paradisa | TWO ☠ and she stole the hearts of men to imprison them in stone

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veteran mercenary echidna

TWO ☠ and she stole the hearts of men to imprison them in stone

[ If you happen to be in the city this evening, you might want to watch your pockets. Or your...everything. There's not only one, but two pick-pockets working their magic. Fortunately, one of them is taking a break.

Granted, the other is a child and hasn't yet mastered the skill, so there are several opportunities for her to get caught. She's only three, long blonde hair ending in green tips, and barely tall enough to properly reach people's pockets, but her short stature is a boon in keeping her out of the average passerby's gaze. And being an elf, her agility and grace is enough to make her success rate outweigh her failures.

Should she grab someone's wallet or coin purse successfully (or fail and end up being chased), she'll be quickly darting off down a maze of alleys until she comes to a supposed dead-end where a full-grown, scantily-clad elven woman is seated on a bench and waiting patiently, dark red eyes observing her daughter's attempts with a wicked sense of pride.

The snake draped around the woman's waist, at second glance, is indeed alive, and underneath that she's sporting green suede 'panties' in lieu of actual shorts or pants. The rest of her garb isn't any less revealing, but the armor and weapons she sports, not to mention the hissing serpent, are more than enough to convey that she isn't to be trifled with. She doesn't realize that damn journal is nearby and recording, though... ]

Welcome back, Medusa... How successful were you this time?

[ ooc; Open post in the city AND over the journal! She's teaching her daughter to pick-pocket effectively. Feel free to have her succeed or fail with your character, and they can chase her back to Echidna! Again, Permissions Post is here for any ladies who comment. ]

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[Unfortunately, there happened to be another pair of elves in that crowd- or more precisely, one elf and one tiny half-elf. And while Galadriel has better things to do than to chase after pickpockets (because, yes, of course they both noticed what was going on), Finrod has more courage than than sense and seems determined to dart after the little elf girl.

Which leaves Galadriel to follow, attempting to catch him- not an easy feat. He's small, quick, and energetic and she's really only one out of three. So when Medusa reaches the alley, there's only a few moments before Finrod appears, indignant as if it were his own wallet.]

You shouldn't take things that aren't yours! [And then, after a look at Echidna:] You're not wearing any clothes.

[And...that's all he has time for before Galadriel arrives on scene and scoops him up. Damn, she is too old for this.]

[ Echidna just raises an eyebrow at the two newcomers, then looks at Medusa, who looks shamefaced at being caught. No gold star for that one!

The woman smiles, though it's more of a smirk, and stands up. ]

Oh, but it is mine...now. And if I weren't wearing any clothes, little boy, I would look quite different.

[ She turns her attention to the mother. It's easy for her to see that the child is a hybrid, but the woman clearly isn't. She appears to be an Elder, but that hardly phases Echidna.

The coin purse dangles off of one of her fingers, taunting; curious. ]

Yours?

Not at all. [A pickpocket would have a terrible time sneaking up on Galadriel, after all.]

My boy has perhaps taken my tales of heroics too much to heart. [She shifts Finrod on her hip and gives the strange elf an examining look.] You are a recent arrival. [It's not a question.]

[ She's not surprised by the assumption. She knows she's quite memorable, after all. With a shrug, Echidna drops the coin purse into Medusa's hands, letting the little girl run off to stash it in an established hiding place. ]

Yes, and I got a daughter out of the deal. Aren't I lucky?

Your timing is rather extraordinary.

[Galadriel watches the girl leave. That is definitely a look of disapproval on her face and she makes no attempt to hide it. But she's got better things to do than deal with minor crimes, so she lets her go unimpeded.]

You do realize that there is little reason for petty theft in this place, do you not? [But she's not above remarking on it, either.]

I'd call 'for fun' a good enough reason.

[ She's walking over, checking out the boy along with the mother, and circling them both. ]

And it's a good way for her to increase her dexterity and agility. A good mother never stops teaching, isn't that right?

[Galadriel is unfazed. She makes no acknowledgement of the predatory overtones, save to stand a little straighter, further emphasizing both her height and her bearing. Finrod's a little more creeped out and buries his face against his mother's chest. It seems his courage only serves him well to a point.]

It is. But, alas, I fear your daughter must learn charity and compassion elsewhere.

[ At that, Echidna stops and chuckles, leaning in to wind an arm through one of Galadriel's, leaning flush against her side, unashamed of her closeness to the toddler in her arms. The height difference doesn't seem to intimidate her in the least. The snake at her waist slithers between them, working his way up to drape over Echidna's shoulder. ]

Not at all. I can be very charitable and compassionate. Don't you want to see how much? We can send the little ones off to play for a few hours...

[Galadriel backs away abruptly, her indignation written plainly on her face.]

I do not recall giving you leave to touch me.

[ She offers no resistance, one hand remaining on her hip while she laughs. ]

Goodness, it's so easy to rile you up! How fun... That expression you're wearing is so sweet, as indignant as that thousand year old virgin.

I am accustomed to being treated with more respect. [Respect, veneration, maybe a little bit of fear. People think these things, she knows, but they'd never say them.] I am also a woman wed.

[ Her smile curves even more. Respect is earned in her eyes, and it takes quite a lot to ever get it out of her. And, really....she treats people she respects the same way. It's impossible to tell. ]

And your point is...?

[ Like a thing such as 'marriage' had ever gotten in her way before... But she looks away when Medusa runs back into the alley, saluting to signify her success.

Then the girl points at the boy in Galadriel's arms. ]

Can he play with me?

Mayhaps vows mean little you, but- [She's interrupted by the reappearance of Medusa.]

I hardly think an alley a suitable place for children to play. [Which is not exactly an answer. But she's not particularly keen on standing here for much longer herself.]

That's right. The bedroom is a much more suitable place for playing... [ She laughs and winks at Galadriel as she saunters by. ] Or a tavern with some good food. It is getting dark, isn't it?

[ Echidna absently reaches down to let Medusa hold her hand, casually leading the way out of the alley. She doesn't seem to care if Galadriel follows or not, despite the toddler's wishes. ]

[Well, Galadriel will certainly follow her out of the alley, at least. More because she's heading that way anyway.

She is, however, curious. She makes an effort to keep track of all the elves in Paradisa, you see, whether she actually likes them or not. And she has yet to get the name of this...interesting...person. So instead of just taking her leave, she hovers a bit in indecision.]

[ Aware that she's being watched, Echidna couldn't look more pleased with herself. When they finally reach the nearby square of the business district, she pauses to glance over her shoulder. ]

You and your little boy are welcome to join us. Medusa hasn't been able to play with another elf here. Poor baby. [ She pats the girl's head. Yeah, like she cares. She's more fun to play with than anyone else, anyway. ]

[Don't be too pleased with yourself, Echidna. It's not that kind of watching.

For a moment, Galadriel and Finrod just exchange looks. Well, "just" isn't really the right word. It should be clear to anyone remotely observant that these aren't normal glances, but rather a silent discussion. Galadriel is finally the one who speaks openly.]

Will you keep a civil tongue? [She's put up with worse company out of curiosity and in the name of observation, after all. At least Echidna hasn't threatened her.]

[ She just raises an eyebrow at that. And for once she won't make extra comments about her tongue's many talents. ]

When hasn't it been civil?

[ Echidna's a lot of things, but her language isn't crass, gosh! So she shrugs and starts walking again, leaving that as her answer and leading Medusa towards the nearest tavern, the little girl looking over her shoulder hopefully at Finrod.

Echidna isn't about to alter her behavior for anyone, not unless she has a worthy reason to, so it's up to the elder elf if it's worth the risk or not. ]

[Alas, Echidna happens to have unintentionally hit on one of Galadriel's weaknesses: adorable children. Insert long suffering sigh here.]

Very well. [And she'll follow, Finrod grinning down at Medusa from his mother's arms (it's hard to walk holding his hand when you're this tall, okay?)]

Might I ask your name?

It's Echidna. Feel free to wear it out.

[ The little girl lets go of her hand, turning to walk backwards while waving to them both. ]

I'm Medusa! [ The girl then peers back up to Echidna. ] And shouldn't we ask Mom if she wants to eat with us, too?

[ Echidna completely ignores her request, looking back to the other elves as she stops outside of what looks like some kind of restaurant. They better have good food. ]

And you are?

Edited 2012-05-27 02:22 (UTC)

I am Galadriel. [It's a sign of much she's mellowed over the last year that a string of titles does not follow the name.] And this is Finrod.

Well met! [Oh, she's trained him well. Not well enough to keep him from asking nosy questions, however.] You have another mom?

Hahah, well met! That's fun. Yes! She trains me differently, though.

Yes... The boring way. [ Her voice drawls sarcastically there, no sign of warmth when speaking of this 'other mom'. ] Right? Today was fun, hm?

[ The girl looks thoughtful, then nods while shrugging at the same time. ]

Baths with her are fun, even if she grades how I get clean. But we should invite her, Mama!

[Grades....how she gets clean....

That can only be one person.

Sorry, Echidna, this conversation is interrupted by Galadriel laughing. A lot. This is too ridiculous.]

Yes, pray let us invite her! I have become quite fond of Alleyne.

[ The laugh gives her pause. It's quite beautiful, but before Echidna can turn it into a shameless compliment, the moment is marred by Galadriel mentioning that name.

Echidna couldn't look less interested in the prospect. She should have known Alleyne would know this woman... ]

I'm sure. But she's busy elsewhere.

[ Except that Medusa is already pulling Echidna's journal from where the serpent has it coiled. He gives it up, slithering off of the woman and onto the little girl's shoulders, who seems un-bothered by it.

Wow child you are starting to piss her the fuck off. ]

We had dinner with her last night. Give me the journal.

But I want Mom here! Lady Galadriel said it's okay!

Give me— [ Whoop the little brat just ran into the tavern. With her journal. And her snake. Okay keep your cool, Echidna. Don't beat your child ~~in public~~.

Calmly, almost too calmly, she strolls in after the girl. ]

[Oh, dear. Did she cause a problem? She'll follow Echidna into the tavern, watching the situation closely.]

[ Well in your defense... Yes it is all your fault.

Inside, Echidna had comandeered the journal and is holding it out of Medusa's reach. Although it's open so Alleyne can probably hear all of this anyway. ]

But it's more fun when we're a family!

Now now, if you want to see her so badly you can just run your little legs back to the castle all by yourself.

[You're damn well right she can hear all of this.

Guess who's behind you now, face flush, looking angry as she taps her foot, staff in one hand at her side, the other hand on her hip.]

Echidna. Failing to teach her anything worth learning again, I see. Just what do you think you're going to accomplish with...

[Oh. Hi Galadriel. Alleyne shuts up and bows to you, covering her face with her hat a bit.]

...Lady Galadriel I'm so so sorry.

[ Oh poo. ]

[Oh, good. She doesn't have to intervene on behalf of the child now.]

Alleyne. [Girl, you know you don't need to bow to her. She'll still acknowledge it with one of those deep nods.] You have no reason to apologize. I would hardly hold you responsible for the actions of another.

[Wow, you grownups are weird. Finrod, still in the arms of his mother, feels the need to contribute some brilliance of his own.] I'm hungry. Can we eat now?

Seriously, Echidna, what were you thinking?

[B-but, this is Echidna! you don't understand!

She slowly walks to her own kid and sighs, patting her on the head, eying Echidna as she speaks.]

Yeah, but this is an especially vile serpent; mine is the only apology you will hear regarding her actions ever.

[Groan]

Food sounds good, I can keep an eye on things better.

[ Wow, way to be rude, Alleyne! Here she was making friends and everything. Honestly, she's tempted to leave since this is a situation where she's really not benefiting... But Alleyne hasn't specifically told her to leave, and Echidna would hate to show weakness.

But seriously, she's so bored by this. ]

You shouldn't spread such rumors about me, sweetest.

[ Yeah, there's poison in her words, even if she's smiling. And her smile only gets more sly when Medusa speaks up, the young girl holding the snake up to Alleyne's face. ]

What's vile? Is Kenta vile, too, Mom?

Yes... Tell our daughter what you just said about her Mama.

[Well, this is awkward. Why does Galadriel suddenly feel like she's intruding?]

You have a history, I take it. [She doesn't necessarily mean that in the romantic context, but they're free to take it however they like. And hopefully, the little girl will forget her question with the change of topic.]

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TWO ☠ and she stole the hearts of men to imprison them in stone

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Yeaaaah I am WITH IT today

/slow clap

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[squint]

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