<font color=gray>Sephi quickly tosses five gold to the barkeep, saying sorry about the mess. However, before the barkeep even gets the money he walks out the door and begins to follow the guards. He knows where they're taking Larry, as he had been hired as a guard there before, and he also knew the layout. Walking on the roofs, he makes his way to the Government District and awaits the arrival of Larry and the guards.</font>

Too late does she realise that Larry is being hauled off by the guards from a distance. She dashes out to the marching troop, thanking her boots of speed once again. Panting, she sprints to a familiar face.

<font color="white">"Good day to you, captain... we seem to have met only earlier today. Do you not remember me?"</font>

The captain of the guards breaks into a smile ~ <font color="lightblue">"Of course! Our heroine of the day, helping us to identify a rogue merchant!"</font> ~

She smiles modestly at him, casting him a look of admiration ~ <font color="white">"I see you've arrested a troublemaker over there."</font> ~ Tosses a disdainful glance at Larry ~ <font color="white">"You don't have to trouble yourself with him, Captain. I'm sure you have more important things to do..."</font> ~

The captain eyes her appreciatively ~ <font color="lightblue">"Well... I was wondering if you would like to have a drink with me, my lady. Out of your own consent, of course."</font> ~

She nods, beaming another smile at him ~ <font color="white">"Why don't you let him go, then? As they say... three's a crowd."</font> ~ The troops begin to laugh.

<font color="lightblue">"Alright, then. Off you go, you scum! And don't let me catch you creating trouble again!"</font> ~ the Captain waves his hand dismissively and Larry is released.

Mistral expressionlessly accepts the Captain's raised arm and follows him...

[This message has been edited by mistral4543 (edited 10-28-2001).]

<font color=gray>Sephi, who was watching the events from a roof, is slightly disappointed by the fact that there will be no fight. Who is she to act in such a manner?

Sephi leaps down from the building and lands on a pile of loose hay, and crouches low to cover his placement from the patrons in the Five Flagons.</font>

[This message has been edited by SSJ4Sephiroth (edited 10-28-2001).]

<font color="silver">Larry sees the pair walking off, leaving him in the streets bleeding. He takes a rag from his pack and jams it into the wound to slow bleeding, never taking his eyes off of Mistral, as she walked merrily away in front of him.
The night was getting rather cold by now...</font>

<font color=gray>Sephi walks up to Larry after recovering from his short jump. So, is that the little woman you're so torn up about? he asks him, flicking the sharp points on his ears.</font>

<font color="white">"Was she saving me from being arrested, or was she rubbing it in my face intentionally, to see me hurt even more?
How much more can it hurt"?

"Who is that guy?"</font>

<font color=gray>Worry not, friend... I'm sure she wasn't doing it to hurt you. Although she probably should know how unnecessary her actions were, considering that I was waiting to bust you out, if it came to need... he sighed heavily and slumped over a bit. At least she's not dead, you can be thankful for that...</font>

ooc: btw, for anyone who doesnt know, actions are regular, speaking is bold, and thoughts are italics for me http://www.ironworksforum.com/ubb/no...iles/smile.gif

She suppresses a yawn, listening to the droning voice of the captain ~ <font color="white">"Why, we were outnumbered a hundred to ten in that brawl, but never once did we doubt our abilities..."</font> ~ <font color="lightblue">I've got to get out of his company... he gives me the creeps...</font> ~ Shivers involuntarily.

The captain immediately turns to her, his eyes full of concern ~ <font color="white">"Are you alright, my lady? You look weary... perhaps I am boring you..."</font>

<font color="lightblue">Darn right, you are...</font> she groans inwardly, then decides to take a risk. She casts a wan smile at him ~ <font color="lightgreen">"I am a little tired, and would like to return to the Five Flagons. I am sorry that I can't accompany you further on this walk."</font>

He nods understandingly ~ <font color="white">"It would have been a romantic walk, wouldn't it, my lady?"</font> ~ Gestures to the full moon glowing in the cloudless sky ~ <font color="white">"Let me escort you back to the tavern. And may I say, I look forward to our future meetings."</font> ~

<font color="lightgreen">"No...no, I am fine. Please... let me go back alone. I assure you I will be able to get there in one piece."</font> ~ With that, she curtsies to him hastily and makes her way back to the tavern ~

<font color="silver">Despite Sephi's nagging to come away from the night cold and seek medical help...Larry continues to stare in the direction he saw Mistral leave him in. The blood stained rag is soaking wet, yet Larry feels no pain, except in his heart.</font>

<font color="white">"I bore you, my friend.
Truelly, I would like to be you in many ways.
You seem to know exactly what you are doing without restraint, while I sit here and await the gentle smile that sends me off to do heroic acts. You are driven by willpower, and I by love. Without those natural forces, you and I would fall to the sword every time. </font>

<font color="silver">With that, Larry promptly falls to the ground, passed out from loss of blood.</font>