do you think?  I can lock these in night studying, what else do you have for me?

*she spells out A-N-Y   Q-U-E-S-T-I-O-N-S*

*left hand* I D-O.  *right hand*  S-H-I-P  S-I-G-N-S-?

*she nods once, then sign spells  N-E-X-T   T-I-ME  T-H-E-N*

*Sighs and signs* A-L-R-I-G-H-T
Hey!

*looks at him*

Ever thought about being sculpted?  

*she doesn't seem to visibly react as she stands there looking at him*

So you have then.  Well I have this green and white alabaster stone...

*she shakes her head no*

Think about it.  You are only young once.  Once set in stone you can capture that you, that moment of time forever.

*she looks at him for a few moments, then shakes her head once more*

So when and where? And the more cards you can bring me the faster this will go.  As good as I am with people, I am better with books.
I know, hard to believe isn't it?
*charming smile*
And I you see, I am very good with my hands too.

*she nods once to him, then moves towards the door*

Hey Viper.

*turns to look back at him*

Thanks, I know I am not always your favorite person.  See you next time.

*makes the sign for "goodbye"*

*grins and winks* I look forward to it. Think about the power of a chisel.
*signs goodbye*

[Aerimor]

My lessons in the hand sign language were discontinued during the war.  I simply did not have anyone around to learn from or to practice with.  That and I had other things on my mind.

Once back to civilization I found Tiffany and took up my training again.  

She gave me a couple packs of themed cards to memorize.  Child's play.  We then went over them the next time we met.  I think she is using it as an excuse to spend time with me.  She likes the attention I give her.  I imagine it reminders her she is still a person and a woman even if she has not yet fulfilled her vow and thus remains the personality of the avenger, Viper.

She never has told me what exactly caused her to assume that persona and take a vow of silence, but I figure it was the lose of her loved one, maybe her family.

She is a fair teacher even if she doth protest to much.  At least I can follow some basic exchanges and have some idea what is going on.

[Aerimor]

Been busy again and forgot to track down Tiffany for more lessons for months, but I have the stuff she taught me up to now down cold.


Ran into Tiffany and Steel out in Belinara and remembered I needed to get more lessons.  Steel had a half dozen more packs of cards with new words and themes and he let me have them.  I also got to actually practice a little and more importantly for now, watch the two of them converse.

I don't think there is anything to this, I just need the exposure.  So I set up more lessons with Tiffany, since Steel is about impossible to get to commit to something.

[Aerimor]

Had some more practice with Tiffany at the Arms.  She needed help with her clothes, or that was her cover story this time.

We got to go over some of the stuff from all those card packs, and as I predicted, nothing to it.  I just need more.  More words, more exposure.  I don't think they could make the cards fast enough for me to go through them.  And the grammatical rules are few and simple.  Then again what isn't compared to Elven?  Maybe Draconic?  Now there is a language I'd like to learn, I am sure I could impress a few ladies and powers to be, and possible find some new reading material.  Draconic magics might be worth the read.  And of course, if I could speak to a dragon, I might be able to figure out a way to challenge one to a game of Chess.  I admit, I'd love that challenge, just hope they aren't poor looser and answer defeat with a blast from their breath weapon.  But then again, that would be worth it even.

Anyway, I need more lessons, just to get the exposure of more words.  I hate having to talk like I am a simpleton, plenty enough folks do that normally.

Maybe I'll have to see about scheduling a trip with Steel and Tiffany and seeing if they have any more packet of cards.  It's either that or hire someone in town...there is an idea.  A live in tutor, I just need to find a cute one and I'd have the language mastered in a week!  Well guess that depend son how much talking with just our hands we do.

[Aerimor]

//Raz has been on and off training with hand sign language since the year ago I started this journal. I just have been horrible at up keeping this thread.

[Aerimor]

Well those stacks of flash cards lasted about three weeks.

Had them almost all memorized the first time through, now I know them front, back and sideways.

That's the *Curse* problem with cards. Too limited.  I need a live in signer, or to go somewhere where people only sign.

It's not my fault I am so terribly gifted that they can't write cards fast enough to keep me occupied.

I mean come on, I'm a *curse* wizardly type, I have been memorizing hand gestures that have to be twice as precise for decades.

Oh well, at least what I know, I know.  I'll just have to find someone to show me more.  At this point that is all I need....more.  More vocabulary, more exposure.

I'll have to arrange that trip with the masked duo.  Get them on some long trip where they have nothing to do but talk.

Besides I know Tiffany (//Viper) would enjoy her time with me.  She is always finding excuses to talk to me.  Raz, I need uniforms to sneak into Kuhl with.  Raz, I need information on the Cult.  Raz, do you have any authentic Cult weapons I can use?

It so obvious, she is just finding an excuse to spend time with me.  I can read it on her mask.  She torn between her oath to avenge her fallen lover and her interests in me. Poor girl.  I just hope she avengers him soon so she can end her oath of silence.  I can't wait to here her voice.

[Aerimor]

*Viper, Steel, and Raz meet up at the crossroads preparing for a trek into the magic-free area of the Thunder Peaks.  Viper sits quietly, masked as usual, cleaning one of her blades while waiting for them to be ready to head out.**


Raz: So where we going?  The ice caves? Werewolves?  No Arc Giants please!
Viper: ::Somewhere that they won't spy on us:: she signs.
Raz: Who is they?  And so they won't what on us?
Viper: ::S-P-Y::
Raz: ::No need to yell:: I got it. *smirks*
Raz: So who can't spy on us?
Viper: She rubs the back of her neck.  ::anyone::
Raz: Oh them.  *looks to Steel* She always this paranoid?
Viper: *Viper finishes cleaning off her blade and sheathes it, stands, and shoulders her pack.*
SteeL: I taught her well. Though with both of us around, good odds we'd notice someone trying to magically watch.
Steel: You recognize a lot more signs these days. Those cards I gave you came in handy, I see.
Viper: ::Way to take the credit Steel:: She then makes a rather crude gesture to Steel.
Steel: Of course I took the credit. I taught you, so whatever you taught him indirectly comes from me. And the cards directly came from me. **despite the mask, she knows Steel well enough to discern a tiny smirk**
Viper: ::You didn't teach me everything.::
Raz: Oh no, you don't get to take credit for her showing me signs.  Because I know who taught you.  And *curse* if I'm learning anything from her.  And pish, had those cards memorized in the first day.
Raz: It is me, we are talking about.
Viper: *Viper's helm turns to look at Raz for a moment and then starts walking down the path.  She then turns and walks backwards for a moment, signing to Steel.*  ::Besides.  I still don't think you know the word for plan. P-L-A-N.  Or Backup.::
Raz: *chuckles*  Plan is something you make up as you go.  What's ::backup::?
Steel: I always have a 'backup' **he also makes the sign**, a contingency. It's just that sometimes that back-up is the bindstone. **laughs**
Viper: *she sighs and spins on her heels, continuing on the path*
Raz: Plans are over rated, plans get foiled, change or are outdated in instants.  What is better is strategy.  Your philosophy of how to accomplish something.  Even if the details fall apart, your strategy usually remains solid.
Steel: Very well said, Razer.
Viper: *Viper stiffens briefly, then her pace seems to quicken somewhat*
Raz: Something I said?  *chuckles*
Steel:  **Steel hops up and after popping his neck, bounds towards the Viper**
Raz: *casts darkfire and grater magic weapon on his rapier*  Care for a bit of magic before we enter?
Steel: I've got my own, but Viper may want some.
Raz: *grins and looks Viper's way, then strolls her way in no rush.*
Viper: *she makes a crude gesture to Raz over her head and keeps walking*
Raz: *to Steel* ::You do know.  She can't get enough of me?::
Steel: **He simply chuckles**
Raz: So where to?  **returns his rapier to its scabbard*
Viper: *she glances back a moment*  ::somewhere where you'll learn to use your hands instead of your mouth to talk.  Then maybe we'll all have some peace and quiet.::
Raz: *looks pointedly to Steel* She wants to me to use my hands and keep my mouth busy.  *winks*
Viper: *Viper's shoulders tighten again as she simply turns and keeps walking*
Steel: I'd warn you about her fangs, Razer, but I'm pretty sure you're very aware of the dangers involved in antagonizing that particular woman.
Steel: Let's see what the cold mountain-tops have for us.
Raz: *seems in a most gay mood as he follows along.*  She has fangs?
Viper: *she shakes her head slightly and rubs the back of her neck*
Steel: You know how you can tell if you're good at speaking with hand-signs?
Raz: Signers understand me?
Steel: If you can sign whole sentences while in combat. Fight with one hand, sign with the other, and for the signs that require both hands, orchestrating the fight to give you time to make the signs.
Raz: *seems intrigued but confidently answers* Easy peasy, lemon squeezey
Viper: *glances over at Steel a moment* ::it's not so easy to do with two blades::
Steel: We'll see. First scuffle, we'll all give it a shot and see who is better, eh?
Raz: Just like casting in battle. One of the many advantages of using a single weapon in a fight.
Steel: No, not so easy with two blades, Viper, which is why I'll only be using one.
Viper: ::I like two::
Raz: *snickers. quickens his step*
Viper: ::I also think my blades can speak just fine thanks.::
Raz: So what projects you got going now days Blue?
Steel: Same as you, in a way. Looking for means to get inside Kuhl. Keeping an eye open for opportunities around the world.
Raz: That's not my plan.  I don't want inside Kuhl.  
Viper: ::what do you want?::
Steel: Given the rebuilding in much of the world, and the famines, I do not see any major moves from the powers that be... not yet, anyway
Raz: I want a  ship.
Viper: ::so get one::
Raz: And then from there, I have real plans.
Raz: Easier said than done apparently.
Viper: ::I thought plans were something you made up on the way::
Raz: Exactly, what do the plans matter when compared to the strategy?
Raz: But its hard to fake having a ship.
Viper: *she hangs her head for a moment before straightening again*
Raz: I don't swim -that- well.
Steel: Having a ship is really more than just, well, 'having the ship.'
Steel: Hence the difficulty. You need a port, and a dock that can handle repairs, and you need a reliable crew.
Raz: Crew I think I have covered.
Raz: If I just needed any ship, I could take one.
Steel: Which is why most simply contract for a ship owned and maintained by someone else
Viper: ::I'm still not seeing where the difficulty is.  Why don't you just go sweet-talk someone or something?::
Raz: Why don't I what?
Viper: *spells out the words for him*
Raz: *smirks* I suppose I could do that.  But then I'd likely end up with a fleet of ships.  *winks*
Viper: ::or maybe that's the problem::
Raz: Huh?
Raz: Well of course I don't want a whole fleet of ships right now.  I need one ship, then a crew.  Then some time to experiment with some things.
Raz: Then *puffs up his chest* Then maybe a fleet of them.
Viper: *looks at Steel again*
Steel: What did you plan to do with a ship again, Razer? It's been years since we chatted about it... and I'm rather invested in this venture, which has yet to pay off for me.
Raz: Hey, how many times have you asked for a quick trip from X to Y and I have not delivered yet?
Viper: *looks between the both of them, then at Raz*  ::explain it in signs.  Otherwise, why are we doing this?::
Raz: He is doing it for a quick ride.
Raz: So far, I have not failed to provide such when asked.
Viper: ::Use your hands::
Raz: Oh, I thought you meant why did he do what he did in helping with the ship, that is yet to be produced.
Viper: ::It's official.  I want to kill something now.::
Raz: *smiles*  ::What's what?::
Viper: *spells out the word*
Raz: ::Is it break time yet?::
Viper: ::no::
Viper: ::So, I've decided I need a new pair of boots.  I'm still going to get my others back, but I need something to keep me alive until then.::
Raz: ::Boots?::  I thought that meant boots?
Viper: ::yes::
Raz: Okay I'm lost, how do your boots keep you alive?
Viper: ::make me stronger, more endurant.  magic.::
Raz: Stronger and tougher?
Viper: *nods*
Raz: I use to have a number or pairs of those type of boots, might still have a pair...might not.
Viper: ::good.  maybe you are useful after all::
Raz: ::In so many ways.::
Steel: Anyway... **starts signing** ::... I don't need a ship to get myself from one place to another. I have magic for that. I need a ship with a crazy captain like you that can survive and instigate sea battles.::
Raz: ::Crazy?::  ::Instigate?::
Raz: Don't suppose that ::crazy:: Is flattering?
Steel: **speaking the word as he signs it** Crazy. **as it turns out, the sign for 'crazy' is twirling a finger about the temple**
Viper: *spells out the words*
Steel: **He does the same with the word 'instigate'**
Viper: ::not flattering::  *spells out the word "flattering"*
Steel: Which means you need solid, specialized boat.
Raz: Ya, well things in Hurm *shrugs*
Raz: Thanks for that I knew it wasn't literally flattering.  I meant something flattering.
Raz: You forgot fast. Agile. And pretty.
Steel: Well then it has to be all of those things.
Viper: *Viper looks at Steel for a long time*
Steel: Agile enough to avoid a fireball, and sturdy enough to survive being hit by one.
Raz: sh.
Raz: What's the crew for?
Raz: I laugh at fireballs.
Steel: The crew? Boarding enemy vessels and firing on-board artillery?
Raz: On board artillery, I don't need some monster ship.  One ballista, that's all that I intend.
Raz: Boarding ships?  Maybe, likely only after they strike the surrender flag.
Raz: Let me put this to you another way.  When you need something done.  Do you take an army in or a small specialized force of adventurers?
Viper: *raises a hand*
Raz: Brute force has its place, but when you need that you get allied ships.
Steel: Depends on what I need done, but I understand your point, and we agreed on it more or less in the past. **glances at Viper**
Viper: ::you send me::
Raz: ::then why are you here?::
Viper: ::because I want to get it done the right way.  And succeed.::
Raz: ::Because you need a plan, not just a strategy::
Viper: *looks at Steel*  ::you realize he's not going to survive this, right?::
Raz: I'm not going to what this?
Viper: *doesn't repeat or explain the sign*
Raz: This would be so much easier if you spoke while signing it.
Raz: What's this mean Blue?  ::survive::  Really would it kill her to speak while she signed?
Viper: *Viper shrugs her pack on her back hard and quickens her pace*  Steel: It means, literally, "survive," or "to survive." In this case, she's suggesting that her tolerance of you is decreasing.
Steel: Apparently she doesn't like agile and pretty ships.
Raz: *waves it off* I think I'll manage.
Raz: Besides she loves me.
Steel: Like a cobra loves a mouse.
Viper: *silent chuckle*
Raz: So you feel the attraction too?
Viper: ::yeah.  he's going to die.::
Raz: Just make it enjoyable, for me that is.
Steel: At least you won't forget the sign for 'survive' when she's hunting you down.
Viper: *another silent chuckle*
Raz: Are we there yet?
Viper: *her hand twitches towards a knife*
Raz: *smirks* It would never even touch me.
Viper: *clenches her fist and keeps walking*
Raz: You seem to have a lot of pent up frustrations.  I do know a few things to help with that.
Viper: *straightens and ignores him after taking a long, slow breath*
Raz: So Blue, any new women in your life?  Or Succubus blooded half-fiends as the case may be?
Steel: ::No. You keep enough female companions for the both of us.::
Raz: You can talk while you sign you know?  ::companions?::
Raz: And alas, nothing that seems to last.
Viper: ::for the three of us::
Steel: Companion, but more than one.
Raz: You make it sound like hired help.
Viper: ::for you it might be::
Raz: It has been from time to time.  *shrugs*
Raz: Not my first choice, but when you are only in port for a couple days after being at sea with nothing but guys for weeks.


Raz: So you heard Gel died *looking mostly to Steel*
Steel: Yes. **the word is spoken, not signed**


//End of this session. No rolls were included.

[Aerimor]

----Raz's Bad Day---


Steel: "You know, I think there are more mountains in Boyer than any other kingdom." **abruptly switching from verbal communication to signs** ::How much further do you think until we reach the Northern side of the peaks?::
Viper: ::maybe two more days depending on our pace::
Steel: ::Faster if we just roll, yeah? What do you think, Razer?::
Viper: ::I'm not really in a rush::
Raz: ::What's Boyer?::
Raz: ::Faster if I H-A-S-T-E us::
Viper: ::no magic genius::
Steel: **chuckles** "Boyer." ::B-O-Y-E-R::
Raz: ::Well:: Duh  *sticks tongue out*
Viper: *Viper's blank masked expression is all that returns to Raz*
Steel: ::If you don't like rolling, how about sliding? I bet we can use a yeti pelvis bone for a sled.::
Viper: ::We could use Razer as a sled::
Raz: Hey!
Steel: ::Too small. Now, maybe if I used one of you under each foot, I could ski.::
Raz: I bet that means sliding.
Viper: ::You'd do just fine Steel.  You're big enough for the both of us to sled on::
Steel: ::S-L-E-D... sled::
Raz: ::You just want me under you?  Is that it?::
Steel: ::S-K-I... ski::
Viper: ::can I kill him yet?::
Raz: ::if you didn't have so much weight, you could stay atop the snow.:: *Superior smile at Steel*
Steel: ::I don't need to stay atop the snow. I have so much strength I can swim through it.::
Raz: ::swim?:: Swim?  *smirks* Jealous.
Viper: *draws her blades quickly and attacks Steel from behind, likely testing his reflexes*
Raz: ::So Viper, what do you need to need::  *jumps*  hey!
Raz: *Raz interrupted his signing question at the unexpected action*
Steel: **Steel sidesteps and turns, fanning an arm through the snow, blowing up a white cloud in front of Viper**
Viper: *ducks back into the cloud of snow to press the attack*
Raz: *dips his sword into a ready position, when it's obvious Steel is her target and Steel seems not overly concerned Raz quickly scans around them and then watches the tet-a-tet (SP?)*
Steel: **Steel rolls backward in the snow, coming up with his buckler, though it's not attached to his arm, instead he's holding it in both hands, awaiting the snake's appearance through the cloud**
Viper: *comes in quickly, kicking up more snow as she does so to try to blind Steel, using both blades to attack*
Raz: This normal for you two?  *being loud enough to be heard*
Steel: **This time he steps into her attack, seemingly undaunted by the blinding white, and swing the shield in a wide arc, as though to swat a bee.**
Viper: *ducks back at the last second to duck under his arm, swatting it with the flat of her blade*
Steel: **he spins, this time bring the shield over his head and coming down hard, as though to squash her with it**
Viper: *ducks and rolls away, coming back up on her feet*
Viper: *sheathes a blade and signs with one hand* ::just checking to see if you were awake::
Raz: You're too slow Blue.  You need something with a longer reach.  Want to borrow my maul?
Steel: **hits the snow instead, sending up a wave in all directions. Seeing the onslaught subsides, he stands and dusts off the shield** "You do what you do, Red, and I do what I do."
Raz: *sighs* I know, but you could do so much better.
Viper: ::next time maybe I'll just attack Red::
Raz: I ever tell you about the first time I went into battle with this maul strapped on my back.  That was a mistake.  Forgot it was there, went for one of my oh so flashy tumbling attacks.
Viper: *coughs*
Raz: Rolled over onto my back...and got stuck,  6 foot long weapon.
Raz: So there I was on my back looking up as the group of orcs rushed in.  *sigh*
Raz: Glad it was only orcs!
Viper: *stands very still for a few moments*
Raz: There is a reason why I prefer a rapier.  Mauls are not meant for speed or tumbling!  But they do great against skeletons!
Raz: *looks to Viper* ::Attack me at your own trouble* Or however you say peril.
Steel: ::If you ate more and used that maul more often, maybe you could give up bothering with speed, overpowering your enemies instead.::
Raz: Depends on the enemy, I don't care what I eat, I'm not overpowering giants.  Maul or no maul.  Besides a maul lacks "Sty-El"
Viper: ::I like my style::
Raz: ::I could show you a few new moves::
Viper: *sighs and unbuckles the strap holding her mask in place*
Steel: "I'm surprised you knew the sign for 'overpower'. Is that in a set of combat translation cards I gave you?"
Raz: *shrugs*  I have been told I can be overpowering.
Viper: *pulls off the mask, revealing an older, more scared, more composed and obviously more mature Bella than Raz remembers, her hair tightly braided to keep it out of the way*
Viper: *with a raspy quality to her voice*  We covered it before.
Viper: **scarred, not scared
Raz: *Seems surprised but excited as Viper unbuckles and then removes the mask.*
Raz: *As the mask is fully removed there is like a three second count as his smile evaporates into a crestfallen expression.  A exhale of air is heard as if he was suckered punched.*
Viper: *glances at Steel*  If we're working with him on this infiltration, he might as well know.
Raz: *tries to cover his disappointment with mild success.* So not how I pictured Tiffany.  *his eyes rove over her*  There is no way that is all you.
Viper: If you keep looking, I might have to take out your eyes.
Viper: *Her Vehl accent has been well-covered to a very neutral speech pattern*
Raz: Right about now you can have them.  *pause* That was harsher than I intended.  It's just Tiffany was this exotic dancer from Katharien sworn to avenge the death of her lost lover.
Viper:> Keep telling people that story.  It's a good cover.
Raz: It had flare, life, excitement.  And now, well I still see you as that snot nosed little waif from years ago.  
Steel: "What did you expect, Razer? The woman I trained to be a hardened mercenary would have the face of an angel and the voice of siren?"
Viper: Apparently.
Raz: *pats the air with is hands* I know you've grown, I didn't know how much. But *sighs* I'll need a moment to mourn for the lost.
Raz: She did in my heart Blue.
Raz: *softly* She did until a minute ago.
Viper: *smirks slightly*  you'll get over it.
Raz: *closes his eyes and tilts his chin down.  He takes a number of slow breaths. Quietly says..*To the fallen, you are missed.  And all those you represent.  The spark of hope that one young lady can rise from the cesspool that is Katharien to avenged the wrongs suffered.
Viper: *looks somewhat amused*
Raz: May this version of Viper take your torch, be it lit in Vehl instead of Katharien.
Viper: ::right, now then... let's keep walking unless I need to attack someone else::
Raz: Dust to dust, ashes to ashes, dreams unfullfilled least we that are left blaze the path in her memory.
Raz: *glumly* Ya, let's find something to smash.  *unties his Maul and puts it over his shoulder.*  And before I forget, V, thanks for the lessons all the same.  Not your fault I was a fool.
Viper: *glances at Steel*  A little overdramatic...
Viper: ::just remember, you out me, and I'll kill you::
Raz: *shrugs* I'm still not afraid of you.  Nor now should you be of me.
Steel: Here's a new one for you, Red. "Ironic." ::ironic::
Viper: ::well, I could cut out your tongue, and then you'd have to learn how to sign instead of speaking::
Viper: ::use your hands Red and stop wasting my time::
Viper: *looks at Steel*  I wasn't this stubborn, was I?
Raz: I bet you'd like me to  *stops*  *sighs dramatically*
Viper: *smirks*
Raz: This sucks!
Raz: *rests the handle of the maul in the crook of his elbow to free up his second hand to sign*  ::This weapon wasn't made for signing.::
Viper: *signs as she speaks*
Raz: ::Stubborn?::
Raz:  ::I am not stubborn, I am c-o-m-m-i-t-t-e-d::
Viper: ::committed::
Raz: *mutters* Bet you two had a tons of laughs behind those masks.
Viper: *small smirk*
Steel: "You were much more stubborn, Green. But not as whiny." **he enjoys an easy laugh**
Raz: Ya ya, yuck it up, both of you.
Steel: "That's what the masks are for. So we can smile and nobody knows it."
Raz: *stomps off to find something to hit.  About four steps out he breaks through the snow crust and sinks.*  *looks skyward* Had to get your laugh in too?
Viper: *chuckles silently*
Viper: Bad day for Red apparently.
Steel: "Swim!" **laughs again**
Raz: *dramatic sigh*
Viper: Well at least now this trip might be a bit more enjoyable.
Raz: I hope you are enjoying yourself. *finds a spot to get back on top of the snow crust and treads much softer.*
Viper: *half smiles*
Raz: ::So now where to?::
Viper: ::how much have you told him about what we're doing?:: *to Steel*
Steel: ::Regarding K-U-H-L?::
Viper: *nods*
Steel: ::I think most of it, in the general sense, at least.::
Steel: ::Enough details for him to be dangerous, I suppose.::

[Aerimor]

//Raz Started learning and practicing the violin on 7-23-12.//

So I was at the Leringard Twin Dragons and got to talking to Samantha the Rofie and Andrew and ended up voicing an idea I had been toying around with.  Learning an instrument!  I figure if I am going to be on the sea for weeks at a time, I might need another pass time, not like I can sculpt while at sea.

So I asked Andrew for some ideas for an instrument.  It had to be something that would not tie up my ability to talk.  It had to fit easily on ship, be challenging and not annoying like those bag pipes.  Anyway, he suggested a violin.  I had my reservations, wasn't sure it was manly enough.  But Andrew and the women in the Inn convinced me it would be as long as I could play.  And Andrew assured me it would challenge me for life in its complexity.  So I was sold.

I went out and bought me a violin, but not before ordering one from Andrew.  Apparently he is a highly skilled violinerist or whatever they call people that make violins.  And if I am going to do it, I am going all out!  I am having one made of yew with bebilith silk strings.  And I am having the bow made out of mithril.  I bet it'll be the best violin ever made, and look snazzy too.  It'll be worthy of my skills after I put a few years into it.

Andrew says it'll take me a couple decades to get good, I told him I would be fairly good after ten!  I am half human after all, if they can get fairly good in about a decade, we know i can!  

Just think, in 50 years how great I'll be!  They should outlaw how many things I am good at!

It's so good to have something new to throw myself into.  It's like the first couple weeks of dating someone,  the unknown, the love of everything new and the chance for endless possibilities.  

I just wish some of it would rub off on Zari.  I hate that she is still so glum.  Sadly I am glad she at least comes out to voice her displeasure of my abilities.  She said I should take lessons.  Like I need lessons, who can teach me better than me?  I mean, I have watched violinists and I have read some things, taught myself how to read music...the rest is just practice, right?

Let me go see if I can find Zari and serenade here with some music.

And for my record my music doesn't sound anything like a cat in heat!